bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probiotic Consortium Confers Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Inflammatory Disorders
Authors: Lee Changhon , Kim Seung Won , Verma Ravi , Noh Jaegyun , Park John Chulhoon , Park Sunhee , Lee Haena , Park Hye Eun , Kim Chan Johng , Byun Seohyun , Ko Haeun , Choi Seungyeon , Kim Inhae , Jeon Soomin , Lee Junglyoul , Im Sin-Hyeog
Published: March 2024

The composition and diversity of gut microbiota significantly influence the immune system and are linked to various diseases, including inflammatory and allergy disorders. While considerable research has focused on exploring single bacterial species or consortia, the optimal strategies for microbiota-based therapeutics remain underexplored. Specifically, the comparative effectiveness of bacterial consortia versus individual species warrants further investigation. In our study, we assessed the impact of the bacterial consortium MPRO, comprising Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HY7712, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis HY8002, and Lacticaseibacillus casei HY2782, in comparison to its individual components. The administration of MPRO demonstrated enhanced therapeutic efficacy in experimental models of atopic dermatitis and inflammatory colitis when compared to single strains. MPRO exhibited the ability to dampen inflammatory responses and alter the gut microbial landscape significantly. Notably, MPRO administration led to an increase in intestinal CD103+CD11b+ dendritic cells, promoting the induction of regulatory T cells and the robust suppression of inflammation in experimental disease settings. Our findings advocate the preference for bacterial consortia over single strains in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, carrying potential clinical relevance.
Associations of Dietary Intake with Cardiovascular Risk in Long-Term “Plant-Based Eaters”: A Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jakše Boštjan , Godnov Uroš , Fras Zlatko , Fidler Mis Nataša
Published: March 2024

A plant-based diet rich in whole foods and fiber is beneficial for cardiovascular (CV) health. This impact is often linked to specific food groups and their preparation methods, reflecting the overall dietary pattern. However, research on the long-term effects of a carefully designed plant-based diet on adults transitioning from a typical Western lifestyle is limited. Notably, studies on people managing CV risk factors effectively are scarce. As part of a cross-sectional study, we examined 151 individuals committed to a long-term, well-designed plant-based diet and active lifestyle. We investigated how specific food groups and macronutrient intake are related to various CV health markers. In this secondary analysis, our comprehensive approach encompassed several methods: 3-day weighted dietary records, fasting blood lipid and blood pressure measurements, body composition assessments, and evaluations of lifestyle status. We adjusted our analysis for multiple variables, such as age, sex, current body mass index, smoking status, physical activity, and time (years) following the plant-based diet. Our findings revealed several associations between macronutrient intake (per 50 g) and CV risk markers, although these associations were generally weak. Individuals who consumed more whole grains and fruits had lower levels of total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) cholesterol. We also found associations between the intake of legumes and nuts/seeds and reduced HDL-C levels. These findings suggested that these food groups might influence the lipid profile, contributing to CV health in a plant-based diet. A greater intake of spices/herbs was associated with lower uric acid levels, while diets rich in plant-based fast food and pasta (made from white flour) were associated with higher uric acid levels. A greater intake of various macronutrients, such as fiber, carbohydrates (from whole-food sources), proteins, and different types of fats (saturated fatty acids [SFAs], monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFAs], and polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs]), was associated with lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C (only for carbohydrates), and HDL-C. We found a unique negative correlation between PUFA intake and LDL-C, suggesting that PUFAs might significantly affect LDL-C levels. In contrast, increased fiber, protein and SFA consumption were associated with increased uric acid levels. These findings support the impact of dietary patterns on CV risk factors, highlighting that even small amounts of unhealthy food groups can significantly influence specific CV risk markers, regardless of the overall diet.
The Effects of Selected Extraction Methods and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents on the Recovery of Active Principles from Aralia elata var. mandshurica (Rupr. & Maxim.) J. Wen: A Non-Targeted Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Kaleta Alyona , Frolova Nadezhda , Orlova Anastasia , Soboleva Alena , Osmolovskaya Natalia , Flisyuk Elena , Pozharitskaya Olga , Frolov Andrej , Shikov Alexander
Published: March 2024

The methods and solvents employed in routine extraction protocols essentially impact the composition of the resulting extracts, i.e., the relative abundances of individual biologically active metabolites and the quality and stability of the isolates. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) represent a new class of environmentally friendly solvents, which are recognized as promising extractants alternative to conventional organic liquids. However, their relative efficiencies when applied in different extraction workflows are still poorly characterized. Therefore, here, we compare the potential of three extraction methods for the extraction of biologically active natural products from Aralia elata var. mandshurica with selected natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) using a non-targeted metabolomics approach. The non-targeted metabolite profiling relied on reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (RP-UHPLC-HR-MS). The roots of A. elata were extracted by maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and vibrocavitation-assisted extraction (VAE). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a clear separation of the extracts obtained with the three extraction methods employed with NADES1 (choline chloride/malic acid) and NADES2 (sorbitol/malic acid/water). Based on the results of the hierarchical clustering analysis obtained for the normalized relative abundances of individual metabolites and further statistical evaluation with the t-test, it could be concluded that NADES1 showed superior extraction efficiency for all the protocols addressed. Therefore, this NADES was selected to compare the efficiencies of the three extraction methods in more detail. PCA followed by the t-test yielded only 3 metabolites that were more efficiently extracted by maceration, whereas 46 compounds were more abundant in the extracts obtained by VAE. When VAE and UAE were compared, 108 metabolites appeared to be more abundant in the extracts obtained by VAE, whereas only 1 metabolite was more efficiently recovered by UAE. These facts clearly indicate the advantage of the VAE method over maceration and UAE. Seven of the twenty-seven metabolites tentatively identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) were found in the roots of A. elata for the first time. Additional studies are necessary to understand the applicability of VAE for the extraction of other plant materials.
Modulation of Heat Shock Protein Expression in Alveolar Adenocarcinoma Cells through Gold Nanoparticles and Cisplatin Treatment
Authors: Ibrahim Bashiru , Akere Taiwo Hassan , Chakraborty Swaroop , Valsami-Jones Eugenia , Ali-Boucetta Hanene
Published: March 2024

Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are stress-responsive molecules belonging to the family of evolutionary molecular chaperones known to be crucial in many cancer types, including human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells (A549). These proteins are highly overexpressed in cancers to support their ability to accommodate imbalances in cell signalling, DNA alterations, proteins, and energy metabolism associated with oncogenesis. The current study evaluated the effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) combined with cisplatin (CDDP) on molecular chaperone HSPs in A549 cells. It was found that AuNPs:CDDP decreased the percentage of cell viability (38.5%) measured using the modified lactated dehydrogenase (mLDH) and 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. AuNPs:CDDP exposure caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by 1.81-fold, apoptosis induction, and a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) compared to AuNPs or CDDP alone. Similarly, exposure to the AuNPs:CDDP combination had pronounced cytotoxic effects on the expression of HSPs and PI3K/AKT/mTOR, as well as apoptosis-related proteins. The results demonstrate that the combination of AuNPs with CDDP might enhance the anticancer efficacy of CDDP.
On Antimicrobial Polymers: Development, Mechanism of Action, International Testing Procedures, and Applications
Authors: Alkarri Saleh , Bin Saad Hawra , Soliman Maria
Published: March 2024

The development of antimicrobial polymeric materials has evolved into one of the more promising methods for preventing the growth of microbes and mitigating the spread of infectious diseases in several applications including the health and food packaging sectors. The outbreak of global pandemics, and particularly the recent COVID-19 pandemic, further strengthen the importance of developing such solutions. This review paper presents a fundamental understanding of how antimicrobial polymers are developed, describes the possible surface modification approaches to render polymers with antimicrobial properties, highlights the potential mechanism of action against a range of microorganisms (bacterial, viral, and fungal), and details some of the international standard protocols and procedures to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of modified materials (such as plastics and textiles). In addition, this review paper discusses the toxicity of antimicrobial additives when used in healthcare and food packaging applications.
A New Multi-Objective Optimization Strategy for Improved C3MR Liquefaction Process
Authors: Cui Fenghe , Pan Lei , Pang Yi , Chen Jianwei , Shi Fan , Liang Yin
Published: March 2024

In the traditional C3MR process (T-C3MR), the boiling gas (BOG) output from the last stage of the gas–liquid separator is directly discharged, in which the excellent low-temperature capability is not utilized, and the system efficiency is decreased. In liquefied natural gas (LNG), single-objective optimization methods are commonly used to optimize system parameters, which may result in incomplete system analysis. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a multi-objective optimization strategy for the improved C3MR process(I-C3MR) based on a new multi-objective optimization algorithm called EHR-GWO-GA. Firstly, the main work proposes an I-C3MR structure. Secondly, an optimization strategy of the I-C3MR with the maximization of liquefaction amount, minimization of unit energy consumption and minimization of exergy loss as objective functions are proposed. Based on the optimization results, the influence of decision variables on liquefaction amount, unit energy consumption and exergy loss are analyzed, and the results show that the decision variables have good adaptability. Finally, a detailed exergy analysis of the equipment used is made, and the results show that the main exergy losses come from the water coolers and compressors, accounting for 32% and 34%, respectively. Compared to the T-C3MR, the improved C3MR based on EHR-GWO-GA(E-C3MR) has an approximate 8% increase in liquefaction amount—a roughly 23% decrease in unit energy consumption and a decrease of nearly 24% in exergy loss.
Vision and Site: Revisiting a Pure Land Cave of Dunhuang
Authors: Zhou Zhenru , Li Luke
Published: March 2024

Buddhist Utopian vision shaped the art of Pure Land; so did many other factors, including the actual locale. Taking Mogao Cave 172 as the main case study, this article deciphers a visual paradigm of a Pure Land painting and cave in Dunhuang (Gansu, China) from the high Tang period (710–780 CE). By analyzing the visual contents and compositions, the painting medium, the cave spaces, and the cliff site, this study investigates the ways in which the architectural images and spaces in Cave 172 helped to convey the invitation to Pure Land. A close reading of the Western Pure Land painting in Cave 172 reveals the spatial construct of the Buddhist paradise that encouraged a transformative viewing experience. A situated visual analysis of Cave 172 with its auxiliary cave and neighboring caves illustrates the historical procedure in which Pure Land imageries were further integrated with the architectural spaces of caves and cave suites. As this study demonstrates, strategies of spatial layering, self-symmetry and scaling, and plastic and multimedia practices of cave-making enhanced the situatedness of the utopian vision.
Flourishing through Prayer by Singing in a Liturgical Choir
Authors: Marek Agnieszka , Lisiecki Tomasz
Published: March 2024

Prayer in human life enables directing attention to God and a transcendent goal beyond Earthly life. Singing has been present in the life of Israel since the oldest times, which is proved on the pages of the Holy Scriptures, in the Books of Exodus and Psalms. In the New Testament, there is a lot of encouragement to sing the glory of God in psalms and songs, as well as praising God Most High in Revelation. The Catholic Church is concerned with the quality of liturgical music through a number of recommendations and requirements defining the pieces that may become a part of the liturgy. Liturgical choir singing is a special form of common prayer. The aim of the present paper is to examine the effect of prayer by choral singing on human flourishing. The aim was achieved by analyzing recommendations of the Church on liturgical music, presenting the assumptions of the theoretical model investigating the effect of art on human flourishing, and then conducting empirical studies. Sixteen in-depth interviews were carried out with members of fourteen choirs. There were four groups of respondents according to their gender and family status. All obtained codes were organized into five main themes with four subcategories. They confirmed the assumptions of the model presented in the theoretical part and made it possible to identify the effect of choral singing on the performers’ health and the improvement of their skills. In addition, they showed a direct relation between prayer and spiritual well-being when singing in a choir, a coherence of activities with values as well as the striving for happiness.
Surface Displacements Monitoring in Cyprus via InSAR and Field Investigation: The Case Studies of Pyrgos-Parekklisia and Pedoulas Villages
Authors: Alatza Stavroula , Loupasakis Constantinos , Apostolakis Alexis , Tzouvaras Marios , Themistocleous Kyriacos , Kontoes Charalampos , Danezis Chris , Hadjimitsis Diofantos G.
Published: March 2024

The island of Cyprus is characterised by a complex geological environment as it overlies a boundary zone of three tectonic plates, leading to high seismicity and intensive tectonism. It consists highly of Neogene marls, exhibiting serious geotechnical problems due to their high content of clay minerals. Along with strong, destructive earthquakes, various geohazards have been identified in Cyprus, including landslides, swelling/shrinking phenomena and land subsidence etc. Pedoulas is a village in Cyprus experiencing ground deformation due to landslide phenomena. Conversely, Pyrgos and Parekklisia villages in Limassol, Cyprus are experiencing a long-term swelling/shrinking phenomenon. To further investigate this surface deformation, a time-series InSAR analysis of Sentinel-1 SLC images of ascending satellite passes was performed, with a parallelised version of PSI (Persistent Scatterers Interferometry), along with field investigation, for the time period of 2016 to 2021. Negative vertical displacements with maximum rates of −10 mm/y, were identified in Pedoulas village, while positive vertical displacements with a maximum rate of 10 mm/y, dominated in Pyrgos and Parekklisia villages. The analysis of precipitation data from 2017 to 2021, presented a correlation between annual fluctuations in precipitation in the affected areas and changes in the InSAR time-series deformation trends. In Pedoulas village, landslide movements sped up during spring and summer, when the infiltration of waste water in the ground intensified due to the increase in the tourist population. In Pyrgos-Parekklisia villages, higher positive deformation rates were identified in winter months, while during summer, when the formations dried out, uplifting phenomena stopped evolving. The integration of InSAR displacements with field investigation provided validation of the observed ground failures and added valuable insights into the driving mechanisms of the deformation phenomena. Finally, the assessment of the impact of the triggering factor in the evolution of the deformation phenomena, can serve as a valuable tool for risk mitigation.
An Effective Onboard Cold-Sky Calibration Strategy for Spaceborne L-Band Synthetic Aperture Radiometers
Authors: Ren Jingjing , Zhang Huan , Wen Zhongkai , Li Yan , Zhang Qingjun
Published: March 2024

The L band frequency shows high sensitivity to sea surface salinity. More stable brightness temperature (TB) measurements are required for L-band radiometers to reduce salinity retrieval errors than for high-frequency radiometers. Due to the complexity of L-band synthetic aperture radiometers, a carefully selected cold-sky target should be viewed using an L-band synthetic aperture radiometer for the purpose of absolute TB calibration since the celestial sky is relatively well characterized and stable in the L band. A novel, effective cold-sky calibration strategy is presented in this paper. The strategy of cold-sky calibration of the synthetic aperture radiometer is applied when and where the antenna main lobe points to the ‘flat’ celestial sky, and the impact of each type of foreign source, such as the sun or moon, on visibility values should be minimized in the meantime. Additionally, antenna thermal stability is also considered, which can cause antenna deformation, and the antenna patterns are affected. A high-precision and high-fidelity simulator is built for the cold-sky calibration optimized strategy. The orbital beta angle is introduced to characterize the variation in space environment temperatures. A planet that is considered spherical in shape requires significantly less computation than an ellipsoid one in the simulator. The trade-off study results for the planet shape assumption in the cold-sky calibration simulator are presented. Finally, the calibration uncertainty and performance are assessed.
TENet: A Texture-Enhanced Network for Intertidal Sediment and Habitat Classification in Multiband PolSAR Images
Authors: Zhang Di , Wang Wensheng , Gade Martin , Zhou Huihui
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes a texture-enhanced network (TENet) for intertidal sediment and habitat classification using multiband multipolarization synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. The architecture introduces the texture enhancement module (TEM) into the UNet framework to explicitly learn global texture information from SAR images. The study sites are chosen from the northern part of the intertidal zones in the German Wadden Sea. Results show that the presented TENet model is able to detail the intertidal surface types, including land, seagrass, bivalves, bright sands/beach, water, sediments, and thin coverage of vegetation or bivalves. To further assess its performance, we quantitatively compared our results from the TENet model with different instance segmentation models for the same areas of interest. The TENet model gives finer classification accuracies and shows great potential in providing more precise locations.
Characterizing the Accelerated Global Carbon Emissions from Forest Loss during 1985–2020 Using Fine-Resolution Remote Sensing Datasets
Authors: Liu Wendi , Zhang Xiao , Xu Hong , Zhao Tingting , Wang Jinqing , Li Zhehua , Liu Liangyun
Published: March 2024

Previous studies on global carbon emissions from forest loss have been marked by great discrepancies due to uncertainties regarding the lost area and the densities of different carbon pools. In this study, we employed a new global 30 m land cover dynamic dataset (GLC_FCS30D) to improve the assessment of forest loss areas; then, we combined multi-sourced carbon stock products to enhance the information on carbon density. Afterwards, we estimated the global carbon emissions from forest loss over the period of 1985–2020 based on the method recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Guidelines (IPCC). The results indicate that global forest loss continued to accelerate over the past 35 years, totaling about 582.17 Mha and leading to total committed carbon emissions of 35.22 ± 9.38 PgC. Tropical zones dominated global carbon emissions (~2/3) due to their higher carbon density and greater forest loss. Furthermore, global emissions more than doubled in the period of 2015–2020 (1.77 ± 0.44 PgC/yr) compared to those in 1985–2000 (0.69 ± 0.21 PgC/yr). Notably, the forest loss at high altitudes (i.e., above 1000 m) more than tripled in mountainous regions, resulting in more pronounced carbon emissions in these areas. Therefore, the accelerating trend of global carbon emissions from forest loss indicates that great challenges still remain for achieving the COP 26 Declaration to halt forest loss by 2030.
Low-Cost Sensor System for Air Purification Process Evaluation
Authors: Moskal Arkadiusz , Jagodowicz Wiktor , Penconek Agata , Zaraska Krzysztof
Published: March 2024

With the development of civilisation, the awareness of the impact of versatile aerosol particles on human health and the environment is growing. New advanced materials and techniques are needed to purify the air to reduce this impact. This brings the necessity of fast and low-cost devices to evaluate the air quality from particulate and gaseous impurities, especially in a place where gas chromatography (GC) techniques are unavailable. Small portable and low-cost systems may work separately or be incorporated into devices responsible for air-cleaning processes, such as filters, smoke adsorbers, or plasma air cleaners. Given the above, this study proposes utilising a self-assembled low-cost system to evaluate air quality, which can be used in many outdoor and indoor applications. ESP32 boards with the wireless communication protocol ESP-NOW were used as the framework of the system. The concentration of aerosol particles was measured using Alphasense sensors. The concentrations of the following gases were measured: NO2, SO2, O3, CO, CO2, and H2S. The system was used to evaluate the quality of air containing tobacco smoke after passing through an actual DBD plasma reactor where the purification occurred. A high amount of reduction in aerosol particles and a reduction in the SO2 concentration were detected. An increase in the NO2 concentration was seen as an undesirable effect. The aerosol particle measurements were compared with those using a professional device (GRIMM, Hamburg, Germany), which showed the same trends in aerosol particle behaviour. The obtained results are auspicious and are a step towards producing a low-cost, efficient system for evaluating air quality as well as indoor and outdoor conditions.
CenterADNet: Infrared Video Target Detection Based on Central Point Regression
Authors: Sun Jiaqi , Wei Ming , Wang Jiarong , Zhu Ming , Lin Huilan , Nie Haitao , Deng Xiaotong
Published: March 2024

Infrared video target detection is a fundamental technology within infrared warning and tracking systems. In long-distance infrared remote sensing images, targets often manifest as circular spots or even single points. Due to the weak and similar characteristics of the target to the background noise, the intelligent detection of these targets is extremely complex. Existing deep learning-based methods are affected by the downsampling of image features by convolutional neural networks, causing the features of small targets to almost disappear. So, we propose a new infrared video weak-target detection network based on central point regression. We focus on suppressing the image background by fusing the different features between consecutive frames with the original image features to eliminate the background’s influence. We also employ high-resolution feature preservation and incorporate a spatial–temporal attention module into the network to capture as many target features as possible and improve detection accuracy. Our method achieves superior results on the infrared image weak aircraft target detection dataset proposed by the National University of Defense Technology, as well as on the simulated dataset generated based on real-world observation. This demonstrates the efficiency of our approach for detecting weak point targets in infrared continuous images.
In-Shoe Pressure Measurements in Diabetic Footwear Practice: Success Rate and Facilitators of and Barriers to Implementation
Authors: Zwaferink Jennefer B. J. , Nollet Frans , Bus Sicco A.
Published: March 2024

We aimed to assess the success rate and facilitators of and the barriers to the implementation of in-shoe plantar pressure measurements in footwear practice for people with diabetes at high risk of foot ulceration. Eleven Dutch footwear practices were partly supported in purchasing a pressure measurement system. Over a 2.5-year period, trained shoe technicians evaluated 1030 people with diabetes (range: 13 to 156 across practices). The implementation success and associated facilitators and barriers were evaluated quantitatively using completed measurement forms and pressure measurement data obtained during four monitoring sessions and qualitatively through semi-structured interviews with technicians. Across the 11 practices, the primary target group (people with diabetes and a healed plantar foot ulcer) represented 25–90% of all the patients measured. The results showed that three practices were successful, five moderately successful, and three not successful. The facilitators included support by the company management board, collaboration with a prescribing physician, measurement sessions separate from the outpatient clinic, and a (dedicated) shoe technician experiencing a learning effect. The barriers included investment costs, usability aspects, and limited awareness among shoe technicians. In-shoe plantar pressure measurements can be implemented to a moderate to large degree in diabetic footwear practice. The barriers to and facilitators of implementation are organizational, logistical, financial, or technical, and the barriers are modifiable, supporting future implementation.
Insights into Object Semantics: Leveraging Transformer Networks for Advanced Image Captioning
Authors: Abdal Hafeth Deema , Kollias Stefanos
Published: March 2024

Image captioning is a technique used to generate descriptive captions for images. Typically, it involves employing a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) as the encoder to extract visual features, and a decoder model, often based on Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), to generate the captions. Recently, the encoder–decoder architecture has witnessed the widespread adoption of the self-attention mechanism. However, this approach faces certain challenges that require further research. One such challenge is that the extracted visual features do not fully exploit the available image information, primarily due to the absence of semantic concepts. This limitation restricts the ability to fully comprehend the content depicted in the image. To address this issue, we present a new image-Transformer-based model boosted with image object semantic representation. Our model incorporates semantic representation in encoder attention, enhancing visual features by integrating instance-level concepts. Additionally, we employ Transformer as the decoder in the language generation module. By doing so, we achieve improved performance in generating accurate and diverse captions. We evaluated the performance of our model on the MS-COCO and novel MACE datasets. The results illustrate that our model aligns with state-of-the-art approaches in terms of caption generation.
TRANS-CNN-Based Gesture Recognition for mmWave Radar
Authors: Zhang Huafeng , Liu Kang , Zhang Yuanhui , Lin Jihong
Published: March 2024

In order to improve the real-time performance of gesture recognition by a micro-Doppler map of mmWave radar, the point cloud based gesture recognition for mmWave radar is proposed in this paper. Two steps are carried out for mmWave radar-based gesture recognition. The first step is to estimate the point cloud of the gestures by 3D-FFT and the peak grouping. The second step is to train the TRANS-CNN model by combining the multi-head self-attention and the 1D-convolutional network so as to extract the features in the point cloud data at a deeper level to categorize the gestures. In the experiments, TI mmWave radar sensor IWR1642 is used as a benchmark to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed approach. The results show that the accuracy of the gesture recognition reaches 98.5%. In order to prove the effectiveness of our approach, a simply 2Tx2Rx radar sensor is developed in our lab, and the accuracy of recognition reaches 97.1%. The results show that our proposed gesture recognition approach achieves the best performance in real time with limited training data in comparison with the existing methods.
Upper Limb Electromyographic Responses to Motor Imagery and Action Observation in Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: Santiago-Martín Sara , Calvo-Vera Ana Belén , Bermejo-Gil Beatriz María , Martín-Nogueras Ana María
Published: March 2024

Acquired Brain Injuries are one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. One of the most frequent sequelae is motor impairment of the upper limbs, which affects people’s functionality and quality of life. Following the discovery of mirror neurons, new techniques were developed based on the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity, such as motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO). We propose a protocol using electromyographic recordings of forearm muscles in people who have suffered a stroke during an MI task and an AO task. Three different experimental conditions will be studied during the electromyographic recordings: control recording, recording during MI, and recording during AO. Understanding the muscle activation in each technique will allow us to develop future protocols and intervention plans, improving the quality of care for people who have suffered a stroke.
Urban Expansion Prediction and Land Use/Land Cover Change Modeling for Sustainable Urban Development
Authors: Karimi Firoozeh , Sultana Selima
Published: March 2024

Urban expansion, a defining feature of the contemporary era, presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development [...]
Sustainable Decision-Making Enhancement: Trust and Linguistic-Enhanced Conflict Measurement in Evidence Theory
Authors: Liu Qiang , Liu Qingmiao , Wang Minhuan
Published: March 2024

This research presents an advanced methodology to enhance conflict measurement within the Dempster–Shafer framework, integrating linguistic preferences and trust relationships for improved sustainability decision-making. By developing a unique algorithm, we introduce a novel approach to quantify inter-expert similarity and establish consensus thresholds. Furthermore, our study innovates with a dual-path adjustment mechanism to effectively reconcile discrepancies in expert opinions. These methodological advancements enable a more accurate and nuanced representation of expert judgments, facilitating superior decision support in sustainability-oriented applications. Through rigorous numerical simulations and a detailed case study, we validate our approach’s efficacy in optimizing decision-making processes, underscoring its potential to significantly influence sustainable practices and policy formulation. Our contributions not only advance theoretical understanding but also offer practical tools for incorporating expert insights into the pursuit of sustainability goals, marking a significant leap forward in decision-making research.
An Innovative Concept for 3D Sand-Printed Sustainable Refugee Shelters in a Sandy Desert in a Hot and Dry Climate
Authors: Labuda Igor , Pugliese Federica , Dzwierzynska Jolanata
Published: March 2024

This article deals with the urban and architectural concept of a shelter for refugees (refugees from civil war-stricken Syria), located in a desert area, in a hot and dry climate. The aim of the research was to develop a design concept for a temporary shelter that would provide refugees with decent living conditions and, at the same time, meet the demands of sustainable development. The conceptual design of the shelter includes a complex of 100 residential units intended for 500 refugees, service buildings, and public spaces. The proposed urban layout can be expanded multiple times. At an architectural scale, the concept includes several variants of residential units. To implement this project, it is proposed to use an innovative, environmentally friendly 3D printing technology employing quartz sand and using solar energy. The implementation of this technology in the construction of shelters for refugees in sandy desert areas will solve many problems related to logistics, availability of building materials, and energy costs. The design solutions proposed in the article are the result of taking into account technological, functional, cultural, humanitarian, economic, climatic, and ecological aspects.
Theoretical Study on Diaphragm Wall and Surface Deformation Due to Foundation Excavation Based on Three-Parameter Kerr Model
Authors: Li Kunpeng , Chen Shihai , Pei Rupeng , Li Yangcai
Published: March 2024

To calculate the horizontal displacement of the diaphragm wall and surface settlement caused by foundation pit excavation, the three-parameter Kerr foundation model was applied to a diaphragm wall and derived the flexural differential equations of the diaphragm wall and calculated the horizontal displacement of the diaphragm wall using the finite difference calculation method. The boundary element method combined with the Mindlin displacement solution was then used to invert the additional horizontal stress near the diaphragm wall. Lastly, the Mindlin solution was used to calculate the surface settlement. The effectiveness of the proposed calculation method was verified by comparing the horizontal displacement of the diaphragm wall and the surface settlement between the theoretical calculation and the actual project. The theory proves that there is a certain connection between the horizontal displacement of the diaphragm wall and the surface settlement, and the horizontal displacement of the diaphragm wall is larger than the surface settlement. Using this theory to further analyze the foundation pit construction parameters, the greater the thickness and elasticity modulus of the diaphragm wall, and the greater the diameter and number of internal supports, the smaller the horizontal displacement of the diaphragm wall and the surface settlement. The theory can accurately predict the horizontal displacement of the diaphragm wall and surface settlement and provides guidance for the construction of foundation pit projects.
Unlocking the Power of Corporate Social Responsibility Communication in the Online Sphere: A Systematic Exploration
Authors: Kocurikova Alexandra , Kopriva Jan , Tetrevova Libena
Published: March 2024

Socially responsible behavior is evolving due to changing economic, social, and environmental landscapes. This has led to a growing interest in sharing corporate social responsibility activities online, known as CSR (corporate social responsibility) web communication. However, there has not been a comprehensive study that has provided a complete synthesis of knowledge in this field or has outlined research trends, existing gaps, and future directions. Through a systematic review of 141 articles published from 2006 to 2023, four core research themes were identified: (1) motives behind CSR web communication, (2) evaluation of the level of CSR web communication, (3) the role of stakeholders in the process of CSR web communication, and (4) CSR web communication strategy. The scattered research highlights the need for more focused investigation. In particular, future research should focus on understanding what stakeholders require in CSR web communication, evaluating how they perceive its value and benefits, and investigating the relationship between CSR web communication and a company’s economic performance.
Hydropower Plants and Ichthyofauna in the Tocantins–Araguaia River Basin: Challenges for Planning and Approaches to Ichthyofauna Conservation
Authors: Obeso Max Portuguez , Marques Elineide Eugênio , Guedes Tharles Lopes de Oliveira , Silva Jhony Ferry Mendonça da , Makrakis Maristela Cavicchioli , Carvalho Adriano dos Guimarães de , Makrakis Sergio
Published: March 2024

The management of water resources is a complex issue, and the conservation of fish and fishery resources is a growing challenge given the increase in the number of hydroelectric projects in Brazilian river basins. This study describes the fragmentation of the Tocantins–Araguaia River Basin resulting from the installation of hydroelectric plants in operation and planned by the electricity sector until 2050, as well as its relationship with the conservation of fish fauna, especially long-distance migratory species. The hydroelectric projects in operation and planned were analyzed using data obtained from the National Electric Energy Agency. A literature review was carried out to assess the fish species of the Tocantins–Araguaia ecoregion, with an emphasis on long-distance migrants. In general, 75 hydroelectric dams are in operation, and a further 119 projects are in the electricity sector’s plans for construction by 2050 in the Tocantins–Araguaia ecoregion, including a stretch of the basin above the Tucurui dam, which will accentuate the fragmentation in the area. Of the 702 species found in the region, 31.1% are endemic, 6.1% are endangered, and several long-distance migratory species have had their populations restricted. Analysis of this information highlights the widespread impact on the ichthyofauna, affecting both species with a restricted distribution and migratory species with a long-distance distribution. The studies associated with the projects contribute to the advancement of knowledge, but they are only carried out after the works have been defined, which makes it difficult to plan conservation in advance. Transformations in the basin are imminent given the current changes and those expected in the coming years because of the electricity sector’s planning for the region. Considering the inseparable relationship between biodiversity and socio-environmental and cultural diversity, fish conservation is intrinsically linked to the conservation of socio-diversity and the effective participation of local communities from the start of the process. Fish depend on water, and people need both water and aquatic diversity. In conclusion, a well-structured and adaptative conservation plan, combined with the integration of effective fish routes, can contribute to the sustainable development of hydroelectric projects while safeguarding the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the Tocantins–Araguaia Basin.
Sustainability Assessment after Twenty Years of Sewage Sludge Application on Calcareous Soil Following N or P Criterion
Authors: Camps-Sagué Francesc , Lavaquiol Bernat , Bosch-Serra Àngela Dolores , Molina Maria Gabriela , Domingo-Olivé Francesc
Published: March 2024

Sewage sludge is a valuable source of nutrients when applied to the soil. Research on its agricultural use has been focused on chemical parameters to prevent heavy metal buildup. However, soil quality includes a wider spectrum of indicators. Our aim was to evaluate the impacts of sludge application on the biological and physical soil properties of calcareous soil when sludge is applied in maize monoculture using fertilization dosage criteria determined by N input or soil P thresholds. A control based on mineral fertilization was also included. After 20 years, no differences were found in the biological indicators: earthworm and soil oribatid mite abundances. Five oribatid species were identified, but three predominated: Acrotritia ardua americana, Oribatula (Zygoribatula) excavata and Tectocepheus sarekensis. The latter two showed a maximum number of individuals five months after maize stalks were buried in soil, independent of fertilization treatment. Sludge significantly increased water-stable aggregates (up to 30%), but there was no difference in macroporosity (apparent pore diameter > 30 μm). Under irrigated calcareous soil, sewage sludge applied as fertilizer is a sustainable option, independent of the threshold criterion (N or P) used. Nevertheless, as the P threshold criterion allows for reduced P inputs, it is more sustainable over the long term.
Energetic Valorization of the Innovative Building Envelope: An Overview of Electric Production System Optimization
Authors: Oudot Eléa , Gholmane Kawtar , Fakra Damien Ali Hamada , Benelmir Riad
Published: March 2024

The world population increased from 1 billion in 1800 to around 8 billion today. The Population Division of the United Nations predicts a global population of approximately 10.4 billion people by the end of the century. That represents over 2 billion more people. Moreover, the global community is currently experiencing a precarious state due to the enduring repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic across all sectors, including energy. Given the rising global population and the limited availability of primary energy resources, we must reach a balance between the demands of a growing human population and the planet’s carrying capacity. The dreadful conflict in Ukraine has precipitated an enormous energy crisis. This crisis has served as a warning to the world population of how much it depends on this resource to survive. In France, the building sectors, specifically residential and tertiary, account for 45% of the total final energy consumption. It is the first energy consumer of the country and one of the most polluting (i.e., about 34% of CO2 emitted by France). Consequently, we must consider alternative energy resource forms (i.e., substitution energy forms). Harvesting energy from the building envelope may be a viable technique for partially satisfying the electricity demands of building users. In this context, scientific research offers considerable potential for developing more innovative and efficient systems. This article aims to review the state-of-the-art of advances on the subject to orient and further optimize energy production systems, particularly electricity. This work addresses several points of view: it discusses the overall backdrop of the present study and introduces the subject; details the research strategy and procedures used to produce this paper; develops the state-of-the-art on the potential for generating or recovering power from the building envelope; presents the SWOT analysis of the earlier-described systems. Finally, it concludes by offering findings and viewpoints.
Pore Structure, Hardened Performance and Sandwich Wallboard Application of Construction and Demolition Waste Residue Soil Recycled Foamed Concrete
Authors: Yang Fengyuan , Yang Chenxi , Jin Chao , Liu Tie , Li Renshuang , Jiang Jun , Wu Yanping , Lu Zhongyuan , Li Jun
Published: March 2024

Construction and demolition waste residue soil (CDWRS) recycled foamed concretes were prepared by introducing the original CDWRS into modified binders. Pore structure, hardened performance, and sandwich wallboard application were also investigated. The results indicated that 51 kg/m3 of water glass and 7.5 kg/m3 of gypsum could significantly increase the strength and generate a slight influence on the thermal insulation performance of CDWRS recycled foamed concrete. The largest enhancing rate of 28-day compressive strength at a density of 600 kg/m3 could reach 205.5%. Foamed concrete with 1126 kg/m3 of CDWRS, modified with water glass and gypsum, showed a low thermal conductivity of 0.11 W/(m·K) and a dry density of 626 kg/m3. In total, 988 kg/m3 of CDWRS in foamed concrete led to a compressive strength of 7.76 MPa, a thermal conductivity of 0.14 W/(m·K), and a dry density of 948 kg/m3. Utilization of the foamed concrete in the sandwich structure could fabricate energy-saving wallboards with a minimum heat transfer coefficient of 0.75 W/(m2·K) and a relatively high compressive strength of 16.5 MPa, providing great confidence of CDWRS consumption in the building energy-saving field.
Impacts of Rapid Urban Expansion on Peri-Urban Landscapes in the Global South: Insights from Landscape Metrics in Greater Cairo
Authors: Salem Muhammad , Tsurusaki Naoki
Published: March 2024

Cities in the Global South are experiencing profound demographic shifts, rapid economic growth, and unchecked urban sprawl, resulting in significant transformations in peri-urban landscapes. This paper focuses on assessing the impacts of chaotic urban expansion in the peri-urban areas (PUAs) of Greater Cairo (GC), serving as a notable case study in the Global South. By analyzing satellite imagery from 2001, 2011, and 2021, this study examines changes in land use/cover (LUC) within GC’s PUAs. Employing five landscape metrics—Landscape Expansion Index (LEI), Percentage of Landscape (PLAND), Fractal Dimension Index (FDI), Mean Patch Size (MPS), and Largest Patch index (LPI)—the research elucidates the adverse effects of unplanned urban expansion in GC’s PUAs. The analysis reveals a substantial loss of over 51 thousand hectares of arable land, raising concerns about food security in the region. Notably, the LEI identifies edge expansion as the predominant urban expansion pattern, while PLAND, FDI, and LPI metrics underscore landscape fragmentation within the peri-urban landscape. These findings have significant implications for authorities and researchers engaged in sustainable development efforts in PUAs. This study lays a crucial foundation for the formulation of successful management strategies to mitigate the adverse consequences of unplanned urban expansion in the PUAs of GC and similar regions worldwide.