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Conflicts, whether internal or external, have the ability to increase energy security risks. Given this background, this paper investigates the impact of conflicts on energy security risks in the panel data of 40 major energy-consuming economies from Asia, America, Europe, and Africa by employing the Cross-sectionally augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag model from 1996 to 2021. The results show that the risks to long-term energy security fall with the rise in internal and external conflicts globally and in Asian, American, European, and African economies. However, all regions see decreased long-term energy security risk due to rising financial development. At the same time, national income mitigates energy security risks globally and in American countries. Technological innovation reduces long-term energy security risks globally in Asian, American, and European economies. Conversely, only gross domestic product and technological innovation cause the energy security risks to fall globally and in American economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Food waste is a significant problem in America and driver of climate change. • Liability protection and tax incentive policies can encourage food recovery. • Stronger liability protection coincides with more food donations. • State tax incentives coincide with more food waste. In this paper, we examine the primary impact of two categories of food recovery policies on food donation and the secondary impact on food safety, food waste, and food insecurity in U.S. states. As one method of food recovery, food donation can reduce food waste while mitigating food insecurity, and it can be promoted in U.S. states through strong liability protection policies that provide legal protection to food donors and through tax incentivization policies that financially reward food donors via deductions and/or credits. To provide an initial evaluation of the effects of these policies, we coded each state's food recovery policies in 2012 and 2018 and compared strong policies versus weak policies. Using data from multiple sources, we found that states with stronger liability protection policies had more food donations, and states that provide tax incentivization had more food waste. Although our analyses were correlational, rather than causal, and were reliant upon limited data, our results demonstrate that the current food recovery policy landscape in U.S. states does relate to important food waste outcomes. We discuss the implications of these findings for crafting more effective policies that encourage food recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model to locate hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) for hydrogen fuel cells vehicles (HFCVs) or hydrogen internal combustion engines vehicles (HICEVs) is proposed in this paper. The model integrated the flow-capturing location allocation (FCLA) model and stochastic user-equilibrium (SUE) status of network flow. An equilibrium algorithm obviating cannibalization was also presented. We compared the effectiveness between node location and link location determined by FCLA between SUE status and non-equilibrium status of the transportation network taking the city of Anaheim in California in America as an example. The results showed that the capture ratios of node-serving and link-serving are different. For the non-equilibrium case, equilibrium case, and hybrid case, the capture ratios of node-serving are 77.72%, 69.51%, and 60.25%, respectively, while the capture ratios of link-serving are 54.37%, 46.34%, and 31.49%, respectively. This means Node-serving performs better than link-serving in terms of capturing flow, either in equilibrium status or non-equilibrium status. The node locations or link locations obtained by the FCLA method in SUE status should be used for locating HRSs because they are consistent with peoples' route choice behavior and thus can fully capture the expected flow in reality. Practically speaking, link locations are preferable to node locations in locating HRSs because the construction and operation of HRSs on nodes are relatively difficult to implement. • A model of FCLA in SUE status to locate hydrogen refueling stations. • Node-serving and link-serving determined by non-equilibrium flow. • Node-serving and link-serving determined by SUE flow. • Compare the effectiveness between node-serving and link-serving in both cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the scientific results of the call for papers in SEPS titled 'Decision-Making Models for Common Goods in Environmental, Health, and Logistics Contexts.' As guest editors in Socio-economic Planning Sciences (SEPS), we describe the domain of our academic initiative and present the collected papers. Interestingly, our collection includes papers employing various methodologies such as multi-criteria decision making, game theory, operations research, microeconomics, computational models and insurance mathematics. We received more than fifty submissions from Asia, Europe and America. However, only thirteen papers were accepted for publication in SEPS. This demonstrates the extensive investigation of the problem of common goods and the ongoing academic debate surrounding it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pierced antlers, traditionally known as bâtons de commandement, are commonly found in many Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites in Europe. Despite their original association to symbolic uses, their function is in constant debate, having as many hypotheses as contexts of finding. Predominance of symbolic use was replaced by the emphasis of antler mechanical properties chosen to perform this type of artefact. In America, pierced antlers are practically absent, however, a large number of antlers with short branches and a central perforation were found in the Low Paraná wetland. They were recovered from hunter-gatherer sites dated in the Late Holocene. In this paper, we analyse their chronological and spatial distribution, the material association and the morphometrical and physical properties of the assemblages to discuss the functional significance of these items in the local contexts. Antlers with and without perforation are considered. As a result, we note that the assemblage under analysis is morphologically different from the European's ones with symmetrical branches, despite the same material properties being maintained in the selection of deer antler as raw material. In our case, antlers without perforation are interpreted as discarded from the manufacturing processes that involve other types of tools besides there is a different proposal for a near area as the República Oriental del Uruguay. Pierced antlers show fractures and use-wear patterns like those described in the international literature. Even if no functional identification can be confirmed, high stress and domestic activity can be proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has emerged as a suitable material for pavement rehabilitation, particularly in the context of bridge engineering. This material' attributes and performance-related characteristics have attracted attention due to the numerous advantages and potential for enhanced long-term durability of deteriorated pavements, either cementitious or asphaltic. Because of its relevance and increased use in recent years for pavement engineering applications, this paper presents a comprehensive review of recent case studies that investigate the application of UHPC in bridge pavement rehabilitation or reconstruction projects. The selected case studies include projects conducted in America, Asia, and Europe, and provide valuable insights into the design, construction, and performance of UHPC overlays. These showcase the effectiveness of UHPC in addressing common issues such as cracking, rutting, and structural deficiencies in bridge pavements. Furthermore, these highlight the superior flexural and compressive strength of UHPC, which contributes to improved load-carrying capacity and resistance to permanent deformation. Moreover, some environmental benefits derived from UHPC such as smaller carbon footprint are highlighted in the paper as well as cost-effectiveness considerations in light of the long-term performance and reduced maintenance obtained with UHPC overlays. Overall, the comprehensive literature review and case studies presented in this paper provide valuable data on material properties, project types, construction techniques, and post-rehabilitation evaluations. These findings can guide future research and assist practitioners in making informed decisions regarding the implementation of UHPC overlays for pavement rehabilitation. Finally, this paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge on UHPC overlays and emphasizes their significance in improving the longevity and sustainability of bridge pavements. • UHPC overlays enhance pavements: cracking, rutting, and structural issues addressed. • UHPC delivers strength and durability: improved load capacity and reduced deformation. • UHPC's environmental benefits: smaller carbon footprint, cost-effectiveness. • Efficient construction with UHPC: reduced time and costs using specialized machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the relationship between the level of digital maturity and business resilience in microenterprises in Ibero- America immediately after Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The results of 7265 surveys of microbusinesses in 18 countries were analyzed. It was found that businesses with a higher level of digital maturity presented a higher level of resilience understood as an improvement in their sales after facing a crisis such as the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, a culture of hopelessness has emerged among rural Americans, visible in epidemic levels of suicide, overdose, and other addiction-related illnesses. While the arrival of a novel coronavirus aggravated existing strains in rural economies, it also enabled positive transformations in some rural cities and towns. This research explores how businesses in rural America experienced and adapted to economic shocks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and, in the process, changed the economic and social landscape. Applying a qualitative research methodology, the present research offers Pennsylvania's Central Susquehanna Valley as a case study, using data from 60 semi-structured interviews. The analyses demonstrate rural businesses' resiliency and adaptive responses, bolstered by embedded rural capitals and the unique characteristics of rural businesses themselves. Furthermore, the pandemic forced drastic changes for businesses in the rural landscape. On the one hand, Covid-19's losses and miseries take much material, human, and social resources from the rural community. On the other hand, changing relationships between businessowners and workers, and among partners in the supply chain could be long-lasting, creating extra rural capitals and better working relationships at the factory and beyond. Finally, adoption of new technologies and automation; new business directions, such as e-commerce and higher value-added production; and increases in mergers and acquisitions across industries were prevalent during 2020–2021. In many ways, the Covid-19 impacts could make rural America more dynamic and competitive. This research offers conceptual and empirical pathways to supporting economic and social development in rural America. • This research explores how businesses in rural America experienced and adapted to economic shocks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and, in the process, changed the economic and social landscape. Applying a qualitative research methodology, the present research offers Pennsylvania's Central Susquehanna Valley as a case study, using data from 60 semi-structured interviews. The analyses demonstrate rural businesses' resiliency and adaptive responses, bolstered by embedded rural capitals and the unique characteristics of rural businesses themselves. • Within the business community, adaptive responses exemplified their resiliency thanks to embedded rural capitals and the unique characteristics of rural businesses. From a rural capital point of view, evidence suggests that rural business relied on existing rural capital to weather the crisis: by sharing information and resources with each other; relying on customer loyalty; and counting on worker flexibility when demand fluctuated. From a business characteristics perspective, rural firms tackled the crisis using all the tools and resources they had available, from adjusting and training their workforce, to modifying and adding new products, to reaching out to new customer using e-commerce, to relying on personal savings. The resolute and diverse reactions during Spring 2020 show that rural businesses are not only prepared but also as dynamic as their urban counterparts. • The pandemic not only brought tremendous loss and challenges to rural economies and communities, it also forced drastic changes upon businesses and the rural landscape. From a rural capital viewpoint, the death, prolonged sickness and deterioration of mental health among community members robs material, human, and social resources from the community. At the same time, businesses had time and space during shutdowns to upgrade skills and infrastructure, thus adding more human and material resources. Many businesses did not survive the economic downturn, and some had to reduce their size. At the same time, new businesses opened during the crisis, as owners took advantage of low rent and workforce surplus. • From a business characteristics standpoint, while the changes may be less visible, they may also be more impactful in the rural landscape. Most significantly, the changed relationships between businessowners and workers, and among partners in the supply chain will hopefully be long lasting, creating more rural capital and better working relationships at the factory and beyond. Other important changes include new adoption of technology and automation; new business directions, such as decisions to exploit e-commerce and higher value-added production; and increases in mergers and acquisitions across industries. These changes could make rural America more dynamic and competitive. However, they could also lead to further market concentration in regions that are less diverse, thus raising prices, reducing choices for consumers, and weakening worker bargaining power. • This paper combines theoretical insights from two separate strands of literature focusing on (1) rural capital and (2) business practices to derive a novel conceptual and analytical approach for studying rural businesses' resiliency during crises. Furthermore, it offers empirical evidence that supports theoretical insights into businesses-coping strategies, and factors that comprise rural resiliency in times of crisis. Through 60 semi-structured interviews, the case study resists simplistic depictions of rural America, frequently propagated by American liberals and urban elites, as sluggish, deeply conservative, ignorant, pro-Trump, and closed-minded. Instead, the interviews present a thoughtful and caring community that is constrained in significant ways, and making do with what is available. Material, mental, social, and economic barriers hinder rural businesses, preventing them from accessing a more equitable and sustainable future. Nevertheless, they have persevered thanks to rural capitals created by the land, people, community, and their unique characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularization of recycled concrete (RC) is an important way to achieve efficient resource utilization of construction solid waste (CSW), which can coordinate the sustainable economic development with environmental protection. In this paper, CiteSpace software is used to quantitatively analyze the literatures on RC field, identifying its research hotspots and recent developments. Based on the Web of Science database, we screened published literatures in the field of RC from 2004 to 2023, and obtained 2011 articles. CiteSpace software and knowledge graph technology are adopted to visually analyze the literature information, including the collaborators, keywords and citation status. The results show that, Xiao JZ from Tongji University, Poon CS from Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Tam VWY from University of Western Sydney publish a large number of articles and are frequently cited. It indicates that their researches are widely recognized in academic circles. There is a research team with a large size formed in the Chinese mainland, and the core members include Xiao JZ, Li WG, Chen ZP. At present, the research interest gradually shifts from recycled coarse aggregate to recycled fine aggregate, mainly focusing on microscale research of pore structure and interfacial transition zone. In addition, 8 co-citation clusters of selected references and the potential development trends are detailly analyzed. This study is helpful for researchers to fully understand the current hotspots and future research trends in the field of RC. [Display omitted] • The number of cumulative publications of recycled concrete (RC) shows an exponential growth. • China, Spain and America are in a leading position in the RC field in the past 20 years. • A large scientific research team with extensive cooperation is formed in Chinese Mainland. • Works performed by Xiao JZ, Kou SC, Poon CS, as well as Tam VWY, Fathifazl G widely recognized. • Research hotspots shifts from the macroscale property of RC to its microscale mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a comprehensive analysis method for levelized costs of energy (LCOE) in tidal current power generation farms (TCPGFs). The detailed investment and operation costs in the life cycles of TCPGF projects are all quantified and incorporated in the calculation of LCOE, including the emission reduction benefits brought by TCPGFs. An annual electricity production (AEP) evaluation technique is proposed, in which the impacts of wake effects, TCPGF reliability and tidal current velocity (TCV) characteristics in the planning sea area are considered. A detailed capital expenditures (CAPEX) model is developed to incorporate all related costs at different stages of TCPGF project. An evaluation model considering the variations of annual operation expenditures (OPEX) is presented. The accuracy of the proposed method is verified using the measured data, which are collected from MeyGen Phase 1A project in UK and two sites located in UK and America. It can be seen from Figs. 2–3 that the repair and maintenance costs change synchronously with failure rate. This change shows a trend of first decreasing, then smoothing, and finally rising. Repair and maintenance costs account for more than 50% of OPEX. Therefore, the change trend of OPEX is similar to that of repair and maintenance costs. • A comprehensive model of levelized cost of energy is proposed. • The variations of annual operational expenditures are considered. • Reliability of tidal current power generation farms is analyzed. • The emission reduction benefits are quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of an organizational structure is one of the most important decisions to make when executing a project. The form of the structure will define the authority, the relationships between the members of the project, where each member is located, the lines of coordination, control, etc. There exists a wide array of quantitative metrics that may be used to measure the complexity of a project organizational structure and that are borrowed from other fields. In this paper, we adopt a metric developed from Shannon's information entropy, the network entropy, which is a useful metric to measure the complexity of a project organizational structure linking the complexity of the structure to its functional role. The measure is applied to the project organizational structure of an international company dedicated to the development, construction, and operation of renewable energy projects in Europe, Asia, and America. Additionally, and for comparative purposes, alternative organizational structures are considered for the company. Our results show that adopting an organizational structure different from the structure that the company is currently using, the company would reduce its complexity and improve its structural agility and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racism and poverty are intertwined throughout American society as a result of historic and current systemic oppression based on class and race. As the processes of pediatric preventive care, or well-child care, have evolved to better acknowledge and address health disparities due to racism and poverty, the structures of care have remained mostly stagnant. To cultivate long-term health and wellness of Black and Brown children, we must adopt an explicitly antiracist structure for well-child care. The pediatric medical home model is touted as the gold standard for addressing a host of health, developmental, and social needs for children and their families. However, the medical home model has not resulted in more equitable care for Black and Brown families living in poverty; there are ample data to demonstrate that these families often do not receive care that aligns with the principles of the medical home. This inequity may be most salient in the context of well-child care, as our preventive care services in pediatrics have the potential to impact population health. To appropriately address the vast array of preventive care needs of families living at the intersection of racism and poverty, a structural redesign of preventive care in the pediatric medical home is needed. In this paper, we propose a re-imagined framework for the structure of well-child care, with a focus on care for children in families living at the intersection of racism and poverty. This framework includes a team-based approach to care in which families build trusting primary care relationships with providers, as well as nonclinical members of a care team who have shared lived experiences with the community being served, and relies on primary care connections with community organizations that support the preventive health, social health, and emotional health needs of families of young children. Without a structural redesign of preventive care in the pediatric medical home, stand-alone revisions or expansions to processes of care cannot appropriately address the effects of racism and poverty on child preventive health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we conduct a mobility reduction rate comparison between the first and second COVID-19 waves in several localities from America and Europe using Google community mobility reports (CMR) data. Through multi-dimensional visualization, we are able to compare the reduction in mobility from the different lockdown periods for each locality selected, simultaneously considering multiple place categories provided in CMR. In addition, our analysis comprises a 56-day lockdown period for each locality and COVID-19 wave, which we analyze both as 56-day periods and as 14-day consecutive windows. We use locality-wise calibrated CMR data, which we process through seasonal-trend decomposition by LOESS (STL) to isolate trend from seasonal and noise effects. We scale trend data to draw Pareto-compliant conclusions using radar charts. For each temporal granularity considered, data for a given place category is aggregated using the area under the curve (AUC) approach. In general, reduction rates observed during the first wave were much higher than during the second. Alarmingly, December holiday season mobility in some of the localities reached pre-pandemic levels for some of the place categories reported. Manaus was the only locality where second wave mobility was nearly as reduced as during the first wave, likely due to the P1 variant outbreak and oxygen supply crisis. [Display omitted] • We compare social distancing adherence in different localities during two COVID-19 waves. • Reduction rates reveal contrasting social distancing dynamics over time. • In general, mobility reduction was much higher during the first wave. • Holiday season mobility reached pre-pandemic levels for some locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio astronomy and Space Infrastructures in the Azores have a great scientific and industrial interest because they benefit from a unique geographical location in the middle of the North Atlantic allowing a vast improvement in the sky coverage. This fact obviously has a very high added value for: i) the establishment of space tracking and communications networks for the emergent global small satellite fleets ii) it is invaluable to connect the radio astronomy infrastructure networks in Africa, Europe and America continents using Very Large Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) techniques, iii) it allows excellent potential for monitoring space debris and Near Earth Objects (NEOs). There is in S. Miguel island a 32-metre SATCOM antenna that could be integrated in advanced VLBI networks and be capable of additional Deep Space Network ground support. This paper explores the space science opportunities offered by the upgrade of the S. Miguel 32-metre SATCOM antenna into a world-class infrastructure for radio astronomy and space exploration: it would enable a Deep Space Network mode and would constitute a key space facility for data production, promoting local digital infrastructure investments and the testing of cutting-edge information technologies. Its Atlantic location also enables improvements in angular resolution, provides many baselines in East–West and North–South directions connecting the emergent VLBI stations in America to Europe and Africa VLBI arrays therefore contributing for greater array imaging capabilities especially for sources or well studied fields close to or below the celestial equator, where ESO facilities, ALMA, SKA and its precursors do or will operate and observe in the coming decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Crataegus (hawthorn), a member of the Rosaceae family, encompasses several species with broad geographical distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Hawthorn is recognized as an edible medicinal plant with applications related to strengthening the digestive system, promoting blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis. This study critically summarized the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties to provide a theoretical basis for further studies on hawthorn and its applications in medicine and food. The available information on hawthorn was gathered from scientific databases (including Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, online ethnobotanical databases, and ethnobotanical monographs, and considered data from 1952 to 2023). Information about traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety concerns of the collected data is comprehensively summarized in this paper. The literature review revealed that hawthorn includes more than 1000 species primarily distributed in the northern temperate zone. Traditional uses of hawthorn have lasted for millennia in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Within the past decade, 337 chemical compounds, including flavonoids, lignans, fatty acids and organic acids, monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, terpenoids and steroids, have been identified from hawthorn. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed numerous bioactivities, such as cardiovascular system influence, antitumor activity, hepatoprotective activity, antimicrobial properties, immunomodulatory functions, and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, evaluations have indicated that hawthorn lacks toxicity. Based on its traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological studies, hawthorn has significant potential as a medicinal and edible plant with a diverse range of pharmacological activities. Traditional uses of the hawthorn include the treatment of indigestion, dysmenorrhea, and osteoporosis. However, modern pharmacological research primarily focuses on its cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system effects, antitumor effects, and liver protection properties. Currently, there is a lack of correlative research involving its traditional uses and pharmacological activities. Moreover, phytochemical and pharmacological research has yet to focus on many types of hawthorn with traditional applications. Therefore, it is imperative to research the genus Crataegus extensively. [Display omitted] • Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety concerns of hawthorn. • The medicinal uses and edible value of hawthorn. • The application and medicinal value of hawthorn in ethnopharmacology. • The challenges and opportunities of hawthorn were envisioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper interrogates the discursive production of the "birth tourist" and associated opposition to jus soli birthright citizenship in the United States. I trace the intersecting axes of heteropatriarchy and racism that underpin history of opposition to jus soli citizenship, and position contemporary media and political attention to "birth tourism" as an extension of those axes. Through a critical discourse analysis of popular media coverage and public commentators, I position the "birth tourism" category within a broader national discourse of white supremacy, before linking this discursive production to national-level regulatory efforts. Interrogating the "birth tourist" categorization as a discursive tool of white, patriarchal ethnonationalism, I advance the study of political geographies of fertility and argue that contradictions embedded within the "birth tourism" discourse ultimately work to fuel fears of white supremacy's collapse. Keywords : birth tourism, birthright citizenship, white supremacy, intersectionality, feminist geopolitics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive energy-related carbon emission intensity will lead to deterioration of environmental quality and hinder green economic growth. This paper proposes a novel self-adaptive fractional order grey generalized Verhulst model (SAFGGVM) to predict energy-related carbon emission intensity in China, America, India, Russia, and Japan with nonlinear and complex characteristics effectively. Firstly, self-adaptive fractional order and dynamic background value coefficient are introduced to capture the nonlinear evolutionary trends. Subsequently, the optimal nonlinear parameters are determined using Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm through comprehensive comparison. Furthermore, the flexibility of SAFGGVM is verified by presenting its relevance to existing models. Finally, the validity, applicability, and robustness of SAFGGVM are confirmed by comparing with two machine learning models and four grey prediction models. The empirical results exhibit that the overall precision of SAFGGVM model significantly prevails over the others in five cases, with MAPE values less than 6% in both the simulation and prediction intervals. The out-of-sample forecast results indicate that the energy-related carbon emission intensity of five countries will fall into 5.7024, 1.6030, 7.3668, 8.1633, 2.0399 tons/10,000 USD by 2025, and the decreasing rate of developing countries tends to catch up with, or even exceed, developed countries. Projection results can serve as a reference point for countries to achieve green and sustainable development. • A novel self-adaptive grey generalized Verhulst model is proposed. • Energy-related carbon emission intensity (ECEI) of five countries is predicted. • Optimal nonlinear parameters are determined by Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm. • The novel model is superior to other competing models in accuracy and roubutness. • Decline rate of ECEI in developing countries will catch up with developed countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dissolved C fluxes from 843 points on worldwide rivers are analysed. • Mean of DIC fluxes are 92% of the total (7.7 GT C yr−1), while 8% is for DOC fluxes. • Asia exports the highest dissolved C (5.8 GT C yr−1), Africa exports the lowest (0.1 GT C yr−1). • Dissolved C fluxes are higher in tropics due to high interflow contribution to river flow. • Dissolved C fluxes are low in temperate and cold climates due to high groundwater contribution to river flow. Despite dissolved carbon (C) exports from continents being crucial in the connection between terrestrial, atmospheric and oceanic C pools, the relative contribution and process controls on dissolved organic (DOC) and inorganic (DIC) fluxes within river basins are not fully understood. This paper presents an analysis of data from 843 sites worldwide from 45 Web of Science SCI-Expanded (ex ISI) indexed papers that report both the DOC and DIC contents and fluxes in conjunction with chemical elements, such as Si, Na and 13C abundance, to investigate the likely origin, pathways and fate of the dissolved C. The reviewed papers also report on selected environmental factors (e.g., MAP and MAT: mean annual precipitation and temperature respectively; Climate, LU: land use, A: basin surface area). Regarding dissolved C fluxes rivers transported on average, 8.4 GT C yr−1 of dissolved C with 7.7 GT C yr−1 (92%) being DIC and remaining (8%) DOC. Asia has the highest within-river dissolved C transport (5.8 GT C yr−1) followed by Europe (2.0 GT C yr−1), America (0.4 GT C yr−1), and Africa (0.1 GT C yr−1). The dissolved C fluxes tend to increase with river water fluxes and contribution of interflow as seen in the tropical climate, which results in the export of relatively fresh DOC with low aromaticity. In contrast, the lower river water fluxes in sub-tropical and temperate climates corresponds to high concentration of comparatively more decomposed DOC, which pointed to a high proportion of groundwater contribution to the water fluxes. The results also imply that surface area and morphology of the river basins, as well as land use, has insignificant impact on dissolved C dynamics. Such quantitative results, including on the important role of climate on the dynamics of dissolved C in river basins, are helpful in improving predictions on the impact of climate change on the global C cycle. New and innovative multidisciplinary research on the subject is called for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent men's cancer in America and Western countries. No effective therapies are currently available for PCa aggressiveness, including castration-resistant progression (CRPC). This study aims at evaluation of the prospective efficacy and the molecular mechanism of scandenolone (SCA), a natural isoflavone, in PCa progression. SCA suppressed cell viability and progression and induced apoptosis in PCa cells. SCA inhibited the expression of lipogenesis and cholesterogenesis related key genes. Through inhibition of these metabolic genes, SCA decreased the levels of fatty acids, lipid droplets and cholesterols in PCa cells. Moreover, SCA enhanced the expression of antioxidant factors, including Nrf2, HO-1, catalase and SOD-1, and reduced the ROS levels in PCa cells. Substantially, SCA displayed the potential efficacy on CRPC tumors. This paper offers a new insight into the underlying molecular basis of SCA in PCa cells. By coordinated impairment of the metabolic and signaling vulnerabilities, including lipogenesis, cholesterogenesis, ROS and the AR/PSA axis, SCA could be applied as a novel and promising remedy to cure malignant PCa. SCA inhibited cell growth, migration and invasion, and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis through blockade of the metabolic and signaling vulnerabilities, including lipogenesis (inhibition of SREBP-1 and FASN), cholesterogenesis (inhibition of SREBP-2 and HMGCR), ROS (activation of Nrf2, HO-1, catalase and SOD) and the AR/PSA axis in PCa cells. [Display omitted] • Three key transcriptional factors mediating the metabolic and signaling vulnerabilities (lipogenesis, cholesterogenesis and ROS) were identified leading to prostate cancer (PCa) progression. • Scandenolone (SCA), a natural isoflavone product, exhibited a potential nti-cancer activity on suppression of cell viability and progression, and activation of programmed cell death in PCa cells in vitro and in vivo. • SCA co-impaired lipogenesis, cholesterogenesis and ROS in PCa. • SCA could be applied as a novel and promising drug to cure malignant PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Western nations are increasingly divided by socioeconomic fault lines, how do we learn about the lives of others? Scholarship documents correlates of inequality beliefs but lacks a theoretical framework for studying belief formation. This paper develops an "institutional inference" model describing how adolescents learn about inequality in racially and socioeconomically homogeneous or heterogeneous institutional contexts. The latter expose them to structural sources of inequality that they cannot see in the former. Testing theoretical expectations on ten panels of US college students (n = 141,597), I find that: (1) beliefs about meritocracy and racial inequality change substantially in college, (2) the direction of change is shaped by experiences with same-race or different-race roommates, (3) the impact of which is strongest on campuses that otherwise provide limited exposure to heterogeneity. The inferential process that links institutions to beliefs may help explain why Americans have not rallied against inequality: when growing inequality produces socioeconomically homogeneous settings, people cannot experience its full extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We evaluated the toxicity of binary mixtures of permethrin and a natural monoterpene in Triatoma infestans. • The monoterpenes eugenol and menthol synergized the speed of action of permethrin. • Menthyl acetate did not modify the speed of action of permethrin. • Identification of new synergists could help to reduce the use of conventional insecticides. The blood-sucking bug , Triatoma infestans, is one of the main vectors of Chagas disease in America. It is usually controlled with pyrethroids, but the emergence of resistance to these insecticides creates the need to look for alternative products. Eugenol, menthol and menthyl acetate are botanical monoterpenes, which produce lethal and sublethal effects on insects. The purpose of this work was to determine what type of toxicological interactions occur when binary mixtures, formed by the pyrethroid permethrin and sublehtal doses of eugenol, menthol or menthyl acetate, are applied to T. infestans. First instar nymphs were exposed to filter papers impregnated with the insecticides. The number of knocked down insects was registered at different times and Knock Down Time 50% (KT 50) values were calculated. The following KT 50 values with their corresponding 95% Confidence Intervals were obtained: permethrin, 47.29 (39.92 - 56.32) min; permethrin + eugenol, 34.08 (29.60 - 39.01) min; permethrin + menthol, 27.54 (23.28 - 32.55) min; permethrin + menthyl acetate, 43.62 (39.99 - 47.59) min. Eugenol and menthol increased the speed of action of permethrin (synergism), but menthyl acetate had no effect on it (additivity). These results provide the basis to further explore interactions between conventional insecticides and plant monoterpenes as potential tools for controlling T. infestans. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First documentation of the Pagoda Positive Carbon Excursion (PPCE) on Upper Yangtze Platform. • Astronomical tuning of 3 sections yielded similar PPCE durations of 4.0 ± 0.3 Myr. • PPCE is coeval with regional transgression-highstand and oscillating climate. The continuous and well exposed sections of the Upper Ordovician on the Upper Yangtze Platform were surveyed and sampled for δ13C and δ18O isotope and conodont fossils. The geochem-stratigraphic work in the Pagoda Formation has resulted in the recognition of a positive δ13C excursion, the Pagoda Positive δ13C Excursion (PPCE). The PPCE is a distinctive positive excursion occurring in the Middle-Late Katian, consists of three minor excursions ranging from 1.5 ‰ to 3 ‰, which has been identified in all the study sections on the Upper Yangtze Platform. The PPCE interval ranges through the conodont Hamarodus brevirameus and Protopandeordus inscrulptus conodont zones in ascending order, which indicates that the PPCE develops in the Middle-Late Katian of the Late Ordovician, while the Guttenberg δ13C Excursion (GICE) in the Baltoscandia and America extended from the Late Sandbian to the Early Katian. Spectral analysis of high-resolution magnetic susceptibility (MS) logs for the four study sections shows consistent wavelengths of ca. 2.0, 0.5, 0.18 and 0.15 m. The outcrop depth-series were tuned using 405-kyr long-eccentricity cycles and the astronomical tuning yields the duration of 3.7 to 4.4 myr for the PPCE event in different sections. This is the first documentation of the PPCE event on the Upper Yangtze Platform according to the geochemo-bio-cyclostratigraphy evidences, being identified within all portions of this platform in South China. It revised the previous description of the positive δ13C excursion of the Pagoda Formation on the Upper Yangtze Platform. The trigger of the PPCE was also briefly discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic is an incredibly versatile and useful material, however with only a fraction of this material being collected for recycling, it thus creates a serious environmental issue. Much of the research on plastics that contributes to a circular economy emphasises end of life, whereas solutions may be present earlier in the supply chain. There is a need for an evidence-based framework that describes circular economy interventions that can occur throughout the plastics supply chain. This research is, to the best of the authors knowledge, the most comprehensive review of plastics focussed circular economy literature covering the previous 21 years and 391 articles. Using a semi-systematic approach, a coding framework was designed to assign articles to one of sixteen circular economy stages across the supply chain. Papers were also coded according to their polymer resin types, first author country and plastic use categories. The resulting coded database was interrogated for publication trends across these categories. Our results show that publications in this field are growing rapidly, with much of the published literature coming from Europe and America. We also noted that most of the articles appeared general in nature, not specifying a particular resin type or plastic use category. This may limit the translation of research into practical, implementable solutions. The data obtained was used to validate a comprehensive framework that describes and quantifies the full breadth of circular economy interventions for the plastics supply chain. This research takes the sixteen circular economy stages our research identified and divides them into six key areas: resources (n = 67, 17%), production (n = 31,8%), use (n = 37, 9%), recycling (n = 100, 26%), waste (n = 49.13%), and system analysis (n = 107, 27%). This shows that by far, there is a focus in the literature on system-based approaches and recycling interventions, constituting 53% of all articles examined. In contrast, early-stage interventions involving production and use appear as relative gaps, collectively making up only 17% of the articles examined. The most important contribution of this research is to develop and validate a conceptual framework for plastics in the circular economy. This framework can be applied to addressing and conceptualising a circular economy for plastics in research, industry and policy settings, thus serving to catalyse this transition. [Display omitted] • An evidence-based framework is presented for plastics in the circular economy. • This describes 16 circular economy stages across the plastic supply chain. • Trends across time, country, stage, resin type and use category were evaluated. • A full state of research is presented (21 years), and knowledge gaps identified. • The framework is a practical tool for the transition to a plastics circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a compartmental mathematical model has been utilized to gain a better insight about the future dynamics of COVID-19. The total human population is divided into eight various compartments including susceptible, exposed, pre-asymptomatic, asymptomatic, symptomatic, quarantined, hospitalized and recovered or removed individuals. The problem was modeled in terms of highly nonlinear coupled system of classical order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) which was further generalized with the Atangana-Balaeanu (ABC) fractional derivative in Caputo sense with nonlocal kernel. Furthermore, some theoretical analyses have been done such as boundedness, positivity, existence and uniqueness of the considered. Disease-free and endemic equilibrium points were also assessed. The basic reproduction was calculated through next generation technique. Due to high risk of infection, in the present study, we have considered the reported cases from three continents namely Americas, Europe, and south-east Asia. The reported cases were considered between 1st May 2021 and 31st July 2021 and on the basis of this data, the spread of infection is predicted for the next 200 days. The graphical solution of the considered nonlinear fractional model was obtained via numerical scheme by implementing the MATLAB software. Based on the fitted values of parameters, the basic reproduction number ℜ 0 for the case of America, Asia and Europe were calculated as ℜ 0 ≈ 2.92819 , ℜ 0 ≈ 2.87970 and ℜ 0 ≈ 2.23507 respectively. It is also observed that the spread of infection in America is comparatively high followed by Asia and Europe. Moreover, the effect of fractional parameter is shown on the dynamics of spread of infection among different classes. Additionally, the effect of quarantined and treatment of infected individuals is also shown graphically. From the present analysis it is observed that awareness of being quarantine and proper treatment can reduce the infection rate dramatically and a minimal variation in quarantine and treatment rates of infected individuals can lead us to decrease the rate of infection. [Display omitted] • The model is generalized by implementing the Atangana-Baleanu fractional differential operator of Mittag-Leffler type kernel. • Numerical scheme is implemented through MATLAB software for the graphical solution. • Cases reported Asia, America and Europe are considered in this investigation between 1st May 2021 and 30th July 2021. • Based on previous data, the spread of infection is predicted for the next 200 days which is shown through different graphs. • In addition, the impact of quarantine and treatment on infected people is dramatically depicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to simulate and predict global permafrost distribution, and analyse its change from 2010 to 2100 under different climate scenarios. Based on different factors (topography, land cover, climate and location) and global permafrost distribution status, logistic regression model (LRM) is chosen and constructed to simulate and predict the global permafrost distributions. Thus, the global permafrost distributions at T1 (2010–2040), T2 (2040–2070) and T3 (2070–2100) are predicted under different climate scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 and RCP85). From T1 to T3, the area of global permafrost has the largest degradation under RCP85 scenarios. From RCP26 to RCP85 at T3, the area of the degraded permafrost reached 0.671 × 108 km2. The degraded permafrost mainly distributes in east Asia, west Asia, north Europe and north America. The west Asia has the highest degrading distance, about 600 km under the situations of both RCP85 from T1 to T3 and from RCP26 to RCP85 at T3. • Global permafrost is simulated and predicted from 2010 to 2100. • Global permafrost degradation various largely under different climate scenarios. • West Asia has the highest degrading distance under RCP85 scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• European option datasets were time-sequenced by maturity to extract time information. • Two deep learning models were built for the option pricing tasks. • Our models can price option accurately without volatility calibration and simulation. • An interpretable method was used to find how models improved the pricing results. • Accumulate local effect range method was proposed to get feature emphasis of models. In this paper, we investigated the feasibility of pricing European options with time-sequencing data processing method and deep learning models, based on two European options, the ETF50 options of China and the S&P 500 options of America. Four competing models were built to verify the improvement of the 1D-CNN and LSTM models on the option pricing task. Methods like cross-validations and statistical tests were also used to make our experiments more robust. Besides, in order to increase the stability and the interpretability of our pricing models, we selected the ALE method to interpret and analyze the behavior of the deep learning models. The empirical results indicate that, in both ETF50 option and S&P500 option pricing tasks, the 1D-CNN and LSTM models had significant advantages in forecasting accuracy and robustness under moneyness, trading date or maturity dimension irrespectively. Especially for the LSTM model, which has robust performance using different kinds of cross-validation methods. With the help of ALE method, we proved that the improved performance brought by the 1D-CNN and LSTM models could be attributed to their capability of capturing time-series information and their different emphasis on input features and lags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide spread of the SARS-CoV-2 caused an unprecedented lockdown measures in most countries with consequences on the world society, economy, and sanitary systems. This situation provided an opportunity to identify the effects of human confinement on natural environments, like touristic sandy beaches, which are stressed due to anthropogenic pressures. Based on previous articles about heavy metals sources and levels in these ecosystems, this paper discusses the dynamic of these pollutants and a regulatory scenario associated with COVID-19 sanitation policies. The main findings suggest that 39% of the studies were on Asian sandy beaches, 16% from Europe, while America and Africa with 23% each. Also Co, Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb, Ni, Fe and Mn were the most frequently analyzed metals in sediments and in several cases their concentrations exceed international guidelines assessment. Finally, even though beaches are under several metals inputs, tourism plays a key role in these ecosystems quality. After analyzing the potential indirect effect of COVID-19 measures on metals dynamics, we propose some key recommendations and management strategies to mitigate heavy metal pollution on sandy tourist beaches. These proposals are useful for decision-makers and stakeholders to improve sandy beach management, mainly those beaches not addressed from a management perspective; and their implementation should be adapted according to the regulations and legislation of each country. • Because of tourism, heavy metal pollution, threatens sandy beaches' sustainability. • Metal pollution data on touristic sandy beaches still lacks systematization and is scarce. • COVID-19 pandemic measures indirectly affect metals sources and levels in these environments. • Management tools are proposed to mitigate metal pollution in touristic sandy beaches. • The "new normality" offers a unique opportunity to design the transition towards sustainable tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the similarities and differences of American, European and Chinese standard for railway concrete sleeper. As an integral part of railway structure, concrete sleeper which is widely used in railway engineering plays an important role in the stability of the railway structure. To ensure the quality of concrete sleeper, different regions stipulate standard for concrete sleeper on the basis of technology development and geographical environment. A comparative review on concrete sleeper standard from America, China and Europe in terms of requirements on cement, aggregate, reinforcement, manufacturing and concrete properties has been conducted. The review shows that all of three regions have similar requirement on cement in terms of compressive strength and SO 3 content. The aggregate requirement for both American and Chinese standard specifies the upper (D) and lower (d) limits of sieve size while the European standard which provides more flexible requirement specifying only the ratio D/d. Both of European standard EN 13230-1 and American standard AREMA CHAPTER 30 focus more on prestressing reinforcement including wire, strand and bar, while the Chinese standard GBT 37330 has more specific requirement for manufacturing process of concrete sleeper on the basis of steel reinforcement. The value of compressive strength of concrete stipulated by GBT 37330 is the highest. This paper could provide clear understanding of the production requirements of concrete sleeper in America, China and Europe which can be used as guide for further concrete sleeper development in the future. • Concrete railway sleepers in American, European and Chinese Standard. • Basis of technology in concrete sleeper development. • Way forward for further concrete sleeper development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is widely used as a dietary supplement in Europe and America. • A new supramolecular extractant was designed for the separation of PQQ from fermentation broth. • The extraction driving force was inferred as an ion-pair and π-π interaction between PQQ and BC. In this paper, new supramolecular extractants, which contained surfactant, alkane and alkanol, were designed and used to separate PQQ. After a series of tests, the optimal extractant composition was determined as benzalkalonium (C 8 -C 16) chloride (BC): n -hexane: n -pentanol, and the highest extraction rate could reach 98%. The extraction equilibrium could be reached in five minutes. The mechanism of the extraction selectivity was inferred as an ion-pair and π-π complexation interaction between PQQ and BC, which was indicated by UV and fluorescence quenching experiments. To recycle the organic extractant, the extract was back-extracted with sodium chloride solution. After extraction, back extraction and crystallization, an isolated product with a purity of 97.5% was obtained from G. oxydans fermentation broth. The product was identified as PQQ by HPLC analysis and MS. Above all, the present research developed a simple and efficient method for the separation of PQQ from fermentation broth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strengthening of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions meant that manufacturing scheduling had to acquire a green approach. The need to reduce energy consumption becomes necessary for companies to achieve sustainable development. Therefore, a new challenge for the scientific community was foreseen, researching new algorithms or knowledge hubs to achieve green scheduling. Green scheduling may be considered one of the principles of green manufacturing, aimed at minimizing environmental damage and energy waste. A review of the literature shows that there are no research works that analyze the scientific development carried out in "green scheduling" through methodologies based on bibliometric analysis, thus the need and the novelty of this research. Based on a dataset formed by 420 scientific documents published from 2006 to 2020 a bibliometric and network analysis is carried out to find the scientific trends, the main relationships according to collaborations and intermediaries, and the research hubs that help to establish the research agenda. The results show that "green scheduling" is a growing research area in the scientific community and in recent years the number of new research topics has experienced considerable growth. This research is developed in Asia, Europe and America, but China stands out as the most productive, collaborative, intermediary, influential and active country at present, through its organizations which are mainly universities, such as Huanzhong University of Science and Technology and Tongji University. However, research development related to green scheduling is carried out in a collaborative environment between institutions located in different countries, allowing countries that are not scientific powerhouses to develop research in the area. The network analysis makes it possible to define the research framework through the clustering of the dataset's research keywords, highlighting that the main areas of research focus on the development of new methods through algorithms aimed at improving energy efficiency in production environments, in areas of computational development such as cloud computing, and in transportation. The most cited research papers, considered the main drivers of knowledge, are published in high-quality research journals, and are mainly developments in scheduling algorithms for different work environments with a green approach. Research findings can provide the academic community with relevant information about green scheduling to make appropriate decisions and become a research agenda for future research. • China stands out as the most productive, collaborative, and influential country. • Research development is carried out in a collaborative environment. • The research is mainly linked to algorithms in production environments. • The application environments are production, computational areas, and transportation. • The most cited references support the conceptual framework related to scheduling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel structure-adaptative grey model with a time power is proposed. • The Cultural Algorithm is employed for determining the optimal time power item. • Monte-Carlo Simulation and Probability Density Analysis are originally introduced to enhance the model's robustness. • Empirical results comprehensively verify the efficacy of our novel method. • The future demands for nuclear energy are predicted by using the promising model from 2019 to 2023. Accurate estimations of nuclear energy consumption are an essential process for formulating appropriate policies and plans in the energy sector and associated companies. This paper presents a novel structure-adaptive grey model with an adjustable time power based on the nonlinear and complicated characteristics of nuclear energy consumption, in which three core innovations are summarized below. Initially, the generalized time response function for projections is theoretically deduced, which overcomes the fundamental flaws in the conventional grey model. Subsequently, the Cultural Algorithm is employed to determine the optimum values of the time power item to improve the adaptability and flexibility to confront diverse forecasting issues. Further, Monte-Carlo Simulation and Probability Density Analysis (PDA) are originally introduced to enhance the robustness of the proposed model. For illustration and verification purposes, experiments on predicting nuclear energy consumption in China and America are conducted in comparison with a range of benchmark models, including other prevalent grey models, conventional econometric technology, and artificial intelligences. The performance of the novel technique is evaluated from two different perspectives of PDA and level accuracy, confirming that this model is a very promising and powerful tool for predicting nuclear energy demands in China and America from 2019 to 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refugee resettlement services in the United States usually prioritize education, employment, and language skills. However, a more holistic approach to supporting refugees beyond the initial resettlement period is needed. Specifically, more attention should be focused on the social and cultural discrimination, particularly racism experienced by refugees who are Black. This is even more urgent for women who experience additional intersectionality of race, gender, and refugee status. We conducted longitudinal photovoice research with Congolese women refugees in the United States in 2016 after they had been resettled for approximately two years and then again three years later in 2019. Photovoice data was supplemented with semi-structured interviews in 2016 and interviewer-administered questionnaires in 2019. The paper shares three major themes highlighting social and cultural challenges—including raising kids in America and the related fear of the police; increasing experiences of discrimination; and the importance of social connection. Our findings indicate the need for more comprehensive and culturally tailored support from social services beyond the initial resettlement period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]