bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain-Based Decentralized Power Dispatching Model for Power Grids Integrated with Renewable Energy and Flexible Load
Authors: Xu Lei , Yu Dong , Zhou Jinyu , Jin Chaowu
Published: May 2023

To cope with the energy crisis and environmental pollution, the future development of the power system has to change towards a clean, low-carbon, flexible, and diversified direction. This paper proposes a decentralized power dispatching model based on blockchain technology to address the problems of uncertainty, privacy, security, and reliability in power dispatching systems containing renewable energy and flexible loads. Considering the uncertainty of wind, photovoltaic, and flexible load integration into the power grid, the total generation costs of the system are established, and the smart contracts of the decentralized power dispatching are proposed. The proof of work (PoW) consensus mechanism is improved in this paper. The hash operation that must be repeated in the PoW algorithm is replaced by an optimized computation process using a blockchain-based genetic algorithm (BD-GA). The proof of work-load-genetic algorithm-based (PoW-GAD) consensus algorithm is proposed. The decentralized power dispatching model and improved consensus algorithms’ effectiveness was confirmed by simulation. The power dispatching method in this paper reduces the system cost and increases wind and photovoltaic usage. The improved PoW-GAD algorithm, while inheriting the security features of the PoW algorithm, adapts to the blockchain-based decentralized dispatching structure and enhances system security.
Hydrogen-like Plasmas under Endohedral Cavity
Authors: Chowdhury Saptarshi , Mukherjee Neetik , Roy Amlan K.
Published: May 2023

Over the past few decades, confined quantum systems have emerged to be a subject of considerable importance in physical, chemical and biological sciences. Under such stressed conditions, they display many fascinating and notable physical and chemical properties. Here we address this situation by using two plasma models, namely a weakly coupled plasma environment mimicked by a Debye-Hückel potential (DHP) and an exponential cosine screened Coulomb potential (ECSCP). On the other hand, the endohedral confinement is achieved via a Woods-Saxon (WS) potential. The critical screening constant, dipole oscillator strength (OS) and polarizability are investigated for an arbitrary state. A Shannon entropy-based strategy has been invoked to study the phase transition here. An increase in Z leads to larger critical screening. Moreover, a detailed investigation reveals that there exists at least one bound state in such plasmas. Pilot calculations are conducted for some low-lying states (ℓ=1−5) using a generalized pseudo spectral scheme, providing optimal, non-uniform radial discretization.
N-Aryl Amino Acids as Potential Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Osinubi Adejoke D. , Asekun Olayinka T. , Familoni Oluwole B.
Published: May 2023

The resistance of bacteria to current antibiotic drugs and the re-occurrence of different ailments after several therapeutic protocols continue to be a cause for concern. Arylated amino acids are vital synthons to many compounds; they serve as essential building blocks in the synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles with various biological activities. This research reports on the synthesis of some N-aryl amino acids and evaluates their antibacterial activities. The N-aryl amino acids 3a–3j were obtained by reacting different 4-substituted fluorobenzene 1a–1d with different amino acids 2a–2g via a metal-free base-induced aryl amination reaction of aryl halides. The antibacterial activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated against eight bacterial strains (Four Gram-positive, Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Streptococcus pneumonia (ATCC 33400), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 14990), and four Gram-negative, Enterobacter cloacae (ATCC 43560), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 43071), and Klebsiella oxytoca (ATCC 13182) using the agar well diffusion method with streptomycin as a reference drug. The biological screening indicates that the synthesized compounds 3a, 3e, and 3j have promising broad-spectrum antibacterial potential, as the N-aryl amino acid displayed activity that was comparable to the standard drug against Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis.
Race in the Culture Wars
Authors: Eyerman Ronald
Published: May 2023

Like culture war, race has many meanings. It can refer to objective essence, or characteristics that are inherited through genes, blood, or mystical spirits. Conversely, race is conceptualized as a historically changing social construction, a concept whose references and attributes vary according to present needs. In this article, I employ both conceptualizations through two illustrative examples. The first is race and racism in the US, where culture wars are fundamentally racialized. The second is the Troubles, a thirty-year period of violence (1960–1998) in Northern Ireland, a culture war turned into open war, where variants of race and racism were a determining factor. In the latter example, culture war turned into civil war, while, in the former example, extremists hope for the same. In the concluding sections, I identify the steps in a process that turned culture war into civil war, as it has great relevance to the American case.
Explaining Religious Revival in the Context of Long-Term Secularization
Authors: Stolz Jörg , Voas David
Published: May 2023

Secularization theory has often been criticized for not being able to explain counterexamples. However, secularization theorists argue that transitory religious resurgences are expected to occur even in modernizing conditions. The aim of this article is to identify mechanisms that can explain the temporary upswing of religion against the backdrop of long-term modernization. We classify the mechanisms under five broad headings: crisis, reaction, transition, state intervention, and composition. Historical examples are provided to illustrate these mechanisms. The mechanisms are not mutually exclusive and can be understood within the framework of rational action.
The Effect of Folk Belief on Social Trust: The Mediating Role of Social Support and the Sense of Identity
Authors: Hou Bin , Rao Shiying , Huang Yuqi , Wu Yuxin
Published: May 2023

Although the influential factors of social trust have aroused heated discussion, the research on the influence of religious belief, especially Chinese folk belief, on social trust and the mechanism between the two is relatively insufficient. This study aims to explore the influence of folk beliefs on Chinese residents’ social trust and the mediating role of social support and the sense of identity. The empirical analysis of 23,823 Chinese residents shows that there is a significant positive correlation between folk belief and social trust. Social support and a sense of identity play a mediating role between folk beliefs and residents’ social trust. People with folk beliefs can significantly promote their social trust by improving their degree of social support and their sense of identity. In addition, the influence of folk belief on the social trust of residents in eastern, northern China and rural areas is more significant, showing regional and registered residence heterogeneity. Therefore, we should correctly interpret and popularize the core spirit and social and cultural significance of folk belief to form a bond of social trust. At the same time, folk beliefs can be returned to the people, which will help people find a sense of belonging and sense of identity and enhance their social trust.
The Generalised Pareto Distribution Model Approach to Comparing Extreme Risk in the Exchange Rate Risk of BitCoin/US Dollar and South African Rand/US Dollar Returns
Authors: Ndlovu Thabani , Chikobvu Delson
Published: May 2023

Cryptocurrencies are said to be very risky, and so are the currencies of emerging economies, including the South African rand. The steady rise in the movement of South Africans’ investments between the rand and BitCoin warrants an investigation as to which of the two currencies is riskier. In this paper, the Generalised Pareto Distribution (GPD) model is employed to estimate the Value at Risk (VaR) and the Expected Shortfall (ES) for the two exchange rates, BitCoin/US dollar (BitCoin) and the South African rand/US dollar (ZAR/USD). The estimated risk measures are used to compare the riskiness of the two exchange rates. The Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) method is used to find the optimal parameters of the GPD model. The higher extreme value index estimate associated with the BTC/USD when compared with the ZAR/USD estimate, suggests that the BTC/USD is riskier than the ZAR/USD. The computed VaR estimates for losses of $0.07, $0.09, and $0.16 per dollar invested in the BTC/USD at 90%, 95%, and 99% compared to the ZAR/USD’s $0.02, $0.02, and $0.03 at the respective levels of significance, confirm that BitCoin is riskier than the rand. The ES (average losses) of $0.11, $0.13, and $0.21 per dollar invested in the BTC/USD at 90%, 95%, and 99% compared to the ZAR/USD’s $0.02, $0.02, and $0.03 at the respective levels of significance further confirm the higher risk associated with BitCoin. Model adequacy is confirmed using the Kupiec test procedure. These findings are helpful to risk managers when making adequate risk-based capital requirements more rational between the two currencies. The argument is for more capital requirements for BitCoin than for the South African rand.
Context-Based and Adaptive Cybersecurity Risk Management Framework
Authors: Melaku Henock Mulugeta
Published: May 2023

Currently, organizations are faced with a variety of cyber-threats and are possibly challenged by a wide range of cyber-attacks of varying frequency, complexity, and impact. However, they can do something to prevent, or at least mitigate, these cyber-attacks by first understanding and addressing their common problems regarding cybersecurity culture, developing a cyber-risk management plan, and devising a more proactive and collaborative approach that is suitable according to their organization context. To this end, firstly various enterprise, Information Technology (IT), and cybersecurity risk management frameworks are thoroughly reviewed along with their advantages and limitations. Then, we propose a proactive cybersecurity risk management framework that is simple and dynamic, and that adapts according to the current threat and technology landscapes and organizational context. Finally, performance metrics to evaluate the framework are proposed.
Identification and Quantification of Polyphenolic Secondary Metabolites in Stem Bark of Ficus religiosa (Moraceae) Using UPLC-HRMS and RP-HPLC-PDA
Authors: Thakur Deepak , Lal Uma Ranjan , Kapoor Deepak N. , Kumar Deepak
Published: May 2023

F. religiosa bark has been extensively used in traditional medicinal systems, such as Ayurveda, for its health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the secondary metabolites (phenolics and flavonoids) of the hydroalcoholic stem-bark extract from F. religiosa because this plant has been proven to have a beneficial effect on health disorders. Therefore, a pilot study was conducted for the identification and quantification of polyphenolic compounds in F. religiosa bark using sophisticated chromatographical techniques such as UPLC-HRMS and RP-HPLC-PDA. Additionally, total flavonoids, total phenolics and the scavenging profile of the bark were studied using a UV spectrophotometer. A total of 23 compounds identified with UPLC-HRMS were mainly phenolic acids, polyphenolics, and flavonoids (flavanols and proanthocyanidins). Among the identified compounds, gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, and ellagic acid were simultaneously quantified (0.031–0.380%) using RP-HPLC-PDA. Thereafter, the study complied by evaluating the total flavonoids (109.15 ± 1.2 mg RuE/g and 33.78 ± 0.86 mg CaE/g), total phenolics (4.81 ± 1.01 mg GaE/g), and scavenging profiles (IC50 13.75 ± 0.12 µg/mL) of the F. religiosa bark. This is the first report on the chemical profiling of F. religiosa bark, which is a necessary step to evaluate its nutraceutical properties, paving the way for possible food application.
Analyzing and Leveraging Social Media Disaster Communication of Natural Hazards: Community Sentiment and Messaging Regarding the Australian 2019/20 Bushfires
Authors: Gardiner Sarah , Chen Jinyan , Abreu Novais Margarida , Dupré Karine , Castley J. Guy
Published: May 2023

This research presents a new model based on Twitter posts and VADER algorithms to analyze social media discourse during and following a bushfire event. The case study is the Gold Coast community that experienced the first bushfire event of Australia’s severe Black Summer in 2019/2020. This study aims to understand which communities and stakeholders generate and exchange information on disasters caused by natural hazards. In doing so, a new methodology to analyze social media in disaster management is presented. This model enables stakeholders to understand key message themes and community sentiment during and following the disaster, as well as the individuals and groups that shape the messaging. Three main findings emerged. Firstly, the results show that messaging volume is a proxy for the importance of the bushfires, with a clear increase during the bushfire event and a sharp decline after the event. Secondly, from a content perspective, there was a consistent negative message sentiment (even during recovery) and the need for better planning, while the links between bushfires and climate change were key message themes. Finally, it was found that politicians, broadcast media and public commentators were central influencers of social media messaging, rather than bushfire experts. This demonstrates the potential of social media to inform disaster response and recovery behavior related to natural hazards.
Global Value Chain Position and Corporate Environmental Performance: A Comparison of Domestic and Foreign Perspectives in China
Authors: Zhao Yubo , Zhu Shijing , Kong Wei , Ren Liang
Published: May 2023

Under the reality of global value chain (GVC) restructuring, the GVC is not only production networks, but also pollution sources that depend on production activities. Based on domestic and foreign markets, this paper proposes the hypothesis that different GVC locations have differential effects on pollution emissions. Using industrial pollution data and two models (a panel fixed-effects model and an instrumental variable two-stage least squares model), we find that increasing exported upstreamness and net upstreamness in GVC by one unit reduces pollution emissions by 3–7%, while increasing imported upstreamness raises pollution emissions by about 5%. We also find that the position in the GVC influences the green production efficiency of enterprises. To mitigate the environmental problems caused by GVC participation, we suggest that external industry regulations and internal technology absorption capacity should be enhanced. This paper provides useful policy implications for adjusting the GVC position of enterprises under the new international division of labor.
Ecological Quality Status Evaluation of Port Sea Areas Based on EW-GRA-TOPSIS Model
Authors: Lang Kun , Gu Lijun , Chen Zhiying , Niu Chunhui , Li Lin , Ma Jinyuan
Published: May 2023

It is of great significance to research a method to evaluate the ecological quality status of port sea areas objectively for the ecological environmental protection and sustainable development of sea areas. In this paper, a novel ecological quality status evaluation model is proposed based on the entropy weight method (EW), the gray relational analysis method (GRA), and the TOPSIS method. Firstly, a comprehensive evaluation indicator system is constructed from three aspects, namely seawater quality, sediments, and marine organisms. Secondly, the weight values of different indicators are obtained via the EW method, which can be obtained more objectively than via the subjective weighting method. Afterwards, the ecological quality status of port sea areas can be evaluated using the proposed method, which combines the advantages of the TOPSIS method and the GRA method. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed EW-GRA-TOPSIS model is illustrated by a case study based on a port sea area of Tianjin. The results show that 66.7% of the monitoring stations in the port sea area are at a good level, 25% of them are at a fair level, only 8.3% are at a poor level, and none are at an excellent or bad level. Additionally, the evaluation results obtained using the proposed model are more consistent with the actual survey results than the compared typical TOPSIS method. It can objectively reflect the ecological quality status of monitoring stations, and consequently, it could be helpful for the marine department to make decisions on the sustainable development of port sea areas. In a further study, the influence of decision makers’ preferences on the evaluation results could be considered, and a more reasonable method to determine the evaluation grade standard should be researched to improve the proposed model.
Anti-Scale Performance and Mechanism of Valonia Tannin Extract for Calcium Carbonate in Circulating Cooling Water System
Authors: He Zhenbo , Zhang Li , Wang Lihong , Zhang Qiang , Luan Lingyu
Published: May 2023

Natural-polymer-based antiscalants for various calcium scales have recently received significant attention due to their prominent structural features, such as hydroxyl, amino, and organic acids, as well as their environmental friendliness and widespread availability. In this study, a novel green antiscalant, namely modified valonia tannin extract (MVTE), was synthesized using valonia tannin extract (VTE), itaconic acid (IA), and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS). The structure of MVTE was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The crystal morphology, structure, and surface elementary composition of CaCO3 were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. Results indicate that MVTE with the best anti-scale performance is prepared when the valonia dosage is 2.5 g, the initiator dosage is 6 wt.%, the reaction temperature is 75 °C, and the reaction time is 3.5 h. Moreover, MVTE shows significantly improved resistance to temperature and alkalinity compared to VE. Results from SEM, XRD, and XPS demonstrate that MVTE can interfere with the regular growth of CaCO3 crystals through chelation, dispersion, and lattice distortion. This effect results in the generation of vaterite, which inhibits the deposition of CaCO3. Meanwhile, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was employed to further explore the anti-scale mechanisms at an atomistic level. The results illustrate that interaction energies originate from ionic and hydrogen bonds between MVTE and calcite, which ultimately improve the anti-scale performance of MVTE. In conclusion, MVTE can be an excellent antiscalant in circulating cooling water systems.
Land Efficient Mobility and Emissions: Click and Collect vs. Grocery Deliveries in Switzerland
Authors: Schnieder Maren , Hinde Chris , West Andrew
Published: May 2023

Online grocery shopping is an emerging market. It caused visible growth in last mile delivery services, which has resulted in concerns about its external effects (e.g., pollution, land use, congestion). The study outlined in this paper proposes a grocery delivery concept where goods are transported by train to the customer’s nearest station, and then the consumer either picks up the groceries (i.e., click and collect) or the goods are delivered to the customer’s home, or to a locker. The focus of this paper is primarily based on the last mile delivery part of the supply chain (i.e., from the train station to the customer). The land use efficiency and emissions of each delivery concept have been evaluated based on the time-area concept and the Handbook Emission Factors for Road Transport (HBEFA 4.1), respectively. This large-scale simulation considers every household in Switzerland with various levels of demand and supermarket network densities. Two machine learning techniques (i.e., random forest and decision tree) have been used to categorise all neighbourhoods within Switzerland based on the best delivery method in terms of emissions and land efficiency. The results show that, depending on the scenarios (e.g., 10 or 100% of the households taking part), home delivery can be better for 76–89% of these communities when compared with a click and collect option based on their land use efficiency.
Insight into the Enzymatic Mechanism of Straw Carbon Source and Its Denitrification Availability
Authors: Li Lei , Li Chenxi , Wu Kun , Zhou Shuting , Hu Wei , Qin Jiangzhou , Ye Zhengfang
Published: May 2023

The application of an enzymatic straw carbon source (SCS) to a denitrifying system was a promising method for recycling straw waste. However, the total components of an enzymatic SCS, and their effectiveness for denitrification, are still controversial, which hinders its application to denitrifying. In this study, we combined silylation derivatization and GC-MS technology to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the enzymatic SCS components, and further identified the availability of the components in nitrogen removal. The addition of cellulase could improve both the carbon release amount (increase by 300%) and its effectiveness (66% to 83.7%). The components in both the SCS and enzymatic SCS could be divided into three categories: saccharides, VFAs and aromatic structures. Both saccharides and VFAs were effective for denitrifying and accounted for 86.8% of the enzymatic SCS. Most of the invalid components (aromatic structure) belonged to benzoic acid derivatives which originated from the fragments of straw lignin. In summary, the parameters regarding the components, manufacture and availability of the enzymatic SCS were figured out in this study, laying the foundation for straw waste application to the denitrifying process.
Assessing Urban Sustainability and the Potential to Improve the Quality of Education and Gender Equality in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Authors: Chan Puthearath , Gulbaram Kulakhmetova , Schuetze Thorsten
Published: May 2023

This research assessed the urban sustainability of all 14 districts of the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh to identify weaknesses and improvement potentials to achieve the national development goals; the New Urban Agenda (NUA); and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 4 (quality education), and 5 (gender equality). The indicators’ selection was based on available data. The analysis of the indicators and their weights was based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Indicator weights were used to improve assessment accuracy and identify each district’s unique characteristics and specific strengths and weaknesses. The normal distribution model was used to standardize the variables before comparison. Among the quality education indicators, the access to education and vocational training obtained the highest weight of 0.38, followed by education staff with 0.33 and facilities with 0.29. Among gender-equality-related indicators, the indicators related to professions obtained the highest weight with 0.34, followed by schools with 0.33 and decision-making with 0.32. The most sustainable district was Boeng Keng Kong, with a consolidated result of 22.81 for quality education and gender equality assessment based on indicator weights, followed by the districts Doun Penh with 20.51, Prampir Makara with 19.95, and Chamkarmon with 19.75. This research identified district-specific strengths and weaknesses, whereas the weak points unveil the improvement potential of specific districts.
Keep Calm and Go Out: Urban Nature Exposure, Mental Health, and Perceived Value during the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Kanelli Argyro Anna , Kokkinaki Margarita , Sinvare Marios-Dimitrios , Malesios Chrisovalantis , Dimitrakopoulos Panayiotis G. , Kalantzi Olga-Ioanna
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of incorporating nature-based solutions in urban design, in order to create sustainable and resilient cities. Inspired by these events, the present study aims at exploring the mental health benefits of nature exposure during the outbreak. Secondarily, we investigate changes in use patterns towards urban green spaces (UGS) and urban blue spaces (UBS) and whether extreme conditions, such as these of a lockdown, can lead to an increase in people’s appreciation of urban nature. Through an online survey, we observed that the pandemic resulted in a decrease in the frequency of visitation to UGS/UBS (p < 0.001). Significant differences were found for exercise (p < 0.001) and socialization (p < 0.05) as main drivers for visiting urban nature pre- and post-lockdown. Accordingly, visitation rates for forests (p < 0.05), playgrounds (p < 0.001), and the sea (p < 0.001) differed significantly when comparing the two periods. In people’s perception, UGS/UBS are important for the urban fabric (89%). Our structural equation model indicated that nature exposure had a beneficial effect on participants’ mental health (p < 0.001). Pathways that explain the relationship between nature exposure and post- lockdown value were nature relatedness, motivation, and perceived importance of UGS/UBS. No mediation could be extracted for nature exposure and mental health. Our findings show the positive association between nature exposure and mental health improvement, especially in times of crisis, as well as a shift in the “value domain” towards urban nature.
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Abandoned-Bike-Sharing Recycling: Impact of Recycling Subsidy Policy
Authors: Liu Limei , Liu Zhe , Yang Yi , Shi Biao , Liu Xingbao
Published: May 2023

The launch of large-scale bike sharing in China has effectively met the demand for low-carbon short-distance travel, but it has also led to the emergence of a large number of abandoned bikes, which is called the “bike-sharing siege”. In order to achieve the sustainable development of the bike-sharing industry, this paper discusses how to encourage bike-sharing companies to recycle and reuse abandoned bikes and improve the efficiency of local government financial resources based on the promotion of the EPR system. We apply the evolutionary game to investigate the interaction mechanism of complex behaviors between local governments and bike-sharing companies under two subsidy policies: a fixed recycling subsidy and regressive recycling subsidy. The results show that both recycling subsidy policies have diminishing marginal effects. In addition to incentives, local governments need to unify bike-sharing parking, establish bike-sharing monitoring platforms, and reasonably allocate bike parking spaces to ensure the quality of the urban environment. Under effective regulation, by implementing a regressive recycling subsidy policy and setting a rational amount for the recycling subsidy, local governments can effectively promote the EPR system, strengthen the environmental responsibility of companies, and avoid the “free-rider phenomenon”. Based on the current situation in China, this research provides references for each local government to formulate management policies from the perspective of subsidy policy.
Appraisal of Different Artificial Intelligence Techniques for the Prediction of Marble Strength
Authors: Jan Muhammad Saqib , Hussain Sajjad , e Zahra Rida , Emad Muhammad Zaka , Khan Naseer Muhammad , Rehman Zahid Ur , Cao Kewang , Alarifi Saad S. , Raza Salim , Sherin Saira , Salman Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Rock strength, specifically the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), is a critical parameter mostly used in the effective and sustainable design of tunnels and other engineering structures. This parameter is determined using direct and indirect methods. The direct methods involve acquiring an NX core sample and using sophisticated laboratory procedures to determine UCS. However, the direct methods are time-consuming, expensive, and can yield uncertain results due to the presence of any flaws or discontinuities in the core sample. Therefore, most researchers prefer indirect methods for predicting rock strength. In this study, UCS was predicted using seven different artificial intelligence techniques: Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), XG Boost Algorithm, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Elastic Net (EN), Lasso, and Ridge models. The input variables used for rock strength prediction were moisture content (MC), P-waves, and rebound number (R). Four performance indicators were used to assess the efficacy of the models: coefficient of determination (R2), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Square Error (MSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The results show that the ANN model had the best performance indicators, with values of 0.9995, 0.2634, 0.0694, and 0.1642 for R2, RMSE, MSE, and MAE, respectively. However, the XG Boost algorithm model performance was also excellent and comparable to the ANN model. Therefore, these two models were proposed for predicting UCS effectively. The outcomes of this research provide a theoretical foundation for field professionals in predicting the strength parameters of rock for the effective and sustainable design of engineering structures
Assessing Economic Complementarity in Wind–Solar Hybrid Power Plants Connected to the Brazilian Grid
Authors: Veras Rafael B. S. , Oliveira Clóvis B. M. , de Lima Shigeaki L. , Saavedra Osvaldo R. , Oliveira Denisson Q. , Pimenta Felipe M. , Lopes Denivaldo C. P. , Torres Junior Audálio R. , Neto Francisco L. A. , de Freitas Ramon M. , Assireu Arcilan T.
Published: May 2023

The share of electricity generation from Variable Renewable Energy Sources (VRES) has increased over the last 20 years. Despite promoting the decarbonization of the energy mix, these sources bring negative characteristics to the energy mix, such as power ramps, load mismatch, unpredictability, and fluctuation. One of the ways to mitigate these characteristics is the hybridization of power plants. This paper evaluates the benefits of hybridizing a plant using an AI-based methodology for optimizing the wind–solar ratio based on the Brazilian regulatory system. For this study, the hybrid plant was modeled using data collected over a period of 10 months. The measurements were obtained using two wind profilers (LIDAR and SODAR) and a sun tracker (Solys 2) as part of the EOSOLAR R&D project conducted in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. After the power plant modeling, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) was used to determine the optimal wind–solar ratio, considering costs with transmission systems. The algorithm achieved a monthly profit increase of more than 39% with an energy curtailment inferior to 1%, which indicates economic complementarity. Later, the same methodology was also applied to verify the wind–solar ratio’s sensitivity to solar energy pricing. The results show that a price increase of 15% would change the power plant’s optimal configuration.
A Two-Step Model-Based Reconstruction and Imaging Method for Baseline-Free Lamb Wave Inspection
Authors: Fan Hang , Gao Fei , Li Wenhao , Zhang Kun
Published: May 2023

Traditional Lamb wave inspection and imaging methods heavily rely on prior knowledge of dispersion curves and baseline recordings, which may not be feasible in the majority of real cases due to production uncertainties and environmental variations. In order to solve this problem, a two-step Lamb wave strategy utilizing adaptive multiple signal classification (MUSIC) and sparse reconstruction of dispersion reconstruction is proposed. The multimodal Lamb waves are initially reconstructed in the f-k domain using random measurements, allowing for the identification and characterization of multimodal Lamb waves. Then, using local polynomial expansion and derivation, the phase and group velocities for each Lamb wave mode could be computed. Thus, the steering vectors of all potential scattering Lamb waves for each grid in the scanning area can be established, thereby allowing for the formulation of the MUSIC algorithm. To increase the precision and adaptability of the MUSIC method, the local wave components resulting from potential scatters are extracted with an adaptive window, which is governed by the group velocities and distances of Lamb wave propagation. As a result, the reconstructed dispersion relations and windowed wave components can be used to highlight the scattering features. For the method investigation, both a simulation and experiment are carried out, and both the dispersion curves and damage locations can be detected. The results demonstrate that damage localization is possible without theoretical dispersion data and baseline recordings while exhibiting a considerable accuracy and resolution.
Phishing Detection in Blockchain Transaction Networks Using Ensemble Learning
Authors: Ogundokun Roseline Oluwaseun , Arowolo Micheal Olaolu , Damaševičius Robertas , Misra Sanjay
Published: May 2023

The recent progress in blockchain and wireless communication infrastructures has paved the way for creating blockchain-based systems that protect data integrity and enable secure information sharing. Despite these advancements, concerns regarding security and privacy continue to impede the widespread adoption of blockchain technology, especially when sharing sensitive data. Specific security attacks against blockchains, such as data poisoning attacks, privacy leaks, and a single point of failure, must be addressed to develop efficient blockchain-supported IT infrastructures. This study proposes the use of deep learning methods, including Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Bi-directional LSTM (Bi-LSTM), and convolutional neural network LSTM (CNN-LSTM), to detect phishing attacks in a blockchain transaction network. These methods were evaluated on a dataset comprising malicious and benign addresses from the Ethereum blockchain dark list and whitelist dataset, and the results showed an accuracy of 99.72%.
The Comparative Toxic Impact Assessment of Carbon Nanotubes, Fullerene, Graphene, and Graphene Oxide on Marine Microalgae Porphyridium purpureum
Authors: Pikula Konstantin , Johari Seyed Ali , Santos-Oliveira Ralph , Golokhvast Kirill
Published: May 2023

The growing production and application of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) represent possible risks for aquatic systems. However, the variety of CNMs with different physical and chemical properties and different morphology complicate the understanding of their potential toxicity. This paper aims to evaluate and compare the toxic impact of the four most common CNMs, namely multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs), fullerene (C60), graphene (Gr), and graphene oxide (GrO) on the marine microalgae Porphyridium purpureum. The microalgae cells were exposed to the CNMs for 96 h and measured by flow cytometry. Based on the obtained results, we determined no observed effect level (NOEL), and calculated EC10 and EC50 concentrations for growth rate inhibition, esterase activity, membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation changes for each tested CNM. According to the sensitivity (growth rate inhibition) of P. purpureum, the used CNMs can be listed in the following order (EC50 in mg/L, 96 h): CNTs (2.08) > GrO (23.37) > Gr (94.88) > C60 (>131.0). The toxicity of CNTs was significantly higher than the toxic effect of the other used CNMs, and only this sample caused an increase in ROS generation in microalgae cells. This effect was apparently caused by the high affinity between particles and microalgae associated with the presence of exopolysaccharide coverage on P. purpureum cells.
Asbestos-Environment Pollution Characteristics and Health-Risk Assessment in Typical Asbestos-Mining Area
Authors: Li Xuwei , Chen Yun , Li Xuzhi , Wang Mengjie , Xie Wenyi , Ding Da , Kong Lingya , Jiang Dengdeng , Long Tao , Deng Shaopo
Published: May 2023

Asbestos has been confirmed as a major pollutant in asbestos-mining areas that are located in western China. In general, asbestos-fibre dust will is released into the environment due to the effect of intensive industrial activities and improper environmental management, such that the health of residents in and around mining areas is jeopardised. A typical asbestos mining area served as an example in this study to analyse the content and fibre morphology of asbestos in soil and air samples in the mining area. The effects of asbestos pollution in and around the mining areas on human health were also assessed based on the U.S. Superfund Risk Assessment Framework in this study. As indicated by the results, different degrees of asbestos pollutions were present in the soil and air, and they were mainly concentrated in the mining area, the ore-dressing area, and the waste pile. The concentration of asbestos in the soil ranged from 0.3% to 91.92%, and the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air reached 0.008–0.145 f·cc−1. The results of the scanning-electron microscope (SEM) energy suggested that the asbestos was primarily strip-shaped, short columnar, and granular, and the asbestos morphology of the soils with higher degrees of pollution exhibited irregular strip-shaped fibre agglomeration. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) associated with the asbestos fibres in the air of the mining area was at an acceptable level (10−4–10−6), and 40.6% of the monitoring sites were subjected to unacceptable non-carcinogenic risks (HQ > 1). Moreover, the waste pile was the area with the highest non-carcinogenic risk, followed by the ore dressing area, a residential area, and a bare-land area in descending order. In the three scenarios of adult offices or residences in the mining area, adults’ outdoor activities in the peripheral residence areas, and children’s outdoor activities, the carcinogenic-and non-carcinogenic-risk-control values in the air reached 0.1438, 0.2225 and 0.1540 f·cc−1, and 0.0084, 0.0090 and 0.0090 f·cc−1, respectively. The results of this study will lay a scientific basis for the environmental management and governance of asbestos polluted sites in China.
Spatial Autocorrelation of COVID-19 in Slovakia
Authors: Vilinová Katarína , Petrikovičová Lucia
Published: May 2023

The pandemic situation of COVID-19, which affected almost the entire civilized world with its consequences, offered a unique opportunity for analysis of geographical space. In a relatively short period of time, the COVID-19 pandemic became a truly global event with consequences affecting all areas of life. Circumstances with COVID-19, which affected the territory of Slovakia and its regions, represent a sufficient premise for analysis three years after the registration of the first case in Slovakia. The study presents the results of a detailed spatiotemporal analysis of the course of registered cases of COVID-19 in six periods in Slovakia. The aim of the paper was to analyze the development of the number of people infected with the disease COVID-19 in Slovakia. At the level of the districts of Slovakia, using spatial autocorrelation, we identified spatial differences in the disease of COVID-19. Moran’s global autocorrelation index and Moran’s local index were used in the synthesis of knowledge. Spatial analysis of data on the number of infected in the form of spatial autocorrelation analysis was used as a practical sustainable approach to localizing statistically significant areas with high and low positivity. This manifested itself in the monitored area mainly in the form of positive spatial autocorrelation. The selection of data and methods used in this study together with the achieved and presented results can serve as a suitable tool to support decisions in further measures for the future.
MERS-CoV Found in Hyalomma dromedarii Ticks Attached to Dromedary Camels at a Livestock Market, United Arab Emirates, 2019
Authors: Weidinger Pia , Kolodziejek Jolanta , Loney Tom , Kannan Dafalla O. , Osman Babiker Mohammed , Khafaga Tamer , Howarth Brigitte , Sher Shah Moayyed , Mazrooei Hessa , Wolf Nadine , Karuvantevida Noushad , Abou Tayoun Ahmad , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi , Camp Jeremy V. , Nowotny Norbert
Published: May 2023

The main mode of transmission of Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) between dromedaries is likely via the respiratory route. However, there must be other modes to explain how the infection is brought to MERS-CoV-negative closed herds, such as transmission by ticks. Here, we present a study performed at three different locations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) involving 215 dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) and the ticks attached to them. We tested the camels and ticks via RT-(q)PCR for the presence of MERS-CoV nucleic acids, as well as flaviviruses that may be present in the region (e.g., Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus). Camel sera were additionally analyzed for evidence of previous exposure to MERS-CoV. In total, 8 out of 242 tick pools were positive for MERS-CoV RNA (3.3%; Ct 34.6–38.3), 7 of which contained Hyalomma dromedarii ticks, and one contained a Hyalomma sp. tick (species not identified). All of the virus-positive ticks’ host camels were also positive for MERS-CoV RNA in their nasal swab samples. Short sequences established in the N gene region from two positive tick pools were identical to viral sequences from their hosts’ nasal swabs. In total, 59.3% of dromedaries at the livestock market had MERS-CoV RNA in their nasal swabs (Ct 17.7–39.5). While dromedaries at all locations were negative for MERS-CoV RNA in their serum samples, antibodies were detected in 95.2% and 98.7% of them (tested by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence test, respectively). Given the probably transient and/or low level of MERS-CoV viremia in dromedaries and the rather high Ct values observed in the ticks, it seems unlikely that Hyalomma dromedarii is a competent vector for MERS-CoV; however, its role in mechanical or fomite transmission between camels should be investigated.
Deep Sequencing and Molecular Characterisation of BK Virus and JC Virus WHO International Reference Materials for Clinical Diagnostic Use
Authors: Govind Sheila , Fritzsche Martin , Jenkins Adrian , Cleveland Megan H. , Vallone Peter M. , Almond Neil , Morris Clare , Berry Neil
Published: May 2023

Background: Reactivation of JC and BK polyomaviruses during immunosuppression can lead to adverse clinical outcomes. In renal transplant recipients, BKV-associated nephropathy can result in graft loss, while in patients with autoimmune disorders, prolonged immunomodulatory drug use can cause rare onset of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy due to JCV reactivation. In such patients, accurate BK and JC viral load determinations by molecular technologies are important for diagnosis and clinical management; however, comparability across centres requires effective standardisation of diagnostic molecular detection systems. In October 2015, the WHO Expert Committee for Biological Standardisation (ECBS) established the 1st WHO International Standards (ISs) for use as primary-order calibrants for BKV and JCV nucleic acid detection. Two multi-centre collaborative studies confirmed their utility in harmonising agreement across the wide range of BKV and JCV assays, respectively. Previous Illumina-based deep sequence analysis of these standards, however, identified deletions in different regions, including the large T-antigen coding region. Hence, further detailed characterization was warranted. Methods: Comprehensive sequence characterisation of each preparation using short- and long-read next-generation sequencing technologies was performed with additional corroborative independent digital PCR (dPCR) determinations. Potential error rates associated with long-read sequencing were minimised by applying rolling circle amplification (RCA) protocols for viral DNA (circular dsDNA), generating a full validation of sequence identity and composition and delineating the integrity of full-length BK and JC genomes. Results: The analysed genomes displayed subpopulations frequently characterised by complex gene re-arrangements, duplications and deletions. Conclusions: Despite the recognition of such polymorphisms using high-resolution sequencing methodologies, the ability of these reference materials to act to enhance assay harmonisation did not appear significantly impacted, based on data generated by the 2015 WHO collaborative studies, but highlights cautionary aspects of IS generation and commutability for clinical molecular diagnostic application.
Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccination
Authors: Saxena Divyasha , Batra Lalit , Verma Shailendra Kumar
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered unparalleled global disruption [...]
Attitudes and Beliefs towards Rotavirus Vaccination in a Sample of Italian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Di Martino Giuseppe , Mazzocca Riccardo , Camplone Laura , Cedrone Fabrizio , Di Giovanni Pamela , Staniscia Tommaso
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants and young children worldwide. Despite the proven benefits of vaccination, vaccine hesitancy and refusal remains a significant barrier to achieving high vaccination coverage in many countries, such as Italy. (2) Methods: An online survey was conducted among women aged between 18 and 50 years from Abruzzo Region, Italy. The survey was composed of two main sections: demographic characteristics and attitudes and knowledge about rotavirus vaccination, based on a five-point Likert scale. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with willingness to get the rotavirus vaccination. (3) Results: A total of 414 women were enrolled in the study. Women who were unaware of rotavirus more frequently had a lower education level (university degree 62.5% vs. 78.7%, p = 0.004) and reported having no children (p < 0.001). About half of the enrolled women thought that rotavirus infection is dangerous (190, 55.6%) and that rotavirus can cause a serious illness (201, 58.8%). Regarding associated factors, women informed by a physician were more likely get a vaccination compared to women informed by friends or relatives (OR 34.35, 95% CI 7.12–98.98, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The present study showed low levels of knowledge and attitudes towards rotavirus vaccination. These results highlight the need for developing and improving additional public education programs for parents.
SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance between 2020 and 2021 of All Mammalian Species in Two Flemish Zoos (Antwerp Zoo and Planckendael Zoo)
Authors: Joffrin Léa , Cooreman Tine , Verheyen Erik , Vercammen Francis , Mariën Joachim , Leirs Herwig , Gryseels Sophie
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of human infections and deaths worldwide. Several other mammal species are also susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, and multiple instances of transmission from humans to pets, farmed mink, wildlife and zoo animals have been recorded. We conducted a systematic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in all mammal species in two zoos in Belgium between September and December 2020 and July 2021, in four sessions, and a targeted surveillance of selected mammal enclosures following SARS-CoV-2 infection in hippopotamuses in December 2021. A total of 1523 faecal samples from 103 mammal species were tested for SARS-CoV-2 via real-time PCR. None of the samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Additional surrogate virus neutralisation tests conducted on 50 routinely collected serum samples from 26 mammal species were all negative. This study is the first to our knowledge to conduct active SARS-CoV-2 surveillance for several months in all mammal species of a zoo. We conclude that at the time of our investigation, none of the screened animals were excreting SARS-CoV-2.