bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Ameliorating Effects of Boron on Adaptation to Salt Stress in Arabidopsis
Authors: Qu Mei , Huang Xin , Shabala Lana , Fuglsang Anja Thoe , Yu Min , Shabala Sergey
Published: July 2024

When faced with salinity stress, plants typically exhibit a slowdown in their growth patterns. Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plants that are known to play a critical role in controlling cell wall properties. In this study, we used the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 and relevant mutants to explore how the difference in B availability may modulate plant responses to salt stress. There was a visible root growth suppression of Col-0 with the increased salt levels in the absence of B while this growth reduction was remarkably alleviated by B supply. Pharmacological experiments revealed that orthovanadate (a known blocker of H+-ATPase) inhibited root growth at no B condition, but had no effect in the presence of 30 μM B. Salinity stress resulted in a massive K+ loss from mature zones of A. thaliana roots; this efflux was attenuated in the presence of B. Supplemental B also increased the magnitude of net H+ pumping by plant roots. Boron availability was also essential for root halotropism. Interestingly, the aha2Δ57 mutant with active H+-ATPase protein exhibited the same halotropism response as Col-0 while the aha2-4 mutant had a stronger halotropism response (larger bending angle) compared with that of Col-0. Overall, the ameliorative effect of B on the A. thaliana growth under salt stress is based on the H+-ATPase stimulation and a subsequent K+ retention, involving auxin- and ROS-pathways.
Foliar Spraying with ZnSO4 or ZnO of Vitis vinifera cv. Syrah Increases the Synthesis of Photoassimilates and Favors Winemaking
Authors: Daccak Diana , Marques Ana Coelho , Pessoa Cláudia Campos , Coelho Ana Rita F. , Luís Inês Carmo , Brito Graça , Kullberg José Carlos , Ramalho José C. , Rodrigues Ana Paula , Scotti-Campos Paula , Pais Isabel P. , Semedo José N. , Silva Maria Manuela , Legoinha Paulo , Galhano Carlos , Simões Manuela , Reboredo Fernando H. , Lidon Fernando C.
Published: July 2024

Zinc enrichment of edible food products, through the soil and/or foliar application of fertilizers, is a strategy that can increase the contents of some nutrients, namely Zn. In this context, a workflow for agronomic enrichment with zinc was carried out on irrigated Vitis vinifera cv. Syrah, aiming to evaluate the mobilization of photoassimilates to the winegrapes and the consequences of this for winemaking. During three productive cycles, foliar applications were performed with ZnSO4 or ZnO, at concentrations ranging between 150 and 1350 g.ha−1. The normal vegetation index as well as some photosynthetic parameters indicated that the threshold of Zn toxicity was not reached; it is even worth noting that with ZnSO4, a significant increase in several cases was observed in net photosynthesis (Pn). At harvest, Zn biofortification reached a 1.2 to 2.3-fold increase with ZnSO4 and ZnO, respectively (being significant relative to the control, in two consecutive years, with ZnO at a concentration of 1350 g.ha−1). Total soluble sugars revealed higher values with grapes submitted to ZnSO4 and ZnO foliar applications, which can be advantageous for winemaking. It was concluded that foliar spraying was efficient with ZnO and ZnSO4, showing potential benefits for wine quality without evidencing negative impacts.
Two-Dimensional Estrone-Imprinted System on a Self-Assembled Monolayer
Authors: Shin Min Jae , Shin Jae Sup
Published: July 2024

In this study, a thin poly (methyl methacrylate) coating was formed on a self-assembled monolayer formed on a gold plate after chemically binding estrone. Subsequently, the estrone molecules were hydrolyzed and extracted using a solvent to form a molecular-imprinted system. The estrone-imprinted gold plate was then used as a working electrode to measure the estrone recognition ability through electrochemical methods. The recognition ability of this working electrode was evaluated for similar compounds. The selectivity factors for the seven estrone analogs were measured, and these values ranged from 0.19 to 0.67. According to the experimental results, the estrone-imprinted system showed good differentiation of estrone from other estrone analogs. Comparing these selectivity factors with those of a previous study on a cholesterol-imprinted system, the relative molecular size difference between the target molecule and similar molecules had a significant impact on the selectivity factor.
Abrasion Behaviors of Silica-Reinforced Solution Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Compounds Using Different Abrasion Testers
Authors: Chae Eunji , Yang Seong Ryong , Choi Sung-Seen
Published: July 2024

Solution styrene–butadiene rubber (SSBR) is widely used to improve the properties of tire tread compounds. Tire wear particles (TWPs), which are generated on real roads as vehicles traverse, represent one of significant sources of microplastics. In this study, four SSBR compounds were prepared using two SSBRs with high styrene (STY samples) and 1,2-unit (VIN samples) contents, along with dicyclopentadiene resin. The abrasion behaviors were investigated using four different abrasion testers: cut and chip (CC), Lambourn, DIN, and laboratory abrasion tester (LAT100). The abrasion rates observed in the Lambourn and LAT100 abrasion tests were consistent with each other, but the results of CC and DIN abrasion tests differed from them. The addition of the resin improved the abrasion rate and resulted in the generation of large wear particles. The abrasion rates of STY samples in the Lambourn and LAT100 abrasion tests were lower than those of VIN samples, whereas the values in the CC and DIN abrasion tests were higher than those of VIN samples. The wear particles were predominantly larger than 1000 μm, except for the VIN sample in the DIN abrasion test. However, TWPs > 1000 μm are rarely produced on real roads. The size distributions of wear particles > 1000 μm were 74.0–99.5%, 65.9–93.4%, 7.2–95.1%, and 37.5–83.0% in the CC, Lambourn, DIN, and LAT100 abrasion tests, respectively. The size distributions of wear particles in the Lambourn and LAT100 abrasion tests were broader than those in the other tests, whereas the distributions in the CC abrasion test were narrower. The abrasion patterns and the morphologies and size distributions of wear particles generated by the four abrasion tests varied significantly, attributable to differences in the bound rubber contents, crosslink densities, and tensile properties.
Crack Length of Elastomeric Sealants and Their Service Life in Contrasting Canadian Climates: Effects of Climate Change
Authors: Riahinezhad Marzieh , Esmizadeh Elnaz , Lopez-Carreon Itzel , Gaur Abhishek , Lu Henry , Lacasse Michael A.
Published: July 2024

The longevity of polymer-based sealant and jointing products, including elastomers, significantly depends on the level of exposure to sunlight and joint movement. These factors are particularly crucial in the application of polymers in construction due to their susceptibility to degradation under environmental conditions. For instance, diurnal cycles of contraction and dilation, arising from daily temperature fluctuations, impose significant stress on sealants and joints, impacting their durability over time. The elastic nature of polymeric sealants enables them to endure these cyclic mechanical loads. Athough there is considerable information on sealant durability obtained from laboratory accelerated aging, there is limited knowledge about the effect of climatic factors using historical and projected weather data on the durability and expected service life of these products. This study employed the Shephard crack growth model to predict the performance of sealants in a Canadian context; the crack growth and time-to-failure of hypothetical silicone sealants were investigated across 564 locations, for which historical climate data were obtained from 1998 to 2017, including gridded reanalysis data for the period of 1836–2015. The historical climate data were classified into four climate categories, and crack growth was estimated based on historical climatic data within the valid range for the Shephard model, revealing that locations in colder climates with lower levels of precipitation typically exhibit higher cumulative crack growth. The impact of climatic variation and environmental stressors on the longevity of sealants in the context of climate change was also investigated using future projected data.
Environmental Bond Degradation of Different Laminated Glass Panels
Authors: El-Sisi Alaa , Elsawi Mahmoud Mohamed , El-Emam Hesham , Elbelbisi Ahmed , Salim Hani
Published: July 2024

Since buildings are designed to endure over time, it is crucial to comprehend how laminated glass (LG) windows, and consequently, the polymer interlayer materials, respond to weathering. This paper explores the impact of accelerated humidity on the mechanical properties of several polymer interlayer materials and LG sections. The study specifically focuses on three polymer interlayer materials of industrial interest: polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and ionomer (SG). To examine the environmental effects, testing setups were devised to subject the polymeric materials and LG panels to specific conditions. Uniaxial tension coupons and LG disks were submerged in a water bath to simulate the environmental effect. A dedicated testing fixture was designed and manufactured for the LG disks. The results showed that the properties of EVA, including strength, maximum strain, and toughness, were not significantly affected by the environmental conditions. However, the properties of SG5000 were notably impacted, with a significant reduction in its bond strength due to water immersion.
Raising Two More Fundamental Questions Regarding the Classical Views on the Rheology of Polymer Melts
Authors: Ibar Jean Pierre
Published: July 2024

The current paradigm of polymer flow assumes that (i) the effect of the molecular weight of the macromolecules, M, and of the temperature, T, on the expression of the viscosity of polymer melts separate; (ii) the molecular weight for entanglement, Mc, is independent of T; and (iii) the determination of Mc by the break in the log viscosity curve against log M unequivocally differentiates un-entangled melts from entangled melts. We use reliable rheological data on monodispersed polystyrene samples from very low molecular weight (M/Mc = 0.015) to relatively high molecular weight (M/Mc = 34) to test the separation of M and T in the expression of the viscosity; we reveal that an overall illusion of the validity of the separation of T and M is mathematically comprehensible, especially at high temperature and for M > 2Mc, but that, strictly speaking, the separation of M and T is not valid, except for certain periodic values of M equal to Mc, 2Mc, 4Mc, 8Mc, 16Mc, etc. (period doubling) organized around a “pole reference” value MR = 4Mc. We also reveal, for M < Mc, the existence of a lower molecular weight limit, M’c = Mc/8 for the onset of the macromolecular behavior (macro-coil). The discrete and periodic values of M that validate the separation of the effect of M and T on the viscosity generate the fragmentation of the molecular range into three rheological ranges. Likewise, we show that the effect of temperature is also fragmented into three rheological ranges for T > Tg: Tg < T< (Tg + 23°), (Tg + 23°) < T < TLL and T > TLL’ where TLL is the liquid-liquid temperature. Our conclusion is that the classical formulation of the viscosity of polymer melts is so overly simplified that it is missing important experimental facts, such as period doubling for the separation of T and M, TLL, M’c, and Mc, resulting in its inability to understand the true nature of entanglements. We present in the discussion of the paper the alternative approach to the viscoelastic behavior, “the duality and cross-duality” of the Dual-conformers, showing how this model formalism was used to test mathematically and invalidate the separation of T and M in the classical formulation of viscosity.
Eco-Friendly Polymer Nanocomposite Coatings for Next-Generation Fire Retardants for Building Materials
Authors: Kolya Haradhan , Kang Chun-Won
Published: July 2024

The increasing global commitment to carbon neutrality has propelled a heightened focus on sustainable construction materials, with wood emerging as pivotal due to its environmental benefits. This review explores the development and application of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite coatings to enhance wood’s fire resistance, addressing a critical limitation in its widespread adoption. These nanocomposites demonstrate improved thermal stability and char formation properties by integrating nanoparticles, such as nano-clays, graphene oxide, and metal oxides, into biopolymer matrices. This significantly mitigates the flammability of wood substrates, creating a robust barrier against heat and oxygen. The review provides a comprehensive examination of these advanced coatings’ synthesis, characterization, and performance. By emphasizing recent innovations and outlining future research directions, this review underscores the potential of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite coatings as next-generation fire retardants. This advancement supports the expanded utilization of wood in sustainable construction practices and aligns with global initiatives toward achieving carbon neutrality.
Numerical Simulation of Fishtail Biomimetic Groove for Dry Gas Seals
Authors: Cui Bowen , Ding Xuexing , Wang Shipeng , Zhang Lanxia , Chen Boyou , Wu Baoyi , Wang Bo
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the use of dry gas seal technology in high-end industrial applications has become increasingly widespread. Existing research has primarily focused on unidirectional grooves. This study introduces an innovative approach by incorporating bidirectional grooves inspired by the biomimetic design of a carp tail, aiming to enhance sealing performance. The analysis of flow-field characteristics was conducted using Fluent software to evaluate the effect of different groove designs on sealing efficacy. The results indicate that curved grooves are more effective in directing gas flow and reducing fluid dynamic losses, thus improving the overall sealing efficiency. In particular, the outer-curved carp-tail groove exhibited superior dynamic pressure effects and reduced pressure drops across various operating conditions. The optimal radial dam-to-groove width ratio ranged from 3.8 to 4.1, and the optimal groove depth ranged from 6.5 to 9.6 μm. This investigation focused on the design and performance evaluation of biomimetic carp-tail grooves for dry gas seals, presenting a novel groove configuration for end-face sealing and further advancing the theoretical understanding of dry gas seals.
Human–Robot Collaborative Manufacturing Cell with Learning-Based Interaction Abilities
Authors: Baptista Joel , Castro Afonso , Gomes Manuel , Amaral Pedro , Santos Vítor , Silva Filipe , Oliveira Miguel
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a collaborative manufacturing cell implemented in a laboratory setting, focusing on developing learning-based interaction abilities to enhance versatility and ease of use. The key components of the system include 3D real-time volumetric monitoring for safety, visual recognition of hand gestures for human-to-robot communication, classification of physical-contact-based interaction primitives during handover operations, and detection of hand–object interactions to anticipate human intentions. Due to the nature and complexity of perception, deep-learning-based techniques were used to enhance robustness and adaptability. The main components are integrated in a system containing multiple functionalities, coordinated through a dedicated state machine. This ensures appropriate actions and reactions based on events, enabling the execution of specific modules to complete a given multi-step task. An ROS-based architecture supports the software infrastructure among sensor interfacing, data processing, and robot and gripper controllers nodes. The result is demonstrated by a functional use case that involves multiple tasks and behaviors, paving the way for the deployment of more advanced collaborative cells in manufacturing contexts.
Complementary-View SAR Target Recognition Based on One-Shot Learning
Authors: Chen Benteng , Zhou Zhengkang , Liu Chunyu , Zheng Jia
Published: July 2024

The consistent speckle noise in SAR images easily interferes with the semantic information of the target. Additionally, the limited quantity of supervisory information available in one-shot learning leads to poor performance. To address the aforementioned issues, we creatively propose an SAR target recognition model based on one-shot learning. This model incorporates a background noise removal technique to eliminate the interference caused by consistent speckle noise in the image. Then, a global and local complementary strategy is employed to utilize the data’s inherent a priori information as a supplement to the supervisory information. The experimental results show that our approach achieves a recognition performance of 70.867% under the three-way one-shot condition, which attains a minimum improvement of 7.467% compared to five state-of-the-art one-shot learning methods. The ablation studies demonstrate the efficacy of each design introduced in our model.
Instruments to Assess People’s Attitude and Behaviours towards Tolerance: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Costantini Hiroko , Al Mujahid Muhammad Abdul Aziz , Hosaka Kengo , Ono Takazumi , Nihei Misato
Published: July 2024

While tolerance is recognised as important, especially to diverse societies, understanding tolerance poses complexities, both theoretically and in practical application. Tolerance is relevant in different social contexts, yet these pose distinct challenges to measurement. Thus, understanding the measurement of tolerance is important. This study provides a systematic review of tolerance scales, with the procedure based on the PRISMA statement. The initial collection of over 1600 papers through the systematic review process yielded a set of 11 papers. These papers trace the development of tolerance scales to encompass distinct social contexts over time, including political, cultural, ethnic and racial, racial and religious, gender and sexual, and social. Correspondingly, the approaches reflect particular challenges relevant to these domains for understanding and measuring tolerance. In contrast, some recent contributions aim to develop broader, less context-specific means to assess tolerance. Notwithstanding the breadth of articles included, this systematic review yielded articles that covered only selected Western-centric geographies: this indicates the opportunity for further research to access and integrate non-English-language articles to broaden the geographical and cultural perspectives on tolerance.
The Impact of Dissonance? A Valuation Perspective on Rural Social Innovation Processes
Authors: Hussels Jonathan , Richter Ralph , Schmidt Suntje
Published: July 2024

Social innovation (SI) has been credited with fostering novel solutions to the socio-economic challenges many rural areas face. The quest for a substantiated understanding of its potential for regional development has spawned a rich literature on SI impact assessments. Yet, having been instrumental, these assessments harbour several ambiguities as they seek to unveil objective impacts in a results-oriented manner. First, SI processes take diverse directionalities, questioning the idea of them being ‘straightforward facts’ and giving leeway to a more constructivist understanding. Second, a results-oriented perspective tends to obscure social processes that initially contribute to the emergence of impacts. In response to such concerns, we suggest a valuation perspective that explores how SI impacts are constructed iteratively throughout the innovation process. To do so, we operationalise the notion of dissonance as a critical factor embedded in innovative activities in three instances: impulses, turning points, and lock-ins. This perspective allows us to study how value is experienced, assigned, and strategically attracted while shedding light on how SI processes and their impacts are co-constructed in valuation processes. The article uses empirical vignettes from selected case studies with SI initiatives in Northern Germany.
Hyperspectral Image Analysis and Machine Learning Techniques for Crop Disease Detection and Identification: A Review
Authors: García-Vera Yimy E. , Polochè-Arango Andrés , Mendivelso-Fajardo Camilo A. , Gutiérrez-Bernal Félix J.
Published: July 2024

Originally, the use of hyperspectral images was for military applications, but their use has been extended to precision agriculture. In particular, they are used for activities related to crop classification or disease detection, combining these hyperspectral images with machine learning techniques and algorithms. The study of hyperspectral images has a wide range of wavelengths for observation. These wavelengths allow for monitoring agricultural crops such as cereals, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits, and other applications. In the ranges of these wavelengths, crop conditions such as maturity index and nutrient status, or the early detection of some diseases that cause losses in crops, can be studied and diagnosed. Therefore, this article proposes a technical review of the main applications of hyperspectral images in agricultural crops and perspectives and challenges that combine artificial intelligence algorithms such as machine learning and deep learning in the classification and detection of diseases of crops such as cereals, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables. A systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out using a 10-year observation window to determine the evolution of the integration of these technological tools that support sustainable agriculture; among the findings, information on the most documented crops is highlighted, among which are some cereals and citrus fruits due to their high demand and large cultivation areas, as well as information on the main fruits and vegetables that are integrating these technologies. Also, the main artificial intelligence algorithms that are being worked on are summarized and classified, as well as the wavelength ranges for the prediction, disease detection, and analysis of other tasks of physiological characteristics used for sustainable production. This review can be useful as a reference for future research, based mainly on detection, classification, and other tasks in agricultural crops and decision making, to implement the most appropriate artificial intelligence algorithms.
Education for Sustainable Development: The Use of a Competence-Based Approach in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Writing Course at a University in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Oraif Iman
Published: July 2024

Sustainable development and education for sustainable development (ESD) are crucial and interconnected topics under wide discussion today. Young adults need to be educated in how to help bring about change. Thus, the dynamic relationship between school and home is important. In education, use could be made of English language classes, especially since English is a global language that enables access to the literature on sustainability and facilitates discussion in global conferences and meetings. Consequently, English as a foreign language (EFL) undergraduate students could gain confidence from being able to understand and use the terminology of, for example, sustainability. In this paper, the use of competence-based language teaching (CBLT) is proposed as a means of introducing sustainability topics into EFL writing classes at a university in Saudi Arabia. Student competence in sustainable development is therefore considered based on students’ ability to write about suggested sustainable development topics, measured in a survey against five dimensions of ESD that were proposed by Michelsen and Fischer. The results demonstrate that the students possessed competence in sustainable development and intended to participate in its implementation. Thus, recommendations for the stakeholders in the education sector include sustainable development topics as an initial offering in the curricula of various specialties using the CBLT approach.
Does ESG Affect Mental Health of Employees? Focusing on the Moderating Effects of Job Crafting and Relationship Conflict
Authors: Han Ga-Rog , Lee Jae-Eun
Published: July 2024

This study examines the dark side of ESG, which has emerged as a new paradigm in that the concept is broad and must respond to stakeholder pressure. This study aims to conceptualize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) stress, or the stress experienced by employees due to ESG, and empirically analyze its impact on mental health. We also examined the moderating effects of job crafting and relationship conflict using the job demand-resource model. Based on a survey of 228 ESG managers with at least five years of work experience, the results of the regression analysis are as follows. First, ESG stress (ESG complexity and ESG uncertainty) was found to cause depression, a negative mental health outcome. Second, job creation was found to moderate depression caused by ESG stress (ESG complexity and ESG uncertainty). Third, relationship conflict was found to reinforce depression caused by ESG stress (ESG complexity and ESG uncertainty). This study is significant because it identifies the relationship between ESG stress and mental health, as ESG has become a requirement for corporate sustainability. Additionally, this study is expected to extend ESG research by examining the moderating effects of job crafting and relationship con-flict from the JD-R on ESG stress and mental health.
Fostering Sustainable Urban Tourism in Predominantly Industrial Small-Sized Cities (SSCs)—Focusing on Two Selected Locations
Authors: Petrović Marko D. , Gajić Tamara , Turgel Irina D. , Radovanović Milan M. , Bugrova Ekaterina D.
Published: July 2024

This study explores the development prospects of tourism in predominantly industrial small-sized cities (SSCs), focusing on the integration of tourism into urban planning and sustainable practices. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze survey data from SSCs in Serbia and Russia, the research identifies key factors contributing to urban tourism sustainability. The analysis reveals the significant roles of environmental, economic, social, and cultural indicators in promoting sustainable urban tourism. The importance of inclusive development and community engagement is also highlighted, underscoring their impact on sustainability. The findings offer theoretical insights and practical recommendations for effectively incorporating tourism into urban planning to achieve comprehensive sustainability in SSCs.
Enhanced Estimation of Traffic Noise Levels Using Minute-Level Traffic Flow Data through Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Yu Wencheng , Jang Ji-Cheng , Zhu Yun , Peng Jianxin , Yang Wenwei , Li Kunjie
Published: July 2024

The advent of high-resolution minute-level traffic flow data from video surveillance on roads has opened up new opportunities for enhancing the estimation of traffic noise levels. In this study, we propose an innovative method that utilizes time series traffic flow data (TSTFD) to estimate traffic noise levels using a deep learning Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Unlike traditional traffic flow data, TSTFD offer a unique structure and composition suitable for multidimensional data analysis. Our method was evaluated in a pilot study conducted in Foshan City, China, utilizing traffic flow information obtained from roadside video surveillance systems. Our results indicated that the CNN-based model surpassed traditional data-driven statistical models in estimating traffic noise levels, achieving a reduction in mean squared error (MSE) by 10.16%, mean absolute error (MAE) by 4.48%, and an improvement in the coefficient of determination (R²) by 1.73%. The model demonstrated robust generalization capabilities throughout the test period, exhibiting mean errors ranging from 0.790 to 1.007 dBA. However, the model’s applicability is constrained by the acoustic propagation environment, demonstrating effectiveness on roads with similar surroundings while showing limited applicability to those with different surroundings. Overall, this method is cost-effective and offers enhanced accuracy for the estimation of traffic noise level.
An Overview of the Role of Forests in Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Psistaki Kyriaki , Tsantopoulos Georgios , Paschalidou Anastasia K.
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, climate change is recognized as one of the biggest problems the world is facing, posing a potential threat to the environment and almost all aspects of human life. Since the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992, many efforts have been made to mitigate climate change, with no considerable results. According to climate change projections, temperatures will continue to rise, and extreme weather events will become more frequent, prolonged, and intense. Reflecting these concerns, the 2015 Paris Agreement was adopted as the cornerstone for reducing the impact of climate change, aiming to limit global warming below 2 °C and even keep the temperature rise below 1.5 °C. To achieve this international goal, focused mitigation actions will be required. Climate change has a strong impact on forests, enhancing their growth but also posing risks to them. Conversely, forests can mitigate climate change, as they have a considerable impact on global surface temperatures through their influence on the land–atmosphere energy exchange and the absorption of vast amounts of CO2 through photosynthesis. Consequently, afforestation and reforestation have become integral components of climate change mitigation strategies worldwide. This review aims to summarize the cutting-edge knowledge on the role of forests in climate change mitigation, emphasizing their carbon absorption and storage capacity. Overall, the impact of afforestation/reforestation on climate change mitigation hinges on strategic planning, implementation, and local forest conditions. Integrating afforestation and reforestation with other carbon removal technologies could enhance long-term effectiveness in carbon storage. Ultimately, effective climate change mitigation entails both restoring and establishing forests, alongside reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Four Municipal Water Disinfection Methods
Authors: Demir Mehmet Zahid , Guven Huseyin , Ersahin Mustafa Evren , Ozgun Hale , Pasaoglu Mehmet Emin , Koyuncu Ismail
Published: July 2024

The disinfection of treated water is an important process to provide healthy water to the public. The chosen disinfection methods can vary depending on the water source, regulations, targeted microorganisms, operating conditions, capital costs and operation and maintenance costs. Another important factor for decision-makers is the environmental impacts caused by the disinfection process. This paper will reveal the life cycle assessment (LCA) of four different water disinfection scenarios at a municipal scale from the operational phase. A comparison is made between chlorination systems, two ultraviolet disinfection systems that use different types of lamps and an ozonation system. The results demonstrate that the UV disinfection system with low-pressure lamps had the lowest environmental impact across all categories, followed by chlorination. In contrast, the ozonation system and the UV disinfection system with LED lamps showed the highest impacts in all categories, primarily due to their high electricity consumption. Changes in the electricity mix had a substantial influence on the impact categories for all disinfection methods, but the gradation of the water disinfection methods was not that significant. Studies on the environmental impacts of the water disinfection process need to be carried out for larger flow rates to increase the information on this topic.
Research on Thermal Environment of Container Farms: Key Factor Identification and Priority Analysis
Authors: Nie Zihao , Liu Dong , Meng Chuang , Song Ruizhi
Published: July 2024

Container farms (CFs), a controlled environment agricultural technology designed to solve food insecurity, are receiving increasing attention from researchers. However, the complex geometric structures and artificial lighting used in CFs present challenges in effectively controlling the thermal environment. This study aims to identify the primary factors that impact the thermal environment of CFs while conducting factor ranking and significance analysis, providing a theoretical basis for future thermal environment optimization. The research method of theoretical analysis, CFD simulation, and an orthogonal experimental design were adopted to achieve the above objectives. Theoretical analysis revealed that factors influencing the thermal environment are the HVAC system’s supply air temperature, humidity, flow rate, and the light source used. Four evaluation indices, including the mean value and range between layers of temperature and moisture content, were used. The results revealed that supply air temperature and light source are significant for mean temperature, while supply air temperature and humidity are significant for mean moisture content. In the case of range between layers, supply air flow rate and light source display a significant correlation. These findings suggest that future optimization should prioritize the regulation of the HVAC system’s supply air and light source.
Urban Regeneration Assessment in Castilla and León (Spain): A Comparative Study of Proposals in Homogeneous Residential Neighborhoods Built Up during Developmentalism
Authors: Frechilla-Alonso M. Almudena , Rodríguez-Esteban M. Ascensión , Ramos-Gavilán Ana B. , Raposeiras Aitor C. , Movilla-Quesada Diana
Published: July 2024

Urban regeneration is perceived as an efficient solution addressing multiple problems in today’s cities, offering answers to the social, economic, physical, and environmental challenges faced by consolidated fabrics. This paper utilizes the assessment tool developed in the Urban Regeneration Strategy of Castilla and León to conduct a comparative analysis of proposals formulated since 2014 in neighborhoods built after the Spanish Civil War in this region. The aim is to validate the effectiveness of this methodology to establish the quality and sustainability of these initiatives and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the cases analyzed. The results obtained endorse the operability of this evaluation process since it makes it possible to assess the scope of the planned measures at an early stage. This makes it possible to introduce improvements during the implementation phase or in future interventions, which will have a positive impact on their outcome. In any case, it is necessary to complement this study with analyses at later stages in order to establish an overall diagnosis of the real relevance of these operations.
Mapping the Sustainability of Waste-to-Energy Processes for Food Loss and Waste in Mexico—Part 1: Energy Feasibility Study
Authors: Albalate-Ramírez Alonso , Padilla-Rivera Alejandro , Rueda-Avellaneda Juan Felipe , López-Hernández Brenda Nelly , Cano-Gómez José Julián , Rivas-García Pasiano
Published: July 2024

Mexico generated 8.9 Mt of food loss and waste (FLW) at food distribution and retail centers in the year 2022. Traditional management methods in Latin America primarily involve final disposal sites, contributing to national greenhouse gas emissions of 0.22 Mt CO2 eq y−1. This creates an urgent need for sustainable valorization strategies for FLW to mitigate environmental impacts. This comprehensive study analyzes the geographical distribution of FLW generation and proposes a valorization approach using WtE-AD plants. Geographic information systems were employed for geographical analysis, life cycle assessment was used for environmental evaluation, and circular economy business models were applied for sustainability assessment. The primary objective of this first part of the contribution is to evaluate the technical feasibility of implementing waste-to-energy anaerobic digestion (WtE-AD) plants for FLW management in Mexico considering their geographical locations. The results demonstrate that WtE-AD plants with treatment capacities exceeding 8 t d−1 can achieve positive energy balances and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Specific findings indicate that these plants are viable for large-scale implementation, with larger plants showing resilience to increased transport distances while maintaining energy efficiency. The results highlight the critical influence of methane yields and transport distances on plant energy performance. This study underscores the importance of strategically placing and scaling WtE-AD plants to optimize resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. These findings provide essential insights for policymakers and stakeholders advocating for the transition of Mexico’s food supply chain toward a circular economy. Future parts of this study will explore detailed economic analyses and the policy frameworks necessary for the large-scale implementation of WtE-AD plants in Mexico. Further research should continue to develop innovative strategies to enhance the techno-economic and environmental performance of WtE-AD processes, ensuring sustainable FLW management and energy recovery.
A Comprehensive Approach to Biodiesel Blend Selection Using GRA-TOPSIS: A Case Study of Waste Cooking Oils in Egypt
Authors: Sleem Marwa M. , Abdelfattah Osama Y. , Abohany Amr A. , Sorour Shaymaa E.
Published: July 2024

The transition to sustainable energy sources is critical for addressing global environmental challenges. In 2017, Egypt produced about 500,000 tons of waste cooking oil from various sources including food industries, restaurants and hotels. Sadly, 90% of households choose to dispose of their used cooking oil by pouring it down the drain or into their village’s sewers instead of using proper disposal methods. The process involves converting waste cooking oil (WCO) into biodiesel.This study introduces a multi-criteria decision-making approach to identify the optimal biodiesel blend from waste cooking oils in Egypt. By leveraging the grey relational analysis (GRA) combined with the technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS), we evaluate eight biodiesel blends (diesel, B5, B10, B20, B30, B50, B75, B100) against various performance metrics, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, particulate matter, engine power, fuel consumption, engine noise, and exhaust gas temperature. The experimental analysis used a single-cylinder, constant-speed, direct-injection eight cylinder diesel engine under varying load conditions. Our methodology involved feature engineering and model building to enhance predictive accuracy. The results demonstrated significant improvements in monitoring accuracy, with diesel, B5, and B20 emerging as the top-performing blends. Notably, the B5 blend showed the best overall performance, balancing efficiency and emissions. This study highlights the potential of integrating advanced AI-driven decision-making frameworks into biodiesel blend selection, promoting cleaner energy solutions and optimizing engine performance. Our findings underscore the substantial benefits of waste cooking oils for biodiesel production, contributing to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
Hantavirus Expansion Trends in Natural Host Populations in Brazil
Authors: Mello José Henrique Fortes , Muylaert Renata L. , Grelle Carlos Eduardo Viveiros
Published: July 2024

Hantaviruses are zoonotic agents responsible for causing Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS) in the Americas, with Brazil ranking first in number of confirmed HCPS cases in South America. In this study, we simulate the monthly spread of highly lethal hantavirus in natural hosts by conjugating a Kermack–McCormick SIR model with a cellular automata model (CA), therefore simultaneously evaluating both in-cell and between-cell infection dynamics in host populations, using recently compiled data on main host species abundances and confirmed deaths by hantavirus infection. For both host species, our models predict an increase in the area of infection, with 22 municipalities where no cases have been confirmed to date expected to have at least one case in the next decade, and a reduction in infection in 11 municipalities. Our findings support existing research and reveal new areas where hantavirus is likely to spread within recognized epicenters. Highlighting spatial-temporal trends and potential expansion, we emphasize the increased risk due to pervasive habitat fragmentation and agricultural expansion. Consistent prevention efforts and One Health actions are crucial, especially in newly identified high-risk municipalities.
Correction: Zajac et al. Changes in Nitrification Kinetics and Diversity of Canonical Nitrifiers and Comammox Bacteria in a Moving Bed Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor—A Long-Term Study. Water 2024, 16, 534
Authors: Zajac Olga , Zubrowska-Sudol Monika , Godzieba Martyna , Ciesielski Slawomir
Published: July 2024

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Hydrogeophysical Evaluation of the Karst Aquifer near the Western Edge of the Ring of Cenotes, Yucatán Peninsula
Authors: Perera-Burgos Jorge Adrián , Alvarado-Izarraras Luis Gerardo , Mixteco-Sánchez Juan Carlos , Canul-Macario César , Acosta-González Gilberto , González-Calderón Alfredo , Hernández-Anguiano Jesús Horacio , Li Yanmei
Published: July 2024

In this work, electrical resistivity tomography was carried out together with physical hydrogeology techniques to evaluate the karst aquifer in the northwest region of the Yucatán Peninsula in a study area near the western edge of the Ring of Cenotes of the Chicxulub Crater. In addition, based on a systematic compilation of open-access data of water levels reported for the peninsular aquifer, maps of groundwater isolines and groundwater flows were generated using IDW interpolation, Empirical Bayesian Kriging, and the Flow Net method. From these results, a shallow aquifer is observed, with the presence of heterogeneities such as possible dissolution conduits and/or flooded caverns, approximately 20 m below ground level, formed by the dissolution processes of limestone rocks. On a regional scale, the geomorphological influence of the Ring of Cenotes on groundwater flows was observed. In general, the flow directions observed from these maps coincide with those conceptualized for this region of the peninsular aquifer. Nevertheless, some differences were observed depending on the interpolation method used. Our results contribute to hydrogeological studies carried out in the periphery of this ring, where the vulnerability of the aquifer to anthropogenic contamination has been highlighted due to the intrinsic features of the karst environment.
rGO/MWCNT-COOH-Modified Electrodes for the Detection of Trace Cd(II) and Zn(II) in Coastal Seawater
Authors: Gu Yang , Qiu Chengjun , Qu Wei , Tao Wei , Zhao Zizi , Hao Huili
Published: July 2024

Cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) in seawater enter the human body through the food chain. Combined toxicity tests indicated that high concentrations of Cd(II) and low concentrations of Zn(II) had a synergistic effect on humans. Thus, there is an urgent need to prepare a sensor for rapid and simultaneous detection of Cd(II) and Zn(II) in seawater. Herein, a reduced graphene oxide/carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotube (rGO/MWCNT-COOH)-modified glassy carbon electrode was prepared in the experiments using the dropping method. The synthesis of various materials achieved the purpose of expanding the surface area, and scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the structure of the composite membrane. Moreover, the large number of functional groups on the surface of the composite membrane can also increase the adsorption of ions. For the determination of trace cadmium (II) and zinc (II) in seawater, the method used was differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The results show that the peak current, which was obtained in the range of 5–400 μg/L for Cd(II) and Zn(II), has a linear relationship with concentration, corresponding to the detection limits of 0.8 μg/L for Cd(II) and 0.98 μg/L for Zn(II). The modified electrode was used to determine the Cd(II) and Zn(II) content in the coastal seawater of the Maowei Sea, and the recovery rate was between 95.8 and 98.2% for Cd(II) and 96.7~99.4% for Zn(II), which provided a novel approach of detection to define trace Cd(II) and Zn(II) in seawater.
Ortaöğretim Kurumlarına İlişkin Merkezi Sınav (2018-2022) Matematik Sorularının Solo Taksonomisine Göre Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Bal Büşra , Soybaş Danyal
Published: July 2024

Ortaöğretim kurumlarına öğrenci seçme ve yerleştirmede merkezi sınavların büyük rolü olduğu bilinmektedir. Merkezi sınavın matematik test analizleri incelendiğinde sınava katılan öğrencilerin başarı ortalamasının düşük olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Soruların bilişsel düzeylerinin belirlenmesi ve değerlendirilmesi gerekli bulunmuştur. Araştırma amacı, merkezi sınavlarda çıkan matematik sorularının SOLO taksonomisine göre değerlendirilmesidir. Doküman analizi yöntemi kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın dokümanlarını 100 adet merkezi sınav matematik test sorusu oluşturmuştur. İki araştırmacının görüşleri doğrultusunda dokümanlar analiz edilmiştir. Kodlamalar, her bir sorunun öğretim programında hangi kazanıma denk geldiği ve o kazanımın SOLO taksonomisinde hangi düzeyde olduğu belirlenerek yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda merkezi sınav sorularının genellikle çok yönlü ve ilişkisel yapı düzeylerinde yer aldığı tespit edilmiştir. Öğrencilerin merkezi sınava hazırlanmasına yönelik gerçekleştirilecek öğretimlerde SOLO taksonomisinden ve buna yönelik yapılan çalışma sonuçlarından faydalanılması önerilmiştir.
Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Değer Öğretim Yaklaşımlarına İlişkin Görüşleri
Authors: Sever Ramazan , Bayar Betül , Toker Oğuzhan
Published: July 2024

Bilindiği üzere değerler, insan davranışlarını şekillendiren toplumun düzenini sağlayan toplum tarafından benimsenmiş standartlardır. Toplumun sahip olduğu değerleri gelecek nesillere aktarmak için çocuklara erken yaşta bu bilinci kazandırmak oldukça mühimdir. Değerler eğitimi yaşamımızın ilk yıllarında ailede sonraki yıllarda ise arkadaş ortamında, iş hayatı gibi informal yollarla öğrenilir. Kuşkusuz söz konusu informal eğitim sürecinde bireylerde istenmeyen davranışlar da kazanılır. Değerler öncelikle sosyal çevreden kazanılsa da değer gelişiminde okullar önemli bir yere sahiptir. Değer öğretim sürecinde önemli olan değerin öğrenciye nasıl kazandırılacağıdır. Değerlerin okullarda etkinliklerle doğrudan veya dolaylı öğretilmesi oldukça önemlidir. Değer eğitimi verilirken oluşabilecek problemleri en aza indirmek için değerler eğitimi programı tasarlanmalıdır. Öğretmenler değerleri öğrencilerine kazandırırken farklı yaklaşımlardan faydalanmaktadırlar. Bu araştırma, sınıf öğretmenlerinin derslerinde değerlerin nasıl kazandırıldığına yönelik durumun ortaya konması amacına yönelik bir çalışmadır. Çalışma nitel araştırma yaklaşımında olup fenomenoloji(olgu bilim)deseni kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme yöntemi kullanılarak sınıf öğretmenleriyle değerler eğitimi yaklaşımlarıyla ilgili görüşmelerden elde edilip veriler betimsel analiz yöntemiyle analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma 2022-2023 eğitim-öğretim döneminin ikinci yarıyılında Elazığ Merkez ilçesindeki ilkokullarda gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bulgulara göre öğretmenlerin değer eğitiminde en fazla örtük program yaklaşımını kullandıkları tespit edilmiştir. Öğretmenlerin en fazla öncelik verdikleri değerler dürüstlük ve sevgi olduğu görülmüştür. Öğretmenler değerleri kazandırmak için en fazla rol oynama ve örnek olay incelemesini kullanmaktadırlar. Bunun yanı sıra, araştırmaya katılan öğretmenlerin değer eğitiminde sorun kaynağı olarak ilk sırada aile ve sosyal medyayı gördükleri belirlenmiştir. Çocuk seviyesine uygun değerler eğitimini içeren sosyal medya içerikleri arttırılmalı, aile değerler eğitimi sürecinde aktif olarak rol almalıdır.