bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Regulation of Weed Seed Dormancy and Germination
Authors: Qaderi Mirwais M.
Published: July 2023

Many weeds produce dormant seeds that are unable to complete germination under favourable conditions. There are two types of seed dormancy: primary dormancy (innate dormancy), in which seeds are in a dormant state upon release from the parent plant, and secondary dormancy (induced dormancy), in which dormancy develops in seeds through some experience after release from the parent plant. Mechanisms of seed dormancy are categorized as embryo dormancy and coat-imposed dormancy. In embryo dormancy, the control of dormancy resides within the embryo itself, and in coat-imposed dormancy, it is maintained by the structures enclosing the embryo. Many factors can influence seed dormancy during development and after dispersal; they can be abiotic, biotic, or a combination of both. Most weeds deposit a large number of seeds in the seed bank, which can be one of two types—transient or persistent. In the transient type, all viable seeds in the soil germinate or die within one year, and there is no carry-over until a new crop is deposited. In the persistent type, at least some seeds survive in the soil for more than one year and there is always some carry-over until a new crop is deposited. Some dormant seeds require after-ripening—changes in dry seeds that cause or improve germination. Nondormant, viable seeds can germinate if they encounter appropriate conditions. In the face of climate change, including global warming, some weeds produce a large proportion of nondormant seeds, which germinate shortly after dispersal, and a smaller, more transient seed bank. Further studies are required to explore this phenomenon.
Analysis of Two Single and Three Double Long-Chain Quaternary Ammonium Compounds via Non-Aqueous Capillary Electrophoresis with Indirect Ultraviolet Detection
Authors: Yao Kai , Jiang Ruoke , Wang Ping , Zhang Jing , Shao Bing , Ding Xiaojing
Published: July 2023

A novel method utilizing non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) with indirect ultraviolet detection (IUD) has been developed for the analysis of five quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). The QACs analyzed in this study include dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, tetradecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, octyldecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and didecyl dimethy ammonium bromide. The separation process was carried out on an uncoated fused quartz capillary with a total length of 50.2 cm (effective length 40.0 cm) and a diameter of 50 μm. The separation buffer consisted of a mixture of MeOH/ACN (90:10, v/v) containing 2 mmol/L sodium acetate, 2 mmol/L trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and 16 mmol/L dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. The sample buffer utilized a mixture of MeOH/ACN (20:80, v/v) containing 2 mmol/L TFA. During analysis, a separation voltage of 7 kV was applied, resulting in a current of approximately 2.3 μA. The detection wavelength was set at 214 nm to ensure optimal sensitivity. Under optimal conditions, the method exhibited excellent performance characteristics, with a limit of detection of 0.5 mg/L and a limit of quantitation of 5.0 mg/L for the five QACs. Linear calibration curves were obtained in a concentration range of 5.0 to 100.0 mg/L, with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.999 for all compounds. The recoveries of the five QACs ranged from 92.3% to 114.7%, with relative standard deviations below 7.4%. To assess the applicability of the NACE-IUD method, 17 commercially available samples were successfully analyzed. The results confirmed the suitability of the method for accurate determination of the five QACs in disinfectant products. Notably, this method offers an environmentally friendly approach for the analysis of these QACs.
Adsorption Studies of Pb(II) and Cd(II) Heavy Metal Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using a Magnetic Biochar Composite Material
Authors: Singh Virendra , Pant Nidhi , Sharma Rajat Kumar , Padalia Diwakar , Rawat Pankaj Singh , Goswami Rabina , Singh Praveen , Kumar Akhilesh , Bhandari Prabhakar , Tabish Alam , Deifalla Ahmed Mohamed
Published: July 2023

Heavy metal toxicity in water is a serious problem that may have harmful effects on human health and the ecosystem. Lead [Pb(II)] and cadmium [Cd(II)] are two such heavy metal ions, present in water, whose severity is well-known and well-studied. In the current research, magnetic biochar composite (MBC) is studied as an adsorbent material for the effective removal of lead and cadmium ions from water solutions. Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and pine-needle-derived ultrasonicated magnetic biochar were used in different weight ratios to prepare APTES (3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane)-functionalized MBC (FMBC). An average crystalline size of ~10 nm for magnetite NPs was obtained via XRD analysis. The adsorption characteristics of both Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions were investigated in a batch experiment. The FTIR spectra of raw biochar, MBC, FMBC, and metal-loaded FMBC were obtained at different stages. The decrease in the intensity of the –NH2 functional group in the FTIR spectra of the residue confirmed the successful adsorption of heavy metal ions. The SEM-EDX spectra of the residue showed the uniform adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) heavy metal ions onto the surface of the adsorbent. Magnetic biochar composite (MBC) was found to be a very effective adsorbent at basic pH, as a maximum of 97% instantaneous heavy metal removal was observed for both ions in synthetic water solutions. The Langmuir isotherm model predicted the monolayer adsorption and good affinity between the metal ions and adsorbent. The prepared MBC is low-cost, environmentally friendly, and it has shown good adsorption performance. Therefore, our study suggests that the magnetic biochar composite under study is an effective adsorbent for lead and cadmium metal ion removal from aqueous solutions at normal room temperature. Only a few hundred milligrams of the adsorbent dose is sufficient to remove higher concentrations (~100 ppm) of lead and cadmium at basic pH conditions of aqueous solutions.
Environmental and Health Consequences of E-Waste Dumping and Recycling Carried out by Selected Countries in Asia and Latin America
Authors: Andeobu Lynda , Wibowo Santoso , Grandhi Srimannarayana
Published: July 2023

The volume of e-waste generated worldwide is surging, and it is set to escalate further due to continuing technological innovation and the early obsolescence of most electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Even though there are many studies on e-waste management, the environmental and health consequences of e-waste regarding direct exposure during informal recycling and indirect exposure through environmental contamination are poorly studied. This study analyses the environmental and health consequences of e-waste dumping and informal recycling practices in selected countries such as Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and Pakistan. Several databases, such as Science Direct, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Emerald, were used to analyse studies from 2005 to 2022. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, 179 journal articles were evaluated. This study found that the majority of e-waste is poorly managed in terms of ecological safety and soundness. This study also found that illegal dumping, acid leaching, and open burning, which are practices that harm the environment and the well-being of e-waste workers, are still being performed by the selected countries. This study provides several practical suggestions for addressing the environmental and health consequences of e-waste dumping and recycling.
Pollen and Molecular Biomarkers from Sedimentary Archives in the Central Po Plain (N Italy): Assessing Their Potential to Deepen Changes in Natural and Agricultural Systems
Authors: Florenzano Assunta , Clò Eleonora , Jacob Jérémy
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes to improve the information provided by biological indicators from sedimentary archives by integrating biomolecular techniques and botanical skills. This study represents a first proposal for combining pollen and biomolecular markers to detect land use and improve knowledge of past environmental change drivers. The specific aim of the research is to verify the relationship between miliacin (a pentacyclic triterpene methyl ether, usually interpreted as a broomcorn millet biomarker) and Panicum pollen in three near-site stratigraphic sequences of the Terramara S. Rosa di Poviglio (Po Plain, N Italy). The three cores span the last ~15,000 years and potentially record the beginning of Panicum miliaceum cultivation attested in the area since at least the Bronze Age within the Terramare culture. Despite the fact that Panicum pollen grains were rare in the spectra and miliacin was barely detectable in most of the 31 samples selected for biomolecular analyses, their combined evidence testifies to the local presence of the plant. Panicum pollen and sedimentary miliacin suggest the adoption of millet crops during the Recent Bronze Age by the Terramare culture, when climatic instability led to the diversification of cereal crops and the shift to drought-tolerant varieties.
Evaluation and Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Main Mitigation Measures against Surface Urban Heat Islands in Different Local Climate Zones through Remote Sensing
Authors: Hidalgo García David
Published: July 2023

The significant transformation of land use as a consequence of current population growth, together with global warming (atmospheric emissions and extreme weather events), is generating increases in ambient temperatures. This circumstance is affecting people’s quality of life, especially those considered more vulnerable or with fewer economic resources. Currently, 30% of the world’s population suffers climatic conditions of extreme heat, and forecasts indicate that in the next 20 years, this number will reach 74%. The present study analyzes the effectiveness of the main mitigation strategies for the surface urban heat island (SUHI) effect between the years 2002 and 2022 in the different local climate zones of the city of Granada (Spain). Using Landsat 5 and 8 images, the evolution experienced by the land surface temperature and the surface urban heat island was determined and connected to the following variables: normalized difference vegetation index, vegetal proportion, normalized difference building index, and albedo. Our results indicate that compact and industrial areas have higher temperatures and lower vegetation and albedo in contrast to open areas, which have lower temperatures and higher vegetation and albedo. The mitigation measures analyzed presented similar efficiencies, but a greater minimization of the SUHI was reported when vegetation was increased in open areas as opposed to in closed areas, where the increase in albedo was more effective. Our study will allow the implementation of more efficient measures based on the types of LCZs in cities.
Enhanced Effect of Metal Sulfide Doping (MgS-TiO2) Nanostructure Catalyst on Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Methanol
Authors: Mohd Yusop Nurida , Ching Oh Pei , Sufian Suriati , Zain Masniroszaime M.
Published: July 2023

The conversion of CO2 gas from the global emission to methanol can be a route to look at in addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) issues. Photocatalysis has been attracting attention in the conversion of CO2 to methanol, as it is seen to be one of the most viable, economic, and sustainable strategies. The biggest hindrance to the use of metal oxide photocatalysts was the poisoning by sulfur content in the CO2 gas feedstock. Therefore, in the development of photocatalysts using metal oxide-based additives, the metal needs to be in the form of metal sulfides to avoid catalyst poisoning due to the presence of H2S. The magnesium sulfide-based TiO2 (MgS-TiO2) photocatalyst has not been synthesized and studied for its photocatalytic potential. In this study, a novel MgS-TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized using a combination of wet impregnation and hydrothermal method and characterized to determine the physical and chemical properties of the photocatalyst. Characterization results have shown the presence of MgS on the native TiO2 photocatalyst. The optimization of MgS-TiO2 formulation was conducted, wherein the MgS and TiO2 ratio of 0.5 wt % has been shown to give the highest methanol yield of 229.1 μmol/g·h. The photocatalytic parameter optimization results showed that temperature and catalyst loading were the most important factors that impacted the photocatalytic process. In contrast, reaction time had the least significant effect on the CO2 photocatalytic reduction to methanol. This concludes that the MgS-TiO2 photocatalyst has potential and can be used for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol.
The Role of Financial Information Literacy in Strategic Decision-Making Effectiveness and Sustainable Performance among Agribusiness Entrepreneurs in Nigeria
Authors: Obi-Anike Happiness Ozioma , Daniel Ogohi Cross , Onodugo Ifeoma Joanes , Attamah Ikechukwu Joseph , Imhanrenialena Benedict Ogbemudia
Published: July 2023

The current financial environment is characterized by frequent innovations and complex financial products and services and this poses particular challenges for agribusiness entrepreneurs in rural areas. This study examined the sources of financial information available to agribusiness entrepreneurs in rural areas and how financial information literacy impacts performance sustainability and strategic decision-making effectiveness among agribusiness entrepreneurs amid complex and frequent innovations in financial environments in Nigeria. Utilizing a probability sampling approach, 397 respondents were drawn from the pool of agribusiness entrepreneurs registered with the Edo State Agricultural Development Programme for the Central Bank of Nigeria Anchored Borrower’s Programme (ABP) for farming businesses. The hypotheses were tested using linear regression analysis. The results from the demographic analysis suggest that agribusiness entrepreneurs have the highest access to radio adverts/programs on financial matters while television adverts/programs exert the highest persuasive influence on these agribusiness entrepreneurs. The outcomes from this analysis indicate that financial information literacy significantly impacts agribusiness performance sustainability among entrepreneurs. In addition, the proposed link between financial information literacy and strategic decision-making effectiveness among agribusiness entrepreneurs was confirmed. It is concluded that financial information literacy is needed for strategic decision-making effectiveness and performance sustainability among agribusiness entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas, amid frequent innovative financial products and services.
Influence of Pro-Environmental Attitudes on the Choice between Tangible and Virtual Product Forms
Authors: Jusiuk Paulina
Published: July 2023

The development of modern technology has contributed to changes in consumer shopping trends. Increasingly, there is a departure from traditional to digital sales channels and similar trends are also being observed for different categories of products—e.g., books or movies. The most important reasons behind such a shift includes purchase convenience, storage ease, or a supposed lower environmental impact. The purpose of this research was to verify whether the pro-environmental attitudes represented by consumers are a moderating variable in the choice between the traditional and digital form of a product. In order to do this, a survey questionnaire was first developed and then a representative sample of 1000 Polish respondents were surveyed. The research procedure included an exploratory factor analysis used for extracting consumers’ pro-environmental attitudes, as well as an indicator of propensity to choose either digital or traditional products; Ward’s hierarchical analysis and the k-means method for grouping participants into clusters based on such attitudes and then evaluating the willingness to choose a particular product in each cluster; differences between clusters (Mann–Whitney’s U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests); as well as a correlation between those attitudes and the preferred product form. The research proved that there were consumer groups taking similar actions related to environmental issues, as well as tending to choose a particular product form. The conducted analyses revealed that isolated, pro-environmental attitudes were positively correlated with a willingness to choose a digital product, although such a relationship is weak. Additionally, it was proven that groups with general pro-environmental orientation are more willing to buy products in traditional form, whereas digital forms were visibly more popular in groups with more neutral or negative approaches towards the environment.
Incentive Mechanisms for Thermal Power Generation Enterprises with Conflicting Tasks: Electricity Production versus Carbon Emission Reduction
Authors: Li Dahai , Wang Huan , Li Yang
Published: July 2023

Coal combustion remains the primary source of thermal power generation, contributing to approximately half of China’s electricity supply. As China strives towards the goals of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”, the issue of carbon emissions ascends to critical importance in the thermal power industry. The delicate balance between preserving electricity production capacity and curbing carbon emissions presents a considerable challenge to thermal power enterprise management. This paper models the incentive and organizational dilemmas arising from these conflicting tasks in thermal power generation enterprises, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of single-agent and multi-agent systems. Two practical scenarios are examined: (1) the “Two Mountains” theory propounded by the Chinese government, which attaches equal importance to thermal power production and carbon emission control, and (2) the 2022 Chinese summer electricity crisis, in which thermal power production takes on a dominant role. Through comparative static analysis of both single-agent and multi-agent models under these circumstances, this study concludes that, in the first scenario, the multi-agent model outperforms the single-agent model by enhancing agent effort levels and bolstering government revenue. However, when power supply emerges as the chief concern of thermal power enterprises, centralized management of a single-agent is more effective.
Exploring the Level and Influencing Factors of Digital Village Development in China: Insights and Recommendations
Authors: Cao Xizi , Yan Mingyi , Wen Jun
Published: July 2023

Digital rural construction is an important strategy for rural revitalization. In order to improve the precision of digital rural measurement, a set of evaluation indicators for digital rural construction was devised in this study. The study uses the entropy method, kernel density estimation and system clustering to quantify the level of China’s digital rural construction, as well as the Tobit test and other techniques. From the perspective of time series evolution, the construction of digital villages grew continuously, with a peak in 2020. After that, the speed of digital village construction slowed down slightly because of economic changes in both domestic and international environments. In terms of dynamic evolution, the core density curve of China’s digital rural construction shifted to the right between 2011 and 2021, accompanied by gradient influence and a multipolar development trend; local general budget revenue, the per capita disposable income of rural residents, rural infrastructure investment, computer ownership per 100 rural residents, added value of primary industry, education level, and rural power generation are some of the factors that affect the development level of China’s digital countryside. This study is helpful in understanding the influencing aspects of China’s digital rural construction, thereby facilitating the formation of suitable digital rural development strategies in various regions depending on the real scenario.
Management Systems in Aviation: Challenges and Opportunities to Upgrade to an Integrated Management System
Authors: Meeûs Joeri , Dewulf Wouter , Macário Rosário
Published: July 2023

Airlines’ principal focus these days is on managing safety risks. However, multiple management systems are established individually to manage other risks without any form of interoperability to function as one integrated management system, to have a holistic view of the different risks in an organisation. This study will review if an integrated management system can be developed by looking at the interoperability of existing management systems to define a common standard/language across all individual management systems, to work as one integrated system. A survey was developed and rolled out via aviation organisations towards airlines to capture the quantitative data on how management systems are implemented, as these data are currently unavailable. The main contribution of this article is that it provides an overview of how management systems are implemented within airlines today, how they work together, and where interoperability could be improved between different systems. This paper provides the primary outcome of the survey, an overview of the status of interoperability between the different systems, and where interactions could be improved. Findings have shown that although different management systems are implemented, there needs to be a correlation to be able to work as an integrated system. Secondly, different management systems speak different risk languages with work against integration. Finally, large airlines with a fleet of over 50 aircraft have less integration between their different management systems. Besides the lack of regulations, IMS in aviation needs more research. This paper’s contribution lies here, as it provides an overview of which management systems are implemented in the aviation industry and if integration exists between those. Due to the limited research in this field, this paper, with the survey results, provides new insights into if and how interoperability exists between different systems in aviation. It also provides a unique insight into the different management systems airlines use. The results will be used in the following research phase to develop a concept for an integrated management system, one language, on which other management systems can be built.
Sensory Ecofeminism for Heritage, Tourism, and Sustainability in Mauritius
Authors: Boswell Rosabelle
Published: July 2023

Worldwide, UNESCO provides a global and authorized set of protocols for the conservation of heritage. The organization has long framed the discourse and practice of cultural heritage management. At the Hangzhou International Congress in 2013, UNESCO declared culture as key to development, thereby confirming the role of culture and cultural heritage in sustainable development. In this article, attention is given to emerging sensory ecofeminism and its links to heritage and tourism in Mauritius, specifically in “unauthorized” heritage management locales and hotel settings. The research problem engaged in this study is that globally, heritage conservation is perceived as being of primary interest to UNESCO, the prerogative of authorized professionals and nominated heritage sites. The goal of the research is to understand the manifestation of cultural heritage and its management in coastal locales and how coastal sites and “unauthorized” heritage managers, hitherto not included in national heritage discourse and practice, may advance inclusive heritage management. Using the anthropological research methods of semi-structured interviews and participant observation to produce ethnographic data in 2022, this study finds that a selection of luxury hotels in Mauritius advances a gender-influenced and ecofeminist discourse that supports heritage, tourism, and sustainability in Mauritius. The conclusion of this study is that “unauthorized” heritage management processes and practices in luxury hotels and tourism establishments can be gender and community inclusive, sensitive to various social hierarchies, and required to achieve environmental sustainability. It is recommended that national heritage institutions and practitioners give more attention to the diverse, often unexpected locales for heritage conservation and inclusion.
Fault-Tolerant Control Strategy for Hall Sensors in BLDC Motor Drive for Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Ahmed Baba Mariem , Naoui Mohamed , Cherkaoui Mohamed
Published: July 2023

The adoption of the brushless DC motor in the electric drive vehicle industry continues to grow due to its robustness and ability to meet torque–speed requirements. This work presents the implementation of a fault-tolerant control (FTC) for a BLDC motor designed for electric vehicles. This paper focuses on studying the defect in the Ha sensor and its signal reconstruction, assuming possible cases, but the same principle is applied to the other two sensors (Hb and Hc ). In this case, the fault diagnosis allows for the correction and reconstruction of the signal in order to compel the system to work despite the presence of a fault. Indeed, several robust control systems are used within the work to regulate the speed of the motor properly, such as control via fuzzy logic and control via a neural network. This paper presents three BLDC control configurations for EVs, PID, fuzzy logic (FL), and an artificial neural network (ANN), discusses the pros and cons, and develops corresponding mathematical models to enhance a fault-tolerant control strategy which is analyzed and studied using MATLAB-based simulations (by discussing the two cases, the steady state and the transient state), allowing for a novel design based on the analytical models developed. The results obtained from the simulation of this system improved the speed controlled by the neural network compared to the fuzzy logic controller. At the same time, the sensor failure had no effect on the system’s operation due to the efficiency of the FTC control.
Spatial Planning Response to the Challenges of Climate Change Adaptation: An Analysis of Selected Instruments and Good Practices in Europe
Authors: Nowak Maciej J. , Monteiro Renato , Olcina-Cantos Jorge , Vagiona Dimitra G.
Published: July 2023

The task of combining objectives, spatial planning instruments, and climate change adaptation targets is a complex endeavour that varies across countries. There is a call for a universal discussion on how spatial planning should respond to climate change challenges. To address this issue, this article delves into the approaches taken by Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Poland, aiming to explore how spatial planning instruments support climate change adaptation goals. The authors, based on a jointly extracted questionnaire, identified what they consider to be the most relevant examples of instruments to use to ensure the integration of spatial planning objectives and the response to climate challenges. The identified solutions are compared in detail. Three key spatial planning themes emerged in this study: investment in renewable energy, the development and preservation of green infrastructure, and the protection of coastal zones. This article examines the systemic solutions found in these countries, discusses the role of both classical and sectoral spatial planning instruments, and identifies the level of public authority responsible for key interventions. It shows that instruments developed at the supra-local level should support local authorities by providing them with legal and substantive arguments for developing solutions relevant to climate challenges.
Community-Based Agro-Ecotourism Sustainability in West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Djuwendah Endah , Karyani Tuti , Wulandari Eliana , Pradono Pradono
Published: July 2023

Community-based agro-ecotourism is a tourism activity that utilizes the agricultural, natural, and cultural potential of environmentally friendly rural communities as tourism objects whose management is carried out by the local community. This study analyzes the sustainability and sensitivity of attributes that affect community-based agro-ecotourism in West Java. The study used a survey method of 237 agro-tourism actors spread across five tourist villages. The five tourist villages were selected purposively to represent the diversity of agricultural commodities and the zoning of West Java’s strategic crossroads. Data were analyzed using Multi-Dimensional Scaling in the Rapid Appraisal-agro-ecotourism technique (Rap-Agro-ecotourism). The results showed that community-based agro-ecotourism in West Java was sufficiently sustainable. The social dimension sustainability index has the highest score, while the technology dimension sustainability index has the lowest score. The most sensitive attributes affecting the sustainability of community-based agro-ecotourism in West Java are the number of tourist visits, availability of transportation facilities and infrastructure, cooperation with outsiders, preservation of agricultural businesses, waste management, and cultural arts festivals. This study contributes to the sustainability of community-based agro-tourism comprehensively through economic, social, cultural, institutional, ecological, and technological dimensions, so it is expected that adding literature on agro-ecotourism and become input material in the formulation of agro-ecotourism-based rural development policies, especially in West Java.
Nurturing Cultural Heritages and Place Attachment through Street Art—A Longitudinal Psycho-Social Analysis of a Neighborhood Renewal Process
Authors: Boffi Marco , Rainisio Nicola , Inghilleri Paolo
Published: July 2023

The Faro Convention emphasizes the link between cultural heritage and place-related identity, highlighting their role in fostering environmental and community belonging. Urban renewal projects centered around contemporary and street art have gained popularity worldwide but often exhibit unclear impacts on local populations. Few studies have explored this topic using a psychological and longitudinal approach. Addressing this research gap, our study analyzed changes in place attachment and neighborhood image five years after implementing a street-art-based renewal project in a Milan suburb. Moreover, the project’s impact on the neighborhood’s historical “personality” as perceived by residents and citizens (n = 296) was examined. A survey was designed and administered to compare trends in these variables between 2017 (project start) and 2022, applying content analysis and analysis of variance techniques. Results showed that street art inspired by local history and culture had a positive effect on residents’ place attachment and local image, without disrupting community traditions. However, no significant impacts were found among non-residents. These findings highlight the significance of urban renewal policies that prioritize a district’s social and cultural history. Such policies not only safeguard the citizens’ well-being and foster place attachment, but could also revitalize the local imagery, promoting innovation and creativity.
Sustainable Potato Growth under Straw Mulching Practices
Authors: Waheed Abdul , Li Chuang , Muhammad Murad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Khan Khalid Ali , Ghramh Hamed A. , Wang Zhongwei , Zhang Daoyuan
Published: July 2023

Extreme heat, droughts, pests, diseases, and short bursts of heavy rain make potato production unsustainable. This unfavorable environment negatively affects potato productivity and yield levels. Within the next few years, conditions will likely deteriorate even more. In potato cultivation, straw mulching has been shown to increase yields by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the soil. Mulching improves soil humidity, decreases transpiration, and cools the soil in dry and hot regions. There is a global decline in potato yields per hectare due to poor nutrient management, moderately humid years, and high disease pressure caused by Phytophthora infestans and Alternaria species. Farmers must take cultivation measures to achieve economic efficiency and adequate yields. A range of practices contributes to better potato yields and productivity, such as the use of appropriate fungicides, planting high-yielding varieties, and increasing row spacing. These practices complicate cultivation and affect profits. Furthermore, inorganic nitrogen in the soil regularly causes acidification, eroding soil fertility. As a result of land preparation, straw residues from rice and maize are collected from the field and destroyed or burned, which depletes nutrients and pollutes the air. Returning these residues to the soil, however, can improve its quality. Integrating rice and maize straw mulching into potato cultivation practices can enhance agricultural sustainability, productivity, and yield. This review will focus on using rice and maize straw mulching in cultivating potatoes. Straw mulching promotes sustainable potato growth, increasing productivity and quality while minimizing reliance on chemical inputs. Such practices can mitigate the need for synthetic fertilizers to enhance sustainable agriculture, ensure long-term growth, improve soil health, increase yields, and promote sustainable agriculture.
A Deep Learning Approach for Rapid and Generalizable Denoising of Photon-Counting Micro-CT Images
Authors: Nadkarni Rohan , Clark Darin P. , Allphin Alex J. , Badea Cristian T.
Published: July 2023

Photon-counting CT (PCCT) is powerful for spectral imaging and material decomposition but produces noisy weighted filtered backprojection (wFBP) reconstructions. Although iterative reconstruction effectively denoises these images, it requires extensive computation time. To overcome this limitation, we propose a deep learning (DL) model, UnetU, which quickly estimates iterative reconstruction from wFBP. Utilizing a 2D U-net convolutional neural network (CNN) with a custom loss function and transformation of wFBP, UnetU promotes accurate material decomposition across various photon-counting detector (PCD) energy threshold settings. UnetU outperformed multi-energy non-local means (ME NLM) and a conventional denoising CNN called UnetwFBP in terms of root mean square error (RMSE) in test set reconstructions and their respective matrix inversion material decompositions. Qualitative results in reconstruction and material decomposition domains revealed that UnetU is the best approximation of iterative reconstruction. In reconstructions with varying undersampling factors from a high dose ex vivo scan, UnetU consistently gave higher structural similarity (SSIM) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) to the fully sampled iterative reconstruction than ME NLM and UnetwFBP. This research demonstrates UnetU’s potential as a fast (i.e., 15 times faster than iterative reconstruction) and generalizable approach for PCCT denoising, holding promise for advancing preclinical PCCT research.
Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements Pollution and Human Health Risks in Polluted Farmland Soils around Distinct Mining Areas in China—A Case Study of Chengchao and Tonglushan
Authors: Leng Qi , Ren Dajun , Wang Zhaobo , Zhang Shuqin , Zhang Xiaoqing , Chen Wangsheng
Published: July 2023

This research study investigates the extent of heavy metal pollution and pollution trends in agricultural soil in mining areas during different time periods. A total of 125 soil samples were collected from two mining areas in China, the Chengchao iron mine and Tonglushan ancient copper mine. The samples were analyzed for various potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), pollution index (Pi), potential ecological risk index (Eri), and hazard index (HI) were calculated to evaluate the pollution status of PTEs in the farmland around the two mining areas. The sources of PTEs were inferred by pollution distribution, and the pollution conditions of the two mining areas were compared. The results showed that the pollution of ancient copper mines was relatively severe. The main pollution elements were Cu, Cd, and As, and their average Pi values were 3.76, 4.12, and 1.84, respectively. These PTEs mainly came from mining and transportation. There are no particularly polluted elements in the Chengchao iron mine and the average Pi of all PTEs were classified as light pollution and had a wide range of sources. The findings suggest that the ancient copper mine, due to outdated mining techniques and insufficient mine restoration efforts, resulted in the spread and accumulation of PTEs in the soil over an extended period, making the farmland soil around the ancient copper mine more polluted compared to the Chengchao iron mine. In the two mining areas, there is no risk of cancer for adults and children. However, the RI values of Cr in adults and children are higher than 10−4, which indicates that the carcinogenic risk of Cr in these soils is very high. The non-carcinogenic effects of PTEs on the human body in the soil of ancient copper mine are also higher than that of the Chengchao iron mine.
Dynamics and Molecular Interactions of GPI-Anchored CD59
Authors: Voisin Tomas B. , Couves Emma C. , Tate Edward W. , Bubeck Doryen
Published: July 2023

CD59 is a GPI-anchored cell surface receptor that serves as a gatekeeper to controlling pore formation. It is the only membrane-bound inhibitor of the complement membrane attack complex (MAC), an immune pore that can damage human cells. While CD59 blocks MAC pores, the receptor is co-opted by bacterial pore-forming proteins to target human cells. Recent structures of CD59 in complexes with binding partners showed dramatic differences in the orientation of its ectodomain relative to the membrane. Here, we show how GPI-anchored CD59 can satisfy this diversity in binding modes. We present a PyLipID analysis of coarse-grain molecular dynamics simulations of a CD59-inhibited MAC to reveal residues of complement proteins (C6:Y285, C6:R407 C6:K412, C7:F224, C8β:F202, C8β:K326) that likely interact with lipids. Using modules of the MDAnalysis package to investigate atomistic simulations of GPI-anchored CD59, we discover properties of CD59 that encode the flexibility necessary to bind both complement proteins and bacterial virulence factors.
Heterologous Expression of an Insecticidal Peptide Obtained from the Transcriptome of the Colombian Spider Phoneutria depilate
Authors: Vásquez-Escobar Julieta , Benjumea-Gutiérrez Dora María , Lopera Carolina , Clement Herlinda C. , Bolaños Damaris I. , Higuita-Castro Jorge Luis , Corzo Gerardo A. , Corrales-Garcia Ligia Luz
Published: July 2023

Spider venoms are composed, among other substances, of peptide toxins whose selectivity for certain physiological targets has made them powerful tools for applications such as bioinsecticides, analgesics, antiarrhythmics, antibacterials, antifungals and antimalarials, among others. Bioinsecticides are an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional agrochemicals. In this paper, the primary structure of an insecticidal peptide was obtained from the venom gland transcriptome of the ctenid spider Phoneutria depilata (Transcript ID PhdNtxNav24). The peptide contains 53 amino acids, including 10 Cys residues that form 5 disulfide bonds. Using the amino acid sequence of such peptide, a synthetic gene was constructed de novo by overlapping PCRs and cloned into an expression vector. A recombinant peptide, named delta-ctenitoxin (rCtx-4), was obtained. It was expressed, folded, purified and validated using mass spectrometry (7994.61 Da). The insecticidal activity of rCtx-4 was demonstrated through intrathoracic injection in crickets (LD50 1.2 μg/g insect) and it was not toxic to mice. rCtx-4 is a potential bioinsecticide that could have a broad spectrum of applications in agriculture.
Cosmological Fluctuations in Delta Gravity
Authors: Alfaro Jorge , Rubio Carlos , San Martín Marco
Published: July 2023

About 70% of the Universe is Dark Energy, but the physics community still does not know what it is. Delta gravity (DG) is an alternative theory of gravitation that could solve this cosmological problem. Previously, we studied the Universe’s accelerated expansion, where DG was able to explain the SNe-Ia data successfully. In this work, we computed the cosmological fluctuations in DG that give rise to the CMB through a hydrodynamic approximation. We calculated the gauge transformations for the metric and the perfect fluid to present the equations of the evolution of cosmological fluctuations. This provided the necessary equations to solve the scalar TT power spectrum in a semi-analytical way. These equations are useful for comparing the DG theory with astronomical observations and thus being able to constrain the DG cosmology.
The Interrelated Roles of Correlations in the Nuclear Equation of State and in Response Functions: Application to a Chiral Confining Theory
Authors: Chanfray Guy , Ericson Magda , Martini Marco
Published: July 2023

We study the role of short-range correlations, as well as pion and rho loops governing long-range RPA correlations, in nuclear matter properties and response functions. We use an adapted formulation of the Brueckner G-matrix approach to generate a pair correlation function satisfying the Beg–Agassi–Gal theorem, providing a natural cutoff to the loop integrals. We present results for the case of a relativistic chiral theory, including the effects of quark confinement and of the chirally broken vacuum in a version where parameters are directly connected to QCD observables or constrained by well-established hadron phenomenology. This provides a unified and coherent view of the nuclear matter equation of state and the effect of correlations on neutrino–nucleus scattering.
SARS-CoV-2 Prevalence and Variant Surveillance among Cats in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Ramasamy Santhamani , Gontu Abhinay , Neerukonda Sabarinath , Ruggiero Diana , Morrow Becky , Gupta Sheweta , Amirthalingam Saranya , Hardham John M. , Lizer Joshua T. , Yon Michele , Nissly Ruth H. , Jakka Padmaja , Chothe Shubhada K. , LaBella Lindsey C. , Tewari Deepanker , Nair Meera Surendran , Kuchipudi Suresh V.
Published: July 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects many mammals, and SARS-CoV-2 circulation in nonhuman animals may increase the risk of novel variant emergence. Cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and there were cases of virus transmission between cats and humans. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variant infection of cats in an urban setting. We investigated the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variant infections in domestic and community cats in the city of Pittsburgh (n = 272). While no cats tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, 35 cats (12.86%) tested SARS-CoV-2-antibody-positive. Further, we compared a cat-specific experimental lateral flow assay (eLFA) and species-agnostic surrogate virus neutralization assay (sVNT) for SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection in cats (n = 71). The eLFA demonstrated 100% specificity compared to sVNT. The eLFA also showed 100% sensitivity for sera with >90% inhibition and 63.63% sensitivity for sera with 40–89% inhibition in sVNT. Using a variant-specific pseudovirus neutralization assay (pVNT) and antigen cartography, we found the presence of antibodies to pre-Omicron and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants. Hence, this approach proves valuable in identifying cat exposure to different SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our results highlight the continued exposure of cats to SARS-CoV-2 and warrant coordinated surveillance efforts.
NLRP3 Inflammasome Involved with Viral Replication in Cytopathic NADL BVDV Infection and IFI16 Inflammasome Connected with IL-1β Release in Non-Cytopathic NY-1 BVDV Infection in Bovine Macrophages
Authors: Gallegos-Rodarte Claudia , Escobar-Chavarría Omar , Cantera-Bravo Miroslava , Sarmiento-Silva Rosa Elena , Benitez-Guzman Alejandro
Published: July 2023

Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that play a role in the processing of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). The secretion of IL-1β in bovine macrophages infected with the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) cytopathic strain NADL (NADLcp-BVDV) is caspase 1-dependent. In the present study, we found that in macrophages infected with NADL, the NLRP3 inflammasome participated in the maturation of IL-1β as the level decreased from 4629.3 pg/mL to 897.0 pg/mL after treatment with cytokine release inhibitory drug 3 (CRID3). Furthermore, NLRP3 activation has implications regarding viral replication, as there was a decrease in the viral titer until 1 log of a supernatant of macrophages that were inhibited with CRID3 remained. In the case of the non-cytopathic BVDV strain NY-1 (NY-1 ncpBVDV), IL-1β secretion is not affected by NLRP3, but could be related to the IFI16 inflammasome; we found a colocalization of IFI16 with ASC using confocal microscopy in infected macrophages with the NY-1 ncp-BVDV biotype. To relate IFI16 activation to IL-1β release, we used ODN TTAGGG (A151), a competitive inhibitor of IFI16; the results show a decrease in its level from 248 pg/mL to 128.3 pg/mL. Additionally, we evaluated the caspase 1 activation downstream of IFI16 and found a decrease in the IL-1β from 252.9 pg/mL to 63.5 pg/mL when caspase 1 was inhibited with Y-VAD. Our results provide an improved understanding of the mechanisms involved in the viral replication, inflammation and pathogenesis of bovine viral diarrhea.
Multi-Level Data Analyses for Characterizing Rainfall-Induced Landslide Scenarios: The Example of Catanzaro Municipality (South Italy)
Authors: Petrucci Olga , Scarcella Graziella Emanuela , Conforti Massimo
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a GIS-based approach to create a multilevel data system for detailed knowledge of landslide occurrences in small territorial units such as municipalities. The main aim is to collect all the available data (geological, geomorphological, and climatic data, as well as landslide inventory maps and catalogues) in a structured data management system and perform further analyses to identify the typical landslide scenarios of the study area that can be useful in landslide risk management. We demonstrated the use of the methodology analyzing landslide risk in the municipality of Catanzaro (southern Italy), having a surface of 111.7 km2, 20.5% of which was affected by landslides. The spatial and temporal distribution of landslides highlighted that in several cases, they are reactivations of pre-existing phenomena. In fact, in the municipality, approximately 17% of the buildings fall within landslides-affected areas, 7.9% of which are in areas where landslides are classified as active. Furthermore, active landslides involve 8.1% and 9.5% of the roads and railways, respectively. In the 1934–2020 study period, 53% of activations occurred between October and December and were triggered by daily rain which in the highest percentage of cases (49%) showed values between 50 and 100 mm. The proposed GIS platform can be easily updated in order to preserve the landslide history of the area and can be enriched with further thematic layers (i.e., layers concerning flood events, which often occur simultaneously with major landslide events). The case study demonstrates how the platform can support landslide risk management in terms of monitoring, planning remedial works, and the realization/updating of civil protection plans.