bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Effect of Innovation-Driven Policies on Industrial Pollution Reduction: Evidence from 276 Cities in China
Authors: Shi Qingwei , Hu Yupeng , Yan Tiecheng
Published: June 2023

The societal effects of industrial pollution have spurred heated debates, but more research into the influence and internal mechanism of innovative pilot city policies (IPCPs) on industrial emissions is needed. Using panel data from 276 Chinese cities between 2004 and 2018, the study employs a multi-period difference-in-differences model to explore the effects and mechanisms of pilot policies on industrial SO2 emissions, with a specific focus on how they can be mitigated by innovative techniques. The results indicate that (1) the Chinese innovative pilot city policies (CIPCPs) significantly reduced emissions in urban areas; (2) the concentration of talent, innovation policy, venture capital, and technology plays a pivotal role; and (3) the SO2 reduction effects are more pronounced in larger cities, such as super-large, mega-, and first-tier cities in the southeast, and in cities with a high market potential. This study provides empirical evidence to support the promotion of sustainable economic and social development, the resolution of environmental pollution problems, and the enhancement of public health.
A Novel MPPT-Based Lithium-Ion Battery Solar Charger for Operation under Fluctuating Irradiance Conditions
Authors: Osmani Khaled , Haddad Ahmad , Alkhedher Mohammad , Lemenand Thierry , Castanier Bruno , Ramadan Mohamad
Published: June 2023

Fluctuant irradiance conditions constitute a challenge in front of a proper battery charging process, when originated from a PhotoVoltaic Array (PVA). The behavior of the PVA under such conditions (i.e., reflected by a disturbed PV characteristic curve) increases the complexity of the total available power’s extraction process. This inconvenient fact yields eventually to a decreased overall efficiency of PV systems, especially with the presence of imprecise power-electronics involved circuits. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to design a complete battery solar charger, with Maximum Power Point Tracking ability, emerged from a PVA of 1.918 kWp, arranged in Series-Parallel topology. The targeted battery is of Lithium-Ion (Li-I) type, with 24 VDC operating voltage and 150 Ah rated current. The design began by configuring an interleaved synchronous DC-DC converter to produce a desired voltage level, with low inductor ripple current and low output ripple voltage. The DC-DC converter is in turns condemned by a modified Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm, to ensure efficient maximum power tracking. Progressively, the design encountered a layout of the bi-directional DC-DC converter to ensure safe current charging values for the battery. Under the same manner, the role of the bi-directional converter was to plug the battery out of the system, in case when the Depth of Discharge (DoD) is below 25%, thus sustaining the life span of the battery. The entire setup of the proposed sub-systems then leads to the relatively fastest, safest, and most reliable battery charging process. Results show an effectiveness (in terms of PV power tracking) ranging from 87% to 100% under four swiftly changing irradiance conditions. Moreover, this paper suggested the design’s future industrialization process, leading to an effective PV solar charger prototype.
The Driving Factors of Green Technology Innovation Efficiency—A Study Based on the Dynamic QCA Method
Authors: Fan Xiaonan , Ren Sainan , Liu Yang
Published: June 2023

The problems of environmental pollution and resource shortages are becoming increasingly prominent with the advances in technology and the improvements in social productivity levels. How to coordinate the innovating subjects, and strengthen the interaction and cooperation among the subjects to improve the green technology innovation efficiency (GTI efficiency) is an important issue to be solved urgently. This paper constructs a multisubject collaborative analysis framework of “government–market–society” for the GTI efficiency based on the pluralistic co-governance theory. Using 30 provinces (or regions, cities) in China from 2016 to 2020 as research samples, we analyzed the driving factors of GTI efficiency using the dynamic QCA method. Furthermore, the configuration effects of the driving factors were further analyzed in the time and spatial dimensions. The results show that: (1) The single driving factor does not constitute the requisite condition for high GTI efficiency. (2) There are three types of paths to realize high GTI efficiency: “government–market driven”, “market–society driven”, and “government–market–society synergistic promotion”. Among them, the “government–market-driven” path is subdivided into “government—internal-market driven” and “government-supported–external-market driven”. (3) In the time dimension, the “market–society driven” path has prominently enhanced its driving effect on GTI efficiency, while the driving effect of the other three paths is little changed. In the spatial dimension, the coverage of the “government-supported–external-market driven” path appears to have obvious regional differences, and the explanation degree of the central region is higher, while the other three paths do not have obvious regional differences. Based on the perspective of configuration, these research results enrich the related research on the driving factors of GTI efficiency in the time and spatial dimension. It provides enlightenment for boosting the coordinated development of regional GTI efficiency and realizing sustainable economic growth.
A Novel Fractional-Order Active Disturbance Rejection Load Frequency Control Based on An Improved Marine Predator Algorithm
Authors: He Weichao , Zheng Yuemin , Tao Jin , Zhou Yujuan , Wen Jiayan , Sun Qinglin
Published: June 2023

Load frequency control (LFC) serves as a crucial component of automatic generation control in renewable energy power systems. Its primary objective is to maintain a balance between the output power of generators and the load demand, thereby ensuring system frequency stability. However, integrating renewable energy sources into power systems brings forth several challenges, such as low power quality and poor system stability due to their uncontrollable nature. To enhance the response speed, stability, and disturbance rejection capabilities of LFC, a novel fractional-order active disturbance rejection controller (NFOADRC) based on an improved marine predator algorithm (IMPA) has been designed in this paper. By leveraging the wide frequency-response range and non-local memory of NFOADRC, a more precise prediction and compensation of rapid oscillations in the system can be achieved. Additionally, the IMPA can be utilized for efficient parameter tuning, enabling a more accurate adjustment of the controller. Subsequently, the combined application of these approaches can be applied to two-area interconnected power systems with a solar thermal power plant (STPP) and a five-area interconnected power system including a wind turbine generator (WTG), photovoltaic (PV) cells, hydro turbine, and gas turbine. The simulation results confirm that the proposed control strategy effectively minimizes the undershoot and overshoot of frequency deviation in the power system. It achieves a faster stabilization of the load frequency, leading to enhanced power quality.
The Impact of COVID-19-Induced Responsibilities on Women’s Employment in Arab Countries
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Suzan , Abonazel Mohamed R. , Awwad Fuad A. , Kibria B. M. Golam
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has created massive challenges for women’s employment. Women’s responsibilities were exacerbated by the closure of schools and child daycare facilities. Investigating the determinants of job losses among women is critical to avoiding dropouts and supporting re-entry into the labor market. This study investigates the factors driving women’s workforce losses during the pandemic in five Arab countries (Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, and Sudan). The current study focuses mainly on how COVID-19-induced responsibilities affected women’s employment during the pandemic. The study depends on the COVID-19 MENA Monitor Household Survey produced by the Economic Research Forum. The factor analysis of mixed data is used to construct the women’s responsibilities index that is made up of 18 variables. The mixed-effect logistic model is used to consider changes in working arrangements across economic activities. The results indicate that women with high family caregiving responsibilities were more likely to lose their jobs. Women working in the government sector and with health insurance were protected from job losses. Telecommuting played a significant role in helping women maintain their jobs. Work arrangements should be improved to consider increased unpaid domestic work. Family-friendly policies must be activated, and childcare leave must be facilitated and funded. The private sector should also be urged to improve workplace flexibility.
Application and Research of Liuxihe Model in the Simulation of Inflow Flood at Zaoshi Reservoir
Authors: Zhu Yanzheng , Chen Yangbo , Zhao Yanjun , Zhou Feng , Xu Shichao
Published: June 2023

Floods occur frequently in China, and watershed floods are caused mainly by intensive rainfall, but the spatial distribution of this rainfall is often very uneven. Thus, a watershed hydrological model that enables a consideration of a heterogeneous spatial distribution of rainfall is needed. In this study, a flood forecasting scheme based on the Liuxihe model is established for the Zaoshi Reservoir. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to optimize the model parameters for flood simulation, and the model’s performance is assessed by a comparison with measured flood data. The spatial distributions of rainfall selected for this study are non-uniform, with much greater rainfall in some areas than in others in some cases. Rainfall may be concentrated in the middle of the basin, in the reservoir area, or in the upstream portion of the basin. The Liuxihe-model-based flood inflow forecasting scheme for the Zaoshi Reservoir demonstrates an excellent simulation effect, with an average peak simulation accuracy of 96.3%, an average peak time of 1.042 h early, and an average Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient of 0.799. Under the condition of an uneven spatial distribution of rainfall, the Liuxihe model simulates floods well. The PSO algorithm significantly improves the model’s simulation accuracy, and its practical application requires only the selection of a typical flood for parameter optimization. Thus, the flood simulation effect of the Liuxihe model is ideal for the watershed above the Zaoshi Reservoir, and the scheme developed in this study can be applied for operational flood forecasting.
Sensorless Tracking Control Based on Sliding Mode for the “Full-Bridge Buck Inverter–DC Motor” System Fed by PV Panel
Authors: Orta-Quintana Ángel Adrián , García-Chávez Rogelio Ernesto , Silva-Ortigoza Ramón , Marciano-Melchor Magdalena , Villarreal-Cervantes Miguel Gabriel , García-Sánchez José Rafael , García-Cortés Rocío , Silva-Ortigoza Gilberto
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a sliding mode control (SMC) for the “full-bridge Buck inverter–DC motor” system when a photovoltaic (PV) panel is considered as the power supply. The control executes the trajectory tracking task related to the angular velocity of the DC motor shaft without the need for electromechanical sensors. The proposed control is validated through realistic simulation results via Matlab-Simulink. In this regard, the system is constructed by using the electronic components of the specialized power systems library of Simscape. The results of the following four case studies are presented: (i) The performance of the closed-loop system considering two desired angular velocity profiles and three different incident solar irradiance shapes on the PV panel. (ii) An analysis associated with the primary energy source. (iii) A comparison of the proposed SMC versus a passive control. (iv) A study of the current ripple and its relationship with the execution of the tracking control task on the angular velocity.
Interventions for the Development of Intrinsic Motivation in University Online Education: Systematic Review—Enhancing the 4th Sustainable Development Goal
Authors: Alonso Rebeca Kerstin , Vélez Alexander , Martínez-Monteagudo María Carmen
Published: June 2023

Background: The development of quality education, as stated by the United Nations in the 4th Sustainable Development Goal of the 2030 Agenda, is a very relevant aspect to work on, and specifically, motivation can play an important role. Consequently, the development of intrinsic motivation (IM) in university education and searches for possible interventions have increased exponentially in the last decade. However, no reviews have been published analyzing the interventions and the results obtained. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to systematically analyze the development of IM in online education through the different intervention programs carried out in university teaching. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, Web of Sciences and Scopus was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: Of the 255 studies initially identified, 17 were thoroughly reviewed, and all interventions and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Most of the interventions achieved better outcomes after implementation. Five types of possible courses of action to promote IM have been identified. Conclusions: It is worth highlighting the unanimity found regarding the importance of proposing specific approaches based on the development of IM in university online teaching since it promotes satisfaction regarding studying and greater involvement of students.
Sustainable Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Banana Peel and Date Seed Extracts, Characterization, and Cytotoxicity Evaluation
Authors: Hussien Nahed Ahmed , Al Malki Jamila S. , Al Harthy Farah A. R. , Mazi Asrar W. , Al Shadadi Jumanh A. A.
Published: June 2023

This study describes the use of banana peel (BPEs) and date seed extracts (DSEs) as waste products in the sustainable and eco-friendly biological synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). ZnONPs_BPE and ZnONPs_DSE were characterized using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-VIS), Scanning (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Moreover, the biocompatibility of ZnONPs was analyzed against the normal human skin fibroblast (HSF) cell line. Peaks of UV spectra were 300 nm and 400 nm for ZnONPs-BPE and for ZnONP _DSE, respectively, confirming the ZnONPs’ formation. XRD revealed their hexagonal structure. SEM showed the nanocrystals of ZnONPs_BPE, which are interlinked to one another in a uniform shape, while ZnONPs_DSE appear as large and small chunky crystals. The mean size of ZnONPs_BPE and ZnONPs_DSE was 50 nm and 62 nm using TEM, respectively. On the contrary, their mean size was bigger using DLS with the zeta potential of ZnONPs_BPE = −12.7 mV and ZnONPs_DSE = −5.69 mV. The FTIR analysis demonstrated the presence of carboxyl, hydroxyl, and C–H of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin polymers on ZnONPs surfaces that act as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents. ZnONPs_BPE (IC50 > 100) have lower cytotoxic effects on HSF cells than ZnONPs_DSE (IC50 = 29.34 μg/mL). The present study indicates the successful synthesis of ZnONPs using agro-wastes that could help in waste management and recycling. Furthermore, ZnONPs_BPE is safe to use for further applications.
Heat and Mass Transfer Gravity Driven Fluid Flow over a Symmetrically-Vertical Plane through Neural Networks
Authors: Awwad Fuad A. , Ismail Emad A. A. , Gul Taza
Published: June 2023

This paper explores the numerical optimization of heat and mass transfer in the buoyancy-driven Al2O3-water nanofluid flow containing electrified Al2O3-nanoparticles adjacent to a symmetrically-vertical plane wall. The proposed model becomes a set of nonlinear problems through similarity transformations. The nonlinear problem is solved using the bvp4c method. The results of the proposed model concerning heat and mass transfer with nanoparticle electrification and buoyancy parameters are depicted in the Figures and Tables. It was revealed that the electrification of nanoparticles enhances the heat and mass transfer capabilities of the Al2O3 water nanoliquid. As a result, the electrification of nanoparticles could be an important mechanism to improve the transmission of heat and mass in the flow of Al2O3-water nanofluids. Furthermore, the numerical solutions of the nanofluid model of heat/mass transfer using the deep neural network (DNN) along with the procedure of Bayesian regularization scheme (BRS), DNN-BRS, was carried out. The DNN process is provided by taking eight and ten neurons in the first and second hidden layers along with the log-sigmoid function.
Pricing Decision of the Dual-Channel Supply Chain with the Manufacturer’s Extended Warranty
Authors: Zhu Chenbo , Liang Jiwei , Liu Yaqian
Published: June 2023

With the rapid development of the internet economy, many manufacturers have opened online direct sales channels and built multi-channel distribution systems. Meanwhile, both consumers and companies are paying more attention to extended warranty services. Considering a dual-channel supply chain with a manufacturer and a retailer, we assume the manufacturer provides an extended warranty in the online direct channel and investigates the decision making of the supply chain players. We develop three game models to study this problem, and they are the basic model without extended warranty (Model B), the decentralized decision model with the manufacturer’s extended warranty (Model M), and the centralized decision model with the manufacturer’s extended warranty (Model C). The Stackelberg game method is used to solve the established model, the influence of relevant parameters on the solution result is analyzed, and different models are compared. Compared with Model B, we find that the whole supply chain always be better, but the retailer would be worse in Model M. Compared with Model M, we find that the entire supply chain always performs better in Model C. Finally, we do some sensitivity analysis.
Contact Tracing and Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy for Household Child Contacts of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in the Kyrgyz Republic: How Well Are We Doing?
Authors: Kadyrov Meder , Thekkur Pruthu , Geliukh Evgenia , Sargsyan Aelita , Goncharova Olga , Kulzhabaeva Aizat , Kadyrov Asel , Khogali Mohammed , Harries Anthony D. , Kadyrov Abdullaat
Published: June 2023

Early identification, screening and investigation for tuberculosis (TB), and provision of TB preventive therapy (TPT), reduces risk of TB among child household contacts of pulmonary TB patients (index patients). A cohort study was conducted to describe the care cascade and timeliness of contact tracing and TPT initiation among child household contacts (aged < 15 years) of index patients initiated on TB treatment in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic during October 2021–September 2022. In the register, information on the number of child household contacts was available for 153 (18%) of 873 index patients. Of 297 child household contacts identified, data were available for 285, of whom 261 (92%) were screened for TB. More than 50% were screened after 1 month of the index patient initiating TB treatment. TB was diagnosed in 23/285 (9%, 95% CI: 6–13%) children. Of 238 TB-free children, 130 (55%) were eligible for TPT. Of the latter, 64 (49%) were initiated on TPT, of whom 52 (81%) completed TPT. While TPT completion was excellent, there was deficiency in contact identification, timely screening and TPT initiation. Thus, healthcare providers should diligently request and record details of child household contacts, adhere to contact tracing timelines and counsel caregivers regarding TPT.
Effect of Autumn Irrigation on Salt Leaching under Subsurface Drainage in an Arid Irrigation District
Authors: Liu Jiawei , Huang Quanzhong , Li Ze , Liu Na , Li Jinshuai , Huang Guanhua
Published: June 2023

Non-growing season irrigation and farmland subsurface drainage play a crucial role in salt leaching and salinization control in arid irrigation areas. This study aimed to investigate the reduction of autumn irrigation quotas and drainage discharge while maintaining soil moisture retention and reducing soil salinization. Field experiments were conducted with different autumn irrigation quotas (160 mm for SD1, 180 mm for SD2, and 200 mm for SD3) combined with subsurface drainage (1.5 m drain depth and 45 m spacing). A control treatment (referred to as CK) without subsurface drainage received 200 mm of irrigation. The results showed that, after 31 days of autumn irrigation, the groundwater depth in all three subsurface drainage plots stabilized to 1.5 m, with the CK being 0.2–0.3 m shallower compared to the SD plots. The mean soil water content in the 0–150 cm soil layer of the SD1, SD2, SD3, and CK after autumn irrigation was 0.36, 0.39, 0.41, and 0.42 cm3cm−3, respectively. The combination of autumn irrigation and subsurface drainage significantly reduced the soil salt content. The mean desalination rates in the root zone (0–60 cm) soil layer were 57.5%, 53.7%, 51.9%, and 45.1% for the SD3, SD2, CK, and SD1, respectively. The mean desalination rate of 60–150 cm was not significantly different between the SD2 and SD3 (p > 0.05), and both were significantly higher than that of the SD1 and CK (p < 0.05). The drainage discharge was 31, 36, and 40 mm in the SD1, SD2 and SD3, respectively. The amount of salt discharge through the drain pipe increased with increasing irrigation quota, which was 1.22 t/ha, 1.41 t/ha, and 1.50 t/ha for the SD1, SD2, and SD3, respectively. Subsurface drainage is an effective way to prevent salt accumulation in the soil, and an autumn irrigation quota of 180 mm is recommended for leaching of salinity in the Hetao Irrigation District. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing irrigation practices and managing soil salinization in arid regions.
Study on the Acoustic Emission Characteristics and Failure Precursors of Water-Rich Frozen Sandstone under Different Lateral Unloading Rates
Authors: Liu Shuai , Yang Gengshe , Liu Hui , Dong Xihao , Shen Yanjun
Published: June 2023

The artificial freezing method is used to cross the water-rich soft rock strata in order to exploit deep coal resources. At present, studies that consider both freezing effect and unloading rate are insufficient. To study the influences of the excavation rate using the artificial freezing method on the unloading deformation and failure of the water-rich surrounding rock, we carry out mechanical and synchronous acoustic emission (AE) tests on frozen (−10 °C) sandstone samples under different lateral unloading rates. Combined with the AE signals, the stress, strain and failure process are analysed to determine the mechanical behaviours of frozen rock samples under different lateral unloading rates. The damage difference between normal temperature rock and frozen rock during lateral unloading is studied. According to acoustic emission signals, the damage relationships among acoustic emission amplitude, energy, cumulative acoustic emission energy (CAEE), stress and strain were compared and analyzed. In this paper, acoustic emission 3D positioning system is used to monitor the fracture propagation trajectory in the process of unloading confining pressure of frozen sandstone. The results show that the peak stress of frozen sandstone during lateral unloading is about 2.5 times of that at 20 °C. More than 2 AE amplitudes per second are regarded as the precursor of failure (FP), and point FP is taken as the first level warning. The CAEE of rock samples at 20 °C and frozen rock samples shows the same change law over time, increasing slowly before the FP point and exponentially after the FP point. Peak stress increases and axial strain decreases with the increase of unloading rate of frozen rock sample. The CAEE at point FP and the peak acoustic emission energy (AEE) and the CAEE at the time of failure increase when the unloading rate of frozen rock sample increases. Principal component analysis method was used to extract key characteristic energy to obtain a clearer AEE concentration area, which was defined as second-level early warning. The research results can provide guidance for freezing shaft construction to reduce the occurrence of disasters.
Analysis of the Partial Nitrification/Anammox Performance and Microbial Structure of Low C/N Wastewater by A2/O Process
Authors: Ye Lei , Zhou Yanhao , Tang Liangdong , Chen Sixing , Zhao Xianguang
Published: June 2023

Given the carbon limitation of low C/N wastewater, the improvement of nitrogen-removal efficiency remains a challenging task of municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in China. In this study, a partial nitrification/anammox (PN/A) system was established to facilitate the anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic (A2/O) treatment of low C/N (C/N = 3) wastewater with insufficient carbon sources. Effects of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration and internal reflux ratio on nitrogen-removal efficiency and pathway were investigated. Under the optimal DO (0.5–0.8 mg·L−1) and internal reflux ratio (250%), the highly efficient NH4+-N removal (97.21%) and TN removal (80.92%) were achieved based on PN/A. Moreover, the relative abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (Nitrosomonas) was 3 times higher than the abundance of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (Nitrospira) in phase V, which was the main cause of PN in the reactor. Anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (Candidatus Brocadia, Pirellula, and Gemmata) were also found and considered as the key microbes involved in anammox. This study reports that the A2/O process can achieve advanced nitrogen removal of low C/N wastewater based on PN/A by optimizing conventional process parameters. The outcomes of this study may provide practical engineering applications as a reference for nitrogen removal based on the A2/O process.
LI-DWT- and PD-FC-MSPCNN-Based Small-Target Localization Method for Floating Garbage on Water Surfaces
Authors: Ai Ping , Ma Long , Wu Baijing
Published: June 2023

Typically, the process of visual tracking and position prediction of floating garbage on water surfaces is significantly affected by illumination, water waves, or complex backgrounds, consequently lowering the localization accuracy of small targets. Herein, we propose a small-target localization method based on the neurobiological phenomenon of lateral inhibition (LI), discrete wavelet transform (DWT), and a parameter-designed fire-controlled modified simplified pulse-coupled neural network (PD-FC-MSPCNN) to track water-floating garbage floating. First, a network simulating LI is fused with the DWT to derive a denoising preprocessing algorithm that effectively reduces the interference of image noise and enhances target edge features. Subsequently, a new PD-FC-MSPCNN network is developed to improve the image segmentation accuracy, and an adaptive fine-tuned dynamic threshold magnitude parameter V and auxiliary parameter P are newly designed, while eliminating the link strength parameter. Finally, a multiscale morphological filtering postprocessing algorithm is developed to connect the edge contour breakpoints of segmented targets, smoothen the segmentation results, and improve the localization accuracy. An effective computer vision technology approach is adopted for the accurate localization and intelligent monitoring of water-floating garbage. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms other methods in terms of the overall comprehensive evaluation indexes, suggesting higher accuracy and reliability.
Improved Delivery of Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Particles and Simplified Design Tools for Effective Aquifer Nanoremediation
Authors: Bianco Carlo , Mondino Federico , Casasso Alessandro
Published: June 2023

The subsurface injection of nanoscale zero-valent iron particles (nZVI) for the in situ reductive remediation of contaminated aquifers has grown over the last 25 years. However, several efforts are still being made to improve the stability and delivery of nZVI and to simplify the procedure for site-specific injection design. In this study, the injectability and mobility of a commercial nZVI-based reactive gel was tested in a radial geometry laboratory setup. The gel proved to be highly mobile in sandy porous media, allowing for the achievement of a radius of influence (ROI) of 0.7 m with a homogeneous nZVI distribution within the domain. The experimental results therefore confirmed that nZVI permeation injection with a good radius of influence is possible in conductive formations. The software MNMs 2023 (Micro- and Nanoparticle transport, filtration, and clogging Model-Suite) was then applied to model the radial transport experiment and extrapolate results with the aim of developing a new graphical tool for simple and effective nZVI permeation injection design. For this purpose, 1800 numerical simulations were performed to build two multiparametric maps to predict the expected ROI in two typical aquifer lithologies and over a wide range of operating conditions.
Improvement of a soundproofing vent hole
Authors: Sohei Nishimura , Yuya Nishimura , Akifumi Tsukamoto
Published: June 2023

In tropical climate countries, the house structure with a vent hole is widely used. The vent hole has a structure that penetrates the house's outer wall, allowing fresh air from outside to enter the room. However, external traffic noise also enters the living spaces through the vents.
A novel type of soundproof vent hole unit with both soundproofing and ventilation functions was proposed in previous work. An elliptical cavity was used for this unit, but it is difficult to manufacture an elliptical cavity with a high eccentricity; also, the installation and adjustment work
are expected to be difficult. A rectangular cavity with an inlet and outlet in orthogonal planes fitted to the house walls is used in this study to provide soundproofing functionality to the vent hole. First, the generation mechanism of sound pressure components propagating inside the unit
was theoretically elucidated using the three-dimensional wave equation. Second, to maximize soundproofing ability, methods for reducing the number of resonances and reducing the effect of higher-order sound pressure components are described.
vocês mediadas de la subalternidade. Estampas de la colonización
Authors: Santamaria Laura
Published: June 2023

En este artículo analizaremos las siguientes tres obras: Oroonoko: or, the Royal Slave (1688), de Aphra Behn; Gulliver’s Travels (1726), de Jonathan Swift; e Paradisos Oceànics (1930), Aurora Bertrana, con el objetivo de estudiar cómo estos tres autores occidentales re-presentaron y combatieron los resultados del colonialismo y la esclavitud que observaron en sus viajes. En concreto nos centraremos en los conceptos de orientalismo y espacios terceros (Homi Bhabha, Edward Said, Salman Rushdie) y de subalternidad (Gayatri Spivak) para presentar la estrategia que utilizaron con el fin de subvertir la ideología dominante. En todos los casos, a pesar de la manifiesta voluntad de reconocer al otro, el punto de vista occidental junto con las representaciones sociales que se derivan está presente en las tres obras. Behn y Bertrana relatan lo que observan, y hallamos instancias de multilingüismo y multiculturalidad, lo cual da pie a la generación de espacios terceros donde deben existir los pueblos dominados. Swift crea unos mundos ficticios, que visita exclusivamente Gulliver, siempre con el ánimo de respeto hacia el otro y de denuncia constante contra la ocupación colonial, pero para ello debe utilizar distintas estrategias de censura que le aseguren que su obra será publicada.
Un aven piège naturel à bouquetin et chamois servant de référentiel taphonomique : la grotte Tempiette à Entremont-le-Vieux (Savoie)
Authors: Griggo Christophe , Gay Ingrid , Fabbro Éva , Hobléa Fabien , Argant Alain , Argant Jacqueline , Dodelin Christian , Philippe Michel
Published: June 2023

La grotte Tempiette, située sur le versant sud du Granier, en Chartreuse, correspond à une petite galerie horizontale longue de 7 m, au bout de laquelle s’ouvre un puits aux parois verticales, d’environ 3 m de diamètre et profond de 32 m. Cette grotte a fonctionné comme un piège naturel où sont tombés accidentellement de nombreux animaux, constituant ainsi un véritable ossuaire. Actuellement, 15 274 vestiges osseux ont été analysés. Les bouquetins (36 individus) et les chamois (16 individus) sont les plus abondants. Ont également été identifiés trois ours bruns, deux fouines, quatre belettes, trois hermines, un lièvre variable, plusieurs écureuils, un aigle royal, ainsi que de nombreux rongeurs et chauves-souris. Les bouquetins et les chamois semblent avoir été attirés dans la grotte par la présence de sel qui se formait au fond de la galerie, juste à l’aplomb du puits. Ce site a été fréquenté principalement pendant la bonne saison. Parmi tous les ossements recueillis dans la grotte Tempiette, aucun ne présente de traces résultant d’une activité anthropique ou de Carnivores. Sur le plan taphonomique, il s’agit d’un site qui a fonctionné strictement comme un aven-piège. Cependant près de la moitié des os longs sont brisés. Ils présentent des cassures en spirale, avec parfois des impacts de percussion (points d’écrasement, enfoncements, encoches) ou des stries. Ces stigmates rappellent beaucoup ceux que l’on peut observer sur des os animaux provenant de sites archéologiques en relation avec une exploitation des carcasses. La grotte Tempiette constitue un site paléontologique avec une importante accumulation d’ossements d’Ongulés de montagne. Il s’est formé dans des conditions environnementales comparables à celles des sites archéologiques proches. Il constitue un excellent référentiel taphonomique d’accumulation naturelle, en contexte de karst de montagne, qui permettra de mieux comprendre les accumulations osseuses dans les sites archéologiques alpins.
Le site de Alp 2 (St Bernard-du-Touvet, Chartreuse, Isère) : un campement de chasse d’altitude du Premier Mésolithique
Authors: Robbe Jocelyn , Griggo Christophe , Bintz Pierre
Published: June 2023

The Mesolithic “ station” of Alp 2 is a block-shelter of glacial origin located at 1 720 masl in the “ Haut de Chartreuse” national reserve. Threatened to be destroyed by marmot’s burrows, the site has been subject to archaeological attention and excavated between 1998 and 2000 under the direction of P. Bintz. The short stratigraphic sequence revealed several well-conserved Mesolithic levels which delivered plenty of faunal remains as well as lithic artefacts. Some 17,584 lithic artefacts have been identified, including 182 cores, 255 arrowheads and 653 blades and bladelets. Raw material identification indicates an equal share, in terms of quantity, of local and exogenous flint. Based on typotechnological analysis, most of these artefacts can be attributed to the First Mesolithic with a débitage of bladelets obtained by direct percussion with a soft stone precursor. Although more discreet, the remaining items belong to the Second Mesolithic, while few of them share some affinities with the Early Neolithic. Faunal remains are rich and generally well-preserved with a total of 1583 osseous fragments, among which 752 have been well identified. Among the twelve distinctive taxa identified, the chamois and the ibex are the most represented. Forest species, such as deer and wild boar are much rarer. This wildlife association is in complete adequacy with the geographical and the topographic situation of the site. With few bones showing anthropic traces, such as butchery marks and breaks on fresh bone, there is no doubt for the anthropological origin of this bone’s accumulation.
Nouveaux indices d’occupations humaines anciennes sous le contournement routier de La Mure (Isère)
Authors: Argant Thierry , Lemaître Simon , Djerbi Hatem
Published: June 2023

En préalable à la réalisation du dernier tronçon du contournement routier de La Mure (Isère), un site d’habitat daté de la transition du Néolithique final à l’âge du Bronze ancien a été fouillé sur le plateau matheysin. Un ensemble de 27 structures définit le plan d’un bâtiment à architecture de bois, qui se développe au centre d’un petit replat déterminé par une poche limoneuse héritée d’une moraine würmienne. D’une surface d’environ 35 m ² , il présente un plan quadrangulaire, légèrement trapézoïdal. Ce bâtiment fait

suite à plusieurs occupations plus anciennes, avec des indices de fréquentation dès le Mésolithique.
Sur les rives du lac du Bourget à la fin de l’âge du Bronze
Authors: Billaud Yves
Published: June 2023

The archeological knowledge of the lake Le Bourget has long been limited to the lot of objects dredged with little regard for the

context on the Late Bronze Age lakeside settlements during the second half of the 19th century. Underwater surveys over the past two decades have resulted in a review of the observations of precursors of underwater archeology and allow to clarify the area and the conservation status of the sites. On several of them, and contrary to what was conventionally accepted, thick sedimentary

sequences are present. Stratigraphic excavations and tree-ring dating are used to define several phases of occupation from -1068 to -805, interspersed by more or less important transgressive pulsations for which sedimentological and palynological studies provide clarification.

Data were obtained on the forms of habitat, which are not stereotyped unlike the lakeshore settlements of the Swiss Plateau. For two sites, indications were obtained on the internal evolution. A model of the lake shores occupation begin to be documented, with a possibility of functional specialization of the sites. Various studies (carpology, parasitology, organic geochemistry…) give early indications on the land-use modalities and its evolution. At least, the abandonment of lacustrine shores no longer appears to be linked mechanically to climatic pejoration, but rather to the conjunction of unfavorable factors.
Spécificité des pratiques funéraires de la vallée de l’Ubaye et du Guillestrois durant l’âge du Fer. Réflexion sur le genre et les parures dans le domaine funéraire
Authors: Isoardi Delphine , Mocci Florence
Published: June 2023

Ce travail, qui se fonde sur un corpus de sépultures découvertes majoritairement au XIXe s. en Ubaye et Guillestrois, ambitionne, au travers des indices sur le genre, la richesse et autres aspects funéraires, de dépasser le cadre de la simple description chronologique des pratiques funéraires. Cette approche prospective, certes assise sur un corpus de qualité inégale, s’appuie sur ces points d’achoppements à ce jour non traités dans cette zone, pour tenter de mesurer le degré d’implication de cet espace intra alpin, a priori à l’écart, aux grandes manifestations européennes contemporaines. La montagne des Alpes du sud était-elle vraiment un espace fermé ? Bien sûr, les hypothèses que nous proposons ici sur le sens des parures, les réflexions sur le genre des inhumés et surtout la place des femmes qui semblent être mise en avant au deuxième âge du Fer, restent très dépendantes de la nature des donnée archéologiques disponibles. Par cette approche nous souhaitons avant tout initier des pistes de travail pour exploiter une voie tout à fait nouvelle.
Effect of the identical training process on the functional state of high-level sprint swimmers of both genders
Authors: Mykhaliuk Yevhen , Horokhovskyi Yehor , Bosenko Anatolii , Orlyk Nadiia , Topchii Mariia
Published: June 2023

Purpose: to study the effect of an identical training process on the functional state of high-level sprint swimmers of both genders.
Material and methods. The heart rate variability indices, central hemodynamic parameters and PWC170/kg measurements were compared between 86 male and 42 female swimmers with sports qualifications from first-class athlete to Master of Sports International Class, and separately, – between 38 males and 9 females (Masters of Sports and Masters of Sports International Class), 28 males and 16 females (Candidates for Masters of Sports), and 22 males and 17 females (first-class athletes).
The results. In the general group (86 males vs. 42 females) only the greater value of PWC170/kg in males by 12.64 % (p<0.001) was revealed, without any differences in heart rate variability and central hemodynamics. Masters of Soprts and Masters of Sports International Class, as well as Candidates for Masters of Sports, didn't have gender differences in all indicators studied. In first-class athletes, there were no gender differences in heart rate variability and central hemodynamic parameters, except for PWC170/kg, which in males was greater by 11.27 % (p=0.036).
Conclusions. A comparison of 86 male and 42 female swimmers with sports qualifications from first-class athlete to Master of Sports International Class, who differed by age and training experience, showed no significant differences in HRV and central hemodynamic parameters except for PWC170/kg, which was 12.64 % higher in males (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between all studied indices in 38 male and 9 female swimmers with sports qualifications Master of Sports and Master of Sports International Class, with no differences in age or training experience. Comparison of 28 male and 16 female swimmers with sports qualification Candidate for Master of Sports, not differing by age and training experience showed no significant differences in HRV and central hemodynamic parameters, except for PWC170/kg, which was greater in males by 11.27 % (p=0.034). In 22 male and 17 female swimmers with sports qualification first-class athlete, not differing by age (males have greater training experience) there were no differences between all studied indices.
Changes in circumference sizes of bodybuilders using machine and free weight exercises in combination with different load regimes
Authors: Potop Vladimir , Manolachi Victor , Chernozub Andrii , Kozin Valentyn , Syvokhop Eduard , Spivak Antonina , Sharodi Vasyl , Jie Zhao
Published: June 2023

Purpose. To evaluate the changes in circumference sizes of bodybuilders using machine and free weight exercises in conditions of different load regimes at the stage of specialized basic training.
Methods. 64 bodybuilders aged 20±1.2 years were divided into 4 study groups. The stage of specialized basic training lasted 12 weeks. Group 1 and 2 participants used free weight and machine exercises in conditions of medium-intensity training load (Rа=0.58). Group 3 and 4 athletes performed the same exercises in conditions of high-intensity training load (Ra=0.71). The changes in circumference measurements (shoulder, hip and shin) were recorded every 30 days. Non-parametric methods of mathematical statistics were used in the study.
The results. Using free weight exercises in the regime of high-intensity loads (Rа=0.71) contributed to the greatest increase in the body circumference (by 4.9%) compared to the initial data. The smallest increase in the controlled indicators (by 1.8%) was found in athletes using machine exercises in the regime of medium-intensity loads (Ra=0.58). Performing free weight exercises in different load regimes led to more than double increase in the body circumference measurements. The dependence of the controlled indicators dynamics on the load regimes was observed when using machine exercises. The dynamics of body circumference depends on the features of the training load regimes but not on the type of exercises.
Conclusions. At the stage of specialized basic training in bodybuilding, the use of high-intensity training loads (Ra=0.71) was the main factor that affected the accelerated increase in body circumference of athletes. Combination of machine strength exercises with high-intensity loads allowed achieving the most pronounced adaptive changes.
Obesity and depression: the course of depressive disorders depending on the body mass index, the role of physical activity and cognitive-behavioral therapy for their correction
Authors: Kiro Ludmyla , Zak Maksym , Chernyshov Oleh , Sverdlova Mziia
Published: June 2023

Purpose: to establish the relationship between the severity of the course of depressive disorders and body mass index in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on the background of abdominal obesity, the role of physical activity and cognitive-behavioral therapy for their correction.

 Materials and methods. 272 people (136 women and 136 men) were examined. The patients were divided into two clinical groups: 1st group – 90 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and overweight (average body mass index =27.5±1.31 kg/m2), who followed only dietary recommendations and a complex physical exercises; 2nd group  - 92 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease  and abdominal obesity of the 1st degree (average body mass index =31.74±1.03 kg/m2), who additional  underwent a 6-month course of cognitive-behavioral therapy. The control group consisted of 90 people with normal body weight (average body mass index =22.41±1.43 kg/m2). The Beck scale was used to assess the presence of depression.

Results. Depression in patients of the 1st and 2nd groups was registered in 2.3 times (x2=28.105, p=4.762e-10<0.05) and 2.6 times more often (x2=12.019, p=0.007<0.05), than in the control group. Mild depressive disorders in 1.9 times (D=0.304, p=0.032<0.005) more often recorded in young women (up to 45 years old). Patients of the 2nd group, who additionally received a course of CBT, recorded a decrease in the number of depressive disorders of moderate severity by 3.33 times (D=0.1837, p=0.0133), compared to the patients of the 1st group.

Conclusions. Gender-age characteristics and weight affect the severity of depressive disorders in obese patients. To reduce the number of depressive disorders and optimize body mass index, it is mandatory to use combined treatment in the form of aerobic exercises and cognitive-behavioral training.
Does folate deficiency alter sperm parameters in infertile males?
Authors: Alamdari Saeideh Sadat , Derakhshan Maryam , Derakhshan Marzieh , Mahzouni Parvin
Published: June 2023

Introduction: There is not enough evidence regarding the influence of folate deficiency in the etiology of idiopathic male infertility. Objectives: The objective of the current study was to examine whether there is an association between serum levels of folate and sperm parameters among infertile males. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken on a sample of infertile males referring to an infertility treatment clinic in Isfahan province, Iran. Semen parameters, comprising sperm concentration, progressive/total motility, morphology, semen leukocyte, agglutination, and vitality were assessed based on standard protocols. The sperm DNA fragmentation assay (SDFA) and sperm chromatin maturity assay (SCMA) were also assessed by the sperm chromatin dispersion and aniline-blue tests respectively. Results: In general, 70 infertile males including 46 with sufficient serum folate level and 24 with insufficient serum folate level were examined. Subjects with sufficient serum folate level had a significantly higher mean of sperm concentration, vitality, progressive motility, total motility, SDFA, and SCMA (P<0.05). Higher serum folate level was also associated with lower risk of abnormal sperm agglutination (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01-0.65), and morphology (OR: 0.12, 95% CI: (0.02-0.60) after adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusion: The present study found a significant association between serum folate level and infertility among Iranian infertile males. However, prospective large-scale population-based research is required to confirm the finding.