bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air pollution mitigation in North China through flexible heating policies
Authors: Li Jiandong , Hao Xin , Liao Hong , Dai Huibin , Li Nan , Gu Yixuan , Dang Ruijun , Li Baojie , Wei Ying
Published: January 2023

Central heating in North China produces severe air pollution, although the need for heating may be reduced by rising temperatures associated with climate change. The regional trend of mean heating length (HL) for North China was −0.32 d per year during 1961–2019. Compared with the 2010–2015 mean values, the start and end dates for central heating in the North China Plain (NCP) during 2050–2055 will delayed by 9 d and advanced by 12 d, respectively, under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 5–8.5 (SSP5-85), and by 5 and 8 d under the carbon-neutral (CN) scenario, based on Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 model simulations. Here we propose a flexible heating policy (FHP), such that HL is determined strictly by temperature, and the associated air pollution benefit of shortening HL are examined by a global 3D chemical transport model GEOS-Chem. The study focused on the year 2019 with the current goal of elimination of severe PM2.5 pollution, and with the minimum HL estimated to provide up to a 24% reduction in severe PM2.5 pollution (daily mean PM2.5 > 150 μg m−3) over the NCP during periods of FHP implementation. For future CN policies, the NCP can achieve great air quality improvements by 2050, with more than 60% of days throughout the heating season with daily PM2.5 concentrations of <10 μg m−3, and 95% with <35 μg m−3. Although the SSP5-85 scenario may lead to reduced HLs, pollutant emissions are likely much higher than under CN scenarios, with pollution days of PM2.5> 100 μg m−3 still occurring frequently by 2050. Our results highlight that FHPs may effectively reduce severe PM2.5 pollution, and China’s carbon neutrality goals will play critical roles in mitigating air pollution and prolonged heating welfare during future heating season.
A comprehensive continuum theory of structured liquids
Authors: Blossey R , Podgornik R
Published: January 2023

We develop a comprehensive continuum model capable of treating both electrostatic and structural interactions in liquid dielectrics. Starting from a two-order parameter description in terms of charge density and polarization, we derive a field-theoretic model generalizing previous theories. Our theory explicitly includes electrostatic and structural interactions in the bulk of the liquid and allows for polarization charges within a Drude model. In particular we provide a detailed description of the boundary conditions which include the charge regulation mechanism and surface polarization, which is explained both in general terms and analyzed for an exemplary model case. Future applications of our theory to predict and validate experimental results are outlined.
Analysis of the overall potential for electricity production from farm animals manure in Bulgaria
Authors: Petrov Petar , Zgureva-Filipova Denitza , Filipov Kalin , Ganev Ivaylo
Published: January 2023

The increasing energy demand combined with the policies for environmental protection are prerequisite to combine them both into the circular economy conception. The utilization of organic waste which produce greenhouse gases during its disposing through production of electricity by obtained secondary organic compounds is a promising approach for the simultaneously meeting of energy needs and decreasing of carbon footprint from the industry. The successful integration of such technology with well-defined economical and technological benefits is optimization task at local level for each country, city or area. An initial evaluation of the potential of manure generated from farm animals in Bulgaria to be utilized as energy source as a different approach for its treatment to reduce the local generation of greenhouse gases is performed in this study. The well-known and commercialized technology for production of biogas from manure by digestion in biogas reactors where at different treatment conditions could be obtained gas mixtures with up to 65 vol. % content of methane is used. The main challenges in front of the implementation of this technology is the impossibility to collect all of the produced manure and also the high transportation costs for its utilization at a centralized site for biogas production and thereafter its combustion in a large power plant. A conservative analysis of the manure quantity available for utilization from different livestock animals and poultry in Bulgaria is performed based on the statistical data for the available farms and the share of free grazing animals. The contribution of different animals to the biogas production and the calorific value based on the gas mixture content are calculated in details. Unlike most other green energy technologies, this one is characterized by 24-hour availability and according to the calculated data a power plant of 1500 MW thermal power could be realized. The reduction of greenhouse gases emissions and potentially spared CO2 emissions quotas at country level are also calculated. As additionally noted there is a secondary commercial product of the anaerobic manure treatment in bioreactors, the solid residue which is applicable as fertilizer for plants due to its high nutritional value.
Temperature stratification in water thermal energy storage tanks at different charging modes
Authors: Kaloyanov N G , Tsekov R P , Penkova N Y
Published: January 2023

The temperature stratification in a water thermal energy storage tank was analysed at different charging modes via modelling and numerical simulation of the transient heat transfer and fluid flows in it. The investigations were implemented varying with the levels of the inlets. The influence of the charging altitude on the turbulence, the subsequent temperature distribution and the accumulated heat is estimated. Ways for efficient use of the investigated accumulator in thermal solar installations are discussed.
Influence of the air diffusers on human thermal comfort inside vehicles – a review article
Authors: Bode Florin , Jamin Amaury , Mihai Sirbu Gabriel
Published: January 2023

The time spent by vehicle occupants in traffic has grown significantly in the last decades. Improving the thermal comfort of the people inside vehicles has gained a lot of importance in the last years both from subjective and objective reasons. The airflow passing through the air diffusers will directly affect the thermal state of the users through its temperature, velocity, and turbulence. A solution to improve the cabin ambiance is to uniformize the airflow inside vehicle through a better mixing between fresh air and ambient air. The automotive industry through its vehicles produced in the last years does not seems to consider this innovative strategy. An idea to improve the air mixing by passive means is using innovative air diffusers which have the capacity to entrain more air than a regular air diffuser. The lobed shaped cross orifice was found to entertain more air than a regular nozzle and derived from this shape more geometries emerged. A good compromise for the air diffuser design in vehicle was found to be the lobed ailerons. The entrainment in the case of the airflow issued from the air diffuser with lobed ailerons it was found to be greater than in the case of the standard air diffuser with straight ailerons.
Investigation of the efficiency of VAWTs at different wind speeds
Authors: Iliev R , Tsalov Ts
Published: January 2023

This paper presents results from an experimental and numerical study of different lift-based and drag-based vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). One of the main disadvantages of vertical axis wind turbines is the low efficiency and inability to self-starting at low wind speeds. The task of the study is to determine an efficient geometry of the turbine runner, which can generate higher power at the lowest wind speeds. A comparison has been made of the cut-in speed, rated speed, efficiency, and the self-starting capabilities. This work proposes an aerodynamic scheme for wind turbine runners, which can operate relatively more efficiently at low and variable winds. The presented results favour the selection of a wind turbine for operation in conditions of weak and variable wind. The experiments were conducted in the Laboratory of Hydro Power and Hydraulic Turbomachinery (HEHT Lab) at the Technical University of Sofia.
Studying the variation of the slip factor when trimming the impeller of centrifugal pumps
Authors: Klimentov Kliment , Nikolova Desislava , Popov Gencho , Kostov Boris
Published: January 2023

It is well-known that one of the reasons for reducing the head of a centrifugal pump, when trimming its impeller, is the reduction of the slip factor. There are various methods used to determine it, but there is lack of information on whether they are applicable in case that a pump with a trimmed impeller operates. In the present work, a comparative experimental study concerning the applicability of some of the methods used to determine the slip factor, on two centrifugal pumps with different specific speed of rotation, is performed. Based on the experimental data, CFD models of the impellers of the two pumps have been validated and a numerical simulation study concerning the change of the slip factor during trimming, has also been performed. The impact of the rate of impeller trimming on the the slip factor variation has also been established. Based on the results found, concerning the performed numerical study, equations describing the relationship between the slip factor and the rate of trimming of the studied pumps are obtained.
Particularities of flue gases from energy installations on the process of continuous flow capture for CO2 by direct methanation
Authors: Lăzăroiu G , Mihăescu L , Balcu I , Oprea I , Grigoriu R-M , Negreanu G P , Jarcu A
Published: January 2023

The efficiency of the direct methanation of the flue gases from the energy installations is influenced both by the relatively low participation of the CO2 component and by the presence of water vapor and oxygen from the excess air. The water vapor content reduces the efficiency of the methanation process by a small percentage. The excess air has been analysed in the paper in more detail to determine whether it can lead to the process of self-ignition (explosion) of hydrogen in the phase of its admission to the methanizer. Thus, an analytical calculation was performed for the composition of the flue gases from an energy installation that uses liquid fuel, the excess air being 1.3. At the end of the paper, the objectives of the experimental tests to be performed were presented, and details regarding the complex experimental installation and the already achieved methanizer were provided.
Utilizing of sunflower seed husk through production of biochar and its application in systems for purification of water contaminated with cadmium
Authors: Zgureva-Filipova Denitza , Gosheva Liliya , Petrova Radoslava , Filipov Kalin
Published: January 2023

The pollution of water streams is one of the most spread environmental problem whole the world due to its permanently increasing from one part, and the importance of water for the human health from the other. An approach for decontamination of polluted waters based on the ideology of the circular economy is investigated in this study. The wasted sunflower seed husks obtained during the cooking oil production were subjected to gasification process in pilot plant installation. Three biochar samples were obtained and characterized regarding main properties like carbon content, moisture, ash, volatile compounds, and specific surface area at different experimental conditions. For all samples was possessed high carbon content of 69-75 wt. % and well developed surface area of 262-321 m2/g. The biochar materials were subjected to experimental procedure for evaluation of their potential for adsorption of cadmium (Cd) ions from water solution with different concentration of the pollutant. The obtained reduction coefficient for all biochar samples reached up to 99.97 % for the initial concentration of Cd-ions from 1.1 mg/l to 562 mg/l. For the higher Cd concentrations in the range of 1124-11240 mg/l, the reduction decreased to 11-24 %. The highest adsorption capacity of 289.99 mg/g is obtained for the biochar sample subjected to gasification for 2 minutes.
NOx reduction system selection and energy efficiency impact evaluation for ships sailing in restricted areas
Authors: Kostova I , Nikiforov V , Pirovsky Ch , Ilieva G
Published: January 2023

The worldwide shipping provides 90 percent of the goods carriage and in the last 20 years their absolute volume is constantly increasing. However, carriers need to maintain service levels and reduce exploitation costs, and at the same time must ensure higher sustainability in all operations. The growth in number of ships in service inevitably leads to much more harmful emissions released by vessels in to the atmosphere. In the same time, more stringent environmental requirements and laws continue to regulate the maritime transport sector. Progress was made by International Maritime Organization (IMO) towards the ambition on reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. That is why IMO based International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Convention) and its regulations continuously sets higher thresholds for environment protection expressed by Nitrous Oxides (NOx), Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and Carbone Dioxides (CO2) limitations. The new higher ecological requirements put on the table new technical and economic challenges for the shipowners and ship designers.

In the current paper Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Exhaust Gas Bypass (EGR) NOx emissions reduction systems and their affect on the fuel consumption are under consideration. The application of each system depends on the ship’s type, installed propulsion system and its main engines and operational modes.

The numerical study is carried based on 31800 DWT vessel for bulk loads, operating in restricted areas of the Great Lakes of North America. In the course of the research the fulfilment of the following objectives are being leaned: the ship must be capable for operation in Nitrogen Emission Control Areas (NECA’s), as well as its Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) must be in compliance with Required Energy Efficiency Design Index (REEDI) Phase 3 coming in force in 2025.
Smart city 3D modeling with a total station and a smartphone
Authors: Hussein Luay Y , Alwan Imzahim A , Ataiwe Tariq N
Published: January 2023

Modern technology has radically altered documentation and has promised to do so again. Photographic and non-photographic documentation tools are combined into a single operation in which digital imaging technology is the mainstay. 3D support is still not popular among users involved in documenting the facades of modern buildings or important historical sites. This is a very important technique nowadays for (memorizing, preserving, restoring, and protecting) the facades of modern buildings or historical sites that need restoration and continuous follow-up. Cost and time play a vital role in the quick development of documentation strategies and tools to provide a true comparison between these methods. Surveyors can now complete projects with unprecedented precision because of advancements in hardware and software technology. For their daily activities, surveyors now rely on contemporary electronic instruments such as total stations and GPS. When conducting work, the surveyor always chooses the most appropriate equipment and the most cost-effective method of completing it. There are numerous microchips on the market nowadays. Surveyors can benefit from tools like GPS, complete bot stations, and digital levels. Over time, large, expensive survey equipment has been replaced with the smallest, most powerful equipment available. For example, the 3D ground laser is a highly expensive piece of equipment due to the high cost of the laser scanner. An alternative technology has been developed which is the use of the Total Station. The type is capable of scanning interfaces through a cloud of points based on the control point and back sight (B.S) and processing them by the software used to process the data acquired by the laser scanner. The 3D results of the output model from Total Station are compared with the model’s output from smartphone camera images after processing. In this paper, the interface is scanned, and its details will be mentioned in the case study.
Population growth scenarios and population expectations for the expansion of urban cities in Najaf governorate
Authors: Taha Ahmed Ihsan , Motlak Jamal B
Published: January 2023

Population growth and population prediction influence the expansion of cities. There are multiple ways to know and predict population growth for the target year. The problem with the research is that studies of population prediction and studies of updating (master plans) depend on the growth rate method in population prediction, while the Cohort method is one of the most appropriate methods. The research aims to compare the results of the two methods. The result was an increase in the population for the target year in the study area using the 38% growth rate method over the Cohort method. To find out population growth according to environment and gender, three scenarios were adopted: urban concentration, balanced urban-rural development, and rural development. According to the realistic results of the study area and the data, and based on the state’s orientation and its planning and development policies for urban cities and rural settlements, the second scenario, urban concentration, is the most likely. Population distribution will be 80% urban and 20% rural. It will leave its mark on the estimation of the urban population. And the researchers attempt to give a perception of the population distribution according to Zipf’s law. This affected the knowledge of the space required for urban expansion.
The spatial spread of private universities and colleges and their impact on the sustainable urban development of Baghdad
Authors: Hamdan Maarb Yousif
Published: January 2023

The integration of the resources of the educational complex with the city community is directly related to the site of the educational institution, which is selected according to planning grounds based on changing indicators related to determining the on-site importance of it and in a form that serves the objectives of higher education in general and higher education in particular. According to its spatial spread, the educational institution interacts with the surrounding areas of urban land use in a way that maximizes functional integration within the city’s master plan by applying urban planning standards to achieve sustainable development of the city and its surrounding areas of impact. The establishment of community universities is one of the basic and important services in the city centre and sectors and is an important pillar of sustainable social development it is possible to evaluate the site category of the community university institution in the light of the application of spatial appropriateness according to the approved standards. The goal of urban communities is to review and modernize their educational systems, particularly universities, because of their ability to lead community change locally and globally and achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Effect of household size on housing type case study: city of Al-Dujail
Authors: Othman Shahd Essam , Motlak Jamal B
Published: January 2023

One of the most important reasons for the incompatibility of housing plans with spatial development is the presence of shortcomings in the methods of calculating the housing need, as planning studies often tend to set a time ceiling that includes predicting the number of households and housing without clarifying other population characteristics that affect the determination of housing need, such as household size and their life cycle. This research aims to determine the housing needs based on the number of households according to their sizes, to determine the features of the housing development in urban areas, the needs of the household for housing, and then calculate the net residential area. The city of Dujail was chosen to achieve the goal of the research under the premise: that estimating the housing types required based on the housing need according to the size of the household contributes to fulfilling the need of those households for the appropriate housing type and helps in calculating the housing spaces to meet the required need. The population of the city of Dujail was determined according to Cowhart’s method for predicting the population until 2030, estimating the number of households according to their sizes, calculating the housing need, and distributing the need for housing among households based on urban and rural housing standards in Iraq. And to reach a set of conclusions and recommendations related to the topic of the research. The research reached an analysis of the housing need of the city of Dujail at a detailed level of household sizes to identify the subjective need for housing and to identify the factors and variables associated with it depending on the updated housing standards. The research recommended the necessity of compatibility of housing plans with spatial development, due to the presence of shortcomings in methods of calculating the housing need and developing housing models that fit the sizes of different households and the spaces of the minimum standard.
Adsorption technique for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater using low-cost natural adsorbent
Authors: Ali Ghasaq Abd , Mohamed Salih Nuha Q , Faroun Ghsoon Ali , Al-Hamadani Rawaa Fahim Chyad
Published: January 2023

The primary goal of this study was to use low-cost adsorbents, this achieves by using pine cones as plant waste adsorbents in the treatment of industrial wastewater. In the experimental work of this study, a system of PVC horizontal pipes of 15cm diameter and 600 cm length without membranes was used. The polluted water values discharged in the system were 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 L/hr. The effect of many hydraulic parameters (contact time, flow discharge, length of the pipe, and pressure) with environmental parameters (pH, TDS, TSS and electrical conductivity) was investigated in this continuous flow system. The sample of plant waste (pine cone) was treated and activated by ozonation, to manufacture new media with high porosity, activated carbon developed from pine cone (ACPC), and to determine the activity that produces the best results in the removal of heavy metals. To remove Fe+2 and Zn+2 ions from industrial wastewater, activated carbon was used as an adsorbent. Adsorption tests result in an exhibit that, the ACPC adsorbent had remarkable heavy metals removal efficiency. The most effective removal efficiency of 95% of Zn+2 was recorded at pH 7, 20 l/hr, and 5hrs. The higher removal efficiency of 96.67% of Fe+2 occurred at pH 6, 20 l/hr, and 5hr. The study also revealed that activated carbon devolved from pine cones can be adopted as a low-cost alternative for removing metal ions.
Development stages of planning thought and factors affecting the morphology of modern Iraqi cities
Authors: Al-Jabri Mohanad Kadhem Ali , Ladik Elena Igorevna
Published: January 2023

Analysis and understanding of the historical formation processes of urban structures are essential in identifying factors that influence the spatial development of cities and human settlements for predicting promising development directions. The article is devoted to analysing the historical processes of the formation and development of Iraqi cities. The purpose of the study is a retrospectively analysis and identification of the key factors that influenced the planning development of Iraqi cities. The study was based on an analytical approach to studying the layout of Iraqi cities and understanding the influences that led to structural changes in urban morphology. A historical approach was also adopted to determine the time stages of the development of Iraqi planning institutions that accompanied these changes. In the course of the study, the article’s authors highlighted the stages of the historical development of Iraqi planning thought and factors that had a critical impact on the formation of the modern morphology of Iraqi cities. Among them are population growth, colonialism, the variety of land uses, and Technological Evolution. These factors classified the Iraqi city into three forms: compact and small in size, modern with European-style architecture, and developed far from the ancient historical city. As well, five stages of Iraqi planning institutions evolved were discovered that accompanied these changes in the city’s morphology.
Sustainable communities rating system within the context of Iraqi cities characteristics
Authors: Alwehab Abdelwehab A , Alrawi Firas , Almosawi Falah
Published: January 2023

Rating systems for evaluating the sustainability of communities are an essential tool that is increasingly applied throughout the developed world to set criteria indicators to optimize the physical, social, economic, and environmental potential within such communities. Rating systems vary based on existing disparities among societies and their unique building and physical planning practices. Iraqi cities lacked the adaptation of a formal methodology or sustainability rating system to correctly measure the built environment’s sustainability indicators. This research attempts to review the most substantial rating systems to measure the sustainability of communities worldwide to form a point of departure. In conclusion, the Article attempts to delineate relevant parameters to develop a local model to evaluate the suitability levels of communities in urban centres per regional environmental characteristics.
Sustainable tourism development strategy in West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia
Authors: Kurniawan Cahyadi , Purnomo Eko Priyo , Fathani Aqil Teguh , Fadhlurrohman Mochammad Iqbal
Published: January 2023

This study analyzed sustainable tourism development and tourism strategies in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) through their tourism office. The method used in this study was a qualitative description with the help of NVIVO 12 Plus software to analyze the West Nusa Tenggara government strategy. The results of this study are that the West Nusa Tenggara government’s plan for developing sustainable tourism is to increase attractions, accessibility, security, public facilities, and government intervention to develop tourism and realize sustainable tourism. The five variables have also supported the economy as seen from the gross domestic product increased by 4.6% in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2020, fulfilled the social needs of the community and did not damage the environment and even exceeded the target as evidenced by the environmental index data for West Nusa Tenggara Province.
Mitigating urban heat island effects in urban environments: strategies and tools
Authors: Fadhil Mohammed , Hamoodi Mustafa N , Ziboon Abdul Razzak T
Published: January 2023

In the twenty-first century, urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a major problem for humanity as a consequence of urbanization and industrialization. The main causes of UHI are the vast amounts of heat generated by urban structures as they consume and re-radiate solar energy and anthropogenic heat sources. The two heat sources cause an urban area’s temperature to rise above its surroundings, a phenomenon known as Urban Heat Island (UHI). Many approaches, methods, models, and investigative tools have been implemented to study and analysis this phenomenon. In general, green areas in cities are thought to be an effective approach to mitigate urban heat island effects and bring comfort to residents. The improvement of microclimatic conditions in urban environments is mostly influenced by evapotranspiration. Most of the studies show a rising trend in the UHI, which is linked to decreased plant cover and land-use changes. The main objectives of this paper were to explain the concept, formation factors, and influential factors of UHI. In addition, the most common strategies and tools that are applied in mitigating rising temperatures in urban areas were reviewed and summarized. The finding of several studies showed that increasing urban vegetation areas in addition to optimizing their spatial distribution and configuration is an effective strategy to reduce the impact of UHI.
Environmental planning for monitoring soil contamination in Iraq’s lama facility using GIS methods
Authors: Jamil S K , Al-Sharaa H M , Abass A S
Published: January 2023

The authors provide a study of concentration levels in the soil of the LAMA (Lab Active Metal Testing Laboratory) soil, in which they employed GIS and visual interpretation to introduce radioactive contamination into the soil of this facility. Using a high-purity germanium detector and spectroscopic apparatus, 28 samples were collected and examined using gamma spectroscopy to measure the radioactivity concentrations of radionuclides. Standards coefficients derived for the (U-238 series, Th-232 series, and Cs-137) distributions imply an asymmetric distribution with a little tail toward higher concentrations. However, the (U-238 series, Th-232 series, and Cs-137) activities in soil samples are more variable and exceed the authorized environmental thresholds.
Drying water and its impact on the vital system in the marshes of southern Iraq
Authors: Hussein Alaa Abdul Kereem , Asal Amal Abd
Published: January 2023

The marshes of southern Iraq have suffered from numerous environmental problems as a result of the drying process. The reasons for the drying of the marshes are due to two factors: the first - is natural factors: low rainfall, high temperatures and increased evaporation, and the second are the human factors, the most important of which is the influence of the political factor that has destroyed the marsh environment since the 1990s, which led to damage to biodiversity in wetlands, plant communities have disappeared and drought has led to the extinction and threatened many animals, birds and fish and changed the course of migration of some of them so the research will focus on the effect of the human factor. The research attempts to determine the level of deterioration of the vital system in the marshes environment in southern Iraq and to find the best solutions to the problems that resulted from this process. The research problem lies in the exposure of the marshes environment during a long period to drought due to the influence of human factors. The study assumes that there is a change in the biological system that has negatively affected the environment of the marshes. The study aims to show the importance of moving towards planning the management of the marshes, which can restore the environment of the marshes before drying through the process of revitalizing the marshes in southern Iraq and through the Centre for the Revitalization of the Marshes. The descriptive analysis method was used in the study, and it relied on statistical data issued by official authorities, in addition to satellite visuals and GIS maps.
Complexity approach and urban sustainability
Authors: Al-Askari Abdulhusein A , Al-Saadi Hadi Abdulzahra Fayyadh
Published: January 2023

This work constitutes a theoretical revision of understanding the coherence of the complex concept and urban sustainability should be considered as the main key to producing an urban environment characterized by the futuristic ability to be adaptable to all unexpectable changes and development and yet keep a sound living environment to city people and accommodate their various activities. Using a complexity concept is the more effective approach to handling the sustainability issues in the city, which is connected through a network of interrelated interactions with the other elements of the city structure, the significance of every element in the city should be seen as a part of the indivisible mass of effective power which directs the city growth and development otherwise the processes of urban planning will be non-integrated, simple response unable to comprise the adequate vision to the city future. This research focuses on sustainability as an efficient tendency and the main objective in urban planning cannot be handled effectively in the traditional methods and techniques, and it requires a new approach to cover the dynamic nature of the city and its development. The objective of the research is to shed a light on the new practices in urban planning issues by choosing a new approach to deal with the contemporary necessity of sustainability applications in the modern urban context and environment. The research attempts to address the complexity concept as a new approach has been adopted in different sciences and disciplines, and it presents the most efficient approach that could be aligned with the urban sustainability objectives achievement. The research applies the analytical, descriptive methodology to shed a light on the integrity of the complex concept and sustainability, providing a new understanding of complexity utilization to achieve the sustainability objective in the urban context.
Urban heat islands: a review of contributing factors, effects and data
Authors: Jabbar Hajer Khaled , Hamoodi Mustafa N , Al-Hameedawi Amjed N
Published: January 2023

Urban Heat Island (UHI) is one of the most serious difficulties that humans have faced in the twenty-first century resulted due to urbanization and industrialization. The main causes of UHI are the vast amounts of heat produced by urban structures, which solar energy should be used and re-radiated as well as anthropogenic heat sources. The two heat sources cause an urban area’s temperature to rise in comparison to its surrounding areas, which refers to a phenomenon of the urban heat islands. Large cities and diverse economic activities face even more serious difficulties. This paper defined the concept and types of UHIs. This paper explained a comprehensive review of the phenomenon of UHI from its first appearance with regard to causing factors, its influences on people’s lives and the urban environments, and widely used data for measuring and evaluating the intensity of UHIs. The finding of most studies mentioned that UHI values are different from city to city based on land-use changes. It is revealed that an increasing trend occurred mainly because expand in built-up areas and a reduction in green cover. Also, a number of studies showed that the UHI intensity was low during summer afternoons and high during winter nights in many places around the world.
DeepVID: deep-learning accelerated variational image decomposition model tailored to fringe pattern filtration
Authors: Cywińska Maria , Szumigaj Konstanty , Kołodziej Michał , Patorski Krzysztof , Mico Vicente , Feng Shijie , Zuo Chao , Trusiak Maciej
Published: January 2023

The algorithms defined as variational image decomposition (VID) constitute the state-of-the-art in solving the image prefiltration problem. However, the discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of different VID models in the context of fringe pattern prefiltration is yet to be addressed and this work is the first one leaning into this issue. The unsupervised variational image decomposition (uVID) algorithm allows for automatic, accurate and robust preprocessing of diverse fringe patterns and introduces the parameters and stopping criterion for Chambolle’s iterative projection algorithm to separate the fringes and background. However, determining the stopping criterion in each iteration is a severely time-consuming process, which is particularly important given the fact that in many cases thousands of iterations must be calculated to obtain a satisfactory fringe pattern decomposition result. Therefore, the idea of using convolutional neural network to map the relationship between the fringe pattern spatial intensity distribution and the required number of Chambolle projection iterations has emerged. That way, it is no longer required to determine the value of the stopping criterion in every iteration, but the appropriate number of iterations is known in advance via machine learning process. We showed that the calculation time is reduced on average by 3–4 times by employing the deep learning-based acceleration (convolutional neural network called DeepVID) without jeopardizing the overall accuracy of the prefiltration. This way an important progress in developing uVID algorithm features towards real-time studies of dynamic phenomena is reported in this contribution. For the sake of metrological figure of merit, we employ deep learning based solution, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, to accelerate powerful and well-established VID approach, not to bypass it completely.
Proposal for an active whispering-gallery microclock
Authors: Yu Deshui , Vollmer Frank , Zhang Shougang
Published: January 2023

Optical atomic clocks with compact size, reduced weight and low power consumption have broad out-of-the-lab applications such as satellite-based geo-positioning and communication engineering. Here, we propose an active optical microclock based on the lattice-trapped atoms evanescently interacting with a whispering-gallery-mode microcavity. Unlike the conventional passive clock scheme, the active operation directly produces the optical frequency standard without the need of extra laser stabilization, substantially simplifying the clock configuration. The numerical simulation illustrates that the microclock’s frequency stability reaches

1.5
×

10

−
14

at 1 s of averaging, over one order of magnitude better than the recently demonstrated chip-scale optical clock that is built upon rubidium vapor cell and also more stable than current cesium fountain clocks and hydrogen masers. Our work extends the chip-scale clocks to the active fashion, paving the way towards the on-chip quantum micro-metrology, for example, the optical frequency comparison and synchronization between multiple microclocks through frequency microcombs.
From sum of two squares to arithmetic Siegel–Weil formulas
Authors: Li Chao
Published: January 2023

The main goal of this expository article is to survey recent progress on the arithmetic Siegel–Weil formula and its applications. We begin with the classical sum of two squares problem and put it in the context of the Siegel–Weil formula. We then motivate the geometric and arithmetic Siegel–Weil formula using the classical example of the product of modular curves. After explaining the recent result on the arithmetic Siegel–Weil formula for Shimura varieties of arbitrary dimension, we discuss some aspects of the proof and its application to the arithmetic inner product formula and the Beilinson–Bloch conjecture. Rather than being intended as a complete survey of this vast field, this article focuses more on examples and background to provide easier access to several recent works by the author with W. Zhang and Y. Liu.
Multimodal Analyses of the Aging Forehead and Their Clinical Implications
Authors: Alfertshofer Michael , Engerer Nina , Frank Konstantin , Moellhoff Nicholas , Freytag David L , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: January 2023

Background

Recent research has indicated that in the upper face a delicate arrangement exists between the muscles of facial expression and the skin. This arrangement allows for immediate transmission of movements following muscle contraction, resulting in skin movements and skin rhytid formation.

Objectives

To investigate age-related changes of the biomechanical unit formed by facial muscles, their connective tissue envelope, and the skin of the upper face.

Methods

A total of 76 Caucasian volunteers (30 males, 46 females) with a mean age of 42.2 years (SD 18.6) and a mean body mass index of 24.58 kg/m2 (SD 3.7) were investigated. Three upper facial regions were analyzed for skin firmness and elasticity with cutometric assessment, vertical and horizontal skin vector displacement using 3-dimensional imaging, and muscle activity with surface-derived electromyography.

Results

Study participants of older age (>42.2 years), when compared with younger participants (≤42.2 years), showed increased skin firmness, at 0.20 mm vs 0.30 mm (P < .001); decreased skin elasticity at 53.2% vs 69.0% (P < .001); increased vertical (not horizontal) skin mobility at 3.56 mm vs 1.35 mm (P < .001); and decreased surface-derived electromyography (sEMG) signal of the frontalis muscle with 174 µV vs 309 µV (P = .039).

Conclusions

This study reveals that age-related changes occur in each component of the biomechanical unit formed by facial muscles, connective tissue envelope, and skin in the upper face. Knowledge and understanding of such changes can allow for more targeted and individualized surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic treatments.
Sialyl Lewis X mediates interleukin-1 beta-induced trophoblast adhesion to endometrial cells during human embryo implantation
Authors: Ma Zhi , Kessler Mirjana , Chelariu-Raicu Anca , Sperandio Markus , Mahner Sven , Jeschke Udo , von Schönfeldt Viktoria
Published: January 2023

Cell surface carbohydrate antigens sialyl Lewis X (sLeX) and Lewis Y (LeY) are paramount glycoconjugates and are abundantly expressed in the receptive endometrium. Furthermore, among the important biological functions of both antigens is their role in leukocytes adhesion and extravasation. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is involved in the process of human embryo implantation and placenta development. Here, we used an in vitro model to investigate whether sLeX and LeY are playing a role in the embryo implantation process mediated by IL-1β. Our results are showing that the expression of cell surface sLeX was enhanced in endometrial RL95-2 cells after exposure to IL-1β. RT-qPCR detection indicated that the transcript level of glycosyltransferase gene fucosyltransferase 3 (FUT3) was significantly elevated and that of FUT4/7 and ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 3/4 (ST3GAL3/4) were decreased by treatment with IL-1β. Modulatory role of glycosyltransferase FUT3 on sLeX biosynthesis was determined by FUT3 siRNA transfection in RL95-2 cells. Results showed that the expression level of sLeX was suppressed, but no change was observed in regard to LeY. Moreover, IL-1β promoted the HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast spheroids attachment to the RL95-2 endometrial monolayer, which was partially blocked by anti-sLeX antibody and FUT3 knockdown. Gene expression analysis of the RNA-seq transcriptome data from human secretory endometrium demonstrated a significantly higher level of FUT3 in the mid-secretory phase compared to the early secretory phase, which was correlated with the expression of IL1B. In summary, the inflammatory microenvironment at the fetomaternal interface can regulate the glycosylation pattern of endometrial cells at the time of implantation. SLeX can be significantly induced by IL-1β via increasing FUT3 expression, which facilitates the trophoblast adhesion during embryo implantation.
Elevated insulin growth factor-1 in dentate gyrus induces cognitive deficits in pre-term newborns
Authors: Sharma Deep R , Cheng Bokun , Jaiswal Manoj Kumar , Zhang Xusheng , Kumar Ajeet , Parikh Nirzar , Singh Divya , Sheth Hardik , Varghese Merina , Dobrenis Kostantin , Zhang Xiaolei , Hof Patrick R , Stanton Patric K , Ballabh Praveen
Published: January 2023

Prematurely born infants are deprived of maternal hormones and cared for in the stressful environment of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). They suffer from long-lasting deficits in learning and memory. Here, we show that prematurity and associated neonatal stress disrupt dentate gyrus (DG) development and induce long-term cognitive deficits and that these effects are mediated by insulin growth factor-1 (IGF1). Nonmaternal care of premature rabbits increased the number of granule cells and interneurons and reduced neurogenesis, suggesting accelerated premature maturation of DG. However, the density of glutamatergic synapses, mature dendritic spines, and synaptic transmission were reduced in preterm kits compared with full-term controls, indicating that premature synaptic maturation was abnormal. These findings were consistent with cognitive deficits observed in premature rabbits and appeared to be driven by transcriptomic changes in the granule cells. Preterm kits displayed reduced weight, elevated serum cortisol and growth hormone, and higher IGF1 expression in the liver and DG relative to full-term controls. Importantly, blocking IGF-1 receptor in premature kits restored cognitive deficits, increased the density of glutamatergic puncta, and rescued NR2B and PSD95 levels in the DG. Hence, IGF1 inhibition alleviates prematurity-induced cognitive dysfunction and synaptic changes in the DG through modulation of NR2B and PSD95. The study identifies a novel strategy to potentially rescue DG maldevelopment and cognitive dysfunction in premature infants under stress in NICUs.
Clinical Perspective on Use of Long-Read Sequencing in Prenatal Diagnosis of Thalassemia
Authors: Toledo Diana M , Lafferty Katherine A
Published: January 2023

This is an editorial focusing on the clinical perspective of a long-read sequencing method in the prenatal diagnosis of alpha- and beta-thalassemia, including a comparison between this method and standard PCR-based methods. Though incremental, the increased sensitivity and specificity using long-read sequencing is an important advantage of this methodology in the prenatal diagnostic arena due to false positive or false negative results having greater consequence when a family is making decisions about their pregnancy.
Constructing recombinantSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrains for malic-to-fumaric acid conversion
Authors: Steyn Annica , Viljoen-Bloom Marinda , Van Zyl Willem Heber
Published: January 2023

Saccharomyces cerevisiae with its robustness and good acid tolerance, is an attractive candidate for use in various industries, including waste-based biorefineries where a high-value organic acid is produced, such as fumaric acid could be beneficial. However, this yeast is not a natural producer of dicarboxylic acids, and genetic engineering of S. cerevisiae strains is required to achieve this outcome. Disruption of the natural FUM1 gene and the recombinant expression of fumarase and malate transporter genes improved the malic acid-to-fumaric acid conversion by engineered S. cerevisiae strains. The efficacy of the strains was significantly influenced by the source of the fumarase gene (yeast versus bacterial), the presence of the XYNSEC signal secretion signal and the available oxygen in synthetic media cultivations. The ΔFUM1Ckr_fum + mae1 and ΔFUM1(ss)Ckr_fum + mae1 strains converted extracellular malic acid into 0.98 and 1.11 g/L fumaric acid under aerobic conditions.
Limosilactobacillus walteri sp. nov., a novel probiotic antimicrobial lipopeptide-producing bacterium
Authors: Saroha Tanu , Sharma Shikha , Choksket Stanzin , Korpole Suresh , Patil Prabhu B
Published: January 2023

A Gram-positive facultative anaerobe, nonspore forming, and nonmotile bacterial strain M31 was isolated from faecal contaminated soil. The strain is previously reported to produce a novel antimicrobial lipopeptide and displayed probiotic properties. The strain M31 is catalase negative and fermented d-galactose, d-glucose, esculin, d-maltose, d-lactose, d-melibiose, d-raffinose, d-saccharose (weak reaction), d-xylose (weak reaction), d-ribose (weak reaction), and l-arabinose (weak reaction). The majority of fatty acids were C16:0 (53.9%), C18:0 (26.9%), and C19:0 cyclo ω8c (19.1%). The genome is 2 234 040 bp long with 38.81% guanine-cytosine (GC) content. The pairwise ortho average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain M31 with its closest relative species from Limosilactobacillus reuteri clade and Lm. rudii is below the recommended cut-off of 95% and 70%, respectively. Herein, we propose Lm. walteri sp. nov. as a novel species of the genus Limosilactobacillus with M31 = MTCC 12838 = JCM 32759 = KCTC 25569.