bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DLRW: Dual-Link Weight Random Walk Model for Aquaculture Boundary Extraction by Single-Polarized SAR Imagery
Authors: Song Derui , Zhu Cheng , Tao Jingzhe , Shi Xiaofei , Wang Xianghai
Published: June 2023

Coastal aquaculture is undertaken in shallow and usually sheltered waters along the coast, delineated by aquaculture ponds. Illegal usage of coastal aquaculture can lead to conflicts with local communities and environmental problems. Thus, it is necessary to extract the aquaculture boundary to monitor the expansion of coastal aquaculture to the sea. However, it is challenging for most existing algorithms to extract the aquaculture boundary for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images under a high incident angle (>30 degree) with horizontal transmitted and received (HH) or vertical transmitted and received (VV) polarization. The difficulties come from the following: (1) seawater can be seen on both sides of such boundaries, (2) the contrast of such boundaries is uneven, and (3) the backscattering coefficients in some parts of such boundaries are low. In this paper, a novel dual-link weight random walk (DLRW)-based method is proposed to extract such boundaries. The proposed DLRW is composed of an automatic seed points generation strategy, and the establishment and solving of a random walk model with the dual-link weight. By a coarse-to-fine procedure, DLRW is used to extract the aquaculture boundaries in the whole imagery. Sentinel-1 and GF-3 images in Dalian and Liaodong Bay, China have been used in experiments. Mean offset (MO), root mean square error (RMSE), Overlapped, accuracy within one pixel (WOP), and accuracy within two pixels (WTP) have been used to evaluate the performance with existing methods. Experimental results have demonstrated the proposed DLRW-based method outperforms existing methods in the extraction on aquaculture boundaries. Under the low tide, the DLRW-based method is better than the other two methods with MO, RMSE, Overlapped, WOP, and WTP by at least 5.75 pixels, 10.43 pixels, 2.88%, 11.09%, and 18.04%, respectively. Under the high tide, the DLRW-based method is superior to the other two methods with MO, RMSE, and WTP by at least 3.8 pixels, 10.5 pixels, and 6.3%. In addition, the proposed DLRW-based method has a good ability to extract the shoreline with bedrock, ports, and silt. Therefore, the proposed DLRW-based method can be of great value to coastal aquaculture monitoring, coastal mapping, and other coastal applications.
Activity Duration under the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Analysis among Different Urbanized Areas Using a Hazard-Based Duration Model
Authors: Liu Chunguang , Zuo Xinyu , Gu Xiaoning , Shao Mengru , Chen Chao
Published: June 2023

There have been significant changes in daily activities and corresponding durations since the outbreak of COVID-19. This study examines how the built environment factors and individual/household characteristics affect activity durations (e.g., shopping, social-related, hiking, and working) under the COVID-19 pandemic and analyzes the heterogeneity between different urbanized areas using the data of a Dutch national travel survey in 2020. A hazard-based duration model (e.g., the Cox proportional hazard model) was used to predict activity durations. Estimation results showed that the activity durations for different social groups varied under different geographical and policy conditions. In particular, women and seniors are more susceptible to the unprecedented pandemic, manifested in significantly shorter durations for work and hiking activities. In addition, couples with one or more children need to shorten their working hours and give more attention to their children due to the closure of nurseries and schools. Furthermore, the influences of built environment factors also present significant differences. A higher number of service facilities does not significantly foster the extension of hiking activity duration; however, this is the opposite among regions with more open green areas. Compared with previous studies on analyzing the influencing factors of activity durations, this study incorporated some unique variables (e.g., COVID-19 countermeasures and urban class) to consider the temporal and spatial heterogeneity under the particular pandemic period.
Does Trust Affect Antecedents of Inter-Organizational Governance Mechanisms and Elicit Successful Collaboration via Innovation? An Empirical Study from a Market-Oriented Economy in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Thi Minh , Mai Khuong Ngoc , Nguyen Phuong Ngoc Duy
Published: June 2023

This study aims to examine the relationships between trust and the structure of inter-organizational governance mechanisms (IGMs), what factors of IGMs and trust affect innovation, and how their effects lead to Successful Inter-organizational Collaboration (SIC) through innovation in the tourism industry. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect responses from 423 tourist firms from March to September 2022 in Vietnam. We applied partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis to determine the path coefficients among these latent constructs. The results reveal that the role of trust is significant in shaping an organization’s behavior to create IGMs and innovation. IGMs directly impact innovation and SIC, as well as also indirectly affecting innovation variables. This study provides new insights into the literature on tourism regarding trust, IGMs, innovation, and SIC. The results can guide indispensable strategies that tourist firms can use to improve the outcomes of tourism sectors in terms of long-term collaboration.
The Location Optimization of Urban Shared New Energy Vehicles Based on P-Median Model: The Example of Xuzhou City, China
Authors: Dang Jianmin , Wang Xiaozhen , Xie Ying , Fu Ziyi
Published: June 2023

Sharing new energy vehicles is crucial for addressing the issue of traditional vehicles’ carbon emissions, reducing urban traffic congestion, safeguarding the environment, and promoting citizens’ use of green transportation. However, the parking lot’s drawbacks—poor location, challenging parking, and difficulty finding a car—lead to a low popularity rate, few users, and infrequent use. How to scientifically choose parking outlets and maximize the advantages of sharing new energy vehicles has become an important topic in current urban traffic management. This paper constructed a “G-B-U” framework starting with quasi-public goods and stakeholders to analyze the factors influencing the location selection of these vehicles. On this basis, a three-stage location decision method of “market demand prediction—alternative network screening—location model solution” is proposed to optimize the location selection of shared new energy vehicles. The factors are analyzed, and numerical examples are studied, using the districts of Xuzhou City in China as examples: Gulou, Yunlong, and Quanshan. The findings indicate that the main variables influencing how frequently Xuzhou residents use shared new energy cars are network dispersion, rental and return convenience, and usage experience. After site selection optimization, the journey distance is nearly cut in half, saving users a significant amount of travel time. It may meet the travel needs of residents better based on the same number of parking lots.
Use and Experience of Tourism Green Spaces in Ishigaki City before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic Based on Web Review Data
Authors: Yang Ruochen
Published: June 2023

Urban Tourism Green Spaces (UTGSs) in Okinawa are the most frequented areas by tourists and are an important part of the area’s unique tourism image and brand value. This study selected 40 UTGSs in Ishigaki City, Okinawa, for comparative analysis before the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2009–December 2019) and during the strict control period (January 2020–December 2021). Data on tourist reviews were collected in Python. Correlations were collated through Pearson correlation tests. Text-mining methods were used to examine tourist reviews to characterise changes in tourists’ use and experience of UTGSs amid the extreme hardship experienced by tourist cities during the pandemic. Visitors expressed positive emotions towards the green space, particularly in post-pandemic times, despite disruptions and uncertainties caused by travel restrictions. Rather than focusing on water activities as before, visitors preferred exploring the island’s hinterland areas with low crowd density and seeking spiritual comfort in open public spaces. This highlights the potential of these areas to be developed as a new tourism resource. This study’s findings will provide valuable insights for urban planners and tourism operators in developing effective crisis response strategies and guiding the development of urban tourism areas towards more appealing and sustainable destinations.
A System Optimization Approach for Trains’ Operation Plan with a Time Flexible Pricing Strategy for High-Speed Rail Corridors
Authors: Wang Jianqiang , Zhao Wenlong , Liu Chenglin , Huang Zhipeng
Published: June 2023

Optimizing the train plan for high-speed rail systems should consider both the passengers’ demands and enterprise’s benefits. The choice of the departure time period is the most important factor affecting the passenger demand distribution. In this paper, the optimization problem of a train operation plan based on time period preference is studied for a high-speed rail corridor. First, according to the travel process of the passengers, the extended service network for a high-speed rail system is established. The main factors that influence the passengers’ travel choices are analyzed, and the departure time period preference, stop time and flexible pricing strategy based on the time period preference are put forward. The generalized travel cost function, including the convenience, ticket fare and stop time costs, is constructed, and a two-level programming model is established based on the function. The upper-level planning model is formulated as a mixed 0–1 programming problem that aims at maximizing the revenue of the railway enterprise. It is mainly constrained by passenger travel demand and solved by improved genetic algorithms. The lower-level model is a user equilibrium (UE) model. The Frank–Wolfe algorithm is used to allocate multiple groups of OD (origin and destination) passenger flows to each train so that the generalized travel expenses of all the passengers with the same OD are minimized and equal. Finally, the train operation plan is solved based on the Lan-xi (Lanzhou–Xi’an) high-speed rail data, and the validity of both the model and algorithm is verified.
Implementation and Use of Digital, Green and Sustainable Technologies in Internal and External Transport of Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Mustapić Miljenko , Trstenjak Maja , Gregurić Petar , Opetuk Tihomir
Published: June 2023

The concept of Industry 5.0 provides a human-centered, sustainable, and resilient manufacturing system with a high emphasis on green technologies. This paper will examine the current use and perception of the green and digital technologies in the internal and external transport systems of Croatian manufacturing companies, relying on the continuous work of the authors in the field of local manufacturing industry development and digitalization. On a sample of 112 companies, statistical analysis of the results has shown that the greatest challenge in the digital technologies implementation is the unavailability of the technology on the market and employee resistance to change. The companies perceive benefits of renewable resource usage in internal transport in the rise in environmental awareness and increased flexibility, while the productivity increase and human safety improvement are the crucial reasons for the digitalization of internal transport in Croatian manufacturing companies. In external transport, the use of renewable energy sources is very rare, due to high price and low endurance of the vehicles, but the main reasons for its future possible implementation are environmental awareness, profitability, and sustainability. The majority of the companies in Croatia are still not familiar with Industry 4.0 or 5.0 concept but have shown a high interest for digital and green technology implementation to enable sustainable future development.
Factors Affecting Active Commuting to School in Sprawled Cities: The Case of Najran City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlQuhtani Saad
Published: June 2023

An increased dependency on motorized modes of transportation has been noticed recently for school children commuting to school, while a major decline in walking to school has occurred. Dependency on motorized modes for commuting to school has many adverse consequences. This paper examines determinants that can influence how children commute to schools for both boys and girls in all school stages in Najran City. Data of morning school commutes were analyzed using a multinomial logit model (MLM). Analytical results indicate that about 37% of students live at a distance of more than 2 km from school, and only 16% live within 500 m of their schools. Almost half of the respondents own more than one car. Regarding walking to school, only 19% of students walk to school, while the rest use motorized modes when commuting to school. The results of MLM show that boys are more likely to walk to school than girls. In addition, age and unemployed family members have a positive relationship with students’ odds of walking while owning cars, income, employed parents, parent education, and distance to school have a negative association with the likelihood of walking to schools. A shortage and uneven distribution of schools, lack of pedestrian infrastructure, and the higher dependency on private drivers can be considered the most important barriers to walking to schools. Thus, responsible agencies must add more schools to reduce the distance between homes and schools, implement safe, paved, and shaded pedestrian sidewalks, and educate students about walking benefits and safety principles.
Complexities, Challenges, and Opportunities of Mobile Learning: A Case Study at the University of Jordan
Authors: Alshamaila Yazn , Awwad Ferial Mohammad Abu , Masa’deh Ra’ed , Farfoura Mahmoud E.
Published: June 2023

With the increasing popularity of mobile learning in educational settings, the use of social networking sites (SNSs) as a tool for remote learning has become increasingly prevalent. However, the negative aspects of mobile learning through SNSs have not been extensively explored by scholars. Therefore, in this paper, we aim to investigate the impact of social overload, information overload, life invasion, and privacy invasion on students’ technostress and exhaustion and the resulting reduced intention to use SNSs for mobile learning. We also aim to investigate the impact of social overload, information overload, life invasion, and privacy invasion on students’ technostress and exhaustion and the resulting reduced intention to use SNSs for mobile learning. Data were collected through an online survey from 648 voluntary participants in Jordanian universities. The SOR framework provided a theoretical foundation for understanding the impact of SNSs on mobile learning. Through this study, we found information overload and life invasion were significantly related to higher levels of technostress and exhaustion among students. This suggests that, when students feel overwhelmed by excessive information or when their personal lives are invaded by SNS use, they experience increased technostress and exhaustion. Moreover, the study revealed that technostress and exhaustion were positively associated with a reduced intention to use SNSs for mobile learning. This indicates students who experience higher levels of technostress and exhaustion are less likely to engage with SNSs as a platform for their mobile learning needs. In contrast, we did not find a significant relationship between social overload and technostress, suggesting the amount of social interaction on SNSs may not directly contribute to students’ technostress levels. Additionally, we observed no significant relationship between privacy invasion and exhaustion, indicating privacy concerns may not directly contribute to students’ feelings of exhaustion in the context of mobile learning through SNSs. Regarding practical implications, we thus suggest the importance of establishing norms and rules to protect students’ privacy and prevent overburdening them with excessive SNS use. The SOR framework provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the impact of SNSs on mobile learning, and future researchers could benefit from its application.
Maize Seedling Leave Counting Based on Semi-Supervised Learning and UAV RGB Images
Authors: Xu Xingmei , Wang Lu , Liang Xuewen , Zhou Lei , Chen Youjia , Feng Puyu , Yu Helong , Ma Yuntao
Published: June 2023

The number of leaves in maize seedlings is an essential indicator of their growth rate and status. However, manual counting of seedlings is inefficient and limits the scope of the investigation. Deep learning has shown potential for quickly identifying seedlings, but it requires larger, labeled datasets. To address these challenges, we proposed a method for counting maize leaves from seedlings in fields using a combination of semi-supervised learning, deep learning, and UAV digital imagery. Our approach leveraged semi-supervised learning and novel methods for detecting and counting maize seedling leaves accurately and efficiently. Specifically, we used a small amount of labeled data to train the SOLOv2 model based on the semi-supervised learning framework Noisy Student. This model can segment complete maize seedlings from UAV digital imagery and generate foreground images of maize seedlings with background removal. We then trained the YOLOv5x model based on Noisy Student with a small amount of labeled data to detect and count maize leaves. We divided our dataset of 1005 images into 904 training images and 101 testing images, and randomly divided the 904 training images into four sets of labeled and unlabeled data with proportions of 4:6, 3:7, 2:8, and 1:9, respectively. The results indicated that the SOLOv2 Resnet101 outperformed the SOLOv2 Resnet50 in terms of segmentation performance. Moreover, when the labeled proportion was 30%, the student model SOLOv2 achieved a similar segmentation performance to the fully supervised model with a mean average precision (mAP) of 93.6%. When the labeled proportion was 40%, the student model YOLOv5x demonstrated comparable leaf counting performance to the fully supervised model. The model achieved an average precision of 89.6% and 57.4% for fully unfolded leaves and newly appearing leaves, respectively, with counting accuracy rates of 69.4% and 72.9%. These results demonstrated that our proposed method based on semi-supervised learning and UAV imagery can advance research on crop leaf counting in fields and reduce the workload of data annotation.
Effects of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on CO2 Emissions in the Port Areas of the Strait of Messina
Authors: Marino Concettina , Nucara Antonino , Panzera Maria Francesca , Pietrafesa Matilde
Published: June 2023

The Strait of Messina is characterised by a significant ship flow, especially of ferries, between its two shores. The ferry services involve four harbours, located on the Sicilian and Calabrian shores. During the epidemic emergency related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, due to the restrictions adopted to counteract the spread of the infection, a significant reduction in ferry activities and vehicle flow occurred. These circumstances made flow data, related to different actual scenarios, available and allowed the assessment of the environmental impact of the port area. Therefore, the port area became a noteworthy case study, suited to draw conclusions regarding possible future courses of action designed to curb greenhouse gas emissions in these types of settlements. In the study, in order to assess the effect of different levels of human activity on pollutant emissions, the total CO2 emissions from ferry activities in two successive years, 2019 before the spread of the virus and 2020 when the epidemic was at its peak, were evaluated and compared. The EMEP/EEA methodology was used and, as a result, an overall reduction of 13.2% in CO2eq yearly emission rates was observed, with the major reduction of 2784 tCO2eq due to maritime traffic.
Identifying Key Indicators for Monitoring Water Environmental Services Payment Programs—A Case Study in Brazil
Authors: Longo Regina Marcia , Garcia Joice Machado , Gomes Raissa Caroline , Nunes Adélia Nobre
Published: June 2023

The recognition of the natural environment as an element that provides ecosystem services to society has led to an increased interest in the study of these services and the implementation of payment for environmental services (PES) initiatives. Although in recent years it has gained strength as an environmental conservation and restoration strategy, the PES instrument lacks something in the monitoring of its actions that inhibits its concrete efficiency, such as indicators that represent the study area. Based on the results of water, soil, and vegetation quality reported in a case study on a rural property participating in a PES-Water scheme in Brazil, the present study aimed to establish minimum water quality indicators relevant to the monitoring of PES-Water programs and propose a flowchart for monitoring actions and environmental aspects to support future projects of the same nature. Based on the results, the monitoring of these areas must involve the continuous checking of soil indicators, water and vegetation. In addition, details of the microclimate and socioeconomic conditions must be recorded. The results should also be systematized, disseminated, and made available in a monitoring system to serve the various actors involved, thereby facilitating the understanding of the PES instrument and the remuneration for the environmental services provided.
Joint Characterization and Fractal Laws of Pore Structure in Low-Rank Coal
Authors: Zhou Yuxuan , Li Shugang , Bai Yang , Long Hang , Cai Yuchu , Zhang Jingfei
Published: June 2023

The pore structure of low-rank coal reservoirs was highly complex. It was the basis for predicting the gas occurrence and outburst disasters. Different scale pores have different effects on adsorption–desorption, diffusion, and seepage in coalbed methane. To study the pore structure distribution characteristics, which are in different scales of low-rank coal with different metamorphism grade, the pore structure parameters of low-rank coal were obtained by using the mercury injection, N2 adsorption, and CO2 adsorption. These three methods were used to test the pore volume and specific surface area of low-rank coal in their test ranges. Then, the fractal dimension method was used to calculate the fractal characteristics of the pore structure of full aperture section to quantify the complexity of the pore structure. The experimental results showed that the pore volume and specific surface area of low-rank coal were mainly controlled by microporous. The pore fractal characteristics were obvious. With the influence of coalification process, as the degree of coal metamorphism increases, fluctuations in the comprehensive fractal dimension, specific surface area, and pore volume of the pore size range occur within the range of Rmax = 0.50% to 0.65%.
Stakeholder Perspectives on Supply Chain Risks: The Case of Indonesian Palm Oil Industry in West Papua
Authors: Imbiri Soleman , Rameezdeen Raufdeen , Chileshe Nicholas , Statsenko Larissa
Published: June 2023

Stakeholder perspectives on supply chain risks (SCRs) play a crucial role in managing risks, achieving goals, and determining performance of an organization. Herein, the role of stakeholders and the complex interrelationships between stakeholders are important factors influencing the supply chain, and, besides, failure to manage SCRs can result in significant losses for the organization. In West Papua, study related to stakeholder perspectives on the risks in palm oil SCs is still limited. Accordingly, to fill this gap, this paper aims to identify SCRs from the perspectives of key stakeholder of the Indonesian palm oil industry in West Papua. This study employs qualitative research methods. Key risks in the palm oil supply chain (SC) were identified from semi-structured interviews with 64 key stakeholders across 25 different stakeholder groups, using NVIVO software for thematic analysis. The results show that the palm oil SC in West Papua has five tiers and five distribution channels of material, information, and financial flows. Public and private stakeholders identified in palm oil SCs play crucial roles in determining palm oil operations in West Papua. Herein, there are seven identified groups as key stakeholders with thirty-two major risks in the SC. Smallholder farmers are exposed to most of the risks, followed by plantation companies, local cooperatives, and government agencies. Interestingly, risks in palm oil SCs in West Papua are predominantly caused by conflicts of interest among multiple stakeholders.
Comparison of Attenuated and Virulent Strains of African Swine Fever Virus Genotype I and Serogroup 2
Authors: Kholod Natalia , Koltsov Andrey , Krutko Sergey , Tulman Edan R. , Namsrayn Sanzhi , Kutish Gerald F. , Belov Sergey , Korotin Alexey , Sukher Mikhail , Koltsova Galina
Published: June 2023

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious disease of pigs caused by the ASF virus (ASFV). The main problem in the field of ASF control is the lack of vaccines. Attempts to obtain vaccines by attenuating the ASFV on cultured cell lines led to the production of attenuated viruses, some of which provided protection against infection with a homologous virus. Here we report on the biological and genomic features of the attenuated Congo-a (KK262) virus compared to its virulent homologue Congo-v (K49). Our results showed differences in in vivo replication and virulence of Congo-a. However, the attenuation of the K49 virus did not affect its ability to replicate in vitro in the primary culture of pig macrophages. Complete genome sequencing of the attenuated KK262 strain revealed an 8,8 kb deletion in the left variable region of the genome compared to the virulent homologue K49. This deletion concerned five genes of MGF360 and three genes of MGF505. In addition, three inserts in the B602L gene, genetic changes in intergenic regions and missense mutations in eight genes were detected. The data obtained contribute to a better understanding of ASFV attenuation and identification of potential virulence genes for further development of effective vaccines.
The Aqueous Leaf Extract of the Medicinal Herb Costus speciosus Suppresses Influenza A H1N1 Viral Activity under In Vitro and In Vivo Conditions
Authors: Senevirathne Amal , Jayathilaka E. H. T. Thulshan , Haluwana D. K. , Chathuranga Kiramage , Senevirathne Mahinda , Jeong Ji-Soo , Kim Tae-Won , Lee Jong-Soo , De Zoysa Mahanama
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the antiviral activity of aqueous leaf extract of Costus speciosus (TB100) against influenza A. Pretreatment of TB100 in RAW264.7 cells enhanced antiviral activity in an assay using the green fluorescence-expressing influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (H1N1) virus. The fifty percent effective concentration (EC50) and fifty percent cytotoxic concentration (CC50) were determined to be 15.19 ± 0.61 and 117.12 ± 18.31 µg/mL, respectively, for RAW264.7 cells. Based on fluorescent microscopy, green fluorescence protein (GFP) expression and viral copy number reduction confirmed that TB100 inhibited viral replication in murine RAW264.7 and human A549 and HEp2 cells. In vitro pretreatment with TB100 induced the phosphorylation of transcriptional activators TBK1, IRF3, STAT1, IKB-α, and p65 associated with interferon pathways, indicating the activation of antiviral defenses. The safety and protective efficacy of TB100 were assessed in BALB/c mice as an oral treatment and the results confirmed that it was safe and effective against influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (H1N1), A/Philippines/2/2008 (H3N2), and A/Chicken/Korea/116/2004 (H9N2). High-performance liquid chromatography of aqueous extracts led to the identification of cinnamic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids as potential chemicals for antiviral responses. Further confirmatory studies using these acids revealed that each of them confers significant antiviral effects against influenza when used as pretreatment and enhances the antiviral response in a time-dependent manner. These findings suggest that TB100 has the potential to be developed into an antiviral agent that is effective against seasonal influenza.
Strategies for Achieving Sustainability of Water Supply Systems in Rural Environments with Community Management in Brazil
Authors: Machado Anna , Oliveira Pedro , Matos Patrick , Santos Ana
Published: June 2023

An urban–rural dichotomy currently exists in policy documentation, accessibility to resources, and human rights. In Brazil, there remains a significant deficit in water and sanitation services coverage, particularly in rural areas. To achieve universal access to water, the legal framework addresses the development of decentralization actions and co-participation in management. As a result, a community-managed water supply (CMWS) has emerged as the social tool in which the community effectively participates in decision-making and oversees the operation and maintenance of water systems. The long-term sustainability of these systems is affected by critical factors in implementation, management, and maintenance. However, no strategic plan exists to solve/mitigate the critical factors commonly associated with CMWS. We proposed an action plan with multiscale intersectoral management strategies to guarantee water security for rural populations. The strategies were separated into areas of responsibility discussed in the recent literature and evaluated by experts. The strategies at the national level were related to institutional aspects and policy formulation. At the local level, the strategies were related to supporting CMWS from project implementation to post-construction. Finally, at the community level, the strategies were related to the quality and financial recognition of the services.
Evaluation of Groundwater Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes Using GIS-Based IWQI, EWQI and HHR Model
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Rui , Wu Xiangchuan , Yan Yuting , Wei Changli , Luo Ming , Xiao Yong , Zhang Yunhui
Published: June 2023

Groundwater pollution has emerged as a significant water crisis in various regions around the globe. Groundwater serves as a crucial source of water for human consumption and agricultural activities in the Sichuan Basin where groundwater quality has yet to be concentrated. A total of 41 groundwater samples were collected from domestic wells in Suining city of the Sichuan Basin, which were used for analyzing the hydrogeochemical processes and suitability for irrigation and drinking purposes. In the study area, groundwater samples belonged to the HCO3-Ca type. Hydrochemical compositions were dominated by carbonate and silicate mineral dissolution with positive cation exchange. Agricultural activities and urban sewage were the primary sources of NO3− pollution. The irrigation water quality index (IWQI) was calculated using electronic conductivity (EC), Na+, Cl−, HCO3−, and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). The IWQI values showed that the suitability of groundwater irrigation was generally good and presented the decreasing trend southeastwardly. According to the entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI), the groundwater quality for drinking purposes was generally good. However, there were some local areas with poor water quality concentrated in the southeast part. According to the human health risk (HHR) model, the groundwater was deemed safe for adults and children. However, for infants, the nitrate level in the groundwater remained high and posed potential health risks. The combined IWQI and EWQI evaluation served as a valuable reference for the utilization of the groundwater resource in the Sichuan Basin, as well as other comparable regions worldwide.
Driving Factors of the Hydrological Response of a Tropical Watershed: The Ankavia River Basin in Madagascar
Authors: Ramahaimandimby Zonirina , Randriamaherisoa Alain , Vanclooster Marnik , Bielders Charles L.
Published: June 2023

Understanding the hydrological behavior of watersheds (WS) and their driving factors is crucial for sustainable water resources management. However, at large scales, this task remains challenging due to the spatial heterogeneity in landscapes, topography and morphology (T), land cover (LC), geology (G), and soil properties (S). In this context, the aim of this study was to identify the key factors that influence the hydrological signatures of four watersheds: Ankavia (WS1: 55% forest cover), Ankaviabe (WS2: 77% forest cover), Sahafihitry (WS3: 41% forest cover), and Antsahovy (WS4: 48% forest cover), over a 10-month study period. These catchments are located within the SAVA region of northeastern Madagascar and have a humid tropical climate. We investigated the relationship between selected catchment descriptors and hydrological signatures by using a Pearson coefficient-based correlation matrix. More specifically, catchment descriptors (extracted from T, LC, G, and S) were correlated with the following hydrological signatures: base flow index (BFI), mean runoff coefficient (rc), mean peak flow (Qp), mean runoff event time scales (ts), high flows (Q5), low flows (Q95), and mean discharge (q_mean). The analysis revealed that land cover, soil properties, and geology seem to be the best predictors for BFI and Q95, while soil properties mainly govern rc, Qp, Q5, ts, and q_mean. These findings provide valuable insights into the key drivers of hydrological behavior that can inform water resource management strategies. In particular, WS2 exhibits better flood buffering capacity but also experiences lower base flows in the dry season, potentially due to higher evapotranspiration. Conversely, WS3 and WS4 (and to a lesser extent WS1) have lower flood buffering capacity, but these watersheds encounter less pronounced low flows in the dry season due to higher BFIs, possibly attributable to lower evapotranspiration rates. The results underscore the importance of responsible land use practices and conservation efforts, which are essential for the sustainable development of the region. By incorporating these practices into water management strategies, we can help ensure a more stable and reliable water supply for communities and ecosystems within the region.
Enhanced PMS Activation by Highly Dispersed Mn-Ce Bimetallic Oxide on Carbon Nanotubes for Degradation of Phenol
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Quanfeng , Gao Pei , Sun Da , Jin Libo , Ma Li , Yang Lan , Zhao Jujiao
Published: June 2023

Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation is an intriguing technology for refractory organic pollutant removal in wastewater treatment. Herein, a highly dispersed Mn-Ce bimetallic oxide on carbon nanotubes (MCC) was synthesized and applied to catalyze PMS for the degradation of phenol. The material was well characterized using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The synthesized MCC showed superior activity for PMS activation. The k value of phenol removal with MCC is 0.135 min−1, which is greatly superior to that of CNT (6.17 × 10−5 min−1) and Mn-Ce bimetallic oxide (3.18 × 10−4 min−1). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), along with radical quenching experiments, revealed that the activation of PMS by MCC for phenol degradation involves both radical and non-radical reaction pathways. Moreover, a synergic effect between Mn-Ce bimetallic oxide and CNT was identified to be responsible for the outstanding catalytic activity.
Effect of porosity, pore size, and pore-opening size optimized on the sound absorption coefficient of aluminum foam
Authors: Madvari Rohollah Fallah , Jafari Mohammad Javad , Hong Tan Wei , Laal Fereydoon , Sharak Mohsen Niknam
Published: June 2023

Metal foams are interesting as sound absorbers because of their strength, low mass, high hardness, and damping. To foam fabrication more accurate and achieve higher sound absorption coefficient (SAC), the effective parameters should be optimized. In earlier study (DOI: 10.32604/sv.2021.09729),
the parameters of porosity percent- age (Ω), pore size (D) and pore opening size (d) were optimized by the authors. In this study, we intend to investigate the effect of optimized Ω percentage, D size and d size on the SAC of aluminum foam in the frequency 0 to 8000 Hz with the thicknesses
of 5, 10, 20, and 30 mm. The genetic algorithm was performed employing the Lu model, using MATLAB software. According to the results, the optimum values of Ω, D, and d at different frequencies and thicknesses are not constant. That is, at any given thickness and frequency, there are specific
optimum amounts. This study provides a way to improve the SAC performance of porous metal materials for various and targeted applications.
FLAT ROLL ROOFS LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT IMPROVING WITH ADVANCED TECHNICAL STATE INSPECTION
Authors: Dolzhenko A. , Naumov A. , Shchenyatsky O.
Published: June 2023

The quality of life cycle management of flat rolled roofs depends on the effectiveness of the technology for assessing their physical deterioration, the value of which is significantly affected by the operating conditions of roofs and sources of impacts. Flat rolled roofs are the most common technical solutions in the real estate and are very defect-intensive building systems, the physical deterioration of which affects the structural safety and functional reliability not only of them, but of the entire building as a whole. Defects in flat rolled roofs, as well as defects in building structures in general, are in close organizational and technological relationship, in which the life cycle of an individual defect can be a synergistic multiplication or subtraction in defects life cycle parameters.

The key flaw of modern methods for assessing physical deterioration are the initial and predominantly manual instrumental studies, in connection with which the methods are overly simplified, templated, subjective in natural assessment of life cycle resource intensity. In this regard, it seems promising targeted research related to the comprehensive improvement for construction and technical flaw detection methods, both in software improving that increases the reliability and quality of the factual result, and algorithms for predictive estimation of individual defects and building systems life cycles. That manages life cycle more effectively in the media of practical methods for dynamic defects analyzing and assessing the technical condition of structures in general.

The paper presents mainline in improving of method for assessing the physical deterioration of flat rolled roofs, quantitatively taking into account the combined impact of defects on building system technical condition at its life cycle, significant expanding the operational tools for building technical management.
INFLUENCE OF GRANULOMETRIC COMPOSITION OF THE COMPOSITE GYPSUM BINDER ON ITS PROPERTIES
Authors: Othman Azmi , Chernysheva N. , Drebezgova M. , Novichenkova T. , Margolis B.
Published: June 2023

The primary task of technologists-designers is to optimize the structure and properties of building composite materials. Its achievement allows simultaneously increasing their efficiency, reliability and durability. The article presents the results of determining the granulometric composition of a composite gypsum binder (CGB) by computational and experimental modeling using the known equations of "ideal" curves. Due to the fact that when designing the binder composition, one of the main tasks is to optimize its structure at the micro level with finding the best ratios sizes and quantitative content of particles in the hardening system to create a dense packing, in the work a comparison is made of the granulometric compositions of 3, 4 and 5-component KGV. It has been established that the developed 5-component composition of KGV, including (% by weight): 68 % gypsum binder (G5B-II - 70% and GVVS-16 – 30 %), 10 % Portland cement, 20% fine quartz sand, 0.5 % metakaolin VMK-45 and 1.5% limestone dust, in terms of the ratio of components and their granulometric composition, deviates from that calculated using a computer program using the equations of the "optimal" Funk-Dinger curve by 15.3 %, which causes a denser packing of its particles with an increase in average density, strength indicators and softening coefficient even with a decrease in the content of gypsum binder
The Graduate Extension Scholars Program: Professional Development to Connect Research and Education
Authors: Scherer Hannah , Wilk Ayla , Wiley Shannon , Spindler Matthew
Published: June 2023

The Graduate Extension Scholars program represents a novel approach that brings together graduate students, 4-H agents, and secondary agriculture teachers in an educational resource development project. We conducted process evaluation research based on program goals for the pilot implementation year using participant interviews and program artifacts. Program participants reported an overall positive experience and identified new programming and partnerships that would not have been possible without involvement in the program. Goals were enacted to varying degrees, with challenges occurring related to collaborative planning, educational module development, and building of partnerships between Extension and school-based educators. Recommendations for Extension program development are identified
Social Network Analysis: A Methodology for Exploring Diversity and Reach Among Extension Programs and Stakeholders
Authors: Chaudhary Anil , Radhakrishna Rama
Published: June 2023

Social network analysis (SNA) is a methodology that provides complementary visual and statistical components for analyzing the traits and relationships of actors in a network. We conducted a study to develop a whole-network map of programs and their stakeholders to understand the diversity and reach of Extension programs in Pennsylvania. We concluded that the Penn State Extension network is widely distributed and has extensive reach in the community and that there exist a few program clusters (programs serving common stakeholders) and isolates (niche programs). Overall, SNA has much to offer in fostering understanding of the outreach of Extension and various outcomes of Extension programs.
Online Leadership Short Course for County Extension Directors
Authors: Benge Matt , Sowcik Matthew
Published: June 2023

Engaging the Extension workforce in professional development is critical for learning, behavior change, and continued development. However, county Extension directors find it difficult to juggle the various demands on their time, including the need to develop the leadership competencies required to be successful in their roles. Online leadership training is one option that can be used to address this time demand faced by Extension leaders and provide an avenue for developing leadership capacity. We discuss the design and implementation of the 10-week online Leadership Short Course for county Extension directors and the reactions of participants.
Readying Extension for the Systematic Analysis of Large Qualitative Data Sets
Authors: Schmieder Christian , Caldwell Kyrie , Bechtol Ellen
Published: June 2023

Land-grant Extension institutions face increasing expectations to use data to communicate value and drive program and organizational development. In this article, we introduce the University of Wisconsin–Extension Data Jam Initiative, an integrated qualitative software, methods, and data analysis curriculum. The Data Jam Initiative is an evaluation capacity building framework for collaborative, mentorship-based analysis sessions across an institution and across disciplines. Through sharing exemplar applications of this curriculum, we illustrate how the Data Jam Initiative prepares Extension institutions for using qualitative data in service of communication to stakeholders, program development, and organizational growth.
Survey Response Analysis on the Use of Environmental Data for Sports Information Systems Development
Authors: Arianti Wulandari Dewi , Wandy Wandy
Published: June 2023

Sport is primarily a mental and physical activity focused on competition with oneself, others, or the elements of nature—the contribution of sport to the modern world's social development, the nation, and the state. As history has shown, technical advancements have never diminished sports and linked to civilization's advancement in human life. Walking and bicycling are increasingly promoted as active modes of transportation and boosting physical activity levels. The elevated breathing rates in traffic microenvironments have generated worries about increased exposure to ultrafine particles. Amateur half marathoners did detrimental significantly when the temperature, heat index, and ozone levels rise. The athlete or recreational sportsperson can earn environmental information through several channels and devices. There are applications and widgets now embedded or separated from the device operating systems. This research aimed to find appropriate environmental information from recreational sportspeople's understanding and awareness of the environment's effect on sports performance. Walking (77) and running (48) were the most sports activities picked by the respondents. Then 99 (73%) respondents used environmental data before exercising. Weather (118) was the respondents' choice, followed by the temperature (47) and the air quality (30) picked by the respondents. Most respondents (72%) get environmental information from their smartphones, and 27 (18%) get it from the website. Environmental factors may impact sports activity performance, and the respondents used environmental information before the sports activities began. This research will later support the sports information system web application.
Solusi Numerik Model Matematika SIRI Metode Perturbasi Homotopi dalam Penggunaan E-money Sistem E-parking
Authors: Ihsan Hisyam , Zaki Ahmad , Syuaiba Nur
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian terapan mengenai penerapan metode Perturbasi Homotopi untuk mencari solusi numerik model matematika SIRI dalam penggunaan E-money sistem E-parking dengan metode Perturbasi Homotopi. Data yang digunakan adalah data yang diperoleh dengan membagikn angket kepada 236 responden secara acak di lokasi penelitian yaitu Mall Panakkukang, Mall Nipah dan Mall Ratu Indah. Pembahasan dimulai dari penentuan solusi umum dengan metode Perturbasi Homotopi, penentuan parameter, simulasi dan analisis hasil. Dalam penelitian ini diperoleh grafik pergerakan dari model SIRI dengan data riil. Kesimpulan yang diperoleh bahwa metode Perturbasi Homotopi dapat digunakan untuk melihat kecenderungan penggunaan E-money sistem E-parking dan dapat menjadi bahan pertimbangan berbagai pihak untuk memaksimalkan peran penggunaan E-money dalam berbagai aspek kehidupan khsusunya di bidang perparkiran E-parking.Kata Kunci: Solusi Numerik, Model SIRI, Penggunaan E-money sistem E-parking, Metode Perturbasi HomotopiThis research  is an applied research about application of the Homotopy Perturbation method to solve numeric solution of SIRI model in the use of E-money in E-parking system. The data that used in this research is a data which obtained by share the questionnaires to 236 respondents randomly at the research location at Panakkukang Mall, Nipah Mall and Ratu Indah Mall .  This research starts from setermining general solution with Homotopy Perturbation method, parameter decision, simulation and result analyzis. This research gets movement graphic and resukt analyzis from SIRI model by riil data. The conclutions  gets that the Homotopy Perturbation method can be used to analyze the preference of using E-money in E-parking system also can be a consideration by various parties to maximize the role of the use of E-money in various aspects in life, especially in E-parking.Keywords: Numeric Solution, SIRI Model, Using E-money in E-parking System, Homotopi Perturbation Method