bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electric Vehicles Aggregation for Frequency Control of Microgrid under Various Operation Conditions Using an Optimal Coordinated Strategy
Authors: Iqbal Sheeraz , Habib Salman , Khan Noor Habib , Ali Muhammad , Aurangzeb Muhammad , Ahmed Emad M.
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a novel optimal coordinated strategy for frequency regulation (FR) through electric vehicles (EVs) under variable power system operation states (PSOSs). The methodology ensures a secure and economical operation of the power system through the coordination of the frequency regulation, the power of the electric vehicles and generators with multiple optimization objectives. In the normal state of operation of the power system, the battery degradation cost is taken into account and accordingly the minimum FR cost is utilized as an objective. On the other hand, for abnormal operation, the optimization objective considers the minimum frequency restoration duration. Different scenarios have been investigated to validate the proposed method. The simulation results confirm the usefulness and superior performance of the proposed optimized coordinated control strategy.
Mindful Application of Digitalization for Sustainable Development: The Digitainability Assessment Framework
Authors: Gupta Shivam , Rhyner Jakob
Published: March 2022

Digitalization is widely recognized as a transformative power for sustainable development. Careful alignment of progress made by digitalization with the globally acknowledged Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial for inclusive and holistic sustainable development in the digital era. However, limited reference has been made in SDGs about harnessing the opportunities offered by digitalization capabilities. Moreover, research on inhibiting or enabling effects of digitalization considering its multi-faceted interlinkages with the SDGs and their targets is fragmented. There are only limited instances in the literature examining and categorizing the impact of digitalization on sustainable development. To overcome this gap, this paper introduces a new Digitainability Assessment Framework (DAF) for context-aware practical assessment of the impact of the digitalization intervention on the SDGs. The DAF facilitates in-depth assessment of the many diverse technical, social, ethical, and environmental aspects of a digital intervention by systematically examining its impact on the SDG indicators. Our approach draws on and adapts concepts of the Theory of Change (ToC). The DAF should support developers, users as well policymakers by providing a 360-degree perspective on the impact of digital services or products, as well as providing hints for its possible improvement. We demonstrate the application of the DAF with the three test case studies illustrating how it supports in providing a holistic view of the relation between digitalization and SDGs.
Applicability of Grassland Production Estimation Using Remote Sensing for the Mongolian Plateau by Comparing Typical Regions in China and Mongolia
Authors: Li Qiong , Wang Juanle , Xie Hongquan , Ochir Altansukh , Davaasuren Davaadorj
Published: March 2022

Grasslands on the Mongolian Plateau are critical for supporting local sustainable development. Sufficient measured sample information is the basis of remote sensing modeling and estimation of grassland production. Limited by field inventory costs, it is difficult to collect sufficient and widely distributed samples in the Mongolian Plateau, especially in transboundary areas, which affects the results of grassland production estimation. Here, considering that the measured sample points are sparse, this study took Xilingol League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China and Dornogovi Province in Mongolia as the study areas, introduced multiple interpolation methods for interpolation experiments, established a statistical regression model based on the above measured and interpolated samples combined with the normalized differential vegetation index, and discussed the applicability of grassland production estimation. The comparison results revealed that the point estimation biased sample hospital-based area disease estimation method and radial basis function showed the best interpolation results for grassland production in Xilingol League and Dornogovi Province, respectively. The power function model was suitable for grassland production estimation in both regions. By inversion, we obtained annual grassland production for 2010–2021 and the uneven spatial distribution of grassland production in both regions. In these two regions, the spatial change in grassland production showed a decreasing trend from northeast to southwest, and the interannual change generally showed a dynamic upward trend. The growth rate of grassland output was faster in Xilingol League than in Dornogovi Province with similar physical geography and climate conditions, indicating that the animal husbandry regulation policies play important roles beyond the influence of climate change. The study recommended grassland estimation methods for an area with sparse samples and the results can be used to support decision making for sustainable animal husbandry and grassland succession management.
Versatile Green Processing for Recovery of Phenolic Compounds from Natural Product Extracts towards Bioeconomy and Cascade Utilization for Waste Valorization on the Example of Cocoa Bean Shell (CBS)
Authors: Jensch Christoph , Schmidt Axel , Strube Jochen
Published: March 2022

In the context of bioeconomic research approaches, a cascade use of plant raw materials makes sense in many cases for waste valorization. This not only guarantees that the raw material is used as completely as possible, but also offers the possibility of using its by-products and residual flows profitably. To make such cascade uses as efficient as possible, efficient and environmentally friendly processes are needed. To exemplify the versatile method, e.g., every year 675,000 metric tons of cocoa bean shell (CBS) accrues as a waste stream in the food processing industry worldwide. A novel green process reaches very high yields of up to 100% in one extraction stage, ensures low consumption of organic solvents due to double usage of ethanol as the only organic solvent, is adaptable enough to capture all kinds of secondary metabolites from hot water extracts and ensures the usage of structural carbohydrates from precipitation. A Design of Experiments (DoE) was conducted to optimize the influence of pH value and phase ratio on the yield and purity of the integrated ethanol/water/salt aqueous-two-phase extraction (ATPS) system.
Crowdsourcing Used in Higher Education: An Empirical Study on a Sustainable Translation Teaching Mode Based on Crowdsourced Translation
Authors: Zhang Min , Huang Zhiyun
Published: March 2022

The language service industry needs more qualified translators. The training of qualified translators needs innovation of translation teaching mode. The combination of crowdsourcing and translation teaching can realize the innovation of translation teaching mode. This study developed an empirical study in which such quantitative and qualitative methods are conducted as classroom observation, case analysis, translation quality analysis, questionnaire survey, and email interviews. Participants in the study included university students registered in the English and Translation degrees in Chinese universities. Statistical analyses were carried out with IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS 26). Validation of the survey instruments, descriptive statistics, and group comparisons were all accomplished. The results demonstrate that the integration of crowdsourcing with translation teaching worked well. The mode has positive significance for exploring learner autonomy, stimulating students’ motivation, improving students’ translation ability, and training qualified translators. The mode is of sustainable value, with the development of AI-driven machine translation technology, and the innovation of translation teaching mode is significant for professional translator training. This mode of translation teaching based on crowdsourcing has a certain reference value for the cultivation of high-quality language service talents and the construction of a new mode of personnel training in the language service industry.
Strength and Microstructure Characteristics of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Mortars with High Water-to-Binder Ratios
Authors: Frederickx Lander , Nguyen Thi Nhan , Phung Quoc Tri
Published: March 2022

Geopolymers and other alkali-activated materials were investigated in detail as alternatives to ordinary Portland cement because of their reduced CO2 emissions, high (radionuclide) binding capacities, and low permeabilities. The last two properties make them potential materials for the immobilization of several types of chemical waste. In this context, the direct immobilization of liquid waste streams would be a useful application. This study aimed to develop geopolymers with high water-to-binder ratios, but with good mechanical strengths, while elucidating the parameters that dictate the strengths. Three potential metakaolin geopolymer recipes were cast and cured for 28 days, after which their strengths, mineralogy, and microstructures were determined. The results show that it is possible to attain acceptable mechanical strengths at water-to-binder ratios that vary from 0.75 to 0.95, which is a significant increase from the ratio of 0.55 that is commonly used in the literature. It was found that the most important parameter that governs the mechanical strength is the dilution of the activating solution, which is represented by the H2O/Na2O ratio, while the microstructure was found to benefit from a high SiO2/Al2O3 ratio.
Measuring the Relation between Academic Performance and Emotional Intelligence at the University Level after the COVID-19 Pandemic Using TMMS-24
Authors: Sánchez-Cabrero Roberto , Arigita-García Amaya , Gil-Pareja David , Sánchez-Rico Ana , Martínez-López Fernando , Sierra-Macarrón Leonor
Published: March 2022

The outbreak of the global pandemic derived from COVID-19 in early 2020 has represented a huge loss of social contact for most young people. The extent of these effects is still unknown, so it is necessary to ask what the effect of this new, unforeseen, and prolonged situation on the management of emotional intelligence in university students is. This study aims to compare the academic performance, test anxiety (before and during the online exams), and emotional intelligence of 91 students in a university Master’s degree program after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The emotional intelligence was measured by the TMMS-24, the academic performance was compiled in common subjects, and test anxiety was measured by self-assessment just after finishing each online exam. The comparisons between the variables were made through means difference contrasts using Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and One-way ANOVA and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient as a non-parametric test for correlational analysis. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has not modified how these three variables are related, so it can be concluded that the prolonged social isolation suffered by young people has not had negative repercussions on their emotional intelligence, anxiety before exams, and academic performance.
Constructed Wetlands as Nature-Based Solutions in the Post-COVID Agri-Food Supply Chain: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Takavakoglou Vasileios , Pana Eleanna , Skalkos Dimitris
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the interchangeable link between human and nature. The health and socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 are directly or indirectly linked to the natural environment and to the way that agri-food systems interact with nature. Although the pandemic continues to evolve and there are still many uncertainties, important issues about the future of the agri-food sector and the need for a sustainable and environmentally friendly reformation are beginning to arise in society. Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) encompass a broad range of practices that can be introduced in the agri-food supply chain and address multiple environmental challenges of the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 era while providing economic and societal benefits. In this perspective, the design and establishment of multifunctional constructed wetlands as NbSs opens a portfolio of eco-innovative options throughout the agri-food supply chain, offering a realistic and promising way towards the green regeneration of the post-COVID-19 economy and the welfare of society. The aim of this work is to explore the potential role of constructed wetlands as Nature-based Solutions in the agri-food supply chain of the forthcoming post-COVID-19 era. More specifically, this work aims to reveal application opportunities of constructed wetlands in the different segments of the agri-food supply chain, identify linkages with societal challenges and EU policies, and discuss their potential limitations, future challenges, and perspectives.
Proximate Composition, Predictive Analysis and Allometric Relationships, of the Edible Water Frog (Pelophylax epeiroticus) in Lake Pamvotida (Northwest Greece)
Authors: Hatziioannou Marianthi , Kougiagka Efkarpia , Karapanagiotidis Ioannis , Klaoudatos Dimitris
Published: March 2022

The edible water frog Pelophylax epeiroticus, distributed mainly in Northwest Greece and utilized commercially as food, was investigated in lake Pamvotida (Ioannina). The objective was to assess aspects of population structure (sex ratio, morphometric characteristics, allometric relationships) and proximate composition of the Epirus water frog (Pelophylax epeiroticus). Commercial samples (31 females and 54 males) were obtained and sex ratio, morphometric characteristics, allometric relationships and proximate composition were assessed. A significantly lower abundance of females was indicated (31 females and 54 males). Body length range was higher in females (females 3.4 mm, males 2.6 mm), whereas total weight range was higher in males (females 45.08 gr, males 48.35 gr). Differences in allometric relationships were indicated between sexes. The high protein (15.93 ± 3.32) and low lipid (0.25 ± 0.13) contents indicated that P. epeiroticus is an excellent food source of high nutritional value. A tree classification algorithm indicated that the principal contributing component for sex classification was dry matter, followed by a proportion of edible flesh and protein content. A predicted future increase in demand for wild-caught individuals requires the use of a suitable management plan, coupled with the development of farming practices aiming to assure the sustainable exploitation of this important resource and alleviate the pressure on its populations.
Does High-Speed Rail Operation Reduce Ecological Environment Pressure?—Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Changjun , Liu Xiaoxuan
Published: March 2022

With improved productivity, the impact of social and economic development on the ecological environment is becoming more and more significant, and the transformation of transportation modes often accompanies the transformation of the economic development mode. It is essential to study the impact of high-speed rail (HSR) on the environment. This article constructs a compiled index Ecological Environment Pressure (EEP) evaluation system. The spatial analysis tool is then used to explore the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of EEP in China. The Difference-in-Difference (DID) method and the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method are used to quantitatively calculate the impact of HSR operations on EEP based on Panel Data. The results show that the EEP in China decreased significantly from 2003 to 2018, and therefore the quality of China’s ecological environment is improving. The regression coefficient of HSR on EEP is significantly negative, indicating that HSR operations will reduce EEP. Additionally, the HSR operation in the eastern and central regions negatively impacts the EEP. At the same time, the HSR operations will also reduce the EEP of resource-based cities, especially for resource-based cities in the central region. The degree of industrial transformation (DIT) and degree of employment transformation (DET), combined with the implementation of HSR operations, can significantly reduce the EEP. It is suggested to formulate more focused actions and policies to reduce EEP and effectively promote sustainable social development.
Do Corporate Social Responsibility Categories Distinctly Influence Innovation? A Resource-Based Theory Perspective
Authors: Chen Suyun , Ji Yu
Published: March 2022

Despite the existing vast literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR), there is a lack of research on the influences of CSR categories (i.e., employees; suppliers, customers, and consumers; environment; and social welfare). The objective of this paper is to investigate the influences of distinct CSR categories on firm innovation from a resource-based theory perspective. Based on a sample of Chinese A-share listed firms from 2010 to 2017, we find that employee-, supplier, customer, and consumer-, and environment-related CSR promotes innovation, while society welfare-related CSR reduces firm innovation. We also examine the distinct mechanisms of distinct CSR categories to influence innovation. Our findings mainly contribute to the literature on the association between CSR and innovation by considering the different influences of distinct CSR categories.
The Effect and Mechanism of Agricultural Informatization on Economic Development: Based on a Spatial Heterogeneity Perspective
Authors: Tian Tian , Li Li , Wang Jing
Published: March 2022

As the future direction of modern agriculture, agricultural informatization (AI) and its economic effects are worth exploring because they can well promote digital agriculture. Based on the existing research results, we propose six hypotheses around the economic benefits of AI and construct the geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model with a sample of 30 Chinese provinces over the period 2001–2020 for validation. Specifically, starting from farmers’ income and regional economic growth, the entropy value method is used to construct the AI indicators, and the GTWR model is constructed to analyze the effect of AI. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism of AI was explored from the perspective of agricultural industry structure upgrading. The following conclusions were drawn. First, the level of AI in China has increased significantly, and meanwhile its spatial correlation has also strengthened year by year. Second, AI demonstrates a positive correlation with farmers’ income growth and regional economic development, which means that it has become an important contributing factor of rural economic output. Third, agricultural industry structure upgrading is one of the important ways for AI to leverage its economic effect. Hence, improving the informatization level in the rural and agricultural sectors through multi-dimensionality is of positive and pragmatic significance for the rural economy.
Impact of Environmental Regulations on Energy Efficiency: A Case Study of China’s Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan
Authors: Liu Yue , Failler Pierre , Liu Zhiying
Published: March 2022

Scientific environmental policies promote energy efficiency improvement by influencing the industrial structure and investment in R&D and innovation. In view of the insufficient impact of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (Action Plan for short) on energy efficiency, this paper takes 30 provinces and municipalities of the Chinese Mainland during 2004–2017 as samples and investigates the impact of China’s Action Plan on energy efficiency as well as the impact path by means of the DID method. This paper finds a significant statistical relationship between the two. The following conclusions are drawn. Firstly, the Action Plan significantly promotes the improvement of provincial energy efficiency. Secondly, the Action Plan has heterogeneous impacts on the energy efficiency in different provinces. This heterogeneity is mainly reflected in the differences in resource endowments and the different intensities of environmental governance in different provinces. Thirdly, the upgrading and rationalization of the industrial structure and the investment in R&D and innovation have significantly different moderating effects on the Action Plan’s impact on energy efficiency. The industrial structure rationalization and the investment in R&D and innovation will enhance the promotion effect of the Action Plan on energy efficiency, while the “quantity” of the industrial structure upgrading will weaken this promotion effect, and the moderating effect of the “quality” of the industrial structure upgrading is not significant.
On the Future(s) of Energy Communities in the German Energy Transition: A Derivation of Transformation Pathways
Authors: Broska Lisa Hanna , Vögele Stefan , Shamon Hawal , Wittenberg Inga
Published: March 2022

Active participation of citizens in the sustainable energy transition—particularly in energy communities—is explicitly desired by the European Union and considered vital for a successful transformation of Europe’s energy system. Currently, energy communities, i.e., citizen-led groups generating energy from renewable sources can be found across Europe, though current numbers are small. However, it is expected that the majority of EU households will be active in some form in the generation of energy by 2050. In order to understand how such a development could come about, and if desired, how it could be ensured, we developed and applied a quasi-dynamic model using the Cross-Impact Balance (CIB) approach and with it analyzed and assessed such a transition in detail. Data for the CIB model was derived from case studies, interviews, three surveys including two discrete choice experiments, expert workshops, and complementary secondary data. A central consideration of the model is a differentiated representation of the heterogeneity of actors in society and their interactions. Main results obtained from the application of the model are possible transformation pathways of citizen participation in the energy transition of Germany. A key finding was that if current trends continue, a citizen-driven energy transition based on energy communities will unlikely be successful. We conclude that several framework conditions must change simultaneously from the status quo so that different social groups in society can be active in the generation of energy. These include changes such as the abolition of hindering regulations and the expansion of financial support schemes with a focus on lower socioeconomic groups. Furthermore, only in a combination of conducive social factors such as neighborhood cohesion and conducive social influence, as well as favorable economic conditions, can energy communities become an important player in Germany’s future energy system.
Get Us PPE: A Self-Organizing Platform Ecosystem for Supply Chain Optimization during COVID-19
Authors: Bala Ram , Sarangee Kumar R. , He Shuhan , Jin Grace
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a global health emergency that triggered an acute shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), putting essential healthcare workers at risk. Starting March 2020, given the skyrocketing prices of PPE in the open market, healthcare institutions were confronted with the dire need to reshape their PPE procurement strategy. One avenue that financially constrained healthcare institutions pursued were donation platforms that offered access to donated PPE by individuals and organizations. We document a real-life case study of one of the most prominent donor platforms that emerged during this period: Get Us PPE. From 20 March 2020 to 2 July 2021, Get Us PPE received 23,001 total individual requests for PPE from every US state and some US territories. In response to these 23,001 requests, Get Us PPE delivered 17,540,571 units of PPE. The number of PPE units delivered was still less than 25% of the total units of PPE requested, indicating the enormity of the PPE shortage. Using this case study, we identify key supply chain issues that manifest during emergencies and highlight the formation of a platform ecosystem to resolve these issues. We also observed a robust supply chain network design that addresses key supply chain sustainability metrics such as minimizing material waste and transportation miles, while balancing other stakeholder factors such as donor and recipient characteristics as well as shipment complexity. We argue that the roadmap followed by Get Us PPE could serve as a template for organizations that emerge in the context of future humanitarian crises.
The State of Play of Copper, Mineral Oil, External Nutrient Input, Anthelmintics, Antibiotics and Vitamin Usage and Available Reduction Strategies in Organic Farming across Europe
Authors: Varga Korinna , Fehér Judit , Trugly Bence , Drexler Dóra , Leiber Florian , Verrastro Vincenzo , Magid Jakob , Chylinski Caroline , Athanasiadou Spiridoula , Thuerig Barbara , László Anna , Ladányi Márta , Moeskops Bram , Herforth-Rahmé Joelle , Tamm Lucius
Published: March 2022

Although input use in organic agriculture is strictly regulated, and significantly less contentious inputs are applied in organic than in conventional farming systems, copper, mineral oil, external nutrient input, anthelmintics, antibiotics and vitamins are still commonly used among organic farmers in the EU, partly due to the scarce availability of alternative products and the difficulty of implementing preventive strategies. Moreover, besides the direction set by the European Commission’s organic regulation, only a handful of policy instruments exist at national levels to reduce the use of these contentious inputs. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the results of the RELACS EU-funded project about the current use of copper, mineral oils, external nutrient inputs, anthelmintics, antibiotics and vitamins in organic farming in the EU. The paper is based on six internal reports developed in RELACS which relied on international surveys, in-depth interviews, multiple case study methods, database-based calculations, secondary data sources, plus a survey independent from the reports to map existing policy instruments and voluntary initiatives in the EU aiming to reduce the use of the six input categories. As a result, the paper gives a comprehensive overview of the current consumption of the six contentious inputs within the organic sector, highlighting potential alternative strategies in the pipeline, available preventive measures and the willingness of farmers towards adopting these solutions. It also informs about specific policy instruments already in force, as well as about ongoing voluntary initiatives to reduce contentious inputs. Due to the current dependence of organic farming systems on the six categories of contentious inputs, any sudden phase-out or ban on their usage would do more harm than good to the organic sector. Therefore, gradual, data-driven reduction measures are needed, which require significant further investments in targeted research, and in policy support measures, with the active involvement of agricultural stakeholders.
The Enhancement of Fire Safety in Small-Scale Senior Citizen Welfare Institutions Based on Fire Protection Defense-in-Depth Strategy
Authors: Hung Sung-Ming , Wang Shiuan-Cheng , Chien Shen-Wen , Su Chung-Hwei , Chen Li-Peng
Published: March 2022

The number of elderly living in small-scale senior citizen welfare institutions in Taiwan has been increasing. Hence, enhancing the quality of care and safety of the residents in these institutions is a pressing issue. Our research team visited and reviewed data on 53 small-scale institutions in Tainan based on in-depth fire protection defense strategies and proposed a three-layer protection mechanism. The results showed that: (1) half (50%) of these institutions only meet the old anti-seismic system; (2) 26 (49%) institutions have multi-story buildings, thus, more staff needs to be arranged for night shifts to enable emergency responses on each floor; (3) all institutions have fire detectors; (4) 84% of the elderly living in these institutions are mobility-impaired and need to rely on the assistance of staff for evacuation; (5) most institutions (91%) employ foreign female caregivers which mostly work on night shifts; thus, routine training of emergency response should also consider the abilities of the foreign caregivers; (6) 35 (66%) institutions arrange only 50% of the day-shift manpower for the night shift; (7) 37 (70%) institutions should evaluate whether the function of their fire detectors is affected by fan air; and (8) 11 (21%) institutions use inflammable materials for furnishings to create a “cozy” atmosphere. This study also suggests that preventing smoke from spreading from a room that is on fire to other areas is an important evaluation item. Hopefully, these findings can serve as a reference for countries that are facing an increasingly aging population.
Topological Portals from Matter to Antimatter
Authors: Addazi Andrea
Published: March 2022

We discuss possibilities of generating a Majorana mass for the neutron from topological quantum gravity effects which survive at mesoscopic scales from decoherence. We show how virtual micro-black hole (BH) pairs with skyrme/baryon hairs induce a neutron–antineutron transition which can be tested in next generation of experiments. Such effects do not destabilize the proton. We also discuss how BHs with mix ordinary and mirror baryon hairs can mediate neutron-mirror neutron mixings.
Testing the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers Reinforced with Succinite and Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Lasenko Inga , Grauda Dace , Butkauskas Dalius , Sanchaniya Jaymin Vrajlal , Viluma-Gudmona Arta , Lusis Vitalijs
Published: March 2022

In this research, we focused on testing the physical and mechanical properties of the developed polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite nanofibers with succinite (Baltic amber) and SiO2 particles using standard methods of nanofiber testing (physical and mechanical properties). Polyacrylonitrile composite nanofibers (based on the electrospinning method) were coated on an aluminum substrate for structural investigation. SEM was used to determine the average fiber diameter and standard deviation. The mechanical properties of the fibers were determined using a universal testing machine (NANO, MTS). We observed that constant or decreased levels of crystallinity in the ultrafine composite nanofibers led to the preservation of high levels of strain at failure and that the strength of nanofibers increased substantially as their diameter reduced. Improvements in PAN composite nanofibers with succinite and SiO2 nanopowder are feasible with continuous decreases in diameter. The drastically decreased strain at failure demonstrated a substantial reduction in viscosity (toughness) of the annealed nanofibers. Large stresses at failure in the as-spun nanofibers were a result of their low crystallinity. As a result, decreasing the diameter of PAN nanofibers from approximately 2 micrometers to 139 nanometers (the smallest nanofiber tested) resulted in instantaneous increases in the elastic modulus from 1 to 26 GPa, true strength from 100 to 1750 MPa, and toughness from 20 to 604 MPa.
New Technologies to Decontaminate Pollutants in Water: A Report about the State of the Art
Authors: Olivito Fabrizio , Jagdale Pravin
Published: March 2022

The growing increase in the world population was accompanied by a massive development of industrialization [...]
Topics in Cosmology—Clearly Explained by Means of Simple Examples
Authors: de Haro Jaume , Elizalde Emilio
Published: March 2022

This is a very comprehensible review of some key issues in modern cosmology. Simple mathematical examples and analogies are used, whenever available. The starting point is the well-known Big Bang cosmology (BBC). We deal with the mathematical singularities appearing in this theory and discuss some ways to remove them. Next, and before introducing the inflationary paradigm by means of clear examples, we review the horizon and flatness problems of the old BBC model. We then consider the current cosmic acceleration and, as a procedure to deal with both periods of cosmic acceleration in a unified way, we study quintessential inflation. Finally, the reheating stage of the universe via gravitational particle production, which took place after inflation ended, is discussed in clear mathematical terms, by involving the so-called α-attractors in the context of quintessential inflation.
Metrics on End-Periodic Manifolds as Models for Dark Matter
Authors: Duston Christopher L.
Published: March 2022

In this paper we will detail an approach to generate metrics and matter models on end-periodic manifolds, which are used extensively in the study of the exotic smooth structures of R4. After an overview of the technique, we will present two specific examples, discuss the associated matter models by solving the Einstein equations, and determine the physical viability by examining the energy conditions. We compare the resulting model directly with existing models of matter distributions in extragalactic systems, to highlight the viability of utilizing exotic smooth structures to understand the existence and distribution of dark matter.
Assembling Transit Urban Design in the Global South: Urban Morphology in Relation to Forms of Urbanity and Informality in the Public Space Surrounding Transit Stations
Authors: Peimani Nastaran , Kamalipour Hesam
Published: March 2022

The imperative to address the challenge of transforming car-dependent cities and promoting sustainable mobilities requires that we engage with the relationships between urban morphology and forms of urbanity in public spaces surrounding transit nodes. While there has been a surge of interest in investigating the agency of urban planning and design in mitigating urban sprawl and its environmental impacts by creating mixed-use, dense, and walkable places, the extent to which the public space can enable streetlife intensity in proximity to transit remains underexplored. Through extensive urban mapping and comparison of two transit nodes in Tehran, this paper articulates the key morphological elements of building density, functional mix, and access networks, how they work in relation to forms of urbanity and informality in public space around stations, and what inferences can be made on how public space within station areas work in the context of rapidly urbanising cities compared to those in Western contexts. The nexus between functional mix, retail edges, and forms of urbanity has been found critical to the spatial configuration, performance, and transformation of transit station areas. Forms of informality have also been found integral to how public space works in the context of transit urban design. This paper contributes to the newfound accent on urban design dimensions concerning TODs in the context of less formal and more congested cities of the global South.
Targeting of Protein Kinase CK2 Elicits Antiviral Activity on Bovine Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Ramón Ailyn C. , Pérez George V. , Caballero Evelin , Rosales Mauro , Aguilar Daylén , Vázquez-Blomquist Dania , Ramos Yassel , Rodríguez-Ulloa Arielis , Falcón Viviana , Rodríguez-Moltó María Pilar , Yang Ke , Perera Yasser , Perea Silvio E.
Published: March 2022

Coronaviruses constitute a global threat to the human population; therefore, effective pan-coronavirus antiviral drugs are required to tackle future re-emerging virus outbreaks. Protein kinase CK2 has been suggested as a promising therapeutic target in COVID-19 owing to the in vitro antiviral activity observed after both pharmacologic and genetic inhibition of the enzyme. Here, we explored the putative antiviral effect of the anti-CK2 peptide CIGB-325 on bovine coronavirus (BCoV) infection using different in vitro viral infected cell-based assays. The impact of the peptide on viral mRNA and protein levels was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Finally, pull-down experiments followed by Western blot and/or mass spectrometry analysis were performed to identify CIGB-325-interacting proteins. We found that CIGB-325 inhibited both the cytopathic effect and the number of plaque-forming units. Accordingly, intracellular viral protein levels were clearly reduced after treatment of BCoV-infected cells, with CIGB-325 determined by immunocytochemistry. Pull-down assay data revealed the physical interaction of CIGB-325 with viral nucleocapsid (N) protein and a group of bona fide CK2 cellular substrates. Our findings evidence in vitro antiviral activity of CIGB-325 against bovine coronavirus as well as some molecular clues that might support such effect. Altogether, data provided here strengthen the rationale of inhibiting CK2 to treat betacoronavirus infections.
Imaging of Hepatitis B Virus Nucleic Acids: Current Advances and Challenges
Authors: Bustamante-Jaramillo Luisa F. , Fingal Joshua , Blondot Marie-Lise , Rydell Gustaf E. , Kann Michael
Published: March 2022

Hepatitis B virus infections are the main reason for hepatocellular carcinoma development. Current treatment reduces the viral load but rarely leads to virus elimination. Despite its medical importance, little is known about infection dynamics on the cellular level not at least due to technical obstacles. Regardless of infections leading to extreme viral loads, which may reach 1010 virions per mL serum, hepatitis B viruses are of low abundance and productivity in individual cells. Imaging of the infections in cells is thus a particular challenge especially for cccDNA that exists only in a few copies. The review describes the significance of microscopical approaches on genome and transcript detection for understanding hepatitis B virus infections, implications for understanding treatment outcomes, and recent microscopical approaches, which have not been applied in HBV research.
Immunogenicity of the Xcl1-SARS-CoV-2 Spike Fusion DNA Vaccine for COVID-19
Authors: Qi Hailong , Sun Zhongjie , Yao Yanling , Chen Ligong , Su Xuncheng
Published: March 2022

SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) variants that may evade antibody-mediated immunity are emerging. Evidence shows that vaccines with a stronger immune response are still effective against mutant strains. Here, we report a targeted type 1 conventional dendritic (cDC1) cell strategy for improved COVID-19 vaccine design. cDC1 cells specifically express X-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (Xcr1), the only receptor for chemokine Xcl1. We fused the S gene sequence with the Xcl1 gene to deliver the expressed S protein to cDC1 cells. Immunization with a plasmid encoding the S protein fused to Xcl1 showed stronger induction of antibody and antigen-specific T cell immune responses than immunization with the S plasmid alone in mice. The fusion gene-induced antibody also displayed more powerful SARS-CoV-2 wild-type virus and pseudovirus neutralizing activity. Xcl1 also increased long-lived antibody-secreting plasma cells in bone marrow. These preliminary results indicate that Xcl1 serves as a molecular adjuvant for the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and that our Xcl1-S fusion DNA vaccine is a potential COVID-19 vaccine candidate for use in further translational studies.
In Vivo Recovery of Bacteriophages and Their Effects on Clostridium perfringens-Infected Broiler Chickens
Authors: Lee Hyun-Gwan , Kim Yoo-Bhin , Lee Sang-Hyeok , Moon Jun-Ok , Chae Jong-Pyo , Kim Yu-Jin , Lee Kyung-Woo
Published: March 2022

The objectives of this study were to recover bacteriophages (BPs) from the intestinal digesta of BP-fed broilers and to evaluate the antibacterial effects of encapsulated or powdered BPs in broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens. Day-old broiler chicks (n = 320/experiment) were randomly assigned to 32 pens (n = 10 broilers/pen) and allocated to one of four dietary groups: (1) unchallenged group (NEG); (2) C. perfringens-challenged group (POS); (3) POS group fed a diet supplemented with powdered BPs; and (4) POS group fed a diet supplemented with encapsulated BPs. On days 21, 22, and 23 post-hatch, all chickens except NEG were orally inoculated twice a day with 2 mL C. perfringens (1.0 × 108 cfu/mL). Varying BP levels were detected in gut digesta at all ages and were numerically or significantly higher in the encapsulated BP group than in the powdered BP group. Dietary powder or encapsulated BPs reversed the C. perfringens-mediated increase in crypt depth. In addition, villus height to crypt depth ratio was elevated in the NEG and BP-treated/challenged groups compared with that in the POS group. C. perfringens counts in the cecum were significantly lower in the BP-fed chickens than in the POS group. The encapsulated BP-supplemented diet-fed chickens had the highest serum IgA levels. Collectively, our results suggest that dietary BP remains viable in intestinal digesta upon ingestion and can inhibit cecal C. perfringens counts.
In Situ Experimental Study of Natural Diatomaceous Earth Slopes under Alternating Dry and Wet Conditions
Authors: Deng Zhixing , Wang Wubin , Yan Tengfei , Xie Kang , Li Yandong , Liu Yangyang , Su Qian
Published: March 2022

Very few studies have focused on diatomaceous earth slopes along high-speed railways, and the special properties of diatomaceous earth under alternating dry and wet conditions are unknown. This paper studies diatomaceous earth in the Shengzhou area, through which the newly built Hangzhou–Taizhou high-speed railway passes, and the basic physical and hydraulic properties of diatomaceous earth are analyzed by indoor test methods. A convenient, efficient, and controllable high-speed railway slope artificial rainfall simulation system is designed, and in situ comprehensive monitoring and fissure observation are performed on site to analyze the changes in various diatomaceous soil slope parameters under rainfall infiltration, and to explore the cracking mechanisms of diatomaceous earth under alternating dry and wet conditions. The results indicate extremely poor hydrophysical properties of diatomaceous earth in the Shengzhou area; the disintegration resistance index values of natural diatomaceous earth samples subjected to dry and wet cycles are 1.8–5.6%, and the disintegration is strong. Comprehensive indoor tests and water content monitoring show that natural diatomaceous earth has no obvious influence when it contacts water, but it disintegrates and cracks under alternating dry and wet conditions. The horizontal displacement of both slope types mainly occurs within 0.75–2.75 m of the surface layer, indicating shallow surface sliding; after testing, natural slope crack widths of diatomaceous earth reach 10–25 mm, and their depths reach 40–60 cm. To guarantee safety during high-speed railway engineering construction, implementing proper protection for diatomaceous earth slopes is recommended.
The Effect of R&D Input on Operating Income of Chinese Wastewater Treatment Companies—With Patent Performance as a Mediating Variable
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Chen Xiangyu , Zhu Yang , Zhu Yunjie
Published: March 2022

The Chinese government is actively promoting green and low-carbon transformation for economic and social development, especially in the wastewater treatment industry. This article uses regression analysis to study the impact of company R&D input on patent performance and company operating income for different regulatory environments and regions. Companies in the wastewater treatment industries of the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2013 to 2020 are selected as research samples. The results show that there is a partial mediating effect of patent performance between company R&D input and company operating income; the stimulative effect of company R&D input is strongest in a high external-high internal environment; this stimulative effect is also more significant in the three strategic regions when compared with other regions. The findings suggest that company R&D input can promote company operating income. Thus, wastewater treatment enterprises should establish complete R&D systems to improve their innovative output capabilities. Enterprises in more developed regions should play a leading role in undertaking technological innovation. Furthermore, the government should formulate policies to improve the capacity of companies to conduct wastewater treatment and continue down the road of green development.
Determining parameters of sandwich composite panels for earth remote sensing satellite bus
Authors: GORODETSKIY Mikhail A. , MIKHAILOVSKIY Konstantin V. , REZNIK Sergey V.
Published: March 2022

The paper discusses the feasibility of replacing conventional sandwich panel with carbon fiber skins and aluminum honeycomb core in the structure of an Earth remote sensing satellite bus. Thermal loading conditions for sun-synchronous orbit were considered and math simulations were run for stress-strain behavior of a satellite bus element built of the proposed versions of sandwich composite panels. Simulations results might be of interest for design of ultra-lightweight structures of the satellite bus, solar arrays and antenna reflector.
Key words: Earth remote sensing spacecraft, Sun-synchronous orbit, math simulations, polymer composite materials.
TEST BENCH EQUIPMENT OF KELDYSH RESEARCH CENTRE
FOR TESTING HIGH-PERFORMANCE POWER AND PROPULSION SYSTEMS
Authors: КОSHLAKOV Vladimir V. , GOTOVTSEV Kirill V. , ZAKHARENKOV Leonid E. , KAREVSKIY Andrey V. , KIRYUSHIN Evgeny N. , LOVTSOV Aleksandr S. , OSHEV Yury A. , SEMENKIN Aleksandr V. , SOLODUKHIN Aleksandr E. , FEDOTOV Sergey Yu. , FEDYUNIN Sergey Yu. , TSVETKOV Andrey G.
Published: March 2022

Expanding space exploration in near-Earth space and deep space calls for an increase in power supply of space vehicles to a level of hundreds of kilowatts and higher. Pre-requisite for successful implementation of works on development of power propulsion systems of such power level, including those with nuclear energy sources, is availability of a full-scale experimental test bench equipment. A unique experimental test bench has been built and is successfully operating at JSC «Keldysh Research Center», which allows performing both research and developmental tests of key components of high-performance power and propulsion systems under conditions close to nominal operating conditions. The article describes the main components of JSC «Keldysh Research Center» test bench equipment, presents some results of the work fulfilled on it, outlines prospects for its furtherance and use in development of space high-performance power and propulsion systems.
Key words: testing, ground developmental testing, power conversion system, test bench equipment, electric propulsion, power and propulsion system.
Method for calculating the duration of communication sessions with a spacecraft under constraints of the communications coverage of the command and tracking station
Authors:   Central Research Institute for Machine Building (TsNIImash), ZHIGASTOVA Olga K. , SMOLOKOVSKIY Andrey V. , USIKOV Sergey B.
Published: March 2022

Consideration is given to a method for calculating the duration of communication sessions of the command and tracking station with a spacecraft, which enables to make an efficient use of the session time when planning control operations in order to avoid their premature performance or contingency termination in the event of constraints in the ground site coverage. Thanks to the developed method, it was possible to identify communication coverage with limited radio visibility and exclude the times of constraints from the total session duration providing a zone of stable radio exchange with SC while performing control operations, thereby increasing reliability of their performance in the communication session. The method was successfully applied in control of the Resurs-P SC constellation, where it demonstrated its capabilities and efficiency. It can be used to control other advanced SC.
Key words: spacecraft, ground control complex, flight planning, session control operations, spacecraft motion model, numerical integration method.