bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Cereal Phenological Variations under Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: Benito-Verdugo Pilar , González-Zamora Ángel , Martínez-Fernández José
Published: May 2024

This study analyzes the temporal patterns of rainfed cereal phenology extracted from the GIMMS NDVI3g dataset in the main cereal-growing regions under a Mediterranean climate in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy during the period 1982–2022. The series before and after the beginning of the 21st century were analyzed separately. Phenological parameters were extracted using the modified dynamic threshold method, and their trends were analyzed. Correlation analyses were performed to study the relationships among these parameters and to analyze the influence of hydroclimatic variables on the start (SOS) and end (EOS) of the growing season. Results showed a temporal reversal in phenological trends between both study periods, coinciding with the global warming hiatus. In the first period (1982–2002), SOS and EOS advanced (−7.5 and −3.1 days, respectively), and the length of growing season (LOS) increased. However, during the second stage (2003–2022), SOS and EOS were delayed (7.5 and 1.7 days, respectively), and LOS decreased. Similar dynamics were observed for the influence of the hydroclimatic variables on SOS and EOS, stronger in the first period and weaker in the second. This study provides valuable information on the phenological dynamics of rainfed cereals that may be useful for their management and planning in climate change scenarios.
Measurement Refinements of Ground-Based Radar Interferometry in Bridge Load Test Monitoring: Comprehensive Analysis on a Multi-Span Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Chen Yaowen , Huang Qihuan , Zhang Tingbin , Zhou Ming , Jiang Liming
Published: May 2024

This paper presents three refinements in ground-based radar interferometer (GB-radar) measurement for bridge load testing: (1) GB-radar phase jumps were detected for the first time on bridge tower displacement monitoring, and a recovery method is presented to obtain the correct unwrapped value; (2) a precise displacement projection method considering target deformation was exploited, and a case study of the Fifth Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge (FNYRB) GB-radar campaign shows that a centimeter-level compensation can be achieved; (3) a post-construction settlement phenomenon was found during the FNYRB static load tests, characterized by 0.31 mm/min, which accumulated up to 25 mm. In addition, the dynamic monitoring capabilities of GB-radar for the bridge tower and girder were verified, highlighting its potential for bridge structural health monitoring (SHM). The insights gained from this study offer valuable recommendations for future GB-radar bridge displacement monitoring.
New 3-D Fluorescence Spectral Indices for Multiple Pigment Inversions of Plant Leaves via 3-D Fluorescence Spectra
Authors: Tian Shoupeng , Zhang Yao , Wang Jiaoru , Zhang Rongxu , Wu Weizhi , He Yadong , Wu Xiaobin , Sun Wei , Li Dong , Xiao Yixin , Wang Fumin
Published: May 2024

High-sensitivity fluorescence monitoring has been widely used in agriculture and environmental science. However, the active fluorescence detection information of leaf segments mainly focuses on total chlorophyll, and the fluorescence information of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and some other pigments has not been explored. This only considers the fluorescence spectrum characteristics at a single wavelength or the fluorescence integral from a range of wavelength regions and does not completely consider the linkage relation between the excitation, emission, and interference information. In this paper, the three-dimensional fluorescence spectrum, containing the excitation and emission fluorescence spectra, and the corresponding multiple pigment characteristics from the upgraded LOPEX_ZJU database were collected. The linkages of excitation and emission of the three-dimensional fluorescence spectra of these pigments were analyzed for the newly built multiple pigment 3-D fluorescence spectral indices (3-D FSIs), including those of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, anthocyanin, and flavonoid 3-D FSIs. Then, these pigment inversion models were established and validated. The results show that the 3-D FSIs performances for the photosynthetic pigment content inversion (including chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoids) were much better than those for the photo-protective pigments (including anthocyanins and flavonoids) from the 3-D fluorescence spectra of these plant leaves. Here, the 3-D fluorescence normalization index (FNI ((F430,690 − F430,763)/(F430,690 + F430,763))) for the chlorophyll a inversion model has a high accuracy, the RMSE is 2.96 μg/cm2, and the 3-D fluorescence reciprocal difference index (FRI (F650,704/F650,668) for the chlorophyll b model has an encouraging RMSE (2.01 μg/cm2). The RMSE of the 3-D fluorescence ratio index (FRI (F500,748/F500,717)) for the carotenoid inversion is 3.77 μg/cm2 RMSE. Only FRI (F370,615/F370,438) was selected for the modeling and validating evaluation of the leaf Flas content inversion, but the evaluation metrics were not good, with an RMSE (151.13 μg/cm2). For Ants, although there was a 3-D FSI (FRDI (1/F540,679 − 1/F540,557)), and its evaluation metrics, with an RMSE (2.8 μg/cm2), were at or over 0.05 level, the validating evaluation metric VC (98.3577%) was not encouraging. These results showed that fluorescence, as a nondestructive and efficient detection method, could determine the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid in plant leaves, providing a new method to detect plant information. It can also provide a potential chance for the fluorescence images of fine photo-protective pigments, especially chlorophyll a and b, using the special active fluorescence excitation light source and a few fluorescence imaging channels from the optimal FSIs.
Advancing Sea Surface Height Retrieval through Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry: A Model Interaction Approach with Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System and FengYun-3E Measurements
Authors: Xing Jin , Yang Dongkai , Zhang Zhibo , Wang Feng
Published: May 2024

The measurement of sea surface height (SSH), which is of great importance in the field of oceanography, can be obtained through the innovative technique of GNSS-R for remote sensing. This research utilizes the dataset from spaceborne GNSS-R platforms, the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) and FengYun-3E (FY-3E), as the primary source of data for retrieving sea surface height (SSH). The utilization of artificial neural networks (ANNs) allows for the accurate estimation of ocean surface height with a precision of meter-level accuracy throughout the period of 1–17 August 2022. As a traditional machine learning method, an ANN is employed to extract pertinent data features, facilitating the acquisition of precise sea surface height estimations. Additionally, separate models are devised for both GNSS-R platforms, one based on constant velocity (CV) and the other on constant acceleration (CA). The Interactive Multiple Model (IMM) is utilized as the main method to combine the four models and convert the likelihood of each model. The transition between the models allows the filters to effectively adapt to dynamic changes and complex environments. This approach relies on the fundamental notion of the Kalman filter (KF), which showcases robust noise handling capabilities in predicting the SSH, separately. The results demonstrate that the model interaction technology is capable of efficiently filtering and integrating SSH data, yielding a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 1.03 m. This corresponds to a 9.84% enhancement compared to the retrieved height from CYGNSS and a 37.19% enhancement compared to the retrieved height from FY-3E. The model proposed in this paper provides a potential scheme for the GNSS-R data fusion of multiple platforms and multiple models. In the future, more data sources and more models can be added to achieve more accurate adaptive fusion.
The Afternoon/Morning Ratio of Tower-Based Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence Can Be Used to Monitor Drought in a Chinese Cork Oak Plantation
Authors: Pan Qingmei , Cheng Xiangfen , Hu Meijun , Liu Linqi , Wang Xin , Zhang Jinsong , Li Zhipeng , Yuan Wenwen , Gao Xiang
Published: May 2024

Monitoring drought stress is crucial for estimating productivity and assessing the health status of forest ecosystems under global climate change. Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) is mechanistically coupled to photosynthesis and has advantages over greenness-based vegetation indices in detecting drought. In recent years, SIF has commonly been used in monitoring drought stress in crop ecosystems. However, the response of tower-based SIF to drought stress in forest ecosystems remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the potential of tower-based SIF to monitor drought, which was quantified using the plant water stress index (PWSI) in a Chinese cork oak plantation. The results show the negative effect of drought on SIF, and afternoon depression of SIF emission under drought stress was observed. Canopy SIF (F) exhibited a nonlinear relationship with PWSI, while the quantum yield of SIF (ΦF) exhibited a significant linear relationship with PWSI at 687 nm and 760 nm (ΦF687: R2 = 0.90; ΦF760: R2 = 0.85). Incident radiation (PAR) and canopy structure affected the response of SIF to drought stress, with PAR as the main factor causing the nonlinear relationship between F and PWSI. Afternoon depression was described as the afternoon/morning ratio (AMR). AMRF and AMRΦF exhibited a negative linear response to PWSI. AMRF was less affected than F by PAR and canopy structures, and AMRΦF was more physiologically representative than ΦF. Moreover, AMRΦF was sensitive to VPD and REW, and it might be a good indicator of drought. Red SIF was more sensitive to drought than far-red SIF, as the R2 of PWSI with AMRΦF687 (R2 = 0.89) was higher than that with AMRΦF687 (R2 = 0.84). These results highlight the potential of tower-based SIF, especially red SIF, for drought monitoring in a plantation, and consideration of the physiological diurnal variation in SIF under drought stress is crucial for improving the accuracy of drought stress monitoring.
Sustainable Digital Transformation for SMEs: A Comprehensive Framework for Informed Decision-Making
Authors: Martínez-Peláez Rafael , Escobar Marco A. , Félix Vanessa G. , Ostos Rodolfo , Parra-Michel Jorge , García Vicente , Ochoa-Brust Alberto , Velarde-Alvarado Pablo , Félix Ramón A. , Olivares-Bautista Sandra , Flores Víctor , Mena Luis J.
Published: May 2024

This study presents a sustainable digital transformation framework to integrate sustainable practices into digital transformation initiatives within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The methodology includes a literature review, a framework creation, and a case study with passive participation. The framework was structured to help industries implement responsible digitalization initiatives in five key stages: setting objectives, fostering stakeholder-focused engagement, defining sustainable objectives and dimensions, creating a sustainable model, and executing the project. Validating the proposal in the context of an SME allowed us to discern the tangible benefits of sustainability practices for the organization, further reinforcing the relevance and applicability of the framework. In conclusion, this research offers valuable information for SMEs considering starting a sustainable digitalization process.
Spatial Cumulative Assessment of Impact Risk-Implementing Ecosystem-Based Management for Enhanced Sustainability and Biodiversity in the Black Sea
Authors: Bisinicu Elena , Abaza Valeria , Boicenco Laura , Adrian Filimon , Harcota George-Emanuel , Marin Oana , Oros Andra , Pantea Elena , Spinu Alina , Timofte Florin , Tiganov George , Vlas Oana , Lazar Luminita
Published: May 2024

Marine ecosystems are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cumulative anthropogenic effects and pressures. Therefore, various methodological approaches and tools have been designed to apply cumulative impact appraisal schemes and better assess the dynamics and interactions among pressures affecting marine ecosystems. This study aims to apply the Spatial Cumulative Assessment of Impact Risk for Management (SCAIRM) tool for the Black Sea coastal waters considering human activities, pressures, and effects on different ecosystem components coupled with one management scenario development for actual and new emerging sectors. According to the SCAIRM, the primary pressure on the marine ecosystem was identified as introducing or spreading non-indigenous species from shipping. Additionally, when considering cumulative impact, activities related to coastal defense and flood protection, particularly beach nourishment works, were found to have the highest impact. This is due to the cumulative scores associated with the physical loss from permanent alteration or removal of seabed substrates, and temporary or reversible physical disturbances to the seabed. The scenario development indicated that after shipping, oil and gas exploitation is anticipated to become the second-highest risk sector for additional impact in the Romanian Black Sea. Additionally, the increased military activities related to the war in Ukraine present escalating risks that must be considered in EBM strategies. The results assess the possible effects of human activities and the associated pressures to direct management toward achieving sustainability, biodiversity protection, and the marine ecosystem’s integrity.
A Sustainable Water Resources Management Assessment Framework (SWRM-AF) for Arid and Semi-Arid Regions—Part 2: Refining the Conceptual Framework Using the Delphi Technique
Authors: Alsaeed Badir S. , Hunt Dexter V. L. , Sharifi Soroosh
Published: May 2024

In the first paper of this two-part series on the development of a sustainable water resources management assessment framework (SWRM-AF), a conceptual framework for arid and semi-arid regions was developed. The framework, rigorously selected through an extensive literature review, consisted of two main parts: components and indicators. This second paper of the series utilizes the Delphi technique as a participatory method to refine the conceptual framework, working toward a final version. This technique employs an iterative questionnaire through which 60 expert stakeholders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries were invited to assess 24 indicators across four components—social, economic, environmental, and infrastructure—and to assign their respective weights. However, while 40 accepted the invitation to be involved, only 33 participated in the first round. This paper identified that 97% of stakeholders in the first round were familiar with sustainability and its three pillars. The final result of the two rounds showed a preference for indicators within the social, economic, and infrastructure components to carry equal weights (i.e., four indicators within each of the three components were assigned 25% weighting each). In contrast, stakeholders identified that indicators within the environmental component should be assigned different weights. Therein, ‘Compliance of wastewater treatment plants with regulations’ and ‘Carbon dioxide emissions from desalination sector’ scored the highest and lowest weightings, accounting for 24.2% and 14.3% of the available weighting, respectively. The validation process resulted in a framework of 17 indicators. Thus, the refined and final version of SWRM-AF is presented and ready for implementation. The next stage of the research, which will keep the audience engaged, is to apply the newly developed SWRM-AF to an arid country and evaluate its effectiveness.
Consumer Knowledge and Preferences for Organic and Sustainably Certified Wines: Lessons from the DACH Region—Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Authors: Stockl Albert Franz , Moscovici Daniel , Tischler Stephanie , Eitle Markus Walter , Dolezal Claudia
Published: May 2024

The DACH geographic region comprises three countries in central Europe: Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This study seeks to both understand the motivations for purchasing organic and sustainably certified wines in this region and identifies which type of consumer should be targeted for the continued growth of this wine sector. Our methodology includes an online questionnaire resulting in a sample size of 4553 respondents, evenly broken down by country. Our analysis includes simple statistics and more advanced statistical analysis of the dataset. Our results indicate that there is a correlation between wine knowledge, environmental awareness, and the likelihood of buying eco-certified wines. We find that those who are self-proclaimed wine experts have a higher willingness to pay for organic or sustainable certified wines. These customers are generally middle aged, most often male, live in multi-person households, have pursued some level of higher education, and many are self-employed. We believe this study captures the growing trend of organic and sustainable wine certifications. It also identifies who is already convinced and who will need more marketing/education before they are ready to buy organic or sustainable wine.
Research on Sustainable Supplier Evaluation Index System in Architectural Design Industry
Authors: You Xiaoyue , Song Yuan
Published: May 2024

Sustainable development has been popularized and emphasized in many industries. Great attention has been paid to the sustainability performance of the whole supply chain, with evaluating suppliers’ sustainability being particularly critical. However, research on sustainable development in the consulting service industry remains to be discovered, and few academic studies have analyzed the supplier selection indices derived from this industry. This paper conducted a case study in a design institute using the Delphi method to investigate the concept and characteristics of sustainable suppliers. Keywords derived from surveys and literature were collected, sorted, and established into a comprehensive hierarchy index system for sustainability evaluation. Finally, based on the improved failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the failure risk of the indices was analyzed with weighted risk factors to obtain the high-risk key evaluation indices, which provided a simplified scheme for enterprises to streamline the evaluation process on sustainable suppliers. The results show the reliability of the improved FMEA model by differentiating the risk value and ranking. Suggestions for sustainable improvement are provided.
Harnessing Curtailed Wind-Generated Electricity via Electrical Water Heating Aggregation to Alleviate Energy Poverty: A Use Case in Ireland
Authors: Ahern Ciara , Oliver Ronan , Norton Brian
Published: May 2024

Ireland experiences high energy poverty rates alongside surplus wind energy resources. With 77% of Irish households equipped with electrical immersion heaters for domestic hot water (DHW) generation, this study proposes an Electrical Water Heating Aggregation (EWHA) scheme. The scheme allocates surplus wind-generated electricity to provide DHW to fuel-poor households, thereby alleviating energy poverty through harnessing curtailed wind energy. Through a developed wind-generated electricity allocation model and half-hourly data analysis for a weather year, this research assesses the feasibility and economic viability of the EWHA scheme, focusing on the householder as the primary benefactor from the scheme (as opposed to ancillary grid service provision). The results suggest an optimal aggregation size where maximum curtailment and carbon offset coincide with maximum benefits for participants. The findings indicate that fuel-poor households in Ireland could receive a full DHW tank every three weeks using surplus wind energy, harnessing 89% of overnight curtailed wind energy and offsetting 33 MkgCO2 annually. Moreover, the scheme could potentially save the Irish state approximately EUR 4 million by 2030, increasing to EUR 11 million by 2050, in carbon costs. Overall, this research demonstrates the potential of EWHA schemes to alleviate energy poverty, optimise wind energy utilisation, and contribute significantly to carbon emission reduction targets.
Upcycling Food Waste into Biomaterials Applicable to Medical Products
Authors: Mahabeer Genna , Jin Sha
Published: May 2024

Globally, an estimated 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted each year, according to a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. A variety of waste streams constantly generate large amounts of food waste that end up in landfills. As food waste is left to naturally decay in landfills, it emits greenhouse gases that pollute the environment and induce climate change. However, most types of food waste contain valuable components that can be extracted to manufacture industrial products. Therefore, instead of abandoning food waste to decay and harm the environment, there is an alternative to upcycle it as a new raw materials supply source. This review provides a comprehensive update on how environmental sustainability can be improved using diverse types of food waste as sources to generate biomaterials for fabricating medical products, including lignin, cellulose, chitosan, pectin, collagen, hydroxyapatite, and biodegradable polymers. The review also highlights biochemical technologies applied for extracting useful components from food waste and details the current advances for developing medical products, including wound dressings and nanoparticles for tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Carbon Footprint of Flour Production in Poland
Authors: Wróbel-Jędrzejewska Magdalena , Włodarczyk Ewelina , Przybysz Łukasz
Published: May 2024

The importance of carbon footprint (CF) analysis in the agricultural and food industries as a fundamental element of the means to achieve sustainable food production is emphasized here. In this study, flour production in Poland and the technological processes were characterized. This study’s aim was to determine and compare flour production CF for different companies. The production stages were examined, and aspects related to transportation and storage were analyzed. The obtained data made it possible to identify areas of potential improvement to increase the efficiency of production and logistics processes and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The results showed that flour production CFav ranges from 0.042 to 0.080 kg CO2eq/kg of product (in different companies). The results obtained for individual plants did not differ. One method of reducing CF was through the use of renewable energy sources. Photovoltaics (share of 17–20%) has significantly reduced flour production CF by 13–15%. The decrease was significant from March to October due to the country’s climatic conditions. The work highlights CF’s importance as a tool to reduce environmental impacts and optimize production costs while pointing out the need to customize the calculation methodology to the specifics of the product and process.
Improvement and Application of Hale’s Dynamic Time Warping Algorithm
Authors: Wang Hairong , Zheng Qiufang
Published: May 2024

Due to the different generation and propagation mechanisms of P- and S-waves, there may be significant differences in the seismic data collected by the two, which poses a great obstacle to the time domain matching of P- and S-waves in multiwave exploration. Furthermore, the quality and accuracy of the matching effect will directly affect the subsequent multiwave joint inversion and interpretation effect. Therefore, the study of P and S-wave-matching methods plays a crucial role in seismic exploration. In 2013, Hale improved the classical Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) algorithm applied to solve the problem of speech recognition, and obtained the DTW algorithm suitable for solving the matching of P-waves and S-waves. The seismic wave-matching results generated by this algorithm are horizontal discontinuous (different trajectories) and need further processing. This study analyses the algorithm based on simulations of seismic waves using Ricker wavelets. In response to existing problems, this paper proposes strategies to improve the DTW algorithm. The algorithm in this study significantly improved the continuity of the registration results of the actual seismic wave data in the horizontal direction (different traces).
Critical Information Mining Network: Identifying Crop Diseases in Noisy Environments
Authors: Shao Yi , Yang Wenzhong , Lu Zhifeng , Geng Haokun , Chen Danny
Published: May 2024

When agricultural experts explore the use of artificial intelligence technology to identify and detect crop diseases, they mainly focus on the research of a stable environment, but ignore the problem of noise in the process of image acquisition in real situations. To solve this problem, we propose an innovative solution called the Critical Information Mining Network (CIMNet). Compared with traditional models, CIMNet has higher recognition accuracy and wider application scenarios. The network has a good effect on crop disease recognition under noisy environments, and can effectively deal with the interference of noise to the recognition effect in actual farmland scenes. Consider that the shape of the leaves can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.First, we introduce the Non-Local Attention Module (Non-Local), which uses a unique self-attention mechanism to fully capture the context information of the image. The module overcomes the limitation of traditional convolutional neural networks that only rely on local features and ignore global features. Global features are particularly important when the image is disturbed by noise. Non-Local improves a more comprehensive visual understanding of crop disease recognition. Secondly, we have innovatively designed a Multi-scale Critical Information Fusion Module (MSCM). The module uses the Key Information Extraction Module (KIB) to dig into the shallow key features in the network deeply. The shallow key features strengthen the feature perception of the model to the noise image through texture and contour information, and then the shallow key features and deep features are fused to enrich the original deep feature information of the network. Finally, we conducted experiments on two public datasets, and the results showed that the accuracy of our model in crop disease identification under a noisy environment was significantly improved. At the same time, our model also showed excellent performance under stable conditions. The results of this study provide favorable support for the improvement of crop production efficiency.
Pulmonary Thromboembolism and Myocarditis Resulting from a Large Pacing-Lead-Associated Right Ventricular Thrombus in a Dog with Chronic Cough as Presenting Sign
Authors: Szatmári Viktor , Thomas Rachel
Published: May 2024

In the present case report, we describe the clinical course and postmortem findings of a 12-year-old Labrador retriever dog with a third-degree atrio-ventricular block that developed a chronic cough, and later dyspnea and weakness as a result of massive pulmonary thromboembolism 3 years after implantation of a transvenous permanent pacemaker. A large soft tissue mass was seen in the right ventricular chamber around the pacing lead with echocardiography. Initially, this was thought to be caused by mural bacterial endocarditis based on hyperthermia, severe leukocytosis and the appearance of runs of ventricular tachycardia, the latter suggesting myocardial damage. While blood culture results were pending, antibiotics were administered without a positive effect. Due to clinical deterioration, the owner elected for euthanasia and a post-mortem examination confirmed a right ventricular thrombus and surrounding myocarditis, without signs of bacterial infection, and a massive pulmonary thromboembolism. We conclude that pulmonary thromboembolism should be considered in dogs with a cough that have an endocardial pacing lead implanted. Serial screening for proteinuria before and after implantation of an endocardial pacing lead would allow timely initiation of prophylactic antiplatelet therapy. Local myocarditis can develop secondary to an intracavitary thrombus, which can subsequently lead to runs of ventricular tachycardia.
Investigation of Kinetic, Equilibrium, and Thermodynamic Modeling of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Adsorption in the Presence of Natural Organic Matter (NOM) by Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma-Modified Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
Authors: Sahara Thera , Wongsawaeng Doonyapong , Ngaosuwan Kanokwan , Kiatkittipong Worapon , Hosemann Peter , Assabumrungrat Suttichai
Published: May 2024

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) contamination in water sources poses significant environmental and health concerns. The kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic features of PFOA adsorption in the existence of natural organic matter (NOM) were thoroughly investigated in this work using granular activated carbon (GAC) modified by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma. The impacts of DBD plasma parameters on the adsorption process were systematically examined. The results demonstrated that GAC modified by DBD plasma exhibited enhanced adsorption performance for PFOA, even in the presence of NOM. The optimal condition for plasma-treated GAC was achieved with 20 min of plasma treatment time and 100 W of plasma power, resulting in 92% PFOA removal efficiency in deionized water (DIW) and 97% removal efficiency in Chao Phraya River water (CPRW). A kinetic investigation using the pseudo-first-order model (PFOM), the pseudo-second-order model (PSOM), and the Elovich model (EM) indicated that plasma treatment time and NOM presence influenced the adsorption capacity and rate constants of PFOA with the PSOM having emerged as the most fitting kinetic model. The Langmuir isotherm model indicates monolayer adsorption of PFOA on plasma-treated GAC, with higher maximum adsorption capacity while NOM is present. The Redlich–Peterson and Sips isotherm models indicated varying adsorption capacity and heterogeneity in the adsorption system. The Sips model was determined as the most fitting isotherm model. Furthermore, the favorable and spontaneous character of PFOA adsorption onto plasma-treated GAC was validated by thermodynamic analysis, with endothermic heat absorption during the process. Overall, this comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the adsorption characteristics of PFOA in the existence of NOM using GAC modified by DBD plasma.
Assessing the Effects of Environmental Flows on Water Quality for Urban Supply
Authors: Ghannem Syrine , Paredes-Arquiola Javier , Bergillos Rafael J. , Solera Abel , Andreu Joaquín
Published: May 2024

This paper analyses the effects of environmental flows on water quality within a highly regulated basin, focusing on the Turia River basin in the eastern Iberian Peninsula. Through water management and water quality models, a series of simulations were conducted, introducing variations in the outflows of the Loriguilla reservoir to evaluate the effects of different environmental flow scenarios on water quality, particularly at the location of the intake for the water supply to Valencia. Three environmental flow scenarios were analyzed, alongside an alternative management scenario, considering their implications on water quality and reliability of water demand. The findings of this paper, particularly the nitrate (NO3−) concentration evolution, highlight the influence of minimum e-flow and e-flow regimes on water quality within the basin. These results suggest that while modifying the current flow regime can lead to some improvements in nitrate concentrations at the Valencia supply intake point, the primary cause of high nitrate concentrations is attributed to irrigation return flow and the pre-existing contamination of the aquifer. This analysis offers valuable insights into the complexities of water quality management in regulated basins, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the diverse factors influencing water quality and demand supply reliability.
Enhanced Simultaneous Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal in a Continuous-Flow Granular Sludge System under Gradient-Controlled Hydraulic Loading
Authors: Zhao Yaguang , An Pengkun , Wan Junfeng , Zhang Xuehui
Published: May 2024

The feasibility of the aerobic granulation of activated sludge was investigated in a continuous-flow anaerobic–anoxic–oxic system under gradient-controlled hydraulic loading on the surface of a cyclone separator. Concentrated domestic sewage was used. After 80 days of operation, 80% of activated sludge in the system was in the form of granular sludge with an average particle size of 373 μm. High removal efficiency was achieved for chemical oxygen demand (94.40%), NH4+-N (99.93%), total nitrogen (89.44%), and total phosphorus (96.92%). A batch study revealed that Pseudomonas (1.34%) and Dechloromonas (1.05%) as the main denitrifying phosphorus-accumulating organisms could efficiently remove phosphorus using nitrate as an electron acceptor, which improved the utilization efficiency of carbon sources and achieved simultaneous denitrification and phosphorus removal. Overall, the study demonstrates the feasibility of enhanced denitrification and phosphorus removal in a continuous-flow granular sludge system. The sludge system enables simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal under low carbon-to-nitrogen ratios.
Un fragment inédit du Compte Général de Flandre de 1187, connu sous le nom de ‘Gros Brief’
Authors: Declercq Georges
Published: May 2024

L’article donne l’édition d’un fragment inconnu du plus ancien compte général du domaine des comtes de Flandre, connu sous le nom de ‘Gros Brief’ et daté de 1187. Découvert en 1990 aux Archives Départementales de Meurthe-et-Moselle à Nancy par Michel Parisse, ce fragment est resté inédit jusqu’à ce jour. Sur le recto on lit une partie du compte du lardier de Bruges, le verso contient le règlement du compte de l’épier de Dixmude et le texte presque complet du compte de la recette de Loker.
L’apparition du chirographe échevinal dans le nord de la France. Autour du plus ancien original tournaisien conservé (1218)
Authors: Brunner Thomas , Mineo Émilie , Nieus Jean-François , Verroken Bart
Published: May 2024

La réattribution à l’échevinage de la Cité de Tournai d’un chirographe émis entre décembre 1217 et avril 1218 (Lille, Archives départementales du Nord, J 362) jette un nouvel éclairage sur les premiers chirographes échevinaux dans cette ville, dont les fonds communaux ont brûlé en 1940 : cet acte est en effet le plus ancien original conservé et le premier en français de cette juridiction. Cette reconnaissance de dette pour l’achat de 80 muids de blé à deux bourgeois de Douai par Mathieu ii, seigneur d’Ère en Tournaisis, reflète le dynamisme du commerce régional de grains au début du XIIIe siècle. Mais son étude permet surtout d’aborder la question, mal étudiée, de l’apparition de cette forme documentaire propre aux villes du nord de la France et de la Belgique actuels. La chronologie des premiers chirographes tournaisiens fait ici l’objet d’une révision. Apparus en latin peu avant 1200, ces actes passent au français dès la seconde décennie du XIIIe siècle. Parmi les autres villes pionnières du chirographe, seule Saint-Omer a aussi connu une phase latine, attestée en 1209-1210. À Saint-Quentin et Arras, on ne conserve que des actes vernaculaires, à partir de 1218 et 1221. Même chose à Douai, où la dette de Mathieu d’Ère démontre que le genre était connu avant son adoption locale en 1224. Le chirographe échevinal est apparu dans une région dynamique, très urbanisée, en contact étroit avec l’Angleterre, mais également marquée par des conflits entre le roi et les comtes de Flandre qui ont pu susciter un besoin accru de garanties par l’écrit.
Processo executivo com aplicação do Lean Construction – estudo de caso em uma obra de condomínio residencial na cidade de Manaus/AM
Authors: Brito Thaiza da Silva , Pinheiro Érika Cristina Nogueira Marques , Santos Karoline Socorro da Fonseca
Published: May 2024

Os avanços da engenharia civil permitem a cada tempo, a mudança na forma de agir, pensar e executar as obras para a sociedade. Desde os primeiros processos construtivos até os atuais, pesquisadores e profissionais da área buscam sistemas que potencializem a eficácia de modelos tradicionais e propõem novos conceitos resolutivos. Nessa perspectiva, a filosofia Lean Construction (construção enxuta), trata de uma ferramenta que eleva a qualidade, eficiência, produtividade e inovação nas etapas de cada obra, além de trazer às empresas um patamar competitivo, com técnicas de desenvolvendo pessoal, lideranças e sistema de gestão. Este artigo, portanto, através de um estudo de caso visa demonstrar a aplicação do Lean Construction no gerenciamento da obra de um condomínio residencial de Manaus/AM, com evidência no ambiente de canteiro de obra. Foi observado que a ferramenta atendeu ao processo construtivo executado, minimizou riscos e permitiu o controle do desempenho dos serviços desde projeto até a etapa final.
Exploratory studies on the use of peanut shell biochar as a promising adsorbent for ivermectin removal from aqueous solutions: impact of biomass treatment, pyrolisis temperature and duration
Authors: Ramalho Junior Ralf Ricardo , Lisboa Fábio da Silva , Andrade Sandro José de
Published: May 2024

The contamination of environmental matrices by chemical compounds poses a significant challenge for humanity, demanding focused attention from researchers and governments. Within aquatic environments, the emerging contaminants with potential ecotoxicological effects, even at low concentrations, have earned global interest among researchers. The persistence of these contaminants is exacerbated by specific physicochemical characteristics, hindering their natural degradation and removal through conventional water treatment methods. Biochar, a carbonaceous material produced through biomass pyrolysis at high temperatures, exhibits properties that effectively remove emerging contaminants from water. In this study, we investigated the impact of acidic biomass treatment on the removal efficiency of ivermectin from aqueous solutions. The materials were derived from untreated biomass, as well as basic and acidic-treated peanut shell (PS), subjected to pyrolysis at temperatures of 300, 400, 500, and 600 °C for 2, 3, and 4 hours. Characterization was conducted using TGA, ATR-FT-IR, SEM-EDS, and XRD. Quantification of ivermectin removal was performed using HPLC-DAD. The results showed that the removal was enhanced by temperature and time of pyrolysis, while the chemical treatments had different effects. The most effective removal tendency was observed with acidic biochar calcinated at 600 °C, demonstrating an average removal yield of 84.70%.
Transformación urbana y vivienda en Cuautlancingo: análisis del desarrollo metropolitano (1994-2020)
Authors: George Israel Deolarte
Published: May 2024

Este estudio investiga el impacto de la metropolización en Cuautlancingo, analizando cómo la expansión urbana y las políticas de desarrollo han alterado la estructura de los hogares y la prevalencia de viviendas deshabitadas. Mediante análisis cuantitativo y un modelo de regresión con datos del INEGI, se identifican variables como población total, número de viviendas por manzana, y distancia del centro urbano. Los hallazgos muestran una transformación significativa en la tipología de los hogares, con un incremento en los hogares pequeños y liderados por mujeres. Sin embargo, aproximadamente el 20% de las viviendas permanecen deshabitadas, indicando deficiencias en la planificación y adaptación del mercado inmobiliario. Se propone fortalecer las políticas de planificación urbana y revisar las estrategias de desarrollo inmobiliario para alinear mejor la oferta de vivienda con las necesidades de los residentes y reducir la incidencia de viviendas vacías.
Nostalgic Marketing: Soviet Period Precedent Texts in Post-Soviet Advertising
Authors:   Dostoevsky Omsk State University, Terskikh M. V.
Published: May 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of precedent texts of the Soviet period used in modern Russian-language advertising messages. Despite the high interest of researchers in the problem of intertext interaction, the study of precedent phenomena updated in advertising remains relevant due to the high dynamism of the advertising industry. The author offers a typology of polycode precedent signs of Soviet culture used in post-Soviet advertising, and also considers the reasons for the increased interest of copywriters in Soviet precedent texts. The following are highlighted as visual precedent identifiers of Soviet discourse broadcast in advertising: font, color, graphics and design, symbols related to the culture and history of the Soviet Union. Verbal precedent texts of the Soviet period are presented by quotes from the poetry of V. Mayakovsky, Soviet books, films and cartoons, songs, slogans of Soviet advertising, phrase schemes of agitation posters, etc. The reasons for the use of Soviet precedent phenomena are determined by the game nature of the impact, appeal to traditions, quality, positive emotions, memory, etc. Thus, as the basic functions of precedent phenomena of the Soviet period in modern advertising, according to the author, one can single out attractive and persuasive functions. All proposed typologies are supported by examples. The article pays special attention to the consideration of product categories, when promoting which appeal to Soviet precedents is the most frequent: naming and strategy for positioning banks and financial services, discourse of club events. The material for the study was the texts of Russian commercial advertising (in total, morethan 100 texts of different formats and genres were considered). The basic method was intertextual analysis, as well as descriptive-analytical, communicative-pragmatic and other methods.
Is it easy to submit documents on time?
Authors:   Lomonosov  Moscow  State  University, Kukushkina O. V. , Galaktionova I. V. ,   Lomonosov  Moscow  State  University
Published: May 2024

The article discusses the causes of disputes arising in the interpretation of the meaning of the verb predstavit’ ‘to submit’ and proposes their solution. This problem is considered on the real expert material concerning the combination predstavit’ dokumenty‘to submit documents’. This material shows that the combination of the verb predstavit’‘to submit’ with an indication of the time and mode of action leads to communicative failure, that is, it creates ambiguity and a conflictogenic situation. According to the authors of the article, the ability of native speakers to see ambiguity and avoid it is a necessary part of their stylistic thinking. Therefore, discussion of its reasons and ways of its elimination is an integral part of stylistics. In order to solve the questions arising from this combination, a semantic analysis of verbs that can be used to describe the situation of predstavleniye dokumentov‘submission of documents’ is carried out. The differences in their semantics are revealed by describing the structure of this situation itself, i.e. by applying an action approach —from the type of situation to the peculiarities of the means denoting it.
Determination of the Degree of Severity and Frequency of Speech Disorders Related to 4–7-Year-Old Patients with Infantile Autism
Authors: Докукина Т.В. , Гребень С.А.
Published: May 2024

Исследован речевой симптомокомплекс в группах детей 4–7 лет – здоровых детей (189 человек) и пациентов с детским аутизмом (259 человек) – с помощью стандартизированного диагностического метода «Оценка речевых нарушений у детей 4–7 лет с аутизмом». С помощью метода была оценена выраженность речевого симптомокомплекса в обеих группах с балльной оценкой результатов. Статистический анализ проводился с использованием χ2-критерия Пирсона (χ2=312,64; p=0,00000), и на основании его результатов: в группе здоровых детей в 100% случаев (189 детей) была установлена речевая норма; в группе детей с детским аутизмом определены пациенты со всеми тремя степенями тяжести речевых нарушений, при этом частота встречаемости речевого дефекта умеренной степени выраженности оказалась достоверно выше (71,04% – 184 человека), чем частота дефекта слабой степени (15,44% – 40 человек) и сильной степени (13,51% – 35 человек).

The speech symptom-complex in groups of 4–7-year-old children was studied using the standardized diagnostic method "Speech disorder evaluation of 4–7-year-old children with autism": healthy children (189 persons) and children with infantile autism (259 persons). The method was used to assess the severity of the speech symptom-complex in both groups scoring the results. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s chi-squared criterion (χ2=312.64; p=0.00000). According to the results, speech norm was identified in 100% of cases (189 children) in the group of healthy children; patients with all three degrees of severity of speech disorders were diagnosed in the group of children with infantile autism. At the same time, the frequency of speech defect of moderate severity was significantly higher (71.04% – 184 persons) than weak one (15.44% – 40 persons) and strong one (13.51% – 35 persons).
The Role of Oral Forms of Collagen in Cosmetology Practice
Authors: Шилова А.А. , Левончук Е.А. , Панкратов О.В.
Published: May 2024

Коллаген – основной структурный компонент дермы. Основное вещество соединительной ткани представлено во всех органах в виде стромы, перемычек между тканями, волокнах дермы. Заболевание, при котором наблюдается дефицит коллагена с правильной пространственной организацией волокон и/или избыток дефектного фрагментированного коллагена, называется дисплазией соединительной ткани. Основными клиническими признаками недифференцированной дисплазии соединительной ткани у пациентов косметологического профиля являются ранние инволюционные изменения кожи, положительная щипковая проба и кожная гиперрастяжимость. Высокая распространенность таких пациентов в практике косметологов и дерматологов привела к созданию скрининговой анкеты по выявлению и протоколов коррекции недифференцированной дисплазии соединительной ткани. При наличии признаков недифференцированной дисплазии соединительной ткани у пациента следует минимизировать агрессивность процедур, назначить аминокислотную заместительную терапию и препараты пищевого коллагена в качестве дополнительной поддержки синтеза коллагена.

Collagen is the main structural component of the dermis. The main substance of connective tissue is represented in all organs in the form of stroma, bridges between tissues, and fibers of the dermis. A disease in which there is a deficiency of collagen with the correct spatial organization of fibers and/or an excess of defective fragmented collagen is called connective tissue dysplasia. The main clinical signs of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia in cosmetology patients are early involutional skin changes, a positive pinch test and skin hyperextension. The high prevalence of such patients in the practice of cosmetologists and dermatologists has led to the creation of a screening questionnaire for the identification and correction protocols of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia. If there are signs of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia in the patient, the aggressiveness of the procedures should be minimized, amino acid replacement therapy and dietary collagen preparations should be prescribed as additional support for collagen synthesis.