bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Proportioning Scheme of Coal System Rocky Similar Material Based on Orthogonal Test
Authors: Sun Lin , Wang Wan-Xu , Xu Ji-Shan
Published: November 2023

Similar materials play an important role in model testing. In order to meet the demand for similar materials in modeling tests, such as those on coal mining, coal system rocky similar materials were formulated using yellow sand as a coarse aggregate, heavy calcium carbonate as a fine aggregate, and cement and gypsum as binders. Based on the orthogonal experimental design method, four influencing factors, namely the aggregate–binder ratio, heavy calcium carbonate content, cement–gypsum ratio, and moisture content, were selected. Each factor was designed at five levels. Through weighing, uniaxial compression, Brazilian splitting, and variable-angle plate shear tests on 225 specimens under 25 different ratios, five physico-mechanical property indicators of the material, including density, compressive strength, tensile strength, cohesion, and internal friction angle, were obtained under different ratios. The test results indicate that the similar materials formulated with the above raw materials had a wide range of mechanical properties, which met the simulation needs of different types of coal rocks, such as main coking coal, anthracite, shale, etc., in the similar model test. Range analysis was adopted to analyze the sensitivities to each factor, which showed that the density and internal friction angle of similar materials are mainly controlled by the aggregate–binder ratio; the cement–gypsum ratio mainly controls the compressive strength, tensile strength, and cohesion of the material. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was adopted to analyze the sensitivities to each factor, which showed that the aggregate–binder ratio had a highly significant effect on the density of the material, the cement–gypsum ratio had a highly significant effect on the compressive and tensile strength of the material, the cement–gypsum ratio had a significant effect on the cohesion and density of the material, and the moisture content had a significant effect on the compressive strength of the material. The remaining factors did not significantly affect the material parameters. The results of this study can provide some reference for the selection of coal system rocky similar materials in subsequent physical modeling tests.
Effect of Heat Input on Microstructure and Properties of Laser-Welded 316L/In601 Dissimilar Overlap Joints in High-Temperature Thermocouple
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhao Shengbin , Luo Guifeng , Tang Zilin , Li Xiang , Lu Wenyuan , Wang Mingdi
Published: November 2023

Heat input, a crucial factor in the optimization of high-temperature thermocouple laser welding, has a significant impact on the appearance and mechanical properties of dissimilar welded joints involving stainless-steel- and nickel-based alloys. This study focuses on laser overlay welding of austenitic stainless steels and nickel-based alloys. The findings indicate that an increase in heat input has a more pronounced effect on the penetration depth and dilution rate. Under high heat input, the weld has cracks, spatter, and other defects. Additionally, considerable amounts of chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) elements are observed outside the grain near the crack, and their presence increases with higher heat input levels. Phase analysis reveals the presence of numerous Cr2Fe14C and Fe3Ni2 phases within the weld. The heat input increases to the range of 30–35 J/mm, and the weld changes from shear fracture to tensile fracture. In the center of the molten pool, the Vickers hardness is greater than that of the base metal, while in the fusion zone, the Vickers hardness is lower than that of the base metal. The overall hardness is in a downward trend with the increase of heat input, and the minimum hardness is only 159 HV0.3 at 40 J/mm. The heat input falls within the range of 28–30 J/mm, and the temperature shock resistance is at its peak.
Micromechanics and Ultrasonic Propagation in Consolidated Earthen-Site Soils
Authors: Zhang Yingmin , Yang Guang , Liu Dongxu , Chen Wenwu , Sun Lizhi
Published: November 2023

Although nondestructive ultrasonic technologies have been applied in laboratory and field tests in the field of heritage conservation, few studies have quantified the relationship among the real microstructures, micromechanical properties, and macroscopic acoustic responses of earthen-site soils. This paper develops a micromechanics-based multiscale model for quantitatively exploring the ultrasonic propagation characteristics of elastic waves in untreated and consolidated earthen-site soils. Scanning electron microscope images and image processing technology are integrated into the finite-element simulation. The effects of microstructure and wave features on the acoustic characteristics of soils are quantitatively investigated under pulsive loading. The simulation results of untreated and consolidated soils are efficiently compared to ultrasonic test data. It is demonstrated that the integration of microstructure image processing and multiscale modeling can predict the ultrasonic pulse velocity well, which improves the accuracy of laboratory testing and field monitoring and better serves the evaluation and implementation of engineering practice in the field of heritage conservation.
Ankle and Foot Arthroplasty and Prosthesis: A Review on the Current and Upcoming State of Designs and Manufacturing
Authors: Gupta Richa , Grove Kyra , Wei Alice , Lee Jennifer , Akkouch Adil
Published: November 2023

The foot and ankle serve vital roles in weight bearing, balance, and flexibility but are susceptible to many diverse ailments, making treatment difficult. More commonly, Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA) and Total Talus Replacement (TTR) are used for patients with ankle degeneration and avascular necrosis of the talus, respectively. Ankle prosthesis and orthosis are also indicated for use with lower limb extremity amputations or locomotor disability, leading to the development of powered exoskeletons. However, patient outcomes remain suboptimal, commonly due to the misfitting of implants to the patient-specific anatomy. Additive manufacturing (AM) is being used to create customized, patient-specific implants and porous implant cages that provide structural support while allowing for increased bony ingrowth and to develop customized, lightweight exoskeletons with multifunctional actuators. AM implants and devices have shown success in preserving stability and mobility of the joint and achieving fast recovery, as well as significant improvements in gait rehabilitation, gait assistance, and strength for patients. This review of the literature highlights various devices and technologies currently used for foot and ankle prosthesis and orthosis with deep insight into improvements from historical technologies, manufacturing methods, and future developments in the biomedical space.
Aqueous Extract of Brassica rapa L.’s Impact on Modulating Exercise-Induced Fatigue via Gut–Muscle Axis
Authors: Wang Cheng , Zhu Hongkang , Cheng Yuliang , Guo Yahui , Zhao Yong , Qian He
Published: November 2023

Exercise-induced fatigue is a common physiological response to prolonged physical activity, often associated with changes in gut microbiota and metabolic responses. This study investigates the potential role of Brassica rapa L. in modulating these responses. Using an animal model subjected to chronic exercise-induced stress, we explored the effects of Brassica rapa L. on fatigue-related biomarkers, energy metabolism genes, inflammatory responses, intestinal integrity, and gut microbiota composition. Our findings revealed that Brassica rapa L. exhibits significant antioxidant activity and effectively modulates physiological responses to fatigue. It influences gene expression related to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in muscle tissue through the AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM signaling pathway. Furthermore, Brassica rapa L. has been found to alleviate inflammation by inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infection and suppressing the activation of the NF-κB pathway. It also maintains intestinal integrity and controls Gram-negative bacterial growth. A correlation analysis identified several pathogenic bacteria linked with inflammation and energy metabolism, as well as beneficial probiotic bacteria associated with improved energy metabolism and reduced inflammation. These findings underscore Brassica rapa L.’s potential for managing prolonged exercise-induced fatigue, paving the way for future therapeutic applications. The results highlight its impact on gut microbiota modulation and its role in nutrition science and sports medicine.
Dendrimers: Exploring Their Wide Structural Variety and Applications
Authors: Pérez-Ferreiro María , M. Abelairas Adrián , Criado Alejandro , Gómez I. Jénnifer , Mosquera Jesús
Published: November 2023

Dendrimers constitute a distinctive category of synthetic materials that bear resemblance to proteins in various aspects, such as discrete structural organization, globular morphology, and nanoscale dimensions. Remarkably, these attributes coexist with the capacity for facile large-scale production. Due to these advantages, the realm of dendrimers has undergone substantial advancement since their inception in the 1980s. Numerous reviews have been dedicated to elucidating this subject comprehensively, delving into the properties and applications of quintessential dendrimer varieties like PAMAM, PPI, and others. Nevertheless, the contemporary landscape of dendrimers transcends these early paradigms, witnessing the emergence of a diverse array of novel dendritic architectures in recent years. In this review, we aim to present a comprehensive panorama of the expansive domain of dendrimers. As such, our focus lies in discussing the key attributes and applications of the predominant types of dendrimers existing today. We will commence with the conventional variants and progressively delve into the more pioneering ones, including Janus, supramolecular, shape-persistent, and rotaxane dendrimers.
Low-Frequency Ultrasound Effects on Cellulose Nanocrystals for Potential Application in Stabilizing Pickering Emulsions
Authors: Perrin Louise , Desobry Stephane , Gillet Guillaume , Desobry-Banon Sylvie
Published: November 2023

Cellulose, in the form of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), is a promising biomaterial for stabilizing Pickering emulsions (PEs). PEs are commonly formed using low-frequency ultrasound (LFU) treatment and impact CNC properties. The present study investigated the specific effects of LFU treatment on CNCs’ chemical and physical properties. CNCs were characterized using dynamic light scattering, ζ;-potential determination, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and contact angle measurement. CNC suspensions were studied using rheological analysis and static multiple light scattering. LFU treatment broke CNC aggregates and modified the rheological behavior of CNC suspensions but did not affect the CNCs’ chemical or crystallographic structures, surface charge, or hydrophilic properties. During the storage of CNC suspensions and PEs, liquid crystal formation was observed with cross-polarized light. Hypotheses related to the impact of liquid crystal CNCs on PE stability were proposed.
Microfluidic-Assisted Formulation of ε-Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Properties and In Vitro Cell Uptake
Authors: Rybak Ewa , Kowalczyk Piotr , Czarnocka-Śniadała Sylwia , Wojasiński Michał , Trzciński Jakub , Ciach Tomasz
Published: November 2023

The nanoprecipitation method was used to formulate ε-polycaprolactone (PCL) into fluorescent nanoparticles. Two methods of mixing the phases were evaluated: introducing the organic phase into the aqueous phase dropwise and via a specially designed microfluidic device. As a result of the nanoprecipitation process, fluorescein-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) with a mean diameter of 127 ± 3 nm and polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.180 ± 0.009 were obtained. The profiles of dye release were determined in vitro using dialysis membrane tubing, and the results showed a controlled release of the dye from NPs. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the NPs was assessed using an MTT assay. The PCL NPs were shown to be safe and non-toxic to L929 and MG63 cells. The results of the present study have revealed that PCL NPs represent a promising system for developing new drug delivery systems.
Antibacterial Nanocellulose-TiO2/Polyester Fabric for the Recyclable Photocatalytic Degradation of Dyes
Authors: Tan Jiacheng , Deng Hangjun , Lu Fangfang , Chen Wei , Su Xiuping , Wang Hairong
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we report an antibacterial, recyclable nanocellulose–titanium dioxide/polyester nonwoven fabric (NC-TiO2/PET) composite for the highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of dyes. The NC-TiO2 was loaded onto the surface of flexible PET nonwoven fabric through a simple swelling and dipping method. The NC-TiO2 in the particle size range of ~10 nm were uniformly attached to the surface of the PET fibers. The NC-TiO2/PET composite has the ability to achieve the stable photocatalytic degradation of dyes and presents antibacterial properties. The degradation rates to methylene blue (MB) and acid red (AR) of the NC-TiO2/PET composite reached 90.02% and 91.14%, respectively, and the inhibition rate of Escherichia coli was >95%. After several rounds of cyclic testing, the photocatalytic performance, antibacterial performance, and mechanical stability of the NC-TiO2/PET composite remained robust.
Semi-Airborne UAV-TEM System Data Inversion with S-Plane Method—Case Study over Lake Baikal
Authors: Davidenko Yuriy , Hallbauer-Zadorozhnaya Valeriya , Bashkeev Ayur , Parshin Alexander
Published: November 2023

The article presents the results of transient electromagnetic (TEM) prospecting surveys using an unmanned aerial system carried out at Lake Baikal, which is a unique geoelectrical setting where low-resistivity lacustrine sediments are located under a relatively isotropic water body. The task was to investigate the possibility of using a drone-based TEM survey to delineate the electrical stratigraphy of the subsurface at depths between 50 and 300 m, separated into layers and blocks. A new version of the SibGIS UAV-TEM unmanned system was used, significantly improved compared to the prototype previously described in the literature. The current switch providing bipolar current pulses connected to a grounded electrical line was the source of the electromagnetic field in the geological environment. The hexacopter carrying a measuring system consisting of 18-bit ADC and sensor—analog of 50 × 50 loop, was the receiving system. We measured survey data of 16 traverses over the Baikal going from the shore to the depths. Significant attention is being paid to a new approach to data inversion. For fast interpretation of the TEM data, we used the Sτ-method, which allows for tracing the change in the apparent longitudinal conductivity with depth. It is shown that thanks to the new sensor and current switch, the data quality has increased significantly; now, the UAV system can register sounding curves up to 1 ms. As a result, new data on the geological structure of the shelf zone of Lake Baikal were obtained. They had a good fundamental agreement with the predecessor data obtained from terrestrial measurements (from ice cover), allowing us to conclude that the UAV-TEM technology can already replace conventional ground-based electromagnetic surveys.
Mapping and Pre- and Post-Failure Analyses of the April 2019 Kantutani Landslide in La Paz, Bolivia, Using Synthetic Aperture Radar Data
Authors: Shan Monan , Raspini Federico , Del Soldato Matteo , Cruz Abel , Casagli Nicola
Published: November 2023

Urban landslides have brought challenges to developing countries undergoing urbanization. Rapid approaches to assess ground deformation are required when facing the challenge of insufficient geological survey methods. Additionally, it is indeed a challenge to map landslide-affected areas, especially precipitation-induced landslides, through optical remote sensing methods. This study applied SAR change detection methods to map the slope failure event of the San Jorge Kantutani landfill site in La Paz, Bolivia, which occurred in April 2019, and Multi-Temporal Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (MTInSAR) methods to assess pre- and post-failure ground stability related to this event. We found that the amplitude information of high-resolution COSMO-SkyMed SAR imagery and its texture information can be very useful in landslide mapping, especially in situations in which optical images are not available because of complex meteorological conditions and the similar spectral characteristics between the original land cover and landslide deposits. The MTInSAR analyses found that there was already significant deformation of more than 50 mm/year along the slope direction over this site before the landslide, and such deformation could be clearly discriminated from the surrounding environment. After the landslide event and the remobilization of the landslide deposit, the slope still shows a deformation velocity of more than 30 mm/year. The SAR amplitude change detection and MTInSAR fully exploited the SAR data in landslide studies and were useful in back analyzing the occurred landslides; this could be a good method for monitoring the ground stability of La Paz or even on a national scale over the long term for reducing the catastrophic effects of geological hazards in this landslide-prone city.
Multi-Mission Oriented Joint Optimization of Task Assignment and Flight Path Planning for Heterogeneous UAV Cluster
Authors: Dong Xili , Shi Chenguang , Wen Wen , Zhou Jianjiang
Published: November 2023

This paper puts forward a joint optimization algorithm of task assignment and flight path planning for a heterogeneous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) cluster in a multi-mission scenario (MMS). The basis of the proposed algorithm is to establish constraint and threat models of a heterogeneous UAV cluster to simultaneously minimize range and maximize value gain and survival probability in an MMS under the constraints of task payload, range, and task requirement. On one hand, the objective function for the heterogeneous UAV cluster within an MMS is derived and it is adopted as a metric for assessing the performance of the joint optimization in task assignment and flight path planning. On the other hand, since the formulated joint optimization problem is a multi-objective, non-linear, and non-convex optimization model due to its multiple decision variables and constraints, the roulette wheel selection (RWS) principle and the elite strategy (ES) are introduced in an ant colony optimization (ACO) to solve the complex optimization model. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm is superior and more efficient compared to other approaches.
A Multiple Agile Satellite Staring Observation Mission Planning Method for Dense Regions
Authors: Huang Weiquan , Wang He , Yi Dongbo , Wang Song , Zhang Binchi , Cui Jingwen
Published: November 2023

To fully harness the burgeoning array of in-orbit satellite resources and augment the efficacy of dynamic surveillance of densely clustered terrestrial targets, this paper delineates the following methodologies. Initially, we leverage the Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) clustering algorithm to aggregate the concentrated terrestrial targets, taking into account the field-of-view peculiarities of agile staring satellites. Subsequently, we architect a model for a synergistic multiple angle earth observation satellites (AEOSs) mission planning with the optimization objectives of observational revenue, minimal energy expenditure, and load balancing, factoring in constraints such as target visibility time window, AEOSs maneuverability, and satellite storage. To tackle this predicament, we propose an improved heuristic ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm, utilizing the task interval, task priority, and the length of time a task can start observation as heuristic information. Furthermore, we incorporate the notion of the max–min ant system to regulate the magnitude of pheromone concentration, and we amalgamate global and local pheromone update strategies to expedite the convergence rate of the algorithm. We also introduce the Lévy flight improved pheromone evaporation coefficient to bolster the algorithm’s capacity to evade local optima. Ultimately, through a series of simulation experiments, we substantiate the significant performance improvements achieved by the improved heuristic ant colony algorithm compared to the standard ant colony algorithm. We furnish proof of its efficacy in resolving the planning of multiple AEOS staring observation missions.
EnViTSA: Ensemble of Vision Transformer with SpecAugment for Acoustic Event Classification
Authors: Lim Kian Ming , Lee Chin Poo , Lee Zhi Yang , Alqahtani Ali
Published: November 2023

Recent successes in deep learning have inspired researchers to apply deep neural networks to Acoustic Event Classification (AEC). While deep learning methods can train effective AEC models, they are susceptible to overfitting due to the models’ high complexity. In this paper, we introduce EnViTSA, an innovative approach that tackles key challenges in AEC. EnViTSA combines an ensemble of Vision Transformers with SpecAugment, a novel data augmentation technique, to significantly enhance AEC performance. Raw acoustic signals are transformed into Log Mel-spectrograms using Short-Time Fourier Transform, resulting in a fixed-size spectrogram representation. To address data scarcity and overfitting issues, we employ SpecAugment to generate additional training samples through time masking and frequency masking. The core of EnViTSA resides in its ensemble of pre-trained Vision Transformers, harnessing the unique strengths of the Vision Transformer architecture. This ensemble approach not only reduces inductive biases but also effectively mitigates overfitting. In this study, we evaluate the EnViTSA method on three benchmark datasets: ESC-10, ESC-50, and UrbanSound8K. The experimental results underscore the efficacy of our approach, achieving impressive accuracy scores of 93.50%, 85.85%, and 83.20% on ESC-10, ESC-50, and UrbanSound8K, respectively. EnViTSA represents a substantial advancement in AEC, demonstrating the potential of Vision Transformers and SpecAugment in the acoustic domain.
A Technique for Centrifugal Pump Fault Detection and Identification Based on a Novel Fault-Specific Mann–Whitney Test
Authors: Ahmad Zahoor , Kim Jae-Young , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: November 2023

This work presents a technique for fault detection and identification in centrifugal pumps (CPs) using a novel fault-specific Mann–Whitney test (FSU Test) and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) classification algorithm. Traditional fault indicators, such as the mean, peak, root mean square, and impulse factor, lack sensitivity in detecting incipient faults. Furthermore, for defect identification, supervised models rely on pre-existing knowledge about pump defects for training purposes. To address these concerns, a new centrifugal pump fault indicator (CPFI) that does not rely on previous knowledge is developed based on a novel fault-specific Mann–Whitney test. The new fault indicator is obtained by decomposing the vibration signature (VS) of the centrifugal pump hierarchically into its respective time-frequency representation using the wavelet packet transform (WPT) in the first step. The node containing the fault-specific frequency band is selected, and the Mann–Whitney test statistic is calculated from it. The combination of hierarchical decomposition of the vibration signal for fault-specific frequency band selection and the Mann–Whitney test form the new fault-specific Mann–Whitney test. The test output statistic yields the centrifugal pump fault indicator, which shows sensitivity toward the health condition of the centrifugal pump. This indicator changes according to the working conditions of the centrifugal pump. To further enhance fault detection, a new effect ratio (ER) is introduced. The KNN algorithm is employed to classify the fault type, resulting in promising improvements in fault classification accuracy, particularly under variable operating conditions.
Assessing the Potential of Qatari House Roofs for Solar Panel Installations: A Feasibility Survey
Authors: Banibaqash Ayed , Hunaiti Ziad , Abbod Maysam
Published: November 2023

Qatar’s ambitious Vision 2030 includes a major shift towards clean energy, and residential solar PV installation can be an obvious option, given its abundant sunlight and high power for residential cooling. Despite significant solar panel farm investment, there has been limited progress in deploying solar panels on home roofs, and further research is needed to identify the potential for such an initiative and its impact on the country’s move towards clean energy. This field survey assesses the potential for residential rooftop solar panel installation across Qatar, considering space availability, currently utilized space, remaining space, shading, and roof type. It also provided indications of potential obstacles and shading that might affect panel sunlight exposure. The results showed that there is significant potential for installing solar panels on Qatari homes, which could contribute to a considerable portion of the energy consumed by households during peak usage periods, particularly in the summer months. Moreover, excess energy generated could be exported to other countries with high demand during periods of low demand in Qatar. The study’s findings complement previous research efforts and provide insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies that endorse the vision for 2030 and promote the transition towards clean energy in Qatar.
Fatala River Basin (Republic of Guinea, Africa): Analysis of Current State, Air Pollution, and Anthropogenic Impact Using Geoinformatics Methods and Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Tabunschik Vladimir , Gorbunov Roman , Bratanov Nikolai , Gorbunova Tatiana , Mirzoeva Natalia , Voytsekhovskaya Veronika
Published: November 2023

This study conducts an in-depth analysis of anthropogenic transformation and air pollution within the confines of the Fatala River Basin situated in the Republic of Guinea, Africa. The foundation of this investigation relies upon interdisciplinary geoinformatics methodologies and data acquired through remote sensing, specifically drawing from Sentinel-5P and Sentinel-2 satellite datasets. The primary objectives encompass scrutinizing the extant ecological conditions characterizing the Fatala River Basin and assessing the anthropogenic influences within its geographic expanse. The utilization of remote sensing data, as facilitated by the Sentinel-5P satellite, emerges as a potent instrument for meticulously monitoring environmental transformations. A comprehensive analysis of the designated area, conducted through remote sensing methodologies, is employed to ascertain the concentrations of various atmospheric constituents, including nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, methane, ozone, and carbon monoxide. The findings gleaned from this inquiry reveal that, notwithstanding the dynamic growth of the extractive industry centered around the world’s preeminent bauxite province, the Fouta Djallon–Mandingo, the anthropogenic transformation of the Fatala River Basin exerts a comparatively minor influence on air quality. Statistical assessments, including correlation analysis, conducted between computed parameters delineating anthropogenic alterations within the Fatala River Basin, and a comprehensive atmospheric pollution index elucidate a lack of a significant nexus. It has been determined that air pollution within the Fatala River Basin is notably influenced by topographical features and the transport of contaminants from adjacent river basins. Consequently, this article makes a substantial contribution to our comprehension of the contemporary ecological state of the Fatala River Basin in the Republic of Guinea. It also holds significant importance in elucidating the ecological challenges specific to the researched region.
Social-Based Learning and Leadership (SBL): Theory Development and a Qualitative Case Study
Authors: Vinokur Eli , Yomtovian Avinoam , Itzchakov Guy , Shalev Marom Marva , Baron Liat
Published: November 2023

Social-based learning and leadership (SBL) is an innovative pedagogical approach that centers on enhancing relationships within the educational system to address 21st-century challenges. At its core, SBL aims to help teachers transform into social architects who nurture positive social processes among pupils. Emphasizing prosocial education, SBL lays the foundation for cultivating pro-environmentalism and sustainable behavior by fostering a sense of care and responsibility toward others. SBL’s prosocial education program encompasses social and emotional skills, knowledge, and dispositions to empower pupils to actively engage in and contribute to a more democratic, reciprocal, just, and sustainable society. This approach underscores the importance of education in shaping students’ mindsets and life orientations. By nurturing a sense of interconnectedness and responsibility for the well-being of others, SBL provides a promising avenue to transform education by building more sustainable educational systems, thus contributing to creating a more sustainable future. A qualitative case study, which consisted of 18 in-depth interviews and nine observations, examined the impact of an SBL-based teacher training program at an elementary school from 2020 to 2023. The results point to changes in teachers’ perceptions of their roles as social architects and, more specifically, as facilitators of social, emotional, and cognitive processes. The teachers gained recognition as meaningful adults from their students and transitioned to hold integral positions as part of a supportive and connected school community, associating with colleagues and parents. This study thus showcases patterns of socio-organizational communication that can unfold in a school influenced by the SBL approach. SBL’s emphasis on positive social relationships and empowering teachers as facilitators of holistic student development thus further reinforces its potential to transform education for a sustainable and thriving future.
Impact of Port Shallowness (Clearance under the Ship’s Keel) on Shipping Safety, Energy Consumption and Sustainability of Green Ports
Authors: Paulauskas Vytautas , Senčila Viktoras , Paulauskas Donatas , Simutis Martynas
Published: November 2023

In a majority of ports, a ship’s speed is limited for reasons of navigational safety. At the same time, captains and port pilots choose the speed of the ship, but it cannot be higher than the speed allowed in the port. Therefore, the speed of the ship also depends on the experience of the masters and harbor pilots and the sailing conditions in specific situations. Choosing the optimal speed of the ship in the port, considering the hydrodynamic effect of shallow water and the controllability of the ship, can help reduce fuel consumption and ship emissions, which is important for the development of a sustainable port. In all cases, the safety of the shipping is the highest priority. The main objectives of this article are determining the optimal speed of ships in ports with low clearance under a ship’s hull, ensuring navigational safety, reducing fuel consumption and emissions, and creating a sustainable port. This article presents the methodology for calculating the optimal ship speed as the minimum controllable speed, fuel consumption and emission reduction, as well as its implications for sustainable and green maritime transport and port development. The methodology presented has been tested on real ships and using a calibrated simulator, navigating through port channels and port water’s restricted conditions.
Do Perceptions of Destination Social Responsibility Contribute to Environmentally Responsible Behavior? A Case Study in Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Huan Minh , Nguyen Yen
Published: November 2023

This study examined the direct and indirect relationships between perceptions of destination social responsibility and environmentally responsible behavior. This paper uses the Stimulus–Organism–Response theory to evaluate the mediating roles of identification, reputation, and satisfaction of the destination for visitors. With a sample size of 371 Vietnamese tourists, PLS-SEM was used to assess the model and test the hypothesis. The findings indicate that the perception of destination social responsibility positively impacts Vietnamese tourists’ commitment to environmentally responsible behavior. The results also support the concept that the degree of tourists’ environmentally responsible behavior is indirectly influenced by the perceived social responsibility of the destination through its identification, reputation, and satisfaction. This study offers theoretical and practical insights into how to enhance the efficiency of destination social responsibility programs and improve Vietnamese tourist’s impressions of Phu Quoc.
Sustainable City Planning and Development: Transport and Land Use
Authors: Yang Linchuan
Published: November 2023

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations’ Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015 as a universal call to action to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the world [...]
Consumers’ Engagement and Perspectives on Sustainable Textile Consumption
Authors: Ribeiro Pedro Rodrigues , Batista Patrícia , Mendes-Palma Francisco , Pintado Manuela , Oliveira-Silva Patrícia
Published: November 2023

This study examines the knowledge and involvement of consumers in sustainability goals, aiming to provide valuable insights to the textiles and clothing industry to foster their social responsibility efforts and enhance consumer interaction. By comprehending and monitoring consumer behavior, organizations can effectively implement sustainable practices and work towards achieving sustainable development goals. For this study, a questionnaire was designed to evaluate consumer concerns, behavior, self-reliance, and perspectives across four key phases of interest in sustainable consumer behavior regarding textiles—acquisition, use, maintenance, and disposal. The results show a compelling insight into the mindset of participants who prioritize budget, quality, comfort, and functionality over sustainability when acquiring new textile items. Most respondents do not participate in clothing rental or sharing and predominantly refrain from purchasing second-hand products, but they expressed a readiness to extend the lifespan of their products and displayed concern about ensuring a responsible end-of-life for their belongings. Moreover, they attach importance to textile products’ social and informational attributes and demand transparency from brands. These valuable data can guide the industry in its interactions with consumers. Scholars are increasingly committed to sustainability and its implications for practical application and policy development.
A Comprehensive Approach to the Governance of Universal Access to Sustainable Energy
Authors: González-García Andrés , Díaz-Pastor Santos José , Moreno-Romero Ana
Published: November 2023

Achieving universal access to energy by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 7.1) hinges on significantly scaling up and accelerating electrification efforts in developing countries. Governing the ecosystem of government agencies, energy utilities, practitioners, development and finance institutions, banks, NGOs, academia, and, most importantly, beneficiary communities to accelerate the pace of electrification requires the interweaving of technological innovation, disruptive business models, improved institutional frameworks, and inclusive multi-stakeholder decision-making, to ensure that no one is left behind. The foundation of this article is based on extensive insider research, including 14 national electrification plans, numerous visits, field studies, and semi-structured interviews with these actors conducted over ten years in 25 countries. This article presents a novel comprehensive conceptual approach that integrates both macro (national and global) and micro (local and individual) level mechanisms and the role of cultural factors and shared values within the ecosystem in driving and accelerating action within a harmonized regulatory, policy, and planning framework. It outlines the essential mechanisms for effectively engaging and empowering governments, utilities, donors, and local actors to accelerate the path to universal electrification through the most cost-effective articulation of diverse technologies and business models.
Quantitative Assessment of Spatial–Temporal Characteristics of Agricultural Development Level in China: A County-Level Analysis
Authors: Jiang Anna , Zhang Wanshun , Zhou Feng , Peng Hong , Liu Xin , Wang Yue , Zhang Xiao
Published: November 2023

Main Functional Area Planning (MFAP) is a significant initiative in China, aimed at promoting coordinated socio-economic progress while ensuring resource capacity and environmental sustainability. However, there is a lack of quantitative assessments of China’s county-level agricultural development level (ADL) following the implementation of the MFAP. In this study, a coupled “agricultural product-agricultural space-agricultural population” evaluation index system which was based on plan requirements, remote sensing imagery, statistical data, and industry-specific information was proposed for assessing the development level of agricultural after implementing the MFAP, and we utilized the system to evaluate the ADL of 2850 counties across China from 2009 to 2015 at the county level. The results indicate that MFAP has played a positive role in driving agricultural development in China. From 2009 to 2015, the ADL of counties in China showed an upward trend, and the agricultural development within the “Seven regions & Twenty-three belts” reached a high level, with the proportion of the top three districts and counties in the agricultural development zone increasing from 86.78% to 88.72%. The spatial distribution of ADL ratings shows a central > east > northeast > west pattern, with the western regions exhibiting the fastest growth rate. Moreover, targeted policies were provided for pathway optimization and upgrading the level of agricultural development of regions with different levels of development within the seven main agricultural production areas and others.
DICER-LIKE2 Plays a Crucial Role in Rice Stripe Virus Coat Protein-Mediated Virus Resistance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Li , Liu Yanan , Li Shuo , Ji Yinghua , Sun Feng , Zou Baohong
Published: November 2023

Virus coat protein (CP)-mediated resistance is considered an effective antiviral defense strategy that has been used to develop robust resistance to viral infection. Rice stripe virus (RSV) causes significant losses in rice production in eastern Asia. We previously showed that the overexpression of RSV CP in Arabidopsis plants results in immunity to RSV infection, using the RSV-Arabidopsis pathosystem, and this CP-mediated viral resistance depends on the function of DCLs and is mostly involved in RNA silencing. However, the special role of DCLs in producing t-siRNAs in CP transgenic Arabidopsis plants is not fully understood. In this study, we show that RSV CP transgenic Arabidopsis plants with the dcl2 mutant background exhibited similar virus susceptibility to non-transgenic plants and were accompanied by the absence of transgene-derived small interfering RNAs (t-siRNAs) from the CP region. The dcl2 mutation eliminated the accumulation of CP-derived t-siRNAs, including those generated by other DCL enzymes. In contrast, we also developed RSV CP transgenic Arabidopsis plants with the dcl4 mutant background, and these CP transgenic plants showed immunity to virus infection and accumulated comparable amounts of CP-derived t-siRNAs to CP transgenic Arabidopsis plants with the wild-type background except for a significant increase in the abundance of 22 nt t-siRNA reads. Overall, our data indicate that DCL2 plays an essential, as opposed to redundant, role in CP-derived t-siRNA production and induces virus resistance in RSV CP transgenic Arabidopsis plants.
Tensile and Buckling Analysis of Polymeric Composite Columns
Authors:   University of Basrah, Kadhim Oleiwi Jawad , Saadi Al- hassani Emad ,   University of Basrah, Abd Mohammed Alaa ,   University of Basrah
Published: November 2023

This research studied the critical load of composite columns theoretical and numerical by using ANSYS14 package depended on experimental tensile properties of composite specimens. The composite specimens were prepared by hand lay-up technique made from unsaturated polyester reinforced with glass fibers with different fiber volume fraction Vf, aspect ratio (L/T), and angle of fibers for coarse and fine woven fibers. The critical load that obtained by using program (ANSYS 14) have also shown a good agreement with results that were obtained theoretically and the maximum difference was (0.7%). The results show that the maximum value of the critical load can be observed at Vf =11%, L/T = (3.5) and θ = (0º/90º) for fine woven fibers was (622.115N). Also its found the maximum critical load for coarse woven fibers can be observed at Vf %=8%, L/T=(3.5) and θ = (0º/90º) was (486.887N). Also the observed values of tensile properties and predicated values are scattered close to the (45˚) line.
VIBRATION OF BONES: A CASE STUDY ON HUMAN FEMUR
Authors:   Southern Technical University, Almudhffar Mujtaba , A. Nassar Ameen ,   University of Basrah, A. H. A . Kareem Hani ,   University of Basrah
Published: November 2023

The frequency analysis of bones is a new tool to assess bone quality or integrity to characterize osteoporosis. The modal analysis can also be used to determine failure characteristics of remodeled bone in the fractured model. This study describes the numerical characterization of the modal analysis of the standardized femur model. The objective of the numerical procedure is to identify the natural frequencies and mode shapes of an unconstrained femur. The vibration modes of the human femur are studied by digital modal analysis and finite element simulation using ANSYS version 10 programs, with respect to femur dimensions and mechanical properties. The changing of the values of free vibration natural frequencies and mode shapes of the femur due to changing of the femur densities are studied. The results are compared to those obtained experimentally. The comparison of the results shows a good agreement, which indicates that the used model can be utilized in vibration analysis of bones.
Operational failures in general practice: a consensus-building study on the priorities for improvement
Authors: Sinnott Carol , Alboksmaty Ahmed , Moxey Jordan M , Morley Katherine I , Parkinson Sarah , Burt Jenni , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: November 2023

Background

System problems, known as operational failures, can greatly affect the work of GPs, with negative consequences for patient and professional experience, efficiency, and effectiveness. Many operational failures are tractable to improvement, but which ones should be prioritised is less clear.

Aim

To build consensus among GPs and patients on the operational failures that should be prioritised to improve NHS general practice.

Design and setting

Two modified Delphi exercises were conducted online among NHS GPs and patients in several regions across England.

Method

Between February and October 2021, two modified Delphi exercises were conducted online: one with NHS GPs, and a subsequent exercise with patients. Over two rounds, GPs rated the importance of a list of operational failures (n= 45) that had been compiled using existing evidence. The resulting shortlist was presented to patients for rating over two rounds. Data were analysed using median scores and interquartile ranges. Consensus was defined as 80% of responses falling within one value below and above the median.

Results

Sixty-two GPs responded to the first Delphi exercise, and 53.2% (n= 33) were retained through to round two. This exercise yielded consensus on 14 failures as a priority for improvement, which were presented to patients. Thirty-seven patients responded to the first patient Delphi exercise, and 89.2% (n= 33) were retained through to round two. Patients identified 13 failures as priorities. The highest scoring failures included inaccuracies in patients’ medical notes, missing test results, and difficulties referring patients to other providers because of problems with referral forms.

Conclusion

This study identified the highest-priority operational failures in general practice according to GPs and patients, and indicates where improvement efforts relating to operational failures in general practice should be focused.
La curia religiosa e il governo di un istituto o di una congregazione con particolare riferimento al governo della comunita’ monastica benedettina
Authors: Mihalj M. Dijana , Dunatov S. Katarina
Published: November 2023

Il Codice di diritto canonico non usa il termine curia religiosa, se ne può parlare per analogia, ma anche qui in modo molto limitato in relazione alla Curia diocesana e Romana. Gli autori partono dal concetto di curia religiosa, che viene sviluppato all’internodegli Istituti religiosi attraverso il suo triplice aspetto: operativo, coeso e missionario. La curia religiosa, forma un insieme di servizi, organi e istituzioni che aiutano il Superiore religioso nel governo, è strutturata in funzione al tipo e all’estensione dell’Istituto religioso nonché della sua missione nella Chiesa. Oltre agli Istituti previsti dal diritto universale, il diritto proprio dell’Istituto lascia ampio spazio a introdurre una varietà di organi e servizi ausiliari e consultivi a disposizione del Superiore religioso, senza mai metterne in discussione il ruolo determinante nel governare. Tuttavia, il vero spirito di servizio nell’esercizio della potestà di governo, richiamato soprattutto dai documenti ecclesiali conciliari e postconciliari, non può prescindere dal ruolo che questi organi hanno nella formazione delle decisioni finali nel governo dell’Istituto. Le comunità monastiche autonome (sui iuris) sono un buon esempio per vedere la portata, ma anche i limiti, della potestà di governo di un Superiore religioso. La descrizione del governo della comunità femminile monastica benedettina, che gli autori riportano, serve proprio a mostrare il triplice ruolo della curia religiosa, anche in questa struttura basilare di un monastero e della sua abbadessa, equiparata per diritto al Superiore maggiore di una qualsiasi congregazione molto più diffusa e con maggior numero di membri, per quanto strutturata.