bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Two-Color Temperature Sensing Using Machine Learning Approach: GdVO4:Sm3+ Prepared by Solution Combustion Synthesis (SCS)
Authors: Jelic Jovana Z. , Dencevski Aleksa , Rabasovic Mihailo D. , Krizan Janez , Savic-Sevic Svetlana , Nikolic Marko G. , Aguirre Myriam H. , Sevic Dragutin , Rabasovic Maja S.
Published: July 2024

The gadolinium vanadate doped with samarium (GdVO4:Sm3+) nanopowder was prepared by the solution combustion synthesis (SCS) method. After synthesis, in order to achieve full crystallinity, the material was annealed in air atmosphere at 900 °C. Phase identification in the post-annealed powder samples was performed by X-ray diffraction, and morphology was investigated by high-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Photoluminescence characterization of emission spectrum and time resolved analysis was performed using tunable laser optical parametric oscillator excitation and streak camera. In addition to samarium emission bands, a weak broad luminescence emission band of host VO43− was also observed by the detection system. In our earlier work, we analyzed the possibility of using the host luminescence for two-color temperature sensing, improving the method by introducing the temporal dependence in line intensity ratio measurements. Here, we showed that further improvements are possible by using the machine learning approach. To facilitate the initial data assessment, we incorporated Principal Component Analysis (PCA), t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) and Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) clustering of GdVO4:Sm3+ spectra at various temperatures. Good predictions of temperature were obtained using deep neural networks. Performance of the deep learning network was enhanced by data augmentation technique.
Clipping Noise in Visible Light Communication Systems with OFDM and PAPR Reduction
Authors: Alrakah Hussien , Hijazi Mohamad , Sinanovic Sinan , Popoola Wasiu
Published: July 2024

This paper presents an analytical study of signal clipping that leads to the noise/distortion in the waveform of DC-biased optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DCO-OFDM)-based visible light communication (VLC) systems. The pilot-assisted (PA) technique is used to reduce the high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the time-domain waveform of the DCO-OFDM system. The bit error rate (BER) performance of the PA DCO-OFDM system is investigated analytically at three different clipping levels as well as without any clipping. The analytical BER performance is verified through simulation and then compared to that of the conventional DCO-OFDM without PAPR reduction at the selected clipping levels. The PA DCO-OFDM system shows improved BER performance at all three clipping levels.
TSC-1 Offner Spectrometer Prototype Characterization
Authors: Wanajaroen Weerapot , Lepine Thierry , Chartsiriwattana Pearachad , Wannawichian Suwicha , Rujopakarn Wiphu , Poshyachinda Saran , Soonthornthum Boonrucksar
Published: July 2024

The Thai Space Consortium (TSC) has undertaken the development of an Offner spectrometer prototype for the TSC-1 satellite mission, aiming to enhance Earth observation capabilities. Through systematic parameter selection and radiometric analyses, optimal performance of the hyperspectral imager within established specifications was achieved in the previous study. The design phase involved selecting a two-mirror off-axis telescope coupled with the Offner spectrometer for its diffraction-limited performance. Rigorous testing validated the prototype’s alignment with simulated performance, affirming its ability to meet demanding Earth observation requirements. The experimental results demonstrate that the Offner spectrometer prototype has been successfully developed. The spatial resolution ranges between 21.0 and 24.1 µm, and the spectral resolution ranges between 7.3 and 8.7 nm, with no significant distortion. Furthermore, the signal-to-noise ratio at 550 nm is 100. This achievement positions the TSC at the forefront of innovative Earth observation instrumentation in Thailand, with implications for future space missions requiring precise and efficient hyperspectral imaging.
Tunable Radiation Patterns on Temperature-Dependent Materials
Authors: Cheng Lin , Wu Fan , Huang Kun
Published: July 2024

The utilization of optical antennas for active control of far-field radiation at the subwavelength scale is crucial in various scientific and technological applications. We propose a thermally tunable disk design of indium tin oxide (ITO) and aluminum gallium nitride (Al0.18Ga0.82As), enabling a switch between absorption and scattering. Furthermore, the control of far-field radiation pattern can be easily realized by combining ITO and Al0.18Ga0.82As to enhance or suppress emission. Our results demonstrate that hybrid structures can be dynamically tuned with temperature variations. In the proposed design, a frequency is achieved at the wavelength of 1240 nm. The thermal tunability of hybrid structures introduces new multifunctional possibilities for light manipulation, thereby enhancing the potential applications of new devices in the near-infrared range.
Overexpression of RpKTI2 from Robinia pseudoacacia Affects the Photosynthetic Physiology and Endogenous Hormones of Tobacco
Authors: Zhou Jian , Die Pengxiang , Zhang Songyan , Han Xiaoya , Wang Chenguang , Wang Peipei
Published: July 2024

Kunitz trypsin inhibitor genes play important roles in stress resistance. In this study, we investigated RpKTI2 cloned from Robinia pseudoacacia and its effect on tobacco. RpKTI2 was introduced into the tobacco cultivar NC89 using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Six RpKTI2-overexpressing lines were obtained. Transgenic and wild-type tobacco plants were then compared for photosynthetic characteristics and endogenous hormone levels. Transgenic tobacco showed minor changes in chlorophyll content, fluorescence, and photosynthetic functions. However, the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) increased significantly while intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) decreased significantly. Stomatal size and hormone content (indole-3-acetic acid, zeatin riboside, gibberellin, and indole-3-propionic acid) were reduced, while brassinosteroid content increased. Random forest regression revealed that RpKTI2 overexpression had the biggest impact on carotenoid content, initial fluorescence, Ci, stomatal area, and indole-3-acetic acid. Overall, RpKTI2 overexpression minimally affected chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthetic system characteristics but influenced stomatal development and likely enhanced the antioxidant capacity of tobacco. These findings provide a basis for future in-depth research on RpKTI2.
Regulation of Proline Accumulation and Protein Secretion in Sorghum under Combined Osmotic and Heat Stress
Authors: Ngwenya Samkelisiwe P. , Moloi Sellwane J. , Shargie Nemera G. , Brown Adrian P. , Chivasa Stephen , Ngara Rudo
Published: July 2024

Plants reprogramme their proteome to alter cellular metabolism for effective stress adaptation. Intracellular proteomic responses have been extensively studied, and the extracellular matrix stands as a key hub where peptide signals are generated/processed to trigger critical adaptive signal transduction cascades inaugurated at the cell surface. Therefore, it is important to study the plant extracellular proteome to understand its role in plant development and stress response. This study examined changes in the soluble extracellular sub-proteome of sorghum cell cultures exposed to a combination of sorbitol-induced osmotic stress and heat at 40 °C. The combined stress significantly reduced metabolic activity and altered protein secretion. While cells treated with osmotic stress alone had elevated proline content, the osmoprotectant in the combined treatment remained unchanged, confirming that sorghum cells exposed to combined stress utilise adaptive processes distinct from those invoked by the single stresses applied separately. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-metabolising proteins and proteases dominated differentially expressed proteins identified in cells subjected to combined stress. ROS-generating peroxidases were suppressed, while ROS-degrading proteins were upregulated for protection from oxidative damage. Overall, our study provides protein candidates that could be used to develop crops better suited for an increasingly hot and dry climate.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of RdHSP Genes Related to High Temperature in Rhododendron delavayi
Authors: Wang Cheng , Wang Xiaojing , Zhou Ping , Li Changchun
Published: July 2024

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones that play essential roles in plant development and in response to various environmental stresses. Understanding R. delavayi HSP genes is of great importance since R. delavayi is severely affected by heat stress. In the present study, a total of 76 RdHSP genes were identified in the R. delavayi genome, which were divided into five subfamilies based on molecular weight and domain composition. Analyses of the chromosome distribution, gene structure, and conserved motif of the RdHSP family genes were conducted using bioinformatics analysis methods. Gene duplication analysis showed that 15 and 8 RdHSP genes were obtained and retained from the WGD/segmental duplication and tandem duplication, respectively. Cis-element analysis revealed the importance of RdHSP genes in plant adaptations to the environment. Moreover, the expression patterns of RdHSP family genes were investigated in R. delavayi treated with high temperature based on our RNA-seq data, which were further verified by qRT-PCR. Further analysis revealed that nine candidate genes, including six RdHSP20 subfamily genes (RdHSP20.4, RdHSP20.8, RdHSP20.6, RdHSP20.3, RdHSP20.10, and RdHSP20.15) and three RdHSP70 subfamily genes (RdHSP70.15, RdHSP70.21, and RdHSP70.16), might be involved in enhancing the heat stress tolerance. The subcellular localization of two candidate RdHSP genes (RdHSP20.8 and RdHSP20.6) showed that two candidate RdHSPs were expressed and function in the chloroplast and nucleus, respectively. These results provide a basis for the functional characterization of HSP genes and investigations on the molecular mechanisms of heat stress response in R. delavayi.
Correction: Hale et al. Differential Expression Profiling Reveals Stress-Induced Cell Fate Divergence in Soybean Microspores. Plants 2020, 9, 1510
Authors: Hale Brett , Phipps Callie , Rao Naina , Wijeratne Asela , Phillips Gregory C.
Published: July 2024

In the original publication [...]
Preliminary Identification and Quantification of Individual Polyphenols in Fallopia japonica Plants and Honey and Their Influence on Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities
Authors: Cucu Alexandra-Antonia , Urcan Adriana Cristina , Bobiș Otilia , Bonta Victorița , Cornea-Cipcigan Mihaiela , Moise Adela Ramona , Dezsi Ștefan , Pașca Claudia , Baci Gabriela-Maria , Dezmirean Daniel Severus
Published: July 2024

Fallopia japonica (FJ), an invasive plant species known for its rich bioactive compounds, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Despite its significant beekeeping potential, this aspect of FJ remains underexplored. This research aims to investigate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of FJ plants and honey. Notably, this study is the first to identify individual phenolic compounds in both FJ plant tissues and FJ honey, highlighting resveratrol as a marker of FJ honey. The study tested inhibitory activity against seven bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella enteritidis, and the yeast Candida albicans. Disk diffusion and microdilution methods were used to assess antimicrobial activity, while the crystal violet staining test evaluated antibiofilm activity. Results showed that FJ plant tissues and honey exhibited strong inhibition, particularly against Gram-negative bacterial strains. The most significant inhibition of biofilm formation, by both FJ plant tissues and honey, was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. A significant positive correlation was found between antimicrobial activity and individual polyphenols, especially resveratrol. The antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of FJ plant tissues and honey suggests promising applications in sustainable beekeeping. Further research is necessary to evaluate the bioactive compounds found in FJ honey and their health effects.
Comparing End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) and Packaging-Based Recyclates as Components in Polypropylene-Based Compounds for Automotive Applications
Authors: Gall Markus , Mileva Daniela , Stockreiter Wolfgang , Salles Christophe , Gahleitner Markus
Published: July 2024

Increasing recycled plastic content in cars to 25% by 2030 is one of the key measures for decarbonizing the automotive industry defined by the European Commission. This should include the recovery of plastics from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), but such materials are hardly used in compounds today. To close the knowledge gap, two ELV recyclate grades largely based on bumper recycling were analyzed in comparison to a packaging-based post-consumer recyclate (PCR). The composition data were used to design polypropylene (PP) compounds for automotive applications with virgin base material and mineral reinforcement, which were characterized in relation to a commercial virgin-based compound. A compound with a 40 wt.-% ELV-based bumper recyclate can exceed one with just a 25 wt.-% packaging-based recyclate in terms of stiffness/impact balance. While the virgin reference can nearly be matched regarding mechanics, the flowability is not reached by any of the PCR compounds, making further development work necessary.
Development and Application of a Lignin-Based Polyol for Sustainable Reactive Polyurethane Adhesives Synthesis
Authors: Serrano-Martínez Víctor M. , Hernández-Fernández Carlota , Pérez-Aguilar Henoc , Carbonell-Blasco María Pilar , García-García Avelina , Orgilés-Calpena Elena
Published: July 2024

In response to the environmental impacts of conventional polyurethane adhesives derived from fossil fuels, this study introduces a sustainable alternative utilizing lignin-based polyols extracted from rice straw through a process developed at INESCOP. This research explores the partial substitution of traditional polyols with lignin-based equivalents in the synthesis of reactive hot melt polyurethane adhesives (HMPUR) for the footwear industry. The performance of these eco-friendly adhesives was rigorously assessed through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), rheological analysis, and T-peel tests to ensure their compliance with relevant industry standards. Preliminary results demonstrate that lignin-based polyols can effectively replace a significant portion of fossil-derived polyols, maintaining essential adhesive properties and marking a significant step towards more sustainable adhesive solutions. This study not only highlights the potential of lignin in the realm of sustainable adhesive production but also emphasises the valorisation of agricultural by-products, thus aligning with the principles of green chemistry and sustainability objectives in the polymer industry.
Disclosing Topographical and Chemical Patterns in Confined Films of High-Molecular-Weight Block Copolymers under Controlled Solvothermal Annealing
Authors: Cheng Xiao , Tempeler Jenny , Danylyuk Serhiy , Böker Alexander , Tsarkova Larisa
Published: July 2024

The microphase separation of high-molecular-weight block copolymers into nanostructured films is strongly dependent on the surface fields. Both, the chain mobility and the effective interaction parameters can lead to deviations from the bulk morphologies in the structures adjacent to the substrate. Resolving frustrated morphologies with domain period L0 above 100 nm is an experimental challenge. Here, solvothermal annealing was used to assess the contribution of elevated temperatures of the vapor Tv and of the substrate Ts on the evolution of the microphase-separated structures in thin films symmetric of polystyrene-b-poly(2vinylpyridine) block copolymer (PS-PVP) with L0 about 120 nm. Pronounced topographic mesh-like and stripe patterns develop on a time scale of min and are attributed to the perforated lamella (PL) and up-standing lamella phases. By setting Tv/Ts combinations it is possible to tune the sizes of the resulting PL patterns by almost 10%. Resolving chemical periodicity using selective metallization of the structures revealed multiplication of the topographic stripes, i.e., complex segregation of the component within the topographic pattern, presumably as a result of morphological phase transition from initial non-equilibrium spherical morphology. Reported results reveal approaches to tune the topographical and chemical periodicity of microphase separation of high-molecular-weight block copolymers under strong confinement, which is essential for exploiting these structures as functional templates.
Quantitative Fault Diagnosis of Planetary Gearboxes Based on Improved Symbolic Dynamic Entropy
Authors: Wang Yanliang , Meng Jianguo , Liu Tongtong , Zhang Chao
Published: July 2024

To realize a quantitative diagnosis of faults in the planetary gearboxes of wind turbines by processing the complex frequency signals of the planetary gear boxes and avoiding the aliasing problem of the resulting frequencies, this paper proposes a diagnosis method based on improved variational mode decomposition (IVMD) and average multi-scale double symbolic dynamic entropy (AMDSDE). Moreover, an IVMD algorithm based on multi-scale permutation entropy is introduced to reduce noise interference and realize signal demodulation. Considering the effects of complex transfer paths and the correlation between current and adjacent state modes, AMDSDE is proposed. Each fault size is obtained based on the entropy curve, and the AMDSDE of unknown faults is calculated. To verify the accuracy of the proposed method, simulations and experimental signals are processed. The quantitative diagnosis of the planetary gearboxes of wind turbines is realized, providing a reliable basis for evaluating the health status of planetary gearboxes.
Harnessing the Potential of Harpin Proteins: Elicitation Strategies for Enhanced Secondary Metabolite Accumulation in Grapevine Callus Cultures
Authors: Daler Selda , Karaca Irem , Delavar Hava , Kaya Ozkan
Published: July 2024

Grapes and grape products are rich in secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, which have antioxidant properties. These compounds possess health-promoting attributes, including cardioprotective, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. In recent years, biotechnological methods have been employed to produce high quantities and purity of secondary metabolites under in vitro conditions, aiming to elucidate their complex functions and optimize production methods. However, the potential effects of harpin proteins on the accumulation of secondary compounds in callus cultures have not been investigated thus far. Harpin proteins, encoded by the hrp gene clusters in Gram-negative phytopathogens, are known to trigger defense responses in various plant species by promoting the accumulation of secondary compounds. These findings suggest that harpin proteins may have the potential to enhance secondary metabolite accumulation in callus cultures. This study therefore investigated the potential of applying different concentrations of harpin protein (0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ppm) to increase secondary metabolite production in calluses derived from petioles of the “Horoz Karası” grape cultivar. Our findings revealed that 1 and 10 ppm harpin treatments resulted in the highest anthocyanin accumulations, with 17.21 and 16.57 CV/g, respectively, representing 1.95- and 1.87-fold increases compared to control treatments, respectively. Total phenolic content peaked at 0.39 mg GAE g−1 FW with the 1 ppm harpin treatment, representing a 4.33-fold increase over the control. Total flavanol levels reached their highest levels at 0.027 mg CE g−1 FW with 1 and 10 ppm harpin concentrations, resulting in a 2.25-fold increase compared to the control. The highest averages for total flavonol content were recorded at 0.024 and 0.021 mg RE g−1 FW with 1 and 10 ppm harpin concentrations, respectively, representing 1.5- and 1.3-fold increases over the control. Principal component analysis (PCA) corroborated the results obtained from the heatmap analysis, indicating that harpin applications at 1 and 10 ppm were the most effective concentration range for maximizing secondary metabolite synthesis, while very low or high concentrations diminished these effects. These findings offered valuable insights for optimizing the production of high-value bioactive compounds, which can be utilized in various fields such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. These results are expected to serve as a valuable reference for elucidating the mechanisms by which harpin proteins, rarely used in vitro, exert their effects on grapevine calluses, contributing to the literature in this domain.
Modeling Study on Heat Capacity, Viscosity, and Density of Ionic Liquid–Organic Solvent–Organic Solvent Ternary Mixtures via Machine Learning
Authors: Shu You , Du Lei , Lei Yang , Hu Shaobin , Kuang Yongchao , Fang Hongming , Liu Xinyan , Chen Yuqiu
Published: July 2024

Physicochemical properties of ionic liquids (ILs) are essential in solvent screening and process design. However, due to their vast diversity, acquiring IL properties through experimentation alone is both time-consuming and costly. For this reason, the creation of prediction models that can accurately forecast the characteristics of IL and its mixtures is crucial to their application. This study proposes a model for predicting the three important parameters of the IL-organic solvent–organic solvent ternary system: density, viscosity, and heat capacity. The model incorporates group contribution (GC) and machine learning (ML) methods. A link between variables such as temperature, pressure, and molecular structure is established by the model. We gathered 2775 viscosity, 6515 density, and 1057 heat capacity data points to compare the prediction accuracy of three machine learning methods, namely, artificial neural networks (ANNs), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM). As can be observed from the findings, the ANN model produced the best results out of the three GC-based ML methods, even though all three produced dependable predictions. For heat capacity, the mean absolute error (MAE) of the ANN model is 1.7320 and the squared correlation coefficient (R2) is 0.9929. Regarding viscosity, the MAE of the ANN model is 0.0225 and the R2 is 0.9973. For density, the MAE of the ANN model is 7.3760 and the R2 is 0.9943. The Shapley additive explanatory (SHAP) approach was applied to the study to comprehend the significance of each feature in the prediction findings. The analysis results indicated that the R-CH3 group of the ILs, followed by the imidazolium (Im) group, had the highest impact on the heat capacity property of the ternary system. On the other hand, the Im group and the R-H group of ILs had the most effects on viscosity. In terms of density, the Im group of the ILs had the greatest effect on the ternary system, followed by the molar fraction of the organic solvent.
Epidermal and Blood Vessel Barrier Functions of Glucosylceramides and Digalactosyldiacylglycerols Isolated from Yellow Strawberry Guava
Authors: Yoneda Akari , Takeda Shogo , Miyasaka Kenchi , Manse Yoshiaki , Morikawa Toshio , Shimoda Hiroshi
Published: July 2024

Strawberry guava is the fruit of Psidium littorale, which grows in tropical regions. Few studies have examined the hydrophobic compounds and biological activities of this fruit. Therefore, we purified lipophilic compounds of strawberry guava and examined their effects on epidermal and blood vessel barrier functions as well as their anti-melanogenic activity. Lipophilic compounds were isolated by silica gel column chromatography followed by reversed-phase HPLC with MeOH from an EtOH extract of the fruit. Isolated compounds were identified by comparing NMR and MS spectra with those of reference values. The effects of these compounds on epidermal barrier function were evaluated by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) using reconstructed human epidermal keratinocytes (RHEKs). Blood vessel barrier function was examined using dye permeability through human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) layers. Anti-melanogenic activity was assessed by theophylline-induced melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells. We isolated six glucosylceramides (GlcCers) and three digalactosyldiacylglycerols (DGDGs). Only GlcCer[t18:1(8Z)/23:0] significantly lowered TEWL in RHEKs, while GlcCer[t18:1(8Z)/24:0] induced a slight reduction. Regarding the permeability of the HUVEC layer, GlcCer[d18:2(4E,8Z)/16:0] and DGDG (1,2-dilinolenoyl-3-digalactosylglycerol) significantly suppressed dye permeability and this effect was accompanied by the expression of VE-cadherin, which facilitates cell-to-cell adhesion. GlcCers and DGDGs did not exhibit anti-melanogenic activity. Therefore, strawberry guava containing specific GlcCers and DGDGs may promote epidermal and blood vessel barrier functions.
RETRACTED: Hasnol et al. A Review on Insights for Green Production of Unconventional Protein and Energy Sources Derived from the Larval Biomass of Black Soldier Fly. Processes 2020, 8, 523
Authors: Hasnol Sabrina , Kiatkittipong Kunlanan , Kiatkittipong Worapon , Wong Chung Yiin , Khe Cheng Seong , Lam Man Kee , Show Pau Loke , Oh Wen Da , Chew Thiam Leng , Lim Jun Wei
Published: July 2024

The Processes Editorial Office retracts the article titled “A Review on Insights for Green Production of Unconventional Protein and Energy Sources Derived from the Larval Biomass of Black Soldier Fly” [...]
On the Actuality of Integrative Intellect-Mystical Asceticism as Self-Realization in View of Nicolaus de Cusa, Ibn Sīnā, and Others
Authors: Bartosch David
Published: July 2024

I argue for a transformative revival or actualization of the very core of an integrative, methodologically secured form of intellect-mystical asceticism. This approach draws on traditional sources that are re-examined from a systematic—synthetic and transcultural—philosophical perspective and in light of the multi-civilizational global environment of the 21st century. The main traditional points of reference in this paper are provided by Nicolaus de Cusa and Ibn Sīnā, and I refer to a few others, such as Attar of Nishapur, in passing. I begin by developing a basic concept of intellect-mystical asceticism. It is distinguished from mystification, science, scientism, and modes of everyday communication and cognition. Then, I make the case for an updated, transcultural approach to intellect-mysticism that can foster the internal (social) and external (environmental) reintegration of the human noosphere and technosphere in future planetary development. In this context, a modern intellect-mystical philosophical notion of “knowing non-knowing” (wissendes Nichtwissen, docta ignorantia) is developed. It is inspired by Nicolaus de Cusa and contextualized from a systematic transcultural angle at the same time. Finally, I discuss the problem of the practical, or rather ascetic, realization of the related possibilities of intellect-mystical self-enfolding. Here, the preceding steps of the reflection are mapped onto an outline regarding distinct developmental stages of such a transformative intellect-mystical practice in Ibn Sīnā’s Remarks and Admonitions (al-Ishārāt wat-Tanbīhāt).
Pratiloma Paranoia: Class Hierarchy, Conservatism, and Ethics in Classical Hindu Law
Authors: Davis Donald R.
Published: July 2024

The Hindu law tradition grounds its social ethics on an ideological hierarchy of class or caste known as varṇa. The positive inculcation of this hierarchy is bolstered by a fear of social inversion, known as pratiloma, in every area of law and society. Through an examination of the concept of pratiloma, this article contends first that the central Hindu law principle of dharma, religious and legal duty, depends upon knowing and abiding by one’s place in society. From this Hindu articulation of social rank as the foundation of ethics, the article then draws a comparison between classical Anglo-American conservatism and Hindu law to suggest that conservative traditions in general base moral action on social station and the fear of breaking social rank. Ethics in Hindu law, therefore, are derived from an acceptance of social station within the varṇa hierarchy and the constant cultivation of local expectations of proper behavior according to social position.
Different Vegetation Covers Leading to the Uncertainty and Consistency of ET Estimation: A Case Study Assessment with Extended Triple Collocation
Authors: Li Xiaoxiao , Sun Huaiwei , Yang Yong , Sun Xunlai , Xiong Ming , Ouyang Shuo , Li Haichen , Qin Hui , Zhang Wenxin
Published: July 2024

Accurate and reliable estimation of actual evapotranspiration (AET) is essential for various hydrological studies, including drought prediction, water resource management, and the analysis of atmospheric–terrestrial carbon exchanges. Gridded AET products offer potential for application in ungauged areas, but their uncertainties may be significant, making it difficult to identify the best products for specific regions. While in situ data directly estimate gridded ET products, their applicability is limited in ungauged areas that require FLUXNET data. This paper employs an Extended Triple Collocation (ETC) method to estimate the uncertainty of Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM), Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FLDAS), and Maximum Entropy Production (MEP) AET product without requiring prior information. Subsequently, a merged ET product is generated by combining ET estimates from three original products. Furthermore, the study quantifies the uncertainty of each individual product across different vegetation covers and then compares three original products and the Merged ET with data from 645 in situ sites. The results indicate that GLEAM covers the largest area, accounting for 39.1% based on the correlation coefficient criterion and 39.9% based on the error variation criterion. Meanwhile, FLDAS and MEP exhibit similar performance characteristics. The merged ET derived from the ETC method demonstrates the ability to mitigate uncertainty in ET estimates in North American (NA) and European (EU) regions, as well as tundra, forest, grassland, and shrubland areas. This merged ET could be effectively utilized to reduce uncertainty in AET estimates from multiple products for ungauged areas.
Random Forest Model-Based Inversion of Aerosol Vertical Profiles in China Using Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 Oxygen A-Band Observations
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Qing , Liu Hai-Lei , Duan Min-Zheng , Chen Bing , Zhang Sheng-Lan
Published: July 2024

Aerosol research is important for the protection of the ecological environment, the improvement of air quality, and as a response to climate change. In this study, a random forest (RF) estimation model of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and extinction coefficient vertical profiles was, respectively, established using Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) oxygen-A band (O2 A-band) data from China and its surrounding areas in 2016, combined with geographical information (longitude, latitude, and elevation) and viewing angle data. To address the high number of OCO-2 O2 A-band channels, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed for dimensionality reduction. The model was then applied to estimate the aerosol extinction coefficients for the region in 2017, and its validity was verified by comparing the estimated values with the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) Level 2 extinction coefficients. In the comprehensive analysis of overall performance, an AOD model was initially constructed using variables, achieving a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.676. Subsequently, predictions for aerosol extinction coefficients were generated, revealing a satisfactory agreement between the predicted and the actual values in the vertical direction, with an R of 0.535 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.107 km−1. Of the four seasons of the year, the model performs best in autumn (R = 0.557), while its performance was relatively lower in summer (R = 0.442). Height had a significant effect on the model, with both R and RMSE decreasing as height increased. Furthermore, the accuracy of aerosol profile inversion shows a dependence on AOD, with a better accuracy when AOD is less than 0.3 and RMSE can be less than 0.06 km−1.
Exploring Long-Term Persistence in Sea Surface Temperature and Ocean Parameters via Detrended Cross-Correlation Approach
Authors: Lim Gyuchang , Park Jong-Jin
Published: July 2024

Long-term cross-correlational structures are examined for pairs of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) and advective forcing parameters and sea surface height anomalies (SSHAs) and current velocity anomalies (CVAs) in the East/Japan Sea (EJS); all these satellite datasets were collected between 1993 and 2023. By utilizing newly modified detrended cross-correlation analysis algorithms, incorporating local linear trend and local fluctuation level of an SSTA, the analyses were performed on timescales of 400–3000 days. Long-term cross-correlations between SSTAs and SSHAs are strongly persistent over nearly the entire EJS; the strength of persistence is stronger during rising trends and low fluctuations of SSTAs, while anti-persistent behavior appears during high fluctuations of SSTAs. SSTA-CVA pairs show high long-term persistence only along main current pathways: the zonal currents for the Subpolar Front and the meridional currents for the east coast of Korea. SSTA-CVA pairs also show negative long-term persistent behaviors in some spots located near the coasts of Korea and Japan: the zonal currents for the eastern coast of Korea and the meridional currents for the western coast of Japan; these behaviors seem to be related to the coastal upwelling phenomena. Further, these persistent characteristics are more conspicuous in the recent decades (2008~2023) rather than in the past (1993~2008).
The Effect of Soil Heterogeneity on the Content of Macronutrients and Micronutrients in the Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Kintl Antonín , Šmeringai Ján , Lošák Tomáš , Huňady Igor , Sobotková Julie , Hrušovský Tadeáš , Varga Ladislav , Vejražka Karel , Elbl Jakub
Published: July 2024

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important legumes currently grown. It is an important source of proteins and nutrients, such as calcium, potassium and iron. As a result, precise crop management is necessary for maximizing its production. The presented study deals with the effect of soil heterogeneity caused by variable contents of macro- and micronutrients on the uptake of nutrients by chickpea. The values measured (contents of macro- and micronutrients in plant samples) indicate that soil heterogeneity is an important factor for the contents of nutrients and soil reactions, which strongly affect the growth of chickpea. We investigated the soil heterogeneity in a chickpea field. Two zones (A and B) with different stand development were found in the model plot. Zone A showed a healthy (green) growth, while Zone B exhibited a yellow-coloured growth, indicating deficits in nutrient uptake. The contents of selected nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn) in the soil and in the plant biomass (i.e., stems, leaves, pods and seeds) were analyzed. In the zone with the yellow-coloured biomass, the results showed significantly (p < 0.05) reduced contents of N, P, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in the leaves; higher values of soil reaction (pH); and higher contents of calcium and calcium carbonate in the soil. The uptake of nutrients by the plants and their translocation were affected by the above-mentioned soil parameters and by their mutual interactions. Therefore, it is possible to state that soil heterogeneity (caused by variable contents of nutrients in soil) should be taken into account in the precise crop management of chickpeas.
Simulated Lunar Soil: Can It Be Organically Modified through Compost Cultivation?
Authors: Gong Zhixuan , Wen Jia , Zhou Yichen , Zhai Yunbo , Xu Jinghao
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving the fertility of lunar soil through the reuse of resources by composting household waste and collecting composting fermentation broth. The fermentation broth was used to culture a simulated lunar soil at different concentration gradients for 30 days under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen content, typical mineral elements, and the microbial community were tested to determine whether the fertility of the lunar soil had improved. Results showed that the microorganisms in the simulated lunar soil samples successfully adhered and grew under both aerobic and anaerobic experimental conditions. The simulated lunar soil samples cultured in the anaerobic environment outperformed those in the aerobic environment regarding microbial biomass growth and water-soluble mineral elements. The study results create opportunities for the future reuse of domestic garbage on the lunar base, providing a technical basis for the in situ reuse of lunar soil resources for plant cultivation.
Low-Temperature Thermal Treatment and Boron Speciation Analysis from Coals
Authors: Gamutan Jonah , Kashiwakura Shunsuke , Alorro Richard , Nagasaka Tetsuya
Published: July 2024

Despite urgent calls for decarbonization, the continued increasing demand for electricity, primarily from coals, has presented challenges in managing coal-derived wastes such as coal fly ash (CFA), which are enriched with environmentally hazardous substances like boron. This study explores a low-temperature heating process to remove boron from coal, aimed at preventing its condensation and enrichment into CFA during combustion. Initial boron concentrations in coals varied widely from 50 to 500 ppm by weight and were found to correlate with fixed carbon content (FC) through the following polynomial equation: [B]o = 0.0929(FC)2 − 14.388(FC) + 601.85; R2 = 0.9173. This relationship suggests that as coal undergoes coalification, boron-containing compounds are decomposed and released, resulting in a decline in boron levels as the coal matures. Boron-removal efficiency was investigated by drying coal samples at 110 °C, 160 °C, and 210 °C under natural air convection, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to assess changes in boron speciation during heating. Our results demonstrate that boron removal ranged from 5% to 82%, with minimal improvements observed beyond 110 °C. In addition, the 11B MAS-NMR spectra of the coal samples showed four peaks at isotropic chemical shift values of −1.0, 2.0, 8.0, and 14.0 ppm and suggested that the species of boron volatilized at low temperatures is the inorganic BO4 assigned to peak no. 0 at −1.0 ppm. The association of boron with inorganic components in coal suggests potential for efficient removal, particularly in coals with higher fixed carbon content. These findings highlight the viability of low-temperature thermal treatment as a cost-effective method for boron removal, which is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with coal combustion by-products.
Effects of Teachers’ Media Utilization and Computational Thinking on Sustainable Development in Early Childhood Education
Authors: An Mi-Young , Shin Kwang-Seong
Published: July 2024

(1) Background: The study aims to analyze the degree of media use among early childhood teachers and the correlations between their computational thinking, playfulness, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It confirms a strong correlation between playfulness and problem-solving abilities and investigates whether higher levels of computational thinking are associated with higher levels of playfulness. This research is positioned within the context of sustainable development in early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of integrating digital literacy and computational thinking skills to promote sustainability. (2) Methods: The research was conducted on teachers working in daycare centers and kindergartens in Jeju Island, South Korea. A total of 203 questionnaires were collected, employing descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. (3) Results: The study found that teachers’ degree of media literacy affects their media use. Additionally, the higher the degree of computational thinking, the more significant the effect on early childhood teachers’ playfulness. Furthermore, early childhood teachers’ playfulness, creativity, and problem-solving skills were all significantly correlated overall. (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that if teachers take an interest in IT media and find ways to use it positively, it will have a positive effect on early childhood education. Moreover, increasing computational thinking skills will enable the effective use of various tools, positively impacting teachers’ roles. The study proposes that enhancing early childhood teachers’ playfulness, creativity, and problem-solving skills will contribute to sustainable development in early childhood education.
How Does Air Pollution Impact Residence Intention of Rural Migrants? Empirical Evidence from the CMDS
Authors: Zhang Chuanwang , Zhang Guangsheng
Published: July 2024

Based on data from the China Migrant Dynamic Survey project and urban statistics, this article examines the impact of air pollution on the residence intentions of rural migrants. The research findings indicate that: (1) Air pollution reduces the residence intentions of rural migrants. On average, for every one-unit increase in AQI, the residence intention of rural migrants will reduce by 1.5l%. (2) Mechanism analysis shows that social networks and social integration have a negative moderating effect on the relationship between air pollution and the residence intention of rural migrants. (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that in cities north of the Qinling Mountains-Huaihe River, cities with low precipitation, and cities with weak environmental regulations, the negative impact of air pollution on residence intention of rural migrants is more significant. Compared with high human capital levels, inter-provincial flow, and the new generation of rural migrants, the residence intention of low human capital levels, intra-provincial flow, and the old generation of rural migrants makes them more vulnerable to the negative impact of air pollution. This article reveals the inherent relationship between air pollution and the residence intention of rural migrants, which has certain practical enlightenment for cities to accelerate the process of citizenization of rural migrants through air pollution control and also provides important empirical evidence for cities to sustainably address air pollution.
A Distributed Computational Model for Estimating the Carbon Footprints of Companies
Authors: Charpentier Francis , Meunier François
Published: July 2024

A new approach based on input–output (IO) analysis has emerged to estimate the carbon footprints of companies and their products from cradle to gate. While the approach relies on the same principles as the GHG Protocol, it uses a distributed iterative framework to improve the footprint estimations and reduce their uncertainty. While optimal estimations would result if all the world’s companies would enter such a system, this paper shows how such a distributed system could apply to the real world where many enterprises would stay out of the system. We show how the quality of the estimations with respect to the GHG Protocol would be increased by integrating scope 1 and scope 2 data from the value chains in the footprint estimations and progressively reducing the part of the remaining scope 3 data. To help with analyzing uncertainty, we show how to use the scope 1/2/3 decomposition to estimate the biases and the standard deviations of the computed production carbon intensities. We illustrate the model on macroeconomic data for 44 sectors and two regions (Europe and Rest of World), using the Inter-Country Input–Output database from the OECD. Such a system would necessarily rely on Information and Communication Technology, since the companies would be permanently interconnected in a large-scale meshed network, using an application protocol for data exchange.
Weather-Related Combined Effect on Failure Propagation and Maintenance Procedures towards Sustainable Gas Pipeline Infrastructure
Authors: Ahmed Talha , Mahmood Yasir , Yodo Nita , Huang Ying
Published: July 2024

Weather-related events are among the major causes of failure propagation in natural gas pipeline infrastructure. The interaction between multiple natural-force factors, such as temperature, precipitation, and wind, and their unpredictable simultaneous occurrence can intensify the vulnerability of pipeline infrastructure, increasing the likelihood of leaks, ruptures, and mechanical damage. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the combined effect of weather-related events on the failure propagation of pipelines, focusing on the impact of weather-related external force factors and climate change on sustainable pipeline integrity, including corrosion, erosion, and mechanical damage. Additionally, the paper examines various maintenance policies and strategies that can be implemented to mitigate the impact of weather-related failures. The review highlights gaps in existing knowledge and future research directions to enhance the understanding of weather-related failure propagation in natural gas pipeline infrastructure. This paper provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving the resilience and sustainability of pipeline infrastructure to weather-related failures.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Sustainable Shipyard Floating Dock Operations: An Integrated Spherical Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy CoCoSo Approach
Authors: Bayhun Semra , Demirel Nihan Çetin
Published: July 2024

Background: This study investigated the process of selecting sustainable safety protocols for floating dock operations in shipyards by identifying potential workplace risks in emergency situations. Thirteen occupational hazards for shipyard floating dock operations were identified through a literature review and expert discussions. Methods: We incorporated four risk elements (consequence: C, frequency: F, probability: P, and number of people at risk: NP) from the Fine–Kinney and Hazard Rating Number System (HRNS) approaches as the risk assessment criteria. We obtained the importance weights of the risk assessment criteria via the Spherical Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (SF-AHP) and extended the Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) method within the fuzzy framework to prioritize occupational hazards. This study demonstrated the practicality and efficiency of the proposed emergency risk assessment model for shipyard floating dock operations through a case example of occupational risk assessment. Results: The analysis results show that H4 is the occupational hazard with the highest priority, with a score of 3.553. H4 represents the hazard associated with insufficient access to the entire pool area. The second and third most important hazards are the inability of cranes to move freely in and out of the berthing dock and the inability to dispatch emergency teams. These hazards, denoted H1 and H12, follow closely behind with scores of 3.391 and 3.344, respectively. H10 is deemed the least concerning hazard, with a score of 1.802. Conclusions: Professionals can handle complex and uncertain risk assessment data more flexibly using the proposed system, which excels in accurately organizing occupational hazards.