bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Effects of China’s Carbon Market on Carbon Emissions—Evidence from a Regression Control Method
Authors: Liu Feng , Fu Yu , Wang Weiguo
Published: December 2023

Carbon trading markets are crucial policy instruments in carbon emission reduction and carbon neutrality. Yet, China’s pilot programs encounter diverse operational modes and environmental factors that might impact their effectiveness. This study uses panel data from 30 provinces (2000–2019) in China and the regression control method to evaluate and analyze the heterogeneous effects of carbon trading pilots (CTPs) on emission reduction. Results reveal three types of CTP effects which are as follows: reducing both total carbon emissions (TCEs) and carbon intensity (CI) as noticed in Shanghai; decreasing CI while increasing TCE as seen in Beijing, Tianjin, Guangdong, and Hubei; and raising both TCE and CI as observed in Chongqing and Fujian. Significantly, market mechanisms in carbon pricing and state intervention, including of state-owned enterprises, play notable roles in these effects. Furthermore, CTP policies display both intensity reduction and energy rebound effects; the direction of carbon emission reduction relies on the balance between these effects. The findings offer empirical support to enhance carbon market effectiveness and provide valuable insights for regions in China and globally in order to tailor policies based on their specific conditions.
Detection of Black and Odorous Water in Gaofen-2 Remote Sensing Images Using the Modified DeepLabv3+ Model
Authors: Huang Jianjun , Xu Jindong , Yan Weiqing , Wu Peng , Xing Haihua
Published: December 2023

The detection of black and odorous water using remote sensing technology has become an effective method. The high-resolution remote sensing images can extract target features better than low-resolution images. However, the high-resolution images often introduce complex background details and intricate textures, which often have problems with accurate feature extraction. In this paper, based on remote sensing images acquired by the Gaofen-2 satellite, we proposed a Modified DeepLabv3+ model to detect black and odorous water. To reduce the complexity of the encoder part of the model, Modified Deeplabv3+ incorporates a lightweight MobileNetV2 network. A convolutional attention module was introduced to improve the focus on the features of black and odorous water. Then, a fuzzy block was crafted to reduce the uncertainty of the raw data. Additionally, a new loss function was formulated to solve the problem of category imbalance. A series of experiments were conducted on both remote sensing images for the black and odorous water detection (RSBD) dataset and the water pollution dataset, demonstrating that the Modified DeepLabv3+ model outperforms other commonly used semantic segmentation networks. It effectively captures detailed information and reduces image segmentation errors. In addition, in order to better identify black and odorous water and enrich the spectral information of the image, we have generated derived bands using the black and odorous water index. These derived bands were fused together with the original image to construct the RSBD-II dataset. The experimental results show that adding a black and odorous water feature index can achieve a better detection effect.
Bottom-Up Initiatives for Sustainable Mountain Development in Italy: An Interregional Explorative Survey
Authors: Polin Veronica , Cavalli Laura , Spinazzola Matteo
Published: December 2023

In recent years, citizen-led initiatives have emerged to complement top-down development policies, particularly to pursue sustainability objectives and benefit traditionally left-behind communities and places. Existing research on this phenomenon in Italian mountain areas suggests a primary emphasis on revitalizing the natural environment, preserving local culture and traditions, and delivering social services to address the absence of public facilities. However, there is still a lack of understanding regarding their profiles, key features, social and environmental impacts, and challenges at the national level. As part of a broader research project, this empirical work contributes to the literature on bottom-up sustainability-oriented initiatives in mountain regions by conducting an explorative interregional online survey. We gathered original data on 196 initiatives from the mountain areas of the Italian regions of Basilicata, Lombardia, Marche, Sicilia, and Veneto. The findings indicate that our sample shares common traits, visions, and values, making a positive contribution to the sustainable development of their respective territories. However, these initiatives must contend with internal and external challenges to enhance their resilience and impact. Importantly, the research may support policymakers at various levels in the design of public policies that harness the full potential of bottom-up initiatives, ultimately enhancing the development and sustainability of these lands.
The Impact of Entrepreneurship and Education on the Ecological Footprint: Insights from the G-20 States
Authors: Karabetyan Lina , Sart Gamze
Published: December 2023

Environmental impairment has become a critical global issue. Therefore, identifying the drivers of environmental degradation is essential for addressing environmental challenges worldwide. This research article employs the Westerlund and Edgerton (2007) bootstrap cointegration test and the causality test of Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis (2021) to examine the interplay among entrepreneurial activities, education, renewable energy utilization, and ecological footprint in selected G-20 countries during 2002–2020. The causality analysis reveals a unidirectional causal relationship between entrepreneurial activities and education to ecological footprint, along with a feedback loop between ecological footprint and renewable energy utilization. Additionally, the cointegration analysis indicates that education, renewable energy utilization, and entrepreneurial activities generally reduce the ecological footprint in the long term for most of the countries studied. In conclusion, entrepreneurship, education, and renewable energy usage are significant factors in determining the ecological footprint in both short- and long-term scenarios. Hence, countries could leverage education, sustainable entrepreneurship, and renewable energy to enhance environmental quality.
An Adaptive Sequential Decision-Making Approach for Perishable Food Procurement, Storage and Distribution Using Hyperconnected Logistics
Authors: Patel Meet , Venkatadri Uday , Diallo Claver , Habib Ahsan , Malekahmadi Amirsalar
Published: December 2023

The fast-food industry currently relies on frozen ingredients to reduce the cost of procurement of raw materials. In recent years, consumers have started to curb their habit of eating out from fast-food chain restaurants due to the growing concerns for unhealthy menu choices made primarily from highly processed and/or frozen food ingredients. To address these issues, some organizations in the fast-food industry have started to offer menus with fresh unfrozen ingredients sourced locally or regionally. This paper addresses the problem of integrating sourcing, storage, and distribution strategies for a fast-food restaurant chain at the regional level. We present an adaptive sequential optimization decision-making approach for procurement, storage, and distribution of perishable food products to multi-unit restaurants at the regional level. This solution approach uses shelf-life considerations in developing a procurement and distribution strategy for fresh produce in the era of hyperconnected logistics. Three models are developed using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP). First, a procurement model is developed to find the cost-effective supplier for each produce category based on shelf life. Then, a distribution model is developed to find the cost-optimal solution for distributing produce to multiple restaurant locations considering weight, volume, and operation hours. Finally, an integrated model is developed to optimally combine procurement and distribution options generated by the first two models to minimize costs while respecting total shelf-life constraints. Numerical experiments based on realistic data are carried out to show that the proposed sequential approach yields valid decisions and presents the effects of price, shelf-life, and demand changes on the supply chain.
The Use of Social Media Platforms for Competitive Information and Knowledge Sharing and Its Effect on SMEs’ Profitability and Growth through Innovation
Authors: Ghazwani Sarah Salem , Alzahrani Saeed
Published: December 2023

Traditionally, corporations obtain competitive information via marketing reports, trade journals, newspapers, and competitors’ websites. That information was secondary and limited. With the widespread usage of Web 2.0 technologies, social media platforms (SMPs) are used by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to search for information about their customers, competitors, and markets. SMEs are the engine of economic growth and effective solution to poverty and unemployment. There is also a growing use of SMPs to facilitate knowledge sharing, which leads to developing new ideas and sharing new knowledge, boosting creativity and efficiency, and assisting in achieving goals. This study aims to examine the effect of those uses of SMPs on Saudi SMEs’ performance growth and profitability through innovation. To evaluate 220 valid online questionnaire responses, we used SmartPLS 4 through a PLS-based structural equation model. The results show the positive direct effect of using SMPs for customer information and knowledge sharing on SME innovation in emerging economies and the indirect effect of those uses on SME performance growth and profitability. As a result, Saudi SME decision makers are advised to improve their effectiveness in using SMPs to acquire customer information and use it for knowledge sharing because those uses will positively influence innovation and increase SME growth and profitability.
Ultrasound Application in Potato Cultivation: Potential for Enhanced Yield and Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Pszczółkowski Piotr , Sawicka Barbara
Published: December 2023

Ultrasounds, characterized by high-frequency air vibrations exceeding 20 kHz, have traditionally found applications in medicine and the food industry, primarily for analyzing chemical composition and food product structure. They also have potential uses in agriculture, particularly in potato cultivation. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the potential to increase yields of selected potato varieties through the use of ultrasound in agricultural practices. The research findings were derived from a field experiment conducted on Luvisols between 2015 and 2017 in central-eastern Poland. The field experience was designed using a randomized complete-block split-plot layout with three replications. The primary factor included eight potato cultivars representing various maturity groups. The second-order factors included two cultivation management practices: (A) ultrasound application as a pre-plant treatment, and (B) a control group without ultrasound application (sonication). The study assessed potato tuber yield and its structural characteristics. Results: Tuber yield was influenced by the chosen cultivation practices, as well as the variations in responses among potato cultivars to environmental factors and pre-plant treatments. Conclusion: The research findings suggest that the use of ultrasounds in agricultural practices holds promise as a valuable tool for promoting sustainable agriculture, increasing potato cultivation productivity, and fostering environmentally friendly production methods.
Towards a Resilient Organization: Lessons Learned from the Oil and Gas Sector in Qatar
Authors: Al Mohannadi Issa M. , Naji Khalid Kamal , Abdella Galal M. , Nabeel Hamad , Hamouda Abdel Magid
Published: December 2023

Organizational resilience indicates the capacity of an organization or a system to return to its steady condition, or exceed it, after going through a disruptive event that disrupts its steady condition. Qatar’s oil and gas sector has shown remarkable resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its preparedness and readiness to deal with such a disruption. As a lesson learned from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, local governmental institutions need to support national preparedness and resilience to handle emergencies and unpredictable crises by learning from the successful model of Qatar’s oil and gas sector. This study presents the key Resilience Engineering Indicators (REIs) that make this sector resilient and validates the six Resilience Engineering indexes or dimensions adopted, which include top management commitment, speaking up culture, learning, awareness, being prepared, and flexibility. The study evaluated the performance of these REIs using a 5-point Likert Scale survey questionnaire based on the relevance to resilience dimensions. The results show ten REIs contributing to the organization’s resilience and the top four most important Resilience Dimensions (RDs). Moreover, this is the first study to evaluate and assess the organizational resilience level in Qatar’s oil and gas sector. This study’s results can be integrated into different organizations’ strategies to improve the efforts to enhance the national response to disturbances in governance.
Computational Thinking with Scratch: A Tool to Work on Geometry in the Fifth Grade of Primary Education
Authors: Molina-Ayuso Álvaro , Adamuz-Povedano Natividad , Bracho-López Rafael , Torralbo-Rodríguez Manuel
Published: December 2023

To achieve the Fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of providing quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all 21st-century students, today it is essential to develop Computational Thinking skills. This article analyses the results obtained in an empirical experience in which Computational Thinking is used with Scratch educational software to address Geometry content in Primary Education. In many cases, this content is repetitive and has little practical application; therefore, using this resource as a learning tool allows us to propose a more dynamic, motivating, and effective approach for students. The experiment was carried out with a total of 66 students in the fifth year of Primary Education from 3 different schools using a non-equivalent control group design with substitute pre-test measures. In order to be able to carry out this work, the teachers involved first received initial training. Subsequently, the students carried out generic activities to familiarise themselves with the educational software and, finally, specific geometry activities. The results obtained show a more positive learning process among those students who worked with Scratch, highlighting the motivating and evidently practical aspect of this resource. These results serve to promote an approach to the teaching of Geometry in elementary education that goes beyond traditional boundaries, embracing student centricity and Computational Thinking as cornerstones. Additionally, the emphasis on Computational Thinking becomes a clarion call for educators to embrace innovative pedagogies that resonate with the evolving needs of 21st-century learners, and it should be considered an important element with a significant role in the Mathematics curriculum framework.
Spatiotemporal Variability in Rainfall Erosivity and Its Teleconnection with Atmospheric Circulation Indices in China
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Dong Manyu , Liu Qian , Chen Zhihua , Wang Yulian
Published: December 2023

Rainfall erosivity (RE) is a critical factor influencing soil erosion, and soil erosion is closely related to land ecosystem health and long-term sustainable utilization. To ensure regional stable food supply and ecological balance, it is crucial to study the spatiotemporal distribution and influencing factors of RE. This study focuses on China and its three natural regions using daily precipitation data from 611 stations from 1960 to 2020. The study analyses the spatiotemporal changes in RE. Rainfall events were classified as moderate, large, and heavy based on rainfall intensity. The RE contribution from different rainfall levels to the total RE was analyzed, and the key climatic drivers closely linked to RE were identified using random forest. The results demonstrate that (1) on a national scale, RE shows a significant increasing trend, marked by an 81.67 MJ·mm·ha−1·h−1/decade. In the subregions, the Eastern Monsoon Region (EMR) and Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Region (QTR) show a significant increasing trend, with a greater change rate in EMR of 108.54 MJ·mm·ha−1·h−1/decade, and the Northwest Arid Region (NAR) shows a nonsignificant upwards trend. (2) The average RE increases northwest–southeast nationwide, ranging from 60.15 MJ·mm·ha−1·h−1 to 31,418.52 MJ·mm·ha−1·h−1. The RE contribution generated by different rainfall levels to the total RE exhibits spatial variations. The dominant types show that EMR is influenced by heavy RE, NAR is dominated by large RE, and QTR is affected by moderate RE. (3) The REs are associated with teleconnection indices, but the impact of these indices varies in different regions. The Western Hemisphere Warm Pool has the greatest impact on the EMR, while the North Atlantic Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation are the factors influencing RE in NAR and QTR, respectively. (4) On a national scale, for every 1 mm increase in annual total rainfall, the RE increased by 8.54 MJ·mm·ha−1·h−1, a sensitivity of 8.54 MJ·mm·ha−1·h−1/mm. For the three subregions, there are differences in the sensitivity of RE to changes in annual precipitation. The highest sensitivity is found in EMR, at 8.71 MJ·mm·ha−1·h−1/mm, which is greater than the sensitivity indices in NAR (6.19 MJ·mm·ha−1·h−1/mm) and QTR (3.60 MJ·mm·ha−1·h−1/mm). This study can provide theoretical references for future regional soil erosion prediction and sustainable agricultural development in China.
Innovative Imaging and Analysis Techniques for Quantifying Spalling Repair Materials in Concrete Pavements
Authors: Cho Junhwi , Kang Julian , Song Yooseob , Lee Seungjoo , Yeon Jaeheum
Published: December 2023

Traditional spalling repair on concrete pavement roads is labor-intensive. It involves traffic blockages and the manual calculation of repair areas, leading to time-consuming processes with potential discrepancies. This study used a line scan camera to photograph road surface conditions to analyze spalling without causing traffic blockage in an indoor setting. By using deep learning algorithms, specifically a region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN) in the form of the Mask R-CNN algorithm, the system detects spalling and calculates its area. The program processes data based on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) spalling repair standards. Accuracy was assessed using root mean square error (RMSE) and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) via comparisons with actual field calculations. The RMSE values were 0.0137 and 0.0167 for the minimum and maximum repair areas, respectively, showing high accuracy. The PCC values were 0.987 and 0.992, indicating a strong correlation between the actual and calculated repair areas, confirming the high calculation accuracy of the method.
Synthesis of Axially Chiral Boron Compounds
Authors: Faisca Phillips Ana Maria , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: December 2023

Boron-doped organic compounds display unique properties as a result of the presence of an empty p orbital on boron and the ability to switch between a trigonal planar and a tetrahedral geometry. In recent years, they have found several applications not only as synthetic reagents, e.g., in the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction, but also as pharmaceuticals and as specialized materials due to their optical and electronic properties. Some boron compounds may exist as atropisomers, and these rotamers may have different properties according to their sense of rotation. Synthetic strategies to separate them and, more recently, to obtain them in an asymmetric manner are becoming popular. In this review, we survey the literature on this emerging field of research.
Spectral Analysis of Anomalous Capacitance Measurements in Interleaving Structures: Study of Frequency Distribution in Photomultipliers
Authors: Milián-Sánchez Víctor , Iglesias-Martínez Miguel E. , Carmenate Jose Guerra , Castro-Palacio Juan Carlos , Outeiriño Eduardo Balvis , Fernández de Córdoba Pedro , Muñoz-Pérez Francisco Misael , Monsoriu Juan Antonio , Sahu Sarira
Published: December 2023

This study presents experimental results on capacitance fluctuations in several devices located within an interleaving structure. Specifically, it examines the behavior of the capacitance between the anode and cathode of a photomultiplier, comparing it with the characteristics of the ultra-stable capacitor analyzed in via measurements inside and outside a modified Faraday cage. The results cover spectral and correlation analyses both inside and outside the box, confirming differences in the spectrum using the periodograms. In particular, the confidence intervals for the mean capacitance values show significant changes between the two scenarios, from the inside to the outside of the enclosure. In the case of the ultra-stable capacitor, there is an increase from 0.004 to 0.008 nF. On the other hand, a symmetry analysis is conducted for all measurements taken both outside and inside the modified Faraday cage. It is observed that in all cases, there is clear non-symmetric behavior in the data.
The Power of Big Data: The Impact of Urban Digital Transformation on Green Total Factor Productivity
Authors: Xiao Junfu , Tan Zhixiong , Han Jingwei
Published: December 2023

Focusing on the construction of the National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone (NBDCPZ), we adopted the difference-in-differences model to examine the impact of big data on green total factor productivity (GTFP), using data from 276 cities in China for the period of 2012 to 2019. We also conducted mediating effects and moderating effects tests to explore whether a factor exists through which, or relying on it, big data influences the GTFP. The result of the baseline regression showed that the construction of the NBDCPZ significantly increased GTFP. After a series of robustness tests, this conclusion remains valid. In addition, we examined the mediating effects of industrial structure and green innovation and found that the construction of the NBDCPZ increased the level of GTFP, mainly by promoting industrial structure upgrading and green innovation activities. We identified the moderating effects of different types of environmental regulation on the relationship between urban digital transformation and GTFP and found that market incentive environmental regulation (MIER) has a significant positive moderating effect on big data increasing GTFP. Conversely, the moderating effects of command and control environmental regulation (CCER) and social participation environmental regulation (SPER) were found to be insignificant. These findings suggest that urban digital transformation, through its contribution to increasing GTFP, is an important pathway to high-quality development.
Quality of Life in Female Patients with Overactive Bladder after Botulinum Toxin Treatment
Authors: Licow-Kamińska Agnieszka A. , Ciećwież Sylwester M. , Ptak Magdalena , Kotlęga Dariusz , Brodowska Agnieszka
Published: December 2023

Background: Manifestations of OAB can considerably diminish the quality of life. Botulinum toxin has emerged as a valuable treatment option in diseases whose symptoms cannot be controlled adequately with other available therapies. The aim of the present study was to compare the subjective quality of life of patients with OAB before the injection of botulinum toxin and three and six months after the intervention. Methods: This study was based on a diagnostic survey with three validated questionnaires, ICIQ-OAB, ICIQ-OABqol, and ICIQ-LUTSqol, and an additional questionnaire developed by the authors to collect sociodemographic characteristics and selected medical data. Results: This study demonstrated significant differences between pre-treatment scores and those at three and six months post injection. At three and six months after the intervention, mean scores for all three instruments (ICIQ-OAB, ICIQ-OABqol, ICIQ-LUTSqol) were significantly lower than the respective pre-treatment values, implying a significant attenuation of OAB symptoms and their lower impact on the quality of life. However, the severity of OAB symptoms and their impact on the quality of life at six months post intervention were significantly higher than at three months, except for the social interaction domain. Conclusions: Botulinum toxin is an effective treatment for OAB.
Mass Distribution and Maximum Mass of Neutron Stars: Effects of Orbital Inclination Angle
Authors: Rocha Lívia S. , Horvath Jorge E. , de Sá Lucas M. , Chinen Gustavo Y. , Barão Lucas G. , de Avellar Marcio G. B.
Published: December 2023

Matter at ultra-high densities finds a physical realization inside neutron stars. One key property is their maximum mass, which has far-reaching implications for astrophysics and the equation of state of ultra dense matter. In this work, we employ Bayesian analysis to scrutinize the mass distribution and maximum mass threshold of galactic neutron stars. We compare two distinct models to assess the impact of assuming a uniform distribution for the most important quantity, the cosine of orbital inclination angles (i), which has been a common practice in previous analyses. This prevailing assumption yields a maximum mass of 2.25 M⊙ (2.15–3.32 M⊙ within 90% confidence), with a strong peak around the maximum value. However, in the second model, which indirectly includes observational constraints of i, the analysis supports a mass limit of 2.56−0.58+0.87M⊙ (2σ uncertainty), a result that points in the same direction as some recent results gathered from gravitational wave observations, although their statistics are still limited. This work stresses the importance of an accurate treatment of orbital inclination angles, and contributes to the ongoing debate about the maximum neutron star mass, further emphasizing the critical role of uncertainties in the individual neutron star mass determinations.
Prevention and Control of Swine Enteric Coronaviruses in China: A Review of Vaccine Development and Application
Authors: Kong Fanzhi , Jia Huilin , Xiao Qi , Fang Liurong , Wang Qiuhong
Published: December 2023

Swine enteric coronaviruses (SECs) cause significant economic losses to the pig industry in China. Although many commercialized vaccines against transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) are available, viruses are still widespread. The recent emergence of porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) and swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), for which no vaccines are available, increases the disease burden. In this review, we first introduced the genomic organization and epidemiology of SECs in China. Then, we discussed the current vaccine development and application in China, aiming to provide suggestions for better prevention and control of SECs in China and other countries.
Dynamics of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG Responses and Their Protective Effect against Fatal Disease after Booster COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Speletas Matthaios , Voulgaridi Ioanna , Bogogiannidou Zacharoula , Sarrou Styliani , Kyritsi Maria A. , Theodoridou Aikaterini , Dadouli Katerina , Matziri Alexia , Vontas Alexandros , Pappa Dimitra , Konstantinou Adamos-Konstantinos , Tsigalou Christina , Kalala Fani , Mouchtouri Varvara A. , Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Published: December 2023

During the post-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) era, a primary question is whether booster vaccination is effective against severe COVID-19 and should be recommended, particularly to individuals at high risk for severe disease (i.e., the elderly or those with additional severe comorbidities). From December 2020 to February 2023, a cohort study was conducted to estimate IgG and IgA immunogenicity and the dynamics of booster mono- and bivalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in 260 individuals (male/female: 114/146, median age: 68 years, interquartile range (IQR) = 31) who initially received either mRNA (218) or adenovirus-vector-based vaccines (42). Participants were followed until the 90th day after the third booster dose. Our cohort study indicated a beneficial effect of booster vaccination on the magnitude of IgG and IgA severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies. We found that second and third booster doses were more protective than one against fatal disease (p = 0.031, OR 0.08). In conclusion, booster COVID-19 vaccination should be strongly recommended, especially to individuals at high risk for severe/fatal disease.
Peering into a Simplified Digestor for Households: Performance, Cost and Carbon-Neutral Niche
Authors: He Xiaoqin , Nasiruddin Sayed Mohammad , Zhou Xiaoqin , Li Zifu , Mang Heinz-Peter , Ryndin Roman , Kabir Humayun , Uddin Sayed Mohammad Nazim
Published: December 2023

In this study, a black-shading cylindrical water tank made of high-density polyethylene was locally manufactured as a household digestor for treating cow manure in Bangladesh. Effluent slurry instead of water was reused for manure dilution under manure-to-slurry ratios of 1:2 and 1:1, to assess this small prototype’s production efficiency and feasibility. The specific biogas production at both ratios matched well, by 0.12 m3/kg VS and 0.14 m3/kg VS, respectively, while the former slurry dilution operation outperformed in daily and accumulative biogas production by 16% and 57%, correspondingly, referring to 0.49 Nm3/d on average and 8.55 Nm3 in total, potentially meeting a 2 h household cooking energy requirement. From a nationwide viewpoint, slurry dilution was proven to be a great initiative to conserve water amounting to 50,286,751 m3 for 114,810 households of 6 person-equivalents annually, while cutting chemical costs by USD 32,720,684/yr and trimming annual greenhouse gas emission by 1.8 million tons of CO2e. This study revealed that a small prototype digestor could be an alternative energy source for cost-effective and eco-friendly household applications.
Seasonal and Size-Related Fish Microhabitat Use Upstream and Downstream from Small Hydropower Plants
Authors: Santos José M. , Leite Renan , Costa Maria J. , Godinho Francisco , Portela Maria M. , Pinheiro António N. , Boavida Isabel
Published: December 2023

Hydropower can have significant impacts on riverine ecosystems due to hydropeaking (i.e., artificial rapid and short-term fluctuations in water flow and water levels downstream and upstream of hydropower stations) that negatively affect downstream fish. However, when it comes to analyzing species habitat use and availability above and below small hydropower plants (SHPPs), studies conducted at the microhabitat scale are scarcer, particularly in Mediterranean rivers. The goal of this study is to assess the seasonal (early and late summer) and size-related (juveniles and adults) microhabitat use by native fish above and below SHPPs. Fish were sampled by a modified point electrofishing procedure, and a multivariate approach was used to analyze microhabitat use and availability data from sites located upstream (reference) and downstream (disturbed) from two SHPPs in northeast Portugal. Cover and water depth were the most influential variables in the use of microhabitat for all species at both the reference and disturbed sites, although some differences in the variable rankings were found. Leuciscids exhibited similar patterns of non-random (i.e., selective) microhabitat use between the reference and the disturbed sites. Overall, the seasonal and size-related patterns in species microhabitat use were similar, with the majority of species displaying seasonal patterns in microhabitat use from early summer to late summer. This study showed that differences in fish microhabitat use between downstream SHPP and upstream reference sites were negligible. Cover might have had a significant role in tempering the effects of detrimental environmental conditions, namely, peaking flows, by providing hydraulic shelter, highlighting the need to maintain riparian vegetation strips and mosaics of submerged aquatic macrophytes, as well as the provision of coarse substrata that can be critical for fish. Future studies are needed to better clarify how different size classes of fish select microhabitats when facing past and present hydropeaking conditions.
Large-Scale Two-Dimensional Cascade Modeling of the Odra River for Flood Hazard Management
Authors: Banasiak Robert
Published: December 2023

Large-scale two-dimensional hydrodynamic modeling at high resolution is still rarely performed because of its high computational cost and the lack of topographical data for some areas. Despite this, such modeling has been performed for the Odra River, the second largest river in Poland. This river has a high potential for flooding, which has been severely experienced many times in history, most recently in 1997 and 2010, when floods caused large losses. Since then, many different types of activities have been executed in order to reduce the risk of flooding. The paper presents a 2D modeling concept created during these activities. Given that the river valley is up to several kilometers wide, and consists of many complex topographical features and hydrotechnical facilities, a cascade of 25 2D models in MIKE21 software was developed. It covers a 600 km long section of the Odra River and an area of 5700 km2 in total. A regular grid resolution of 4–6 m was used in the modeling. The models were applied for numerous purposes, first for the elaboration of flood hazard and flood risk maps for larger cities, and then for the verification of historic flood data and stage–discharge relations at gauge stations, as well as the verification of design discharges via flood routing. Other important uses were the evaluation of the effectiveness of flood mitigating works, including the feasibility study for the Racibórz reservoir, and the assessment of flood hazard due to embankment failure or ice jamming. Selected applications, as well as practical aspects of the model’s preparation and use, are presented.
Retrieving Soil Moisture from Sentinel-1: Limitations over Certain Crops and Sensitivity to the First Soil Thin Layer
Authors: Bazzi Hassan , Baghdadi Nicolas , Nino Pasquale , Napoli Rosario , Najem Sami , Zribi Mehrez , Vaudour Emmanuelle
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a comparison between the Sentinel-1 (S1)/Sentinel-2 (S2)-derived soil moisture products at plot scale (S2MP) and in situ soil moisture measurements at a 10 cm depth for several winter and summer crops. Specifically, the paper discusses the consistency between the in situ soil moisture measurements, usually performed at a 10 cm soil depth, and the variable S1 C-band penetration depth in soil due to soil humidity conditions, vegetation development and S1 acquisition configuration. The aim is to provide end users with the strength and limitations of S1-derived soil moisture, mainly the S2MP soil moisture product, for their further applications. Both the estimated and measured soil moisture (SM) were evaluated over three testing fields in a Mediterranean climatic context, with crop cycles including wheat, tomato, cover crops and soybeans. The main results showed that the comparison between the S2MP-estimated SM based on S1 backscattering (at ~5 cm depth) with a 10 cm in situ SM is not always relevant during the crop cycle. In dry conditions, the S1 SM significantly underestimated the 10 cm SM measurements with an underestimation that could reach around 20 vol.% in some extremely dry conditions. This high underestimation was mainly due to the difference between the topsoil SM captured by the S1 sensor and the 10 cm in depth SM. Moderately wet conditions due to rainfall or irrigation showed less of a difference between the S1-estimated SM and the 10 cm in situ SM and varying between −10 and −5 vol.% due to the homogeneity of the SM at different soil depths. For extremely wet conditions, the S1 SM started to underestimate the SM values with an underestimation that can reach an order of −10 vol.%. A comparison of the S1-estimated SM as a function of the vegetation development showed that, for the studied crop types, the S1 SM estimates are only valid for low and moderate vegetation cover with a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of less than 0.7. For dense vegetation cover (NDVI > 0.7), overestimations of the SM (average bias of about 4 vol.%) are mainly observed for developed tomato and soybean crops due to fruits’ emergence, whereas an extreme underestimation (average bias reaching −15.5 vol.%) is found for developed wheat cover due to the vertical structure of the wheat kernels. The results also suggest that the optimal SM estimations by S1 could be mainly obtained at low radar incidence angles (incidence angle less than 35°).
Evaluating the Application of Chitosan-Based Sorbents for the Solid-Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking of Microcystins in Irrigation Water
Authors: Pindihama Glynn K. , Gitari Mugera W. , Mudzielwana Rabelani , Madala Ntakadzeni E.
Published: December 2023

In this study, a gluteraldehyde-crosslinked chitosan (ChGLA) hydrogel and a glutaraldehyde-crosslinked chitosan–multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite (ChMWCNT) were synthesized to be used as substrates in the solid-phase adsorption toxin tracking (SPATT) sampling of microcystins (MCs) in irrigation water. The synthesized samplers were tested for their efficiency by deploying them in four farm dams and two canals for 48 h in January 2022 and in July 2022. Grab samples were collected during deployment and retrieval of the samplers for comparison. Sequential extraction using 100% methanol was used to extract MCs from the samplers, followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis for total MCs and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for individual MC congeners (MC-LR, -RR, and -YR). The mean levels of dissolved total MCs detected by the samplers were as follows: ChMWCNT 0.754 (±1.085) µg g−1, ChGLA 0.420 (±0.546) µg g−1; and these were comparable to the Diaion® HP-20 resin: 0.602 (±0.627) µg g−1 of material. The mean level of MCs detected in the grab samples was 0.868 (±1.358) ug L−1. Significantly higher levels of MCs were detected in July compared to the January sampling by the two newly developed samplers. With regards to the detection of MC-LR, -RR, and -YR, no statistical differences were reported among the three samplers (ChGLA, ChMWCNT, and Diaion® HP-20) for five of the six sampling points (one-way ANOVA at a 0.05 level of significance). The levels of detection of MCs by the substrates were in the order MC-YR > -LR > -RR. Strong positive correlations between the grab samples and the ChGLA and ChMWCNT samplers suggested better suitability of the two chitosan-based sorbents for monitoring MCs in the study area compared to the Diaion® HP-20 resin. Overall, the two new sorbents showed potential for use in SPATT to monitor the presence of MCs in the agricultural waters tested, and they could represent economical and environmentally friendly options compared to the synthetic aromatic resins.
Combined Electromagnetic and Mechanical Design Optimization of Interior Permanent Magnet Rotors for Electric Vehicle Drivetrains
Authors: Zhang Guanhua , Jewell Geraint Wyn
Published: December 2023

In many high-speed electrical machines, centrifugal forces within the rotor can be first-order constraints on electromagnetic optimization. This can be particularly acute in interior permanent magnet (IPM) machines in which magnets are usually retained entirely by the rotor core with no additional mechanical containment. This study investigates the nature of the trade-off between mechanical and electromagnetic requirements within the context of an eight-pole, 100 kW IPM machine with a base speed of 4000 rpm and an extended speed range up to 12,000 rpm. A series of mechanical and electromagnetic models are used to estimate the level of shaft interference, mechanical stress in critical regions of the rotor and the impact of various features and dimensions within the machine on electromagnetic torque. A systematic exploration of the design space is undertaken for rotor diameters from 120 mm to 180 mm, with optimal designs in terms of torque per unit length established at each diameter while meeting the constraints imposed on mechanical stress. The final preferred design has a rotor of 165 mm and an axial length of 103 mm long with a fractional slot winding in a 30-slot stator. The overall machine has an active mass of 42.3 kg, which corresponds to ~2.4 kW/kg. This paper describes the optimization study in detail and draws on the results to explore the nature of the design trade-offs in such rotors and the impact of core properties.
Utilizing Probabilistic Maps and Unscented-Kalman-Filtering-Based Sensor Fusion for Real-Time Monte Carlo Localization
Authors: Farag Wael A. , Barakat Julien Moussa H.
Published: December 2023

An autonomous car must know where it is with high precision in order to maneuver safely and reliably in both urban and highway environments. Thus, in this paper, a reliable and relatively precise position estimation (localization) technique for autonomous vehicles is proposed and implemented. In dealing with the obtained sensory data or given knowledge about the vehicle’s surroundings, the proposed method takes a probabilistic approach. In this approach, the involved probability densities are expressed by keeping a collection of samples selected at random from them (Monte Carlo simulation). Consequently, this Monte Carlo sampling allows the resultant position estimates to be represented with any arbitrary distribution, not only a Gaussian one. The selected technique to implement this Monte-Carlo-based localization is Bayesian filtering with particle-based density representations (i.e., particle filters). The employed particle filter receives the surrounding object ranges from a carefully tuned Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) that is used to fuse radar and lidar sensory readings. The sensory readings are used to detect pole-like static objects in the egocar’s surroundings and compare them to the ones that exist in a supplied detailed reference map that contains pole-like landmarks that are produced offline and extracted from a 3D lidar scan. Comprehensive simulation tests were conducted to evaluate the outcome of the proposed technique in both lateral and longitudinal localization. The results show that the proposed technique outperforms the other techniques in terms of smaller lateral and longitudinal mean position errors.
Patient portal registration and healthcare utilisation in general practices in England: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Alturkistani Abrar , Beaney Thomas , Greenfield Geva , Costelloe Ceire E
Published: December 2023

Background

Patient portals introduced in most of England’s general practices since 2015 have the potential to improve healthcare efficiency. There is a paucity of information on the use of patient portals within the NHS general practices and the potential impact on healthcare utilisation.

Aim

To investigate the association between patient portal registration and care utilisation (measured by the number of general practice consultations) among general practice patients.

Design & setting

A longitudinal analysis using electronic health record data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD).

Method

We analysed patients registered for patient portals (
n
= 284 666), aggregating their consultations 1 year before and 1 year after registration. We ran a multilevel negative binomial regression model to examine patient portal registration’s association with face-to-face and remote consultations.

Results

Patients who registered to the portal had a small decrease in the total number of face-to-face consultations after registering to the patient portal (incidence rate ratio = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93 to 0.94). Patients who registered to the portal had an increase in the total number of remote consultations after registering to the portal (incidence rate ratio = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.15 to 1.18).

Conclusion

The study found minor changes in consultation numbers post-patient portal registration, notably with an increase in remote consultations. While causality between portal registration and consultation number remains unclear, the potential link between patient portal use and healthcare utilisation warrants further investigation, especially within the NHS, where portal impacts are not well-studied. Detailed portal utilisation data could clarify this relationship.
ATROPHIC SCARS AS AN OBJECT OF INORGANIC GEL TREATMENT
Authors: Nikonorova Varvara Gennad'evna , Krishtop Vladimir Vladimirovich , Fateev Ivan Vladimirovich , Ovchinnikova Anna Sergeevna
Published: December 2023

Atrophic scars are a complex problem, covering a huge number of patients with striae gravidarum, acne, atrophic surgical scars, and striae due to hypercortisolism and other metabolic disorders. Taking into account patients’ social status (pregnant women, adolescents, people with chronic hormonal disorders), our goal was to systematize the literature data on the least invasive treatment modality – atrophic scar therapy with inorganic gels – to identify new chemical classes with potential anti-scar activity.
When summarizing research data over the past 10 years, it was found that the effect of anti-scar therapy depends on the atrophic scar color – hyper- or hypopigmented, its type – wedge-shaped, scaphoid, or rectangular, its origin – post-acne, cicatricial alopecia, infectious scars, stretch marks, or post-traumatic atrophic. The stage of pathogenesis also plays a significant role: aseptic inflammation, infiltration of hematogenous differential cells, mast cell degranulation, release of bioactive substances and changes in the VEGF, TGF-β1, EGF, FGF, PDGF growth factors, migration of activated macrophages, damage to elastic and collagen fibers, perivascular lymphocytic infiltration, impaired hemorheology, chronic inflammatory process, increased number of senescent fibroblasts, decreased synthetic activity of atrophic scar cells, decreased cellularity and vascularization of the atrophic scar area. In case of high bioinertness of inorganic gels, the anti-scar effect is achieved due to the exfoliating effect, epidermal-mesenchymal interactions, and the impact of the mesoporous gel structure on scar hydration. In addition to the well-known silicone gel, sol-gels based on aluminum dioxide have similar properties, which makes it possible to consider sol-gel as an alternative to silicone gel.