bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Water and Milk Kefir Grains as Biopolymeric Adsorbents for Copper(II) and Arsenic(V) Removal from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: György Balázs , Bujdoš Marek , Vojtková Hana , Diviš Pavel , Slaný Michal , Matúš Peter , Urík Martin
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the biosorption capabilities of kefir grains, a polysaccharide-based byproduct of the fermentation process, for removing copper(II) and arsenic(V) from contaminated water. Unlike traditional heavy-metal removal methods, which are typically expensive and involve environmentally harmful chemicals, biopolymeric materials such as kefir grains provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for adsorbing hazardous inorganic pollutants from aqueous solutions. Our experimental results revealed significant differences in the sorption capacities of two types of kefir grains. Grains of milk kefir outperformed water kefir, particularly in copper(II) removal, achieving up to 95% efficiency at low copper concentrations (0.16 mmol·L−1) and demonstrating a maximum sorption capacity of 49 µmol·g−1. In contrast, water kefir grains achieved only 35.5% maximum removal efficiency and exhibited lower sorption capacity. For arsenic(V) removal, milk kefir grains also showed superior performance, removing up to 56% of arsenic in diluted solution with experimental sorption capacities reaching up to 20 µmol·g−1, whereas water kefir grains achieved a maximum removal efficiency of 34.5%. However, these findings also suggest that while kefir grains show potential as low-cost biosorbents, further modifications are needed to enhance their competitiveness for large-scale water treatment applications.
The Thermo-Oxidative Degradation of Polyurethane Open-Cell Soft Foam Investigated Through Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Sandten Christian Stefan , Kreyenschmidt Martin , Albach Rolf , Fittschen Ursula E. A.
Published: November 2024

Polyurethane (PUR) soft foams release malodorous and potentially toxic compounds when exposed to oxidative conditions. Current chamber test methods cannot distinguish between pre-existing volatiles and those formed during oxidation, nor can they assess the formation rates of oxidation products. We subjected PUR soft foam to oxidative treatment in a continuous air flow at 120 °C. Emissions were convectively transferred from the foam to an exhaust port and analyzed using a thermodesorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) system, with external calibration employed for the quantification of selected analytes. The study identified hydroperoxide formation and degradation as key mechanisms in the breakdown of the polyether soft segments. This process predominantly produces volatiles, such as carboxylic acids, formates, acetates, alpha-hydroxy-ketones, (unsaturated) aldehydes, substituted dioxolanes and dioxanes, glycols, and allyl ethers. Volatiles associated with the degradation of the hard segments include aniline, benzoxazole, 2-methylbenzoxazole, and benzaldehyde. This experimental setup enables reproducible qualitative and quantitative analysis of volatiles formed during the oxidative degradation of PUR soft foams, providing new insights into the segment-dependent chemical pathways of the polymer’s molecular breakdown.
Research on Sealing Premium Connections in Corrosive CO2 Environments
Authors: Cao Yinping , Gu Pengsheng , Yu Yang , Dou Yihua
Published: November 2024

To investigate corrosion and resulting changes in the sealing performance of premium connections in corrosive CO2 environments, we carried out a simulation analysis of their secondary current distribution and structural mechanics based on multi-physics field coupling. A finite element calculation model of Ф88.9 mm × 6.45 mm taper–taper premium connections (steel grade P110) was established using COMSOL6.0 general software. By analyzing corrosion laws under different environmental parameters, five internal pressures and tensile displacements were set. We simulated premium connections under different operating conditions using a secondary current distribution module. To investigate the distribution of the corrosion current density in premium connections under different operating conditions, the sealing performance before and after corrosion was quantitatively evaluated using a seal strength index. The results show that the current density is higher at the torque shoulder of the premium connections, which is more susceptible to damage. As the internal pressure increases, the current density in the inner wall of the column increases, and on the threads, the current density is highest at the rounded corners of the root of the thread, which is also more likely to be damaged. Under different internal pressures, although the sealing strength of the premium connections meets the sealing criterion, the corroded ones show a significant reduction in sealing performance. The results of this study provide a reliable theoretical basis for research on sealing premium connections in corrosive environments.
Advanced Control Strategies of Membrane Fouling in Wastewater Treatment: A Review
Authors: Mallah Nabi Bakhsh , Shah Ayaz Ali , Pirzada Abdul Majeed , Ali Imran , Khan Mohammad Ilyas , Jatoi Abdul Sattar , Ullman Jeffrey L. , Mahar Rasool Bux
Published: November 2024

Reverse osmosis and microfiltration are two membrane-based separation techniques that have gained popularity over the past few decades. A fundamental barrier to improving the overall efficiency of membrane separation is membrane fouling. The accumulation of foulants causes a reduction in permeate flux, a loss of selectivity and permeability, and a reduction in the membrane’s lifespan. Numerous chemical and physical surface changes have been studied to enhance membrane antifouling properties. Additionally, research has concentrated on creating membranes that use cutting-edge materials to improve their antifouling capability. This paper focuses on a wide-ranging and thorough analyses of the different types of fouling during wastewater treatment based on current research results regarding fouling control strategy and the potential of new methods for wastewater treatment. It is a further step forward for the evaluation of mitigation measures for emerging membrane fouling problems.
Mythological Figures on Bronzeware: Funerary Beliefs and Decorative Expressions in a Western Han Tomb (202 BCE–8 CE) in Bailuyuan, Xi’an, Shaanxi
Authors: Li Jinglin
Published: November 2024

Between March 2018 and May 2019, the archaeological team of the Xi’an Institute of Cultural Relics Protection and Archaeology excavated a Western Han tomb complex near Bailuyuan. This paper focuses on a bronze xuan with human-shaped feet discovered at tomb M21 of the complex, offering a foundation for further comparative analysis. According to the archaeological report, the Bailuyuan tomb complex, to which tomb M21 belongs, is of high status, indicating that the occupant of the main tomb held a rank no lower than a feudal lord, while the occupants of the other tombs were also likely members of the elite class. This tomb complex may belong to the accompanying tombs of the Ba Mausoleum, as it is located less than four kilometers from the mausoleum and the main tomb M1 within the complex yielded jade burial suit fragments and bronze chime bells. The central argument of this paper posits that the unusual human-shaped decoration on this xuan provides a new perspective on the significance of human-like imagery in bronzes from this and earlier periods. Such human-shaped decorations serve not only ornamental purposes but also carry symbolic meanings on cultural and religious levels, elevating them beyond mere functionality. Findings of this paper reflect that the unusual imagery in this xuan casts new light on the meaning of human-like figures in contemporaneous and even earlier bronzes.
Three-Dimensional Monitoring of Zelongnong Glacier, China, with the PO-MSBAS Technique
Authors: Zhai Xinyi , Zhao Chaoying , Li Bin , Wang Wenpei , Liu Xiaojie
Published: November 2024

High-precision monitoring of glacier motion provides crucial information for a thorough understanding of the dynamic characteristics and development patterns of glaciers, which serves as a scientific basis for the prevention and management of glacier-related disasters. Zelongnong Glacier, located in Tibet, China, has experienced glacier surges, collapse, and hazard chains four times in the last 70 years. On 10 September 2020, a major glacier hazard chain occurred in this region. To reveal the influencing factors of the glacier motion, we monitor the Zelongnong Glacier motions with 65 scenes of TerraSAR/PAZ images from 2022 to 2023, where the Pixel Offset Multidimensional Small Baseline Subset (PO-MSBAS) method is employed for three-dimensional time series inversion. As the registration window size directly affects the matching success rate, deformation accuracy, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) during the offset tracking processing, we adopt a variable window-weighted cross-correlation strategy. The strategy balances the advantages of different window sizes, effectively reducing noise while preserving certain details in the offset results. The standard deviation in stable areas is also significantly lower than that obtained using smaller window sizes in conventional methods. The results reveal that the velocity of the southern glacier tributary was larger than the one in the northern tributary. Specifically, the maximum velocity in the northern tributary reached 45.07 m/year in the horizontal direction and −7.45 m/year in the vertical direction, whereas in the southern tributary, the maximum velocity was 50.15 m/year horizontally and 50.66 m/year vertically. The southern tributary underwent two bends before merging with the mainstream, leading to a more complex motion pattern. Lastly, correlation reveals that the Zelongnong Glacier was affected by the combined influence of temperature and precipitation with a common period of around 90 days.
Robust Distributed Observers for Simultaneous State and Fault Estimation over Sensor Networks
Authors: Liang Dingguo , Ren Yunxiao , Lv Yuezu , Wang Silong
Published: November 2024

This paper focuses on simultaneous estimation of states and faults for a linear time-invariant (LTI) system observed by sensor networks. Each sensor node is equipped with an observer, which uses only local measurements and local interaction with neighbors for monitoring. The observability of said observer is analyzed where non-local observability of a sensor node is required in terms of the system state and faults. The distributed observers present features of H∞ performance to constrain the influence of disturbances on the estimation errors, for which the global design condition is transformed into a linear matrix inequality (LMI). The LMI is proven to be solvable given collective observability of the system and a suitable H∞ performance index. Moreover, in the case that no disturbances exist, fully distributed observers with adaptive gains are designed to asymptotically estimate the states and faults without using any global information from the network. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed methods is verified through case studies on a spacecraft’s attitude control system.
Escape Path Planning for Unmanned Surface Vehicle Based on Blind Navigation Rapidly Exploring Random Tree* Fusion Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Bo , Lu Shanlong , Li Qing , Du Peng , Hu Kaixin
Published: November 2024

To address the design and application requirements for USVs (Unmanned Surface Vehicles) to autonomously escape from constrained environments using a minimal number of sensors, we propose a path planning algorithm based on the RRT* (Rapidly Exploring Random Tree*) method, referred to as BN-RRT* (Blind Navigation Rapidly Exploring Random Tree*). This algorithm utilizes the positioning information provided by the GPS onboard the USV and combines collision detection data from collision sensors to navigate out of the trapped space. To mitigate the inherent randomness of the RRT* algorithm, we integrate the Artificial Potential Field (APF) method to enhance directional guidance during the sampling process. Additionally, inspired by blind navigation principles, we propose an active collision mechanism that relies on continuous collisions to identify obstacles and adjust the next movement direction, thereby improving the efficiency of escape path planning. We also implement an obstacle memory mechanism to prevent exploration into erroneous areas during sampling, significantly increasing the success rate of escape and reducing the path length. We validate the proposed algorithm in a dedicated MATLAB environment, comparing its performance with existing RRT, RRT*, and APF-RRT* algorithms. Experimental results indicate that the improved algorithm achieves significant enhancements in both planning speed and path length compared to the other methods.
The Deformation Monitoring Capability of Fucheng-1 Time-Series InSAR
Authors: Wu Zhouhang , Zhang Wenjun , Cai Jialun , Xiang Hongyao , Fan Jing , Wang Xiaomeng
Published: November 2024

The Fucheng-1 (FC-1) satellite has successfully transitioned from its initial operational phase and is now undergoing a detailed performance assessment for time-series deformation monitoring. This study evaluates the surface deformation monitoring capabilities of the newly launched FC-1 satellite using the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technique, particularly in urban applications. By analyzing the observation data from 20 FC-1 scenes and 20 Sentinel-1 scenes, deformation velocity maps of a university in Mianyang city were obtained using persistent scatterer interferometry (PSI) and distributed scatterer interferometry (DSI) techniques. The results show that thanks to the high resolution of 3 × 3 m of the FC-1 satellite, significantly more PS points and DS points were detected than those detected by Sentinel-1, by 13.4 times and 17.9 times, respectively. The distribution of the major deformation areas detected by both satellites in the velocity maps is generally consistent. FC-1 performs better than Sentinel-1 in monitoring densely structured and vegetation-covered areas. Its deformation monitoring capability at the millimeter level was further validated through comparison with leveling measurements, with average errors and root mean square errors of 1.761 mm and 2.172 mm, respectively. Its high-resolution and high-precision interferometry capabilities make it particularly promising in the commercial remote sensing market.
Enhanced Radar Signal Classification Using AMP and Visibility Graph for Multi-Signal Environments
Authors: Kim Ji-Hyeon , Kwon Soon-Young , Kim Hyoung-Nam
Published: November 2024

Accurately classifying and deinterleaving overlapping radar signals presents a significant challenge in complex environments, such as electronic warfare. Traditional methods, such as spectrogram-based analysis, often struggle to differentiate radar signals with similar scan patterns, particularly under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. To address these limitations, we propose a novel two-stage classification framework that combines amplitude pattern (AMP) analysis and visibility graphs to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of radar signal classification. In the first stage, AMP analysis groups radar reception signals into broad categories, which reduces noise and isolates signal features. In the second stage, a visibility graph technique is applied to refine these classifications, enabling the practical separation of radar signals with overlapping or similar amplitude features. The proposed method is particularly effective in handling complex scans, such as the Palmer series, which blends search and tracking patterns. Deep learning models, including GoogLeNet and ResNet, are integrated within this framework to improve classification performance further, demonstrating robustness in low-SNR and multi-signal environments. This approach offers significant improvements over conventional methods, providing enhanced performance in differentiating radar signals across various scanning patterns in challenging multi-signal environments.
Phase-Change-Material-Based True Time-Delay System
Authors: Kutteeri Rahuldas , De Carlo Martino , De Leonardis Francesco , Soref Richard A. , Passaro Vittorio M. N.
Published: November 2024

This study explores the achievement of a tunable true time-delay (TTD) system for a microwave phased-array antenna (MPAA) by incorporating the reversible phase-transition property of phase-change material (PCM) with Bragg gratings (BGs) and a cascade of three phase-shifted Bragg grating resonators (CPSBGRs). The goal was to design a low-power-consuming, non-volatile highly tunable compact TTD system for beam steering. A programmable on/off reflector was designed by changing a PCM-incorporated BG/CPSBGR from one phase to another. By arranging several programmable on/off reflectors in a row, a delay line was realized, and by incorporating several delay lines, the TTD system was achieved. Numerical simulations and parametric analyses were conducted for the evaluation of the TTD system’s performance at an operating wavelength of 1550 nm and 1550.6 nm for programmable on/off reflectors with BGs and CPSBGRs. The findings point out the effectiveness of incorporating PCMs with BGs/CPSBGRs, thereby maintaining a high performance with less complexity.
Routing Protocol for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks Based on a Trust Model and Void-Avoided Algorithm
Authors: Ye Jun , Jiang Weili
Published: November 2024

Underwater wireless sensor networks have a wide range of application prospects in important fields such as ocean exploration and underwater environment monitoring. However, the influence of complex underwater environments makes underwater wireless sensor networks subject to many limitations, such as resource limitation, channel openness, malicious attacks, and other problems. To address the above issues, we propose a routing scheme for underwater wireless networks based on a trust model and Void-Avoided algorithm. The proposed scheme establishes a trust model, evaluates the behavior of underwater nodes through direct trust, indirect trust, and environmental trust, and finds malicious nodes while taking into account evaluation of the channel, which provides support for the next data transmission event. The proposed scheme prioritizes the total cabling distance and introduces a two-hop availability checking model for data transmission, checking the nodes for voids and avoiding the void areas, to find the transmission path with the lowest energy consumption and lowest latency as much as possible. In this study, simulation experiments were conducted on the proposed scheme, and the results showed that the target scheme can effectively detect malicious nodes through anomalous behaviors and outperforms existing work in terms of malicious node detection rate, energy consumption, and end-to-end latency, and network performance.
Triboelectric Nanogenerator-Embedded Intelligent Self-Aligning Roller Bearing with the Capability of Self-Sensing, Monitoring, and Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Shen Hao , Lv Yufan , Kong Yun , Han Qinkai , Chen Ke , Geng Zhibo , Dong Mingming , Chu Fulei
Published: November 2024

Monitoring the dynamic behaviors of self-aligning roller bearings (SABs) is vital to guarantee the stability of various mechanical systems. This study presents a novel self-powered, intelligent, and self-aligning roller bearing (I-SAB) with which to monitor rotational speeds and bias angles; it also has an application in fault diagnosis. The designed I-SAB is compactly embedded with a novel sweep-type triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The TENG is realized within the proposed I-SAB using a comb–finger electrode pair and a flannelette triboelectric layer. A floating, sweeping, and freestanding mode is utilized, which can prevent collisions and considerably enhance the operational life of the embedded TENG. Experiments are subsequently conducted to optimize the output performance and sensing sensitivity of the proposed I-SAB. The results of a speed-sensing experiment show that the characteristic frequencies of triboelectric current and voltage signals are both perfectly proportional to the rotational speed, indicating that the designed I-SAB has the self-sensing capability for rotational speed. Additionally, as both the bias angle and rotational speed of the SAB increase, the envelope amplitudes of the triboelectric voltage signals generated by the I-SAB rise at a rate of 0.0057 V·deg−1·rpm−1. To further demonstrate the effectiveness of the triboelectric signals emitted from the designed I-SAB in terms of self-powered fault diagnosis, a Multi-Scale Discrimination Network (MSDN), based on the ResNet18 architecture, is proposed in order to classify the various fault conditions of the SAB. Using the triboelectric voltage and current signals emitted from the designed I-SAB as inputs, the proposed MSDN model yields excellent average diagnosis accuracies of 99.8% and 99.1%, respectively, indicating its potential for self-powered fault diagnosis.
Influence of Environmental Factors on Pedestrian Summer Vitality in Urban Pedestrian Streets in Cold Regions Guided by Thermal Comfort: A Case Study of Sanlitun—Beijing, China
Authors: Zhou Wenyu , Zhang Jinjiang , Li Xuan , Guo Fei , Zhu Peisheng
Published: November 2024

In the context of increasingly extreme high temperatures during the summer in cold regions, the spatial vitality of urban blocks is significantly affected. In order to enhance the summer vitality of sustainable urban neighborhoods, this study explores the mechanisms of street elements and vitality under the guidance of thermal comfort. Taking an urban pedestrian street in Sanlitun, Beijing, during a summer day as the research subject, this study systematically analyzed the impact of environmental factors such as street orientation, aspect ratio, three-dimensional greenery of trees, and tree spacing on the thermal comfort of street space. By quantitatively analyzing the relationship between thermal comfort and pedestrian vitality in different street spaces, this study reveals the mechanisms by which environmental factors enhance the summer usability and spatial vitality of pedestrian streets. The research results indicate that street vitality shows a gradually increasing trend throughout the day, particularly between 12:00 and 16:00, when thermal comfort significantly affects people’s vitality. Furthermore, univariate analysis reveals that the street aspect ratio is the primary factor influencing the spatial vitality of the southern section of the Sanlitun Taikoo Li pedestrian street, with a characteristic average of 8.28 over a week. Finally, the results of the multi-factor analysis show that, when enhancing street vitality, priority should be given to the interactions between street aspect ratio, tree greenery, temperature, and physiological equivalent temperature, where the correlation coefficient between street aspect ratio and vitality is 0.70, and that between temperature and physiological equivalent temperature is 0.63, both showing positive correlations. Research shows that, in street planning, a reasonable building aspect ratio (1:2 to 1:4) and scientific green design are key. By carefully controlling the planting density and greenery configuration of trees, optimal street space effects can be achieved. This study proposes sustainable urban design strategies by optimizing street space design and improving environmental thermal comfort, aiming to enhance the summer vitality of urban blocks in cold regions and advocate for a sustainable development model that combines ecological and social benefits.
Coordination Analysis Between Urban Livability and Population Distribution in China’s Major Urban Agglomerations
Authors: Ran Yingfeng , Hou Wei , Sun Jingli , Zhai Liang , Du Chuan , Li Jingyang
Published: November 2024

The mismatch between urban livability and population distribution can result in overcrowding and excessive pressure on ecosystem services if population growth surpasses urban capacity. Conversely, if urban expansion outpaces population needs, it can lead to underutilized infrastructure and inefficient land use. This study aims to assess the coordination between urban livability and population distribution in five major urban agglomerations in China: Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH), Yangtze River Delta (YRD), Pearl River Delta (PRD), Mid-Yangtze River (MYR), and Chengdu–Chongqing (CC). A comprehensive index for urban livability is established, from the aspects of social–economic development and ecosystem service. Additionally, a Coordination Distance Index (CDI) is developed to measure the relationship between urban livability and population distribution. Data from 2010, 2015, and 2020 are analyzed to evaluate the coordination levels and trends across the five urban agglomerations. The results show that from 2010 to 2020, most cities within these urban agglomerations experience improvements in their coordination levels, with the most notable advancements in the PRD and YRD regions. By 2020, the PRD and YRD were classified as having “high coordination”, while BTH, MYR, and CC were categorized as having “moderate coordination”. However, certain cities, such as Chengde in BTH, Shanghai in YRD, Ya’an in CC, and Zhuhai in PRD, still exhibited “low coordination”, highlighting areas requiring spatial planning adjustments. This study introduces a method for quantitatively assessing the coordination between urban livability and population distribution, providing essential insights for policymakers and urban planners to refine urbanization development strategies and population regulation policies in China’s major urban agglomerations.
A Novel Framework for Estimation of the Maintenance and Operation Cost in Construction Projects: A Step Toward Sustainable Buildings
Authors: Abuhussain Maher , Baghdadi Ahmad
Published: November 2024

Building maintenance and operation costs represent a significant portion of the life cycle costs (LCC) of construction projects. The accurate estimation of these costs is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability and financial efficiency of buildings. This study aims to develop a novel framework for predicting maintenance and operation costs in construction projects by integrating an emotional artificial neural network (EANN). Unlike traditional models that rely on linear regression or static machine learning, the EANN dynamically adapts its learning through synthetic emotional feedback mechanisms and advanced optimization techniques. The research collected input data from 313 experts in the field of building management and construction in Ha’il, Saudi Arabia, through a comprehensive questionnaire. The integration of expert opinions with advanced machine learning techniques contributes to the innovative approach, providing more reliable and adaptive cost predictions. The proposed EANN model was then compared with a classic artificial neural network (ANN) model to evaluate its performance. The results indicate that the EANN model achieved an R2 value of 0.85 in training and 0.81 in testing for buildings aged 0 to 10 years, significantly outperforming the ANN model, which achieved R2 values of 0.78 and 0.72, respectively. Additionally, the Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) for the EANN model was 1.57 in training and 1.60 in testing, lower than the ANN’s RMSE values of 1.82 and 1.90. These findings show that the superior capability of the EANN model in estimating maintenance and operation costs.. This led to more accurate long-term maintenance cost projections, reduced budgeting uncertainty, and enhanced decision-making reliability for building managers.
Unleashing Nature’s Pesticide: A Systematic Review of Schinus molle Essential Oil’s Biopesticidal Potential
Authors: Scalvenzi Laura , Durofil Andrea , Cáceres Claros Carlos , Pérez Martínez Amaury , Guardado Yordi Estela , Manfredini Stefano , Baldini Erika , Vertuani Silvia , Radice Matteo
Published: November 2024

The past decade has witnessed an increase in scientific publications investigating the potential of essential oils as alternatives to synthetic pesticides for the control of plant and animal pests and disease vectors. The essential oil of Schinus molle has been the subject of various studies aimed at describing its insecticidal, acaricidal, and repellent properties. S. molle, although native to South America, is also widely distributed in countries bordering the Mediterranean. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze existing information on S. molle essential oil as a raw material for novel biopesticides and nanobiopesticides. We searched articles from PubMed, Scopus, and MDPI databases, and from 194 reports, we critically selected 33 articles produced between 2005 and 2024, representing all of the studies that aimed to evaluate the properties of the essential oil of this species as an insecticide, acaricide, and pesticide. The chemical composition varies significantly depending on origin, although two chemotypes associated with α-phellandrene and limonene appear to emerge. Data on adulticide activity and repellency are promising, and there are preliminary studies of microencapsulated forms of the essential oil that represent contemporary research trends currently under investigation. Furthermore, S. molle essential oil appears to demonstrate acetylcholinesterase inhibition effects that warrant further investigation. Finally, in this review, we have highlighted the potential of S. molle essential oil as a biopesticide, emphasizing the need to progress from a preliminary study phase to research conducted in application contexts. The conclusions of this review indicate future research trends aimed at the development of commercial products for organic and regenerative agriculture.
Socio-Economic Analytical Frameworks for Marine Spatial Planning: Evaluating Tools and Methodologies for Sustainable Decision Making
Authors: Gambino Monica , Cuturi Candida , Guadalupi Luigi , Capasso Salvatore
Published: November 2024

Marine strategy requires a high level of understanding of the interrelationships and processes occurring between the various social and ecological systems that coexist in the same environment, given the high degree of complexity of such a system. Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) is a process for implementing ecosystem-based management in the marine and coastal environment, expressing the ambitious goal of protecting the natural capital of the oceans and promoting sustainable economic growth in the maritime sectors from a holistic perspective. One of the main challenges in MSP is to identify methods and tools for integrated assessments of socio-economic aspects with physical and environmental variables, attempting to assess the economic costs and benefits of a plan and to detect a cause-and-effect relationship between MSP and the performance of the blue economy. Depending on the specific features of areas where planning takes place and the objectives of the assessment, there is a wide spectrum of different approaches and tools that allow the assessment of the economic impact of MSP with varying levels of precision and detail. The objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive analytical framework that will facilitate the understanding of, and development of, appropriate socio-economic instruments and analyses for estimating the economic effects associated with MSP. A comprehensive information base will be constructed based on the findings of studies and analyses conducted by research institutions and relevant national and international organizations. This is intended to identify the principal characteristics, scope, strengths, and weaknesses of decision-support tools in order to identify best practices for measuring socio-economic impacts of management plans and to facilitate a holistic view of marine ecosystems.
Spatiotemporal Changes and Driving Factors of Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) in the Wuding River Basin, China: Impacts of Ecological Restoration
Authors: Sun Tingyu , Ni Mingxia , Yang Yinuo , Fang Yu , Xia Jianxin
Published: November 2024

Over the past two decades, large-scale ecological restoration in the Loess Plateau has significantly transformed land use and land cover (LULC) in the Wuding River Basin (WRB), improving ecological governance and environmental conditions. This study examines the spatiotemporal evolution of LULC and its driving factors from 2000 to 2020, employing methods such as the LULC dynamic degree, transfer matrix, migration trajectory, and geographical detector. Results show that (1) grassland dominates the basin’s LULC (78.16%), with decreases in cropland and desert areas, and expansions in grassland, forest, and urban areas. Water bodies show minimal fluctuations. The mean annual dynamic degree of LULC types (from highest to lowest) is as follows: forest > desert > urban > water > cropland > grassland. The overall dynamic degree fluctuated, initially decreasing (0.85%–0.68%), then increasing (0.68–0.89%), followed by another decline (0.89–0.30%). (2) LULC patterns follow a northwest-to-southeast gradient, with primary transitions from desert and cropland to grassland and secondary transitions to forest, urban, and water bodies. Spatial migration mainly shifts westward and northward. (3) Under the single-factor influence, natural factors, especially slope (7.2–36.4%) and precipitation (6.1–22.3%), are the primary drivers of LULC changes, with population density (7.9%) and GDP (27.5%) influencing urban areas. In the interaction of factors, topography and climate (40.5–66.1%) primarily drive increases in cropland, forest, and grassland, while human activities and climate (24.8–36.7%) influence urban and water area expansion. Desert area reduction is largely driven by climatic factors (40.3%). The interaction between two factors shows either a bi-factorial or nonlinear enhancement effect, suggesting that their combined influence offers stronger explanatory power than any single factor alone. This study highlights significant LULC changes in the WRB, driven by both natural factors and human activities, contributing to enhanced ecological governance and land use sustainability.
Crown Lengthening Surgery in the Esthetic Area for Optimized Results: A Review with Surgical Recommendations
Authors: Kahn Sérgio , Rodrigues Walmir Júnio de Pinho Reis , Dias Alexandra Tavares , Resende Rodrigo , Fernandes Juliana Campos Hasse , Fernandes Gustavo Vicentis Oliveira
Published: November 2024

Background: Crown lengthening (CL) in esthetic areas has become a versatile procedure with applications in many clinical situations. Knowledge concerning different periodontal phenotypes, and the supracrestal tissue attachment (STA)—former biological width—has allowed for a better understanding of surgical management, allowing for the individualization of surgical therapy. This review presented an individualized surgical approach to CL in esthetic areas based on evaluating the phenotype and current considerations about the STA, correlating them to suggestive surgical techniques. Methods: For an individualized surgical approach, it is primarily necessary to understand STA, including the relationship and distance between the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and the bone crest (BC) and the position of the free gingival margin (FGM); secondarily, it is necessary to verify the periodontal phenotype to prepare surgical planning (gingivectomy or osseous resection/contouring). Three periodontal phenotypes are recognized, presenting different biological behaviors due to specific characteristics implicitly correlated to soft tissue management. Results: Then, after assessing the distance from the CEJ to the BC, the position of the FGM, and the periodontal phenotype, it is possible to individualize the treatment according to the phenotype. In cases of a thin and scalloped periodontium with delicate gingiva, there might be the presence of bone dehiscence, fenestration, and instability in the healing of the gingival margin, bringing extra attention to tissue manipulation and suggesting a minimally invasive technique (no flap). A partial-thickness flap is recommended for a thick and scalloped periodontium, keeping the periosteum adhered to the bone. For periodontium B (fibrous and dense gingiva and tissue resistant to injuries), the surgical approach recommended is an open full-thickness flap with osteotomy for horizontal and vertical bone volume removal. Then, observing first the specific parameters, such as the STA, CEJ, BC, FGM, and KTW, and then the characteristics of periodontal phenotypes, it is possible to determine the individualized surgical strategy and a reasonable surgical approach to tissue manipulation in clinical CL surgeries. Conclusions: The surgical approach must be defined according to individualized planning since several variables can influence the dynamics of the periodontal tissues.
Asymmetry in the Alignment of School Furniture and Anthropometric Measures: A Comparative Study Between Two Schools in Spain and Portugal
Authors: Paramés-González Adrián , Gutiérrez-Santiago Alfonso , Fernandes Agostinho , Braga Ana Cristina , Costa Nélson , Carneiro Paula , Reguera-López-de-la-Osa Xoana , Prieto-Lage Iván
Published: November 2024

Background: School ergonomics is a subject of growing interest for the scientific community due to the health problems that it is associated with in students, mainly asymmetries in the spine due to the use of chairs and desks that are inadequate for their anthropometry. This study aimed to analyze the anthropometric characteristics and asymmetries among fifth- to ninth-grade students in Spain and Portugal, with the goal of obtaining data on the ideal height of seats and desks. Additionally, it evaluated the correspondence in the recommended sizes of chairs and desks according to the parameters of the European Union catalog and examined the suitability of the height as a criterion for the allocation of school furniture. Methods: Different anthropometric variables, including the height, popliteal height, shoulder-to-seat height, and elbow-to-seat height, were measured in a stratified sample of 500 students (mean age = 12.7 years, SD = 1.2) across different grades (fifth grade = 86, sixth grade = 106, seventh grade = 95, eighth grade = 89, ninth grade = 124), genders (males = 256, females = 244), and countries (Spain = 191, Portugal = 309). These measurements were used to calculate the average ideal seat and desk heights based on anthropometric formulas, which were then compared to the current furniture allocation practices. The statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-squared tests, and effect sizes, with adjustments for multiple comparisons. Results: The results revealed significant asymmetries and low correspondence in the allocation of chairs and desks of the same sizes to students, with a match rate ranging between 40% and 70%. Moreover, the correspondence was even lower when using a formula based solely on height, compared to formulas validated with specific anthropometric measures, particularly for desks, where the asymmetries reached 100% in some grades. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need to improve the adaptation of school furniture to optimize student ergonomics and comfort, and they suggest disregarding the height as the primary criterion for furniture allocation. Additionally, assigning a desk size based on the recommended chair size is discouraged.
Asymmetric Bidirectional Quantum Communication with Device Authentication in IoT
Authors: Zhu Yonghao , Li Dongfen , Jiang Yangyang , Hua Xiaoyu , Fu You , Zhou Jie , Tan Yuqiao , Yang Xiaolong
Published: November 2024

Quantum communication holds great potential for enhancing the security and efficiency of the Internet of Things (IoT). However, existing schemes often overlook device identity authentication, leaving systems vulnerable to unauthorized access, and rely on third-party controllers, which increase complexity and undermine trust. This paper proposes a novel asymmetric bidirectional quantum communication scheme tailored for IoT, integrating device identity authentication and information transmission without requiring third-party controllers. We provide a detailed description of the scheme’s application scenarios in IoT, conduct a security analysis of the identity authentication module, and experimentally validate the feasibility of the information transmission module. Additionally, we analyze the impact of quantum noise on the proposed scheme and compare it with existing approaches, highlighting its advantages in terms of resource consumption and efficiency.
Algorithmic Efficiency in Convex Hull Computation: Insights from 2D and 3D Implementations
Authors: Kwon Hyun , Oh Sehong , Baek Jang-Woon
Published: November 2024

This study examines various algorithms for computing the convex hull of a set of n points in a d-dimensional space. Convex hulls are fundamental in computational geometry and are applied in computer graphics, pattern recognition, and computational biology. Such convex hulls can also be useful in symmetry problems. For instance, when points are arranged symmetrically, the convex hull is also likely to be symmetrically shaped, which can be useful for object recognition in computer vision or pattern recognition. The focus is primarily on two-dimensional algorithms, including well-known methods like Gift Wrapping, Graham Scan, Divide and Conquer, QuickHull, TORCH, Kirkpatrick–Sediel, and Chan’s algorithms. These algorithms vary in terms of time complexity and scalability to higher dimensions. This study is extended to three-dimensional convex hull algorithms, such as NAW, randomized insertion, and parallelized versions, such as CudaHull and CudaChain. This study aimed to elucidate the operational principles, step-by-step procedures, and comparative time complexities of each algorithm. The implementation in Python facilitates a detailed comparison of the algorithmic performance through stepwise analysis and graphical outputs. The ultimate goal is to provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm under various scenarios, thereby offering a comprehensive guide for practical implementation.
Artificial Visual Network with Fully Modeled Retinal Direction-Selective Neural Pathway for Motion Direction Detection in Grayscale Scenes
Authors: Tao Sichen , Zhao Ruihan , Yang Yifei , Todo Hiroyoshi , Tang Zheng , Todo Yuki
Published: November 2024

The complexity and functional evolution of mammalian visual systems have always been a focal point in neuroscience and biological science research. The primary neurons that output motion direction signals have been a focal point of research in visual neuroscience for nearly 130 years. These neurons are widely present in the cortex and retina of mammals. Although the relevant pathways have been discovered and studied for almost 60 years due to experimental accessibility, research still remains at the cellular level. The specific functions and overall operational mechanisms of the component neurons in the motion direction-selective pathways are yet to be clearly elucidated. In this study, we modeled existing relevant neuroscience conclusions based on the symmetry and asymmetry of whole cells in the retina-to-cortex pathway and proposed a quantitative mechanism for motion direction selectivity pathways, called the Artificial Visual System (AVS). By tests based on 1 million instances of 2D, eight-direction grayscale moving objects, including 10 randomly shaped objects of various sizes, we confirm AVS’s high effectiveness on motion direction detecting. Furthermore, by comparing the AVS with two well-known convolutional neural networks, namely LeNet-5 and EfficientNetB0, we verify its efficiency, generalization, and noise resistance. Moreover, the analysis indicates that the AVS exhibits evident biomimetic characteristics and application advantages concerning hardware implementation, biological plausibility, interpretability, parameter count, and learning difficulty.
Mercury in Fur of Bats in Middle Taiga of the European Part of Russia at Low Anthropogenic Exposure
Authors: Ivanova Elena , Eltsova Liubov , Shapkin Oleg , Udodenko Yuri , Rumiantseva Olga , Pevcova Yana , Viskontene Alex , Komov Viktor
Published: November 2024

Mercury is considered to be one of the chemical elements posing the greatest threats to the health of most animals and can be transferred from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial food webs. Many bat species forage above water, and their food sources include aquatic and amphibious organisms. Bats are very sensitive to the slightest changes in the environment. The objective was to determine the accumulation of mercury in the fur of insectivorous bats in summer habitats in an area with limited anthropogenic activity in the conditions of the middle taiga in the northwest European part of the Russian Federation. In the studied species, the average values of the metal’s content (μg/g) increased in the following order: Myotis daubentonii (3.294 ± 0.934), Myotis dasycneme (3.909 ± 0.543), Vespertilio murinus (8.011 ± 1.136), Pipistrellus nathusii (8.366 ± 0.546), and Nyctalus noctula (8.408 ± 1.386). The key factor regarding the mercury accumulation in each bat species is the foraging strategy. The mercury content in the fur of adult bats was higher than in subadults.
Intervention to Prevent Recurrent Intestinal Parasitic Infections in People Living with HIV in Selected Parts of Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Anozie Ifeoma , Hosu Mojisola Clara , Apalata Teke , Abaver Dominic T.
Published: November 2024

Interactions between parasites and hosts are not fully understood, though the dynamic pattern of infection and reinfection in humans varies with different demographic variables and behavioral changes. A community-based non-equivalent control group post-test-only design, an aspect of quasi-experimental design (QED), was carried out between March 2019 and February 2020. For the extraction of data from respondents, structural questionnaires were filled. Their CD4 count and viral load from the database of the National Health Laboratory Services, Mthatha were recorded. The method applied for the identification of intestinal parasites was a direct examination of the stool and the use of concentration methods. The post-test analysis showed that the intervention sites that received THEdS (Treatment, Health education, and Sanitation) bundle had a cure proportion of 60% and a re-infection proportion of 40%. The post-test results on control sites (treatment-only group) showed that the cure proportion was 51.4% and the re-infection proportion was 48.6%. The viral load significantly reduced from 377 to 44 copies/mL with a significant increment in CD4 count from 244 to 573 (cells µL) and (p-value) = 0.002. The combination of THEdS is an effective measure to reduce infection and reinfection of intestinal parasites. The THEdS bundle is a sustainable control and prevention method for the control of helminthes and protozoan associated with unsanitary environment and poor personal hygiene among immune-compromised individuals like HIV/AIDS patients.
How Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases Challenge Our Understanding of Viral Infections
Authors: Ha My K.
Published: November 2024

The twenty-first century has witnessed a wave of severe infectious disease outbreaks, having a devastating impact on lives and healthcare systems around the globe [...]