bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eccentricity Analysis of the Co-Excitation Axial Reluctance Resolver during Manufacture and Installation
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Jundi , Zhang Zongsheng , Li Changchao
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a type of co-excitation axial reluctance resolver (CARR) in different winding modes is taken as the simulation model. Detailed explanations have been provided on its stator, rotor, and windings. Simultaneously, an introduction was made to the distribution of two types of signal winding modes. The influence of three kinds of eccentricity on the output characteristics of this CARR during installation and fabrication is also studied. According to two kinds of signal winding modes, the variation law of waveform and amplitude of output potential is analyzed under the conditions of stator radial eccentric distance in different eccentric directions, rotor radial eccentric distance in different eccentric directions and rotor axial offset, and the influence of three factors on total harmonic distortion (THD) is analyzed further. Under the conditions of different eccentricities and offset, a prototype of 15 pair pole CARRs in the mode of sinusoidal windings is tested. The function errors of the signal windings under conditions of radial eccentricity of the stator, radial eccentricity of the rotor and axial offset of the rotor were measured separately. The variation rule of error was compared between measurement and simulation. The correctness of the finite element simulation results under three different eccentricity conditions was verified. The verification results provide theoretical support for further optimization of structural parameters and the installation of the stator and rotor, which can improve measurement accuracy.
Research on Water Invasion Law and Control Measures for Ultradeep, Fractured, and Low-Porosity Sandstone Gas Reservoirs: A Case Study of Kelasu Gas Reservoirs in Tarim Basin
Authors: Chen Dong , Zhang Chengze , Yang Min , Li Haiming , Wang Cuili , Diwu Pengxiang , Jiang Hanqiao , Wang Yong
Published: February 2024

The exploitation of ultradeep, fractured, and low-porosity gas reservoirs often encounters challenges from water invasion, exacerbated by the presence of faults and fractures. This is particularly evident in the Kelasu gas reservoir group, located in the Kuqa Depression of the Tarim Basin. The complexity of the water invasion patterns in these reservoirs demands a thorough investigation to devise effective water control measures. To elucidate the water invasion patterns, a combined approach of large-scale physical modeling and discrete fracture numerical simulations was adopted. These models allowed for the identification and categorization of water invasion behaviors in various gas reservoirs. Furthermore, production dynamic analysis was utilized to tailor water control strategies to specific invasion patterns. The large-scale physical simulation experiment revealed that water invasion in gas reservoirs is primarily influenced by high-permeability channels (faults + fractures), and that the gas production rate serves as the key factor governing gas reservoir development. The range of gas extraction rates spans from 3% to 5%. As the gas extraction rate increases, the extraction intensity diminishes and the stable production duration shortens. On the basis of the changes in the water breakthrough time and water production rate, a 2% gas extraction rate is determined as the optimal rate for the model. The embedded discrete fracture numerical simulation model further supports the findings of the physical simulation experiments and demonstrates that ① this type of gas reservoir exhibits typical nonuniform water invasion patterns, controlled by structural location, faults, and degree of crack development; ② the water invasion patterns of gas reservoirs can be categorized into three types, these being explosive water flooding and channeling along faults, uniform intrusion along fractures, and combined intrusion along faults and fractures; ③ drawing from the characteristics of water invasion in various gas reservoirs, combined with production well dynamics and structural location, a five-character water control strategy of “prevention, control, drainage, adjustment, and plugging” is formulated, with the implementation of differentiated, one-well, one-policy governance. The study concludes that a proactive approach, prioritizing prevention, is crucial for managing water-free gas reservoirs. For water-bearing reservoirs, a combination of three-dimensional water plugging and drainage strategies is recommended. These insights have significant implications for extending the productive lifespan of gas reservoirs, enhancing recovery rates, and contributing to the economic and efficient development of ultradeep, fractured, and low-porosity gas reservoirs.
Current Status and Economic Analysis of Green Hydrogen Energy Industry Chain
Authors: Yan Xinrong , Zheng Wenguang , Wei Yajuan , Yan Zhaoqian
Published: February 2024

Under the background of the power system profoundly reforming, hydrogen energy from renewable energy, as an important carrier for constructing a clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient energy system, is a necessary way to realize the objectives of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. As a strategic energy source, hydrogen plays a significant role in accelerating the clean energy transition and promoting renewable energy. However, the cost and technology are the two main constraints to green hydrogen energy development. Herein, the technological development status and economy of the whole industrial chain for green hydrogen energy “production-storage-transportation-use” are discussed and reviewed. After analysis, the electricity price and equipment cost are key factors to limiting the development of alkaline and proton exchange membrane hydrogen production technology; the quantity, scale and distance of transportation are key to controlling the costs of hydrogen storage and transportation. The application of hydrogen energy is mainly concentrated in the traditional industries. With the gradual upgrading and progress of the top-level design and technology, the application of hydrogen energy mainly including traffic transportation, industrial engineering, energy storage, power to gas and microgrid will show a diversified development trend. And the bottleneck problems and development trends of the hydrogen energy industry chain are also summarized and viewed.
Cao’an in the Ancestral World: Contemporary Manichaeism-Related Belief and Familial Ethics in Southeastern China
Authors: Wang Yanbin
Published: February 2024

The Cao’an (草庵), situated in the Fujian Province of China, stands as a rare Manichean relic that has long attracted scholarly interest. In the Sunei (苏内) village where the Cao’an is located, there are numerous texts, narratives, and religious practices related to Manichaeism which are often cited as evidence of local Manichaean activities since the Song and Yuan Dynasties. However, drawing from anthropological fieldwork, this paper points out that the local villagers have a more complex and seemingly contradictory attitude towards Manichaeism. On the one hand, they are enthusiastic about worshipping “Moni guangfo” (Mani the Buddha of Light, 摩尼光佛) and collecting narratives of their Manichaean ancestors. On the other hand, they resist the local government’s attempts to strengthen the “Manichaean” characteristics of Cao’an and related village temples. Their familial ethics provides a critical and coherent perspective. The villagers have gradually accumulated a wealth of Manichaean-related texts and narratives to demonstrate the moral virtues of their ancestors. Their beliefs and rituals concerning Mani the Buddha of Light are also grounded in traditional familial ethics. This helps us grasp the reality of Manichaeism-related culture in contemporary China.
LSTM-Based Coherent Mortality Forecasting for Developing Countries
Authors: Garrido Jose , Shang Yuxiang , Xu Ran
Published: February 2024

This paper studies a long short-term memory (LSTM)-based coherent mortality forecasting method for developing countries or regions. Many of such developing countries have experienced a rapid mortality decline over the past few decades. However, their recent mortality development trend is not necessarily driven by the same factors as their long-term behavior. Hence, we propose a time-varying mortality forecasting model based on the life expectancy and lifespan disparity gap between these developing countries and a selected benchmark group. Here, the mortality improvement trend for developing countries is expected to converge gradually to that of the benchmark group during the projection phase. More specifically, we use a unified deep neural network model with LSTM architecture to project the life expectancy and lifespan disparity difference, which further controls the rotation of the time-varying weight parameters in the model. This approach is applied to three developing countries and three developing regions. The empirical results show that this LSTM-based coherent forecasting method outperforms classical methods, especially for the long-term projections of mortality rates in developing countries.
Hologram Noise Model for Data Augmentation and Deep Learning
Authors: Terbe Dániel , Orzó László , Bicsák Barbara , Zarándy Ákos
Published: February 2024

This paper introduces a noise augmentation technique designed to enhance the robustness of state-of-the-art (SOTA) deep learning models against degraded image quality, a common challenge in long-term recording systems. Our method, demonstrated through the classification of digital holographic images, utilizes a novel approach to synthesize and apply random colored noise, addressing the typically encountered correlated noise patterns in such images. Empirical results show that our technique not only maintains classification accuracy in high-quality images but also significantly improves it when given noisy inputs without increasing the training time. This advancement demonstrates the potential of our approach for augmenting data for deep learning models to perform effectively in production under varied and suboptimal conditions.
Maritime Emission Monitoring: Development and Testing of a UAV-Based Real-Time Wind Sensing Mission Planner Module
Authors: Karachalios Theodoros , Moschos Panagiotis , Orphanoudakis Theofanis
Published: February 2024

Maritime emissions contribute significantly to global pollution, necessitating accurate and efficient monitoring methods. Traditional methods for tracking ship emissions often face limitations in real-time data accuracy, with wind measurement being a critical yet challenging aspect. This paper introduces an innovative mission planner module for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that leverages onboard wind sensing capabilities to enhance maritime emission monitoring. The module’s primary objective is to assist operators in making informed decisions by providing real-time wind data overlays, thus optimizing flight paths and data collection efficiency. Our experimental setup involves the testing of the module in simulated maritime environments, demonstrating its efficacy in varying wind conditions. The real-time wind data overlays provided by the module enable UAV operators to adjust their flight paths dynamically, reducing unnecessary power expenditure and mitigating the risks associated with low-battery scenarios, especially in challenging maritime conditions. This paper presents the implementation of real-time wind data overlays on an open-source state-of-the-art mission planner as a C# plugin that is seamlessly integrated into the user interface. The factors that affect performance, in terms of communication overheads and real-time operation, are identified and discussed. The operation of the module is evaluated in terms of functional integration and real-time visual representation of wind measurements, and the enhanced situational awareness that it can offer to mission controllers is demonstrated. Beyond presenting a novel application of UAV technology in environmental monitoring, we also provide an extensive discussion of how this work will be extended in the context of complete aerial environmental inspection missions and the future directions in research within the field that can potentially lead to the modernization of maritime emission monitoring practices.
Temperature-Corrected Calibration of GS3 and TEROS-12 Soil Water Content Sensors
Authors: Nasta Paolo , Coccia Francesca , Lazzaro Ugo , Bogena Heye R. , Huisman Johan A. , Sica Benedetto , Mazzitelli Caterina , Vereecken Harry , Romano Nunzio
Published: February 2024

The continuous monitoring of soil water content is commonly carried out using low-frequency capacitance sensors that require a site-specific calibration to relate sensor readings to apparent dielectric bulk permittivity (Kb) and soil water content (θ). In fine-textured soils, the conversion of Kb to θ is still challenging due to temperature effects on the bound water fraction associated with clay mineral surfaces, which is disregarded in factory calibrations. Here, a multi-point calibration approach accounts for temperature effects on two soils with medium to high clay content. A calibration strategy was developed using repacked soil samples in which the Kb-θ relationship was determined for temperature (T) steps from 10 to 40 °C. This approach was tested using the GS3 and TEROS-12 sensors (METER Group, Inc. Pullman, WA, USA; formerly Decagon Devices). Kb is influenced by T in both soils with contrasting T-Kb relationships. The measured data were fitted using a linear function θ = aKb + b with temperature-dependent coefficients a and b. The slope, a(T), and intercept, b(T), of the loam soil were different from the ones of the clay soil. The consideration of a temperature correction resulted in low RMSE values, ranging from 0.007 to 0.033 cm3 cm−3, which were lower than the RMSE values obtained from factory calibration (0.046 to 0.11 cm3 cm−3). However, each experiment was replicated only twice using two different sensors. Sensor-to-sensor variability effects were thus ignored in this study and will be systematically investigated in a future study. Finally, the applicability of the proposed calibration method was tested at two experimental sites. The spatial-average θ from a network of GS3 sensors based on the new calibration fairly agreed with the independent area-wide θ from the Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor (CRNS). This study provided a temperature-corrected calibration to increase the accuracy of commercial sensors, especially under dry conditions, at two experimental sites.
Application of Deep Learning and Intelligent Sensing Analysis in Smart Home
Authors: Lu Yi , Zhou Lejia , Zhang Aili , Zha Siyu , Zhuo Xiaojie , Ge Sen
Published: February 2024

Deep learning technology can improve sensing efficiency and has the ability to discover potential patterns in data; the efficiency of user behavior recognition in the field of smart homes has been further improved, making the recognition process more intelligent and humanized. This paper analyzes the optical sensors commonly used in smart homes and their working principles through case studies and explores the technical framework of user behavior recognition based on optical sensors. At the same time, CiteSpace (Basic version 6.2.R6) software is used to visualize and analyze the related literature, elaborate the main research hotspots and evolutionary changes of optical sensor-based smart home user behavior recognition, and summarize the future research trends. Finally, fully utilizing the advantages of cloud computing technology, such as scalability and on-demand services, combining typical life situations and the requirements of smart home users, a smart home data collection and processing technology framework based on elderly fall monitoring scenarios is designed. Based on the comprehensive research results, the application and positive impact of optical sensors in smart home user behavior recognition were analyzed, and inspiration was provided for future smart home user experience research.
A Review of Automation and Sensors: Parameter Control of Thermal Treatments for Electrical Power Generation
Authors: Buratto William Gouvêa , Muniz Rafael Ninno , Nied Ademir , Barros Carlos Frederico de Oliveira , Cardoso Rodolfo , Gonzalez Gabriel Villarrubia
Published: February 2024

This review delves into the critical role of automation and sensor technologies in optimizing parameters for thermal treatments within electrical power generation. The demand for efficient and sustainable power generation has led to a significant reliance on thermal treatments in power plants. However, ensuring precise control over these treatments remains challenging, necessitating the integration of advanced automation and sensor systems. This paper evaluates the pivotal aspects of automation, emphasizing its capacity to streamline operations, enhance safety, and optimize energy efficiency in thermal treatment processes. Additionally, it highlights the indispensable role of sensors in monitoring and regulating crucial parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates. These sensors enable real-time data acquisition, facilitating immediate adjustments to maintain optimal operating conditions and prevent system failures. It explores the recent technological advancements, including machine learning algorithms and IoT integration, which have revolutionized automation and sensor capabilities in thermal treatment control. Incorporating these innovations has significantly improved the precision and adaptability of control systems, resulting in heightened performance and reduced environmental impact. This review underscores the imperative nature of automation and sensor technologies in thermal treatments for electrical power generation, emphasizing their pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring reliability, and advancing sustainability in power generation processes.
Predicting Autonomous Driving Behavior through Human Factor Considerations in Safety-Critical Events
Authors: Raiyn Jamal , Weidl Galia
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the ability of autonomous driving systems to predict outcomes by considering human factors like gender, age, and driving experience, particularly in the context of safety-critical events. The primary objective is to equip autonomous vehicles with the capacity to make plausible deductions, handle conflicting data, and adjust their responses in real-time during safety-critical situations. A foundational dataset, which encompasses various driving scenarios such as lane changes, merging, and navigating complex intersections, is employed to enable vehicles to exhibit appropriate behavior and make sound decisions in critical safety events. The deep learning model incorporates personalized cognitive agents for each driver, considering their distinct preferences, characteristics, and requirements. This personalized approach aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of autonomous driving, contributing to the ongoing development of intelligent transportation systems. The efforts made contribute to advancements in safety, efficiency, and overall performance within autonomous driving systems. To describe the causal relationship between external factors like weather conditions and human factors, and safety-critical driver behaviors, various data mining techniques can be applied. One commonly used method is regression analysis. Additionally, correlation analysis is employed to reveal relationships between different factors, helping to identify the strength and direction of their impact on safety-critical driver behavior.
Case Study on Spatial Mismatch between Multivariate and Student-Teacher Rate in U.S. Public School Districts
Authors: Wu Xiu , Zhang Jinting
Published: February 2024

An important aspect of educational equity is the balance between students and teachers in the general education system. To address the need for a sustainable, balanced, and reliable supply of high-quality STEM teachers for public school districts, this research aims to illustrate the spatial dynamics of student-teacher balance in the impact of teacher salary, school poverty, transportation, and environmental factors from 2015 to 2020, Data were collected to create a multivariate evaluation via Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP), Compromise Programming (CP), weight linear combination and Spatial Mismatch Index Model (SMI) to reveal the non-synergistic coupling relationship between multivariate and student-teacher rate in school districts, counties, and state multiple levels. The results suggest that compared to 10% of the spatial mismatch index at the state level, the proportion of mismatched areas at the school district and county levels was the same at 1%. NV, IN, VT, MA, and FL were mismatched at the state level but had good matches at the county and school district levels. Other unpredictable factors related to teacher shortages, such as workload, school rankings, and teacher vacancies, should be considered for further study in future research plans. This research provides valuable insights for policy interventions to improve the treatment of teachers in public school districts and promote educational equity.
The Best Current Research on Patellar Tendinopathy: A Review of Published Meta-Analyses
Authors: Llombart Rafael , Mariscal Gonzalo , Barrios Carlos , Llombart-Ais Rafael
Published: February 2024

Patellar tendinopathy is a frequent overuse injury in sports that can cause significant pain and disability. It requires evidence-based guidelines on effective prevention and management. However, optimal treatments remain uncertain. We aimed to analyze available meta-analyses to summarize treatment recommendations, compare therapeutic modalities, examine included trials, and offer methodological suggestions to improve future systematic reviews. Meta-analyses were systematically searched for in PubMed (PROSPERO: CRD42023457963). A total of 21 meta-analyses were included. The AMSTAR-2 scale assessed study quality, which was low, with only 23.8% of the meta-analyses being of moderate quality, and none were considered to be of high quality. Heterogeneous outcomes are reported. Multiple platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections appear superior to eccentric exercises and provide lasting improvements compared to eccentric exercises when conservative treatments fail. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) also seems superior to non-operative options and similar to surgery for patellar tendinopathy in the long term. However, evidence for eccentric exercise efficacy remains unclear due to inconclusive findings. Preliminary findings also emerged for genetic risk factors and diagnostic methods but require further confirmation. This review reveals a lack of high-quality evidence on optimal patellar tendinopathy treatments. While PRP and ESWT show promise, limitations persist. Further rigorous meta-analyses and trials are needed to strengthen the evidence base and guide clinical practice. Methodological enhancements are proposed to improve future meta-analyses.
Exploring Energy Security and Independence for Small Energy Users: A Latvian Case Study on Unleashing Stirling Engine Potential
Authors: Kramens Janis , Svedovs Oskars , Sturmane Amanda , Vigants Edgars , Kirsanovs Vladimirs , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, energy systems are continuously impacted by external and internal conditions. The worldwide events of recent years have led to the need to consider not only the requirements for moving towards climate neutrality but also the security and independence of energy supply when creating new or transforming existing energy systems. The aim of this study was to answer the question of whether there is a possibility of transforming the energy supply process by promoting increased energy security and independence while not reducing energy demand, as well as creating high economic and environmental indicators. The research focuses on developing alternative scenarios for further decision-making studies by introducing modern energy technologies. Scenarios are analysed using the complex method developed, which includes three main steps: assessing the current situation, identifying available technologies, and assessing alternatives. The results suggest that Stirling’s technology can provide 100% energy independence for individual energy consumers. At the same time, thanks to the combination of Stirling technology and solar technologies, there is an opportunity to reduce emissions and energy production costs, but capital investment is increasing.
Beyond the Business Case for Responsible Artificial Intelligence: Strategic CSR in Light of Digital Washing and the Moral Human Argument
Authors: Fioravante Rosa
Published: February 2024

This paper, normative in nature and scope, addresses the perks and limits of the strategic CSR approach when confronted with current debates on the ethics of artificial intelligence, responsible artificial intelligence, and sustainable technology in business organizations. The paper summarizes the classic arguments underpinning the “business case” for the social responsibility of businesses and the main moral arguments for responsible and sustainable behavior in light of recent technological ethical challenges. Both streams are confronted with organizational ethical dilemmas arising in designing and deploying artificial intelligence, yielding tensions between social and economic goals. While recognizing the effectiveness of the business argument for responsible behavior in artificial intelligence, the paper addresses some of its main limits, particularly in light of the “digital washing” phenomenon. Exemplary cases of digital washing and corporate inconsistencies here discussed are taken from the literature on the topic and re-assessed in light of the proposed normative approach. Hence, the paper proposes to overcome some limits of the business case for CSR applied to AI, which mainly focuses on compliance and reputational risks and seeks returns in digital washing, by highlighting the normative arguments supporting a moral case for strategic CSR in AI. This work contributes to the literature on business ethics and strategic CSR at its intertwining with the ethics of AI by proposing a normative point of view on how to deploy the moral case in organizations when dealing with AI-related ethical dilemmas. It does so by critically reviewing the state-of-the-art studies on the debate, which, so far, contain different streams of research, and adding to such a body of literature what is here identified and labeled as the “human argument”.
Life Cycle Analysis of Succinic Acid Production in the Brazilian Biorefinery Context
Authors: Baioni e Silva Gabriel , Longati Andreza A. , Sargo Cíntia R. , Furlan Felipe F. , Capaz Rafael S. , Lora Electo E. S. , Milessi Thais S.
Published: February 2024

Succinic acid is an essential component of the chemical industry. Traditionally produced from fossil resources, its sustainable production using renewable resources faces challenges due to the complexities of cultivation and purification. This study assessed the environmental impacts of succinic acid production from sugarcane through a life cycle analysis and compared it with three other scenarios: using sorghum, apple pomace, and the traditional chemical route. Employing the ReCiPe midpoint methodology with a cradle-to-gate approach, the analysis highlighted significant environmental impacts linked to the agricultural stage in the sugarcane process. The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and energy demand resulted in elevated impacts compared to other stages of the process. The other scenarios also presented strong contributions in the purification stages. The production from sugarcane proved advantageous compared to other scenarios, minimizing impacts in 6 out of 10 categories. It is evident that the selection of the correct biomass is crucial for process sustainability, and the use of second-generation inputs can help reduce impacts in the agricultural stage. However, advancements in the fermentation stage are necessary, along with a reduction in the complexity of the purification steps. This study emphasizes the potential of renewable succinic acid production from sugarcane juice in the Brazilian scenario. Utilizing this process could reduce succinic acid’s environmental impacts by 70% to 99% compared to the petrochemical route. The process should be considered as a sustainable alternative to be included in the portfolio of biorefineries, enhancing factory profitability.
Electrically Savvy or Not? Tentative Portrait of the Romanian Student as a Consumer of Electric Devices and Utilities
Authors: Cernicova-Buca Mariana , Gherheș Vasile , Dragomir Gabriel-Mugurel , Sirbu Roxana-Mihaela
Published: February 2024

The understanding of student profiles is critical in educational processes, providing valuable information on the learner’s knowledge, aspirations, expectations, and behaviors. The research aims to profile students’ relationship with electric energy resources across three issues: the use of energy-efficient devices, interactions with available devices and utilities, and the display of adaptive behaviors to environmental conditions and exploitation of resources. The research is undertaken in the oldest university in the western part of Romania, schooling 13,000 students. The methodology consists of monitoring energy consumption on the university campus hosting around 6000 students in 16 dormitories, and of a survey mapping of their energy-related consumption behavior. A total of 1023 participants participated in the study, with responses indicating significant differences in the studied population, which cannot be viewed as a homogenous group. Gender and place of residence influence the results. While the respondents display a relatively high overall awareness and responsible energy-saving behaviors, women and on-campus students seem to be more inclined to adopt energy-saving, sustainable behaviors. The findings of the research are useful for developing data-driven strategies to enhance and consolidate student energy saving behaviors and to plan for nudging messages to induce sustainable choices in the student body.
The Role of BIM in Managing Risks in Sustainability of Bridge Projects: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ahmad Dema Munef , Gáspár László , Bencze Zsolt , Maya Rana Ahmad
Published: February 2024

With the significant and rapid growth observed in bridge projects worldwide, the associated environmental, economic, and social concerns are on the rise. A systematic review of bridge sustainability with meta-analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines was performed, aiming to improve understanding of the importance of using building information modeling (BIM) in bridge projects by investigating the role of proper implementation of this technology to avoid and mitigate risks and improve sustainability. The relevant international literature was collected and scrutinized. The findings demonstrated that the accurate implementation of BIM significantly enhances the efficient management of risks in bridge projects. Consequently, this has a positive effect on improving the three essential (environmental, economic, and social) aspects of sustainability. The impact mentioned is especially apparent in enhancing the management of information throughout the entire lifespan of a bridge. This, in turn, facilitates precise decision-making during the design phase, aligns with assessments of environmental impact, enables real-time monitoring during execution, effectively manages the maintenance of the structure, facilitates efficient allocation and utilization of resources, and improves design practices by providing designers with accurate information. Delving into the nuances of this review has shed light on the transformative potential of BIM in shaping sustainable bridge projects, laying the groundwork for future advancements in this critical field.
Analysis of the Implementation Status and Characteristics of Ecological Restoration Projects in Korea: Ecosystem Conservation Charge Return Projects
Authors: Ji Yong-Joo , Cho Eun-Suk , Cho Dong-Gil
Published: February 2024

Research on the Ecosystem Conservation Charge Return Project (ECCRP), a restoration initiative guided by the polluter-pays principle, is limited. Moreover, certain projects lack location analyses and specific restoration goals. Here, we examined the ecological restoration trends in South Korea based on the ECCRP. We collected data from 277 projects completed between 2003 and 2022 and explored project characteristics, site types, locations, and restoration target species trends. Wetlands and urban areas were frequently targeted, with forestry as the primary land category. Such projects prioritize restoration in areas with a potential for increased biodiversity. Small-scale projects were the most common, likely because of budget constraints and site selection challenges. The establishment of guidelines in 2010 resulted in considerable changes in restoration projects. Forested areas and parks close to species supply sources became important, and specifying target species for restoration was emphasized. Target species primarily included birds, amphibians, and insects. From a sustainability perspective, it is crucial to consider post-monitoring. Species of high restoration value and animals with a small habitat must be selected as performance indicators of restoration outcomes. Our results can help the ECCRP to strengthen the ecological restoration approaches to better achieve sustainability goals—improving biodiversity and conserving and restoring ecosystems.
Flower Strips as an Ecological Tool to Strengthen the Environmental Balance of Fields: Case Study of a National Park Zone in Western Poland
Authors: Antkowiak Małgorzata , Kowalska Jolanta , Trzciński Paweł
Published: February 2024

Maintaining biodiversity in agrocenoses is becoming an important element of sustainable development strategies. Flower strips can perform various functions, and their use in the agricultural landscape is a form of a natural mechanism for regulating the agricultural habitat and improving the effectiveness of biological methods of combating crop pests. This manuscript is a case study in Wielkopolska National Park, a valuable wildlife area situated in a temperate zone characteristic of the climate conditions of western Poland. The purpose of this study was to analyze the species composition of plants in a flower strip two years after sowing a mixture of seeds of perennial plants, and to determine the diversity of the collected arthropods depending on the flowering intensity of plants in the strip. The most intense flowering period in the flower strip occurred in June, when the number of flowering plants was the highest and belonged to one species, Trifolium repens (81.52% of all flowering plants). In the same month, the largest share of beneficial arthropods were specimens from Hymenoptera/Parasitica (29.15%), which may indicate their preference for T. repens. The share of beneficial arthropods in relation to all caught arthropods was higher in June (58.74%) than in July (35.16%), with Hymenoptera predominating, represented mainly by Parasitica, which may indicate their preference for species from the genus Trifolium.
Viper Venom Phospholipase A2 Database: The Structural and Functional Anatomy of a Primary Toxin in Envenomation
Authors: de Oliveira Ana L. Novo , Lacerda Miguel T. , Ramos Maria J. , Fernandes Pedro A.
Published: February 2024

Viper venom phospholipase A2 enzymes (vvPLA2s) and phospholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) proteins are two of the principal toxins in viper venom that are responsible for the severe myotoxic and neurotoxic effects caused by snakebite envenoming, among other pathologies. As snakebite envenoming is the deadliest neglected tropical disease, a complete understanding of these proteins’ properties and their mechanisms of action is urgently needed. Therefore, we created a database comprising information on the holo-form, cofactor-bound 3D structure of 217 vvPLA2 and PLA2-like proteins in their physiologic environment, as well as 79 membrane-bound viper species from 24 genera, which we have made available to the scientific community to accelerate the development of new anti-snakebite drugs. In addition, the analysis of the sequenced, 3D structure of the database proteins reveals essential aspects of the anatomy of the proteins, their toxicity mechanisms, and the conserved binding site areas that may anchor universal interspecific inhibitors. Moreover, it pinpoints hypotheses for the molecular origin of the myotoxicity of the PLA2-like proteins. Altogether, this study provides an understanding of the diversity of these toxins and how they are conserved, and it indicates how to develop broad, interspecies, efficient small-molecule inhibitors to target the toxin’s many mechanisms of action.
Intravesical Botulinum Toxin Injection Plus Hydrodistention Is More Effective in Patients with Bladder Pain-Predominant Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome
Authors: Yu Wan-Ru , Jhang Jia-Fong , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: February 2024

Intravesical botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections are included in the interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) treatment guidelines. However, the IC phenotype suitable for treatment with BoNT-A has not been clarified. Therefore, we identified the factors influencing treatment outcomes for intravesical BoNT-A injections in patients with non-Hunner IC/BPS (NHIC). This retrospective study included patients with NHIC who underwent 100 U BoNT-A intravesical injections over the past two decades. Six months after treatment, treatment outcomes were assessed using the Global Response Assessment (GRA). Outcome endpoints included GRA, clinical symptoms, urodynamic parameters, urine biomarkers, and the identification of factors contributing to satisfactory treatment outcomes. The study included 220 patients with NHIC (42 men, 178 women). The satisfactory group (n = 96, 44%) had significantly higher pain severity scores and IC symptoms index, larger maximum bladder capacity (MBC), and lower 8-isoprostane levels at baseline. Logistic regression revealed that larger MBC (≥760 mL) and bladder pain predominance were associated with satisfactory outcomes after BoNT-A injection. Subjective parameters and pain severity scores improved significantly in patients with bladder pain-predominant IC/BPS after BoNT-A injection. Thus, NHIC patients with bladder or pelvic pain are more likely to experience satisfactory outcomes following intravesical BoNT-A injections.
Probing Dark Sectors with Neutron Stars
Authors: Gardner Susan , Zakeri Mohammadreza
Published: February 2024

Tensions in the measurements of neutron and kaon weak decays, such as of the neutron lifetime, may speak to the existence of new particles and dynamics not present in the Standard Model (SM). In scenarios with dark sectors, particles that couple feebly to those of the SM appear. We offer a focused overview of such possibilities and describe how the observations of neutron stars, which probe either their structure or dynamics, limit them. In realizing these constraints, we highlight how the assessment of particle processes within dense baryonic matter impacts the emerging picture—and we emphasize both the flavor structure of the constraints and their broader connections to cogenesis models of dark matter and baryogenesis.
Examination of the Virulence of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Serovar 16 in Pigs
Authors: Tenk Miklós , Tóth Gergely , Márton Zsuzsanna , Sárközi Rita , Szórádi Alejandra , Makrai László , Pálmai Nimród , Szalai Tamás , Albert Mihály , Fodor László
Published: February 2024

Different virulence variants of A. pleuropneumoniae are involved in the etiology of porcine pleuropneumonia. The purpose of the present trial was examination of the virulence of the Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae A-85/14 strain, the type strain of serovar 16, in an animal challenge experiment. Thirty 12-week-old piglets seronegative for A. pleuropneumoniae were allocated into three trial groups each of 10 animals, and they were infected intranasally with 106, 107, or 108 colony forming units (cfu) of the strain, respectively. Clinical signs were recorded twice a day, and the animals were euthanized 6 days after the infection. Typical clinical signs and postmortem lesions of porcine pleuropneumonia were seen in the animals of each trial group; however, they were generally mild, and no significant differences could be seen between the three groups. Even 106 colony forming units of A. pleuropneumoniae A-85/14 strain could induce clinical signs and lesions. Based on these results, the type strain of serovar 16 of A. pleuropneumoniae must be regarded as a typical pathogenic strain of the species.
Allantoin and Tissue Specific Redox Regulation in Mud Crab Scylla serrata under Varied Natural Water Physico-Chemical Parameters
Authors: Pati Samar Gourav , Paital Biswaranjan , Sahoo Dipak Kumar
Published: February 2024

Effects of varied sediment and physico-chemical properties of water on allantoin content in tissues of Scylla serrata and its role in antioxidant homeostasis were investigated. Tissues of crabs were sampled from different coastal natural habitats of S. serrata of India during summer, winter, and rainy seasons and were analyzed to detect the variation in allantoin content and lipid peroxidation (LPx) and oxidative stress (OS) neutralizing antioxidant factors. High allantoin content in hepatopancreas over muscle tissue was observed in all seasons and sampling sites. The correlation coefficient values between allantoin and environmental factors, i.e., temperature, pH, salinity, organic carbon, Mg, and Ca, strongly support the stress-induced allantoin variation level in tissues. The level of allantoin had a negative correlation with levels of ROS, which was probably due to the upregulation of the activity of major antioxidant enzymes and assisting enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and biotransforming enzyme glutathione -s- transferases (GST). A significant seasonal variation in the level of allantoin was correlated with the activity of including superoxide dismutase, catalase, GPx, GR, and GST, which was clearly noticed as a function of abiotic factors. Additionally, the level of allantoin did not correlate with small antioxidant molecules, such as ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione. Discriminant function analysis revealed that the level of allantoin and CAT and GR activities were the major contributing factors for the clear discrimination of groups. Therefore, allantoin can be considered as a significant factor for the seasonal modulation of OS physiology in mud crab Scylla serrata.
Reuse of Treated Wastewater for Crop Irrigation: Water Suitability, Fertilization Potential, and Impact on Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Ofori Solomon , Abebrese David Kwesi , Růžičková Iveta , Wanner Jiří
Published: February 2024

This study evaluates the suitability of treated wastewater (TWW: secondary effluent and membrane effluent) for crop irrigation and the resultant impact on crop growth and soil physicochemical characteristics. Carrot seeds (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) were grown on loam soil and irrigated with tap water (Tap), secondary effluent (SE), and membrane effluent (ME) until maturity. Bacteriological analyses showed four log counts of E. coli and thermotolerant coliforms for secondary effluent, making it unsafe for the irrigation of carrots. Tap water and membrane effluent fulfilled the microbial limit for water reuse and were suitable for irrigation. The sodium absorption ratio, Kelly index, and magnesium hazard assessments indicated that all three irrigation water streams were suitable for irrigation. The average mass of carrot fruits for Tap, SE, and ME was 2.14 g, 3.96 g, and 3.03 g, respectively. A similar trend was observed for the dry matter composition: Tap had 15.9%, SE had 18.3%, and ME had 16.6%. The soil pH increased from 7.08 to 7.26, 7.39, and 7.33 for tap water-, secondary effluent-, and membrane effluent-irrigated soils, respectively. Nitrate-nitrogen and potassium levels increased in the TWW-irrigated soil, while that of the tap water-irrigated soil decreased. Sodium levels in the TWW-irrigated soil increased significantly but did not induce soil sodicity. The application of the TWW enhanced the growth of the carrot plants and increased the soil nutrient levels. Hence, using TWW in agricultural irrigation could promote food production and also limit the overdependency on freshwater resources. However, TWW should be disinfected by using UV disinfection and ozonation to reduce the risk of microbial contamination. Such disinfection methods may not lead to the formation of toxic byproducts, and therefore secondary pollution to crops is not anticipated.
Assortment policy of retail trade organizations in Moscow for the product category “Processed products of fruits, vegetables and mushrooms”
Authors:   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Nikolaeva M.A. , Velyan E.G. ,   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration
Published: February 2024

The article presents the results of a survey of the trade assortment of Magnit, Dixy, and Azbuka Vkusa chain stores in the product subcategory “Processed products of fruits, vegetables and mushrooms”. It has been established that the trade assortment of the product category “Processing products of fruits, vegetables and mushrooms” in the surveyed stores is identifi ed as expanded. The basic depth of the assortment is represented by 78 brands and their 308 modifi cations. The highest degree of rationality of the assortment of the product category under study was noted in the Azbuka Vkusa store, and the lowest — in the Dixy store. A discrepancy was revealed between the predicted assortment on the website and the real one on the sales fl oor in the Magnit and Dixy stores, which indicates that the websites of these stores were not updated in a timely manner. It has been established that the main directions of the assortment policy of these stores are the deepening and stabilization of the assortment. In addition, the main trends in the formation of the assortment of processed fruit and vegetable products have been identified.
Characteristics of the range and composition of nut butters produced by Russian enterprises
Authors:   ROSBIOTECH, Pavlovskiy A.S. , Goryacheva E.D. ,   ROSBIOTECH
Published: February 2024

The article provides an analysis of the range and composition of nut butters. There are two types of nut butters available: creamy butter and spreads. The name of the butter is derived from the nut used. Creamy butters contain from 40 to 47% nuts. Spreads contain the largest amount of sugar in their formulations. Chocolate types of creamy butter and spreads contain cocoa powder. Lecithin was introduced as an emulsifi er. Nut butters may contain dried dairy products.
Selection and justifi cation of the formulation and vitamins of a fruit and nut bar for schoolchildren
Authors:   FSBEI HE Russian Biotechnological University (ROSBIOTECH), Moscow, Russia, Lapin A.V. , Livinskiy A.A. ,   OOO “Semushka”, Moscow, Russia, Portnov N.M. ,   OOO "Agency KAPITAN", Moscow, Russia
Published: February 2024

Long-term consumption of school meals contributes to the formation of a defi ciency of a number of biologically active substances and necessitates the need to enrich products for school diets with vitamins and minerals. Existing commercial forms of vitamins are considered. Despite their diversity, the use of each form of vitamins has a number of restrictions. An option to increase vitamin intake among schoolchildren could be the development and introduction of fortifi ed products into the menu. Based on the study of the role of vitamins in the human body and the comparison of the vitamin and mineral composition of nuts, vitamins for fortifi cation were selected in the amount of daily intake for children per bar (at the lower limit, %): vitamin C in the amount of 90 mg and vitamin A in the amount of 400 mcg (ret eq) per bar. Based on the conducted research, the choice of the main ingredients and vitamins C and A for fortification, as well as the calorie content of the fruit and nut bar were justified.