bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Belowground soil and vegetation components change across the aridity threshold in grasslands
Authors: Ren Zhuobing , Li Changjia , Fu Bojie , Wang Shuai , Zhou Wenxin , Stringer Lindsay C 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Grassland ecosystem functions are affected by global climate change and increasing aridity. Belowground components of soil and vegetation, such as specific root length, belowground biomass and soil organic carbon are important for maintaining these functions. However, aridity affects these components in different ways. This research evaluates changes in soil properties and plant attributes with aridity along a 2600 km aridity gradient in the arid and semiarid grasslands of Inner Mongolia. The aridity index was used considering the ratio of precipitation to potential evapotranspiration, where a higher value indicates greater aridity. Results showed an overall aridity threshold for grassland ecosystems of 0.67, where abrupt changes in belowground components were observed. The effect of aridity on specific root length changed from negative (−0.18) below the threshold to positive (0.24) above the threshold, with the emergence of coordination between aboveground and belowground plant characteristics. Aridity exhibited a negative effect on belowground biomass, increasing from −0.24 below the threshold to −0.55 above the threshold as the positive effect of relative grass abundance disappeared. The total effect of aridity on soil organic carbon showed a subtle change, but the driving pathways through which aridity affects changed from soil loss to aridity itself and vegetation cover at plot scale. These findings highlight how aridity affects belowground components in grassland ecosystems above and below the aridity threshold. They provide a basis for better understanding aridity-driven interactions in grassland ecosystems, and can be used to inform actions to protect grasslands under future climate change.
Coherence, superposition, and Löwdin symmetric orthogonalization
Authors: Torun Gökhan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The notions of coherence and superposition are conceptually the same; however, an important distinction exists between their resource-theoretic formulations. Namely, while basis states are orthogonal in the resource theory of coherence, they are not necessarily orthogonal in the resource theory of superposition. Owing to the nonorthogonality, the manipulation and characterization of superposition states require significant efforts. Here, we demonstrate that the Löwdin symmetric orthogonalization (LSO) method offers a useful means for characterizing pure superposition states. The principal property of LSO is that the structure and symmetry of the original nonorthogonal basis states are preserved to the greatest extent possible, which prompts us to study the role of LSO in identifying the hierarchical relations of resource states. Notably, we reveal that the maximally coherent states turn into the states with maximal superposition with the help of LSO: in other words, they are equivalent under the action of symmetric orthogonalization. Our results facilitate further connections between coherence and superposition, where LSO is the main tool.
Study of the influence of road traffic emissions on air quality in sensitive areas of the Bucharest city, using Breeze Aermod software
Authors: Deak György , Raischi Marius , Lumînăroiu Lucian , Holban Elena , Tudor Georgeta , Raischi Natalia , Matache Razvan , Ibrahim Norlia Mohamad 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Road traffic is one of the main causes of pollution in big cities due to a large number of vehicles and crowded intersections. Also, the lack of green spaces and the topography of the land can cause the accumulation of pollutants at the local level. Considering the increasing concern regarding the negative impact of air pollution on the health of the inhabitants of large cities, the present paper aims to investigate the level of pollution in the areas of two educational units located near some crowded boulevards in the city of Bucharest. To carry out the work, the air quality was analyzed by in-situ monitoring of the CO, PM10, and NO2, indicators of atmospheric pollution that could come from road traffic. Also were estimate the contribution of the nearest pollution sources to the total concentrations of pollutants measured by air quality monitoring equipment. Although more traffic emission were estimated near of the first monitoring area, than the second monitoring area, still the contribution to local pollution in the case of emission sources from area 2 was higher, this aspect was the cause of the complexity of the terrain, the higher buildings surrounding the emission sources, and the lack of vegetation.
The Effect of Chemical Treated Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS) on Lignocellulosic Content
Authors: Adi Muhamad Ridauddin Mohamad , Izhar Tengku Nuraiti Tengku , Ibrahim Norlia Mohamad , Aziz Norhidayah Abd , Hadiyanto Hamid , Matei Monica 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
A by-product of the mushroom industry, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is primarily made of lignocellulosic agricultural waste. SMS contains cellulose (38–46.6%), lignin (25–34.5%), and hemicellulose (19–27.7%) and is nutrient-rich. The primary objectives of this study included the characterization of SMS, analysis of lignocellulosic content prior to and following pre-treatment, analysis of the effects of various NaOH concentrations with varying molarities (1.0 to 5.0 Molar), and analysis of surface morphology using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The result that comparison between untreated and treated sample The result for untreated are contain high amount of lignin from 23.85% to 27.39% and for treated are amount reduce from 20.6% to 23.85%. The difference of NaOH concentration from 1.0 to 5.0 Molar, so the best pre-treatment is alkaline pre-treatment from 1.0 to 3.0 M are the best concentration to treat SMS sample from alkaline pre-treatment and proved sodium hydroxide pre-treatment as an effective method to reduce the hemicellulose and lignin contents. Images clearly showed how the pre-treatment could alter the biomass’s structural makeup and distort it, increasing the surface area that was open to enzymatic attack. The pre-treated SMS’s surface had numerous sporadic pores and cracks. The study’s findings demonstrated that SMS from the P. sajor-caju species has the potential to provide a new source of glucose for bioethanol production.
Optimum Binder Content of Asphaltic Concrete (ACW14) Mixture Incorporating Limestone
Authors: Mohammed Syakirah Afiza , Ahmad Abdul Ghapar , Santiagoo Ragunathan , Vijean Vikneswaran , Ahmad Wan Amiza Amneera Wan , Ahmad Razi , Kai Lim Shi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Due to the high demand for natural aggregates in pavement construction, researchers have been looking for alternative materials to replace natural aggregate. In this research, the optimum binder content of asphalt mixture incorporate limestones was investigated. The optimum binder content of asphalt mixture was tested according to Marshall method. About 20 % of limestone was used as aggregate replacement in asphaltic concrete mixture. To determine the stability, volumetric properties, and bitumen binder content, three percentage of asphalt binder content, namely 4.0%, 5.0% and 6.0% was prepared. From analysis, it indicated that stability and volumetric properties of asphalt mixture incorporate limestone meet the requirement set by JKR. From the result obtained, the optimum binder content of the control sample is 5.0% and optimum binder content of limestone mixture is 5.2%. The slightly different in optimum binder content value indicate that the optimum binder content of limestone mixture was comparable with control mixture.
Green natural rubber-based membrane for drug release
Authors: Prathumsuk Wichitraphon , Petchsuk Atitsa , Opaprakasit Mantana , Boondamnoen Orathai 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Drug release membranes have been developed in various points of view for many decades. They should be flexible responding to body movement for the patient convenience. Most of them are synthetic materials. Since natural rubber (NR) is elastic and flexible, it is an interesting green material to develop as a drug release membrane. However, there is limitation of drug release of NR membrane. Therefore, the development of drug release efficiency of NR membrane is important and challenging. The objective of this work is to develop drug release membrane from NR based as NR is an alternative green material. NR, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), NR/PVA and ENR/PVA membranes were prepared by casting process. Sodium diclofenac was used as a drug in this work. The result from H1 NMR revealed that 25 mol% ENR was obtained. It was proven that there is no formation of chemical bonding between drug and matrix membrane by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterization. The swelling ratios of PVA, ENR/PVA, NR/PVA were about 165%, 120% and 100%, respectively, whereas ENR and NR were not swollen. It is probably due to the high hydrophilicity of PVA. NR and NR/PVA membrane surfaces presented some agglomeration of drug particles shown in scanning electron microscopy micrographs. The drug distribution in NR matrix was very poor whereas obvious agglomeration in ENR and PVA membranes was not present. The polar groups (epoxide and hydroxyl) may assist in ionic drug distribution. The result of drug release showed that neat NR membrane gave the lowest value at about 50%. Therefore, the drug was predicted to be trapped inside the NR matrix. This was similar to the case of NR/PVA membrane, whereas PVA membrane provided the highest and fastest release compared to others. However, in case of ENR, the %drug release increased gradually with the release time increased until it was constant at 7 hours onwards. It can be said that the modification of NR by adding hydrophilic group (as ENR) could enhance the %drug release. Moreover, the addition of hydrophilic part (combination of PVA) also increased the %drug release that obviously seen in ENR/PVA and NR/PVA membranes.
Degradation of Reactive Black 5 Dye (RB5) using Iron Electrode (Fe.S) Derived from Iron Sludge Steel Waste via Electrochemical Method
Authors: Azizan Nurul Athikah , Nasuha Norhaslinda , Maarof Hawaiah Imam 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA study has been performed on the degradation of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) as pollutant using iron electrode (Fe.S) derived from iron sludge steel waste via electrochemical method. The Fe.S and titanium graphite electrodes were applied as anode and cathode respectively during the studied. The studied operating parameters were the effect of current density, initial pH, initial concentration, and the reusability of the Fe.S electrode. The experiment was carried out for 120 minutes of electrolysis time. From results revealed that Fe.S could be used three times with complete degradation of RB5 from initial concentration of 50 ppm. A complete RB5 colour removal can be achieved in any pH range (3,6, and 9). The current density at 4 mA/cm2showed a faster RB5 degradation compared to at 2, 6,8, and 10 mA/cm2.
Assessment on Water Footprint of Paddy Cultivation in Kedah
Authors: Azhar Nursabrina , Ahmad Wan Amiza Amneera Wan , Mohammed Syakirah Afiza , Ahmad Abdul Ghapar , Santiagoo Ragunathan , Vijean Vikneswaran , Ahmad Razi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
A measurable metric to gauge both the amount of water pollution and water consumption per unit of crop is the water footprint (WF). WF can be used as a thorough indicator of the utilization of freshwater resources. To increase the yield of crops, agriculture, consumed large amount of water. To prevent water shortages, it is crucial to understand how much water is consumed during agriculture. This study’s goal is to estimate the region of Kedah’s water footprint for paddy cultivation in the year 2017. By using CROPWAT 8.0 computer programming, climatic parameters were used for the estimation of water evapotranspiration for blue and green to proceed with the water footprint accounting. The methodological framework followed the crop water requirement (CWR) option based on the water footprint assessment manual. Focusing on the water footprint accounting phase, the blue, green and grey water footprint was calculated. The findings demonstrated that the three forms of water footprints differ significantly from one another. In Kedah, the value of the green water footprint (1201m3/ton) is higher than that of the blue water (130m3/ton) and the grey water (357m3/ton) footprints. 71% of green water footprint indicates that there is enough rainfall to support paddy growth.
Improving Iron and Copper Uptake by Changing the Ratios in Root of Vetiver Grass
Authors: Halim Nursyafiqah Syuhada Abdul , Hamzah Nurhidayah , Baharudin Fauzi , Zainuddin Nur Syahiza , Rahim Nur Liza , Kamil Nor Amani Filzah Mohd , Akbar Nor Azliza , Zin Nur Shaylinda Mohd 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Phytoremediation using Vetiver grass (VG) has been used in the past few decades all over the world, but the effectiveness of its uptake mechanism in water has less been discussed especially in mixed metal conditions. Hence, the focus of this research was to determine and evaluate the heavy metal removal effectiveness of two heavy metals, copper (Cu) and iron (Fe), based on vetiver grass uptake and toxicity. Three treatments of Fe and Cu mixture were chosen, and individual concentrations act as a control. The vetiver grass at a height of 10 cm and a root length of 25 cm for each treatment was used and harvested on days 0,1, 3, 6 and 7. The roots were randomly cut, oven-dried and used the digestion method to extract the Fe and Cu in the root. From the result, vetiver grass has better Fe and Cu uptake ability in the mixture treatment compared to the individual treatment. Fe uptake is increasing up to 25.3 % in the presence of Cu (mixture 1). Meanwhile, for Cu, mixture 3 is an ideal ratio to increase the Cu uptake by 14.5%. It shows that both Fe and Cu facilitated each other’s uptake in real wastewater conditions. There were also observed minimal toxicity signs such as necrosis throughout the experiment. The appearance of vetiver grass has changed in this experiment starting day 3 and remains yellowish. In conclusion, wastewater that contains a high concentration of Fe than Cu can promise the improvement of both Fe and Cu uptake by vetiver grass. This study benefits researchers that apply phytoremediation to remove heavy metals in wastewater by providing a guideline for Fe and Cu removal by vetiver grass. In future, the study will focus on the mechanism and interaction of Fe and Cu uptake by root
Influence of nano-hydroxyapatite particles on the mechanical and antibacterial properties of polycarbonate films
Authors: Abed Hadeel , Hameed Nahida J , Salim Evan T 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In the present research, eco-friendly composite films of polycarbonate (PC)/nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) have been successfully prepared using the solution casting method with a concentration of (3, 5, 10 and 15% PS/PC with 1.6 nHAP). These films were characterized to investigate the influence of nano material upon the Ultraviolet (UV)-wethering of the mechanical properties employing tensile test, thermal properties utilizing Lee disk, and antibacterial properties utilizing culture method. From the tests, it was observed that the nano hydroxyapatite led to a reduction in the degradation and an increase in the thermal conductivity. The antibacterial studies manifested that the toxicity was severely decreased via the incorporation of nano hydroxyapatite and became highly antibacterial. Optical constants have been analyzed using UV–vis spectroscopy.Results reveal the decrease in band gap and enhancement in optical constants. FESEM images of 10% PS/PC and 10% PS/PC+1.6 nano particles exhibit a high degree of particle dispersion homogeneity within the 10% PS/PC matrix. The contact angle tests elucidated that the prepared films were highly hydrophobic with a hydrophobocity of 99%, which aids in the antibacterial capabilities and hence they can be used as packaging materials.
Summer heatwaves, wind production and electricity demand in Southern Europe: climatic conditions and impacts
Authors: Molina M O , Gutiérrez C , Ortega M , Sánchez E 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Electricity demand for cooling and heating is directly related to weather and climate, primarily through ambient temperature. In Southern Europe, the maximum electricity demand for cooling in summer can be more pronounced than in winter, especially during heat wave (HW) episodes. With the growth of renewable technologies in the energy mix, the dependency of the electricity system on the weather is becoming evident not just from the demand side, but also from the energy supply side. From the resources point of view, summer wind presents a minimum on its annual cycle, so a combination of maximum electricity demand can coincide with a minimum of wind power production. This study presents a strong multidisciplinary focus, merging climate, energy and environmental discipline, due to their relevant connections in Southern Europe where important climate change stresses are expected. The combined anomalies of electricity demand and wind production during heat wave episodes are quantified at the country level, taking into account the HW extension. The summer period (1989-2019) of ERA5 reanalysis and E-OBS-21.0e data is used for atmospheric magnitudes and the Copernicus climate change service (C3S) energy dataset for demand. In heat wave events, an increase of 3.5%–10.6% in electricity demand and a decrease up to −30.8% in wind power production is obtained, with variability depending on the country. The greater the extension of the HW, the greater the anomalies. Different weather regimes related to heatwaves also play a role on this range of values. Therefore, the impact of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, on wind power production in conditions of high electricity demand, should be considered in the energy supply strategy and planning in order to minimize the impact of these events on an electricity system with high penetration of renewables.
Leaf physiological and morphological constraints of water-use efficiency in C3 plants
Authors: Petrík Peter , Petek-Petrik Anja , Mukarram Mohammad , Schuldt Bernhard , Lamarque Laurent J 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The increasing evaporative demand due to climate change will significantly affect the balance of carbon assimilation and water losses of plants worldwide. The development of crop varieties with improved water-use efficiency (WUE) will be critical for adapting agricultural strategies under predicted future climates. This review aims to summarize the most important leaf morpho-physiological constraints of WUE in C3 plants and identify gaps in knowledge. From the carbon gain side of the WUE, the discussed parameters are mesophyll conductance, carboxylation efficiency and respiratory losses. The traits and parameters affecting the waterside of WUE balance discussed in this review are stomatal size and density, stomatal control and residual water losses (cuticular and bark conductance), nocturnal conductance and leaf hydraulic conductance. In addition, we discussed the impact of leaf anatomy and crown architecture on both the carbon gain and water loss components of WUE. There are multiple possible targets for future development in understanding sources of WUE variability in plants. We identified residual water losses and respiratory carbon losses as the greatest knowledge gaps of whole-plant WUE assessments. Moreover, the impact of trichomes, leaf hydraulic conductance and canopy structure on plants’ WUE is still not well understood. The development of a multi-trait approach is urgently needed for a better understanding of WUE dynamics and optimization.
Comparative thermal sensitivity of locomotor performance and vulnerability to global warming of two sympatric Phymaturus lizards from cold environments of Patagonia (Argentina)
Authors: Cabezas-Cartes Facundo , Kubisch Erika L , Duran Fernando , Boretto Jorgelina M 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Sister species that live in sympatry provide the possibility to analyse the level of divergence in their ecological, physiological and life-history traits and how they can coexist without out-competing each other. We studied the thermal sensitivity of locomotor performance in the sympatric lizards Phymaturus querque and Phymaturus zapalensis from Patagonia, Argentina. We measured morphological traits relevant to locomotor performance and the running speed at different body temperatures, and we estimated the critical thermal minimum (CTmin) and maximum (CTmax) at which running performance equals zero. We obtained the maximum speeds, the temperature at which the performance is maximized (optimal temperature, To) and the temperature range over which an individual performs 50% and 80% of their maximal performance (B50 and B80). Also, we recorded the availability of thermal microenvironments for thermoregulation (operative temperatures) and calculated two indices of vulnerability to global warming. Phymaturus zapalensis and P. querque exhibited differences in most of the morphological traits relevant to locomotor performance. Both species presented similar values of To, CTmin and CTmax, but B50 and B80 were broader in P. zapalensis. During the warmest month, the environmental temperatures are already higher than the physiological optimal temperature, indicating that populations could currently be facing challenges in the context of global warming.
A lack of ecological diversity in forest nurseries limits the achievement of tree-planting objectives in response to global change
Authors: Clark Peter W , D'Amato Anthony W , Palik Brian J , Woodall Christopher W , Dubuque Paul A , Edge Gregory J , Hartman Jason P , Fitts Lucia A , Janowiak Maria K , Harris Lucas B , Montgomery Rebecca A , Reinikainen Mike R , Zimmerman Christopher L 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Tree planting is increasingly being adopted as a strategy to address global change, including mitigation, adaptation, and restoration. Although reforestation has long been central to forest management, the desired outcomes of traditional and emerging tree-planting strategies face barriers linked to a lack of ecological diversity in forest nurseries. In the present article, we outline how insufficient diversity in nursery seedlings among species, genotypes, and stock types has impeded and will continue to hinder the implementation of diverse ecological or climate-suitable planting targets, now and into the future. To support this, we demonstrate disparities in seedling diversity among nursery inventories, focusing on the northern United States. To overcome these challenges, we recommend avenues for improving policy and financing, informational resources and training, and research and monitoring. Absent these advances, current seedling production and practices will fall short of ambitious tree-planting goals proposed for forest restoration and global change mitigation and adaptation.