bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Polymer Physicochemical Features on the Amorphization and Crystallization of Citric Acid in Solid Dispersions
Authors: Arioglu-Tuncil Seda , Mauer Lisa J.
Published: January 2025

The amorphization and crystallization of citric acid in the presence of a variety of polymers were investigated. Polymers were chosen for their different physicochemical features, including hygroscopicity, glass transition temperature (Tg), and functional groups capable of forming intermolecular non-covalent interactions with citric acid. Citric acid solutions with varying amounts of pectin (PEC), guar gum (GG), κ-carrageenan (KG), gelatin (GEL), (hydroxypropyl)methylcellulose (HPMC), and carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na) were lyophilized. Dispersions were stored for up to 6 months in controlled temperature and relative humidity environments and periodically monitored using powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moisture sorption isotherms and moisture contents were determined. Amorphous solid dispersions of citric acid were successfully formed in the presence of ≥20% w/w CMC-Na and PEC or ≥30% w/w of the other polymers except KG which required a minimum of 40% polymer. All samples remained amorphous even in their rubbery state at 0% RH (25 °C and 40 °C), but increasing the RH to 32% RH resulted in citric acid crystallization in the KG dispersions, and further increasing to 54% RH resulted in crystallization in all samples. Polymer effectiveness for inhibiting citric acid crystallization was CMC-Na > PEC ≥ GEL > HPMC > GG > KG. To create and maintain amorphous citric acid, polymer traits in order of effectiveness were as follows: greater propensity for intermolecular non-covalent interactions (both ionic and hydrogen bonding) with the citric acid, carbonyl groups, higher Tg, and then lower hygroscopicity.
Fabrication of Polydopamine/hemin/TiO2 Composites with Enhanced Visible Light Absorption for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Zhu Zhuandong , Zhou Shengrong , Tian Debin , Li Guang-Zhao , Chen Gang , Fang Dong , Cao Jiaxuan , Wang Fumei , Wang Wenyan , He Xuewei , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2025

With the rapid progression of industrialization, water pollution has emerged as an increasingly critical issue, especially due to the release of organic dyes such as methylene blue (MB), which poses serious threats to both the environment and human health. Developing efficient photocatalysts to effectively degrade these pollutants is therefore of paramount importance. In this work, titanium dioxide (TiO2) was modified with the photosensitizer hemin and the hydroxyl-rich polymer polydopamine (PDA) to enhance its photocatalytic degradation performance. Hemin and PDA function as photosensitizers, extending the light absorption of TiO2 into the visible spectrum, reducing its bandgap energy, and effectively promoting separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs through conjugated structures. Additionally, the strong adhesion of PDA enabled the rapid transfer and effective utilization of photogenerated electrons, while its abundant phenolic hydroxyls increased MB adsorption on the photocatalyst’s surface. Experimental results demonstrated a significant enhancement in photocatalytic activity, with the 1%PDA/3%hemin/TiO2 composite achieving degradation rates of 91.79% under UV light and 71.53% under visible light within 120 min, representing 2.22- and 2.05-fold increases compared to unmodified TiO2, respectively. This research presents an effective modification approach and provides important guidance for designing high-performance TiO2-based photocatalysts aimed at environmental remediation.
Polyhydroxybutyrate as a Novel Biopolymer for Dental Restorative Materials: Biological and Morphological Analysis
Authors: Atalayin Ozkaya Cigdem , Ertan Beliz , Kaftan Ocal Gizem , Armagan Guliz , Gungor Gokhan , Demirbilek Murat , Tezel Huseyin , Notaro Vincenzo , Scotti Nicola , Baldi Andrea
Published: January 2025

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biopolymer produced by bacteria. This study aimed to implement the production process of experimental medical-grade PHB and to evaluate its morphology and biocompatibility compared to conventional resin-based composites (RBCs). PHB raw material was produced via biological process and then the membrane was generated via electrospinning specifically for this study and imaged with Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MTS assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of PHB compared to other materials. Test groups included two packable resin composites (Point 4-Kerr, G-aenial anterior-GC), two flowable resin composites (Filtek Ultimate Flowable-3M ESPE, Nova Compo HF-Imicryl), a compomer (Nova Compomer-Imicryl), a fissure-sealant (Fissured Nova Plus-Imicryl), and the PHB membrane (Innovaplast Biotechnology Inc., Eskisehir, Turkey). A control group consisting of cells without any test material was also produced. To perform the MTS assay, disc-shaped specimens of the aforementioned materials were prepared and then incubated with mouse fibroblast cells (L929) for 24 and 48 h. Micro-CT and SEM images revealed a homogeneous and fibrillary structure of the PHB. MTS assay revealed the highest cell viability in the PHB, Nova Compomer, and Fissured Nova Plus groups after 24 h. PHB and Nova Compomer showed the highest viability rates at 48 h while other RBCs had rates below 25% (p < 0.05). Considering the cell viability data and its fibrillary structure, from a biological point of view, PHB seems a promising biopolymer that might have applications in the field of dental restorative materials.
Binary and Ternary Nanocomposite Membranes for Gas Separation Incorporating Finely Dispersed Carbon Nanotubes in a Polyether Block Amide Matrix
Authors: Vuono Danilo , Clarizia Gabriele , Zampino Daniela Clotilde , Bernardo Paola
Published: January 2025

This work addressed the fine dispersion of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a polymer matrix to obtain Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) suited for gas separation. Not-purified MWCNTs were effectively loaded within a polyether block amide (Pebax®2533) matrix, up to 24 wt%, using ultrasonication as well as a third component (polysorbate) in the dope solution. The obtained flexible thin films were investigated in terms of morphology, thermal properties, characterized by SEM, FT-IR, DSC, TGA, and gas permeation tests. The response to temperature variations of gas permeation through these nanocomposite specimens was also investigated in the temperature range of 25–55 °C. Defect-free samples were successfully obtained even at a significantly high loading of CNTs (up to 18 wt%), without a pre-treatment of the fillers. A remarkable enhancement of gas permeability upon the nanocarbons loading was reached, with a threshold value at a loading of ca. 7 wt%. The addition of polysorbates in the ternary MMMs further improves the dispersion of the filler, enhancing also the permselectivity of the membrane.
Closed-Loop Recycling of Poly(vinyl butyral) Interlayer Film via Restabilization Technology
Authors: Nikitakos Vasilis , Porfyris Athanasios D. , Beltsios Konstantinos , Pfaendner Rudolf , Yecora Beatriz , Perez Angelica , Brkić Filip , Miketa Filip , Papaspyrides Constantine D.
Published: January 2025

Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is a specialty polymer primarily used as an interlayer in laminated glass applications with no current circularity plan after the end of its life. This study presents a comprehensive recycling strategy for postconsumed PVB wastes based on a remelting–restabilization approach. Thermo-oxidative degradation of PVB was analyzed under heat and shear stress conditions in an internal mixer apparatus. The degradation mechanism of plasticized PVB (p-PVB) and unplasticized PVB (u-PVB) was identified as chain scission through melt flow rate (MFR), intrinsic viscosity (IV), and yellowness index (YI) characterization. Six different antioxidant (AO) formulations were screened for their effectiveness in inhibiting degradation in both neat u-PVB and p-PVB, as well as retrieved PVB. The phenolic antioxidants 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene and 4-[[4,6-bis(octylsulfanyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]-2,6-di-tert-butylphenol were found to be the most effective ones based on MFR, oxidation onset temperature (OOT), and YI evaluations, while the optimal AO concentration was determined at 0.3% w/w. Furthermore, upscaling of the process was achieved by mixing virgin PVB and high-quality retrieved PVB wastes with AOs in a twin-screw extruder. Testing of the recycled samples confirmed that the selected AOs offered resilience against degradation at reprocessing and protection during the next service life of the material.
Editorial on the Special Issue “Application of Environmentally Friendly Technologies in Green Processes”
Authors: Djelal Hayet
Published: January 2025

The treatment of wastewater by activated sludge, known as conventional biological treatment, is widely implemented [...]
Unveiling the Potential of Room-Temperature Synthesis of a Mixed-Linker Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-76 for CO2 Capture
Authors: Rahim Asyraf Hanim Ab , Hamidon Noor Fazrieyana , Yunus Normawati M. , Bustam Mohamad Azmi , Aziz Siti Fatimah Nur Abdul , Jumbri Khairulazhar , Abdulmalek Emilia
Published: January 2025

A room-temperature synthesis was used to prepare ZIF-76 by combining the organic linker imidazole and 5-chlorobenzimidazole, with the addition of NaOH as a modulator. The synthesis process was optimized by modifying the existing method, which includes the introduction of heating, different types of solvent, and adjustment to the reactant ratio. The synthesized MOFs were characterized to evaluate their crystallinity, textural properties and surface morphology. The result demonstrated that the introduction of heat led to the formation of ZnO whereas the replacement of DEF–DMF with methanol resulted in the production of amorphous material. Moreover, a change in precursor ratio led to the production of ZIF-76 with a low yield and surface area. Meanwhile, CO2 adsorption was performed in a pressure range of 0–1.2 bar at 298.15 K. Notably, ZIF-76B with a low surface area exhibited a greater CO2 uptake capacity of 1.43 mmol/g compared to ZIF-76A, which recorded 1.29 mmol/g. Furthermore, the isotherm and kinetic models were applied to fit the experimental CO2 adsorption data. The analysis of the adsorption models indicated that the CO2 adsorption was primarily governed by a monolayer formation on a homogeneous surface. Nevertheless, there was a slight diversion in terms of predicted qm with experimental data, which could be attributed to the adsorption not yet reaching equilibrium. Additionally, the kinetic model was applied to the initial stage of adsorption in the pressure range of 0–0.24 bar. The Elovich model was found to fit better with the CO2 uptake capacity data of ZIF-76A and ZIF-76B suggesting that the adsorption process may involve multiple mechanisms.
Numerical Simulation Study of the Optimization on Tubing-to-Sediment Surface Distance in Small-Spacing Dual-Well (SSDW) Salt Caverns
Authors: Wang Lei , Chu Zheng , He Jiang , Zhai Yujia , Huang Junming , Yang Haonan
Published: January 2025

The small-spacing dual-well (SSDW) technique plays a crucial role in the establishment of underground salt cavern gas storage reservoirs. However, during the cavity dissolution and brine discharge processes, insoluble sediment is prone to being carried into the discharge tubing with the brine, leading to tubing blockages or clogging, which disrupts injection and withdrawal operations and severely affects both project efficiency and the safety of the gas storage facility. This study systematically analyzes the influence of the gap between the injection and discharge tubing and the surface of the sediment-on-sediment movement, deposition, and tubing safety in SSDW salt caverns. Through numerical simulations, this study investigates the influence of tubing layout on the internal flow field distribution of the cavern and the suspension behavior of sediment, revealing the changing trend of the risk of sediment entering the tubing at different distances. The results show that a rational tubing distance can significantly lower the risk of sediment backflow and tubing entry, while maintaining high brine discharge efficiency. Based on the simulation results, an optimized tubing layout design suitable for SSDW salt caverns is proposed, offering technical direction to guarantee the safe and effective functioning of underground salt cavern gas storage sites.
Bioassays to Assess the Safety of Potassium and Sodium Nitrates and Nitrites
Authors: Merinas-Amo Tania , Merinas-Amo Rocío , Márquez Prados Laura , Font Rafael , Celestino Mercedes Del Río , Alonso-Moraga Ángeles
Published: January 2025

(1) Background: Advances in food processing practices and health care are some of the most significant advances in modern daily life. The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety of potassium and sodium nitrates and nitrites when they are used as fertilizers in agriculture and food additives, as well as the known conversion of nitrate to nitrite in humans. (2) Methods: Various bioassays were conducted to investigate the effects of nitrates and nitrites in the Drosophila melanogaster genetic tester system. These assays focused on the modulation of degenerative processes at the molecular, cellular, individual, and population levels. Additionally, we assessed the chemopreventive potential and the ability to induce DNA strand breaks in HL-60 tumour cells. (3) Results: All nitrate and nitrite concentrations tested were shown to not be toxic or genotoxic in Drosophila since none of the compounds reached the LD50 and significant genetic mutation. A positive or null protective capacity against a toxic agent was found for nitrates, not for nitrites, showing that sodium nitrite has a synergistic effect when combined with the oxidant toxin hydrogen peroxide; and a nutraceutical potential in the lifespan only for sodium nitrate to improve the quality of life in 5 days at ADI concentration. The in vitro results in human leukemia cells showed a chemopreventive potential only for potassium nitrate and sodium nitrite due to reducing the viability of HL-60 cells growth to 18% and 29%, respectively, compared to the controls at ADI (acceptable daily intake) concentrations. However, neither of these showed DNA damage or methylation modifications. (4) Conclusions: The tested compounds were shown to be safe to use during in vivo and in vitro tests when used at the extrapolated ADI concentrations.
Efficiency of Hydrogen Sulfide Removal from Biogas Using a Laboratory-Scale Biofilter Packed with Biochar, Cellular Concrete Waste, or Polyurethane Foam: A COMSOL Simulation Study
Authors: Mohammadi Kamyab , Vaiškūnaitė Rasa , Zigmontienė Ausra
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from biogas using a laboratory-scale biofilter packed with biochar, cellular concrete waste (CLC waste), or polyurethane foam (PUF). The biofilter was tested under varied operational conditions, including H2S concentrations ranging from 60 to 100 ppm and biogas flow rates of 0.2 to 1.0 L/min, to assess the removal efficiency and elimination capacity (EC). The COMSOL simulation framework was employed to predict biofilter performance and validate the experimental findings. The results revealed that removal efficiencies (REs) varied significantly across the packing materials and operational conditions. The biochar achieved RE values exceeding 92% and an EC of up to 150 g H2S/m3/h, while the CLC waste demonstrated a moderate RE (~75%) and an EC of 100 g H2S/m3/h. The PUF exhibited the lowest RE (~48%) but provided structural support for microbial colonization. Notably, the outlet (fourth and fifth) stages of the biofilter consistently outperformed the inlet stages (bottom and first stages), highlighting the influence of the residence time and microbial activity on H2S removal. These findings provide a foundation for optimizing biofilter design and operational parameters to improve biogas purification efficiency.
Paths of the Ethical Dimensions in the Act of Freedom in Paul Ricoeur: Sacredness and Profanity of Symbol, Language, and Action
Authors: Jani Anna
Published: January 2025

In my paper, I will outline how Ricoeur’s early phenomenological interpretation of the symbol provides the starting point for the later phenomenological hermeneutics of freedom, and how the transition can be defined, which led him from the early phenomenology of the symbol to the biblical hermeneutics and Christian ethics of freedom.
Miroslav Volf’s Theology of Memory in Relation to Zimbabwean Social Narratives
Authors: Useni Joseph Chifuniro
Published: January 2025

The issue of the theology of memory has been acknowledged in a number of Miroslav Volf’s publications, including “The End of Memory”. In light of Volf’s public theology of memory, this article addressed the issue of what should be done for Zimbabweans who witnessed the public tragedies of Gukurahundi, Fast Tracked Land Reform Programme, Murambatsvina, and election-related conflicts and death. Every one of these people has a slightly unique story to tell. Stories on social injustice in Zimbabwe can be told from different kinds of angles. Aspects of Volf’s theology of memory that encourage the development of both new narratives and memories of social injustice narratives are discussed in the article’s conclusion. This article examines social justice in Zimbabwe through an interpretation of Miroslav Volf’s public theology of memory. Miroslav Volf’s theology will be used as a point of departure and critique in this article, along with a mixed approach to qualitative research and the gathering and analysis of the relevant research literature.
Towards a Better Denialism
Authors: Paynter Helen
Published: January 2025

This article uses two case studies to promote the idea that British evangelicalism is sometimes marked by the denial of inconvenient facts. First, it takes a critical look at the apologetic impulse to explain away the problems that Scripture sometimes presents and to deny their affective dimensions. Second, it considers some of the abuse scandals of recent years and the way in which the evangelical church has tended to respond by covering them up and silencing the voices of accusers. This response appears to be motivated by the fear of quenching what appear to be successful ministries or of tarnishing the reputation of the church. The common theme that these examples share is that they are motivated by the instinct to present the gospel in the best possible light, but this appears to stem from an unarticulated functional atheism that does not truly trust God’s people to the Spirit. As a remedy, two linked practices are proposed, drawing on the work of Eugene Peterson and Cheryl Bridges-Johns. These are Sabbath-keeping as a means of rediscovering the primacy of God’s presence and work; and the re-enchantment of Scripture by means of a Pentecost imaginary, which offers the possibility for the transrational.
The Philippines: Open Spaces for Catholic Worship
Authors: Fernández-Cobián Esteban
Published: January 2025

The Philippines is an island nation in Southeast Asia with a population of approximately 100 million. Its hot and humid climate makes it common for community buildings to be permanently ventilated or even open to the elements. The country’s susceptibility to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons, also imparts unique characteristics to its architecture, including its religious buildings. Additionally, apart from tiny East Timor, the Philippines is the only nation in the region where the vast majority of the population professes the Catholic faith. The openness of spaces used for Catholic worship can be understood not only from a climatic standpoint but also as a reflection of the Filipino people’s identity. Historically, they have not confined their faith celebrations to the interior of churches but have instead utilized public spaces for religious expressions, making these spaces a means of communal affirmation of their national identity. This article explores the typology of open religious architecture in the Philippines, examining both the physical connection between indoor and outdoor spaces—highlighting the environmental or climatic factors—and the temporary nature of its construction, which emphasizes the social or identity dimension. By doing so, it reveals the links between form, function, and local culture in the country’s religious architecture.
Performance of Ground-Based Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence Retrieval Algorithms at the Water Vapor Absorption Band
Authors: Zhang Yongqi , Liu Xinjie , Du Shanshan , Qi Mengjia , Jing Xia , Liu Liangyun
Published: January 2025

Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) is essential for monitoring vegetation photosynthesis. The water vapor absorption band, the broadest absorption window, has a deeper absorption line than the O2-B band, providing significant potential for SIF retrieval; however, substantial variation in atmospheric water vapor column concentrations limits research on SIF retrieval using this band. This study evaluates seven common SIF retrieval algorithms, including sFLD, 3FLD, iFLD, pFLD, SFM, SVD, and DOAS, using simulated datasets under varying atmospheric water vapor concentrations, spectral resolution (SR), and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Additionally, the SIF retrieval results from the H2O, O2-B, and O2-A absorption bands are compared and analyzed to explore the fluorescence retrieval potential of the water vapor band. Furthermore, the potential of commonly used spectrometers, including Ocean Optics QE Pro and ASD FieldSpec 3, for SIF retrieval using the water vapor absorption band was evaluated. The results were further validated using ground-based tower observations. The results show that sFLD consistently overestimates SIF in the water vapor band, limiting its reliability, while SFM performs best across varying conditions. In comparison, 3FLD and pFLD, along with SVD, are accurate at high resolutions but less effective at lower ones. iFLD performs relatively poorly overall, whereas DOAS excels in low SR retrievals. At the same time, our study also shows that the water vapor band offers higher accuracy in ground-based SIF retrieval compared to the O2-B band, demonstrating strong application potential and providing valuable references for selecting SIF retrieval algorithms.
Humidity-Sensing Performance of TiO2/RGO and α-Fe2O3/RGO Composites
Authors: Zou Wanghui , Wu Chenhui , Zhao Wei
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the humidity-sensing properties of two semiconductor metal oxide (SMO)-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposites: TiO2/RGO and α-Fe2O3/RGO, at room temperature. Both nanocomposites are synthesized via hydrothermal methods and coated onto printed circuit board (PCB) interdigital electrodes to construct humidity sensors. The surface morphology and crystallographic structure of the materials are characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The sensors are tested across a humidity range of 11%RH to 97%RH, and the impedance is measured over a frequency range of 1 Hz to 1 MHz. The results show that both TiO2/RGO and α-Fe2O3/RGO exhibit favorable humidity-sensing performance at room temperature. The sensitivity and humidity hysteresis of TiO2/RGO are 12.2 MΩ/%RH and 3.811%RH, respectively, while those of α-Fe2O3/RGO are 0.826 MΩ/%RH and 8.229%RH. The response and recovery times of TiO2/RGO are 72 s and 99 s, respectively, while those of α-Fe2O3/RGO are 48 s and 54 s. Both sensors demonstrate good repeatability and stability. These findings suggest that SMO/RGO nanocomposites are promising materials for the development of low-cost, high-sensitivity, and stable humidity sensors.
Enhancing Heterogeneous Communication for Foggy Highways Using Vehicular Platoons and SDN
Authors: Sattar Hafiza Zunera Abdul , Ghafoor Huma , Koo Insoo
Published: January 2025

Establishing a safe and stable routing path for a source–destination pair is necessary regardless of the weather conditions. The reason for this is that vehicles can improve safety on the road by exchanging messages and updating each other on the current conditions of both roads and vehicles. This paper intends to solve the problem of when foggy roads make it difficult for drivers to travel, especially when people encounter emergency situations and have no other option but to drive in foggy weather. Although the literature offers few solutions to the problem, no one has considered integrating software-defined networking into vehicular networks for foggy roads to create an optimal routing path. Moreover, it is of significance to mention that vehicles in adverse weather conditions travel following each other and maintaining a constant safety distance, which leads to the formation of a platoon. Considering this, we propose a heterogeneous communication protocol in a software-defined vehicular network to establish an optimal routing path using platoons on foggy highways. Different cases were tested to show how platoons behave in high connectivity and sparsity, achieving a maximum delivery ratio of 99%, a delay of 2 ms, an overhead of 55%, and an acceptable number of hops compared to reference schemes.
Can Online Exercise Using Wearable Devices Improve Perceived Well-Being? A Study Among Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ntovoli Apostolia , Mitropoulos Alexandros , Anifanti Maria , Koukouvou Georgia , Kouidi Evangelia , Alexandris Kostas
Published: January 2025

Today, cardiovascular diseases contribute to approximately 17.9 million deaths annually worldwide. With reference to Europe, coronary artery disease (CAD) causes about 3.9 million deaths annually. Considering the positive physical and psychological outcomes of on-site exercise for CAD patients, this study aimed to expand the literature by examining the effects of a 6-month online exercise training program using wearable devices on CAD patients’ perceived well-being, measured with the PERMA profiler. Individual well-being is considered today as an important prerequisite for healthy societies. Thirty patients with a recent myocardial infarction (i.e., <4 weeks) were randomly assigned to either the online home-based or the community-based exercise group. Both groups followed the same 24-week exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program three times per week. Each session consisted of a 30-min aerobic, followed by a 15-min strength workout, and then a 15-min balance and flexibility training. The results of the Mann–Whitney U tests and the z scores indicated that the Meaning of Life, Health, Accomplishment, Engagement, and Positive Relationship dimensions of the PERMA were statistically improved, and Negative Emotions were decreased. These findings support the importance of cardiac telerehabilitation for patients’ psychological health, demonstrating that online exercise using wearable devices can be a meaningful alternative to on-site exercise for patients with recent myocardial infarction. These results have policy implications as they provide arguments for providing online exercise for CAD patients as an alternative means for improving their psychological health.
Multijoint Continuous Motion Estimation for Human Lower Limb Based on Surface Electromyography
Authors: Han Yonglin , Tao Qing , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: January 2025

The estimation of multijoint angles is of great significance in the fields of lower limb rehabilitation, motion control, and exoskeleton robotics. Accurate joint angle estimation helps assess joint function, assist in rehabilitation training, and optimize robotic control strategies. However, estimating multijoint angles in different movement patterns, such as walking, obstacle crossing, squatting, and knee flexion–extension, using surface electromyography (sEMG) signals remains a challenge. In this study, a model is proposed for the continuous motion estimation of multijoint angles in the lower limb (CB-TCN: temporal convolutional network + convolutional block attention module + temporal convolutional network). The model integrates temporal convolutional networks (TCNs) with convolutional block attention modules (CBAMs) to enhance feature extraction and improve prediction accuracy. The model effectively captures temporal features in lower limb movements, while enhancing attention to key features through the attention mechanism of CBAM. To enhance the model’s generalization ability, this study adopts a sliding window data augmentation method to expand the training samples and improve the model’s adaptability to different movement patterns. Through experimental validation on 8 subjects across four typical lower limb movements, walking, obstacle crossing, squatting, and knee flexion–extension, the results show that the CB-TCN model outperforms traditional models in terms of accuracy and robustness. Specifically, the model achieved R2 values of up to 0.9718, RMSE as low as 1.2648°, and NRMSE values as low as 0.05234 for knee angle prediction during walking. These findings indicate that the model combining TCN and CBAM has significant advantages in predicting lower limb joint angles. The proposed approach shows great promise for enhancing lower limb rehabilitation and motion analysis.
Sex Work and the Problem of Resilience
Authors: Worth Heather , McMillan Karen , Gorman Hilary , Tuari’i Merita , Turner Lauren
Published: January 2025

The notion of resilience has been widely invoked as that essential resource by which sex workers may endure, cope, or thrive despite encountering adversities and stressors. A useful definition within the resilience discourse around sex work is the ability to connect, reconnect, and resist disconnection in response to hardships, adversities, and trauma. In this article, we will examine the history of ‘resilience’ and show how it has been ubiquitously applied to sex workers in some Pacific Island settings. The resounding message of resilience discourse is that sex workers must learn to cope, accommodate, and adapt themselves to conditions that oppress them, and in fact, presuppose a continued acceptance of a degraded place in the world. Rather than resistance as a political action aimed at changing the social, institutional, and economic structures that have placed sex workers there, resilience shifts the onus onto the individual sex worker or her community support to learn to adapt to those conditions. Resilience strategies may be pragmatic but, in the end, to present these as any kind of solution to sex worker struggles becomes little more than victim blaming.
Efficient and Effective Detection of Repeated Pattern from Fronto-Parallel Images with Unknown Visual Contents
Authors: Qu Hong , Zhou Yanghong , Mok P. Y. , Flatz Gerhard , Li Li
Published: January 2025

The effective detection of repeated patterns from inputs of unknown fronto-parallel images is an important computer vision task that supports many real-world applications, such as image retrieval, synthesis, and texture analysis. A repeated pattern is defined as the smallest unit capable of tiling the entire image, representing its primary structural and visual information. In this paper, a hybrid method is proposed, overcoming the drawbacks of both traditional and existing deep learning-based approaches. The new method leverages deep features from a pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to estimate initial repeated pattern sizes and refines them using a dynamic autocorrelation algorithm. Comprehensive experiments are conducted on a new dataset of fronto-parallel textile images as well as another set of real-world non-textile images to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method. The accuracy of the proposed method is 67.3%, which represents 20% higher than the baseline method, and the time cost is only 11% of the baseline. The proposed method has been applied and contributed to textile design, and it can be adapted to other applications.
The Effects of Potassium Dose, Timing, and Source in Soybean Crops in Brazilian Savannah Oxisol
Authors: Barbosa Mariana C. , Fernandes Guilherme C. , Lima Bruno H. , Rosa Luiz G. P. , Ito William C. N. , Souza Loiane F. R. de , Jalal Arshad , Nogueira Thiago A. R. , Oliveira Carlos E. da S. , Ghaley Bhim B. , Teixeira Filho Marcelo C. M.
Published: January 2025

In Brazil, several silicic rocks can be used as powder-based K sources, which can reduce production costs in agriculture. The optimized supply of K not only increases yield but also contributes to soil fertility preservation and long-term sustainability by curtailing nutrient losses and reducing the risk of nutrient imbalances. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of K application timing, source, and doses on nodulation, productive components, and productivity of soybeans in a not-tillage system in the Savannah. The experiment was carried out in the field, for two years, in an Oxisol, with a clayey texture. The experimental design was in random blocks, in a 2 × 4 × 3 factorial scheme, as follows: two application timings (early and sowing), four K2O rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1), and three sources (KCl, Potasil, and Ekosil), with four replicates. Potassium fertilizer was broadcasted on the soil without incorporation into the soil. Due to the interactions between doses and K2O sources, there was a linear adjustment for KCl sources, the higher the dose, the lower the nodule mass. Also, for nodule mass, the interaction between dose and application time was significant for the early application of the Ecosil and Potasil sources for 80 kg ha−1. The highest estimated soybean grain productivity was 3262 kg ha−1 with 78 kg ha−1 of K2O, being the most suitable for growing soybeans under a no-tillage system.
Correction: Wang et al. The Green Engine of Growth: Assessing the Influence of Renewable Energy Consumption and Environmental Policy on China’s Economic Sustainability. Sustainability 2024, 16, 3120
Authors: Wang Lin , He Yugang , Wu Renhong
Published: January 2025

The original reference 78 has been retracted and its contents are no longer of reference value [...]
Green Behaviors Among Employees in Chinese E-Commerce Companies: Impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Performance
Authors: Wang Ruoyan , Hu Yanli
Published: January 2025

Perceived ESG performance refers to stakeholders’ assessment of a company’s efficacy in implementing and maintaining ESG initiatives. This perception is crucial as it influences stakeholders’ trust and engagement with the company. The present study aims to test the relationships between the perceived performance of Chinese e-commerce firms and their employees’ green behaviors, with the mediating role of green psychological climate and the moderating role of ESG actions: substantive vs. symbolic. Employees’ green behavior is defined as any measurable individual behavior that contributes to environmental sustainability goals in the work context. Green psychological climate is defined as employees’ perceptions and interpretations of their organization’s policies, procedures, and practices regarding environmental sustainability. The sample includes 1285 employees from various Chinese e-commerce firms. Participants ranged in age from 19 to 66 years, with a mean age of 37.27 years (SD = 10.35). This study examines the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance on green behaviors among employees in Chinese e-commerce companies. Leveraging data from organizational surveys, the findings reveal that perceived ESG performance significantly influences green behaviors, both directly and indirectly, through the mediating role of green psychological climate. Mediation analysis underscores the pivotal role of green psychological climate in bridging ESG performance and individual green behaviors, with the strength of this relationship varying significantly across levels of substantive ESG actions. Furthermore, while the moderating effects of ESG substantive and symbolic actions on the relationships between ESG performance, green psychological climate, and green behaviors did not achieve conventional statistical significance, observed trends suggest a nuanced interplay worthy of further exploration. These findings highlight the complexity of translating organizational ESG commitments into employee actions, emphasizing the importance of both substantive and symbolic ESG initiatives in fostering a green psychological climate. This study contributes novel insights into the mechanisms driving green behaviors in organizational contexts, offering implications for both academic research and managerial practice.
A Method to Handle Unbalanced Systems in Branch Current-Based State Estimators
Authors: Llombart Andrés , Parada Luis , Torres Miguel , Galán Noemi , Martinez Diego
Published: January 2025

The undergoing energy transition to a sustainable future requires, among other things, the application of demand side management (DSM) techniques to maintain grid stability and allow a smooth performance. To successfully implement DSM strategies, near real-time monitoring of the grid is required. This can be achieved through a distribution system state estimator (DSSE). Conventional approaches to state estimation (SE) typically rely on the assumption of a balanced reference bus, which is reasonable for transmission systems but may not be applicable to low-voltage distribution networks, even more with significant distributed generation (DG) penetration. To address this problem, a branch current-based low-voltage DSSE for unbalanced three-phase systems is developed. The algorithm incorporates a virtual bus to account for highly unbalanced systems, enabling it to obtain a more accurate estimation of the grid state. The proposed method is compared to the conventional balanced reference bus method through multiple simulations under different load conditions in the IEEE European low-voltage test feeder.
Towards More Efficient PEM Fuel Cells Through Advanced Thermal Management: From Mechanisms to Applications
Authors: Wu Qian , Dong Zhiliang , Zhang Xinfeng , Zhang Chaokai , Iqbal Atif , Chen Jian
Published: January 2025

Proton membrane exchange fuel cells (PEMFCs) provide an important energy solution to decarbonizing transport sectors and electric systems due to zero carbon emission during the operating process, and how to enhance the system efficiency of PEMFCs is one of the most challengeable issues to hinder the large-scale commercial application of PEMFCs. In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted to explore the feasibility and techno-economic performance of advanced thermal management to promote the efficiency of PEMFC systems. The thermal management of PEMFCs can be implemented from two aspects: one is efficient cooling methods to maintain the PEMFC under proper working temperature range, and the other one is waste heat recovery from PEMFCs to improve the overall system efficiency. Concentrated on these topics, many achievements have been gained by academic and industrial communities, and it is imperative to analyze and conclude these experienced studies from mechanism, technology, and application aspects. Therefore, this review summarized the great advances of thermal management of PEMFCs with efficient cooling and waste heat recovery for the sake of improving the overall efficiency of PEMFC systems, providing guidelines for the future design and optimization of PEMFC systems.
Financial Support Efficiency of Rural Revitalization: Based on Three-Stage DEA Model and Malmquist Index Model
Authors: Liu Xiaqun , Zhuang Yaming , Qiu Xiaoyue
Published: January 2025

Financial resources play a crucial role in rural revitalization. Understanding the efficiency of financial support is essential for the scientific and rational allocation of these resources. Therefore, we conducted an assessment over the period 2011–2020 utilizing the three-stage DEA model and the Malmquist index model to measure the efficiency of financial support for rural revitalization across 30 Chinese provinces (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Tibet) from both static and dynamic perspectives. The results indicate the following: (1) Despite an overall downward trend, efficiency increased during specific intervals, namely 2012–2013, 2015–2016, and 2018–2019. (2) Regionally, the decline in the efficiency of financial support for rural revitalization is particularly notable in the northeast region. The eastern and central regions also experienced this trend to a lesser extent, whereas the western region experienced a more moderate decrease. However, a detailed analysis revealed that 10 provinces experienced efficiency gains. (3) Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) regression results suggest that environmental variables have a measurable impact on the efficiency of financial support for rural revitalization.
Variability of the Level of Budget Expenditures on Social Insurance of Farmers in the Agricultural Policy of Poland After Accession to the European Union
Authors: Czyżewski Andrzej , Kata Ryszard , Matuszczak Anna
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this article was to examine the level and variability of budgetary expenditures directed to the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (ASIF) in Poland in the form of subsidies to the Farmers’ Pension Fund in the period 2004–2024, i.e., after Poland’s accession to the European Union (EU). The aim of the study was also to determine the share of subsidies to the farmers’ social insurance fund in the total expenditures of the Polish agricultural budget, as well as the relationship of ASIF expenditures to state budget expenditures and GDP dynamics. The authors attempted to estimate the trend function for these time series and the degree of fit of the equations describing them. The formation of the nominal and real level of budget expenditures on the ASIF in 2004–2024 was evaluated. It was assumed that spending on the ASIF is an element of agricultural policy, realising its redistributive and social objectives, but indirectly also pro-development objectives by supporting generational change in agriculture. The research showed that the real level of spending on ASIF declined during Poland’s EU membership, as did the share of this spending in the total agricultural budget. The subsidy to the social security system also did not follow the changes in GDP and state budget expenditure proportionally, showing much less dynamism over the period studied. This means that budget support for farmers’ social security is losing its importance as an instrument of agricultural policy. It has been shown that the economic and social components of agricultural expenditure have not grown in harmony. The changes in the level of spending on the ASIF in the period 2004–2024 were also analysed in relation to demographic changes, i.e., the number of farmers insured in the ASIF and recipients of agricultural pensions. It has been shown that, despite a significant decrease in the number of farmers receiving pensions from the ASIF, there remains a large disparity between the average pension benefits of farmers and those of the general social insurance system (Social Insurance Institution—SII). The reduction in this disparity is not served by a real reduction in subsidies to the ASIF.
The Impact of Green Finance Pilot Cities on Enterprises’ Green Innovation Performance: An Empirical Study in China
Authors: Liu Shanqing , Qian Jiacheng , Wen Huwei , Wang Ying
Published: January 2025

Effectively leveraging green finance policies is essential to promoting urban green technology innovation, achieving sustainable development, and addressing global environmental challenges. This paper investigates the impact of the Green Finance Pilot City Policy (GFPP) on corporate green innovation performance by analyzing data from China’s A-share listed companies from 2012 to 2022. Using a difference-in-differences methodology, mediation effect analysis, and panel data techniques, the findings reveal that the GFPP significantly enhances corporate green innovation performance, with particularly strong effects in designated pilot zones compared to other cities. Key mechanisms identified include reductions in financing and agency costs, which facilitate innovation. Furthermore, the impact of the GFPP is heterogeneous, varying by region, the nature of firms’ property rights, and specific industry characteristics. The promotional effect of the GFPP on firms’ green innovation performance will, to some extent, also contribute to green sustainable development in the wider environment within the region, and the feasibility of the pilot policy will also drive the promotion and development of the policy on a wider scale in China.
Good Intention, Bad Result? Government Subsidies for Green Consumerism in the Remanufacturing Industry
Authors: Xiao Wenxing , Wu Juncheng , Zhang Junqiang
Published: January 2025

The green ecological property is increasingly recognized as a sustainable option in remanufacturing. In practice, despite the environmental concerns expressed by consumers, the growth of the remanufacturing industry falls short of expectations, largely due to the fact that, although remanufacturing conserves costs and is beneficial to our environment, it may not be a profitable option for OEMs, a major barrier in its appearance to green consumers. Many researchers have proposed that environmental groups and similar entities should provide necessary subsidies to encourage green consumerism and improve the profitability of the remanufacturing industry. In this paper, we intend to address how the subsidy policy on green consumerism impacts an OEM’s incentives in remanufacturing; more specifically, we develop two theoretical models: Model N, in which the OEM does not undertake remanufacturing, and Model R, in which the OEM does undertake remanufacturing under the subsidy policy for encouraging green consumerism. In addition to confirming the traditional wisdom that the subsidy policy encourages the remanufacturing industry, our analysis surprisingly reveals that, if a few consumers characterize green consumerism, the aggressive subsidy policy may potentially result in a cannibalization problem, in which remanufacturing hurts the OEM’s overall profits. Therefore, the government and environmental protection agencies need to fully consider the characteristics of the industry to avoid a “good intention, bad result” situation.