bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pedestrian Safety in Road Traffic in the Era of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in the Example of Szczecin
Authors: Sosik-Filipiak Katarzyna , Ostrowski Piotr , Iwan Stanisław
Published: July 2023

Safety of road users is one of the priority tasks of state institutions and local government authorities. Compared to other EU member states, Poland is characterized by a low level of road safety. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than half of road fatalities affect vulnerable road users (VRU). Most interactions in the vehicle–VRU relationship occur in built-up areas. Limiting the public’s mobility related to the spread of the COVID-19 virus led to changes in road traffic, which was reflected in the level of safety of individual road users. As part of a clear emphasis on the issue of VRU protection, the aim of this article is to examine the level of pedestrian safety in urban space at the time of restrictions on the public’s mobility in Poland during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and after lifting the limitations, based on the example of Szczecin. The authors put forward two research hypotheses: (1) the level of road safety is influenced by the intensity and saturation of the transport network; (2) the intensity of road traffic determines the occurrence of a greater number of road accident consequences. This study analyses traffic accident data over three periods—2017–2018, 2019–2020, and 2021—to identify pedestrian safety trends. The research shows that the intensity of road traffic has a significant impact on the occurrence of road accidents. The reduced road traffic due to the movement restrictions has kept the severity of road accidents moderate. In the post-pandemic period and the gradual lifting of the mobility restrictions, the number of road accidents increased while their consequences decreased.
The Extent of Incorporating Health Education Requirements in Middle School Science Textbooks
Authors: Aldahmash Abdulwali H. , Almutairi Sarah A.
Published: July 2023

To ensure health sustainability for the next generation, an emphasis should be placed on health prevention and health education. Therefore, it is crucial to educate kids on how to keep themselves healthy in order to promote long-term progress. This study aimed to identify the extent of the inclusion of health education requirements in the content of science textbooks for the intermediate stage of schooling. To fulfill the goal of this study, a validated content-analysis card consisting of twenty-seven indicators categorized into seven requirement themes was used in the analysis of middle-school-level science textbook editions that were taught in the academic year 2022. The results revealed that all health education requirements were inadequately included in the science textbooks, in which the inclusion rate ranged between 5.0% and 1.3%, and the percentage of included health-related themes in the middle school science textbooks, in general, was 2.8%. These findings indicate the necessity for reforming science textbooks for middle school levels so that they include sufficient basic health education requirements to enable students to protect themselves from prevailing diseases across the globe.
Has Green Credit Improved Ecosystem Governance Performance? A Study Based on Panel Data from 31 Provinces in China
Authors: Zhou Yiting , Long Ruyin
Published: July 2023

Pollution prevention enhancement and ecological civilization construction serve as the keys to optimizing economic structure and promoting green sustainable development in China. Employing the balanced panel data of 31 provinces from 2011 to 2020, this study empirically examines the impacts of green credit on ecosystem governance performance. The results demonstrate that green credit can significantly contribute to the improvement of ecosystem governance performance in each province. Additionally, regional heterogeneity in the impacts of green credit on the performance of ecological environmental governance, which passed the significance test in economically developed and underdeveloped regions, eastern and non-eastern regions and resource-based and non-resource-based regions, respectively, was further confirmed. Hence, we suggest further improving the green credit policy system, continuously stimulating green financial innovation, releasing the right signals for green development and boosting the balanced development of green credit in all regions.
Insights on the Performance of Nickel Foam and Stainless Steel Foam Electrodes for Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Authors: Santos Ana L. , Cebola Maria João , Antunes Jorge , Santos Diogo M. F.
Published: July 2023

Green hydrogen production seems to be the best route to achieve a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, as hydrogen has the highest energy density on a mass basis and its combustion does not produce greenhouse gases. Water electrolysis is the method of choice for producing green hydrogen. Among commercially available water electrolysis systems, alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) is the most well-established technology, which, nevertheless, still needs to improve its efficiency. Since the electrodes’ performance is of utmost importance for electrolysis efficiency, nickel foam (NF) and stainless steel foam (SSF) electrodes were analyzed via voltammetry to validate their catalytic activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 30 wt.% NaOH electrolyte solution. Moreover, at a current density of 50 mA cm−2, the NF and the SSF exhibited good stability, with the potential for HER and OER stabilizing at −0.5 V and 1.6 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. A lab-scale electrolyzer attained current densities of 10, 20, and 50 mA cm−2 at small cell voltages of 1.70 V, 1.80 V, and 1.95 V. The results validated NF and SSF as electrodes for a high-performance AWE electrolyzer, especially at higher temperatures. They ensured the progress for the project’s next stage, i.e., constructing an electrolyzer at a pilot scale.
Optimal Operation of Sustainable Virtual Power Plant Considering the Amount of Emission in the Presence of Renewable Energy Sources and Demand Response
Authors: Darvishi Mostafa , Tahmasebi Mehrdad , Shokouhmand Ehsan , Pasupuleti Jagadeesh , Bokoro Pitshou , Raafat Jwan Satei
Published: July 2023

One of the significant environmental issues is global warming, and governments have changed their procedures to reduce carbon emissions. Sustainability is commonly described as having three dimensions: environmental, economic, and social. There are numerous environmental impacts associated with energy systems and the significance of energy for living standards and economic development. Therefore, the movement towards intelligent energy systems and virtual power plants (VPPs) is being pursued more rapidly due to economic and environmental issues. The VPP is one of the technologies used to increase the entire system’s efficiency. Moreover, because of environmental pollution, increased greenhouse gas production, and global warming, countries’ policies have changed towards reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) in distribution networks. However, RESs, such as wind turbines (WT) and photovoltaic (PV) panels, exhibit uncertain behavior. This issue, coupled with their high penetration, poses challenges for network operators in terms of managing the grid. Therefore, the sustainable virtual power plant (SVPP) is a suitable solution to overcome these problems and reduce the emissions in power systems. This study examines the cost of optimal operating of the SVPP and the amount of produced pollution in four different scenarios in the presence of a demand response program (DRP), energy storage system (ESS), etc., and the results are compared. The results indicate that the simultaneous implementation of DRPs and utilization of ESS can lead to a decrease in costs and pollution associated with SVPPs by 1.10% and 29.80%, respectively. Moreover, the operator can resolve the shortage and excess power generation that occurs during some hours.
Digitalization, Carbon Productivity and Technological Innovation in Manufacturing—Evidence from China
Authors: Li Gang , Lai Sen , Lu Mengyu , Li Yonghong
Published: July 2023

Manufacturing is one of the vital carbon emission sources in China; its carbon emission reduction and carbon productivity improvement are the keys to the successful realization of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”. This paper investigates the impact of regional manufacturing digitalization on carbon productivity based on a panel data set covering 30 provinces in China over time from 2013 to 2020. We applied the mixed Ordinary Least-Squares (OLS) regression effect model and instrumental variable method, using a mediation effect model, and identified that technological innovation is the potential transmission channel of manufacturing digitalization affecting carbon productivity. The empirical results show that: (1) Digitalization of manufacturing can effectively contribute to increased carbon productivity. (2) Technological innovation plays a partial intermediary role in the impact of carbon productivity through the digitalization of manufacturing, and there is still much room for improvement. (3) Promoting the digitalization of manufacturing will promote technological innovation, which is an important influencing factor for manufacturing enterprises to enhance technological innovation. This research provides theoretical support for achieving carbon productivity in manufacturing in the context of digital development.
Thermal Bridges Monitoring and Energy Optimization of Rural Residences in China’s Cold Regions
Authors: Guo Mingqian , Wu Yue , Miao Xinran
Published: July 2023

With the worldwide dissemination of the “green development” concept and the advancement of China’s new rural construction, the sustainable development of rural residences has gained significant attention within the construction industry. This article focuses on large-scale prefabricated insulation block houses used in China’s cold regions, specifically examining the case of Defa Village in Nenjiang City, Heilongjiang Province. By utilizing thermal imaging cameras, the thermal bridge parts of these houses are detected, and a finite element model is established to optimize the comprehensive heat transfer coefficient of these areas. This optimization is achieved by expanding the insulation layer and implementing low thermal bridge structures, ultimately enhancing the insulation and energy-saving efficiency of the houses. Simultaneously, an energy-saving analysis is conducted based on an optimized enclosure structure scheme, considering seven key design factors that influence building energy consumption: span, depth, clear height, and window-to-wall ratio in all four directions. Through a comprehensive experimental method, the building energy consumption is evaluated, and a scheme with optimal values is proposed. The results demonstrate that the insulation block walls and the main structures with expanded insulation layers and low thermal bridge structures are easier to construct. When compared to the original scheme, the comprehensive heat transfer coefficient of the walls is reduced by 54.82%, while that of the beams and columns is reduced by 97%. Implementing the optimal value scheme leads to a reduction of 66.83% in the building’s overall energy consumption. This research provides valuable guidance for the design and construction of large-scale insulated block rural residences, revealing the substantial potential of rural residences in terms of energy-saving and emission reduction.
Linking Making and Creating: The Role of Emotional and Cognitive Engagement in Maker Education
Authors: Shi Yafei , Cheng Qi , Wei Yantao , Liang Yunzhen
Published: July 2023

Learning through making enhances the learning experience and effectively develops learners’ creativity. In this regard, maker education has been extensively incorporated into school education as a vital learning environment. However, less is known about how making advances students’ creativity in maker education. Therefore, this study aimed to explore relationships among making, tinkering, and creating. A total of 372 middle school students enrolled in maker courses through the 2021–2022 school year were surveyed. They completed a questionnaire concerning learning engagement, individual creativity, collective creativity, and learning motivation. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the hypotheses proposed in this study. The results revealed significant relationships among learning engagement, individual creativity, and collective creativity. Specifically, behavioral engagement positively predicted emotional and cognitive engagement. Moreover, both emotional and cognitive engagement positively related to collective creativity, while only the effect of cognitive engagement on individual creativity was observed. The direct effects of behavioral engagement on individual and collective creativity were not significant. Furthermore, emotional and cognitive engagement mediated the association between behavioral engagement and collective creativity, while only cognitive engagement played a mediating role between behavioral engagement and individual creativity. In addition, the moderating analysis showed that learning motivation moderated the association between behavioral engagement and emotional engagement in school-maker education. Some implications for integrating maker education into school education and cultivating students’ creativity were discussed.
A Study of Safety Issues and Accidents in Secondary Education Construction Courses within the United States
Authors: Love Tyler S. , Roy Kenneth R.
Published: July 2023

Hands-on learning is paramount to teaching concepts about construction and the built environment; however, this poses some inherent safety risks. This study analyzed a subsample of 119 teachers from a national safety study, focusing on those who taught secondary-level construction courses. The current study aimed to examine the demographics of construction teachers, accident occurrences in construction courses compared to other secondary-level technology and engineering education (TEE) courses, and safety factors and items associated with accident occurrences in construction courses. The analyses revealed that a significantly higher number of minor accidents occurred in construction courses compared to other TEE courses during a five-year span. Additionally, 20 safety factors were found to be significantly associated with increases or decreases in accident occurrences. Most notably, increases in major accident occurrences increased with marginal significance when average class sizes (occupancy load) exceeded 20 students. Construction courses were also found to have significantly more accidents involving hand and power tools compared to other TEE courses. This research contributes to the limited literature on this topic and has implications for proactively limiting potential safety hazards and resulting risks. It also provides data to inform the safety efforts of post-secondary construction programs and the construction industry.
Hydrochemical and Isotopic Explanations of the Interaction between Surface Water and Groundwater in a Typical-Desertified Steppe of Northern China
Authors: Jin Jing , Liu Tiejun , Wang Mingxin , Liao Zilong , Zhang Jing
Published: July 2023

The Tabu catchment, a typical-desertified steppe in China, was selected as the study area to qualitatively analyze the interaction between surface water (SW) and groundwater (GW), and an integration of hydrochemical analysis and isotopic techniques was applied. The results show that the ion contents in SW and GW increased from upstream to downstream, and the hydrochemical evolutions were both controlled by rock weathering and influenced by evaporation. The δD–δ18O lines of SW and GW were δD = 5.14δ18O − 24.68 and δD = 6.89δ18O − 5.81, respectively. Along the I–I′ profile, the contents of most indices, δD and δ18O in SW and GW both showed increasing tendencies. All of the similarities in the hydrochemical characteristics and isotopic techniques indicated that SW was recharged by GW. The δD–δ18O inconsistency in SW and GW samples from midstream and downstream areas indicated that SW did not recharge to GW in these areas and was consumed by evaporation or replenished the moisture in the vadose zones. The runoff decreased, which was mainly caused by excessive exploitation of GW and a decline in the GW level. This study deepens the understanding of the hydrological cycle and provides guidance for the optimal combined utilization of SW and GW.
Urban and Peri-Urban Vegetation Monitoring Using Satellite MODIS NDVI Time Series, Singular Spectrum Analysis, and Fisher–Shannon Statistical Method
Authors: Telesca Luciano , Lovallo Michele , Cardettini Gianfranco , Aromando Angelo , Abate Nicodemo , Proto Monica , Loperte Antonio , Masini Nicola , Lasaponara Rosa
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the potential of Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) and the Fisher–Shannon method to analyse NDVI MODIS time series and to capture and estimate inner vegetation anomalies in forest covers. In particular, the Fisher–Shannon method allows to calculate two quantities, the Fisher Information Measure (FIM) and the Shannon entropy power (SEP), which are used to characterise the complexity of a time series in terms of organisation/disorder. Pilot sites located both in urban (Milano, Torino, and Roma) and peri-urban areas (Appia Park, Castel Porziano, and Castel Volturno) were selected. Among the six sites, Roma, Castel Porziano, and Castel Volturno are affected by the parasite Toumeyella parvicornis. The time series was analysed using the products available in Google Earth Engine. To explore and characterise long-term vegetation dynamics, the time series was analysed using a multistep processing chain based on the (i) normalisation of the satellite time series, (ii) removal of seasonality and any other periodical cycles using SSA, (iii) analysis of the de-trended data using the Fisher–Shannon statistical method, and (iv) validation through comparison with independent data and ancillary information. Our findings point out to a clear discrimination between healthy and unhealthy sites, being the first (Milano, Torino, Appia) characterised by a larger FIM (lower SEP) and the second (Roma, Castel Porziano, Castel Volturno) by a lower FIM (larger SEP). The results of the investigations showed that the use of the SSA and Fisher–Shannon statistical methods coupled with the NDVI time series of the MODIS satellite made it possible to effectively identify and characterise subtle but physically significant signals veiled by seasonality and annual cycles.
Assessing Impacts of Mining-Induced Land Use Changes on Groundwater and Surface Water Quality Using Isotopic and Hydrogeochemical Signatures
Authors: Kausher Rukaiya , Singh Rambabu , Sinha Anand Kumar , Sethy Satya Narayan , Kumar Sudhir , Pandey Shatrudhan , Ragab Adham E. , Mohamed Ahmed
Published: July 2023

The current investigation aimed to assess the impact of land use changes on groundwater quality because of the extensive mining activities in the coal mining province of the Mahan River catchment area, which is located in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, India. The water quality index (WQI), Collin’s ratio, stable isotope ratios of water molecules (δ18O and δD), and various physicochemical parameters were measured to determine the suitability of water for domestic purposes. Water samples collected from dug wells, tube wells, river water, and mine water were analyzed, and the results revealed that 28% of the samples were classified as excellent and 44%were classified as good during the pre-monsoon period. In the post-monsoon period, 50% of the samples were categorized as good, while 35% were classified as poor, whereas in mining areas, 54% of samples were found to be unsuitable during the pre-monsoon period, and this increased to 77% in the post-monsoon period. Stable isotope analysis was also conducted: samples were plotted to the right of the Local Meteoric Water Line (LMWL) in the isotope bivariate plot, and the observed slopes for all samples were smaller than that of the LMWL. The enrichment of the δ18O ratio and negative d-excess values at certain locations suggest the occurrence of non-equilibrium processes and mixing mechanisms.
Towards an Inclusive Disaster Education: The State of Online Disaster Education from the Learner’s Perspective
Authors: Senanayake Anuradha C. , Samarakkody Aravindi , Malalgoda Chamindi , Amaratunga Dilanthi , Haigh Richard , Liyanage Champika , Hamza Mo , Kaklauskas Artūras , Shaw Rajib
Published: July 2023

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) education endorses educational initiatives that advocate for reducing existing disaster risks. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the social order around the world, including the education sector. The rise of the pandemic paved the way to significantly convert the education sector towards online/distant learning via digital platforms. Online distance learning was a challenging emergency shift for many who had to change their teaching and learning strategies. This study is an investigation of the significant challenges associated with online learning in DRR education. The objectives of the study were to consider the online learning strategies used in formal DRR education at the tertiary level and to identify the associated challenges faced by the learners. This study presents the findings of an online survey conducted as part of a research collaboration titled INCLUsive Disaster Education (INCLUDE). INCLUDE is a collaborative research project co-funded by the EU Erasmus+ program aimed to reimagine online distance learning education. The survey was conducted in the country contexts of the research partners, which include Lithuania, Japan, Sweden, and the UK, with DRR learners who are engaged in online learning. The findings suggest that Learning Management Systems, synchronous learning, and flipped classrooms are the dominant learning strategies that engage learners. The findings further suggest that challenges in online DRR education lie in inadequate ICT infrastructure and digital literacy, health-related disturbances, and professional and personal commitments that lead into learning discontinuity. Hence, the study concludes that in order to enhance the inclusivity of online DRR education, the overall social and vulnerability contexts of the learners should be considered.
Reviewing the Usability of Web Authentication Procedures: Comparing the Current Procedures of 20 Websites
Authors: Albesher Abdulmohsen Saud
Published: July 2023

A sustainable online environment is essential to protecting businesses from abuse and data breaches. To protect sustainability, websites’ authentication procedures should continuously keep up with new technologies and the ways in which these technologies are used. Thus, a continuous assessment of these authentication procedures is required to ensure their usability. This research aimed to compare the status of the sign-up, sign-in, and password recovery processes on 20 websites. The researcher checked every website in a separate session and used the “think-aloud” technique while recording the screen to ensure accurate data analysis. Specific items were checked during every session to detect the similarities and differences between the tested websites in their authentication processes. The results led to valuable discussions and recommendations for improving authentication procedures. Some of these recommendations include best practices for better design of password rules, determining when two-factor authentication should be compulsory, and understanding how to improve password reset processes and keep accounts secure.
Certain New Applications of Faber Polynomial Expansion for a New Class of bi-Univalent Functions Associated with Symmetric q-Calculus
Authors: Swarup Chetan
Published: July 2023

In this study, we applied the ideas of subordination and the symmetric q-difference operator and then defined the novel class of bi-univalent functions of complex order γ. We used the Faber polynomial expansion method to determine the upper bounds for the functions belonging to the newly defined class of complex order γ. For the functions in the newly specified class, we further obtained coefficient bounds ρ2 and the Fekete–Szegő problem ρ3−ρ22, both of which have been restricted by gap series. We demonstrate many applications of the symmetric Sălăgean q-differential operator using the Faber polynomial expansion technique. The findings in this paper generalize those from previous studies.
In Vitro Mutagenic and Genotoxic Assessment of Anatoxin-a Alone and in Combination with Cylindrospermopsin
Authors: Plata-Calzado Cristina , Diez-Quijada Leticia , Medrano-Padial Concepción , Prieto Ana I. , Cameán Ana M. , Jos Angeles
Published: July 2023

Anatoxin-a (ATX-a) is a cyanobacterial toxin whose occurrence has been reported worldwide and has attracted increasing scientific interest due to its toxicity. Moreover, in nature, ATX-a usually appears together with other cyanotoxins, such as cylindrospermopsin (CYN), so possible interaction phenomena could happen and should be considered for risk assessment purposes. For this reason, the aim of this work was to explore the potential mutagenicity and genotoxicity of pure ATX-a and an ATX-a/CYN mixture using a battery of in vitro assays, including the bacterial reverse-mutation assay in Salmonella typhimurium (OECD 471) and the micronucleus test (MN) (OECD 487) on L5178Y Tk+/− cells. The results showed that ATX-a was not mutagenic either alone or in combination with CYN under the conditions tested. Nevertheless, genotoxic effects were observed for both ATX-a and its mixture with CYN following the in vitro MN assay. The genotoxicity exhibited by ATX-a was only observed in the absence of S9 mix, whereas in the cyanotoxin mixture the concentration-dependent genotoxicity of ATX-a/CYN in vitro was observed only in the presence of S9. Thus, the toxicity induced by cyanotoxin mixtures may vary from that produced by toxins alone, and consequently more studies are necessary in order to perform more realistic risk assessments.
Evolution and Reassortment of H6 Subtype Avian Influenza Viruses
Authors: Lin Mingqin , Yao Qiu-Cheng , Liu Jing , Huo Miaotong , Zhou Yan , Chen Minyi , Li Yuanguo , Gao Yuwei , Ge Ye
Published: July 2023

The H6 subtype of avian influenza virus (H6 AIV) is the most detected AIV subtype in poultry and wild birds. It causes economic losses to the poultry industry, and the most important, H6 AIV may have the ability to infect mammals, which is a great threat to public health security. In addition, the H6 subtype can serve as a precursor to providing internal genes for other highly pathogenic AIVs, posing a potential threat. H6 AIV currently face to the high positive detection rate and harmless nature of H6 AIV and because not highly effective H6 subtype vaccine available on the market. In this study, we focused on the prevalence of H6 AIV in poultry and wild birds, phylogenetic analysis, genetic variation characteristics, selection analysis, and prevention and control to provide relevant references for the scientific prevention and control of H6 AIV in future.
Evaluation of Multi-Compartment Particle Dampers for the Attenuation of Dynamic Vibrations
Authors: Papalou Angeliki
Published: July 2023

An experimental study was performed examining the effectiveness of a multi-compartment damper in attenuating the response of structures under random and earthquake excitations. The damper consisted of four compartments of unequal size; it was mounted on a small one-story steel structure. The same number of steel spherical particles were placed inside each compartment, resulting in filling area ratios (the total area of the squares around the projected particles divided by the area of the compartment) from 40% to 70%. The damper was effective in reducing the response displacement and acceleration of the structure considerably. The use of different filling area ratios enabled the damper to be effective for a wide range of excitation levels.
Future Bioclimatic Change of Agricultural and Natural Areas in Central Europe: An Ultra-High Resolution Analysis of the De Martonne Index
Authors: Charalampopoulos Ioannis , Droulia Fotoula , Kokkoris Ioannis P. , Dimopoulos Panayotis
Published: July 2023

Bioclimate alteration unquestionably poses a current but also a potential future threat to natural and agricultural ecosystems and their services. In this scope, the present and future bioclimatic footprint of the Central European territory is investigated and presented. For the first time, an ultrahigh spatial resolution (<250 m) of the de Martonne index is analyzed over the entire area, as well as for individual countries (Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia). The research is performed for the reference period (1981–2010) and for three time series (2011–2040; 2041–2070; 2071–2100) under two emissions scenarios (SSP370 and SSP585) for the determination of the potential short-term and distant future bioclimatic change trends. Projection results reveal higher xerothermic trends over the lowland agricultural areas mostly in 2071–2100 and under the extreme SSP585, with the classes’ spatial distributions going from 0.0% to 2.3% for the semi-dry class and from 0.0% to 30.1% for the presiding Mediterranean class. Additionally, more than half of the territory’s agricultural surface area (53.4%) is foreseen to be depending on supplementary irrigation by 2100. Overall, more intense dry thermal conditions are expected to impact the agricultural areas of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary with the latter emerging as particularly vulnerable.
Risk of Degradation and Coastal Flooding Hazard on Geoheritage in Protected Areas of the Semi-arid Coast of Brazil
Authors: Rabelo Thiara Oliveira , Diniz Marco Túlio Mendonça , de Araújo Isa Gabriela Delgado , de Oliveira Terto Maria Luiza , Queiroz Larissa Silva , Araújo Paulo Victor do Nascimento , Pereira Paulo
Published: July 2023

Geoconservation should be incorporated in the discussions regarding climate change impacts on geoheritage degradation, especially in coastal areas that are directly affected by extreme climate events. The geoheritage degradation risk in protected areas of the Brazilian semi-arid coast was assessed using a quantitative method. A correlation with the tidal flooding hazard predicted with the climate change scenario was also considered for the study areas. The results show that most of the geosites assessed present a high risk of degradation due, mainly, to their exposure to negligence and inadequate public management regarding their uses. All geosites located in the plain areas are exposed to the risk of flooding by rising tides, which is associated with human action and leads to worrying scenarios regarding the loss of scientific and aesthetic values. The collected data support the need to rethink geoheritage management in protected areas and the mitigation of problems that may become major threats in conjunction with global climate change.
Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality and Treatment from Coolers in Public Places in Madinah City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Emad Mohammed , Benghanem Mohamed , Abolibda Tariq Z.
Published: July 2023

The aim of this work is to prevent the public drinking from water coolers, by using an auto-detection process, if the quality of water is low. Therefore, the proposed water treatment management system for allows the activation of dispensers to provide the best-quality water coolers. The objective is to investigate the quality of the drinking water from coolers in public places in Madinah and to provide clean, safe, and healthy drinking water for the general public. The methodology consisted of performing different analyses, tests, and water treatments, such as physicochemical analyses of the water samples, measurements of the different concentrations of anions, measurements of the concentrations of heavy metals, and bacteriological tests of the water samples. Therefore, 66 water samples were tested, and the experimental values were compared with the reference values given by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) for drinking water. The tests revealed that the physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, and TH) of different water sources (95.5%) were in accordance with the SASO and WHO values. In addition, all the analyzed water samples (100%) contained permissible levels of nitrates, sulfates, nitrites, and free residual chlorine, as indicated by the results. However, 68.2% of the samples studied had fluoride concentrations below the standard limits. Furthermore, heavy metals such as lead, iron, and others were tested for all water coolers. The measured findings indicated that just one cooler exceeded the permissible limit of 0.3 mg/L for Fe, and the biological contamination testing revealed that 4.5% of the coolers were infected with coliforms. Finally, this research suggests that water coolers should be regularly maintained. Additionally, using the best design for the water desalination process is very important to give the best drinking water quality.
The Mechanisms Controlling the CO2 Outgassing of a Karst Spring–River–Lake Continuum: Evidence from Baotuquan Spring Drainage Area, Jinan City, Northern China
Authors: Liu Wen , Zhang Tao , Liu Haoran , Ma Pengfei , Teng Yue , Guan Qin , Yu Lingqin , Liu Chunwei , Li Yiping , Li Chuanlei , Li Changsuo , Pu Junbing
Published: July 2023

The significance of CO2 emissions at the water–air interface from inland water bodies in the global carbon cycle has been recognized and is being studied more and more. Although it is important to accurately assess CO2 emission flux in a catchment, little research has been carried out to investigate the spatio-temporal variations in CO2 emissions in view of a water continuum. Here, we systematically compared the differences and control factors of CO2 degassing across the water–air interface of a spring–river–lake continuum in the discharge area of Baotuquan Spring in July 2017, which is a typical temperate karst spring area in Jinan city, northern China, using hydrogeochemical parameters, stable carbon isotope values, and CO2 degassing flux. Affected by the pCO2 concentration gradient between the water and ambient air, the spring water showed a high CO2 degassing flux (166.19 ± 91.91 mmol/(m2 d)). After the spring outlet, the CO2 degassing flux in the spring-fed river showed a slight increase (181.05 ± 155.61 mmol/(m2 d)) due to river flow rate disturbance. The river flow rate was significantly reduced by the “blockage” of the lake, which promoted the survival and reproduction of phytoplankton and provided favorable conditions for aquatic plant photosynthesis, increasing the plankton biomass in the lake to 3383.79 × 104/L. In addition, the significant decrease in the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration and the increase in the δ13CDIC values in the lake also indicated that the photosynthesis of the lake’s aquatic plants resulted in a significant decrease in the pCO2 concentration, thus limiting the amount of CO2 off-gassing (90.56 ± 55.03 mmol/(m2 d)).
Exploring the Viability of Utilizing Treated Wastewater as a Sustainable Water Resource for Green Hydrogen Generation Using Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs)
Authors: Maddaloni Marina , Marchionni Matteo , Abbá Alessandro , Mascia Michele , Tola Vittorio , Carpanese Maria Paola , Bertanza Giorgio , Artioli Nancy
Published: July 2023

In response to the European Union’s initiative toward achieving carbon neutrality, the utilization of water electrolysis for hydrogen production has emerged as a promising avenue for decarbonizing current energy systems. Among the various approaches, Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) presents an attractive solution, especially due to its potential to utilize impure water sources. This study focuses on modeling a SOEC supplied with four distinct streams of treated municipal wastewaters, using the Aspen Plus software. Through the simulation analysis, it was determined that two of the wastewater streams could be effectively evaporated and treated within the cell, without generating waste liquids containing excessive pollutant concentrations. Specifically, by evaporating 27% of the first current and 10% of the second, it was estimated that 26.2 kg/m3 and 9.7 kg/m3 of green hydrogen could be produced, respectively. Considering the EU’s target for Italy is to have 5 GW of installed power capacity by 2030 and the mass flowrate of the analyzed wastewater streams, this hydrogen production could meet anywhere from 0.4% to 20% of Italy’s projected electricity demand.
Analysis and Exploration of the Impact of Average Sea Level Change on Navigational Safety in Ports
Authors: Chang Tsai-Hsin , Wang Hsing-Yu
Published: July 2023

The primary clientele of a harbor is vessels, and vessels are primarily influenced by external forces such as wind (on the water surface), currents (underwater), and waves (affecting vessel stability). Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively consider safety factors such as marine environmental forces and port characteristics. As ship sailing falls under applied science, acquiring marine meteorological information regarding ship routes can enhance port navigational safety. However, in the face of changes in the environmental conditions of harbor waters, it is essential to fully consider the impact of the external environment on ship maneuvering. One can effectively navigate complex operating environments by devising reasonable ship-handling plans. In the context of sea level rise caused by extreme climatic events, long-term variations, trends, and random factors are at play. Previous assessments of sea level rise have often relied on linear regression and the least squares method to determine coefficients. However, these methods fail to accurately capture the actual trend of sea level rise. Additionally, traditional harmonic analysis methods are unable to analyze sea level rise as well. Therefore, in this study, the techniques of simple moving average (SMA), empirical mode decomposition (EMD), and ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) were applied to analyze sea level rise. The obtained results of sea level rise under different analysis conditions were integrated with a hydrodynamic model that incorporates both wave and tidal characteristics to calculate the overall coastal dynamics parameters, which are crucial for ship navigation. The research findings contribute to the study of ship navigational safety issues by examining the distribution characteristics of port meteorology under climate change conditions. They offer valuable insights for mariners to assess navigational safety and devise maneuvering strategies based on the actual water flow conditions. Furthermore, the findings help identify and address potential risks and issues, ultimately ensuring the safety of navigation.
Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water Samples Using Deep Eutectic Solvent as a Dispersant in Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Based on the Solidification of Floating Organic Droplet
Authors: Peng Chunlong , Hu Jinfeng , Li Xin
Published: July 2023

A novel dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method based on the solidification of a floating organic droplet was proposed to pre-concentrate 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from water samples prior to their determination using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, in which the effect of hydrophilic deep eutectic solvent (DES) used as a dispersant was investigated. The main extraction parameters were optimized, and the procedure was validated. DES2 synthesized using choline chloride with acetic acid at a molar ratio of 1:2 was selected as the dispersant. Under the optimum extraction conditions, 12 mL of the water sample was injected into the mixed solvent containing 60 μL of 1-dodecanol (extractant) and 316 μL of DES2, ultrasound-mixed for 4 min, and then centrifuged for 5 min to separate the phases. The proposed method showed good linearity in the range of 0.02–5.0 μg/L; the limits of detection were 3.5–14.1 ng/L, the limits of quantification were 11.8–46.9 ng/L, the relative standard deviations were below 6.1%, and the enrichment factors ranged from 142 to 175 for the 16 PAHs. Finally, the proposed method was successfully employed to determine PAHs in real water samples.
Optimal Determination and Dynamic Control Analysis of the Graded and Staged Drought Limit Water Level of Typical Plateau Lakes
Authors: Ge Qiang , Gu Shixiang , Wang Liying , Chen Gang , Chen Jinming
Published: July 2023

The technical research on determining the drought limit water level can be used as an important basis for starting the emergency response of drought resistance in the basin and guiding the drought resistance scheduling of water conservancy projects. When the concept of drought limit water level was first proposed, the main research object was reservoirs, and the method for determining the lake drought limit water level was not established. Referring to the calculation method of reservoir drought limit water level, the drought limit water level is used as a single warning indicator throughout the year, which lacks graded and staged standards, and also lacks rationality and effectiveness in practical application. Therefore, this article has improved the concept of lake drought limit water level (flow). Under different degrees of drought and water use patterns during the drought period, combined with the characteristics of lake water inflow, considering the factors such as ecology, water supply, and demand, lake inflow, evapotranspiration loss, a graded and staged standard of lake drought limit water level has been developed. For different types of lakes, a general method for determining the lake’s graded and staged drought limit water level has been established. The SCSSA-Elman neural network is used to construct the medium and long-term water inflow prediction model for lakes, and the calculation results of this model are used for the warning and dynamic control analysis of the lake drought limit water level. The application of this method has the characteristics of strong applicability and high reliability. Finally, the determination method and dynamic control method of the lake’s graded and staged drought limit water level have been successfully applied at Dianchi Lake in Yunnan.
Nutritional value of Urtica dioica and its use for food purposes
Authors:   Military Academy of Air and Space Defense named after Marshal of the Soviet Union G.K. Zhukov, Rodionova A.E.
Published: July 2023

The article discusses the use of the ruderal species of stinging nettle. Its nutritional value, active substances, and recipes for dishes from this plant are provided. This allows considering nettle from the perspective of a functional additive in culinary recipes.
Features of temperature and humidity mapping of long-term storage warehouses
Authors:   Research Institute for Problems of Storage of the Federal Reserve, Looze V.V. , Zaripov I.S. ,   OOO “Engineering Technologies”, Kostromina Т.G. ,   Research Institute for Problems of Storage of the Federal Reserve
Published: July 2023

The article analyzes the requirements for temperature and humidity conditions for long-term storage of certain types of products. The requirements for control systems are considered. The main aspects of temperature and humidity mapping of storage facilities are outlined.
Features of production control over compliance with sanitary rules and the implementation of sanitary and anti-epidemic (preventive) measures in the field of production and processing of food raw materials of animal origin
Authors:   Honored Lawyer of the Republic of Crimea, Levikov A.V.
Published: July 2023

The author presents an analysis of regulatory documentation in the field of ensuring production control over compliance with sanitary rules at an industrial enterprise. The conclusion is made about the need to improve production control programs taking into account changes in legislation.
The main changes in the public procurement system under 44-FZ
Authors:   Rostest Ural CA, Kurbatova E.D.
Published: July 2023

The article discusses the main changes in the system of public procurement under 44-FZ, which came into force at the end of 2022 and in the current 2023.
Actions to consolidate the personnel of the agro-industrial complex in the digital economy
Authors:   All-Russian Research Institute of Organization of Production, Labor and Management in Agriculture – branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientifi c Institution “Federal Research Center for Agrarian Economics and Social Development of Rural Territories – All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Economics”, Russia, Moscow, Dulzon S. V. , Kostomakhin M. N. ,   Federal State Budgetary Scientifi c Institution “Federal Scientific Agro-Engineering Center VIM”, Russia, Moscow
Published: July 2023

Digital technologies are not only the technological basis for the modernization of agricultural production, but also the basis for continuous self-improvement and expansion of knowledge of employees. The transition to the digital economy requires the majority of economic entities related to the agricultural sector to use modern technologies and equipment in their production. In this regard, a constant increase in the qualifi cations of workers in the agricultural sector is required. Therefore it is necessary to establish a system of continuous training throughout the entire working life. The purpose of the work was to study and analyze a number of actions to consolidate the personnel of the agro–industrial complex in the digital economy. The article considers the problem of securing agricultural personnel under the conditions of digital transformation of the rural economy. The main reasons why specialists do not want to find a job in rural areas are: low wages and unsatisfactory working conditions, lack of comfortable housing, insufficiently developed social infrastructure, etc. During research it has been established that the main measures for securing personnel in agriculture are currently becoming economic, in particular material and moral incentives. In turn of this it makes necessary to create a unifi ed monitoring and prediction system based on taking into account the needs of the economy for employees of a certain professional qualification composition, indicating the required level of training for each profession. The analysis of regional programs and measures for securing specialists, which are currently off ered in scientifi c publications, allowed us to conclude that ensuring the infl ux of specialists and young personnel into agriculture is possible by establishing conditions of rural life, improving on a systematic integrated basis the program of their targeted training in agricultural universities, motivating modern youth to work in rural areas due to the current the lack of prestige of agricultural professions and the status of rural lifestyle in general, etc.
APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PROCESS OF TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT OF OIL REFINING PRODUCTS
Authors:   Saratov State Technical University, Anton Sergeevich Terentyev , Sergey Alexandrovich Gusev ,   Saratov State Technical University, Inna Andreevna Guseva ,   Saratov State Technical University
Published: July 2023

The article discusses methodological approaches to the organization of processes for managing the transportation of petroleum products using existing logistics technologies in optimizing functioning flows. The peculiarities of transport operation in the studied systems during the transportation of dangerous goods are revealed. The issues of the application of specialized infor-mation systems in the management of the transport of enterprises of the oil refining industry are in-vestigated. The mechanisms for implementing information interaction in the process of managing the transportation of refined products based on ER-diagrams are proposed for the development of a project for automating the logistics accounting of the supply chain for an oil refinery.