bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Socio-Technical Framework for Lean Project Management Implementation towards Sustainable Value in the Digital Transformation Context
Authors: Lima Bianca Felizardo , Neto Julio Vieira , Santos Renan Silva , Caiado Rodrigo Goyannes Gusmão
Published: January 2023

Motivated by the project uncertainties of complex realities brought by the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0 (I4.0), researchers must look at Lean project management (LPM) soft skills as a new mindset to have a holistic view of customer needs and to improve value to the organization. In the digital transformation era, it is essential that Lean practitioners develop socio-technical thinking while also prioritizing interpersonal soft skills that directly affect their ability to solve problems in order for the company to grow sustainably. This paper aims to identify the critical soft skills (CSSs) to implement LPM in the I4.0 era and to investigate, from the perspective of organizations, the latent factors for LPM implementation that generate sustainable value. For this purpose, a mixed-method approach was used, combining literature review and a survey with 166 Brazilian professionals. This empirical study intends to set the CSSs from a practice perspective and explore the benefits they generate throughout the organization. Data analysis was conducted with descriptive statistics and factorial analysis. Research findings revealed convergences regarding the practitioners’ perception regarding the ten CSSs identified in the literature, and portray two latent factors, human and process factors, which can assist decision-makers in implementing LPM by offering a better perspective of the key factors that add sustainable value for companies in the digital transformation context. This study contributes to the debate on rethinking traditional skills, accentuates the need for adjustments, and proposes a socio-technical framework that can be used in a project manager’s routine to enable better Lean project execution, help with decision making, and increase the understanding and meeting of customer needs.
Opportunity or Challenge? Carbon Emissions Reduction under New Development Pattern of Dual Circulation
Authors: Ou Jia-Jia , He Ling-Yun
Published: January 2023

China’s economic development strategy is undergoing an evolution from foreign to domestic circulation mainly, and at the same time faces the rigid constraints of “carbon peak before 2030” and “carbon neutrality before 2060”. However, both domestic and foreign trade also have an important impact on carbon dioxide emissions. To this end, this paper uses China’s 2017 multi-regional Input-Output table to systematically simulate the impact of the new development pattern on carbon emissions from the comprehensive perspective of production and consumption. Our simulations find that when the foreign circulation disappears, the total economic output will be hit hard, and carbon emissions will be greatly reduced; when the foreign circulation orientation weakens and the intensity of the domestic circulation is increased, the total economic output will increase to varying degrees, but the total carbon emissions will also increase by a certain extent. Among them, the increase in carbon emissions at the living end accounts for a considerable proportion, while the carbon emissions of electricity, heat production and supply, transportation, warehousing and postal services, metal smelting and rolling processing industries at the production end increase more. From a policy perspective, the government should promote green production and green consumption to achieve a balance between economic growth and carbon emission reduction.
Hydrological and Hydrodynamic Modeling for Flash Flood and Embankment Dam Break Scenario: Hazard Mapping of Extreme Storm Events
Authors: Al-Fugara A’kif , Mabdeh Ali Nouh , Alayyash Saad , Khasawneh Awni
Published: January 2023

Simulation of dam breach scenarios can help in the preparation of emergency action plans for real dam breaks or flash flooding events. The purpose of this study was to identify flood-prone areas in the Al Wala Valley in the governorate of Madaba in Jordan through analysis of the Al Wala Dam. Modelling of dam breaches was conducted under two scenarios: a Clear Day scenario and a Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) scenario. The former scenario does not address the various dam failure modes; rather, it addresses the formation and development of a breach as a result of structural failures like the sliding of dam blocks in the case of a concrete dam or piping failures in the case of embankment dams. The PMF scenarios, however, simulate unsteady flow in pipes and overtopping failure via consideration of runoff hydrography. In the PMF scenario, flood-prone areas can be identified by in-depth analysis of data from previous extreme rainfall events. The related hydrologic and hydraulic data can then be modelled using intensity-duration-frequency curves applied to an hour-by-hour simulation to discover the areas most at risk of flooding in the future. In the present study, data were collected from inlet of flow to Al Wala Valley on 10 January 2013. The collected data, which included rainfall and discharge data, were fed to the HEC-HMS software in order to calibrate the hydrological parameters of the watershed of the Al Wala Dam. Additionally, the HEC-RAS tool was employed to determine the breach outflow hydrography and hydraulic conditions across various critical downstream locations, which were determined by use of dynamic flood wave-routing models. The simulations revealed that, in the case of the Clear Day scenario, downstream inundation would cover an area of 5.262 km2 in the event of a pipe failure. However, in the event of a six-hour storm, a twelve-hour storm, and a twenty-four-hour storm, the flooded area would rise to 6.837 km2, 8.518 km2, and 9.390 km2, respectively. In the event of an overtopping failure, 13.171 km2 would be inundated, according to the Clear Day scenario. On the other hand, in the event of a six-hour storm, a twelve-hour storm, and a twenty four-hour storm, the flooded area would rise to 13.302 km2, 14.249 km2, and 14.594 km2, respectively.
Do Dynamic Capabilities and Digital Transformation Improve Business Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic? Insights from Beekeeping MSMEs in Indonesia
Authors: Putritamara Jaisy Aghniarahim , Hartono Budi , Toiba Hery , Utami Hamidah Nayati , Rahman Moh Shadiqur , Masyithoh Dewi
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the influence of Dynamic Capabilities (DC) and Digital Transformation (DT) on Business Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Using cross-sectional data from 388 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of beekeeping in Indonesia. Furthermore, the data were analyzed by Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis and executed by SmartPLS 3.0 software. The main results of this study indicate that DC plays an important role in improving MSMEs’ DT. However, the essential role of DT on firm resilience only happened for micro, small, and medium firms of family businesses. However, DT has an insignificant effect on firm resilience in small nonfamily businesses. Yet, the effect of DC on firm resilience is mediated by DT. Nevertheless, our empirical findings indicate heterogeneous effects among micro, small, and medium firms. Based on the study’s findings, we suggested that the policy implication in developing beekeeping firms should be more specific based on the firm scale. The results of this study can be generalized to the national level to inform decision-making regarding the intangible assets of MSME livestock products in developing countries. The findings are also relevant to other livestock products, which tend to be dynamic during a crisis.
Groundwater Recharge Estimation in Upper Gelana Watershed, South-Western Main Ethiopian Rift Valley
Authors: Demissie Endale Siyoum , Gashaw Demisachew Yilma , Altaye Andarge Alaro , Demissie Solomon S. , Ayele Gebiaw T.
Published: January 2023

Estimating the spatial and temporal patterns of groundwater recharge through integrated water balance modeling plays an important role in sustainable groundwater resource management. Such modeling effort is particularly essential for data-scarce regions, such as the Rift Valley Lake basin in the Basement Complex of Ethiopia, which has shallow aquifers, a proliferation of wells, and poor groundwater monitoring networks. A spatially distributed water balance model (WetSpass), along with GIS and remote sensing tools, was used for groundwater recharge estimation for its suitability and efficiency in data-scarce hydrogeological regions. The WetSpass model depicted a very good performance in simulating the groundwater recharge in the Upper Gelana watershed within the Rift Valley Lake basin. The water balance analysis revealed that about 7% of the mean annual rainfall is converted to groundwater recharge, and the remaining rainfall amounts are partitioned into surface runoff (19%) and evapotranspiration (75%). The model simulation outputs are also used to investigate the relative influences of biophysical driving factors on the water balance components. While the land use types had a greater influence on the actual evapotranspiration processes, the soil texture classes were the dominant factors in the surface runoff and groundwater recharge processes in the watershed. The groundwater recharge rates were found to be higher than 400 mm/yr in the central parts (Fisehagenent, Tore, and Gedeb) and lower than 165 mm/yr in the southern parts (Hageremariam) of the watershed. The areal proportions of the low, medium, and high recharging parts of the watershed are, respectively, estimated as 15%, 68%, and 17% of the watershed area. Therefore, the spatial and temporal patterns of groundwater recharge should be taken into consideration in developing a sustainable groundwater resources management plan for the Upper Gelana watershed. Managed aquifer recharge can be adopted in high and medium groundwater recharging parts of the watershed to capture stormwater runoff during the wet season to improve the groundwater supply during dry months. Furthermore, monthly groundwater withdrawals should be regulated according to the spatial and temporal patterns of the groundwater recharge in the watershed.
Initial Implementation of Data Analytics and Audit Process Management
Authors: Sanoran Kanyarat (Lek) , Ruangprapun Jomsurang
Published: January 2023

To answer the call for more evidence on the adoption and effectiveness of Big Data Analytics in auditing, this study investigates auditors’ use of data analytic tools in audit-process management, including audit planning, testing, and conclusions. The analysis, which is performed as a qualitative study, is based on twenty-eight semi-structured interviews with Big 4 and non-Big 4 audit professionals in Thailand to gain insights into their experience implementing audit data analytic tools in the initial stage. Findings suggest that auditors primarily use data analytic tools in audit planning and substantive testing. Nevertheless, auditors do not perceive a need to use these tools to test internal controls and conclude audit opinions. In addition, we find that auditors tend to apply audit data analytic tools for anomaly detection and testing management assertions. Overall, auditors perceive the benefits of audit data analytic tools in improving their audit process management. Findings present practical implications for audit firms and audit professionals, including how to initially implement data analytic tools effectively in auditing and as guidelines for regulators on how to develop auditing standards that govern the use of Big Data and data analytic tools. We note some limitations in this study, such as the generalizability of the results, auditors’ personal biases, and the different tools and techniques used by each audit firm.
Life Cycle Based GHG Emissions from Algae Based Bioenergy with a Special Emphasis on Climate Change Indicators and Their Uses in Dynamic LCA: A Review
Authors: Chowdhury Raja , Caetano Nidia , Franchetti Matthew J. , Hariprasad Kotnoor
Published: January 2023

Life cycle-based analysis is a key to understand these biofuels’ climate benefits. This manuscript provides a state-of-the-art review of current biofuel production, primarily through algae-based routes. Standalone biofuel production has an unfavorable environmental and energy footprint. Therefore, industrial symbiosis is required to reduce the environmental impacts of biofuel. The availability of waste heat, CO2, renewable energy, and colocation of other industries, especially renewable energy and dairy firms, have been demonstrated beneficial for producing biofuel through the algal route. Dynamic life cycle assessment (DLCA) issues were discussed in detail. DLCA is one of the highlighted areas of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) paradigm that can improve the applicability of climate change indicators used in the LCA. Various climate change indicators, global warming potential (GWP), global temperature change (GTP), and climate tipping point (CTP) were discussed in detail. Special emphasis was given to waste-based bioenergy production and its LCA as this route provided the lowest GHG emissions compared to the other bioenergy production pathways (e.g., from energy crops, using lignocellulosic biomass, etc.). The use of LCA results and modification of life cycle inventory (e.g., modification in the form of the regional energy mix, dynamic Life Cycle Inventory (LCI), etc.) was another highlight of this study. Such modifications need to be incorporated if one wants to improve the applicability of LCA results for net zero target analysis.
Selenium Mediated Alterations in Physiology of Wheat under Different Soil Moisture Levels
Authors: Yadav Sapna , Sharma Sinky , Sharma Kamal , Dhansu Pooja , Devi Suman , Preet Kumar , Ahlawat Pooja , Kamboj Paras , Rani Preety , Rani Babita , Kaushik Prashant , Kumar Ashwani
Published: January 2023

Soil moisture stress is one of the most serious aspects of climate change. Selenium (Se) is regarded as an essential element for animal health and has been demonstrated to protect plants from a number of abiotic challenges; however, our knowledge of Se-regulated mechanisms for enhancing crop yield is limited. We investigated the effects of exogenous Se supplementation on physiological processes that may impact wheat productivity during soil moisture stress. The plants were grown in plastic containers under screen-house conditions. The experiment was laid out in CRD consisting of three soil moisture regimes, i.e., control (soil moisture content of 12.5 ± 0.05%), moderate (soil moisture content of 8.5 ± 0.05%), and severe moisture stress (soil moisture content of 4.5 ± 0.05%). Selenium was supplied using sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) through soil application before sowing (10 ppm) and foliar application (20 ppm and 40 ppm) at two different growth stages. The foliar spray of Se was applied at the vegetative stage (70 days after planting) and was repeated 3 weeks later, whereas the control consisted of a water spray. The water status, photosynthetic efficiency, and yield were significantly decreased due to the soil’s moisture stress. The exogenous Se application of 40 ppm resulted in decreased negative leaf water potential and improved relative water contents, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance in comparison to the control (without selenium) under water shortage conditions except the plants treated with soil application of selenium under severe moisture stress at 70 DAS. Subsequently, Se-regulated mechanisms improved 100 seed weight, biological yield, and seed yield per plant. We suggest that Se foliar spray (40 ppm) is a practical and affordable strategy to increase wheat output in arid and semi-arid regions of the world that are experiencing severe water shortages.
On Rational Solutions of Dressing Chains of Even Periodicity
Authors: Aratyn Henrik , Gomes José Francisco , Lobo Gabriel Vieira , Zimerman Abraham Hirsz
Published: January 2023

We develop a systematic approach to deriving rational solutions and obtaining classification of their parameters for dressing chains of even N periodicity or equivalent Painlevé equations invariant under AN−1(1) symmetry. This formalism identifies rational solutions (as well as special function solutions) with points on orbits of fundamental shift operators of AN−1(1) affine Weyl groups acting on seed configurations defined as first-order polynomial solutions of the underlying dressing chains. This approach clarifies the structure of rational solutions and establishes an explicit and systematic method towards their construction. For the special case of the N=4 dressing chain equations, the method yields all the known rational (and special function) solutions of the Painlevé V equation. The formalism naturally extends to N=6 and beyond as shown in the paper.
A Pre-Separation and All-Neural Beamformer Framework for Multi-Channel Speech Separation
Authors: Xie Wupeng , Xiang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xiaojuan , Liu Guanghong
Published: January 2023

Thanks to the use of deep neural networks (DNNs), microphone array speech separation methods have achieved impressive performance. However, most existing neural beamforming methods explicitly follow traditional beamformer formulas, which possibly causes sub-optimal performance. In this study, a pre-separation and all-neural beamformer framework is proposed for multi-channel speech separation without following the solutions of the conventional beamformers, such as the minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) beamformer. More specifically, the proposed framework includes two modules, namely the pre-separation module and the all-neural beamforming module. The pre-separation module is used to obtain pre-separated speech and interference, which are further utilized by the all-neural beamforming module to obtain frame-level beamforming weights without computing the spatial covariance matrices. The evaluation results of the multi-channel speech separation tasks, including speech enhancement subtasks and speaker separation subtasks, demonstrate that the proposed method is more effective than several advanced baselines. Furthermore, this method can be used for symmetrical stereo speech.
Particles of a de Sitter Universe
Authors: Şengör Gizem
Published: January 2023

The de Sitter spacetime is a maximally symmetric spacetime. It is one of the vacuum solutions to Einstein equations with a cosmological constant. It is the solution with a positive cosmological constant and describes a universe undergoing accelerated expansion. Among the possible signs for a cosmological constant, this solution is relevant for primordial and late-time cosmology. In the case of a zero cosmological constant, studies on the representations of its isometry group have led to a broader understanding of particle physics. The isometry group of d+1-dimensional de Sitter is the group SO(d+1,1), whose representations are well known. Given this insight, what can we learn about the elementary degrees of freedom in a four dimensional de Sitter universe by exploring how the unitary irreducible representations of SO(4,1) present themselves in cosmological setups? This article aims to summarize recent advances along this line that benefit towards a broader understanding of quantum field theory and holography at different signs of the cosmological constant. Particular focus is given to the manifestation of SO(4,1) representations at the late-time boundary of de Sitter. The discussion is concluded by pointing towards future questions at the late-time boundary and the static patch with a focus on the representations.
Future Options Redundancy Planning: Designing Multiple Pathways to Resilience in Urban and Landscape Systems Facing Complex Change
Authors: Brunckhorst David J. , Trammell E. Jamie
Published: January 2023

Urban systems include complex interactions and interdependencies with adjoining landscapes and regions. The pressures of change are complex, constant, and increasing. Declining biodiversity, ecosystem function, social institutions, and climate change underwrite serious sustainability challenges across urban, peri-urban, and ‘natural’ landscapes. Urban and other human ‘development’ often results in environmental damage that drives the need for ecological regeneration and restoration. Integration of interdisciplinary urban sciences and landscape sciences can guide the design of regenerative pathways and nature-positive sustainability. Social perceptions, however, tend to promote a cast-back view that favors the old ‘locked-in’ policy that attempts to restore ‘what was’ the former environment or ecosystem. Often, however, these are no longer suitable to the circumstances and future pressures of change. If urban design and planning disciplines are to help society anticipate change, we need to move from primarily deterministic approaches to those that probabilistically explore trajectories to future landscapes. Urban science and landscape design can now provide future regenerative capacity for resilient and continuous adaptation. Ongoing sustainability requires urban and landscape designs that provide ongoing anticipatory, restorative, nature-positive capacity in the context of future change and pressures. Complexity, connectivity, and redundancy are important system attributes of social-ecological systems creating adaptive capabilities. A diversity of plausible future social-ecological system responses provide several response options and redundancy, with multiple pathways to alternative sustainable futures, enhancing our adaptive capacity. A diversity of feasible responses increases the likelihood of sustaining ecological processes under changing conditions. We propose Future Options Redundancy (FOR) plans as a useful tool for nature-positive design. FOR plans are a variety of possible pathways and alternative futures defined using the characteristics of a social-ecological landscape context. Foresight design capabilities recognize in advance, the accumulating circumstances, along with policy and design opportunities for social-ecological system transformation options in urban-landscape spaces, that are nature-positive—the mark of a sustainable regenerative society.
Intravenous Infection of Small Ruminants Suggests a Goat-Restricted Host Tropism and Weak Humoral Immune Response for an Atypical Bluetongue Virus Isolate
Authors: Spedicato Massimo , Di Teodoro Giovanni , Teodori Liana , Iorio Mariangela , Leone Alessandra , Bonfini Barbara , Testa Lilia , Pisciella Maura , Casaccia Claudia , Portanti Ottavio , Rossi Emanuela , Di Febo Tiziana , Ferri Nicola , Savini Giovanni , Lorusso Alessio
Published: January 2023

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is the etiologic agent of bluetongue (BT), a viral WOAH-listed disease affecting wild and domestic ruminants, primarily sheep. The outermost capsid protein VP2, encoded by S2, is the virion’s most variable protein, and the ability of reference sera to neutralize an isolate has so far dictated the differentiation of 24 classical BTV serotypes. Since 2008, additional novel BTV serotypes, often referred to as “atypical” BTVs, have been documented and, currently, the full list includes 36 putative serotypes. In March 2015, a novel atypical BTV strain was detected in the blood of asymptomatic goats in Sardinia (Italy) and named BTV-X ITL2015. The strain re-emerged in the same region in 2021 (BTV-X ITL2021). In this study, we investigated the pathogenicity and kinetics of infection of BTV-X ITL2021 following subcutaneous and intravenous infection of small ruminants. We demonstrated that, in our experimental settings, BTV-X ITL2021 induced a long-lasting viraemia only when administered by the intravenous route in goats, though the animals remained healthy and, apparently, did not develop a neutralizing immune response. Sheep were shown to be refractory to the infection by either route. Our findings suggest a restricted host tropism of BTV-X and point out goats as reservoirs for this virus in the field.
Recent Developments in Vaccines for Viral Diseases
Authors: Waheed Yasir , Sah Ranjit , Muhammad Khalid
Published: January 2023

The world is continuously facing the threat of emerging infectious diseases [...]
Identification and Validation of a Novel Prognostic Signature Based on Ferroptosis-Related Genes in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Cheng Zhe , Chen Yongheng , Huang Huichao
Published: January 2023

Background: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological tumor, with a poor prognosis due to the lack of early symptoms, resistance to chemotherapy, and recurrence. Ferroptosis belongs to the regulated cell death family, and is characterized by iron-dependent processes. Here, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was applied to explore a valuable prognostic model based on ferroptosis-related genes, which was further validated in clinical OC samples. Methods: mRNA data of normal and ovarian tumor samples were obtained separately from the GTEx and TCGA databases. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) cox regression was applied to construct the prognostic model based on ferroptosis-associated genes. Expression of ALOX12 in OC cell lines, as well as cell functions, including proliferation and migration, were examined. Finally, the prognostic efficiency of the model was assessed in the clinical tissues of OC patients. Results: A gene signature consisting of ALOX12, RB1, DNAJB6, STEAP3, and SELENOS was constructed. The signature divided TCGA, ICGC, and GEO cohorts into high-risk and low-risk groups separately. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and independent prognostic factor analysis were carried out, and the prognostic efficacy was validated. The expression levels of ALOX12 in cell lines were examined. Inhibition of ALOX12 attenuated cell proliferation and migration in HEY cells. Moreover, the prognostic value of ALOX12 expression was examined in clinical samples of OC patients. Conclusion: This work constructed a novel ferroptosis-associated gene model. Furthermore, the clinical predictive role of ALOX12 was identified in OC patients, suggesting that ALOX12 might act as a potential prognostic tool and therapeutic target for OC patients.
Quantification of Evapotranspiration by Calculations and Measurements Using a Lysimeter
Authors: Kandra Branislav , Tall Andrej , Gomboš Milan , Pavelková Dana
Published: January 2023

Evapotranspiration is one of the key elements of water balance in nature. It significantly influences the water supply in the unsaturated zone of a soil profile. The unsaturated zone is a water source for the biosphere. The aim of this study is to measure, calculate and analyze the course of actual evapotranspiration, precipitation and dew totals as well as the totals of water flows at the lower boundary of unsaturated zone and the change in water content in specified soil volume. The measurements are used for verifying the results of numerical simulation. The methods used in the study were chosen based on the hypothesis that dynamics of water supply changes in the unsaturated zone is the result of the interactions between atmosphere, soil and plant cover. The elements of water balance were quantified by the methods of water balance, lysimeter measurements and numerical simulation on the model HYDRUS-1D, version 4. The abovementioned parameters were quantified for the East Slovakian Lowland, with an hourly time step during the years 2017, 2018 and 2020. The measurements have shown that evapotranspiration exceeded precipitation during all monitored periods, specifically by 22% in 2017, by 14% in 2019, and by 10% in 2020. The deficit was compensated for by capillary inflow from the groundwater level and the water supply in the unsaturated zone. A verification by measurement has shown that numerical simulation is imprecise in relation to the quantification of water flows at the lower boundary of the unsaturated zone. This inaccuracy is manifested in the higher value of the actual evapotranspiration, which is on average exceeded by 11%. The performance of the mathematical model is assessed as satisfactory for the analysis of the soil water regime.
Effect of Ecological Water Supplement on Groundwater Restoration in the Yongding River Based on Multi-Model Linkage
Authors: Nan Tian , Cao Wengeng
Published: January 2023

Evaluating the effect of ecological water supplement on groundwater restoration quantitatively could produce positive contributions to both water cycle theory and surface–groundwater conjunctive management. Therefore, in this paper, a groundwater flow numerical model has been established after calculating the river section seepage rate using a fuzzy mathematical method in the Yongding River channel. The simulated results show that the model could accurately reflect the real groundwater dynamic features. Then, a data-driven random forest(RF) model has been established to quantitatively evaluate the contributions of the factors which influence the groundwater level variation. The Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient(NSE) of the RF model is 0.93. It shows excellent ability to identify the rising zone of groundwater level. The study shows that the infiltration capacity is strong in the upstream area of the Yongding River, and the seepage rate is over 0.7. The lowest seepage rate is 0.19 at the downstream end, while the seepage rate in the middle area is basically between 0.4 and 0.7. From 2018 to 2019, the ecological water supplement of the Yongding River has played a significant role in raising the groundwater level along the river channel. Additionally, its contribution analyzed by the RF model to the change of groundwater level is 25%. Groundwater exploitation is the most important variable affecting the groundwater level variation. The impact depth of groundwater level fluctuation reaches about 10 m. The impact range where the groundwater level average uplifts 1.86 m is 502.13 km2. The influence direction gradually changes from around the ecological water supplement section to along the Yongding River channel. The groundwater level variation along the tangential direction of the Yongding River is slowing down. The groundwater level would entirely uplift with 170 × 106 m3/year ecological water supplement of the Yongding River and 35.77 × 106 m3/year groundwater mining reduction in the downstream area until 2035.
Recent Advances in Bacterial Degradation of Hydrocarbons
Authors: Pandolfo Emiliana , Barra Caracciolo Anna , Rolando Ludovica
Published: January 2023

Hydrocarbons occur in fossil fuels such as crude oil and consist mainly of hydrogen and carbon. Although they are natural chemicals, crude oil refining results in commercial products with new physico-chemical properties, which can increase their complexity and toxicity, and hamper their degradation. The presence of biodiverse natural microbial communities is a prerequisite for an effective homeostatic response to the various hydrocarbons, that contaminate ecosystems. However, their removal depends on the compartment contaminated (water, sediment, soil), their molecular weight, and their toxicity not hampering microbial activity. This paper reports different bacterial species involved in the biodegradation of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon contamination is generally due to the co-presence of a mixture of these chemicals, and their removal from the environment cannot rely on only a single species but generally requires bacterial consortia. Versatile bacterial metabolism relies on specific genes encoding the key enzymes involved in the peripheral metabolic and central metabolic pathways for degrading aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Although microbial metabolism can have the potential for natural attenuation of these contaminants, hydrocarbon bioremediation, through biostimulation (e.g., use of surfactants, plants, earthworms, and nanoparticles) and bioaugmentation, can be a valid tool for removing them from actually contaminated soil, freshwater, groundwater, and seawater.
Special Issue: Water Quality Engineering and Wastewater Treatment II
Authors: Hung Yung-Tse , Abdel Rahman Rehab O. , Aziz Hamidi Abdul , Al-Khatib Issam A. , Imai Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2023

Water is an essential natural compound on earth; all life forms on our planet need water to function properly [...]
Towards Quantifying the Coastal Vulnerability due to Natural Hazards using the InVEST Coastal Vulnerability Model
Authors: Al Ruheili Amna , Boluwade Alaba
Published: January 2023

Coastal areas and coastal communities are facing threats due to the impacts of climate change. Therefore, assessing their vulnerabilities and the potential for natural habitats to contribute to protecting coastal areas and communities is essential for effective long-term planning, sustainability, and resilient coastal management. This study modeled and mapped coastal vulnerability using the InVEST 3.9.1 model developed by the Natural Capital Project Coastal Vulnerability model to explore the role of natural habitats in mitigating coastal hazards in Southern Al Sharqiya and Al Wusta Governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. The results showed that the highest hazard classification > 2.67 represented 18% of the coastal distribution, the intermediate hazard classification ranging between 2.31 and 2.66 represented 38% of the coastal distribution, and the lowest hazard classification ranging between 1.22 and 2.30) represented 44% of the coastal distribution. These results, however, did not account for the role of natural habitats in coastal protection. In terms of the role of natural habitats in mitigating coastal hazards, the presence of natural habitats reduced the extent of the highest exposed shoreline by 14% and 8% for the highest and intermediate areas, respectively. Under the natural habitat’s scenario, the habitats could provide 59% protection for the coastal communities under the highest exposure category and 41% under the intermediate category. Under a no-habitat scenario, about 75% of the coastal communities are exposed and vulnerable to coastal hazards under the highest hazard exposure category and 25% under the intermediate category. These results demonstrate that it is critical, especially for policymakers, to enhance the protection of coastal ecosystems to achieve coastal resilience. This study buttresses the importance of coastal ecosystem assessments in ensuring coastal resilience and climate change adaptation processes for any coastal countries.
Fe-Trimesic Acid/Melamine Gel-Derived Fe/N-Doped Carbon Nanotubes as Catalyst of Peroxymonosulfate to Remove Sulfamethazine
Authors: Duan Xiaohu , Liu Xinyao , Xiao Shuhu , Du Cong , Yan Binfei
Published: January 2023

The conventional precursor preparation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for nitrogen-doping carbon materials is divided into the preparation of MOFs and the mixing of the nitrogen source, which is a complex and time-consuming step. In this study, Fe-BTC gel/nitrogen source-derived carbon materials were synthesized using one or more of the following raw ingredients: Fe(NO3)3·9H2O, FeCl3·6H2O, Fe2(SO4)3, trimesic acid, melamine and dicyandiamide. The influence of different raw ingredients on the preparation and performance of catalysts was investigated. Fe(NO3)3·9H2O can react with trimesic acid to form a gel with ethanol as solvent, and the gel helped the homogeneous dispersion of the added melamine and did not precipitate. Fe-C-N(M), synthesized from the three materials mentioned, was identified as the optimal catalyst; the removal rate of 5 mg/L sulfadimethoxine (SMZ) reached 100% at 15 min when the Fe-C-N(M) dosage was 50 mg/L, PMS concentration was 0.5 mM, and the pH was 5.78 (initial pH of the solution). The removal of SMZ was not significantly inhibited by the pH (3–9) and 0–10 mM inorganic anions (Cl−, NO3−, HCO3− and H2PO42−). Through quenching tests, electron paramagnetic resonance and probe experiments, 1O2 and a small amount of free radicals (•OH and SO4•−) bound on the catalyst surface are discovered to be the primary active ingredients that activate PMS to degrade SMZ.
Post-Construction, Hydromorphological Cumulative Impact Assessment: An Approach at the Waterbody Level Integrating Different Spatial Scales
Authors: Moldoveanu Marinela , Stănescu Stelian-Valentin , Gălie Andreea-Cristina
Published: January 2023

The environmental impact assessment is a process required in many countries. It highlights future activities with a significant impact on the environment. Water, as an environmental factor, needs adequate methods for quantifying cumulative impact of hydrotechnical works. In most cases, for new developments, baseline data is collected before the beginning of the construction, but for waterworks already in place, a different approach is needed. In line with the EU Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC), the overall purpose of the research is to develop an approach for the hydromorphological cumulative impact assessment integrating different spatial scales for existing water intakes with transversal barriers on mountain rivers in Romania. Being a research study developed for a specific issue—post-construction impact assessment, some innovative actions were required. Lack of information in the pre-construction phase was an important constraint. Customizing formulas of certain indicators established within the Romanian method for hydromorphological status assessment of rivers proved to be a practical solution to show both local and waterbody hydromorphological impact. Upscaling the impact from the local scale to the river sector and the waterbody allows awareness of the spatial extent of the impact and understanding of the importance of the thresholds of significant impact for a broader audience. In order to better highlight the approach, this paper shows practical examples. The whole chain of the drivers–pressures–state–impacts–responses (DPSIR) framework is applied in the case of two river water bodies with hydropower generation facilities in place. In addition, some recommendations for actions are provided.
KARYA PUTU SUTAWIJAYA SEBUAH REFLEKSI ATAS TUBUH
Authors: Pamungkas Didung Putra
Published: January 2023

Reading Putu Sutawijaya's painting entitled "Single Energy" portrays the body as a central focus, through documentation, and direct observation through his painting which is then analyzed using Roland Barthes's semiotic approach, genealogy of body Foucault, Phenomenology ponty, Heidegger's Existentialism, and Freud's Psychoanalysis. Roland Barthes's semiotic approach divides signs in denotation and connotation. At the level of denotation, Putu is describing the movements of figures with the burden that surrounds them. At the level of connotation explains that the burden on social systems and value systems, binding and not dehumanizing people. Then Foucault explained the body as a soft body. Putu shows that there is no aspect of freedom possessed by free humans in their own bodies. Phenomenology Ponty, the world has been available for individuals. So human relations and their world are never truly distant, but are dialectical. Heidegger's existentialism, saw the relationship of the body with his world. In his paintings, Putu sees culture as always constructing a person, showing the form of one's relationship with his world. Freud's psychoanalysis of libido, as a form of individual freedom to actualize itself, but is always limited by rules, values and norms, Putu's work illustrates that there are efforts to escape, but are still charged by social considerations. With the study of this painting it is hoped that it can stimulate enthusiasm in creating art and enrich new discourses in the world of Indonesian art.
DENGAN INSPIRASI MINUMAN TRADISIONAL WEDANG UWUH UNTUK PAKAIAN
Authors: Wulandari Yeyen , Widiastuti Theresia
Published: January 2023

Latar belakang proyek perancangan karya Tugas Akhir ini menciptakan batik kontemporer/kreasi baru dengan memanfaatkan visual wedang uwuh guna memperkenalkan dan melestarikan minuman tradisional wedang uwuh dimana di era modern ini minuman tradisional sudah mulai terlupakan. Karya ini akan mengeksplorasi bentuk wedang uwuh dengan komponen-komponen bahan penyusun wedang uwuh yang nantinya akan divisualkan kedalam desain motif batik cap.Tujuan dari perancangan ini yaitu untuk menambah alternative desain corak batik di pasaran. Yang nantinya bukan hanya dinikmati sebagai kuliner saja tetapi juga melalui motif batik dan menjadi inovasi baru yang dapat menambah daya tarik masyarakat. Metode yang digunakan terdiri dari metode perancangan dengan mengacu pada teoripen ciptaan seni kriya menurut SP.Gustami, yang meliputi 3 tahap metode penciptaan seni kriya. Berdasarkan tahapannya, terdiri dari eksplorasi, perancangan, dan perwujudan. Tahap eksplorasi melakukan pengamatan pengumpulan data melalui studi pustaka, studi visual, ekplorasi visual tentang tema yang diambil. Tahap perancangan dengan pembuatan desain untuk kemudian menghasilkan 8 alternatif desain. Pada tahap perwujudanya itu dengan merealisasikan desain terpilih. Hasil perancangan ini berupa motif batik cap dengan visual wedang uwuh yang di fungsikan untuk pakaian ready to wear wanita untukusia 18-25 tahun.
PERANCANGAN BATIK TULIS KHAS SUKOHARJO SEBAGAI KOTA JAMU
Authors: Murdayani Putri Anisa
Published: January 2023

Perancangan ini bersumber pada potensi daerah jamu di Sukoharjo, yang memiliki aktivitas jamu terbesar di Indonesia terletak di Pasar Nguter terlihat banyaknya industri jamu tradisional disana, dengan mengembangkan ide menciptakan motif baru bertujuan untuk memudahkan para konsumen memilih model atau motif sesuai kesukaan mereka. Meliputi tiga tahapan metode perancangan yang dikemukakan oleh SP Gustami yaitu eksplorasi, perancangan dan perwujudan. Karya tugas akhir ini direalisasikan di kain ukuran 200 x 110 cm dengan teknik batik tulis diperuntukan kaum perempuan dan laki – laki usia 20 – 30 tahun untuk tekstil pakaian. Perancangan ini dengan penggambaran motif alat dan bahan jamu tradisional sebagai pembeda dari batik sebelumnya, namun masih mempertahankan ciri khas Sukoharjo yaitu jamu.
PERANCANGAN “HOME OFFICE DESK” MINIMALIS DALAM MENSIASATI PANDEMI
Authors: Ulum Mohammad Anwar , Wibowo DS Drajad , Sutarya Sutarya
Published: January 2023

The spread of the Covid-19 virus has now spread throughout the world and has affected various fields, one of which is experiencing this influence, namely the field of work where many companies reduce the number of employees and changes in office work systems, such as companies doing remote work systems where workers do office work. from their homes without having to always come to the office. One of the jobs that use the system is a copywriter. In dealing with this, the author took the initiative to design a desk to support this and give the impression that the office stays focused on doing work and can increase productivity at work, with a design that remains comfortable when used and still pays attention to ergonomic values. Using qualitative research techniques with data expressed in the form of words, sentences and pictures, (Sugiyono, 2006; Pratiwi, 2017) designing a minimalist home office desk form that uses a modern style and additional features as support. A product needs to be adapted to the user and the place where the product is placed. This desk product with a minimalist home office desk concept is intended for students, students, and workers. Apart from being a supporter of this desk activity, it can be used as a complement in interior design.
GARUDAMUKHA LAŃCANA SEBAGAI SUMBER IDE PENCIPTAAN MOTIF BATIK TENUN UNTUK BUSANA CASUAL WANITA
Authors: Patras Idzah Risa Merita , Sudarwanto Aan
Published: January 2023

Garudamukha Lancana merupakan cap atau lambang Kerajaan Kadiri pada masa Pemerintahan Raja Airlangga. Pada karya ini akan diwujudkan dengan  teknik tenun ikat menggunakan pewarna indantren dengan teknik pewarnaan tutup celup. Untuk teknik batik tulis menggunakan pewarna remazol dengan teknik colet. Metode yang digunakan dalam perwujudan karya ini yaitu tahap eksplorasi, perancangan dan perwujudan. Luaran karya ini antara lain artikel (jurnal ilmiah), katalog serta karya busana casual wanita dengan judul Karyaning Jiwa Mardika (Kajika), dan menghasilkan motif yang berjudul Garudagni. Motif batik dan tenun disajikan dengan abstraksi objek garudamukha lancana yang menjadi sumber ide penciptaan dengan finishing menggunakan cat akrilik, sehingga menghasilkan karya yang bernilai dan estetis
PEMANFAATAN LIMBAH ANORGANIK
Authors: Ni'mah Ela Ayu , Susila Dwi Agus
Published: January 2023

Limbah organik merupakan bentuk limbah yang dapat diurai kembali menjadi produk yang bermanfaat, baik secara kesehatan maupun secara ekonomi. Limbah anorganik juga dapat dimanfaatkan menjadi sesuatu yang bermanfaat pula, termasuk menambah  pendapatan ekonomi jika dimanfaatkan secara maksimal. Hal ini terkait dengan program pemerintah yang mengangkat isu lingkungan hidup sebagai target pembangunan yang berkelanjutan dan akan bersinergi dengan departemen lainnya.            Pada artikel ini menggunakan metode analisis data dua hal yaitu catatan lapangan dan dokumentasi. Diharapkan dua metode ini dapat mengumpulkan data yang efektif, efisien dan tepat sasaran, sehingga tujuan artikel ini dapat tercapai yaitu kemampuan untuk  mengelola sampah botol plastik, sampah logam, sampah kain, sisa detergent, limbah pabrik menjadi produk yang kreatif dan bernilai ekonomis. Dengan demikian pengelolaan sampah anorganik ini diharapkan menjadi momentum bagi usia muda untuk mencintai lingkungan dimana ia tinggal sebagai sarana berprestasi dalam upaya peningkatan ekonomi kreatif.
STRATEGI KOMUNIKASI PEMBELAJARAN DARING MASA COVID-19 DI MAN INSAN CENDEKIA KABUPATEN HALMAHERA BARAT
Authors: Din Makbul AH , Nurjaman Enang Yusuf
Published: January 2023

Penelitian ini bermaksud untuk menggali bagaimana strategi komunikasi pembelajaran daring yang dilakukan oleh Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Insan Cendekia (MAN IC) Halmahera Barat Provinsi Maluku Utara selama masa Covid 19, agar pembelajaran yang dilakukan sesuai dengan target dan hasil yang dicapai sesuai dengan pembelajaran tatap muka. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualititatif deskriptif dengan teori fenomenologi untuk menggali lebih dalam fenomena pembelajaran daring dan hubungan intersubjektif antara guru, siswa dan pemangku kebijakan yaitu kepala sekolah. Teknik pengumpulan data pada penelitian ini adalah dengan observasi berperanserta, wawancara mendalam dan studi dokumentasi. Hasil dari penelitian strategi yang dilakukan oleh Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Insan Cendekia (MAN IC) Halmahera Barat Provinsi Maluku adalah dalam pembelajaran daring menggunakan e-learning synchronous, Multiflatform Learning Management System dan dengan pelayanan fulltime service teacher dari seluruh guru, dengan strategi ini kualitas pembelajaran berjalan sesaui dengan target yang ditentukan oleh sekolah.
Twelfth-century Epistolary Language of Friendship Reconsidered. The Case of Guibert of Gembloux
Authors: Moens Sara
Published: January 2023

Historians regard the twelfth century as the golden age of friendship. Nevertheless, the correct interpretation of this culture of friendship and its literary manifestations is under debate. Researchers into the amicitia debate increasingly rely on the “ network approach”, which is centered on the use of the language of friendship. In the present article, this quantitative approach is applied to a late twelfth-century collection of letters by a Benedictine monk, Guibert of Gembloux, and is complemented by a close reading of four case studies. Guibert’s correspondence attests to a spiritual interpretation of friendship that can function as an identifying discourse within a horizontal network among a monastic elite.