bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Climate Change on Crop Yields: Insights from the Abruzzo Region, Central Italy
Authors: Guerriero Vincenzo , Scorzini Anna Rita , Di Lena Bruno , Iulianella Stefano , Di Bacco Mario , Tallini Marco
Published: September 2023

Climate change poses a major sustainability challenge, with potential far-reaching economic and social impacts, including fluctuations in agricultural yields and subsequent volatility in the availability and prices of essential food resources. In this study, we analyze the changes in climatic variables and agricultural yields for main crops cultivated in the Abruzzo Region (Central Italy), as well as their reciprocal correlation pattern in the time range, 1952–2014. Central Italy exhibits a well-developed agricultural sector and is characterized by a Mediterranean climate; given its proximity to the semi-arid and arid North African climate zone, such a region may be particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The analysis reveals an increase in drought intensity and persistence, starting from the 1980s, with a shift towards more temperate conditions in winter months and a transition to a warmer and more arid climate during the summer season. Moreover, the study identifies an overall increase in the correlation magnitude between crop yield fluctuations and climatic variables in the period 1983–2014 compared to that during the previous thirty-year time range. This finding can be interpreted as a change in the resilience (or increased vulnerability) of the agricultural production system to climate change. This work can be thus considered as an interesting case study in the Mediterranean region, offering valuable insights for constructing probabilistic models of fluctuations in agricultural production possibly induced by climate change.
Investigation of the Carbon Footprint of the Textile Industry: PES- and PP-Based Products with Monte Carlo Uncertainty Analysis
Authors: Demirdelen Tuğçe , Aksu İnayet Özge , Yilmaz Kübra , Koç Duygu Durdu , Arikan Miray , Şener Arif
Published: September 2023

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism was developed to ensure that industrial sectors operating outside the EU follow the same environmental standards and targets while competing with the EU’s carbon market. This mechanism aims to calculate the carbon footprint of goods and services imported into the EU and make carbon adjustments accordingly. The transition phase, starting in 2023, represents the period when the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will be implemented. The completion of the transition phase is targeted for 2025. By this date, the effective implementation of this mechanism is aimed at demonstrating that countries outside of the EU comply with emissions regulations using Carbon at Border certificates. The textile industry’s products have a significant environmental impact throughout their life cycle, from the production of raw materials to the disposal of the finished product. Textile production, especially synthetic yarns, requires large amounts of energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. In this study, a “cradle-to-customer plus waste” life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts of two products in the textile sector. The Monte Carlo analysis method can be used to handle uncertainties in LCA calculations. It is a method for modeling uncertainties and statistically evaluating results. In this study, this method is preferred at the stage of determining uncertainties. The processes from chips to yarns are investigated for two synthetic yarns: polyester (PES) and polypropylene (PP). The carbon emissions of PP and PES used in textiles are calculated for the first time in this study using detailed modeling with LCAs and a real application. The main production operations are considered: (i) transport of raw materials and packaging material, (ii) energy consumption during the production process, (iii) transport of products, and (iv) end-of-life steps. When the actual data obtained from a company are analyzed, the carbon footprints (CFs) of the PES and PP are calculated to be 13.40 t CO2-eq (t PES)-1 and 6.42 t CO2-eq (t PP)-1, respectively. These data can be used as reference points for future studies and comparisons. According to the results obtained, when the energy consumption and raw material stages in the production of the PES and PP products are compared, it is seen that the CF of PP yarn is lower, and it is more environmentally friendly. These findings can be utilized to enhance government policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing synthetic yarn production in Türkiye. Since PP and PES raw materials are predominantly used in synthetic yarns, this study’s objective is to quantify the carbon emissions associated with the utilization of these raw materials and provide guidance to companies engaged in their production.
A Dynamic Assessment of Rubber–Sand Mixtures as Subgrade Materials during Vibratory Roller Compaction through DEM Simulation in 2D
Authors: Sun Weichen , Xie Qiang , Li Hao , Chen Junxu , Wu Kai
Published: September 2023

The accumulation of discarded tire rubber poses significant challenges in terms of land usage and environmental hazards. To address this issue, this article explores the potential reuse of rubber in roadbed engineering. This study conducts a comprehensive examination of the vibration compaction process involving a vibratory roller and rubber–sand mixtures, utilizing the discrete element method (DEM) in a two-dimensional (2D) framework to investigate the impact of dynamic vibration compaction on sand mixtures with varying rubber contents under different roller working conditions, while also evaluating the associated energy consumption. The results reveal that both the rubber content and operational parameters of the roller significantly influence compaction vibration effects. Notably, optimal rolling frequency, velocity, and rolling mass show correlations with the rubber content. Furthermore, this research provides a microscopic understanding of the compaction process, offering detailed insights into displacement fields, velocity fields, and contact forces.
On Traces of Linear Operators with Symmetrized Volterra-Type Kernels
Authors: Rybakov Konstantin
Published: September 2023

A solution to the trace convergence problem, which arises in proving the mean-square convergence for the approximation of iterated Stratonovich stochastic integrals, is proposed. This approximation is based on the representation of factorized Volterra-type functions as the orthogonal series. Solving the trace convergence problem involves the theory of trace class operators for symmetrized Volterra-type kernels. The main results are primarily focused on the approximation of iterated Stratonovich stochastic integrals, which are used to implement numerical methods for solving stochastic differential equations based on the Taylor–Stratonovich expansion.
A CNN Approach for Emotion Recognition via EEG
Authors: Mahmoud Aseel , Amin Khalid , Al Rahhal Mohamad Mahmoud , Elkilani Wail S. , Mekhalfi Mohamed Lamine , Ibrahim Mina
Published: September 2023

Emotion recognition via electroencephalography (EEG) has been gaining increasing attention in applications such as human–computer interaction, mental health assessment, and affective computing. However, it poses several challenges, primarily stemming from the complex and noisy nature of EEG signals. Commonly adopted strategies involve feature extraction and machine learning techniques, which often struggle to capture intricate emotional nuances and may require extensive handcrafted feature engineering. To address these limitations, we propose a novel approach utilizing convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for EEG emotion recognition. Unlike traditional methods, our CNN-based approach learns discriminative cues directly from raw EEG signals, bypassing the need for intricate feature engineering. This approach not only simplifies the preprocessing pipeline but also allows for the extraction of more informative features. We achieve state-of-the-art performance on benchmark emotion datasets, namely DEAP and SEED datasets, showcasing the superiority of our approach in capturing subtle emotional cues. In particular, accuracies of 96.32% and 92.54% were achieved on SEED and DEAP datasets, respectively. Further, our pipeline is robust against noise and artefact interference, enhancing its applicability in real-world scenarios.
Dynamic Response of an Elastic Tube-like Nanostructure Embedded in a Vibrating Medium and under the Action of Moving Nano-Objects
Authors: Ma Xiaoxia , Roshan Mojtaba , Kiani Keivan , Nikkhoo Ali
Published: September 2023

In recent years, researchers have looked at how tube-like nanostructures respond to moving loads and masses. However, no one has explored the scenario of a nanostructure embedded in a vibrating medium used for moving nano-objects. In this study, the governing equations of the problem are methodically derived using the nonlocal elasticity of Eringen as well as the Rayleigh and Reddy–Bickford beam theories. Analytical and numerical solutions are developed for capturing the nonlocal dynamic deflection of the nanostructure based on the moving nanoforce approach (excluding the inertia effect) and the moving nanomass approach (including the inertia effect), respectively. The results predicted by the established models are successfully verified with those of other researchers in some special cases. The results reveal that for low velocities of the moving nano-object in the absence of the medium excitation, the midspan deflection of the simply supported nanotube exhibits an almost symmetric time-history curve; however, by increasing the nano-object velocity or the medium excitation amplitude, such symmetry is violated, mainly due to the lateral inertia of the moving nano-object, as displayed by the corresponding three-dimensional plots. The study addresses the effects of the mass and velocity of the moving nano-object, amplitude, and frequency of the medium excitation, and the lateral and rotational stiffness of the nearby medium in contact with the nanostructure on the maximum dynamic deflection. The achieved results underscore the significance of considering both the inertial effect of the moving nano-object and the shear effect of stocky nanotubes embedded in vibrating media. This research can serve as a strong basis for conducting further investigations into the vibrational properties of more intricate tube-shaped nanosystems that are embedded in a vibrating medium, with the aim of delivering nano-objects.
Generalized Finsler Geometry and the Anisotropic Tearing of Skin
Authors: Clayton John D.
Published: September 2023

A continuum mechanical theory with foundations in generalized Finsler geometry describes the complex anisotropic behavior of skin. A fiber bundle approach, encompassing total spaces with assigned linear and nonlinear connections, geometrically characterizes evolving configurations of a deformable body with the microstructure. An internal state vector is introduced on each configuration, describing subscale physics. A generalized Finsler metric depends on the position and the state vector, where the latter dependence allows for both the direction (i.e., as in Finsler geometry) and magnitude. Equilibrium equations are derived using a variational method, extending concepts of finite-strain hyperelasticity coupled to phase-field mechanics to generalized Finsler space. For application to skin tearing, state vector components represent microscopic damage processes (e.g., fiber rearrangements and ruptures) in different directions with respect to intrinsic orientations (e.g., parallel or perpendicular to Langer’s lines). Nonlinear potentials, motivated from soft-tissue mechanics and phase-field fracture theories, are assigned with orthotropic material symmetry pertinent to properties of skin. Governing equations are derived for one- and two-dimensional base manifolds. Analytical solutions capture experimental force-stretch data, toughness, and observations on evolving microstructure, in a more geometrically and physically descriptive way than prior phenomenological models.
A Quasi-Dimensional Model of Heat Transfer between Multi-Concentric Monolith Structures
Authors: Kane Seamus P. , Northrop William F.
Published: September 2023

Metallic monolith structures are often used in compact reactor applications due to their superior heat transfer properties and lower pressure drop when compared to ceramic monoliths. Endothermic reactions like steam reforming depend heavily on externally supplied heat, making highly conductive supports especially useful. Simulations are invaluable for designing effective reactors with complex catalyst support structures but are conventionally resource-intensive. Additionally, few dedicated heat transfer experiments between monoliths exist in prior literature. To expand general knowledge of heat transfer between metal monolith structures, this work investigated heat exchange in concentric monoliths brazed to a common mantle. A computationally inexpensive quasi-dimensional model was developed and used to predict the heat exchange effectiveness and intrinsic heat transfer rate. The model used a discretized control volume approach and simplified geometries to reduce computational intensity. The model was calibrated against experimental data collected using a steady-state flow bench. After calibration, a parametric study was performed where monolith construction and flow conditions were varied. A parametric analysis showed that for identical catalyst space velocities and volumes, heat exchange effectiveness can be increased by 43.2% and heat transfer rates by 44.8% simply through increasing the surface area to volume ratio of the monolith. The described approach serves as an alternative framework for modeling catalytic heat exchangers without heavy computation and for quickly matching monolith geometries to their intended use and operating range.
The Health Status of Horses Used for at Least Six Complete Cycles of Loxoscelic Antivenom Production
Authors: Miranda Ana Luísa Soares de , Antunes Bruno Cesar , Minozzo João Carlos , Lima Sabrina de Almeida , Botelho Ana Flávia Machado , Campos Marco Túlio Gomes , Chávez-Olórtegui Carlos , Soto-Blanco Benito
Published: September 2023

Antivenom production against Loxosceles venom relies on horses being immunized and bled for plasma harvest. One horse can partake in several cycles of antivenom production, which will require years of constant venom and adjuvant inoculation and bleeding. The actual impact on the health of horses that participate in several antivenom-producing cycles is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the general health status of horses that underwent at least six cycles of loxoscelic antivenom production. Seven crossbred horses that had partaken in six to eight complete antivenom-producing cycles were used and established as the immunized group (IG). Under the same handling and general management, eleven horses were established as the control group (CG). The horses were evaluated regarding their general clinical status and had their blood sampled, and an ECG recorded. The IG presented lower RBC and PCV, despite keeping values within inferior limits for the species. Renal function was not impaired, and liver-related enzymes were higher than those in the CG, probably due to liver exertion from immunoglobulin synthesis. ECG showed some abnormalities in the IG, such as atrioventricular block and a wandering atrial pacemaker, corroborated by an increase in CK-MB. The cardiovascular abnormalities were mainly found in the horses that participated in several antivenom-producing cycles. The overall results indicate that these horses had some impairment of their general health status. Once available, some alternative, less toxic antigens should replace the venom for immunization of horses used for antivenom production.
A Proteomics-Based Approach Identifies the NEDD4 Adaptor NDFIP2 as an Important Regulator of Ifitm3 Levels
Authors: Marziali Federico , Song Yuxin , Nguyen Xuan-Nhi , Belmudes Lucid , Burlaud-Gaillard Julien , Roingeard Philippe , Couté Yohann , Cimarelli Andrea
Published: September 2023

IFITMs are a family of highly related interferon-induced transmembrane proteins that interfere with the processes of fusion between viral and cellular membranes and are thus endowed with broad antiviral properties. A number of studies have shown how the antiviral potency of IFITMs is highly dependent on their steady-state levels, their intracellular distribution and a complex pattern of post-translational modifications, parameters that are overall tributary of a number of cellular partners. In an effort to identify additional protein partners involved in the biology of IFITMs, we devised a proteomics-based approach based on the piggyback incorporation of IFITM3 partners into extracellular vesicles. MS analysis of the proteome of vesicles bearing or not bearing IFITM3 identified the NDFIP2 protein adaptor protein as an important regulator of IFITM3 levels. NDFIP2 is a membrane-anchored adaptor protein of the E3 ubiquitin ligases of the NEDD4 family that have already been found to be involved in IFITM3 regulation. We show here that NDFIP2 acts as a recruitment factor for both IFITM3 and NEDD4 and mediates their distribution in lysosomal vesicles. The genetic inactivation and overexpression of NDFIP2 drive, respectively, lower and higher levels of IFITM3 accumulation in the cell, overall suggesting that NDFIP2 locally competes with IFITM3 for NEDD4 binding. Given that NDFIP2 is itself tightly regulated and highly responsive to external cues, our study sheds light on a novel and likely dynamic layer of regulation of IFITM3.
Clinical Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Variants during COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yuan Zhilu , Shao Zengyang , Ma Lijia , Guo Renzhong
Published: September 2023

Due to the variation in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, COVID-19 exhibits significant variability in severity. This presents challenges for governments in managing the allocation of healthcare resources and prioritizing health interventions. Clinical severity is also a critical statistical parameter for researchers to quantify the risks of infectious disease, model the transmission of COVID-19, and provide some targeted measures to control the pandemic. To obtain more accurate severity estimates, including confirmed case-hospitalization risk, confirmed case-fatality risk, hospitalization-fatality risk, and hospitalization-ICU risk, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the clinical severity (including hospitalization, ICU, and fatality risks) of different variants during the period of COVID-19 mass vaccination and provided pooled estimates for each clinical severity metric. All searches were carried out on 1 February 2022 in PubMed for articles published from 1 January 2020 to 1 February 2022. After identifying a total of 3536 studies and excluding 3523 irrelevant studies, 13 studies were included. The severity results show that the Delta and Omicron variants have the highest (6.56%, 0.46%, 19.63%, and 9.06%) and lowest severities (1.51%, 0.04%, 6.01%, and 3.18%), respectively, according to the four clinical severity metrics. Adults over 65 have higher severity levels for all four clinical severity metrics.
Beet Curly Top Iran Virus Rep and V2 Suppress Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing via Distinct Modes of Action
Authors: Ebrahimi Saeideh , Eini Omid , Baßler Alexandra , Hanke Arvid , Yildirim Zeynep , Wassenegger Michael , Krczal Gabi , Uslu Veli Vural
Published: September 2023

Beet curly top Iran virus (BCTIV) is a yield-limiting geminivirus belonging to the becurtovirus genus. The genome organization of BCTIV is unique such that the complementary strand of BCTIV resembles Mastrevirus, whereas the virion strand organization is similar to the Curtovirus genus. Geminiviruses are known to avoid the plant defense system by suppressing the RNA interference mechanisms both at the transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) and post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) levels. Multiple geminivirus genes have been identified as viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSR) but VSR activity remains mostly elusive in becurtoviruses. We found that BCTIV-V2 and -Rep could suppress specific Sense-PTGS mechanisms with distinct efficiencies depending on the nature of the silencing inducer and the target gene. Local silencing induced by GFP inverted repeat (IR) could not be suppressed by V2 but was partially reduced by Rep. Accordingly, we documented that Rep but not V2 could suppress systemic silencing induced by GFP-IR. In addition, we showed that the VSR activity of Rep was partly regulated by RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase 6 (RDR6), whereas the VSR activity of V2 was independent of RDR6. Domain mapping for Rep showed that an intact Rep protein was required for the suppression of PTGS. In summary, we showed that BCTIV-Rep and -V2 function as silencing suppressors with distinct modes of action.
Risks of Adverse Outcomes for Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients during the Four Waves in Brazil According to SARS-CoV-2 Variants, Age Group, and Vaccine Status
Authors: Hojo-Souza Natália Satchiko , Jassat Waasila , Guidoni Daniel Ludovico , de Souza Fernanda Sumika Hojo
Published: September 2023

Brazil was hit with four consecutive waves of COVID-19 until 2022 due to the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 (B.1 lineage), followed by the emergence of variants/subvariants. Relative risks of adverse outcomes for COVID-19 patients hospitalized during the four waves were evaluated. Data were extracted from the largest Brazilian database (SIVEP-Gripe), and COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized during the peak of each of the four waves (15-week intervals) were included in this study. The outcomes of in-hospital death, invasive (IMV) and non-invasive (NIV) ventilation requirements, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were analyzed to estimate the relative risks. A higher risk of in-hospital death was found during the second wave for all age groups, but a significant reduction was observed in the risk of death for the elderly during the third and fourth waves compared to patients in the first wave. There was an increased risk of IMV requirement and ICU admissions during the second wave for patients aged 18–59 years old compared to the first wave. Relative risk analysis showed that booster-vaccinated individuals have lower risks of in-hospital death and IMV requirement in all age groups compared to unvaccinated/partially vaccinated patients, demonstrating the relevance of full/booster vaccination in reducing adverse outcomes for patients who were hospitalized during the variant prevalence.
Long-Read High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS) Revealed That the Sf-Rhabdovirus X+ Genome Contains a 3.7 kb Internal Duplication
Authors: Ma Hailun , Bosma Trent J. , Khan Arifa S.
Published: September 2023

We previously reported a novel rhabdovirus produced from the Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 cell line, designated as Sf-rhabdovirus X+ since it contained a unique accessory gene X. The Sf-rhabdovirus X+ genome sequence was generated using Sanger sequencing and short-read high-throughput sequencing (HTS). In this study, we have used long-read HTS technologies, PacBio’s single-molecule real-time sequencing and Oxford’s Nanopore RNA direct sequencing, to analyze the parent Sf9 cell line transcriptome and the virus RNA produced from an X+ cell clone, respectively. A unique 3.7 kb duplication was identified in the L gene between nucleotide position 8523 and 8524, preceded by a GA dinucleotide insertion. This duplication contained a partial G gene, the complete X gene, and a partial L gene, which extended from nucleotide positions 4767–8523 in the X+ virus. Thus, the X+ genome length is 17,361 nucleotides, and we have re-designated the virus as Sf-rhabdovirus X+3.7. The 3.7 kb duplication was found in all Sf9 cell clones producing the X+ variant virus. Furthermore, the Sf-rhabdovirus X+3.7 genome was stable at passage 30, which was the highest passage tested. These results highlight the importance of combining short-read and long-read technologies for accurately sequencing virus genomes using HTS.
Significant Daily CO2 Source–Sink Interchange in an Urbanizing Lake in Southwest China
Authors: Yang Rongjie , Chen Yingying , Li Di , Qiu Yuling , Lu Kezhu , Liu Shiliang , Song Huixing
Published: September 2023

Inland lake water–air interfaces, particularly the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), have become key parameters in the study of global carbon cycle changes. However, there are few studies on short-term daily variations in pCO2 in urbanizing lakes. The fluctuations in pCO2 and CO2 fluxes (fCO2) were monitored biweekly on-site for pCO2 assessments during daytime hours (7:00–17:00 CST) from January to September 2020 in an urbanizing lake located in Southwest China. We found a pronounced and uninterrupted decline in the average levels of pCO2 and fCO2 from 7:00 to 17:00 CST. Notably, the mornings (7:00–12:00 CST) exhibited substantially elevated pCO2 and fCO2 values compared to the afternoons. Specifically, compared to 7:00, the mean pCO2 and fCO2 at 17:00 CST decreased by ca. 74% and 112%, respectively. The average daytime pCO2 was 707 ± 642 μatm, significantly higher than the typical atmospheric CO2 levels of 380–420 μatm, while the average pCO2 on 9 January, 1 April, and 27 July was lower than typical atmospheric CO2. Each month, all water environmental parameters showed significant differences. pCO2 and fCO2 reached maximums in September; water temperature and turbidity significantly increased; and pH, dissolved oxygen and transparency markedly decreased. Additionally, the correlation between pCO2 and environmental factors demonstrated that the nutrient levels, dissolved oxygen, pH, and transparency/turbidity had significant roles in CO2 dynamics in this lake. Therefore, this urbanizing lake could serve as a CO2 source and sink during the daytime.
Surfactant-Capped Silver-Doped Calcium Oxide Nanocomposite: Efficient Sorbents for Rapid Lithium Uptake and Recovery from Aqueous Media
Authors: Kamran Urooj , Jamal Hasan , Siddiqui Md Irfanul Haque , Park Soo-Jin
Published: September 2023

The demand for lithium is constantly increasing due to its wide range of uses in an excessive number of industrial applications. Typically, expensive lithium-based chemicals (LiOH, LiCl, LiNO3, etc.) have been used to fabricate adsorbents (i.e., lithium manganese oxide) for lithium ion (Li+) adsorption from aqueous sources. This type of lithium-based adsorbent does not seem to be very effective in recovering Li+ from water from an economic point of view. In this study, an innovative nanocomposite for Li+ adsorption was investigated for the first time, which eliminates the use of lithium-based chemicals for preparation. Here, calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO-NPs), silver-doped CaO nanoparticles (Ag-CaO-NPs), and surfactant (polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS))-modified Ag-CaO (PVP@Ag-CaO and SDS@Ag-CaO) nanocomposites were designed by the chemical co-precipitation method. The PVP and SDS surfactants acted as stabilizing and capping agents to enhance the Li+ adsorption and recovery performance. The physicochemical properties of the designed samples (morphology, size, surface functionality, and crystallinity) were also investigated. Under optimized pH (10), contact time (8 h), and initial Li+ concentration (2 mg L−1), the highest Li+ adsorption efficiencies recorded by SDS@Ag-CaO and PVP@Ag-CaO were 3.28 mg/g and 2.99 mg/g, respectively. The nature of the Li+ adsorption process was examined by non-linear kinetic and isothermal studies, which revealed that the experimental data were best fit by the pseudo-first-order and Langmuir models. Furthermore, it was observed that the SDS@Ag-CaO nanocomposite exhibited the highest Li+ recovery potential (91%) compared to PVP@Ag-CaO (85%), Ag-CaO NPs (61%), and CaO NPs (43%), which demonstrates their regeneration potential. Therefore, this type of innovative adsorbents can provide new insights for the development of surfactant-capped nanocomposites for enhanced Li+ metal recovery from wastewater.
Explainable Artificial Intelligence in Hydrology: Interpreting Black-Box Snowmelt-Driven Streamflow Predictions in an Arid Andean Basin of North-Central Chile
Authors: Núñez Jorge , Cortés Catalina B. , Yáñez Marjorie A.
Published: September 2023

In recent years, a new discipline known as Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) has emerged, which has followed the growing trend experienced by Artificial Intelligence over the last decades. There are, however, important gaps in the adoption of XAI in hydrology research, in terms of application studies in the southern hemisphere, or in studies associated with snowmelt-driven streamflow prediction in arid regions, to mention a few. This paper seeks to contribute to filling these knowledge gaps through the application of XAI techniques in snowmelt-driven streamflow prediction in a basin located in the arid region of north-central Chile in South America. For this, two prediction models were built using the Random Forest algorithm, for one and four months in advance. The models show good prediction performance in the training set for one (RMSE:1.33, R2: 0.94, MAE:0.55) and four (RMSE: 5.67, R2:0.94, MAE: 1.51) months in advance. The selected interpretation techniques (importance of the variable, partial dependence plot, accumulated local effects plot, Shapley values and local interpretable model-agnostic explanations) show that hydrometeorological variables in the vicinity of the basin are more important than climate variables and this occurs both for the dataset level and for the months with the lowest streamflow records. The importance of the XAI approach adopted in this study is discussed in terms of its contribution to the understanding of hydrological processes, as well as its role in high-stakes decision-making.
Competition of Cladocerans for Natural Seston from a Tropical Shallow Lake
Authors: Ferreira Tânia Cristina dos Santos , Silva Lúcia Helena Sampaio da , Arcifa Marlene Sofia
Published: September 2023

The planktonic cladocerans Ceriodaphnia richardi, Daphnia gessneri, and Daphnia birgei inhabit the limnetic and littoral zones of Lake Monte Alegre, where the former species tends to be abundant. Laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the competition for seston of the limnetic and littoral zones in cladocerans using life table data. In experiment 1, the species C. richardi and D. gessneri were fed seston from the limnetic zone (1–1.29 mg C L−1); in experiment 2, the species C. richardi and D. birgei were fed seston from the littoral zone. Despite the relatively high concentration of sestonic algae (0.96–1 mg C L−1), with predominance of nanoplankton, C. richardi outcompeted D. gessneri in the experiment with the limnetic seston. The species C. richardi and D. birgei benefited from the presence of each other in the experiment with littoral seston, where nanoplankton predominated, with increases in some parameters of the life table. D. birgei, however, showed better reproductive performance than C. richardi. A comparison between the results of the experiments suggests that the seston of the limnetic zone, in terms of quantity and quality, is better for C. richardi than the littoral seston.
Response Characteristics and Water Inflow Prediction of Complex Groundwater Systems under High-Intensity Coal Seam Mining Conditions
Authors: Hua Zhaolai , Zhang Yao , Meng Shihao , Wang Lu , Wang Xuejun , Lv Yang , Li Jinming , Ren Shaofeng , Bao Han , Zhang Zhihao , Zhao Linger , Zeng Yifan
Published: September 2023

With the gradual improvement in coal mining efficiency, the disturbance of groundwater systems caused by high-intensity mining also increases, leading to challenges in maintaining mine safety and protecting water resources in mining areas. How to accurately describe the dynamic changes in the groundwater system under mining and quantitatively predict mine water inflow are currently major problems to be addressed. Based on a full analysis of the response characteristics of a groundwater system to the extraction disturbance, this paper presents a new method to establish a mine hydrogeological conceptual model that can accurately represent the water inrush process. The unstructured-grid package of MODFLOW is used to accurately characterize the formation structure and finally make accurate water inflow predictions. Taking the Caojiatan coal mine in Shaanxi Province, China, as an example, a numerical model of unstructured water inflow is established, and the changes in the water inflow source and intensity are quantitatively evaluated. Compared with the traditional water inflow prediction method, the prediction accuracy of the new model is improved by 12–17%, which is achieved by detailing the response of the complex groundwater system under high-intensity mining conditions. The method presented in this paper has great significance and applicatory value for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the disturbance characteristics of human underground engineering activities (e.g., coal mining) on groundwater systems, as well as accurately predicting water inflow.
DEVELOPMENT OF WEB-BASED REPOSITORY TECHNOLOGY FOR LECTURER'S PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Authors: Rony Muhammad Ainur , Anggraeni Motika Dian
Published: September 2023

Higher education performance assessment on Accreditation requires the results and evidence of lecturer performance. Currently, the Faculty is already using FTP and Google Drive technology. However, the weakness of using these technologies is that the Faculty still has to process data manually, so it is not effective and efficient. Therefore we need technology that can help effectively and efficiently monitor and record performance along with supporting document evidence. With this web repository, the Faculty can monitor and, at the same time, be able to draw supporting evidence for the preparation of accreditation forms. The research method used in this study is a combination method between Design Thinking and Scrum methods as a method for application development.
DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION IN DETERMINING STUDENTS TO RECEIVE BOS FUNDING USING THE WASPAS METHOD
Authors: Napisah Napisah , Muliono Rizki , Khairina Nurul , - Muhathir
Published: September 2023

Success in learning and learning activities at SMA Asy-Syafiiyah Medan, is not only influenced by teachers, but also by student aspects such as attendance, parental income, activity participation, achievement scores, and discipline. To obtain optimal results, the authors designed an application using the Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) method that can determine students who receive BOS funds. After calculating 5 times with predetermined criteria, Rizki Ridho Silalahi's final result was 0.9197. The system designed for receiving BOS Fund assistance at SMA Asy-Syafiiyah Medan has been tested by inputting criteria data and carrying out the calculation process using the WASPAS method.
Osservazioni sul Reginense latino 2077
Authors: Troncarelli Fabio
Published: September 2023

The ms. Città del Vaticano, BAV, Vat. Reg. 2077, coming from Vivarium, should have been written before the traditional date, in the last quarter of the VIth century and not at the beginning of the VIIth. It has been owned by Johannis bishop of Squillace to whom was given as a gift by the monks of Vivarium. The little Apocalyptic text inserted in the manuscript by the monks has a link with Saint Servatus’ legend and Attila’s invasion.
The Innovation Impact on Marketing Performance: The Case of SMEs in Developing Countries
Authors: Khan Muhammad Bilawal , Malaka Elohor Pamela
Published: September 2023

Despite the growing body of literature on social media adoption in marketing, there appears to be a lack of research on the specifics and ramifications for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are an important segment of the business world. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the use of Facebook and Instagram in marketing among fast-food SMEs in Pakistan, a developing country. To achieve this goal, the study employs the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework and a multiple case study approach to analyse the antecedents of Facebook and Instagram adoption and their impact on marketing performance. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with thirty fast-food SMEs in Pakistan and analysed using thematic analysis. The study reveals that several antecedents influence the adoption of Facebook and Instagram in marketing among SMEs, including interactivity, cost-effectiveness, owner support, customer pressure, and market scope. Furthermore, the adoption of these social media platforms impacted marketing performance, as it enhances brand awareness and customer buying interest. The study's findings offer a conceptual framework on the antecedents of Facebook and Instagram adoption in marketing among fast-food SMEs in Pakistan, with implications for their marketing performance. The study's conceptual framework can serve as a foundation for future research exploring social media adoption in other SMEs and industries. This study has both practical and theoretical contributions. At the practical level, it provides suggestions for fast-food SMEs in Pakistan on how to adopt social media platforms effectively for marketing purposes. At the theoretical level, it enriches the existing literature on social media adoption in SMEs.
Analysing the Influence of Components of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem on the Entrepreneurial Process
Authors: Alam Aftab , Ghatak Arpita , Bhowmick Bhaskar
Published: September 2023

The entrepreneurial ecosystem is a popular concept because of its systematic approach to analysing entrepreneurship and promoting entrepreneurial activity in the region. However, studies on EE have lacked a framework for indicating the influence that EE components have on entrepreneurship. The authors fill this gap in our research by investigating the influence of the components of the entrepreneurial environment on the entrepreneurial process. Entrepreneurial Intention Development, Entrepreneurial Exploration, and Entrepreneurial Exploitation are the three stages of the entrepreneurial process that were identified. To investigate complex systems and grasp the system's causal linkages, fuzzy cognitive modelling approach was employed. This study provides insights into the relationships between the components of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the entrepreneurial process, which helps to support entrepreneurship during its different phases.
Aligning Agri-food Business with Sustainable Development and Quality of Life in Rural Areas: Stakeholders' Perspectives from Greece
Authors: Apostolopoulos Nikolaos , Makris Ilias , Apostolopoulos Sotiris , Anastasopoulou Eleni , Deirmentzoglou Georgios
Published: September 2023

The present study examined how the agri-food enterprises in Greece affect the socio-economic life of rural areas and contribute to ensuring food security. It sought the extent of their contribution to the revitalization of the local community and residents’ quality of life. Furthermore, it focused on the policy measures needed to ensure that their operation protects the environment and reduces their environmental footprint. Additionally, this research explored agri-food enterprises’ impact in addressing the problems of rural societies in the context of their social responsibility. Qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with twelve central government and local self-administrative executives who formulate policies that shape or influence the agri-food sector and agri-food enterprises The study revealed that agri-food businesses play a major role in the rural economy. At the same time, they are a key factor in linking sustainable development to the well-being of citizens. It was also highlighted that agri-food enterprises in Greece continue to leave a large negative environmental footprint and therefore a change in the framework of existing policies is needed to make the latter effective. In this regard, measures are needed to support agri-food enterprises with certain financial instruments in order to enhance the reduction of their environmental footprint. Finally, the research indicated the need for further strengthening of agri-food enterprises' social responsibility toward rural residents. The contribution of this research has both theoretical and empirical value. It responds to the recent calls for greater investigation of agri-food enterprises and their contributions to sustainable development and rural residents’ quality of life as well. In this respect, the present primary study adds evidence to the international literature regarding the role of agri-food enterprises in the socio-economic life of rural areas by shedding light on various aspects while the findings can be used by the institutions (European, state, and local authorities) that are responsible for policy-making in the agri-food sector and agri-food enterprises respectively. Moreover, the findings can also be a valuable tool for the business world of agri-food entrepreneurship.
Revisiting the Effect of R&D intensity on innovation Performance: An Instrument Variable Approach
Authors: Kwaame Adane Darfo-Oduro Raymond
Published: September 2023

The literature on innovation performance makes clear the important role of R&D in innovation performance. Studies that have investigated this relationship have generally assessed the effect of R&D investment on innovation performance. It is important to note that innovation performance and R&D investment are known to be closely associated with the possibility of reverse causality. Regressing innovation performance on R&D expenditure therefore poses an important statistical challenge of endogeneity. In the presence of endogeneity regression parameter estimates are biased and inconsistent and therefore hypothesis testing may be misleading. Using data from different sectors of OECD economies sourced from the OECD data base, instrumental variable analysis is conducted through a two stage least square using the number of R&D personnel as instrument. Again, the literature assumes that innovation is an increasing function of R&D. However, considering R&D is combined with other factors, some of which are fixed, the possibility that R&D will experience diminishing returns cannot be overlooked. This means that the dominant linear relationship authors specify in these studies may not be wholly accurate. We captured this effect by modeling a quadratic relationship to reflect the diminishing returns to innovation performance. The findings of the study show that the number of R&D persons exhibit a nonlinear inverted U-shaped relationship with innovation performance. The policy implication of the findings of the study is that R&D activities must be commensurate with the size of other organizational factors to ensure that changes in R&D activities solicit a favourable response from innovation performance.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Courier Delivery Innovation: InPost Company Case Study
Authors: Czerwinska Magdalena , Maciaszczyk Magdalena , Rzepka Agnieszka
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many markets, including the courier market. This market still has great potential. Thanks to the introduced innovations and due to the growing demand for courier services and the development of e-commerce, it is currently one of the most dynamically developing industries. In the face of the pandemic, courier companies had to adapt to the new operating conditions. The implementation of innovations (i.e. parcel lockers) has become one of the key development trends in the contemporary mechanisms of for creating the competitiveness of enterprises. Parcel lockers introduced by InPost in Poland in 2009 now operate in other countries, there are over 23,000 of them in Europe. They are also located in Asia, both Americas, as well as in the Middle East and Africa. The aim of the article is to show the reaction of courier companies to the COVID-19 pandemic through the example of InPost. The article also demonstrates that difficult pandemic conditions cause adjustment processes on the courier market related to the implementation of innovations by courier companies. Various innovative solutions introduced by InPost during the pandemic were analysed. The main features of InPost courier services that distinguish the company's activity compared to its competitors have been identified. It was shown that the company reacted innovatively to the difficult pandemic conditions, and its actions were positively assessed by consumers. To support this view, in the empirical part of the article, we will look at the research conducted in 2021 in Poland. The survey was conducted among young consumers (students of Lublin University of Technology aged 19-26).
How Applying the Lean Start-up Methodology can Affect Business Model Innovation
Authors: Hinz Andreas , Philippi Stefan , Kabous Laila
Published: September 2023

Start-ups often apply entrepreneurial approaches like the Lean Start-up Method (LSM) and Business Model Innovation (BMI). LSM emphasises experimentation during product development and testing in close interactions with potential customers to get first-hand feedback. Lessons learned are implemented so that improved product variants go through further feedback loops and so on. Products are developed by rapidly getting closer to what customers really want. BMI focuses on altering existing or developing new business models to enable differentiation from competitors. Typical elements of business models include target customer segments, value propositions, value chains and revenue mechanisms. BMI is assumed to take place when at least two of these elements are innovated in conjunction. Going beyond typical product or process innovation in isolation, BMI suggests to holistically consider interdependencies within the entire business model. The need for a better understanding on connections between LSM and BMI is expressed in the literature and this work’s goal is to contribute to this discussion. More specifically, this work seeks to address the question of how the application of LSM can affect BMI. In search of answers, business plans of 25 finalist start-ups in the 2022 edition of an annual innovation competition in Switzerland are reviewed. While the evidence on the connection between LSM and BMI is not entirely convincing, reviewed business plans reveal insights into LSM-related factors at play that can support business model changes and trigger BMI.