bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secure and Lightweight Authentication Protocol for Privacy Preserving Communications in Smart City Applications
Authors: Gupta Sunil , Alharbi Fares , Alshahrani Reem , Kumar Arya Pradeep , Vyas Sonali , Elkamchouchi Dalia H. , Soufiene Ben Othman
Published: March 2023

A smart city is a concept that leverages technology to improve the quality of life for citizens, enhance sustainability, and streamline urban services. The goal of a smart city is to use data and technology to manage resources and assets efficiently, make informed decisions, and create a more livable and thriving city for its residents. Smart cities rely on a range of technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and cloud computing to gather, process, and analyze data from various sources. The aim is to create a city that is more connected, responsive, and sustainable, and that provides its residents with a better quality of life, opportunities, and services. A secure and efficient message communication protocol for sensitive information and real-time communication is critical for the functioning of a smart city environment. The main findings of this paper are to develop a new authentication protocol that meets the specific requirements and constraints of smart city applications. The message communication between smart cities is conducted with the help of a gateway. The challenge in constructing a working, viable infrastructure for a smart city is to provide secure authentication for message communication between the user and gateway node in one network, and the gateway node of one network to the gateway node of the other network. The objective for doing research to develop an authentication protocol that ensures the privacy and security of data transmitted in smart city applications while maintaining a lightweight and efficient design. This paper proposes a secure authentication protocol and key establishment scheme for access to the application in smart cities to make feasible access through the IoT environment. The proposed protocol ensures the mutual authentication between user and gateways, and the security analysis shows that the proposed protocol is effective against energy consumption and have less computational cost. The performance of the proposed method is analyzed and tested using BAN Logic and AVISPA security verification to confirm the authenticity of the security protocol. We do compare with past studies of which our proposed method outperformed.
Identifying Waste Supply Chain Coordination Barriers with Fuzzy MCDM
Authors: Liang Chen , Sun Dongshi , Xie Danlan
Published: March 2023

The stability and efficiency of the waste supply chain (WSC) is related to the urban environment. This study constructed a framework of barriers to coordinating the WSC based on four perspectives: the costs and benefits, mechanisms involved, behaviors of the subjects, and technologies and standards used. We used an analytic network process based on the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory to calculate the centrality and weight of each barrier factor, and we determined the critical barriers to coordination by combining their results. A causality diagram of the barriers was drawn, and a scheme of coordination of the WSC was designed based on a closed-loop supply chain around the critical barriers. The results show that contradictions in benefits between subjects, contradictions between economic and social benefits, excessive subsidies, the failure of the market mechanism, the lack of a mechanism for supervision, and blocked information and distrust among the subjects are the five most critical barriers to the coordination of the WSC, with excessive subsidies the root cause of the lack of coordination. The subsidy for direct waste disposal should be used to reduce the cost of the operation of the WSC, waste recycling should be improved, an information-sharing platform should be built, and the cost of recyclable waste for manufacturers should be reduced to improve the efficiency of the WSC.
Examining Environmental Turbulence Intensity: A Strategic Agility and Innovativeness Approach on Firm Performance in Environmental Turbulence Situations
Authors: Arici Tugkan , Gok M. Sahin
Published: March 2023

Environmental turbulence refers to the unpredictable changes, developments, and uncertainties in a firm’s external environment. Environmental turbulence consists of market turbulence, technological turbulence, and competition intensity. It causes a shortening of firms’ product life cycles, changes in customer demands, and rapid technological developments. Companies do not control the changes in their external environment. In addition, they cannot manage change by using traditional methods where environmental factors are constantly changing. Thus, environmental turbulence and strategic plans might be reconsidered in today’s business world. This article examines the intensity of environmental turbulence from the strategic agility and innovativeness perspective. The study was conducted using data from Turkey, including medium-high or high technology firms that were located in a technopark or had an R&D center. The survey method was used to collect data for the study and the SPSS Process macro was used to analyze the effects of moderator variables on the relationship between strategic agility and firm innovativeness. Findings indicate that strategic agility positively affects firm innovativeness and that this effect might decrease due to increases in turbulence intensity. Moreover, firm innovativeness positively affects performance, and this effect becomes more robust with increases in turbulence intensity. This study provides practical implications for companies and researchers depending on environmental turbulence diversity.
Assessment of Petobo Flowslide Induced by Soil Liquefaction during 2018 Palu–Donggala Indonesian Earthquake
Authors: Upomo Togani Cahyadi , Chang Muhsiung , Kusumawardani Rini , Prayitno Galih Ady , Kuo Chih-Ping , Nugroho Untoro
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the results of the subsurface investigation and liquefaction assessment of the Petobo flowslide, induced by soil liquefaction during the Mw 7.5 Palu–Donggala earthquake of Indonesia on 28 September 2018. The investigations, including drilling, standard penetration tests, electrical resistivity imaging survey, dynamic probing, groundwater table monitoring, etc., were conducted along the main road that passes through the middle of the flowslide area. Liquefaction assessments and flowslide simulations were carried out with three assumed scenarios. Scenario 1 describes the condition if the flowslide were to be retriggered at the cease of sliding due to the same earthquake striking the site. Scenarios 2 and 3 attempt to examine the influence of locally raised groundwater levels due to the infiltration of the Gumbasa irrigation system and widespread paddy fields of the site as a result of soil liquefaction and the flowslide. Subsurface investigations revealed that, within a 30-m depth of the ground, the sliding area generally consists of sandy deposits of SM/SP/SW, except for the toe portion where thick layers of silt (ML) and clay (CL) were found. The results of field testing and liquefaction assessment identify potentially weak and liquefiable zones which enable the construction of a speculated slip surface for the flowslide. Both liquefaction assessment and flowslide simulations verify that soil liquefaction would be triggered during the earthquake as a result of locally raised groundwater tables, and that a gentle slope (≈3°) that provides static shears would lead to long-distance sliding after shaking. Should the locally raised groundwater tables not exist, the results indicate no soil liquefaction and no flowslide.
The Value of Ethnographic Research for Sustainable Diet Interventions: Connecting Old and New Foodways in Trinidad
Authors: Wilson Marisa
Published: March 2023

Recent policy and scholarly attention to traditional food has highlighted its importance for developing culturally-appropriate sustainable diet interventions. Yet most approaches to traditional food maintain an unhelpful dichotomy between traditional and modern foodways. Ethnographic research into the ways people experience and articulate the substitution of previously homegrown foods with modern industrial foods can uncover aspects of local food heritage that have been previously hidden or undermined. The central aim of this paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of ethnographic approaches for recent policy debates around the importance of tradition for sustainable diets. An ethnographic ontology, which takes cultural meanings and values of ultra-processed foods as well as so-called traditional foods seriously, can provide a more nuanced picture of food system transitions that can inform sustainable dietary interventions. A combination of ethnographic methods was used for this paper, including participant observation, photo elicitation, questionnaires and go-along/shop-along interviews with N = 200 research participants. Subsequent ‘armchair’ research revealed important insights about Afrodescendant and Indigenous food heritage in Trinidad and Tobago, indicating the need for future research in this area. In particular, the findings suggest that cultural values of ‘colour’ and ‘(local) flavour’ connect old and new foodways in Trinidad and Tobago. Values of colour and flavour, along with shared feelings elicited through the ethnographic research such as concerns about agrochemical use and nostalgia for household food production, can inform the development of culturally-appropriate sustainable diet interventions.
Novel Sustainable Masonry from Ancient Construction Techniques by Reusing Waste Modern Tiles
Authors: Quagliarini Enrico , Carosi Marta , Lenci Stefano
Published: March 2023

The recycling and reuse of wastes, especially Construction Waste (CW), is a fundamental way for sustainability. The act of reusing is not a modern practice; as early as in Ancient Rome and even more during the Middle Ages, materials were already being taken from existing buildings in order to reuse them in different ways. Starting from these general considerations and taking inspiration from specific construction techniques found in some Roman and Romanesque masonries made by unbroken tiles and tile fragments, two novel sustainable masonry constructive techniques are proposed here. They are composed of modern U-shaped tiles and their fragments so as to use CW. Monotonic and cyclic compression tests were performed so as to determine their main mechanical characteristics, such as compressive strength, Young’s modulus, and failure mode, and a first attempt at establishing their possible use in the construction sector is sought. A comparison with the literature values from other constructive techniques with similar values was also performed. It results that both the wall typologies showed satisfactory mechanical properties (i.e., compressive strengths are in the range of 1.28 ÷ 2.27 MPa), provided that their use is restricted for constructions of moderate dimensions.
Imbibition and Germination of Seeds with Economic and Ecological Interest: Physical and Biochemical Factors Involved
Authors: Pompelli Marcelo F. , Jarma-Orozco Alfredo , Rodriguez-Páez Luis Alfonso
Published: March 2023

In this study, we describe the seed imbibition of 14 different species, from crop, forest, and native species potentially able to recover landscapes and form sustainable green cities. Seed imbibition is a fundamental physical and physiological process for reactivating metabolism and hydrolytic enzymes that will provide seed germination. We verified that the water imbibition is more closely governed by differences between osmotic potential (Ψw) and surrounding media than seed weight or seed hardness. In turn, seeds of Spondias tuberosa and Euterpe oleracea that have a Ψw of −75 MPa and a tegument as hard as 200 N imbibed an insignificant volume of water. Consequently, their metabolism is not significantly affected comparing the non-imbibed seeds and 120-h-imbibed seeds. Malpighia glabra or Annona squamosa also show very negative Ψw where the seed coat hardness is less evident; however, in these species, the seed imbibition increased the respiration rate by eight- to ten-fold in 120 h-imbibed-seeds than non-imbibed-seeds. The high-water absorption in M. glabra (49%) seems to be due to its highly convoluted tissue in the dry state, while in J. curcas and A. squamosa the presence of a highly porous seed coat must have favored seed imbibition and prompt metabolic reactivation.
Efficiency Evaluation and Influencing Factors of Sports Industry and Tourism Industry Convergence Based on China’s Provincial Data
Authors: Yang Mei , Zhou Hongling , Li Yali , Zhang Jinyu
Published: March 2023

As sunrise industries, green industries and happiness industries, the sports industry and the tourism industry have natural convergence, and the convergence of the sports and tourism industries is not only a new strategic support point for the sustainable development of the two industries but also an important way to drive healthy and sustainable development of related industries. We measure the efficiency of sports–tourism convergence in 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China from 2013 to 2019 using the benevolent cross-efficiency DEA model and the qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method and conduct a configuration analysis of the influencing factors. The research indicates: (1) the efficiency of the development of sports–tourism convergence is low and its role in the sustainable development of the tourism and sports industries needs to be improved. (2) The efficiency of sports–tourism convergence shows spatial distribution characteristics of decreasing efficiency in the eastern region–central region–western region. (3) Industrial structure, transportation conditions, openness to the outside world, political support and their combination are the core driving factors affecting integration of sports and tourism.
Sustainable Development of State-Owned Enterprises: Research on the Management Transformation Path of Mixed-Ownership Companies from the Perspective of Shareholders Relationship
Authors: Zeng Aiqing , Duan Weixian , Liu Xiaoyu , Zeng Jianhui
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the development of China’s state-owned companies (SOEs) has slowed dramatically due to the improvement of the government–enterprise relationship and maturity in the market system. To accomplish the market-oriented transformation of the management model and promote sustainable development, some SOEs have incorporated private capital to conduct mixed-ownership reforms. Nonetheless, the emergence of heterogeneous shareholder conflicts seriously hampers the transformation of businesses. This paper proposed a two-party evolutionary game model between state-owned and private shareholders in the management transformation of mixed-ownership companies. Based on the proposed model, the evolutionary stability of heterogeneous shareholders’ action strategies was analyzed to obtain the evolutionary stability strategies for the system. The crucial factors of the ideal equilibrium strategies are studied at the same time. The analysis results show that the probability of “change” in private shareholders is positively proportional to factors such as the success rate of change, change dividend, control gain, and policy burden, and it is inversely proportional to the factors including the cost of change, contractual cost of private shareholders, the additional cost of change, hidden income, state-owned shareholders’ shareholding ratio, and loss of change failure. Finally, the findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for the transition of mixed-ownership enterprises’ management systems.
Emergency Nurses’ Job Demands-Resources Profiles and Capabilities: Effects on Performance and Intention to Leave
Authors: Barnard Neil B. , Rothmann Sebastiaan , De Beer Leon T. , Lubbe Welma
Published: March 2023

This study investigated emergency nurses’ job demands-resources profiles and the associations thereof with their work capabilities, job performance, and intention to leave. A cross-sectional survey was used to gather data from emergency nurses working in South Africa (n = 204). The Job Demands-Resources Scale, Capability Set for Work Questionnaire, World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire, and Turnover Intention Scale were administered. Latent profile analysis resulted in four job demands-resources profiles: a demanding job, resourceful job, rich job, and poor job. Job demands-resources profiles, specifically having a rich job and not having a poor job (compared to a demanding job), significantly impacted emergency nurses’ capability set and specific work capabilities. In addition, having a resourceful job and two work capabilities, namely, using knowledge and skills and contributing to something valuable, affected emergency nurses’ job performance. Furthermore, poor and demanding jobs (compared to rich and resourceful jobs) predicted emergency nurses’ intentions to leave. A rich job (compared to a demanding job) was significantly associated with six of the seven work capabilities, while a resourceful job was associated with earning a good income and contributing to something valuable. Autonomy at work, career progress, and relationships with supervisors were associated with most emergency nurse work capabilities.
COS Attenuates AFB1-Induced Liver Injury in Medaka through Inhibition of Histopathological Damage and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Shi Huijun , Chen Lin , Zhang Zhaohuan , Zhao Yong , Ou Jie
Published: March 2023

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) –induced liver damage may be treated with chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), a small-molecular–weight oligosaccharide with excellent bioactivity and antioxidant potential. Hepatotoxicity induced by AFB1 single acute exposure (ASAE) has been theoretically established but the mechanism of toxicity in aquatic models has been less studied. In this paper, a model of liver injury in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) after ASAE for 72 h and a model of liver injury healing after ASAE following a COS intervention for 72 h were developed. The different effects of ASAE and COS interventions for ASAE were analyzed at the phenotypic and genetic levels. The results showed that AFB1 reduced body weight and hepatopancreatic somatic indices (HSI) in medaka. Moreover, AFB1–induced histopathological damage and oxidative stress injury were concentration–dependent but the symptoms of damage were attenuated to some extent by the addition of the intervention drug COS, and the intervention effect of high concentrations of COS was almost identical to silymarin (SIL). Using the RNA–Seq technique, COS reduces the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) brought about by AFB1. Among the genes associated with tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis aurka, thbs1, serpine1, fabp7, and dusp5 were also validated by Q-PCR with corresponding trends. In conclusion, AFB1 can cause liver injury in medaka and COS has a therapeutic effect, and these impacted genes have the potential to become therapeutic targets for COS intervention in AFB1–induced liver disease.
China’s Engagement in Arctic Governance for Its Sustainable Development Based on International Law Perspective
Authors: Bai Jiayu , Zhu Kailei
Published: March 2023

With climate change, melting sea ice and snow in the Arctic increase the probability that states engage in activities there. The prosperity of Arctic activities serves as a reminder to the international community that the issue of Arctic governance must be prioritised to avoid Arctic unsustainable development. As a major stakeholder besides the Arctic states, it is necessary to study China’s role in Arctic governance for its sustainable development to provide a reference for the diplomatic decision-making of other states. The paper selects international law as a perspective. It discusses China’s engagement in the development of international law related to the theme from the global, regional, and bilateral/multilateral levels. At the global level, China’s national role is characterized by engaging in global governance under the international rule of law for guarding the international order based on international law. At the regional level, China maintains the role of supporting and engaging in the Arctic Council, both before and after its establishment. At the bilateral and multilateral levels, China, as an Arctic stakeholder pursuing cooperation, has achieved many cooperation results. The paper holds that under China’s national roles, China’s engagement has affected the development of international law referred to the theme to some extent.
A Review on Green Cooling: Exploring the Benefits of Sustainable Energy-Powered District Cooling with Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Al-Nini Ahmed , Ya Hamdan Haji , Al-Mahbashi Najib , Hussin Hilmi
Published: March 2023

This paper examines the economic and environmental impacts of district cooling systems (DCS) that are integrated with renewable energy sources and thermal energy storage (TES). Typically, a DCS offers a highly efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning systems, providing cool air to buildings and communities through a centralized system that uses chilled water. However, the integration of renewable energy and thermal energy storage into these systems can further increase their sustainability and efficiency, reducing their dependence on fossil fuels and improving their ability to handle fluctuations in demand. The goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of the art of renewable energy-driven DCS with TES integrated and to highlight the benefits and challenges associated with these systems. Finally, the findings of this paper offer valuable insights into the potential for renewable energy-powered district cooling systems to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient built environment.
Companies Could Benefit When They Focus on Employee Wellbeing and the Environment: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Human Resource Management
Authors: Madero-Gómez Sergio Manuel , Rubio Leal Yanira Lizeth , Olivas-Luján Miguel , Yusliza Mohd Yusoff
Published: March 2023

Purpose: We reviewed the scholarly literature that examines the role of sustainable practices for employee health and the environment. The study also examined the negative impact of the workplace on the wellbeing of employees and its indirect effect on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach: This was a literature review with data from the Scopus scholarly database. We found 65 results from 2008 to 2022. After eliminating duplicates and other search fields, we were left with 30 final documents. Findings: The study provided evidence that sustainable practices in the workplace increase the wellbeing of employees and reduce pollution in the environment, while also benefiting company viability. Research limitations/implications: Using other database sources besides Scopus and Web of Science could yield additional results. Practical implications: The study highlighted the need for organizations to develop sustainable HRM practices to minimize the negative effects on employee wellbeing and capitalize on the savings that are generated through sustainable initiatives. This finding could contribute to better corporate practices and the further development of research in this field. Originality/value: The HRM literature revealed the importance of having employee wellbeing practices which increase work productivity and engagement. This also empirically proved the positive impact of companies that implement sustainable HRM practices. This research provided a theoretical model that depicts the interrelation between corporate viability, employee wellbeing, and sustainable human resource management.
Evaluating the Effects of Gamification in Behavioural Change: A Proposed SEM-Based Approach
Authors: Ourdas Christos , Ponis Stavros
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is two-fold. Firstly, it aims to investigate the available papers on the effect of gamification elements to explain behavioural changes through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). Secondly, based on the SLR, it proposes a four-step SEM (Structural Equation Model)-based approach that can be used to validate the effects of gamification on behavioural change and can be further applied in the context of a research project that aims to lower maritime plastic pollution in coastal areas. The SLR approach provides an overview of empirical studies that successfully measure the three identified objectives, i.e., increased (O1) usage of a web platform, (O2) awareness, and (O3) participation in behaviour, and it focuses on SEM to collect empirical results. Findings from the SLR highlight multiple research shortcomings, such as the lack of a unified taxonomy for gamification and motivational affordances, the absence of studies soundly linking gamification elements to psychological outcomes, and the tendency of researchers to measure the intention to conduct a behaviour rather than the long-term effect of actual behaviour changes. Finally, the created approach provides insights on which gamification elements to include and how to measure their behavioural effect based on a self-developed SEM and questionnaire, which can be applied in research projects utilising gamification, independent from the domain of activity.
In the Search for Sustainable Vertical Green Systems: An Innovative Low-Cost Indirect Green Façade Structure Using Portuguese Native Ivies and Cork
Authors: Talhinhas Pedro , Ferreira João Cunha , Ferreira Vera , Soares Ana Luísa , Espírito-Santo Dalila , Paço Teresa Afonso do
Published: March 2023

Green façades in the urban environment represent points of biodiversity value, contributing to species conservation, acting as urban wildlife corridors connecting elements, and also aiming at sustainability, when the materials and structure are thoughtfully chosen. Ivies (Hedera spp.) are perennial climbing evergreen plants that are easy to cultivate and demand little input, and their use in vertical green systems is much appreciated but may lead to damage to the constructions in the long term. Among the 14 species of Hedera currently recognized, a few have been bred into cultivars and are available in the market for cultivation, often as exotic species. Four Hedera spp. are native to Portugal, but most cultivated species in this territory are exotic and the suitability of native species for their use in green façades has not been documented. Thus, in the present work, we describe the installation of a low-cost indirect green façade structure supported on cork panels using plants belonging to the native H. iberica and H. hibernica. The structure is installed at the Ajuda Botanical Garden, under Mediterranean conditions, on a brick and cement wall, and will enable researchers and landscape architects to follow the development of this structure as a long-term experiment, prompting the use of native species toward increased biological and technical sustainability. The preliminary results indicate that the cork structure is able to provide adequate support for the plants and that these were able to climb and develop in this structure, avoiding direct contact with the wall and the possible subsequent damage. Therefore, the structure provides a viable solution to implementing sustainable green façades with native species, on brick-cement walls, able to be replicated in other urban locations under similar environmental conditions.
Development of Ecosystem for Corporate Green Innovation: Resource Dependency Theory Perspective
Authors: Gao Daquan , Wong Christina W. Y. , Lai Kee-hung
Published: March 2023

Although research on green innovation has increased dramatically in recent years, little is known about the system mechanisms for the innovation. Grounded in the resource dependency theory (RDT) and national innovation system (NIS) literature, this study examines the ecosystem in promoting green innovation from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. This study constructs a Nash-Cournot equilibrium to address the effects of national green innovation systems on corporate green innovation. Using data of 2136 A-share listed enterprises, 31 provincial-level R&D data, and 329 prefectural-level government annual work reports in China, this study finds that corporate collaboration, government subsidies, regional university R&D intensity, long-term credit, and government attention enhance the number of green innovation patents and patent diversity. Government attention strengthens the positive effects of corporate R&D cooperation, government subsidies, R&D intensity of regional research institutions, and long-term credit on the number of green innovation patents.
Research on the Profit Contribution of Forest Ecological Benefits Based on Policy and Market-Tools Compensation Projects in Nanping
Authors: Huang Yingli , Lou Guoyi , Yao Jiabin
Published: March 2023

Measuring the profit contribution of ecological benefits is an important prerequisite for the operation of the value-realization mechanism of ecological products. Based on the theory of ecological benefits and ecosystem services, combined with system dynamics and the project cost-benefit method, a forest-ecosystem-service capitalization of the resources and assets value and the realization of an ecological product-benefit system is constructed. The value-realization project of the national reserve-forest ecological products in Nan-ping City, Fujian Province, the National Ecological Civilization Pilot Zone, was selected to calculate the cost and income during the 30-year operational period of the project, and to calculate the profitability of the forest-ecosystem ecological benefits in the project, using different scenarios. Scenario 1: The project income will only be enough to cover the costs of the project operation, and the cost will be recovered at the end of the project operation. Scenario 2: With policy-based ecological compensation, compared with scenario 1, the total project-input line-of-revenue breakthrough and total project-cost line were advanced by 3 years and 2.5 years, respectively. Scenario 3: With the additive effect of the ecological benefit of the ecosystem, compared with scenario 2, the total project-input line-of-revenue breakthrough and total project-cost line were advanced by 3.5 years and 6 years, respectively. It is suggested that the guiding role should be that of policy-based ecological compensation, expanding the scope of ecological-market access, and attracting social investors to participate in the development of ecological products by means of diversified ecological compensation such as market-oriented tools, so as to fully realize the profit contribution of ecological benefits to the project through the realization of the value of ecological products.
Approximate and Exact Solutions in the Sense of Conformable Derivatives of Quantum Mechanics Models Using a Novel Algorithm
Authors: Liaqat Muhammad Imran , Akgül Ali , De la Sen Manuel , Bayram Mustafa
Published: March 2023

The entirety of the information regarding a subatomic particle is encoded in a wave function. Solving quantum mechanical models (QMMs) means finding the quantum mechanical wave function. Therefore, great attention has been paid to finding solutions for QMMs. In this study, a novel algorithm that combines the conformable Shehu transform and the Adomian decomposition method is presented that establishes approximate and exact solutions to QMMs in the sense of conformable derivatives with zero and nonzero trapping potentials. This solution algorithm is known as the conformable Shehu transform decomposition method (CSTDM). To evaluate the efficiency of this algorithm, the numerical results in terms of absolute and relative errors were compared with the reduced differential transform and the two-dimensional differential transform methods. The comparison showed excellent agreement with these methods, which means that the CSTDM is a suitable alternative tool to the methods based on the Caputo derivative for the solutions of time-fractional QMMs. The advantage of employing this approach is that, due to the use of the conformable Shehu transform, the pattern between the coefficients of the series solutions makes it simple to obtain the exact solution of both linear and nonlinear problems. Consequently, our approach is quick, accurate, and easy to implement. The convergence, uniqueness, and error analysis of the solution were examined using Banach’s fixed point theory.
Some New Hermite-Hadamard Type Inequalities Pertaining to Fractional Integrals with an Exponential Kernel for Subadditive Functions
Authors: Kashuri Artion , Sahoo Soubhagya Kumar , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Al-Sarairah Eman , Hamed Y. S.
Published: March 2023

The class of symmetric function interacts extensively with other types of functions. One of these is the class of convex functions, which is closely related to the theory of symmetry. In this paper, we obtain some new fractional Hermite–Hadamard inequalities with an exponential kernel for subadditive functions and for their product, and some known results are recaptured. Moreover, using a new identity as an auxiliary result, we deduce several inequalities for subadditive functions pertaining to the new fractional integrals involving an exponential kernel. To validate the accuracy of our results, we offer some examples for suitable choices of subadditive functions and their graphical representations.
Energy Transfer Processes in NASICON-Type Phosphates under Synchrotron Radiation Excitation
Authors: Krutyak Nataliya , Nagirnyi Vitali , Romet Ivo , Deyneko Dina , Spassky Dmitry
Published: March 2023

The luminescence properties of NASICON-type Na3.6M1.8(PO4)3 (M = Y, Lu) and Na3Sc2(PO4)3 phosphates, undoped and rare earth-doped (RE = Tb3+, Dy3+, Eu3+, Ce3+), were studied using synchrotron radiation in a wide energy region of 4.5–45 eV. Intrinsic emission originating from self-trapped excitons with electron component localized at the 3d Sc states was detected in both doped and undoped Na3Sc2(PO4)3 while only defect-related emission was registered in Na3.6M1.8(PO4)3. Emission of RE ions substituting three-valent cations in low-symmetry sites was detected in all doped phosphates. The efficiency and pass ways of energy transfer from the host to emission centres were analysed based on luminescence excitation spectra. It is shown that the most efficient energy transfer is realized in Tb3+-doped phosphors, while it was poor for other RE ions. The differences in energy transfer efficiencies are explained by different position of RE f states in the crystal electronic band structure influencing the efficiency of charge carrier trapping in the substance. Based on excitation spectra analysis, the bandgap values were estimated to ~8 eV for all studied phosphates.
A Metagenomic Investigation of the Viruses Associated with Shiraz Disease in Australia
Authors: Wu Qi , Habili Nuredin , Kinoti Wycliff M. , Tyerman Stephen D. , Rinaldo Amy , Zheng Linda , Constable Fiona E.
Published: March 2023

Shiraz disease (SD) is an economically important virus-associated disease that can significantly reduce yield in sensitive grapevine varieties and has so far only been reported in South Africa and Australia. In this study, RT-PCR and metagenomic high-throughput sequencing was used to study the virome of symptomatic and asymptomatic grapevines within vineyards affected by SD and located in South Australia. Results showed that grapevine virus A (GVA) phylogroup II variants were strongly associated with SD symptoms in Shiraz grapevines that also had mixed infections of viruses including combinations of grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) and grapevine leafroll-associated virus 4 strains 5, 6 and 9 (GLRaV-4/5, GLRaV-4/6, GLRaV-4/9). GVA phylogroup III variants, on the other hand, were present in both symptomatic and asymptomatic grapevines, suggesting no or decreased virulence of these strains. Similarly, only GVA phylogroup I variants were found in heritage Shiraz grapevines affected by mild leafroll disease, along with GLRaV-1, suggesting this phylogroup may not be associated with SD.
Host Cell Targets for Unconventional Antivirals against RNA Viruses
Authors: Roa-Linares Vicky C. , Escudero-Flórez Manuela , Vicente-Manzanares Miguel , Gallego-Gómez Juan C.
Published: March 2023

The recent COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of RNA-based viruses. The most prominent members of this group are SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), EBOV (Ebola virus), DENV (dengue virus), HCV (hepatitis C virus), ZIKV (Zika virus), CHIKV (chikungunya virus), and influenza A virus. With the exception of retroviruses which produce reverse transcriptase, the majority of RNA viruses encode RNA-dependent RNA polymerases which do not include molecular proofreading tools, underlying the high mutation capacity of these viruses as they multiply in the host cells. Together with their ability to manipulate the immune system of the host in different ways, their high mutation frequency poses a challenge to develop effective and durable vaccination and/or treatments. Consequently, the use of antiviral targeting agents, while an important part of the therapeutic strategy against infection, may lead to the selection of drug-resistant variants. The crucial role of the host cell replicative and processing machinery is essential for the replicative cycle of the viruses and has driven attention to the potential use of drugs directed to the host machinery as therapeutic alternatives to treat viral infections. In this review, we discuss small molecules with antiviral effects that target cellular factors in different steps of the infectious cycle of many RNA viruses. We emphasize the repurposing of FDA-approved drugs with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. Finally, we postulate that the ferruginol analog (18-(phthalimide-2-yl) ferruginol) is a potential host-targeted antiviral.
The Role of Viral Infections in the Onset of Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Sundaresan Bhargavi , Shirafkan Fatemeh , Ripperger Kevin , Rattay Kristin
Published: March 2023

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are the consequence of a breach in immune tolerance, leading to the inability to sufficiently differentiate between self and non-self. Immune reactions that are targeted towards self-antigens can ultimately lead to the destruction of the host’s cells and the development of autoimmune diseases. Although autoimmune disorders are comparatively rare, the worldwide incidence and prevalence is increasing, and they have major adverse implications for mortality and morbidity. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to be the major factors contributing to the development of autoimmunity. Viral infections are one of the environmental triggers that can lead to autoimmunity. Current research suggests that several mechanisms, such as molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, and bystander activation, can cause viral-induced autoimmunity. Here we describe the latest insights into the pathomechanisms of viral-induced autoimmune diseases and discuss recent findings on COVID-19 infections and the development of AIDs.
First Expert Elicitation of Knowledge on Possible Drivers of Observed Increasing Human Cases of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Europe
Authors: Saegerman Claude , Humblet Marie-France , Leandri Marc , Gonzalez Gaëlle , Heyman Paul , Sprong Hein , L’Hostis Monique , Moutailler Sara , Bonnet Sarah I. , Haddad Nadia , Boulanger Nathalie , Leib Stephen L. , Hoch Thierry , Thiry Etienne , Bournez Laure , Kerlik Jana , Velay Aurélie , Jore Solveig , Jourdain Elsa , Gilot-Fromont Emmanuelle , Brugger Katharina , Geller Julia , Studahl Marie , Knap Nataša , Avšič-Županc Tatjana , Růžek Daniel , Zomer Tizza P. , Bødker René , Berger Thomas F. H. , Martin-Latil Sandra , De Regge Nick , Raffetin Alice , Lacour Sandrine A. , Klein Matthias , Lernout Tinne , Quillery Elsa , Hubálek Zdeněk , Ruiz-Fons Francisco , Estrada-Peña Agustín , Fravalo Philippe , Kooh Pauline , Etore Florence , Gossner Céline M. , Purse Bethan
Published: March 2023

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease endemic in Eurasia. The virus is mainly transmitted to humans via ticks and occasionally via the consumption of unpasteurized milk products. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported an increase in TBE incidence over the past years in Europe as well as the emergence of the disease in new areas. To better understand this phenomenon, we investigated the drivers of TBE emergence and increase in incidence in humans through an expert knowledge elicitation. We listed 59 possible drivers grouped in eight domains and elicited forty European experts to: (i) allocate a score per driver, (ii) weight this score within each domain, and (iii) weight the different domains and attribute an uncertainty level per domain. An overall weighted score per driver was calculated, and drivers with comparable scores were grouped into three terminal nodes using a regression tree analysis. The drivers with the highest scores were: (i) changes in human behavior/activities; (ii) changes in eating habits or consumer demand; (iii) changes in the landscape; (iv) influence of humidity on the survival and transmission of the pathogen; (v) difficulty to control reservoir(s) and/or vector(s); (vi) influence of temperature on virus survival and transmission; (vii) number of wildlife compartments/groups acting as reservoirs or amplifying hosts; (viii) increase of autochthonous wild mammals; and (ix) number of tick species vectors and their distribution. Our results support researchers in prioritizing studies targeting the most relevant drivers of emergence and increasing TBE incidence.
Sustainable or Not for Water Consumption after Implementing CCS in China’s Coal-Fired Power Plants for Achieving 2 °C Target
Authors: Wang Feiyin , Wang Pengtao , Xu Mao
Published: March 2023

The shortage of urban water caused by CCS retrofitting over coal-fired power plants has become an emerging issue, especially in China where water resources are scarce. In this study, we quantified the impact of CCS retrofitting on water resources and analyzed the increased water pressures due to CCS retrofits in 234 cities of China. We identified 54 cities with 165 power plants that would face water pressure due to CCS retrofitting for achieving 2 °C targets. The results show that the average water withdrawal and water consumption of power plants in 234 cities would increase by 1.63 times and 1.49 times, respectively, involving 480 million people in China. The ratio of freshwater withdrawal to available water (WTA) and the ratio of freshwater consumption to available water (CTA) at the city-level increased by 0.2 and 0.06 under 2 °C constraints respectively, involving a population of 84 million people. Moreover, CO2-EWR technology does not provide relief from urban water stress. This paper assesses the water demand for carbon capture technologies and provides a basis for siting future large-scale deployment of carbon capture technologies in China.
Contamination Characteristics and Source Identification of Groundwater in Xishan Coal Mining Area of Taiyuan Based on Hydrochemistry and Sulfur–Oxygen Isotopes
Authors: Chen Di , Feng Qiyan , Gong Min
Published: March 2023

Xishan mining area in Taiyuan is a typical coal industry cluster with a variety of coal-related industrial sites such as coal mines, power plants and coking plants, which seriously pollute the native ecological environment. Study of the hydrochemical characteristics and pollution sources of groundwater in the area can contribute to the ecological protection and remediation of regional groundwater resources. In this study, we collected surface water and groundwater samples from the Xishan mining area and measured and analyzed hydrochemical and sulfur–oxygen isotopes. Results showed that 64.7% of groundwater in the study area exceeded the sulfate standard due to the influence of the coal industry, with some karst groundwater up to 2000 mg/L. In the runoff and discharge area of karst groundwater, the proportion of anthropogenic input of SO42− increased, which led to the hydrochemical type of karst groundwater gradually changing from HCO3-Ca·Mg (recharge area) to SO4-Ca·Mg (discharge area). Results of sulfur–oxygen isotope tests indicated that the δ34SSO4 and δ18OSO4 values of samples were −10.01~24.42‰ and −4.90~12.40‰, respectively, and the sulfur–oxygen isotope values of some karst groundwater were close to the dissolved end of sulfide minerals, indicating their sulfate mainly came from the oxidation of pyrite. Sulfate sources in groundwater water were parsed using IsoSource model. Calculated results revealed that sulfate in pore groundwater mostly originated from pyrite oxidation, and karst groundwater in the recharge area was mainly influenced by atmosphere precipitation, while groundwater in the runoff and discharge areas were significantly affected by pyrite oxidation, accounting for up to 90% in some karst groundwater. Comparing the sulfur–oxygen isotope values of karst groundwater in 1989, 2016 and 2022, we found that the δ34SSO4 values in 2022 decreased significantly, which indicated the expansion of karst groundwater pollution in the Xishan mining area. This study highlights the pollution of regional groundwater by coal-related industrial agglomerations, and the groundwater pollution in the Xishan mining area requires urgent remediation and restoration.
Decolourisation of Real Industrial and Synthetic Textile Dye Wastewater Using Activated Dolomite
Authors: Zahuri Afnan Ahmadi , Abdul Patah Muhamad Fazly , Kamarulzaman Yusniza , Hashim Nor Hazlina , Thirumoorthi Thinaranjeney , Wan Mohtar Wan Hanna Melini , Mohd Hanafiah Zarimah , Amir Zulhelmi , Wan-Mohtar Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad
Published: March 2023

Textile effluent accounts for 22% of the total industrial wastewater produced in Malaysia. Due to their ubiquitous use in organic dyes, inefficiently treated textile wastewaters pose environmental and health hazards. Colour, chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, toxic metals and microbes are the commonly targeted water quality parameters in untreated textile fluids. Furthermore, their non-biodegradability and high colour intensity may reduce aquatic diversity by blocking the sunlight. Recently, physical treatment, principally adsorption, has been conducted. Dolomite has additional features, such as performing as a heavy metal and microbe remover. This study employed dolomite for treating textile dye wastewater from a commercial textile manufacturer and synthetic effluent containing methyl orange. Different sizes of dolomite were activated at different temperatures and subsequently added to the water samples in varying amounts. After 2 h of agitation at 100 rpm and sedimentation for 24 h, their absorbance reading was taken. Their morphological, decolourisation percentage, chemical oxygen demand reduction percentage and bacterial growth post-treatment were examined. Despite variances in dolomite’s capacity to decolourise colours, the treatment proved effective in decolourising dyes, removing chemical oxygen demand and reducing bacterial growth. The most significant percentages of decolourisation observed were 98.7% for real textile dye wastewater (RTDW) and 78.0% for synthetic textile dye wastewater (STDW), while for chemical oxygen demand, reductions were 66.7% for RTDW and 73.9% for STDW, respectively. As for microbe growth inhibition, the highest growth reduction percentages were 99.7% and 98.6% for RTDW and STDW, respectively.