bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restrained Eating and Disinhibited Eating: Association with Diet Quality and Body Weight Status Among Adolescents
Authors: Kowalkowska Joanna , Hamulka Jadwiga , Wadolowska Lidia , Górnicka Magdalena , Czarniecka-Skubina Ewa , Gutkowska Krystyna
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Problematic eating behaviours may affect food consumption and, therefore, body weight. However, these associations have not been well understood, especially among adolescents. The aim of the study was to evaluate the associations of restrained eating and disinhibited eating with diet quality and body weight status among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1450 primary school students aged 11–13 years (52% girls). Dietary data were collected using the food frequency questionnaire (SF-FFQ4PolishChildren®). Two diet quality scores were evaluated: (i) the pro-Healthy Diet Index (pHDI), which included vegetables, fruit, dairy products, and fish, and (ii) the non-Healthy Diet Index (nHDI), which included fast food, sweets, sweetened beverages, and energy drinks. Based on the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, two eating styles were identified: restrained eating (RE) and disinhibited eating (DE). Body weight status was evaluated using the body mass index (BMI) z-score and the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Spearman’s correlation coefficient and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between eating styles, diet quality, and body weight status. Results: Restrained eating was negatively correlated with nHDI (r = −0.178, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with the BMI z-score (r = 0.253, p < 0.001) and WHtR (r = 0.197, p < 0.001). Disinhibited eating was positively correlated with nHDI (r = 0.232, p < 0.001). Among adolescents with different RE and DE levels, significant differences in the mean nHDI, BMI z-score, and WHtR were found. Compared to adolescents with ‘low RE & DE’, those with ‘low RE & higher DE’ were more likely to fall in the upper than bottom tertile of nHDI (odds ratio (OR) =1.90, 95% CI: 1.29–2.81). Adolescents with ‘higher RE & low DE’ were less likely to be underweight (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06–0.49) and more likely to be overweight (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.41–2.91) and to have abdominal obesity (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.13–2.82). Conclusions: The findings suggest that both eating styles may be predictors of diet quality among adolescents. Body weight status was related to restrained eating, which seems to characterise mainly adolescents with overweight or obesity.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Association Between Daily Niacin Intake and Glaucoma
Authors: Nicola Constantin Alin , Marinescu Maria Cristina , Firan Anne Marie , Naidin Mihaela Simona , Ciuluvica Radu Constantin , Rosu Maria Magdalena , Meca Andreea-Daniela , Bogdan Maria , Turcu-Stiolica Adina
Published: October 2024

Background: Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy, characterised by a complex pathophysiology, with mitochondrial dysfunction playing a significant role in the cellular damage and apoptosis of ganglion cells. Niacin is a precursor to several molecules acting as coenzymes in the mitochondrial production of ATP, in DNA repair and in the reduction of reactive oxygen species. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the impact of daily niacin intake on glaucoma. Methods: Case–control and cohort studies regarding niacin and glaucoma, indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane and Scopus, were included. Other study methodologies, studies regarding niacin in other ocular disease or other nutrients in glaucoma were excluded. Bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (no. CRD42024578889). Results: Five case–control studies were included. In the pooled analysis, a significantly higher proportion of patients with high niacin consumption was found in the group without glaucoma compared to those with glaucoma as defined by ISGEO criteria (p-value < 0.00001; OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.55–0.79) or as defined by retinal imaging (p-value = 0.02; OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.43–0.94). Conclusions: Daily dietary intake of niacin is significantly lower in patients with glaucoma compared to the general population. Given different average daily intakes of niacin in these populations, different glaucoma definitions and several confounding variables which weaken the associations, large sample, standardised randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm the potential benefits of niacin in glaucoma.
Effect of Citric Acid and Tromethamine on the Stability of Eyedrops Containing Lifitegrast
Authors: Jeong Ji-Su , Ha Eun-Sol , Park Heejun , Lee Seon-Kwang , Kang Hui-Taek , Kim Min-Soo
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Lifitegrast is an effective treatment for dry eye disease, reducing inflammation and improving the ocular surface condition. Owing to its high sensitivity to oxidation and hydrolysis, formulation studies are required to maintain the physicochemical stability of lifitegrast. This study aimed to overcome the instability of lifitegrast by developing a more stable eyedrop formulation by using citric acid and tromethamine to prevent the degradation of lifitegrast. Methods: Based on the Design of Experiment (DoE) approach, formulations were prepared at various concentrations of two stabilizers, citric acid and tromethamine. The stabilizers were carefully controlled to reduce the generation of degradation products. The eyedrops were stored under accelerated test conditions, and parameters such as appearance, pH, drug content, and impurities were evaluated. Results: The results showed that all critical quality attributes (CQAs) including appearance, pH, drug content, and impurities were maintained at stable levels under accelerated conditions, meeting established criteria. In addition, it was suggested that citric acid provided protection against oxidative stress, while tromethamine prevented hydrolysis caused by pH fluctuations. Conclusions: Consequently, it was concluded that the developed lifitegrast-containing eyedrop formulation exhibited improved physicochemical stability, validated through statistical analyses. These findings contribute to the development of stable eyedrops and provide a foundation for commercial production and clinical applications.
Research Progress on Peptide Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes and the Possibility of Oral Administration
Authors: Yang Xinxin , Lin Ruiting , Feng Changzhuo , Kang Qiyuan , Yu Peng , Deng Yongzhi , Jin Ye
Published: October 2024

Diabetes is a global disease that can lead to a range of complications. Currently, the treatment of type 2 diabetes focuses on oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin analogues. Studies have shown that drugs such as oral metformin are useful in the treatment of diabetes but can limit the liver’s ability to release sugar. The development of glucose-lowering peptides has provided new options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Peptide drugs have low oral utilization due to their easy degradation, short half-life, and difficulty passing through the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, improving the oral utilization of peptide drugs remains an urgent problem. This paper reviews the research progress of peptide drugs in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and proposes that different types of nano-formulation carriers, such as liposomes, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems, and polymer particles, should be combined with peptide drugs for oral administration to improve their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Green Recycling of Carbon/Carbon Composites by Solid-State Shear Milling Technology as a Polyamide Multi-Functional Modifier
Authors: Tan Qianyue , Lai Shuangxin , Xue Liang , Liu Haiping , Bai Shibing
Published: October 2024

Carbon/carbon (C/C) composite materials are widely used in aerospace, the military and nuclear energy. The outstanding mechanical qualities of C/C composites mean that they are difficult to crush and recycle using traditional technology. The current recycling methods primarily involve stacking and landfill disposal. Therefore, achieving efficient and environmentally friendly recycling of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites is an urgent and challenging issue. In this work, we reported a simple high-value recycling approach for carbon–carbon frictional composite material (CFCM). The solid-state shear milling (S3M) technology is employed to achieve ultrafine milling of carbon matrices in carbon/carbon (C/C) composite materials while preserving carbon fibers. By this means, carbon fibers and the carbon matrix were mainly split, and the prepared composite powder had combined functionalities of conductivity, thermal conductivity, reinforcement, and wear resistance. The experimental results showed that the tensile strength of the material increased from 64.35 MPa to 72.79 MPa after being compounded with PA6, and the thermal conductivity increased from 0.211 W/mK to 0.611 W/mK. The friction coefficient was reduced from 0.51 to 0.36, a reduction of 25.4%, and the heat deflection temperature was increased from 47.2 °C to 108.2 °C. The S3M technique proposed in this work is an efficient, high-value, and scalable recycling strategy for CFCM, which can be used to produce value-added products and has great application prospects.
Mathematical Modelling of Tensile Mechanical Behavior of a Bio-Composite Based on Polybutylene-Succinate and Brewer Spent Grains
Authors: Visco Annamaria , Scolaro Cristina , Oliveri Francesco , Ruta Aldo Jesus
Published: October 2024

A model based on the fitting of stress–strain data by tensile tests of bio-composites made of a bioplastic (polybutylene succinate (PBS)) and brewer spent grain filler (BSGF) is developed. Experimental tests were performed for various concentrations of BSGF in the range from 2% to 30%. The model is suitable for describing the elastic–plastic behavior of these materials in terms of two mechanical parameters, tensile stress and tensile stiffness (or Young’s modulus), depending on the filler concentration. The mechanical characteristics, derived from the fit parameters, show good agreement with the experimental data. The mathematical model used here could be an important aid for the experimentation and manufacturing process as it allows the prediction of the mechanical tensile parameters of a mixture with different filler concentrations, avoiding the long and complex preparation cycle of bio-composites, as well as the specific mechanical tests. The physical properties required by the objects created with the PBS–BSGF bio-composite by the partners/stakeholders of the research project co-financing this research can be quite different; therefore, a mathematical model that predicts some of the mechanical properties in terms of the mixture composition may be useful to speed up the selection of the required amount of BSGF in the mixture.
Study on the Destruction and Removal Efficiency (DRE) of Perfluorinated Compound Gases Used in Semiconductor and Display Processes in Korea: DRE and Uncertainty by Scrubber Type
Authors: Kang Seongmin , Woo Jiyun , Kim Goeun , Min Daekee , Lee Joohee , Jeon Eui-chan
Published: October 2024

In Republic of Korea, plasma scrubbers are a common technology employed in the semiconductor and display industries. However, there are numerous other types of scrubbers in use. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) does not provide destruction and removal efficiencies (DREs) specific to individual scrubbers, only DREs specific to greenhouse gases, which makes it challenging to consider the specific effects of different types of scrubbers. The semiconductor and display industries in Korea represent a significant market share and are experiencing a steady increase in emissions, underscoring the need for research on GHG-reducing DREs to effectively manage these emissions. In this study, data on Tier 3 DREs developed based on measurements from companies subject to GHG management were collected. The findings indicated that C3F8 gas exhibited a comparable performance to the 2019 IPCC G/L (guideline) for plasma and combustion wet scrubbers, although it surpassed the 2006 IPCC G/L value. The catalytic scrubbers exhibited values that were comparable to the 2006 IPCC G/L, but lower than the 2019 IPCC G/L. The uncertainties were minimal for c-C4F8 gases, both in the absence of consideration of the scrubber type and when each scrubber type was taken into account. In contrast, the uncertainties associated with CF4 gases were relatively high, depending on the scrubber type. Although there are differences between the greenhouse gases in question, failing to take the type of scrubber into account could result in under- or overestimates of certain emissions. Therefore, it would be beneficial to develop coefficients that take this into account, particularly where information on scrubbers by gas type is available.
Study on Carbon Dioxide Storage by Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag Carbonization Method
Authors: Wu Wei , Janiak Christoph , Zhao Bo , Sun Yangyang , Zhang Bo , Zhao Jinxuan
Published: October 2024

It is of great significance to realize the carbonation of Ca/Mg minerals in the basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag. In this paper, the BOF slag was treated with hydrochloric acid and acetic acid, and the carbon dioxide storage test was carried out. The sample of the BOF slag was treated with acetic acid, in which the content of calcium, magnesium, and silicon accounted for 45.44%, 8.23%, and 6.83%, respectively, and has a BET surface area of 52 m2/g. The thermodynamic analysis results were that the BOF slag can react with carbon dioxide at room temperature to form carbonate. However, better kinetic conditions were needed to obtain the maximum carbon dioxide absorption capacity. The amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the sample at 25–900 °C was measured. The results showed that in the range of 50–400 °C, the largest amount of carbon dioxide was absorbed by the sample treated with acetic acid, and the absorption amount was between 2.6 and 4.1 mmol/g. In the range of 500–800 °C, the largest amount of carbon dioxide absorbed was lime treated with acetic acid and hydrochloric acid, and the absorption was between 4.2 and 6.0 mmol/g. In the 800–900 °C range, the largest amount of carbon dioxide was absorbed, and the absorption was between 6.0 and 6.9 mmol/g via the samples treated with acetic acid and hydrochloric acid.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Stability of Thiamethoxam Under Different Environmental Conditions
Authors: de Carvalho Raimundo Francisco , Silva Thiago Soares , Pereira Anna Karla dos Santos , Cavallini Grasiele Soares , Pereira Douglas Henrique
Published: October 2024

The neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam (TMX) is widely applied in agriculture, owing to its high spectrum of target pests. Its frequent use contributed to its accumulation in the environment, mainly in water; therefore, its natural degradation mechanisms are relevant to understand the physicochemical factors that can accelerate its decomposition. So, this study evaluated the stability of TMX against variations in pH, temperature, and exposure time to solar radiation, with the purpose of assessing the natural mechanisms of its degradation in water. Further, simulations of the reaction mechanisms at the molecular level were performed. It was observed that the degradation of TMX in the environment is favored by its exposure to solar radiation for several days and in more acidic pH conditions. However, TMX degradation did not result in reduced ecotoxicity. Basic pH values also help in the degradation of TMX, but by a lower percentage than that in an acid medium. Although exposure of TMX to solar radiation promotes heating of the compound, the isolated effect of thermal energy (temperature) is not sufficient for its degradation. The computer simulations showed the regions with higher electron densities and that the TMX structure is stable, preventing the bonds from breaking with increasing temperature, up to 60 °C. The HO− and H3O+ ions do not interact significantly with the molecule to the point of modifying its structure. With solar radiation, an electron can change to the excited state, contributing to TMX degradation due to a triplet configuration that allows it to react with the ions in the solution. In this way, the present work contributed to jointly present a theoretical and experimental study of the forms of natural degradation of the TMX contaminant.
Correction: Bravo et al. The Role of Internet and Social Interactions in Advancing Waste Sorting Behaviors in Rural Communities. Resources 2024, 13, 57
Authors: Bravo Liz Maribel Robladillo , Borda Ricardo Fernando Cosio , Quispe Luis Alberto Marcelo , Rodríguez James Arístides Pajuelo , Ober Józef , Khan Nisar Ahmed
Published: October 2024

At the request of the authors, Xiaolan Wang and Nihal Ahmed have been removed from the original publication [...]
Improving Real-Scene 3D Model Quality of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Oblique-Photogrammetry with a Ground Camera
Authors: Xu Jinghai , Zhang Suya , Jing Haoran , Hancock Craig , Qiao Peng , Shen Nan , Blay Karen B.
Published: October 2024

In UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) oblique photogrammetry, the occlusion of ground objects, particularly at their base, often results in low-quality real-scene 3D models. To address this issue, we propose a method to enhance model quality by integrating ground-based camera images. This innovative image acquisition method allows the rephotographing of areas in the 3D model that exhibit poor quality. Three critical parameters for reshooting are the reshooting distance and the front- and side-overlap ratios of reshooting images. The proposed method for improving 3D model quality focuses on point accuracy, dimensional accuracy, texture details, and the triangular mesh structure. Validated by a case study involving a complex building, this method demonstrates that integrating ground camera photos significantly improves the overall quality of the 3D model. The findings show that optimal settings for reshooting include a distance (in meter units) of 1.5–1.6 times the camera’s focal length (in millimeter units), a front overlap ratio of 30%, and a side overlap ratio of 20%. Furthermore, we conclude that an overlap rate of 20–30% in reshooting is a usable value.
Design of Exterior Orientation Parameters Variation Real-Time Monitoring System in Remote Sensing Cameras
Authors: Liu Hongxin , Liu Chunyu , Xie Peng , Liu Shuai
Published: October 2024

The positional accuracy of satellite imagery is essential for remote sensing cameras. However, vibrations and temperature changes during launch and operation can alter the exterior orientation parameters of remote sensing cameras, significantly reducing image positional accuracy. To address this issue, this article proposes an exterior orientation parameter variation real-time monitoring system (EOPV-RTMS). This system employs lasers to establish a full-link active optical monitoring path, which is free from time and space constraints. By simultaneously receiving star and laser signals with the star tracker, the system monitors changes in the exterior orientation parameters of the remote sensing camera in real time. Based on the in-orbit calibration geometric model, a new theoretical model and process for the calibration of exterior orientation parameters are proposed, and the accuracy and effectiveness of the system design are verified by ground experiments. The results indicate that, under the condition of a centroid extraction error of 0.1 pixel for the star tracker, the EOPV-RTMS achieves a measurement accuracy of up to 0.6″(3σ) for a single image. Displacement variation experiments validate that the measurement error of the system deviates by at most 0.05″ from the theoretical calculation results. The proposed EOPV-RTMS provides a new design solution for improving in-orbit calibration technology and image positional accuracy.
Spatial–Temporal Analysis of Greenness and Its Relationship with Poverty in China
Authors: Xie Wentong , Ge Yong , Hamm Nicholas A. S. , Foody Giles M. , Ren Zhoupeng
Published: October 2024

Ecological environmental protection and poverty alleviation are of great significance for the study of human–land relationship coordination and sustainable development, and they have also been a focus of attention in China in the past few decades. In this study, we chose 13 contiguous poverty-stricken areas in China as the study area. Using MODIS Leaf Area Index (LAI) data from 2000 to 2020, the spatial–temporal changes in greenness were obtained using the Bayesian spatial–temporal model (BYM). Spatial autocorrelation was used to identify the spatial distribution of poverty using socio-economic statistical data. Driving factors, including natural factors, poverty factors, and the Grain for Green Policy (GTGP), and their influence on greenness were analyzed by using the Geodetector model for detecting spatial differentiation and factors’ interactions. The results showed the following: (1) In 13 contiguous poverty-stricken areas (CPSAs) in China, 59% of the area presented an increasing trend of greenness. (2) In 2000, the high poverty levels with larger MPI values were widely distributed. After 20 years, the overall MPI value was lower, except in some northwest regions with increased MPI values. The spatial autocorrelation of poverty, which relates to the mutual influence of poverty in adjacent areas, also decreased. (3) In the study area, 65.24% of the regions showed strong synergistic effect between greening progress and poverty reduction in the interaction between poverty status and green development. With the improvement of greenness level, the positive correlation between poverty alleviation and ecological environment improvement has become increasingly close. (4) The impacts of interaction factors with the highest q values changed from temperature interacting with precision to regional division interacting with the Grain for Green Policy. The conclusions are that from 2000 to 2020, the impact of natural factors, geographical division, and poverty status on greenness has shown a decreasing trend; The effect of the Grain for Green Policy is gradually increasing; At the same time, the interaction and overlapping effects between the Grain for Green Policy and poverty were increasing. Taking into account the needs of ecological environment, poverty alleviation, and rural revitalization, this research provides valuable reference for formulating and implementing relevant policies based on the actual situation in different regions to promote harmonious coexistence between human-land relationship.
Evaluating Burn Severity and Post-Fire Woody Vegetation Regrowth in the Kalahari Using UAV Imagery and Random Forest Algorithms
Authors: Gillespie Madeleine , Okin Gregory S. , Meyer Thoralf , Ochoa Francisco
Published: October 2024

Accurate burn severity mapping is essential for understanding the impacts of wildfires on vegetation dynamics in arid savannas. The frequent wildfires in these biomes often cause topkill, where the vegetation experiences above-ground combustion but the below-ground root structures survive, allowing for subsequent regrowth post-burn. Investigating post-fire regrowth is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, elucidating fire regimes, and enhancing the knowledge base of land managers regarding vegetation response. This study examined the relationship between bush burn severity and woody vegetation post-burn coppicing/regeneration events in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana. Utilizing UAV-derived RGB imagery combined with a Random Forest (RF) classification algorithm, we aimed to enhance the precision of burn severity mapping at a fine spatial resolution. Our research focused on a 1 km2 plot within the Modisa Wildlife Reserve, extensively burnt by the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Fire of 2021. The UAV imagery, captured at various intervals post-burn, provided detailed orthomosaics and canopy height models, facilitating precise land cover classification and burn severity assessment. The RF model achieved an overall accuracy of 79.71% and effectively identified key burn severity indicators, including green vegetation, charred grass, and ash deposits. Our analysis revealed a >50% probability of woody vegetation regrowth in high-severity burn areas six months post-burn, highlighting the resilience of these ecosystems. This study demonstrates the efficacy of low-cost UAV photogrammetry for fine-scale burn severity assessment and provides valuable insights into post-fire vegetation recovery, thereby aiding land management and conservation efforts in savannas.
SDFSD-v1.0: A Sub-Meter SAR Dataset for Fine-Grained Ship Detection
Authors: Cai Peixin , Liu Bingxin , Wang Peilin , Liu Peng , Yuan Yu , Li Xinhao , Chen Peng , Li Ying
Published: October 2024

In the field of target detection, a prominent area is represented by ship detection in SAR imagery based on deep learning, particularly for fine-grained ship detection, with dataset quality as a crucial factor influencing detection accuracy. Datasets constructed with commonly used slice-based annotation methods suffer from a lack of scalability and low efficiency in repeated editing and reuse. Existing SAR ship datasets mostly consist of medium to low resolution imagery, leading to coarse ship categories and limited background scenarios. We developed the “annotate entire image, then slice” workflow (AEISW) and constructed a sub-meter SAR fine-grained ship detection dataset (SDFSD) by using 846 sub-meter SAR images that include 96,921 ship instances of 15 ship types across 35,787 slices. The data cover major ports and shipping routes globally, with varied and complex backgrounds, offering diverse annotation information. Several State-of-the-Art rotational detection models were used to evaluate the dataset, providing a baseline for ship detection and fine-grained ship detection. The SDFSD is a high spatial resolution ship detection dataset that could drive advancements in research on ship detection and fine-grained detection in SAR imagery.
Carrier Phase Common-View Single-Differenced Time Transfer via BDS Penta-Frequency Signals
Authors: Xu Wei , Shen Wenbin , Liang Lei , Yan Chao , Zhang Pengfei , Wang Lei , Song Jia
Published: October 2024

The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3) has officially provided services worldwide since July 2020. BDS-3 has added new signals for B1C, B2a and B2b based on old BDS-2 B1I and B3I signals, which brings opportunities for achieving high-precision time transfer. In this research, the BDS-3/BDS-2 combined penta-frequency common-view (CV) single-differenced (SD) precise time transfer model is established with B1I, B3I, B2I, B1C, B2a and B2b signals, including dual-, triple-, quad- and penta-frequency (abbreviated as DF, TF, QF and PF) ionosphere-free (IF) combination CV SD models. Taking four long baseline time links (from 637.6 km to 1331.6 km) as examples, the accuracy and frequency stability of the BDS-3/BDS-2 combined DF, TF, QF and PF SD time transfer models were evaluated. The experimental results show that the frequency stability of the TF, QF and PF SD models were improved by 2.5%, 5.3% and 8.5%, on average, over the DF SD model. Compared with the traditional DF (B1I/B3I IF combination) SD model, the standard deviation (STD) of the multi-frequency SD model was reduced by 5.9%, on average, and the frequency stability was improved by 4.0% on average, which had the most apparent effect on the improvement of short-term frequency stability. Specifically, the DF1 (B1C and B2a DF IF combination), TF1 (B1C, B2a and B2b TF IF combination), QF1 (B1C, B1I, B2a and B2b QF IF combination) and PF4 (B1C, B1I, B2a, B2b and B3I PF IF combination) SD models had better performance in timing, and the PF4 SD model had the best performance. Considering that the PF4 (one PF signal IF combination) SD model does not require an estimated inter-frequency bias and that its noise factor is minor compared with the PF1 (four DF signal IF combination), PF2 (three TF signal IF combination) and PF3 (two QF signal IF combination) SD models, we recommend the PF4 SD model for multi-frequency time transfer and the use of the PF2, PF2 or PF3 SD model to supplement the PF4 SD model in cases of penta-frequency observation loss.
Simulation and Optimization of Transmitting Transducers for Well Logging
Authors: Gao Xu , Zhou Jing , Du Xiao
Published: October 2024

Piezoelectric transducers are commonly used in acoustic well logging. However, the low frequency and narrow range of the acoustic waves limit the achievable detection accuracy. In addition, the low amplitude of the waves causes useful information to be easily masked by noise during detection, which affects the accuracy of geological identification and makes it difficult to detect formations tens of meters away. This paper proposes a microporous liquid–electric transmission transducer, in which the microporous electrode structure generates a powerful shock wave through a high-energy instantaneous discharge. First, a model of the liquid–electric microporous transmitting transducer was constructed by combining simulations with numerical calculations, and its electro-acoustic characteristics were analyzed. Then, based on the survey requirements, two innovative optimization schemes for the microporous electrode structure were proposed, namely a triangular pyramid microporous electrode structure and a rectangular microporous electrode structure, and their performances were compared. The results show that the newly optimized triangular pyramid microporous electrode liquid–electric transducer generates acoustic waves with higher amplitude and a wider frequency range than conventional piezoelectric transducers and other microporous structures. It maintains high energy while achieving high frequencies, enabling detection at distances of up to hundreds of meters and the precise characterization of small geological bodies. This has significant implications for applications in marine exploration, land exploration, clean energy, and new energy fields.
A Non-Contacted Height Measurement Method in Two-Dimensional Space
Authors: Nguyen Trung Phu , Nguyen Nghien Ba , Nguyen Phan Kien , Pham Van Ha , Hoang Van Thao , Nguyen Thien , Gandjbakhche Amir
Published: October 2024

Height is an important health parameter employed across domains, including healthcare, aesthetics, and athletics. Numerous non-contact methods for height measurement exist; however, most are limited to assessing height in an upright posture. This study presents a non-contact approach for measuring human height in 2D space across different postures. The proposed method utilizes computer vision techniques, specifically the MediaPipe library and the YOLOv8 model, to analyze images captured with a smartphone camera. The MediaPipe library identifies and marks joint points on the human body, while the YOLOv8 model facilitates the localization of these points. To determine the actual height of an individual, a multivariate linear regression model was trained using the ratios of distances between the identified joint points. Data from 166 subjects across four distinct postures: standing upright, rotated 45 degrees, rotated 90 degrees, and kneeling were used to train and validate the model. Results indicate that the proposed method yields height measurements with a minimal error margin of approximately 1.2%. Future research will extend this approach to accommodate additional positions, such as lying down, cross-legged, and bent-legged. Furthermore, the method will be improved to account for various distances and angles of capture, thereby enhancing the flexibility and accuracy of height measurement in diverse contexts.
Adaptive Feature Extraction Using Sparrow Search Algorithm-Variational Mode Decomposition for Low-Speed Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Wang Bing , Tang Haihong , Zu Xiaojia , Chen Peng
Published: October 2024

To address the challenge of extracting effective fault features at low speeds, where fault information is weak and heavily influenced by environmental noise, a parameter-adaptive variational mode decomposition (VMD) method is proposed. This method aims to overcome the limitations of traditional VMD, which relies on manually set parameters. The sparrow search algorithm is used to calculate the fitness function based on mean envelope entropy, enabling the adaptive determination of the number of mode decompositions and the penalty factor in VMD. Afterward, the optimised parameters are used to enhance traditional VMD, enabling the decomposition of the raw signal to obtain intrinsic mode function components. The kurtosis criterion is then used to select relevant intrinsic mode functions for signal reconstruction. Finally, envelope analysis is applied to the reconstructed signal, and the results reveal the relationship between fault characteristic frequencies and their harmonics. The experimental results demonstrate that compared with other advanced methods, the proposed approach effectively reduces noise interference and extracts fault features for diagnosing low-speed bearing faults.
Time-Efficient RSA over Large-Scale Multi-Domain EON
Authors: Xi Tong , Li Xuehua , Wang Xin
Published: October 2024

The poor timeliness of routing has always been an urgent problem in practical operator networks, especially in situations with large-scale networks and multiple network domains. In this article, a pruning idea of routing integrated with Dijkstra’s shortest path searching is utilized to accelerate the process of routing in large-scale multi-domain elastic optical networks (EONs). The layered-graph approach is adopted in the spectrum allocation stage. To this end, an efficient heuristic algorithm is proposed, called “Branch-and-Bound based Routing and Layered Graph based Spectrum Allocation algorithm (BBR-LGSA)”, which is an integrated RSA algorithm. Notably, the significant reduction in algorithm time complexity is not only reflected in the pruning method used in the routing stage but also in the construction of auxiliary graphs during the spectrum allocation stage utilizing the Branch-and-Bound method. Simulation results show that the proposed BBR-LGSA significantly reduces the average running time by nearly 78% with higher spectrum utilization in large-scale multi-domain EONs, compared with benchmark algorithms. In addition, the impact of key parameters on performance comparisons of different algorithms is evaluated.
Advancements and Challenges in Antenna Design and Rectifying Circuits for Radio Frequency Energy Harvesting
Authors: Odiamenhi Martins , Jahanbakhsh Basherlou Haleh , Hwang See Chan , Ojaroudi Parchin Naser , Goh Keng , Yu Hongnian
Published: October 2024

The proliferation of smart devices increases the demand for energy-efficient, battery-free technologies essential for sustaining IoT devices in Industry 4.0 and 5G networks, which require zero maintenance and sustainable operation. Integrating radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting with IoT and 5G technologies enables real-time data acquisition, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances productivity, supporting a carbon-free future. This survey reviews the challenges and advancements in RF energy harvesting, focusing on far-field wireless power transfer and powering low-energy devices. It examines miniaturization, circular polarization, fabrication challenges, and efficiency using the metamaterial-inspired antenna, concentrating on improving diode nonlinearity design. This study analyzes key components such as rectifiers, impedance matching networks, and antennas, and evaluates their applications in biomedical and IoT devices. The review concludes with future directions to increase bandwidth, improve power conversion efficiency, and optimize RF energy harvesting system designs.
Multi-Objective Design and Optimization of Hardware-Friendly Grid-Based Sparse MIMO Arrays
Authors: Tanyer Suleyman Gokhun , Dent Paul , Ali Murtaza , Davis Curtis , Rajagopal Senthilkumar , Driessen Peter F.
Published: October 2024

A comprehensive design framework is proposed for optimizing sparse MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) arrays to enhance multi-target detection. The framework emphasizes efficient utilization of antenna resources, including strategies for minimizing inter-element mutual coupling and exploring alternative grid-based sparse array (GBSA) configurations by efficiently separating interacting elements. Alternative strategies are explored to enhance angular beamforming metrics, including beamwidth (BW), peak-to-sidelobe ratio (PSLR), and grating lobe limited field of view. Additionally, a set of performance metrics is introduced to evaluate virtual aperture effectiveness and beamwidth loss factors. The framework explores optimization strategies for the partial sharing of antenna elements, specifically tailored for multi-mode radar applications, utilizing the desirability function to enhance performance across various operational modes. A novel machine learning initialization approach is introduced for rapid convergence. Key observations include the potential for peak-to-sidelobe ratio (PSLR) reduction in dense arrays and insights into GBSA feasibility and performance compared to uniform arrays. The study validates the efficacy of the proposed framework through simulated and measured results. The study emphasizes the importance of effective sparse array processing in multi-target scenarios and highlights the advantages of the proposed design framework. The proposed design framework for grid-spaced sparse arrays stands out for its superior efficiency and applicability in processing hardware compared to both uniform and non-uniform arrays.
Needs Companion: A Novel Approach to Continuous User Needs Sensing Using Virtual Agents and Large Language Models
Authors: Nakata Takuya , Nakamura Masahide , Chen Sinan , Saiki Sachio
Published: October 2024

In today’s world, services are essential in daily life, and identifying each person’s unique needs is key to creating a human-centered society. Traditional research has used machine learning to recommend services based on user behavior logs without directly detecting individual needs. This study introduces a system called Needs Companion, which automatically detects individual service needs, laying the groundwork for accurate needs sensing. The system defines a needs data model based on the 6W1H framework, uses virtual agents for needs elicitation, and applies large language models (LLMs) to analyze and automatically extract needs. Experiments showed that the system could detect needs accurately and quickly. This research provides interpretable data for personalized services and contributes to fields like machine learning, human-centered design, and requirements engineering.
Operationalization of ESG-Integrated Strategy Through the Balanced Scorecard in FMCG Companies
Authors: Michalski Dariusz
Published: October 2024

The increasing focus on sustainability and climate change mitigation necessitates that corporate strategies not only build competitive advantage but also contribute to the creation of sustainable operations. The purpose of the article is to present, based on the analyses of the development of the strategic targets of leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies, a method for operationalizing an ESG-adapted corporate strategy within FMCG companies using the Balanced Scorecard (BSC). ESG, encompassing environmental, social, and governance factors, requires a shift in both strategic management theory and practice. The author explores how ESG metrics can be integrated into the traditional BSC framework alongside financial, customer, and business processes and learning and growth perspectives to align with the growing importance of sustainability. The study identifies specific measures that contribute to a successful transition toward sustainable business practices. The findings demonstrate that the BSC, when adapted to incorporate ESG considerations, is an effective tool for strategy implementation and operational management in FMCG companies. While the proposed framework focuses on the FMCG sector, it has potential applications across other industries. The article makes important theoretical contributions, though it would benefit from further empirical research, sector-specific comparisons, and a more detailed examination of external ESG factors that impact corporate strategy.
Ecological Suitability Evaluation of City Construction Based on Landscape Ecological Analysis
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Zhao Minmin , Ding Weicui , Yang Qiang , Li Hao , Shao Changqing , Wang Binghu , Liu Yi
Published: October 2024

Ecological suitability evaluation is a critical component of regional sustainable development and construction, serving as a foundation for optimizing spatial patterns of regional growth. This is particularly pertinent in karst mountainous regions characterized by limited land resources and heightened ecosystem vulnerability, where a quantitative assessment of ecological suitability for land development is both crucial and urgent. Based on the fundamental principles of structural and functional dynamics in landscape ecology, this study focuses on Gui’an New Area, a designated urban development zone situated in the karst landscape of Guizhou Province. An index system was established encompassing three dimensions: ecological elements, ecological significance, and ecological resilience, utilizing the integrated ecological resistance (IER) model to evaluate the suitability of regional development and construction. The results reveal that the eastern region exhibits higher suitability compared to the central and western regions, with the northwest region demonstrating the lowest suitability overall. Relatively speaking, the evaluation of geological environment suitability and the comprehensive ecological constraints associated with development and construction indicates that the areas currently planned and ongoing reflect flat terrain and low ecological risk. Furthermore, within the scope of ecosystem dynamic adaptation, developmental activities in these regions exert minimal impact on the natural ecosystem, thereby demonstrating a high suitability for development and construction. In terms of future key development zones, areas with gentle slopes ranging from 8 to 15 degrees are recommended, aligning with the actual requirements for cultivated land protection. The total area designated as prohibited development zones constitutes the smallest proportion, representing only 9.45%, which is significantly lower than that of priority development zones (38.75%) and moderate development zones (22.45%). From the perspective of landscape ecology, this paper provides a comprehensive investigation into the ecological suitability evaluation system for development and construction in the karst regions of Southwest China, offering valuable insights for assessing ecological suitability in similar areas.
How Rural Industry Revitalization Affects Farmers’ Incomes in China
Authors: Peng Hongbi , Yang Feng , Yue Ou
Published: October 2024

Low income is a common problem faced by farmers around the world. In order to promote agricultural development and increase farmers’ incomes, China has implemented rural industrial revitalization (RIR). However, the following question remains unanswered: how does the RIR affect farmers’ incomes? In this study, based on the theories of rural and development economics and panel data from 30 provinces in China between 2011 and 2020, an evaluation system consisting of four primary indicators and 10 secondary indicators was constructed. A dual fixed-effects model was used to measure the promoting effect of RIR on farmers’ incomes. The results are as follows: The overall RIR level in China is rising; it significantly increases farmers’ incomes and plays a more significant role in increasing income for low-income groups. RIR promotes agricultural scientific and technological progress, which further enhances the impact of RIR on farmers’ incomes. Compared with the Midwest, the income-increasing effect is greater in the eastern region. The results of this study have important policy implications for implementing the RIR strategy and increasing farmers’ income, and they provide a useful reference for similar countries or regions and global sustainable development. The innovations of this study include (1) exploring the mechanism of the impact of RIR on farmers’ incomes by constructing a provincial-level RIR evaluation index system and (2) exploring the mechanism and policy implications of promoting the growth of farmers’ incomes through industrial development, providing effective suggestions for solving farmers’ incomes problems in countries or regions around the world.
Tracing the EoL Tyre Management Chain in Togo with Focus on Implementing a Tyre Recycling Plant
Authors: Narra Mona-Maria , Gbiete Djangbadjoa , Agboka Komi , Narra Satyanarayana , Nelles Michael
Published: October 2024

As part of the “Waste2Energy: hybrid energy from waste as a sustainable solution for West-Africa” project, a tyre recycling plant is being constructed in Davié, north of Lomé, Togo. Understanding the tyre management chain is crucial for establishing the plant’s supply chain. This study aimed to highlight the gaps in and the importance of tyre recycling in Togo while assessing the potential of EoL tyres for the implementation of a tyre recycling plant. Togo’s vehicle fleet, predominantly concentrated in Lomé, is rapidly increasing at a rate of 6% per year, reaching an estimated 285,000 vehicles. Due to economic constraints and limited new tyre availability, most vehicle users opt for used tyres, which have a limited lifespan due to poor road conditions. An investigation of EoL tyre quantities and management chains in Togo was carried out. To evaluate the used and end-of-life tyre management chains, both direct observation and interviews with approximately 200 used-tyre dealers were conducted. The study revealed that, on average, drivers replace tyres every 7.4 months, generating between 30,525 t/a and 78,000 t/a of used tyres, 75% of which are replaced due to severe damage or wear. While the used tyre business is well organized, end-of-life tyre treatment is nearly non-existent, often involving dumping, open burning for metal recovery, or use in meat processing, causing environmental and health risks. To address these challenges, an 8 t/hr capacity tyre recycling plant is planned, based on estimated tyre availability and development opportunities for sustainable recycling in Togo.
Spatiotemporal Variation Characteristics of Extreme Precipitation in the Mid–Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Basin Based on Precipitation Events
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Li Peng , Xu Guoce , Li Zhanbin , Wang Zhou , Rao Yueming , Liu Zifan , Chen Yiting , Wang Bin
Published: October 2024

In addition to greater precipitation on extreme days of precipitation, preceding and succeeding precipitation (PSP) is often an objective component of flooding in the mid–lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin (MLRYRB). In this study, focused on the temporal distribution pattern of precipitation, the concept of an extreme precipitation event (EPE), defined as a consecutive precipitation event having at least one daily precipitation extreme, is proposed to consider PSP in an extreme event. We analyzed the spatiotemporal variation of four types of EPEs based on daily data obtained from 130 monitoring stations covering 1960–2019. Extreme precipitation increased significantly over the last 60 years (p < 0.01). The frequency and precipitation amount of single-day EPEs accounted for only 13% and 21%, respectively, while multi-day continuous EPE types that are associated with PSP accounted for 87% and 79%, respectively, confirming the connotations of EPEs. The front and late EPEs under the 100-year return level reached 250 mm and 230 mm, respectively. Furthermore, climate warming could lead to significant increases in the frequency of single-day and late EPEs, particularly in the southern region. The EPE concept may be helpful in exploring disaster-causing processes under extreme weather, and it provides a theoretical basis for deriving the precipitation hazard chain, which is more applicable to basins with long precipitation durations.