bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cadmium Accumulation in Plants: Insights from Phylogenetic Variation into the Evolution and Functions of Membrane Transporters
Authors: Yi Yun , Liu Hongjiang , Chen Guang , Wu Xiaojian , Zeng Fanrong
Published: August 2023

Rapid industrialization during recent decades has resulted in the widespread contamination by cadmium (Cd) of agricultural soils, which has become a ubiquitous environmental problem and poses great risk to human health via the food chain. Cd accumulation greatly varies among different plant species and even within different genotypes of the same species across the plant kingdom. A better understanding of the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying Cd uptake, translocation, sequestration, and (re)distribution in plants will shed light on developing strategies to minimize Cd in crops. Moreover, analysis of molecular evolution of the key transporters reveals that Cd transporters were highly conserved throughout the evolutionary lineage of the entire plant kingdom and underwent lineage-specific expansion as the result of gene duplication. However, different Cd transporters may experience different evolutionary lineages from algae to angiosperms, suggesting the divergence of their roles in plant adaptation to metalliferous soil. In summary, all the knowledge in the present review can be used to predict the transfer of Cd from soils to plants, to further understand the origins of Cd-accumulating phenotypes, and to discover the plant genetic resources for the breeding of low-Cd crops and the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils.
Assessing the Photovoltaic Power Generation Potential of Highway Slopes
Authors: Han Zhenqiang , Zhou Weidong , Sha Aimin , Hu Liqun , Wei Runjie
Published: August 2023

The solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation system (PGS) is a viable alternative to fossil fuels for the provision of power for infrastructure and vehicles, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the sustainability of road transport systems. A highway slope is generally an idle public area with high accessibility, which is the ideal application scenario for a PV PGS. The assessment of PV power generation potential (PGP) is key for the planning and design of PV PGS projects. Previous approaches to potential assessments are mainly based on digital maps and image processing techniques, which do not fully consider the impacts of the highway orientation, the slope geometric characteristics, and the PV panel placement scheme on the evaluation results. Therefore, this study proposes an assessment method for the PV PGP on highway slopes using the design or calculated highway and slope geometric parameters and the solar radiation received by PV panels under the desirable placement scheme. Highway segmentation and geometric parameter calculation methods were established, and the optimal PV array placement schemes for typical slope orientations were determined by simulating the PV power generation in the software PVsyst (version 7.2). Afterwards, the theoretical PGP could be calculated using the received solar radiation and the available slope area. By subtracting the energy loss caused by temperature changes, the operation of inverters, and the PV modules’ performance decay, the actual PV PGP could be obtained. Finally, a case study of the solar PGP assessment of a 1.97 km long highway section is provided, and the feasibility of the proposed method is verified.
Designing and Developing a Meat Traceability System: A Case Study for the Greek Meat Industry
Authors: Botilias Giannis-Panagiotis , Margariti Spiridoula V. , Besarat Jeries , Salmas Dimitrios , Pachoulas George , Stylios Chrysostomos , Skalkos Dimitris
Published: August 2023

This research paper investigates the importance of traceability in the meat industry. It explains that the global market’s intense competition and consumers’ increased expectations have forced companies to implement electronic traceability systems to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and mitigate incidents and fraud. The meat industry is facing increased consumer awareness and concern about food quality and safety. Consumers are extremely sensitive to food production conditions, and traceability can help companies increase consumers’ trust. This work describes the design and implementation of a customized traceability system, developed using the Agile method, for the local meat industry. For the needs of the project, advanced and innovative information and communication technologies and tools, such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things, were also used. The main problem that this research aims to address is the lack of transparency in three phases: transparency within the industry’s internal processes, transparency in the life of the animal from the moment of its birth, and transparency towards the consumer. The objectives of this research are twofold. First, we aim to digitize the Greek meat industry. Concurrently, we intend to create a traceability system that will generate important data, thereby providing valuable information for all stakeholders.
‘Simply Make a Change’—Individual Commitment as a Stepping Stone for Sustainable Behaviors
Authors: Lindemann-Matthies Petra , Werdermann Julia , Remmele Martin
Published: August 2023

In the face of climate change and other environmental issues, all relevant stakeholders, including members of civil society, should participate in the transformation towards a sustainable future. The project ‘Simply make a change’ engaged citizens (n = 101), with the help of an entirely voluntary and individual commitment approach, in a sustainable behavior they had not carried out before (e.g., plastic-free shopping or vegan nutrition). With the help of two questionnaires and subsequent interviews, participants were asked about their experiences with the commitment. The high proportion of participants who voluntarily sustained their chosen activity after the one-week trial run (78%), their rich and differentiated comments, and the formation of competencies such as mindfulness, reflectivity, and feelings of responsibility indicate that the approach was meaningful. Participants would have preferred a longer trial and perceived restrictions in daily life by behaviors with high task-difficulty (vegan nutrition), but felt confident to try out other sustainable behaviors in the future. The present data indicate that a completely voluntary self-commitment can encourage citizens to try out a new behavior and might also lower the threshold for trying other sustainable behaviors. This might contribute, step by step, to a more sustainable society.
Spatio-Temporal Measurement and Driving Factor Analysis of Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs and Synergy in the Kaidu–Kongque River Basin, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Yan Yujiang , Li Jiangui , Li Junli , Jiang Teng
Published: August 2023

The arid ecosystem of the endorheic basin is a complex, integrated ecosystem with diverse functions and significant regional differences. However, measuring the trade-off relationships and external driving mechanisms of the ecosystem services in arid inland basins has always been a challenging task in terms of geography, ecology, and economics. In this study, we utilized meteorological data, land-use and land-cover data, and vegetation NDVI to estimate the five ecosystem services, namely, food supply, water yield, carbon sequestration, habitat quality, and windbreak and sand-fixation supply services, using the RWEQ and InVEST models in the Kaidu–Kongque River Basin, Xinjiang. Bivariate spatial local autocorrelation analysis was employed to measure the trade-off/synergy relationships between these ecosystem services, and GeoDetector was used to identify the impact of the natural environment and human activities on the trade-off relationships between ecosystem services. The results show the following: (1) In the past three decades, all five ecosystem services in the Kaidu–Kongque River Basin increased, with the food supply service being the largest (66.37%), followed by the windbreak and sand-fixation service, with a continuous upward trend of 51.84%. (2) The spatial distribution and pattern changes of each ES exhibit notable spatial heterogeneity, with high-value areas for food supply and carbon-sequestration services situated in the basin’s middle reaches with high vegetation cover. Meanwhile, high-value areas for water yield, habitat quality, and windbreak and sand-fixation services are located in Hejing County, upstream of the basin. (3) The trade-offs and synergistic relationships between ecosystem services were explored, with most showing significant correlations at the 0.01 level, and synergistic relationships were predominantly found. (4) The contribution of each ecosystem service was primarily attributable to natural factors rather than human factors. Furthermore, land use/cover type emerged as the dominant factor for spatial differentiation in the integrated ecosystem services of the watershed, followed by elevation and rainfall. By elucidating the trade-offs, spatial heterogeneity, and formation mechanisms of ecosystem services, this study provides a scientific basis for regional ecological planning. Additionally, the study holds practical significance for devising “win-win” policies for regional economic development and ecological balance.
Doppler Sodar Measured Winds and Sea Breeze Intrusions over Gadanki (13.5° N, 79.2° E), India
Authors: Brahmanandam Potula Sree , Uma G. , Tarakeswara Rao K. , Sreedevi S. , S. M. P. Latha Devi N. , Chu Yen-Hsyang , Das Jayshree , Mahesh Babu K. , Narendra Babu A. , Das Subrata Kumar , Naveen Kumar V. , Srinivas K.
Published: August 2023

Doppler sodar measurements were made at the tropical Indian station, i.e., Gadanki (13.5° N, 79. 2° E). According to wind climatologies, the wind pattern changes from month to month. In July and August, the predominant wind direction during the monsoon season was the southwest. In September, it was the northwest and south. While the winds in November came from the northeast, they came from the northwest and southwest in October. The winds in December were out of the southeast. The diurnal cycle of winds at 60-m above the ground was visible, with disturbed wind directions in September and October. This may be connected to the Indian subcontinent’s southeastern monsoon recession. To better understand the monsoon circulation on a monthly basis, the present work is innovative in that it uses high-resolution winds measured using the Doppler sodar at the atmospheric boundary layer. The convergence of a sea breeze and the background wind might result in a sudden change in wind direction, and forecasting such a chaotic atmospheric event is crucial in the aviation sector. As a result, the wind shear that is produced may pose a serious threat to airplanes that are landing. In the current study, we present a few cases of sea breeze intrusions. The physics underlying these intrusions may help modelers better understand these chaotic wind structures and use them as inputs in their models. Based on surface-based atmospheric characteristics, there have been two reports of deep sea breeze intrusions that we report in this research. The sea breeze days were marked by substantial (moderate) drops in temperature (dewpoint temperatures) and increased wind speed and relative humidity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) rainfall data showed a rise in precipitation over this location on 23 July (4.8 mm) and 24 July (9.5 mm) when sea breeze intrusions over Gadanki were noticed. Sea breeze intrusions could have brought precipitation (intrusion-laden precipitation) to this area due to conducive meteorological conditions. A simple schematic model is proposed through a diagrammatic illustration that explains how a sea breeze triggers precipitation over adjacent locations to the seacoast. The skew-T log-P diagrams have been drawn using the balloon-borne radiosonde measured atmospheric data over Chennai (a nearby location to Gadanki) to examine the thermodynamic parameters to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms and meteorological conditions during sea breeze intrusion events. It is found that the convective available potential energy (CAPE), which is presented as a thermos diagram, was associated with large values on 23 July and 24 July (898 J/kg and 1250 J/kg), which could have triggered thunderstorms over Chennai.
Agriculture’s Efficiency in the Context of Sustainable Agriculture—A Benchmarking Analysis of Financial Performance with Data Envelopment Analysis and Malmquist Index
Authors: Bobitan Nicolae , Dumitrescu Diana , Burca Valentin
Published: August 2023

Climate change, increased government efforts towards sustainable economic growth, and all types of resource constraint have raised concern among academics and practitioners about the path to follow for keeping firms’ competitive advantage in such a dynamic environment. The purpose of the paper is to explore how firms operating in the agricultural sector have understood the need to identify and follow the best practitioners in the market, performing a benchmarking analysis aimed at providing insights on firms’ financial sustainability. As the literature has not sufficiently addressed the problem of firms’ financial sustainability operating in the Romanian Agriculture sector, we provide some empirical evidence related to the before and post-pandemic periods. The benchmarking analysis is developed using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method, which measures firms’ efficiency in terms of financial performance. Overall, the results suggest there is still much work to be done, and firms operating in the agricultural sector show high variation in terms of productivity from the perspective of financial indicators. The results are even more relevant in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, showing that only a part of the firms analyzed have developed their own dynamic capabilities that help them effectively find solutions to adjusting to the volatility of the market in a short timeframe.
The Induced Effects of Carbon Emissions for China’s Industry Digital Transformation
Authors: Jia Xuemei , Liu Qing , Feng Jiahao , Li Yuru , Zhang Lijun
Published: August 2023

Studying the carbon emissions resulting from digital transformation can provide a reference for the realization of the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality in the era of the digital economy. This study calculated the value added to the digital economy and carbon emissions for 97 industry divisions from 1997 to 2018. Using the input–output model, we estimated the carbon emissions induced by the digital transformation of different industries, and used the structural decomposition analysis (SDA) to identify their driving factors. The results show that the carbon emissions induced by the digital economy in agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery decreased in 2010, those from mining increased year by year, and those from scientific research and technical services showed a decreasing trend from 2011 to 2015. The induced rate of digital economy carbon emissions for production and supply of electricity, heat, gas, and water has persistently remained high. At present, digital economy labor productivity has not shown a promoting effect on carbon emission reduction. China should strengthen the construction of a digital platform for ecological and environmental governance and build a green and low-carbon industrial chain and supply chain to promote the realization of the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.
Towards Cleaner Ports: Predictive Modeling of Sulfur Dioxide Shipping Emissions in Maritime Facilities Using Machine Learning
Authors: Paternina-Arboleda Carlos D. , Agudelo-Castañeda Dayana , Voß Stefan , Das Shubhendu
Published: August 2023

Maritime ports play a pivotal role in fostering the growth of domestic and international trade and economies. As ports continue to expand in size and capacity, the impact of their operations on air quality and climate change becomes increasingly significant. While nearby regions may experience economic benefits, there are significant concerns regarding the emission of atmospheric pollutants, which have adverse effects on both human health and climate change. Predictive modeling of port emissions can serve as a valuable tool in identifying areas of concern, evaluating the effectiveness of emission reduction strategies, and promoting sustainable development within ports. The primary objective of this research is to utilize machine learning frameworks to estimate the emissions of SO2 from ships during various port activities, including hoteling, maneuvering, and cruising. By employing these models, we aim to gain insights into the emission patterns and explore strategies to mitigate their impact. Through our analysis, we have identified the most effective models for estimating SO2 emissions. The AutoML TPOT framework emerges as the top-performing model, followed by Non-Linear Regression with interaction effects. On the other hand, Linear Regression exhibited the lowest performance among the models evaluated. By employing these advanced machine learning techniques, we aim to contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding port emissions and foster sustainable practices within the maritime industry.
Research on Spatiotemporal Changes and Control Strategy of Carbon Emission in Shenyang
Authors: Bi Tianping , Zhang Mei
Published: August 2023

Scientific estimation and monitoring of regional long-term carbon emission change rules are the data support and scientific basis for developing differentiated emission reduction strategies. Based on the estimation data of energy carbon emissions from 2010 to 2021, DMSP/OLS and NPP/VIIRS lighting data, and the ESDA, Kaya identity, and LMDI models, the temporal and spatial changes and driving mechanism of carbon emissions in Shenyang were discussed. The results showed that: (1) During the study period, the carbon emission of energy consumption in Shenyang showed an upward trend, but the growth rate increased first and then decreased, and the carbon peak was not reached; (2) The spatial distribution of carbon emissions showed a radiative pattern decreasing from the center to the periphery; (3) The global Moran’s I of carbon emission is greater than zero, forming a high-high concentration distribution in the central region, low-low concentration distribution in the peripheral region, and low-high concentration distribution in the Yuhong region; (4) Economic development, population size, and energy efficiency are significant carbon-increasing factors, while industrial structure and energy structure factors are significant carbon-reducing factors. The order of driving factors is as follows: industrial structure > economic development > energy efficiency > population size > energy structure.
The Human–Nature Relationship as a Tangible Target for Pro-Environmental Behaviour—Guidance from Interpersonal Relationships
Authors: Lengieza Michael L. , Aviste Rosemary , Richardson Miles
Published: August 2023

Major environmental institutions around the globe are realising that the failing human–nature relationship is a root cause of environmental issues. Despite this shift in thinking, there is more work to be done to highlight the human–nature relationship as a tangible target for pro-environmental behaviour. This review argues for the importance of targeting human–nature relationships. It emphasises that nature connectedness, with its robust links to pro-environmental behaviour, is a useful operationalisation of such relationships. Following a review of recent references to the human–nature relationship in policy documents, this paper draws on theories of interpersonal relationships to illustrate how they can inform efforts to repair the human–nature relationship. Parallels between nature connectedness research and research on interpersonal relationships are highlighted. The potential for new routes to a closer human–nature relationship—including a more meaningful (e.g., intimate) engagement with nature, a cultural shift in support for human–nature relationships, fostering trust in nature and recognising reciprocity with nature—are noted. This review concludes that the human–nature relationship can be seen as an extension of interpersonal relationships, provides a tangible pathway to a sustainable future, and suggests that such explicit relationship-focused thinking can guide both policy and research.
Which Industrial Sectors Are Affected by Artificial Intelligence? A Bibliometric Analysis of Trends and Perspectives
Authors: Espina-Romero Lorena , Noroño Sánchez José Gregorio , Gutiérrez Hurtado Humberto , Dworaczek Conde Helga , Solier Castro Yessenia , Cervera Cajo Luz Emérita , Rio Corredoira Jose
Published: August 2023

In recent times, artificial intelligence (AI) has been generating a significant impact in various industry sectors, which implies that companies must be ready to adjust to this promising start and progress in the direction of sustainability. The objective of this paper was to analyze the industrial sectors impacted by artificial intelligence during the period 2018–2022. The methodology consisted of applying a quantitative and bibliometric approach to a collection of 164 manuscripts indexed in Scopus with the help of statistical packages such as RStudio version 4.3.0, VOSviewer version 1.6.19, and Microsoft Excel 365. The results indicate that artificial intelligence is having a growing impact in sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, the environment, and construction. Geographically, the most impacted sectors are in Europe and Asia, while the least impacted are in the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. It is proposed to conduct future research using AI in power quality (PQ), energy storage systems (ESSs) and hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) systems to contribute, firstly, in the transition to a more sustainable economy, followed by a decrease in dependence on fossil fuels. This research contributes to existing knowledge and paves the way for future exploration of qualitative aspects and emerging trends in the field of artificial intelligence influence in industrial sectors.
Habitat Selection: Autumn and Winter Behavioral Preferences of Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis) in Northeast China
Authors: Sun Yue , Li Zongzhi , Chen Junda , Khattak Romaan Hayat , Liu Zhensheng , Teng Liwei
Published: August 2023

The wild water deer (Hydropotes inermis) population has declined rapidly over recent decades and has reached an endangered status in China. Therefore, it is important to understand their habitat selection to effectively protect both existing and emerging populations. This paper used the data of 11 habitat factors in Baishan Musk Deer National Nature Reserve in the autumn and winter from 2018 to 2019 to conduct a habitat selection study of water deer by resource selection function analysis. The results indicated that in both the autumn and winter, water deer preferred grasslands at sunny and middle slopes, dominated by Artemisia carvifolia and A. argyi, respectively. In addition, the resource selection function showed that the height of dominant herbage, hiding cover, distance from water, and distance to human settlements greatly contribute to the habitat selection of water deer in the cold season. The correct prediction rate of the resource selection function model exceeded 80%, highlighting its suitability for predicting the habitat selection of water deer. The outcomes of this study provide an effective scientific basis for the conservation and restoration of water deer, and valuable enlightenment for implementing a sustainable development strategy in northeast China.
Temporal–Spatial Variations and Convergence Analysis of Land Use Eco-Efficiency in the Urban Agglomerations of the Yellow River Basin in China
Authors: Kong Fanchao , Zhang Kaixiao , Fu Hengshu , Cui Lina , Li Yang , Wang Tengteng
Published: August 2023

Achieving synergistic development of efficient urban land use and the natural environment is crucial in promoting green urbanization. The assessment of land use eco-efficiency (LUEE) and its temporal–spatial changes provides an effective means of quantifying the relationship between the urban ecological environment and land use. Targeting 55 selected cities in the Yellow River Basin (YRB), in this study, we utilize the Super-EBM method to gauge the LUEE. We explore the temporal patterns and the spatial convergence of LUEE utilizing kernel density estimation and spatial econometric methods. Considering the resource and environmental costs of land use, we assumed the industrial pollutant emissions generated during urban land use as the undesired outputs and designed a framework for measuring the level of LUEE under double constraints, which theoretically revealed the formation process and spatial convergence mechanism of LUEE. The results show the following: (1) Throughout the sample period, the LUEE of the YRB urban agglomeration decreased from 0.158 in 2009 to 0.094 in 2020, indicating a decreasing spatial disparity in LUEE over time. Notably, the Lanxi urban cluster exhibited the largest gap in LUEE, whereas the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration displayed the smallest gap. The hyper-variable density exceeded the inter-group gap as the main factor leading to the difference in LUEE. (2) Although the LUEE of urban agglomerations has increased, there still exists a noticeable polarization phenomenon. (3) The LUEE of YRB demonstrates a pattern of conditional convergence and exerts a significant spatial spillover effect. Over time, the LUEE of YRB will tend towards an individual steady state. The findings have implications for strengthening linkage and synergy among cities in YRB, promoting factor integration across administrative regions, and formulating heterogeneous policies.
Scientometric Review of Sustainable Fire-Resistant Polysaccharide-Based Composite Aerogels
Authors: Tawiah Benjamin , Ofori Emmanuel A. , Bin Fei
Published: August 2023

Fire safety is a critical concern in various industries necessitating the development of sustainable and effective fire-resistant materials. Sustainable fire-resistant polysaccharide-based composite aerogels are regarded as an innovative solution in fire safety applications, and as such, research in this field has increased consistently over the past few years. Despite the plethora of literature on this important subject, only a few studies have attempted to map the global research of sustainable fire-resistant polysaccharide-based composite aerogels to identify the geospatial collaborative network and trend of research. This study utilizes a scientometric review of global trends in sustainable fire-resistant polysaccharide-based composite aerogels research between 2003 and 2023 using VOSviewer and biblioshiny to analyze co-author, co-word, co-citation, clusters, and geospatial maps. A total of 234 bibliographic records from the Scopus database were analyzed to generate the study’s research power networks and geospatial map. The most significant contributions in sustainable fire-resistant polysaccharide-based composite aerogels come from China, the United States, Australia, Canada, and India with records of 194, 20, 11, 9, and 8, respectively. The top five sources for articles in this area of research include ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, Chemical Engineering Journal, Composite Engineering, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, and Carbohydrate Polymers. The application of sustainable fire-resistant polysaccharide-based composite aerogels spans the engineering and construction fields. The versatility in the fabrication and customization allows for seamless integration into diverse applications. The article concludes by emphasizing the significance of sustainable fire-resistant polysaccharide-based composite aerogels as a promising advancement in fire safety technology, combining sustainability, fire resistance, versatility, and mechanical strength to address critical challenges in the field. This review provides important insight into the research challenges, trends, and patterns of sustainable fire-resistant polysaccharide-based composite aerogel research worldwide.
Aspartic Acid-Based Nano-Copper Induces Resilience in Zea mays to Applied Lead Stress Via Conserving Photosynthetic Pigments and Triggering the Antioxidant Biosystem
Authors: Ullah Rehman , Ullah Zakir , Iqbal Javed , Chalgham Wadie , Ahmad Ajaz
Published: August 2023

Heavy metal stress, including lead, adversely affects the growth and yield of several economically important crops, leading to food challenges and significant economic losses. Ameliorating plant responses to various environmental stresses is one of the promising areas of research for sustainable agriculture. In this study, we evaluated the effect of aspartic acid-functionalized copper nanoparticles on the photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidation system of maize plants under Pb toxicity. The ion reduction method was employed for the synthesis of CuNPs, using ascorbic acid as the reducing agent and aspartic acid as the surface functionalizing agent. Isolated experiments under laboratory and field conditions were performed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Seeds primed in water, 1.0, 5.0, and 10 µg/mL of Asp-CuNPs were sown under 0, 500, and 1000 mg/L Pb stress in laboratory conditions, while primed seeds along with foliar-applied Asp-CuNP plants were grown in a field under applied Pb stress, and the obtained data were statistically analyzed using TWANOVA. The laboratory experiment shows that Asp-CuNPs act both as a plant growth regulator (PGR) and plant growth inhibitor (PGI), depending upon their concentration, whereby Asp-CuNPs act as a PGR at a concentration of 1 µg/mL ≤ X ≤10 µg/mL. The field experiment confirms that seed priming and foliar spraying with Asp-CuNPs activate embryos and enhance plant growth in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Asp-CuNPs (10 µg/mL) significantly increase chlorophyll content to 0.87 mg/g from 0.53 mg/g (untreated) when plants were exposed to Pb toxicity at 1000 mg/kg of soil. It is noteworthy that Asp-CuNPs induce resilience to Pb toxicity (1000 mg/kg of soil) in plants by reducing its root absorption from 3.68 mg/kg (0 µg/mL Asp-CuNPs) to 1.72 mg/kg with the application of 10 µg/mL Asp-CuNPs. Additionally, histochemical analyses with NBT and hydrogen peroxide revealed that ROS accretion in plants treated with Asp-CuNPs declined because of the augmentation of antioxidant enzyme (POD, SOD, APOX, etc.) activities under Pb toxicity. Our findings suggest that amino acid-functionalized copper nanoparticles regulate plant defensive mechanisms related to lead tolerance, which is a promising approach for the induction of resistivity to heavy metal stress.
Dynamic Behavior of Galloping Micro Energy Harvester with the Elliptical Bluff Body Using CFD Simulation
Authors: Karimzadeh Ali , Akbari Masoud , Roohi Reza , Amiri Mohammad Javad
Published: August 2023

Energy extraction from flow-induced oscillations based on piezoelectric structures has recently been tackled by several researchers. This paper presents a study of the dynamic behavior analysis and parametric characteristics of a galloping piezoelectric micro energy harvester (GPEH) applied to self-powered micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The mechanical performance of a piezoelectric micro energy harvester cantilever beam with two layers of elastic silicon and piezoelectric (PZT-5A) attached to a tip elliptical cylinder is numerically simulated. Using size-dependent beam formulation on the basis of the modified couple stress theory and Gauss’ law, the coupled electro-mechanical non-linear governing equations of the energy harvester are obtained. The mode summation and Galerkin methods are used to derive the extracted power from the system. The study also models the flow field effect on the beam oscillations via CFD simulation. The effect of elliptical cylinder mass, damping ratio, beam thickness, and load resistance on the dynamic behavior and harvested power of the system is studied. Findings reveal that increasing the normalized tip mass from 0 to 0.5 and 1 increases the output power density from 0.12 to 0.2 and 0.22, respectively, and the corresponding electrical load resistance of maximum power increases from 175 to 280 kΩ and 375 kΩ, respectively. An approximately linear relation between the elliptical cylinder mass and the load resistance is observed. By increasing/decreasing the cylinder mass, the required electrical load resistance for maximum output power proportionally changes. The damping analysis shows that a higher damping ratio increases the onset velocity of galloping and decreases the extracted power.
Preparation and Properties of High-Viscosity Modified Asphalt with a Novel Thermoplastic Rubber
Authors: Wang Teng , Chen Zhirong , Hong Jinlong , Liao Zhen , Wang Di , Yuan Dongdong , Zhang Yufei , Falchetto Augusto Cannone
Published: August 2023

With the increasing demand for improved road performance and sustainable development, modified asphalt is increasingly being used in pavement construction. This study investigates the preparation and properties of a novel high-viscosity modified asphalt. Firstly, different contents of novel thermoplastic rubber (NTPR) were mixed with neat asphalt to prepare high-viscosity modified asphalt (HVA). Then, the basic physical properties containing penetration, a softening point, ductility, and viscosity were conducted. Moreover, the rheological properties of the HVA before and after aging were analyzed via a dynamic shear rheometer test and a bending beam rheometer test. Finally, the dispersity of the modifier in HVA was analyzed via fluorescence microscopy. The results show that adding the NTPR restricts the flow of asphalt to a certain extent and improves the high temperature performance of asphalt. Furthermore, the apparent viscosity of HVA with various contents increases less and is always less than 3 Pa·s. Although adding NTPR makes the asphalt brittle, the HVA can meet the requirements when the NTPR is from 6% to 11%. With the increase in the NTPR, the modifier forms a mesh structure in the asphalt, enhancing its stability. Considering the above results, HVA with 10~11% of NTPR is recommended because it has better comprehensive properties.
Integrated Lean-Green Practices and Supply Chain Sustainability for Manufacturing SMEs: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Kosasih Wilson , Pujawan I Nyoman , Karningsih Putu Dana
Published: August 2023

While it is understandable that lean and green practices are mostly sensible for large companies, it is also important to bring these practices to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as they are the dominant players in various industry sectors. SMEs are part of larger supply chains and contribute substantially to the economy, and thus perhaps there is a need for a workable model that attracts them to the lean and green practices. This study aims to find gaps in the lean-green research area that require development in future studies, especially for SMEs. This study uses an analysis of systematic literature reviews (SLR) and involves carefully selected articles from different databases or sources. This SLR was conducted in an effective and structured way using keywords entered into the search engine and found as many as 157 peer-reviewed journal articles, which were studied further using quantitative and qualitative approaches. The bibliometric analysis carried out made it possible to observe research trends on lean and green from 1996 to 2022. To find different research dimensions on lean and green topics, an in-depth evaluation was carried out on the linkage between lean, green, supply chain management, sustainability, and other management approaches. This study finds a lack of empirical research studies that comprehensively focus on investigating the impact of lean and green practices on the supply chain sustainability performance of manufacturing SMEs and involve all three aspects of the triple bottom line (3BL). Our review suggests such a robust and workable model for SMEs is not currently available. A limitation of our review is the use of keywords or “terms” to select articles, as well as the subjectivity of the researcher. Finally, we identify the research streams, criteria, findings, limitations, and enablers or challenges of 17 selected published journal papers on lean-green studies in SMEs and propose a number of research questions for future research directions.
From Hype to Reality: Unveiling the Promises, Challenges and Opportunities of Blockchain in Supply Chain Systems
Authors: Uddin Muen , Selvarajan Shitharth , Obaidat Muath , Arfeen Shams Ul , Khadidos Alaa O. , Khadidos Adil O. , Abdelhaq Maha
Published: August 2023

Blockchain is a groundbreaking technology widely adopted in industrial applications for improving supply chain management (SCM). The SCM and logistics communities have paid close attention to the development of blockchain technology. The primary purpose of employing a blockchain for SCM is to lower production costs while enhancing the system’s security. In recent years, blockchain-related SCM research has drawn much interest, and it is fair to state that this technology is now the most promising option for delivering reliable services/goods in supply chain networks. This study uses rigorous methods to review the technical implementation aspects of SCM systems driven by Blockchain. To ensure the security of industrial applications, we primarily concentrated on developing SCM solutions with blockchain capabilities. In this study, the unique qualities of blockchain technology have been exploited to analyze the main effects of leveraging it in the SCM. Several security metrics are utilized to validate and compare the blockchain methodologies’ effectiveness in SCM. The blockchain may alter the supply chain to make it more transparent and efficient by creating a useful tool for strategic planning and enhancing connections among the customers, suppliers, and accelerators. Moreover, the performance of traditional and blockchain-enabled SCM systems is compared in this study based on the parameters of efficiency, execution time, security level, and latency.
The Influence of Road Pavement Materials on Surface Texture and Friction
Authors: Kováč Matúš , Brna Matej , Pisca Peter , Jandačka Dušan , Decký Martin
Published: August 2023

This article’s primary goal was to analyze the effect of texture on skid resistance. Surface texture was recorded with a revolutionary device designed to create 3D surface scans, the Static Road Scanner. The skid resistance was represented by a pendulum test value. Measurements were made on three different groups of surfaces. Reference surfaces with known standard grain sizes represented the first group. The second group consisted of specimens made from a different type of aggregate. The last group of surfaces consisted of asphalt specimens made from different sizes and types of aggregates used in a mixture. The test results shed some more light on understanding texture’s effect on surface friction. Although some results were expected, not all of them were proven. For instance, a high level of texture doesn’t necessarily mean high friction. A relatively strong relationship was found between friction and microtexture on the reference surfaces with grain sizes up to 125 µm. However, the relationships between texture and skid resistance on the aggregate and asphalt specimens turned out to be shallow for the investigated samples. For this reason, it was recommended to expand the number of investigated surfaces in further research to ensure sufficiently different levels of texture.
The Effect of Green Spaces on User Satisfaction in Historical City of Nicosia
Authors: İnançoğlu Selda , Uzunahmet Havva Arslangazi , Özden Özge
Published: August 2023

Urban green spaces (UGS) are one of the most important issues regarding the sustainability of a city. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of UGS on the historical urban texture by measuring user satisfaction. The city of Nicosia was chosen as a case study due to its rich texture. This texture has remained in the center of the modern city over time. In line with the purpose of this study, firstly, the existence of UGS, as well as their functionality and contribution to the texture of Nicosia (Walled City), were determined by literature review, field work, and appropriate computer programs. Then, a survey method based on functional factors was applied in order to measure the satisfaction of the users with UGS, and the results were statistically evaluated and compared with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 26.0 software and the Pearson’s chi-squared test. As a result of the survey, it has been revealed that the existing green areas are insufficient for the people living in the old city of Nicosia. This research has shown that quality green areas that can be used for social activity or relaxation are not available in the old city of Nicosia. In addition, it has been determined that the existing green areas are not clean and safe, there are not enough shading plants, and the existing plants are very neglected. In this context, it is essential to make proper plans for future urban developments in order to have green areas of sufficient scale in the urban fabric.
Mapping of Evapotranspiration and Determination of the Water Footprint of a Potato Crop Grown in Hyper-Arid Regions in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Madugundu Rangaswamy , Al-Gaadi Khalid A. , Tola ElKamil , El-Hendawy Salah , Marey Samy A.
Published: August 2023

Seasonal quantification of a crop’s evapotranspiration (ET) and water footprint (WF) is essential for sustainable agriculture. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the ET and WF of an irrigated potato crop using satellite imagery of Landsat and Sentinel-2 sensors. The Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEB) algorithm was used to evaluate the crop water use (ETa) for potato fields belonging to the Saudi Agricultural Development Company, located in the Wadi-Ad-Dawasir region, Saudi Arabia. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), and land surface temperature (LSD) were computed for Landsat and Sentinel-2 datasets, which were used as inputs for mapping the potato tuber yield and, subsequently, the WF. The results indicated that the NDVI showed the best accuracy for the prediction of the potato tuber yield (R2 = 0.72, P > F = 0.021) followed by the SAVI (R2 = 0.64, P > F = 0.018), compared to the field harvested actual yield (YA). A comparison between the satellite-based ETa and the actual amount of water applied (WA) for irrigation showed a good correlation (R2 = 0.89, RMSE = 4.4%, MBE = 12.9%). The WF of the potatoes in the study area was estimated at values between 475 and 357 m3 t−1 for the early (September–December) and late (December–April) growing periods, respectively. A major portion (99.2%) of the WF was accounted for from irrigation with variations of 18.5% and 3.5% for early- and late-planted potatoes, respectively, compared to the baseline (crop planted in season). In conclusion, the results showed the possibility of satisfactorily estimating the WF using the SSEB algorithm by integrating the Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 datasets. In general, the high rates of ET in the early planting season led to higher WF values compared to the in-season and late planting dates; this will help in selecting suitable planting dates for potato crops in the study area and areas with similar environments, which enhances the opportunities for sustainable management of irrigation water.
Energy Management Systems for Smart Electric Railway Networks: A Methodological Review
Authors: Davoodi Mohsen , Jafari Kaleybar Hamed , Brenna Morris , Zaninelli Dario
Published: August 2023

Energy shortage is one of the major concerns in today’s world. As a consumer of electrical energy, the electric railway system (ERS), due to trains, stations, and commercial users, intakes an enormous amount of electricity. Increasing greenhouse gases (GHG) and CO2 emissions, in addition, have drawn the regard of world leaders as among the most dangerous threats at present; based on research in this field, the transportation sector contributes significantly to this pollution. Railway Energy Management Systems (REMS) are a modern green solution that not only tackle these problems but also, by implementing REMS, electricity can be sold to the grid market. Researchers have been trying to reduce the daily operational costs of smart railway stations, mitigating power quality issues, considering the traction uncertainties and stochastic behavior of Renewable Energy Resources (RERs) and Energy Storage Systems (ESSs), which has a significant impact on total operational cost. In this context, the first main objective of this article is to take a comprehensive review of the literature on REMS and examine closely all the works that have been carried out in this area, and also the REMS architecture and configurations are clarified as well. The secondary objective of this article is to analyze both traditional and modern methods utilized in REMS and conduct a thorough comparison of them. In order to provide a comprehensive analysis in this field, over 120 publications have been compiled, listed, and categorized. The study highlights the potential of leveraging RERs for cost reduction and sustainability. Evaluating factors including speed, simplicity, efficiency, accuracy, and ability to handle stochastic behavior and constraints, the strengths and limitations of each optimization method are elucidated.
Polymorphisms Related to Iron Homeostasis Associate with Liver Disease in Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Wróblewska Anna , Woziwodzka Anna , Rybicka Magda , Bielawski Krzysztof P. , Sikorska Katarzyna
Published: August 2023

Dysregulation of iron metabolism in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a significant risk factor for hepatic cirrhosis and cancer. We studied if known genetic variants related to iron homeostasis associate with liver disease progression in CHC. Retrospective analysis included 249 CHC patients qualified for antiviral therapy between 2004 and 2014. For all patients, nine SNPs within HFE, TFR2, HDAC2, HDAC3, HDAC5, TMPRSS6, and CYBRD1 genes were genotyped. Expression of selected iron–related genes, was determined with qRT-PCR in 124 liver biopsies, and mRNA expression of co-inhibitory receptors (PD-1, Tim3, CTLA4) was measured in 79 liver samples. CYBRD1 rs884409, HDAC5 rs368328, TFR2 rs7385804, and TMPRSS6 rs855791 associated with histopathological changes in liver tissue at baseline. The combination of minor allele in HDAC3 rs976552 and CYBRD1 rs884409 linked with higher prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during follow up (OR 8.1 CI 2.2–29.2; p = 0.001). Minor allele in HDAC3 rs976552 associated with lower hepatic expression of CTLA4. Tested polymorphisms related to iron homeostasis associate with histopathological changes in the liver. The presence of both HDAC3 rs976552 G and CYBRD1 rs884409 G alleles correlates with HCC occurrence, especially in the group of patients with elevated AST (>129 IU/L). rs976552 in HDAC3 could impact immunological processes associated with carcinogenesis in CHC.