bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot as Biostimulant Agent to Alleviate Salt Stress in Durum Wheat: Preliminary Results from Germination Trials
Authors: Rossini Angelo , Ruggeri Roberto , Mzid Nada , Rossini Francesco , Di Miceli Giuseppe
Published: January 2024

Soil salinization is a critical environmental problem in arid and semiarid regions of the world. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an algae-based biostimulant on germination and seedling vigour of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.), under different saline conditions (0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl). The experiment was carried out under controlled-environment conditions. Seeds were sprayed with a solution containing a combination of fungicide and different concentrations of Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot algae (0%w/v, 10%w/v, 20%w/v, and 30%w/v). All experimental units were placed in a germination cabinet. The effect of the seaweed extract (SWE) on seed germination and seedling performance under salinity stress was evaluated over a period of 8 days. Coleoptile length and biomass were found to be significantly and positively affected by the application of different SWE doses as compared to the control treatment (0% algae). As for germination traits, seeds treated with SWE showed a final germination (from 82% to 88%), under severe saline conditions, significantly higher than that observed in the control treatment (61%). Our findings indicate that the appropriate dose of biostimulant can markedly improve the germination and the seedlings vigour of durum wheat seeds under saline conditions. Additional studies will be needed to understand the mechanism of action of this biostimulant and its effectiveness in longer studies under field conditions.
Mixing Compost and Biochar Can Enhance the Chemical and Biological Recovery of Soils Contaminated by Potentially Toxic Elements
Authors: Garau Matteo , Pinna Maria Vittoria , Nieddu Maria , Castaldi Paola , Garau Giovanni
Published: January 2024

Biochar and compost are able to influence the mobility of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil. As such, they can be useful in restoring the functionality of contaminated soils, albeit their effectiveness can vary substantially depending on the chemical and/or the (micro)biological endpoint that is targeted. To better explore the potential of the two amendments in the restoration of PTE-contaminated soils, biochar, compost (separately added at 3% w/w), and their mixtures (1:1, 3:1, and 1:3 biochar-to-compost ratios) were added to contaminated soil (i.e., 2362 mg kg−1 of Sb and 2801 mg kg−1 of Zn). Compost and its mixtures promoted an increase in soil fertility (e.g., total N; extractable P; and exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg), which was not found in the soil treated with biochar alone. All the tested amendments substantially reduced labile Zn in soil, while biochar alone was the most effective in reducing labile Sb in the treated soils (−11% vs. control), followed by compost (−4%) and biochar–compost mixtures (−8%). Compost (especially alone) increased soil biochemical activities (e.g., dehydrogenase, urease, and β-glucosidase), as well as soil respiration and the potential catabolic activity of soil microbial communities, while biochar alone (probably due to its high adsorptive capacity towards nutrients) mostly exhibited an inhibitory effect, which was partially mitigated in soils treated with both amendments. Overall, the biochar–compost combinations had a synergistic effect on both amendments, i.e., reducing PTE mobility and restoring soil biological functionality at the same time. This finding was supported by plant growth trials which showed increased Sb and Zn mineralomass values for rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.) grown on biochar–compost mixtures, suggesting a potential use of rigid ryegrass in the compost–biochar-assisted phytoremediation of PTE-contaminated soils.
Alien Plants of Kyrgyzstan: The First Complete Inventory, Distributions and Main Patterns
Authors: Sennikov Alexander N. , Lazkov Georgy A.
Published: January 2024

The first inventory of casual and naturalised alien plants of Kyrgyzstan is based on an overview of published data, which were re-assessed and re-evaluated using modern standards. Altogether, 151 alien species were registered in the country, of which nearly 40% became naturalised. The total number of alien plant species and the proportion of casual aliens are relatively low due to the harsh climatic conditions (high aridity and continentality) and predominantly high elevations. The highest number of alien plant species in Kyrgyzstan originated from the Mediterranean, which can be explained by some common climatic features between this area and Central Asia, but half of the ten most harmful aliens originated from the Americas. The intensity of plant invasions was the greatest during the period of the Russian Empire and the USSR, and this rapid accumulation of alien plants continues in independent Kyrgyzstan. The uneven distribution of alien plants in Kyrgyzstan is explained by different elevations and climatic conditions across its regions, as well as by the concentration of agricultural activities and human population along warm lowland depressions. More research is required to uncover pathways and particular times of introduction and to produce detailed distribution maps.
Therapeutic Role of Polyphenol Extract from Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver
Authors: Ren Jiabao , Zhang Xing , Heiyan-Perhat SU , Yang Po , Han Helong , Li Yao , Gao Jie , He Enpeng , Li Yanhong
Published: January 2024

Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart (P. cerasifera) flourishes uniquely in the arid landscapes of Xinjiang, China. Preliminary studies have revealed the therapeutic potential of its polyphenol extract (PPE) in mitigating liver lipid accumulation in mice fed a high-fat diet. We established a mouse model that was subjected to a continuous high-fat diet for 24 weeks and administered PPE to investigate the effects of PPE on cholesterol and BA metabolism in NAFLD mice. The results showed that PPE administration (200 and 400 mg/kg/day, BW) led to a reduction in liver TC, an increase in liver T-BAs, and normalization of the disrupted fecal BA profile. Concurrently, it decreased levels of lipotoxic BAs and inhibited hepatic cholesterol synthesis (evidenced by reduced HMGCR activity) and intestinal cholesterol absorption (indicated by lower ACAT2 levels) while enhancing intestinal cholesterol efflux (via LXRα, ABCA1, ABCG5, and ABCG8) and stimulating hepatic BA synthesis (CYP7A1, CYP27A1) and secretion (BSEP). PPE thus led to a significant reduction in lipotoxic BAs metabolized by gut microbiota and a downregulation of the BA secretion pathway under its influence. Our findings reveal the therapeutic effect of PPE on NAFLD mice via regulating cholesterol and BA metabolism, providing a theoretical basis for exploring the potential functions of P. cerasifera.
Evaluation of Grain-Filling-Related Traits Using Taichung 65 x DV85 Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines (TD-CSSLs) of Rice
Authors: Mabreja Abebaw Dessie , Reyes Vincent Pamugas , Soe Than Kutay , Shimakawa Kodai , Makihara Daigo , Nishiuchi Shunsaku , Doi Kazuyuki
Published: January 2024

Grain yield of rice consists of sink capacity and grain filling. There are some genes known to contribute to sink capacity, but few genes associated with grain filling are known. We conducted a genetic analysis on yield-related traits by using a chromosome segment substitution line population that have introgression from DV85, an aus variety of rice, in the background of T65, a japonica variety. Refined whole-genome genotypes of the 43 TD-CSSLs were obtained by genotyping-by-sequencing. The effects of previously detected quantitative trait loci (QTLs), qNSC1 and qNSC2, were confirmed by the amount of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) at 5 days after heading (DAH). The CSSL for qSWTR11, the QTL for decrease in shoot weight during the maturity stage, showed the highest NSC at 5 DAH and lowest at 35 DAH. The brown rice yield of these lines were not stably significant. Most of the sink-related traits correlated between the 2 tested years, but most of the grain-filling traits did not show correlation between the 2 years. Correlation analysis revealed that the sink capacity is stable and primarily determines the yield, and grain filling is more affected by the environment. In addition, biomass production before heading and during the maturity stage contributes to higher yield in TD-CSSLs, and the amount of translocation of stem reserve does not affect much to the yield. We conclude that higher NSC at the heading stage and rapid decrease in shoot biomass during the maturity stage did not directly contribute to the yield formation in the japonica genetic background.
Optimization of Plant Nutrition in Aquaponics: The Impact of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus mojavensis on Lettuce and Basil Yield and Mineral Status
Authors: Patloková Kateřina , Pokluda Robert
Published: January 2024

The present study aims to test the effect of a nutrient solution, with the addition of microbial inoculum, on the growth and mineral composition of ‘Hilbert’ and ‘Barlach’ lettuce cultivars (Lactuca sativa var. crispa, L.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum, L.) cultivated in a vertical indoor farm. These crops were grown in four different variants of nutrient solution: (1) hydroponic; (2) aquaponic, derived from a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) with rainbow trout; (3) aquaponic, treated with Trichoderma harzianum; (4) aquaponic, treated with Bacillus mojavensis. The benefits of T. harzianum inoculation were most evident in basil, where a significantly higher number of leaves (by 44.9%), a higher nitrate content (by 36.4%), and increased vitamin C (by 126.0%) were found when compared to the aquaponic variant. Inoculation with T. harzianum can be recommended for growing basil in N-limited conditions. B. mojavensis caused a higher degree of removal of Na+ and Cl− from the nutrient solution (243.1% and 254.4% higher, in comparison to the aquaponic solution). This is desirable in aquaponics as these ions may accumulate in the system solution. B. mojavensis further increased the number of leaves in all crops (by 44.9–82.9%) and the content of vitamin C in basil and ‘Hilbert’ lettuce (by 168.3 and 45.0%) compared to the aquaponic solution. The inoculums of both microbial species used did not significantly affect the crop yield or the activity of the biofilter. The nutrient levels in RAS-based nutrient solutions are mostly suboptimal or in a form that is unavailable to the plants; thus, their utilization must be maximized. These findings can help to reduce the required level of supplemental mineral fertilizers in aquaponics.
Microfluidic Single-Cell Study on Arabidopsis thaliana Protoplast Fusion—New Insights on Timescales and Reversibilities
Authors: Seidel Thorsten , Artmann Philipp Johannes , Gkekas Ioannis , Illies Franziska , Baack Anna-Lena , Viefhues Martina
Published: January 2024

Plant cells are omnipotent and breeding of new varieties can be achieved by protoplast fusion. Such fusions can be achieved by treatment with poly(ethylene glycol) or by applying an electric field. Microfluidic devices allow for controlled conditions and targeted manipulation of small batches of cells down to single-cell analysis. To provide controlled conditions for protoplast fusions and achieve high reproducibility, we developed and characterized a microfluidic device to reliably trap some Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts and induced cell fusion by controlled addition of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, with a molecular weight of 6000). Experiments were conducted to determine the survival rate of isolated protoplasts in our microfluidic system. Afterward, PEG-induced fusion was studied. Our results indicate that the following fusion parameters had a significant impact on the fusion efficiency and duration: PEG concentration, osmolality of solution and flow velocity. A PEG concentration below 10% led to only partial fusion. The osmolality of the PEG fusion solution was found to strongly impact the fusion process; complete fusion of two source cells sufficiently took part in slightly hyper-osmotic solutions, whereas iso-osmotic solutions led to only partial fusion at a 20% PEG concentration. We observed accelerated fusion for higher fluid velocities. Until this study, it was common sense that fusion is one-directional, i.e., once two cells are fused into one cell, they stay fused. Here, we present for the first time the reversible fusion of protoplasts. Our microfluidic device paves the way to a deeper understanding of the kinetics and processes of cell fusion.
Optimized Polymeric Membranes for Water Treatment: Fabrication, Morphology, and Performance
Authors: Kumar Avneesh , Chang Dong Wook
Published: January 2024

Conventional polymers, endowed with specific functionalities, are extensively utilized for filtering and extracting a diverse set of chemicals, notably metals, from solutions. The main structure of a polymer is an integral part for designing an efficient separating system. However, its chemical functionality further contributes to the selectivity, fabrication process, and resulting product morphology. One example would be a membrane that can be employed to selectively remove a targeted metal ion or chemical from a solution, leaving behind the useful components of the solution. Such membranes or products are highly sought after for purifying polluted water contaminated with toxic and heavy metals. An efficient water-purifying membrane must fulfill several requirements, including a specific morphology attained by the material with a specific chemical functionality and facile fabrication for integration into a purifying module Therefore, the selection of an appropriate polymer and its functionalization become crucial and determining steps. This review highlights the attempts made in functionalizing various polymers (including natural ones) or copolymers with chemical groups decisive for membranes to act as water purifiers. Among these recently developed membrane systems, some of the materials incorporating other macromolecules, e.g., MOFs, COFs, and graphene, have displayed their competence for water treatment. Furthermore, it also summarizes the self-assembly and resulting morphology of the membrane materials as critical for driving the purification mechanism. This comprehensive overview aims to provide readers with a concise and conclusive understanding of these materials for water purification, as well as elucidating further perspectives and challenges.
Hydrothermal Carbonization of Waste Biomass: A Review of Hydrochar Preparation and Environmental Application
Authors: Petrović Jelena , Ercegović Marija , Simić Marija , Koprivica Marija , Dimitrijević Jelena , Jovanović Aleksandar , Janković Pantić Jovana
Published: January 2024

The concept of a bio-based economy has been adopted by many advanced countries around the world, and thermochemical conversion of waste biomass is recognized as the most effective approach to achieve this objective. Recent studies indicate that hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising method for the conversion of waste biomass towards novel carbonaceous materials known as hydrochars. This cost-effective and eco-friendly process operates at moderate temperatures (180–280 °C) and uses water as a reaction medium. HTC has been successfully applied to a wide range of waste materials, including lignocellulose biomass, sewage sludge, algae, and municipal solid waste, generating desirable carbonaceous products. This review provides an overview of the key HTC process parameters, as well as the physical and chemical properties of the obtained hydrochar. It also explores potential applications of produced materials and highlights the modification and functionalization techniques that can transform these materials into game-changing solutions for a sustainable future.
Rapid and High-Yield Recovery of Sodium Alginate from Undaria pinnatifida via Microwave-Assisted Extraction
Authors: Nam Hyeon-Bin , Lee Kang Hyun , Yoo Hah Young , Park Chulhwan , Lim Jong-Min , Lee Ja Hyun
Published: January 2024

Alginate, a promising biopolymer in the food, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and electronic materials industries, is characterized by its biodegradability, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and gel-forming properties. It is most abundantly found in brown algae. However, conventional dilute acid and alkali extraction methods face limitations in commercialization due to their long processing time, low throughput, and high solvent requirements. In this study, a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) process for sodium alginate was designed to improve extraction efficiency. The solid/liquid ratio, extraction temperature, and extraction solvent concentration were major variables affecting sodium alginate extraction from Undaria pinnatifida (sea mustard). They were then statistically optimized using response surface methodology. Under optimal conditions (13.27 g/L, 91.86 °C, 2.51% (w/v), and 15 min), the yield was 38.41%, which was 93.43% of the theoretical content of sodium alginate in Undaria pinnatifida. Our work has confirmed the productivity and industrial feasibility of the efficient extraction of sodium alginate from marine biomass, and we hope that it will serve as an encouraging case for the application of biopolymers as one of the desirable options for alternative petrochemicals to construct a sustainable society.
Autonomous Hydrodistillation with a Digital Twin for Efficient and Climate Neutral Manufacturing of Phytochemicals
Authors: Uhl Alexander , Knierim Larissa , Höß Theresa , Flemming Marcel , Schmidt Axel , Strube Jochen
Published: January 2024

Hydrodistillation is traditionally a green technology for the manufacturing of natural products that are volatile. As well as acknowledged process intensification methods such as microwave support for energy efficiency to move towards climate neutral operation, digital twins combined with process analytical technology for advanced process control enables reliable operation of an optimal operation point regarding lowest cost of goods, as well as lowest global warming potential equivalent. A novel process control enabled by digital twin technology has shown to reduce the ecological footprint of the extraction by up to 46.5%, while reducing the cost of extraction by 22.4%. Additionally, skilled operator time is reduced, and the sustainable plant material is utilized most efficiently. The approach is ready to apply, but broad industrialization seems to be held back by unclear business cases and lack of comprehension of decision makers. This is in drastic contrast to the political demand for climate neutrality goals and the cost pressure by worldwide completion.
Invariance of the Mathematical Expectation of a Random Quantity and Its Consequences
Authors: Angelini Pierpaolo
Published: January 2024

Possibility and probability are the two aspects of uncertainty, where uncertainty represents the ignorance of a given individual. The notion of alternative (or event) belongs to the domain of possibility. An event is intrinsically subdivisible and a quadratic metric, whose value is intrinsic or invariant, is used to study it. By subdividing the notion of alternative, a joint (bivariate) distribution of mass appears. The mathematical expectation of X is proved to be invariant using joint distributions of mass. The same is true for X12 and X12…m. This paper describes the notion of α-product, which refers to joint distributions of mass, as a way to connect the concept of probability with multilinear matters that can be treated through statistical inference. This multilinear approach is a meaningful innovation with regard to the current literature. Linear spaces over R with a different dimension can be used as elements of probability spaces. In this study, a more general expression for a measure of variability referred to a single random quantity is obtained. This multilinear measure is obtained using different joint distributions of mass, which are all considered together.
Estimation of Land Surface Temperature from Chinese ZY1-02E IRS Data
Authors: Dou Xianhui , Li Kun , Zhang Qi , Ma Chenyang , Tang Hongzhao , Liu Xining , Qian Yonggang , Chen Jun , Li Jinglun , Li Yichao , Wang Tao , Wang Feng , Yang Juntao
Published: January 2024

The role of land surface temperature (LST) is of the utmost importance in multiple academic disciplines, such as climatology, hydrology, ecology, and meteorology. To date, many methods have been proposed to estimate LST from satellite thermal infrared data. The single-channel (SC) algorithm can provide an accurate result in retrieving LST based on prior knowledge of known land surface emissivity (LSE). The SC algorithm is extensively employed for retrieving LST from Landsat series data due to its simplicity and its reliance on just one thermal infrared channel. The Thermal Infrared Sensor (IRS) on the Chinese ZY1-02E satellite is a pivotal instrument employed for gathering thermal infrared (TIR) data of land surfaces. The objective of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of a single-channel approach based on water vapor scaling (WVS) for deriving LST from ZY1-02E IRS data because of its wide spectrum range, i.e., 7~12 μm, which is affected strongly by both atmospheric water vapor and ozone. Three study areas, namely the Baotou, Heihe River Basin, and Yantai Sea sites, were selected as validation sites to evaluate the LST inversion accuracy. This evaluation was also conducted via cross-comparison between the retrieved LST and MODIS LST products. The results revealed that the WVS-based method exhibited an average bias of 0.63 K and an RMSE of 1.62 K compared to the in situ LSTs. The WVS-based method demonstrated reasonable accuracy through cross-validation with the MODIS LST product, with an average bias of 0.77 K and an RMSE of 2.0 K. These findings indicate that the WVS-based method is effective in estimating LST from ZY1-02E IRS data.
Efficient Multi-Sound Source Localization Algorithm for Transformer Faults Based on Polyphase Filters
Authors: Zhou Hualiang , Su Zhantao , Huang Yuxuan , Lu Lu , Shen Mingwei
Published: January 2024

Power transformers play a critical role in power systems, and the early detection of their faults and defects, accounting for over 30%, can be achieved through abnormal sound analysis. Sound source localization based on microphone arrays has proven effective in focusing on the troubleshooting scope, preventing potential severe hazards caused by delays in fault removal, and significantly reducing operational and maintenance difficulties and costs. However, existing microphone array-based sound source localization algorithms face challenges in maintaining both accuracy and simplicity and especially suffer from a sharp decrease in performance when dealing with multiple sound sources. This paper presents a multi-sound source localization algorithm for transformer faults based on polyphase filters, integrating the sum-difference monopulse angle measurement technique into the microphone array. Firstly, the signals received from the transformers are divided into multiple subbands using polyphase filters, allowing for multi-source separation and reducing the sampling rate of each subband. Next, the time-domain signals in subbands subject to noise suppression are processed into sum and difference beams. The resulting beam outputs are transformed into frequency-domain signals using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), effectively enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for separate sound sources. Finally, each subband undergoes sum-difference monopulse angle measurement in the frequency domain to achieve the high-precision localization of specific faults. The proposed algorithm has been demonstrated to be effective in achieving higher localization accuracy and reducing computational complexity in the presence of actual amplitude-phase errors in microphone arrays. These advantages can facilitate its practical applications. By enabling early targeting of fault sources when abnormalities occur, this algorithm provides valuable assistance to operation and maintenance personnel, thereby enhancing the maintenance efficiency of transformers.
Combined Filtering Method for Offshore Oil and Gas Platform Point Cloud Data Based on KNN_PCF and Hy_WHF and Its Application in 3D Reconstruction
Authors: Ran Chunqing , Zhang Xiaobo , Yu Hao , Wang Zhengyang , Wang Shengli , Yang Jichao
Published: January 2024

With the increasing scale of deep-sea oil exploration and drilling platforms, the assessment, maintenance, and optimization of marine structures have become crucial. Traditional detection and manual measurement methods are inadequate for meeting these demands, but three-dimensional laser scanning technology offers a promising solution. However, the complexity of the marine environment, including waves and wind, often leads to problematic point cloud data characterized by noise points and redundancy. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a method that combines K-Nearest-Neighborhood filtering with a hyperbolic function-based weighted hybrid filtering. The experimental results demonstrate the exceptional performance of the algorithm in processing point cloud data from offshore oil and gas platforms. The method improves noise point filtering efficiency by approximately 11% and decreases the total error by 0.6 percentage points compared to existing technologies. Not only does this method accurately process anomalies in high-density areas—it also removes noise while preserving important details. Furthermore, the research method presented in this paper is particularly suited for processing large point cloud data in complex marine environments. It enhances data accuracy and optimizes the three-dimensional reconstruction of offshore oil and gas platforms, providing reliable dimensional information for land-based prefabrication of these platforms.
“I Just Want to Live My Life”: Young Disabled People’s Possibilities for Achieving Participation and Wellness
Authors: Ingimarsdóttir Anna Sigrún , Egilson Snæfrídur Thóra
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to (a) explore disabled children’s and adolescents’ possibilities for participation and (b) identify the practices and policies that affect their participation and how these are enacted. Case studies were conducted with seven children and adolescents with various impairments. Each case included interviews with the young person, their parents and teachers, as well as observations in their usual environments. The interview topics covered the young people’s participation, their sense of belonging and aspects that were pivotal to their engagement and wellness. The observations focused on their possibilities for participation and interactions with peers and adults. These young disabled people’s possibilities for participation at home, in school and in their neighbourhoods were affected by complex dynamics between personal and environmental factors. Whether and how the young people’s disability-related rights were enacted depended on the socio-cultural–material arrangements and parents’ knowledge of the welfare system. To better understand and act on the complex and marginalised position of young disabled people, more focus should be directed at policies that affect their rights and possibilities for participation and how these are enacted in practice. Knowledge needs to be expanded to scrutinise the disabling hindrances hidden in social and structural spaces and implemented in services.
Monitoring of Norwegian Foster Homes
Authors: Olesen Esben S. B. , Videt Lea Louise
Published: January 2024

Based on interviews, this article explores how the monitoring of foster homes is experienced by children and youths who have been exposed to what they consider abusive behaviour by foster parents. Using a thematic narrative theoretical framework, the article shows that a common narrative in the youths’ accounts is a story of mistrust towards social workers and monitoring officers, which relates to a general mistrust towards the child welfare service. The young individuals are reluctant to tell monitoring officers about how they truly experience their situation in their foster home. At the same time, some of the youths have difficulty comprehending what normal parenting behaviour is like, due to previous experiences of neglect from adults. The article discusses how successful monitoring of foster homes largely stands or falls on the children’s and youths’ ability to disclose their experiences to their supervisors and monitoring officers. We argue that the youths’ narratives tell a story of disempowerment. This represents a dilemma in the monitoring of Norwegian foster homes and in the children’s right to protection.
SAMSax—An Innovative Living Lab for the Advancement of a Circular Economy through Additive Manufacturing Technologies
Authors: Berkemeier Adelina , Kühnel Lisa , Dürigen Dominik , Hoffmann Holger , Zeidler Henning , Bullinger Angelika C. , Wagenführ André
Published: January 2024

The sustainable development of products is of great interest to both industry and consumers due to various factors, such as anthropogenic climate change and the scarcity of resources and materials. In response to this, the simul+ Living Lab Sustainable Additive Manufacturing in Saxony (SAMSax) has been established as a physical experimental space aimed at improving the sustainability of products. This includes selecting resource-efficient manufacturing processes, using renewable materials, reducing energy consumption during use, and designing for recyclability. The innovative approach of the lab also integrates an open innovation process, involving present and potential stakeholders. Collaborating closely with stakeholders from industry, academia, and government fosters idea generation, provides solution approaches, and enhances acceptance and practical implementation. Methodologically, SAMSax focuses on upcycling organic and inorganic residues as well as by-products from industry and agriculture, reintegrating them as innovative components in industrial production using additive manufacturing (“3D printing”). The Living Lab provides a space for networking and active knowledge transfer through digital technologies, analyses, and collaborative developments, enabling the testing and evaluation of innovations in a real-world environment. Several potential waste materials suitable for additive manufacturing and new products have already been identified. In addition to industrial residues, materials, such as paper and wood dust; industrial by-products, such as sand; and agricultural residues, like harvest residues, are being analyzed, processed, and tested using additive manufacturing in the laboratory. In this way, SAMSax can contribute to an integrated and consistent circular economy. The research aims to demonstrate that the SAMSax Living Lab is a crucial driver of innovation in the field of additive manufacturing. Furthermore, this study contributes by presenting the Living Lab as an application-oriented research environment, focusing on innovative implementation in small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Technical–Economic Analysis for Ammonia Ocean Transportation Using an Ammonia-Fueled Carrier
Authors: Seo Youngkyun , An Jiyoung , Park Eunyoung , Kim Jintae , Cho Meangik , Han Seongjong , Lee Jinkwang
Published: January 2024

This study performed a technical–economic analysis for ship-based ammonia transportation to investigate the feasibility of international ammonia transportation. Ammonia is considered to be a vital hydrogen carrier, so the international trade in ammonia by ship will considerably increase in the future. This study proposed three scenarios for transporting ammonia from the USA, Saudi Arabia, and Australia to South Korea and employed an 84,000 m3 class ammonia carrier. Not only traditional very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO)/marine diesel oil (MDO) but also LNG and ammonia fuels were considered as propulsion and power generation fuels in the carrier. A life-cycle cost (LCC) model consisting of capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) was employed for the cost estimation. The results showed that the transportation costs depend on the distance. The unit transportation cost from the USA to South Korea was approximately three times higher than that of Australia to South Korea. Ammonia fuel yielded the highest costs among the fuels investigated (VLSFO/MGO, LNG, and ammonia). When using ammonia fuel, the unit transportation cost was approximately twice that when using VLSFO/MDO. The fuel costs occupied the largest portion of the LCC. The unit transportation costs from Australia to South Korea were 23.6 USD/ton-NH3 for the LVSFO/MDO fuel case, 31.6 USD/ton-NH3 for the LNG fuel case, and 42.9 USD/ton-NH3 for the ammonia fuel case. This study also conducted a sensitivity analysis to investigate the influence of assumptions, including assumed parameters.
The University and the Neighbourhood—Opportunities and Limits in Promoting Social Innovation: The Case of AuroraLAB in Turin (Italy)
Authors: Bragaglia Francesca
Published: January 2024

This paper deals with the relationship between university public engagement activities and local territories in promoting social innovation processes. In particular, this paper starts from the assumption that since social innovation has become a guiding concept of policies at various scales, opportunities for innovation, i.e., calls for tenders, funding, etc., have multiplied. However, universities should act as intermediary actors so that the bureaucratic and managerial complexities of accessing these opportunities do not risk cutting off the territories and/or the weakest actors. Starting from the experience of the AuroraLAB action–research laboratory of the Politecnico di Torino within the Tonite project financed with European Urban Innovative Actions funds, this article investigates the multiple roles that the university can play in supporting platform spaces for inclusive social innovation based on local needs. This article concludes by highlighting the multi-layered personality of the university in neighbourhoods and the perspectives for socially engaged research.
A New Method for Assessing Land Consolidation Urgency, including Market Value
Authors: Leń Przemysław , Maciąg Michał , Siejka Monika , Maciąg Klaudia , Kocur-Bera Katarzyna , Rapiński Jacek
Published: January 2024

Public funding for land consolidation projects is an instrument in the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union (CAP). The execution of systematic land consolidation programmes focused on optimising the spatial structure of agricultural areas presents the possibility of improving agricultural production conditions and maximising the efficiency of agriculture at the local, regional, national, and international levels. However, due to limited access to financial resources, it is necessary to delimit priority areas for land consolidation. A contemporary practice based on an assessment of the social support percentage of potential land consolidation projects in individual villages does not represent a real necessity for action. This problem leads to the ineffective utilisation of financial resources and reduces the efficiency of the implemented programmes. We propose a new algorithm for assessing the real needs for land consolidation based on a detailed multi-faceted analysis of the spatial structure of agricultural areas. The research method involved factors describing the spatial structure defectiveness of farms, as well as those determining land quality in relation to investment profitability. Another factor verifying the potential economic rationale of land consolidation is transaction prices, which mostly reflect the agricultural value of the land. The analysis showed that land consolidation in areas with defective spatial structures and relatively high market value should be a priority. The study enabled the extraction of five of the 58 analysed villages, characterised by above-average demand for land consolidation and above-average land prices. This approach will contribute to profit maximisation by increasing the productivity of areas with the highest agricultural suitability.
How Does Sustainable Organizational Support Affect Job Burnout in the Hospitality Sector? The Mediating Role of Psychological Capital
Authors: Moustafa Mohamed A. , Elrayah Musaddag , Aljoghaiman Abdulaziz , Hasanein Ahmed M. , Ali Mona A. S.
Published: January 2024

The hospitality industry is often regarded as a labor-intensive sector which is particularly susceptible to job burnout among employees, emphasizing its significant reliance on human resources for various service-oriented functions. This study explores the intricate dynamics between organizational support, job burnout, and psychological capital in the context of the hospitality sector. It aims to investigate how the level of support provided by organizations influences the occurrence of job burnout among employees in the hospitality industry, with a specific focus on the mediating role played by psychological capital. This research employs a theoretical framework to examine the relationships between these key variables and adopts structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the data. The study encompassed data from a total sample of 385 employees, with a gender distribution indicating that the majority (64.1%, N = 247) were male, while 35.9% (N = 138) were female. The main results showed that psychological capital was significantly enhanced by organizational support (β = 0.714, t-value = 45.211). On the other hand, it was found that psychological capital (β = −0.092, t-value = 2.176) and organizational support (β = −0.477, t-value = 11.674) had a substantial negative impact on job burnout. The finding of this study showed that psychological capital mediates the relationship between job burnout and organizational support to some extent (β = −0.066, t-value = 2.134). The findings are anticipated to shed light on effective strategies for organizations to mitigate job burnout by fostering positive psychological capital through supportive organizational practices, ultimately enhancing the well-being and performance of employees in the demanding and dynamic field of hospitality. By unraveling the interplay of organizational support, psychological capital, and job burnout, this study contributes valuable insights to academia, sustainable occupational health, and practitioners in the hospitality sector.
Mechanisms Influencing the Digital Transformation Performance of Local Governments: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhou Wei , Lyu Zhijie , Chen Shixiang
Published: January 2024

The transformation of the government into a digital entity is imperative, serving not only as a catalyst for the modernization of China’s governance system and capacity but also as a cornerstone for advancing the digital economy and the establishment of a digital China. This paper presents a multi-level analytical framework designed to assess the digital transformation performance of local governments. Utilizing a dataset comprising macro-regional and micro-individual data from Hubei province, we conduct an extensive analysis to examine the underlying mechanisms that influence the digital transformation performance of local governments and employ the hierarchical linear model (HLM) as the primary analytical instrument. The results of our analysis show that individual-level government–citizen interactions, government image, and district-level department collaborative capacities exert substantial and positive influences on the digital transformation performance of local governments. Furthermore, it is worth noting that department collaborative capacity plays a significant and positive moderating role in the relationship between government image and the digital transformation performance of local governments. These findings not only offer valuable insights for optimizing policy formulation but also contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the digital transformation performance of local governments.
Is It Better for a Publisher to Release an Audiobook after Its E-Book Version?
Authors: Zhang Linlan
Published: January 2024

The e-books industry is mature, and audiobooks are becoming increasingly popular. More and more publishers are coming to realize that audiobooks could be a potential revenue driver and intend to release audiobooks. Considering that there is a certain substitutability between e-books and audiobooks, publishers need to decide how to release a book in its audible version and its e-book version into the market. In this paper, we incorporate the discount factor and the consumers’ acceptance level for audiobooks into the consumer utility by dividing consumers into two types, high-value type and low-value type, and construct two different release models: releasing the audiobook and the e-book simultaneously and releasing the audiobook after the e-book. Using an optimization tool, we investigate pricing strategies of a monopolistic publisher under two different release models. By comparing the theoretical results of the two models, we find that when the consumers’ patience exceeds a certain threshold, releasing a book in its audible version after its e-book version is better for the publisher, and the publisher should adopt a skimming (refers to decreasing markups over time) pricing strategy for the e-book in this case. Further, the publisher should set a higher price for the audiobook than the e-book, whether or not they release the audiobook after the e-book. In addition, we conduct a numerical analysis to investigate how the discount factor, the percentage of high-value consumers, and the high-value consumers’ acceptance level for audiobooks affect the consumer surplus and the social welfare. This study offers publishers some managerial insights into the complex issues involving pricing and release strategies.
What SARS-CoV-2 Variants Have Taught Us: Evolutionary Challenges of RNA Viruses
Authors: Bilasy Shymaa E. , Wahyuni Tutik Sri , Ibrahim Mohamed , El-Shamy Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Since its discovery in 2019, SARS-CoV-2 still makes the headline news [...]
High-Density Lipoprotein Particles and Torque Teno Virus in Stable Outpatient Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Jonker Jip , Doorenbos Caecilia S. E. , Kremer Daan , Gore Edmund J. , Niesters Hubert G. M. , van Leer-Buter Coretta , Bourgeois Philippe , Connelly Margery A. , Dullaart Robin P. F. , Berger Stefan P. , Sanders Jan-Stephan F. , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: January 2024

Torque teno virus (TTV) is emerging as a potential marker for monitoring immune status. In transplant recipients who are immunosuppressed, higher TTV DNA loads are observed than in healthy individuals. TTV load measurement may aid in optimizing immunosuppressive medication dosing in solid organ transplant recipients. Additionally, there is a growing interest in the role of HDL particles in immune function; therefore, assessment of both HDL concentrations and TTV load may be of interest in transplant recipients. The objective of this study was to analyze TTV loads and HDL parameters in serum samples collected at least one year post-transplantation from 656 stable outpatient kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), enrolled in the TransplantLines Food and Nutrition Cohort (Groningen, the Netherlands). Plasma HDL particles and subfractions were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Serum TTV load was measured using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Associations between HDL parameters and TTV load were examined using univariable and multivariable linear regression. The median age was 54.6 [IQR: 44.6 to 63.1] years, 43.3% were female, the mean eGFR was 52.5 (±20.6) mL/min/1.73 m2 and the median allograft vintage was 5.4 [IQR: 2.0 to 12.0] years. A total of 539 participants (82.2%) had a detectable TTV load with a mean TTV load of 3.04 (±1.53) log10 copies/mL, the mean total HDL particle concentration was 19.7 (±3.4) μmol/L, and the mean HDL size was 9.1 (±0.5) nm. The univariable linear regression revealed a negative association between total HDL particle concentration and TTV load (st.β = −0.17, 95% CI st.β: −0.26 to −0.09, p < 0.001). An effect modification of smoking behavior influencing the association between HDL particle concentration and TTV load was observed (Pinteraction = 0.024). After adjustment for age, sex, alcohol intake, hemoglobin, eGFR, donor age, allograft vintage and the use of calcineurin inhibitors, the negative association between HDL particle concentration and TTV load remained statistically significant in the non-smoking population (st.β = −0.14, 95% CI st.β: −0.23 to −0.04, p = 0.006). Furthermore, an association between small HDL particle concentration and TTV load was found (st.β = −0.12, 95% CI st.β: −0.22 to −0.02, p = 0.017). Higher HDL particle concentrations were associated with a lower TTV load in kidney transplant recipients, potentially indicative of a higher immune function. Interventional studies are needed to provide causal evidence on the effects of HDL on the immune system.
Factors Associated with the Implementation of Pediatric Immunization Services: A Survey of Community Pharmacies
Authors: Ezeala Oluchukwu M. , McCormick Nicholas P. , Meininger Christopher L. , Durham Spencer H. , Hastings Tessa J. , Westrick Salisa C.
Published: January 2024

Pharmacists are well-positioned to help increase pediatric immunization rates. This study assessed the types of pediatric vaccines offered in community pharmacies, compared participant/pharmacy characteristics and participants’ perceptions of barriers and pharmacists’ role in providing pediatric immunizations between pharmacy-based providers and non-providers, and assessed factors associated with pharmacy-based pediatric immunization provision. A cross-sectional survey was sent to Alabama community pharmacies from February to April 2023, of which 240 responded (20.5% response rate). Measures included whether they offered childhood vaccines in 2022 and the types of vaccines administered, participants’ perceptions of pharmacists’ role in pediatric immunization, and perceived barriers to providing pharmacy-based pediatric immunizations. Roughly half of pharmacies (50.8%) provided pediatric immunization services with influenza vaccines (91.0%) the most commonly provided vaccines and poliovirus-inactivated vaccines (4.9%) the least. Pharmacies providing pediatric immunization services significantly differed from non-providers. That is, the majority of providers practiced within a grocery or retail store; they were younger and practiced in a pharmacy with higher average daily prescription volume and a higher average pharmacy practice full-time equivalent; and they perceived lower implementation logistics barriers and a lower role of pharmacists regarding pediatric immunization. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that implementation logistics is significantly associated with pharmacies offering pediatric immunization services after controlling for pharmacy/participant characteristics (p = 0.01). Therefore, ameliorating implementation logistics barriers should be considered when devising strategies to promote pediatric immunization services in community pharmacies.