Resilient Solutions Research Articles

Machine learning facilitated the modeling of plastics hydrothermal pretreatment toward constructing an on-ship marine litter-to-methanol plant

An onboard facility shows promise in efficiently converting floating plastics into valuable products, such as methanol, negating the need for regional transport and land-based treatment. Gasification presents an effective means of processing plastics, requiring their transformation into gasification-compatible feedstock, such as hydrochar. This study explores hydrochar composition modeling, utilizing advanced algorithms and rigorous analyses to unravel the intricacies of elemental composition ratios, identify influential factors, and optimize hydrochar production processes. The investigation begins with decision tree modeling, which successfully captures relationships but encounters overfitting challenges. Nevertheless, the decision tree vote analysis, particularly for the H/C ratio, yielding an impressive R2 of 0.9376. Moreover, the research delves into the economic feasibility of the marine plastics-to-methanol process. Varying payback periods, driven by fluctuating methanol prices observed over a decade (ranging from 3.3 to 7 yr for hydrochar production plants), are revealed. Onboard factories emerge as resilient solutions, capitalizing on marine natural gas resources while striving for near-net-zero emissions. This comprehensive study advances our understanding of hydrochar composition and offers insights into the economic potential of environmentally sustainable marine plastics-to-methanol processes.

Innovative solutions for critical infrastructure resilience against cyber-physical attacks

Critical infrastructure must withstand cyber and physical assaults in today's interconnected world. This study explores innovative strategies to shield these systems from cyber-physical threats. As networks become more connected, cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, making it imperative to safeguard sectors like transportation, energy, water, and information. The paper analyzes the present and future threat landscape, identifying vulnerabilities within critical infrastructures and proposing targeted mitigation strategies to enhance security. The research leverages AI and machine learning to develop detection tools that identify and predict cyber-physical attacks, enhancing response times and preventive measures. Additionally, resilience engineering and architecture are crucial in fortifying infrastructure, enabling it to withstand and recover from attacks while maintaining essential functions. The study also reviews legislation and policies surrounding infrastructure protection, pinpointing shortcomings and recommending improvements to bolster national security. Effective countermeasures against cyber-physical threats require collaboration and information sharing among government bodies, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions. These partnerships facilitate the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and tools to address threats efficiently. Furthermore, the paper highlights the importance of training programs that equip professionals with skills to integrate cyber and physical security defenses. Exploring the integration of blockchain, IoT, and autonomous technologies could further enhance the resilience of critical systems. These technologies foster secure communications and automated responses to incidents. Lastly, community awareness initiatives play a vital role in preparing for and mitigating cyber-physical attacks, ensuring that public readiness and resilience are maintained. This comprehensive approach aims to fortify critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats, ensuring continuous operation and security.

The Resilience of the Built Environment to Flooding: The Case of Alappuzha District in the South Indian State of Kerala

In recent years, floods and climate-induced cataclysms have caused significant annual damage to livelihoods worldwide, with limited research on their vulnerability, impact, resilience, and long-term adaptation strategies in developing countries. In the South Indian State of Kerala, the major flood in 2018 caused immense economic losses in the low-lying and densely populated Alappuzha District. While the region has a heightened risk of periodic flooding, the considerable destruction of buildings and infrastructure highlights the need for effective solutions for flood resilience in the existing housing stock and new construction. In this context, this study examines flood resilience in the built environment of Alappuzha, focusing on flood vulnerability, building practices, and potential approaches suitable for the region that the current literature does not address. This study employs a qualitative research approach to understand current trends in adaptation strategies and the influencing socioeconomic and cultural factors. The study employs various data collection methods, including interviews, site observations, and content analyses of existing government reports, journal articles, and popular media sources. The findings indicate that although there are three types of established flood resilience techniques (static elevated, floating, and amphibious structures), their suitability for the low-lying areas of Alappuzha depends on the geographic, climatic, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts. Stilted houses have become the most common construction method, in response to climatic and socioeconomic conditions. In addition, the findings highlight the bounce-forth resilience quality of amphibious building techniques and suggest further exploration by integrating them with local technologies and materials. The study concludes that a comprehensive approach is needed that integrates traditional and modern knowledge and practices in disaster risk reduction and management to enhance the resilience of the built environment to flooding.

Wellbeing, infrastructures, and energy insecurity in informal settlements

IntroductionUnderstanding the intricate relationship between energy and wellbeing in informal urban settlements is essential for developing effective interventions that address the diverse needs of residents. This paper explores this nexus through a multi-dimensional lens, examining the complexities and dynamics involved in off-grid renewable energy interventions, focusing on solar microgrids in an informal settlement in Cape Town, South Africa.MethodsThe paper is based on empirical research analysed through a theoretical framework articulating the pathways through which energy insecurity influences various dimensions of wellbeing, encompassing economic, physical, social, and environmental aspects. By applying this framework to our empirical research, the paper reveals the intricate interplay between neighbourhood factors, housing conditions, social processes, and economic insecurities, shedding light on both the challenges and opportunities associated with off-grid energy interventions.ResultsThe understanding of wellbeing presented in the paper is based on what we term the energy-wellbeing-informality nexus. Understanding the nexus necessitates: (a) moving past universalist and technocratic understandings of wellbeing, and towards a relational and networked basis for wellbeing analysis; (b) moving beyond conventional narratives of off-grid electrification as mere technical fixes, emphasizing the importance of recognizing informal settlements as sites of innovation and experimentation; (c) understanding the multi-sectoral nature of energy-related wellbeing impacts, extending beyond energy provision to encompass broader dimensions such as education, health, and social cohesion.DiscussionThe paper not only advances theoretical understanding but also offers practical insights for policymakers and practitioners. It emphasizes the need for context-sensitive policymaking that acknowledges the complexities of informal settlements and fosters innovative approaches to energy service provision. By integrating energy interventions into broader development strategies and adopting a multi-sectoral perspective, stakeholders can work towards more equitable and resilient solutions that enhance the overall wellbeing of residents in informal urban contexts.

Entrepreneurial Resilience During COVID-19: The Survival of Small Businesses Using Dynamic Capabilities Theory and Effectuation Theory

Objectives: This study explores how Bali's sport tourism stakeholders used dynamic capabilities to mitigate COVID-19's impacts. Given Bali's reliance on sport tourism, understanding recovery is crucial. The research aims to identify pandemic challenges, explore strategic recovery plans, and understand how entrepreneurs leverage dynamic capabilities for survival and growth. Theoretical Framework: The study integrates dynamic capabilities and effectuation theories with entrepreneurial resilience. Dynamic capabilities involve adapting, learning, and transforming activities to meet changing environments. Effectuation theory focuses on leveraging available means and making decisions based on emerging opportunities. Together, these theories offer a comprehensive understanding of adaptation strategies among Bali's sport tourism entrepreneurs. Method: Using a qualitative design, the research conducts semi-structured interviews with 10 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bali's sport tourism sector. Results and Discussion: Findings highlight resilience's role in fostering adaptability, motivation, and a learning mindset. An activity-based model for dynamic capabilities focuses on integration, learning, and transformation with employee and customer involvement. Leveraging dynamic capabilities, assessing opportunities with available means, and using innovative technologies are crucial for strategic decisions in uncertain environments. Research Implications: This study contributes to the entrepreneurship and strategic management literature. Integrating dynamic capacities, effectuation theories, and entrepreneurial resilience provides useful insights for academics, policymakers, and practitioners. The work offers practical solutions for resilience in dynamic contexts. Originality/Value: This study enhances understanding of how Bali’s sport tourism entrepreneurs adapt to a transformed entrepreneurial ecosystem. It serves as a valuable resource for developing resilient strategies for future disruptions.

A 3D-printed condom intrauterine balloon tamponade: Design, prototyping, and technical validation.

Post-partum haemorrhage is among the main causes of (preventable) mortality for women in low-resource settings (LRSs), where, in 2017, the mortality ratio was 462 out of every 100 000 live births, over 10 times higher than for high-resource settings. There are different treatments available for post-partum haemorrhage. The intrauterine balloon tamponade is a medical device that proved to be a simple and cost-effective approach. Currently, there are several balloon tamponades available, with different design and working principles. However, all these devices were designed for high-resource settings, presenting several aspects that could be inappropriate for many lower-income countries. This paper presents the results of a preclinical study aiming at informing the design, prototyping and validation of a 3D-printed intrauterine balloon tamponade concept, contributing towards the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good health and Well-being. Frugal engineering concepts and contextualised design techniques were applied throughout, to define the design requirements and specifications. The performance of the final prototype was validated against the requirements of the UK National Health System (NHS) technical guidelines and relevant literature, measuring the water leak and pressure drop over time, both open air and in a approximate uterus model. The resulting prototype is made up of six components, some of which are easy to retrieve, namely a water bottle, a silicone tube and an ordinary condom, while others can be manufactured locally using 3D printers, namely a modified bottle cap, a flow stopper and a valve for holding the condom in place. Validation testing bore promising results with no water or pressure leak open air, and minimal leaks in the approximate uterus model. This demonstrates that the 3D printed condom-based intrauterine balloon tamponade is performing well against the requirements and, when compared to the state of the art, it could be a more appropriate and more resilient solution to low-resource settings, as it bypasses the challenges in the supply of consumables and presents a greener option based on circular economy.

Reclaiming the Xhotsa: climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration via the return of Sumas Lake

Sumas Lake (Xhotsa), located in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada, was the heart of Semá:th Nation Territory and the epicenter of a complex Indigenous food system. For the Semá:th people, the lake represented life and livelihood. In 1924, the lake was stolen and drained in an instance of land theft that occurred during a nationwide campaign of land dispossession and genocide, decimating an ecology that supported a rich and diverse Indigenous food system and replacing it with a settler food system. A century later, in November 2021 climate change induced flooding caused the lake to return, resulting in the evacuation of thousands of people and causing millions in damages to homes and infrastructure. Since the flood, the response has been a continuation of the status quo to protect settler agricultural lands via increased investment in hard structures that control the flow of water based on assumptions of the predictability of future flow conditions. We offer a missing narrative by bringing together an analysis of Indigenous laws and oral tradition with an assessment of the economic costs of “managed retreat”, defined as the purposeful relocation of people and infrastructure out of harm’s way. We find that the cost of buying out properties in the lakebed and allowing the lake to return is close to half the cost ($1 billion) of maintaining the status quo ($2.4 billion), while facilitating climate adaptation, and restoration of a floodplain ecosystem that supported thriving populations of people, salmon, sturgeon, ducks, and food and medicinal plants– including many species which are now endangered. Returning Sumas Lake by centering ‘Water Back’ as a climate resiliency solution, enacts both food systems and ecological reconciliation, addressing the harms caused by the loss of the lake to the Semá:th People that is still felt to this day. In a time when climate change induced flooding is predicted to increase, this study demonstrates how the inclusion of Indigenous laws and knowledges are critical to the development of solutions toward a more sustainable and just future.

Engineering and public health: converging disciplines for resilient solutions

Engineering and public health: converging disciplines for resilient solutions

Fuzzy Machine Learning Applications in Environmental Engineering: Does the Ability to Deal with Uncertainty Really Matter?

Statement of Problem: Environmental engineering confronts complex challenges characterized by significant uncertainties. Traditional modeling methods often fail to effectively address these uncertainties. As a promising direction, this study explores fuzzy machine learning (ML) as an underutilized alternative. Research Question: Although the potential of fuzzy logic is widely acknowledged, can its capabilities truly enhance environmental engineering applications? Purpose: This research aims to deepen the understanding of the role and significance of fuzzy logic in managing uncertainty within environmental engineering applications. The objective is to contribute to both theoretical insights and practical implementations in this domain. Method: This research performs a systematic review carried out in alignment with PRISMA guidelines, encompassing 27 earlier studies that compare fuzzy ML with other methods across a variety of applications within the field of environmental engineering. Results: The findings demonstrate how fuzzy-based models consistently outperform traditional methods in scenarios marked by uncertainty. The originality of this research lies in its systematic comparison and the identification of fuzzy logic’s transparent, interpretable nature as particularly suited for environmental engineering challenges. This approach provides a new perspective on integrating fuzzy logic into environmental engineering, emphasizing its capability to offer more adaptable and resilient solutions. Conclusions: The analysis reveals that fuzzy-based models significantly excel in managing uncertainty compared to other methods. However, the study advocates for a case-by-case evaluation rather than a blanket replacement of traditional methods with fuzzy models. This approach encourages optimal selection based on specific project needs. Practical Implications: Our findings offer actionable insights for researchers and engineers, highlighting the transparent and interpretable nature of fuzzy models, along with their superior ability to handle uncertainties. Such attributes position fuzzy logic as a promising alternative in environmental engineering applications. Moreover, policymakers can leverage the reliability of fuzzy logic in developing ML-aided sustainable policies, thereby enhancing decision-making processes in environmental management.

Mapping Social Vulnerability to Multi-Hazard Scenarios: A GIS-Based Approach at the Census Tract Level

Floods and landslides cause continuous damage to ecosystems, infrastructures, and populations. Particularly, the occurrence and the existence of different natural hazards in the same territory highlight the need to improve risk mitigation strategies for local authorities and community resilience solutions for inhabitants. Analyzing and mapping social vulnerability provides information about the main features of a specific community to deal with natural events. Specifically, the interaction between multi-hazards and the socio-economic environment suggests multidisciplinary assessments that merge the physical and the socio-economic features of the affected territories, providing a useful approach to support multi-risk reduction planning. In this context, the article focuses on integrating landslide and flood hazard scenarios with social vulnerability in the Basilicata Region (southern Italy) at the census tract level. Thirteen municipalities were chosen as multi-hazard hot spots, while open-source platforms were selected for hazard and social vulnerability data collection and analyses. A geographic information system (GIS)-based approach was applied to combine different hazard scenarios with social vulnerability distribution among 1331 census tracts to detect the most vulnerable sub-municipality areas that need special attention in multi-risk reduction strategies. The results are presented in the form of maps, which provide a relevant suitable tool in local emergency planning.

ENHANCING POWER SYSTEM SECURITY THROUGH RESILIENT FREQUENCY REGULATION IN THE FACE OF HYBRID CYBER-ATTACKS

The growing reliance on modern communication technologies in power systems for Frequency Regulation (FR) introduces vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, posing significant threats to system stability and reliability. These attacks can disrupt the coordination among various components, such as sensors, control centers, and actuators, thereby compromising the integrity of FR analysis. In response, this article proposes a resilient solution in the form of a deep-learning-based Attack Detection and Mitigation system. By integrating advanced AI techniques, this system aims to fortify the security of FR operations within the cyber-physical framework, swiftly identifying and neutralizing cyber threats. Ultimately, this approach ensures the continuous and reliable operation of power systems, mitigating the risks posed by hybrid cyberattacks and safeguarding critical infrastructure. The proposed system represents a proactive approach to mitigating the escalating risks associated with cyberattacks targeting FR in power systems. Through its deep-learning algorithms, the system can dynamically adapt to emerging threats, enhancing the resilience of FR analysis against malicious intrusions. By bolstering security measures within the cyber-physical model, the system minimizes the potential impact of cyberattacks on power system stability and reliability. Moreover, its ability to detect and mitigate threats in real-time ensures uninterrupted operation, thereby safeguarding the functionality of power systems even amidst the evolving landscape of hybrid cyber threats. This resilient solution represents a crucial step towards fortifying power system security and maintaining essential services in the face of adversarial cyber activities. Keywords: Attack detection and mitigation (ADM) system, Frequency Regulation(FR), hybrid power system, Renewable Energy Sources (RESs), resiliency.

Influence of Climate Change Adaptation Policies on Sheep Farming Viability in Australia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of climate change adaptation policies on sheep farming viability in Australia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Climate change adaptation policies in Australia have significantly influenced the viability of sheep farming in recent years. Research indicates that the implementation of targeted adaptation measures, such as improved pasture management and water conservation strategies, has helped mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on sheep farming viability. Studies have shown that farms adopting these policies have experienced higher survival rates of livestock and increased profitability compared to those without such measures. Additionally, government support programs aimed at assisting sheep farmers in implementing climate adaptation strategies have been instrumental in enhancing the resilience of the sector. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Adaptation theory in environmental economics, resilience theory & theory of planned behavior (TPB) may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the impact of climate change on wheat yields in Australia. The enhancement of breeding programs focuses on practical genetic advancements to create drought and heat-resistant sheep varieties, addressing direct climate impacts on livestock. By advocating for government and industry funding for genetic research, the recommendations influence policy towards investing in long-term solutions for climate resilience.

Unlocking the potential of ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions for climate resilience and beyond: Hundred evidences

Unlocking the full potential of ponds (small water bodies) and pondscapes (network of ponds) as Nature-based Solutions (NbS) is critical pursuit for enhancing ecosystems and societal resilience to climate change and other societal challenges. Despite scattered initiatives for pond/pondscape creation, restoration and management—each considered here a distinct NbS—there is a significant knowledge gap in utilising ponds/pondscapes as effective NbS. We aimed to assess these NbS in terms of their objectives, outcomes, effectiveness, multifunctionality, delivery of potentially conflicting effects, and the implementation process while considering their Nature's Contributions to People (NCPs, i.e., benefits to society). We compiled data on 183 NbS actions implemented across 93 ponds/pondscapes from 24 countries, predominantly from Europe, via a questionnaire distributed to experienced stakeholders implementing NbS in ponds/pondscapes. One single pond/pondscape may imply more than one NbS action. Two-thirds were in rural areas, and one-third in urban settings. Our analysis revealed that Creation of habitat for biodiversity was a primary delivery objective (targeted NCP) in the implementation of most NbS in ponds/pondscapes, often also combined with other NCPs such as Learning and inspiration, Regulation of water quantity, and Physical and psychological experiences, showcasing their intended multifunctionality. Implemented NbS primarily focused on climate change adaptation (especially Regulation of hazards and extreme events, and water quantity) rather than mitigation, with less emphasis on measures like direct greenhouse gas emissions reduction or enhancing carbon sinks. The costs associated with pond's NbS varied significantly depending on factors such as project scope, objectives, location, socio-economic-cultural system, and specific implementation requirements. The creation of ponds/pondscapes often entailed the highest financial investment, much more than their restoration or their management. In conclusion, our study underscores the multifunctionality of ponds/pondscapes and provides insights about their significant potential as cost-effective NbS for enhancing ecosystem and societal resilience to climate change and biodiversity. It underscores the importance of further research to fully understand and measure the diverse range of NbS they offer, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation. Standardised measurements of the NCP provided by these NbS in ponds/pondscapes are essential for validating managers' claims and exploring their role in addressing climate change.

The Critical Ambient Temperature Threshold for Safe Fan Use in Young Adults During Extreme Heat Exposure

Introduction: The electric fan may be an effective, low-cost heat resilience solution during extreme heat. Fans have been shown to attenuate the rise in cardiovascular and thermal strain relative to still air in young adults, particularly during exposure to more humid conditions. When ambient temperature exceeds skin temperature, a fan improves sweat evaporation from the skin surface, which counterbalances the increased rate of convective heat gain. However, at higher air temperatures, the increased convective heat gain may exceed the rate of evaporative heat loss resulting in net heat gain and increasing physiological strain. The purpose of the present study was to identify the critical ambient temperature limit, where increased physiological strain will be observed, with a fan in comparison to still air. Method: To date, 6 participants (4 females; 24±9 y; 72.8±17.8 kg; 1.8±0.2 m) have completed two 180-minute temperature ramp heat-exposures (37°C to 47°C at ~0.05°C/min, 25%RH) on separate days. Wearing standardized t-shirts and shorts, the participants remained seated while either i) facing an electric fan (5.3±0.9 m/s) or ii) in still air (0.1±0.0 m/s). Rectal and skin temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, whole-body sweat loss, thermal comfort, and thermal sensation were measured every 10 minutes. Results: Rectal temperature was similar between fan and still air up to 43°C (P>0.92), however was greater with a fan from 44°C onwards (p<0.05). Skin temperature was higher with a fan compared to still air throughout the exposure (p<0.001). Heart rate was similar between fan and still air until 44°C (P>0.61), after which heart rate was higher with a fan (p<0.05). Mean arterial pressure was not different between fan and still air at any air temperature (P=0.53). The rate pressure product was higher with a fan compared to still air when the ambient temperature exceeded 44°C (p<0.05). Whole-body sweat losses were greater with a fan (1215±250 g) compared to still air (675±103 g, P=0.006). No differences between fan and still air were observed for thermal comfort (P=0.22) or thermal sensation (P=0.73) throughout the temperature ramp protocol. Conclusion: When ambient temperature exceeds 43°C, electric fan use results in greater physiological strain at rest in young healthy adults relative to still air. This research was supported by Dr. Ravanelli’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery Grant (PIN#2022-05096). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Consumer behavior toward virtual wine experiences as a technology-based sustainable transformation

IntroductionThis study examines the behavior of wine consumers toward virtual wine experiences (VWEs), which are innovative and resilient solutions adopted by actors in the wine and wine tourism sectors during the recent pandemic, with an inherent potential for sustainability. While the phenomenon is still evolving due to the digitalization megatrend and the marketing potential of VWEs for wineries, the literature on this topic is still limited.MethodsWe apply an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), relying on a large and representative sample of Italian wine consumers to analyze the effect of personal wine involvement, risk attitude, and future wine tourism intention in addition to attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.ResultsThe results confirm that attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, wine involvement, and future wine tourism intention positively influence intentions, while risk aversion negatively affects behavior.DiscussionThis first application of the TPB to technology-based wine experiences. It provides key insights for researchers, practitioners (such as wineries and wine tourism stakeholders), and policymakers for the development of VWEs.

Potential of fly ash geopolymer concrete as repairing and retrofitting solutions for marine infrastructure: A review

Corrosion in maritime infrastructure, particularly in reinforced concrete, has emerged as a significant cause for concern due to the presence of chloride ions in seawater. To address this challenge, geopolymer concrete has been proposed as a viable solution for retrofitting and restoring marine structures. This review paper explores the potential application of fly ash geopolymer concrete in marine infrastructure restoration. Fly ash's properties make it ideal for marine infrastructure restoration. Its high levels of amorphous silica and alumina enable geopolymerization, forming a strong binder resistant to chloride corrosion. Its fine, spherical particles enhance concrete workability and density, improving mechanical strength and impermeability. This geopolymer binder offers excellent resistance to corrosion from chloride ions commonly found in seawater, making fly ash geopolymer concrete highly suitable for marine applications. Overall, fly ash's chemical composition and physical traits offer resilience and sustainability in restoring marine infrastructure, ensuring long-term durability against corrosion. This review paper explores the potential application of fly ash geopolymer concrete in marine infrastructure restoration. By examining the primary forms of damage and mechanisms underlying concrete degradation in marine settings, this study highlights the durability and sustainability of geopolymer concrete compared to traditional concrete. Additionally, it discusses current solutions for repairing and retrofitting concrete in marine environments, emphasizing the promising characteristics of geopolymer concrete for integration into such structures. Through this analysis, innovative and environmentally conscious approaches are introduced for addressing corrosion-related challenges in the maritime industry, offering a resilient solution for the construction of enduring marine structures. Finally, recommendations for further research on the application of fly ash geopolymer concrete in marine infrastructure restoration are presented.

Comparative analysis of swelling mitigation in marl and clay soils: natural plant fibers (Alfa, jute, sisal) vs. polypropylene fiber with lime-pozzolana cement utilizing proctor compaction

This study offers a comparative assessment of two methodologies for mitigating soil swelling in marl and clay soils. The methods under investigation include the use of natural plant fibers (Alfa, jute, sisal) and polypropylene fibers in combination with lime-pozzolana cement. Laboratory tests, including Proctor compaction tests, and swell potential assessments, were conducted to assess the effectiveness of each method. The findings reveal that both natural plant fibers and polypropylene fibers, when combined with lime-pozzolana cement, effectively reduce soil swelling. The study underscores the promise of eco-friendly natural plant fibers and the durability of polypropylene fibers as viable solutions for soil stabilization. Furthermore, incorporating lime-pozzolana cement enhances both methods performance, providing an additional layer of soil stability. This research contributes valuable insights to geotechnical engineering projects dealing with marl and clay soils. It aids in the selection of suitable soil stabilization techniques, considering project-specific needs and sustainability concerns. Ultimately, this study advances the field of geotechnical engineering by promoting environmentally conscious and resilient solutions to address soil swelling in clay and marl soils.

A transformative shift in urban ecology toward a more active and relevant future for the field and for cities

This paper builds on the expansion of urban ecology from a biologically based discipline—ecology in the city—to an increasingly interdisciplinary field—ecology of the city—to a transdisciplinary, knowledge to action endeavor—an ecology for and with the city. We build on this “prepositional journey” by proposing a transformative shift in urban ecology, and we present a framework for how the field may continue this shift. We conceptualize that urban ecology is in a state of flux, and that this shift is needed to transform urban ecology into a more engaged and action based field, and one that includes a diversity of actors willing to participate in the future of their cities. In this transformative shift, these actors will engage, collaborate, and participate in a continuous spiral of knowledge → action → knowledge spiral and back to knowledge loop, with the goal of co producing sustainable and resilient solutions to myriad urban challenges. Our framework for this transformative shift includes three pathways: (1) a repeating knowledge → action → knowledge spiral of ideas, information, and solutions produced by a diverse community of agents of urban change working together in an “urban sandbox”; (2) incorporation of a social–ecological–technological systems framework in this spiral and expanding the spiral temporally to include the “deep future,” where future scenarios are based on a visioning of seemingly unimaginable or plausible future states of cities that are sustainable and resilient; and (3) the expansion of the spiral in space, to include rural areas and places that are not yet cities. The three interrelated pathways that define the transformative shift demonstrate the power of an urban ecology that has moved beyond urban systems science and into a realm where collaborations among diverse knowledges and voices are working together to understand cities and what is urban while producing sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges and envisioning futures of socially, ecologically, and technologically resilient cities. We present case study examples of each of the three pathways that make up this transformative shift in urban ecology and discuss both limitations and opportunities for future research and action with this transdisciplinary broadening of the field.

Desert legumes as sustainable sources of proteins and bioactive peptides: Technological insights into functional food development from underutilized plants

This review explores the trends in consumption of dietary protein from (animal-based sources) and plant-based alternatives, particularly focusing on conventional as well as underutilized desert legumes. Acknowledging the essential role of proteins in cellular homeostasis, this report also underscores the risks associated with prolonged animal protein consumption. The rising popularity of plant-based proteins from legumes and their potential to address the global issue of malnutrition, along with the nutritional significance of legume-based proteins and bioactive peptides, is discussed in detail. Underutilized desert legumes, as sustainable protein sources, have the potential to offer promising health benefits and industrial applications like plant-based cheese and meat production. We have highlighted a few desert legumes- Prosopis cineraria, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, Acacia senegal, Vigna aconitifolia and their potential to ensure global food security in the face of climate change. The underexplored legumes, often neglected due to limited knowledge about their benefits, hold resilient solutions to the growing demand for high quality protein. The review compares the protein quality of representative legumes, both conventional and overlooked, and highlights the need for the integration of desert legumes into mainstream agriculture and the technological challenges for functional food production. Several advantages of desert legumes are compromised by the presence of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) in them causing sensory limitations and consumer unacceptability. These problems can be addressed by exploring physical processing techniques, microbial fermentation, and extrusion to eradicate ANFs. Application of novel technologies like 3-D printing and their potential for protein and peptide product development from underutilized desert legumes have also been emphasized.

Network intrusion detection: An optimized deep learning approach using big data analytics

Managing enormous amounts of data, such as big data, and detecting network traffic intrusions are inefficiently handled by current computing technologies. Traditional analytical techniques cannot manage the incursions in continuous internet traffic and the enormous log data of server activity, leading to many inaccurate results and a prolonged training period. As a result, this research provides an efficient deep learning-based approach to enhance the attack identification task by addressing the basic big data complexity linked to many heterogeneous security data types. This framework employs a novel feature selection method incorporatingthe Aquila Optimizer (AO) and Fuzzy Entropy Mutual Information (FEMI) algorithms to pick distinctive characteristics. Subsequently, a modified canonical correlation-based technique is applied to combine selected characteristics. Then, the intrusion identification and categorization are carried out using the optimized ResNet152V2 method. Additionally, data augmentation using Auxiliary Classifier Generative Adversarial Network (ACGAN) is performed. Finally, we used the CICDDoS2019 and ToN-IoT datasets to validate the suggested methodology. By comparing the presented approach to several baseline methods, the effectiveness of the suggested methodology is assessed using various performance measures, including F1-score, recall, precision, accuracy, confusion matrix, and ROC curve. Finally, simulation results show that the suggested strategy is superior to other existing techniques and demonstrate that it is a resilient solution for network intrusion detection.