bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Social Responsibility Practices on Tax Planning: An Empirical Study for Companies Listed on Euronext Lisbon
Authors: Silva Pedro Ferreira , Sá Cristina , Eugénio Teresa
Published: July 2024

This paper analyzes the influence of social responsibility practices on the development of tax planning activities in companies listed on Euronext Lisbon. Although scientific research into social responsibility and tax planning is not new, scientific studies into the relationship between these two themes is a developing area of research that still raises many questions. This study was carried out on a sample of 30 companies listed on Euronext Lisbon, using data for the 2018 and 2019 periods. The hypotheses were formulated based on a literature review on this subject. A multiple linear regression model was developed to validate the hypotheses. The results show that the social, corporate governance, environmental, or economic components of corporate social responsibility do not influence tax planning. However, the results show that company size negatively impacts tax planning, i.e., larger companies have lower effective tax rates. In the sample studied, larger companies implemented more tax planning strategies. In this way, this study can complement the understanding of the relationship between social responsibility practices and tax planning activities in Portugal and internationally.
Technologies of Data Protection and Institutional Decisions for Data Sovereignty
Authors: Del Re Enrico
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to propose innovative actions of advanced technological solutions and consequent necessary institutional decisions to achieve in a reasonable time the definitive confidential data protection and data sovereignty, based on available scientific results. Confidential data protection is a fundamental and strategic issue in next-generation Internet systems to guarantee data sovereignty and the respect of human rights as stated in the foundation of the United Nations. Even if presently many international regulations are decisive steps to guarantee data protection within normative contexts, they are not adequate to face new technologies, such as facial recognition, automatic profiling, position tracking, biometric data, AI applications, and many others in the future, as they are implemented without any awareness by the interested subjects. Therefore, a new approach to data protection is mandatory based on innovative and disruptive technological solutions. A recent OECD report highlighted the need for the so-called Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) for the effective protection of confidential data, even more urgent for the coexistence of privacy and data sharing in international contexts. A common feature of these technologies is the use of software methodologies that can run on currently available microprocessors and their present immaturity. More effective and definitive protection can be achieved with another methodological approach based on the paradigm of ‘Data Usage Control’. This new concept guarantees data protection policy by default and initial design and it requires a new architecture of the data and a new HW&SW architecture of the computers. This contribution has a two-fold objective: first, to clarify why regulations alone and present technological proposals are not adequate for the effective and definitive protection of data and, second, to indicate the new necessary technological approach and the simultaneous institutional actions required to achieve the definitive protection and sovereignty of data in reasonable times, based on the results already available in the scientific literature.
Comparative RNA-Seq of Ten Phaeodactylum tricornutum Accessions: Unravelling Criteria for Robust Strain Selection from a Bioproduction Point of View
Authors: Toustou Charlotte , Boulogne Isabelle , Gonzalez Anne-Alicia , Bardor Muriel
Published: July 2024

The production of biologics in mammalian cells is hindered by some limitations including high production costs, prompting the exploration of other alternative expression systems that are cheaper and sustainable like microalgae. Successful productions of biologics such as monoclonal antibodies have already been demonstrated in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum; however, limited production yields still remain compared to mammalian cells. Therefore, efforts are needed to make this microalga more competitive as a cell biofactory. Among the seventeen reported accessions of P. tricornutum, ten have been mainly studied so far. Among them, some have already been used to produce high-value-added molecules such as biologics. The use of “omics” is increasingly being described as useful for the improvement of both upstream and downstream steps in bioprocesses using mammalian cells. Therefore, in this context, we performed an RNA-Seq analysis of the ten most used P. tricornutum accessions (Pt1 to Pt10) and deciphered the differential gene expression in pathways that could affect bioproduction of biologics in P. tricornutum. Our results highlighted the benefits of certain accessions such as Pt9 or Pt4 for the production of biologics. Indeed, these accessions seem to be more advantageous. Moreover, these results contribute to a better understanding of the molecular and cellular biology of P. tricornutum.
Methodology for the Identification of Moisture Content in Tailings Dam Walls Based on Electrical Resistivity Tomography Technique
Authors: Córdova Leopoldo , Moya Aaron , Comte Diana , Bravo Igor
Published: July 2024

The design of tailings dams has improved significantly in recent decades due to experience and advances in applied research. However, there are still several environmental and geomechanical uncertainties associated with the response of these structures. Failures on the wall of tailings dams are well documented, where the most common causes are related to the action of water overtopping, slope instability, seepage, and foundation failure. Measuring the humidity or the saturation level at tailings dam walls has become a must do in the recent years. Resistivity monitoring using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) techniques has proven to be one of the tools that provide good subsurface characterization for internal erosion detection and seepage assessment to evaluate potential environmental risks and the physical stability of tailings dams. Also, the integrated techniques of geotechnical, geophysical, and geochemical data have been used to correlate, coordinate, and improve the characterization. In this research, a procedure to guide us to a new methodology of acquiring and monitoring humidity content is presented, in which 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles are linked to the degree of soil saturation, using moisture sensors installed in a nearby well. The ERT profiles provide a 2D resistivity profile, and the moisture sensors can measure resistivity and volumetric water content (VWC) at a given installation depth. This second measure (VWC), with a defined total porosity, can be combined with Archie’s empirical law to obtain the degree of saturation, allowing the possibility to create remote monitoring suitable for mining operations without excessive laboratory testing.
Towards Safe Diatomite Sludge Management: Lead Immobilisation via Geopolymerisation
Authors: Guo Haozhe , Huang Zhihao , Zhang Baifa , Yu Ting , Pantongsuk Thammaros , Yuan Peng
Published: July 2024

Diatomite, a natural adsorbent rich in active silica, serves as a valuable precursor for geopolymer synthesis. The safe disposal of diatomite as a failed lead (Pb(II)) adsorbent is critical to prevent secondary contamination. This study investigated the immobilisation efficiency of geopolymerisation for Pb(II)-rich diatomite sludge. Low-grade diatomite with high ignition loss was utilised in the synthesis of alkali-activated geopolymers. It was demonstrated that the geopolymers achieved a compressive strength of 28.3 MPa with a 50% replacement rate of metakaolin by diatomite sludge, which was not a compromise in strength compared to that of the geopolymer with no Pb(II) (26.2 MPa). The leaching behaviour of Pb(II) was evaluated using water and acetic acid, yielding concentrations below 3 mg/L and immobilisation efficiencies of 95% in both scenarios. Analytical techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) elucidated the mineral composition and chemical environment of the geopolymers. These analyses revealed that Pb(II) migrated from diatomite pores, potentially forming soluble hydroxides under sufficient hydroxide, which then participated in condensation with silicon and aluminium monomers, effectively immobilising Pb(II) within amorphous aluminosilicate gels. Furthermore, the formation of the amorphous gels within diatomite pores hindered Pb(II) leaching, encapsulating Pb(II) effectively. This study presents a novel approach to immobilising heavy metals within building materials, enhancing mineral resource utilisation efficiency while addressing environmental contamination concerns.
The Phase Equilibria of Natural Gas Hydrate in the Presence of 1,3-Dimethylcyclohexane and Octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside
Authors: Fu Qiang , Chen Mingqiang , Pang Weixin , Liu Zengqi , Xu Zhen , Lei Xin
Published: July 2024

The thermodynamic effect of octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (OGP) on the formation of methane-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane (DMCH) hydrate was studied in this work. The thermodynamic equilibrium hydrate formation pressures between 275.15 K and 283.15 K were measured by the isothermal pressure search method. Different OGP aqueous solutions (0, 0.1, and 1 wt%) were used in this work. The experimental results show that OGP had no obvious thermodynamic inhibition on methane-DMCH hydrate formation when its concentration was low (0.1 wt%), whereas it had an inhibition on methane-DMCH hydrate formation when its concentration was high (1 wt%). The phase equilibrium hydrate formation pressure of the methane-DMCH-OGP system is about 0.1 MPa higher than that of the methane-DMCH system. The dissociation enthalpies of methane hydrate in different solutions remained uniform, which indicates that OGP was not involved in methane-DMCH hydrate formation. This phenomenon is explained from the perspective of the molecular structure of OGP. As a renewable and biological nonionic surfactant, the concentration of OGP in the liquid phase is low, so OGP can be added to the methane-DMCH system without significant thermodynamic inhibition.
Achieving Tunable Mechanoluminescence in CaZnOS:Tb3+, Sm3+ for Multicolor Stress Sensing
Authors: Wang Wenqi , Li Zihui , Wang Ziying , Xiang Zhizhi , Wang Zhenbin , Li Sixia , Zhang Mingjin , Liu Weisheng
Published: July 2024

Mechanoluminescent (ML) materials can exhibit visible-to-near-infrared mechanoluminescence when responding to the fracture or deformation of a solid under mechanical stimulation. Transforming mechanical energy into light demonstrates promising applications in terms of visual mechanical sensing. In this work, we synthesized the phosphor CaZnOS:Tb3+, Sm3+, which exhibited intense and tunable multicolor mechanoluminescence without pre-irradiation. Intense green ML materials were obtained by doping Tb3+ with different concentrations. Tunable multicolor mechanoluminescence (such as green, yellow-green, and orange-red) could be realized by combining green emission (about 542 nm), attributed to Tb3+, and red emission (about 600 nm) generated from the Sm3+ in the CaZnOS substrate. The tunable multicolor ML materials CaZnOS:Tb3+, Sm3+ exhibited intense luminance and recoverable mechanoluminescence when responding to mechanical stimulation. Benefiting from the excellent ML performance and multicolor tunability in CaZnOS:Tb3+, Sm3+, we mixed the phosphor with PDMS and a curing agent to explore its practical application. An application for visual mechanical sensing was designed for handwriting identification. By taking a time-lapsed shot while writing, we easily obtained images of the writer’s handwriting. The images of the ML intensity were acquired by using specific software to transform the shooting data. We could easily distinguish people’s handwriting through analyzing the different ML performances.
Evaluating the Effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strain Shirota on the Physical Consistency of Stool in Healthy Participants with Hard or Lumpy Stools: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Tsujibe Satoshi , Gawad Agata , Shigehisa Akira , Matsuda Kazunori , Fujimoto Junji , Takahashi Takuya
Published: July 2024

We have earlier established a direct measurement method for assessing stool physical consistency using a texture analyzer (TAXT). The present study aimed to evaluate the stool softening effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS) using TAXT in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Sixty-four healthy participants with a Bristol stool form scale (BSFS) 1/2 ≥ 50% during screening consumed fermented milk containing LcS or a placebo beverage daily for 8 weeks. Stool consistency and water content were determined using TAXT and a lyophilizer, respectively. Participants evaluated their defecation using the BSFS. Stool consistency evaluated by a texture analyzer (TAXT) in the LcS group tended to be softer than that in the placebo group (p = 0.052). Subgroup analyses (TAXT value at baseline ≥ 4.5) showed that stool consistency was significantly softer in the LcS group (p = 0.014). Stool water content was also significantly higher in the LcS group than in the placebo group, but the proportion of normal stools was not statistically significant. We were unable to find evidence for the softening effect of LcS under the present study’s conditions. However, its efficacy may be confirmed by targeting participants with physically hard stools and TAXT values ≥ 4.5.
Flavan-3-ols and Vascular Health: Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Godos Justyna , Romano Giovanni Luca , Laudani Samuele , Gozzo Lucia , Guerrera Ida , Dominguez Azpíroz Irma , Martínez Diaz Raquel , Quiles José L. , Battino Maurizio , Drago Filippo , Giampieri Francesca , Galvano Fabio , Grosso Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. A healthy diet rich in plant-derived compounds such as (poly)phenols appears to have a key role in improving cardiovascular health. Flavan-3-ols represent a subclass of (poly)phenols of great interest for their possible health benefits. In this review, we summarized the results of clinical studies on vascular outcomes of flavan-3-ol supplementation and we focused on the role of the microbiota in CVD. Clinical trials included in this review showed that supplementation with flavan-3-ols mostly derived from cocoa products significantly reduces blood pressure and improves endothelial function. Studies on catechins from green tea demonstrated better results when involving healthy individuals. From a mechanistic point of view, emerging evidence suggests that microbial metabolites may play a role in the observed effects. Their function extends beyond the previous belief of ROS scavenging activity and encompasses a direct impact on gene expression and protein function. Although flavan-3-ols appear to have effects on cardiovascular health, further studies are needed to clarify and confirm these potential benefits and the rising evidence of the potential involvement of the microbiota.
What’s New in Ocular Drug Delivery: Advances in Suprachoroidal Injection since 2023
Authors: Wu Kevin Y. , Gao Angel , Giunta Michel , Tran Simon D.
Published: July 2024

Despite significant advancements in ocular drug delivery, challenges persist in treating posterior segment diseases like macular edema (ME) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Suprachoroidal (SC) injections are a promising new method for targeted drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye, providing direct access to the choroid and retina while minimizing systemic exposure and side effects. This review examines the anatomical and physiological foundations of the SC space; evaluates delivery devices such as microcatheters, hypodermic needles, and microneedles; and discusses pharmacokinetic principles. Additionally, advancements in gene delivery through SC injections are explored, emphasizing their potential to transform ocular disease management. This review also highlights clinical applications in treating macular edema, diabetic macular edema, age-related macular degeneration, choroidal melanoma, and glaucoma. Overall, SC injections are emerging as a promising novel route for administering ophthalmic treatments, with high bioavailability, reduced systemic exposure, and favorable safety profiles. Key therapeutic agents such as triamcinolone acetonide, dexamethasone, AAV-based gene therapy, and axitinib have shown promise. The field of suprachoroidal injection is progressing rapidly, and this review article, while attempting to encapsulate most of the published preclinical and clinical studies, mainly focuses on those that are published within 2023 and 2024.
A Stereolithography-Based Modified Spin-Casting Method for Faster Laboratory-Scale Production of Dexamethasone-Containing Dissolving Microneedle Arrays
Authors: Cseh Martin , Katona Gábor , Berkó Szilvia , Budai-Szűcs Mária , Csóka Ildikó
Published: July 2024

Microneedle arrays (MNAs) consist of a few dozens of submillimeter needles, which tend to penetrate through the stratum corneum layer of the skin and deliver hardly penetrating drugs to the systemic circulation. The application of this smart dosage form shows several advantages, such as simple use and negligible pain caused by needle punctures compared to conventional subcutaneous injections. Dissolving MNAs (DMNAs) represent a promising form of cutaneous drug delivery due to their high drug content, biocompatibility, and ease of use. Although different technologies are suitable to produce microneedle arrays (e.g., micromilling, chemical etching, laser ablation etc.), many of these are expensive or hardly accessible. Following the exponential growth of the 3D-printing industry in the last decade, high-resolution desktop printers became accessible for researchers to easily and cost-effectively design and produce microstructures, including MNAs. In this work, a low force stereolithography (LFS) 3D-printer was used to develop the dimensionally correct MNA masters for the spin-casting method. The present study aimed to develop and characterize drug-loaded DMNAs using a two-level, full factorial design for three factors focusing on the optimization of DMNA production and adequate drug content. For the preparation of DMNAs, carboxymethylcellulose and trehalose were used in certain amounts as matrices for dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEX). Investigation of the produced DexDMNAs included mechanical analysis via texture analyzer and optical microscopy, determination of drug content and distribution with HPLC and Raman microscopy, dissolution studies via HPLC, and ex vivo qualitative permeation studies by Raman mapping. It can be concluded that a DEX-containing, mechanically stable, biodegradable DexDMNA system was successfully developed in two dosage strengths, of which both efficiently delivered the drug to the lower layers (dermis) of human skin. Moreover, the ex vivo skin penetration results support that the application of DMNAs for cutaneous drug delivery can be more effective than that of a conventional dermal gel.
An Insight into Perfusion Anisotropy within Solid Murine Lung Cancer Tumors
Authors: Martino Antonio , Terracciano Rossana , Milićević Bogdan , Milošević Miljan , Simić Vladimir , Fallon Blake C. , Carcamo-Bahena Yareli , Royal Amber Lee R. , Carcamo-Bahena Aileen A. , Butler Edward Brian , Willson Richard C. , Kojić Miloš , Filgueira Carly S.
Published: July 2024

Blood vessels are essential for maintaining tumor growth, progression, and metastasis, yet the tumor vasculature is under a constant state of remodeling. Since the tumor vasculature is an attractive therapeutic target, there is a need to predict the dynamic changes in intratumoral fluid pressure and velocity that occur across the tumor microenvironment (TME). The goal of this study was to obtain insight into perfusion anisotropy within lung tumors. To achieve this goal, we used the perfusion marker Hoechst 33342 and vascular endothelial marker CD31 to stain tumor sections from C57BL/6 mice harboring Lewis lung carcinoma tumors on their flank. Vasculature, capillary diameter, and permeability distribution were extracted at different time points along the tumor growth curve. A computational model was generated by applying a unique modeling approach based on the smeared physical fields (Kojic Transport Model, KTM). KTM predicts spatial and temporal changes in intratumoral pressure and fluid velocity within the growing tumor. Anisotropic perfusion occurs within two domains: capillary and extracellular space. Anisotropy in tumor structure causes the nonuniform distribution of pressure and fluid velocity. These results provide insights regarding local vascular distribution for optimal drug dosing and delivery to better predict distribution and duration of retention within the TME.
Self-Assembly of Hydrophobic Hyperbranched PLMA Homopolymer with –COOH End Groups as Effective Nanocarriers for Bioimaging Applications
Authors: Gerardos Angelica Maria , Foryś Aleksander , Trzebicka Barbara , Pispas Stergios
Published: July 2024

Nanomedicine is a discipline of medicine that applies all aspects of nanotechnology strategies and concepts for treatment and screening possibilities. Synthetic polymer nanostructures are among the many nanomedicine formulations frequently studied for their potential as vectors. Bioimaging is a valuable diagnostic tool, thus, there is always a demand for new excipients/nanocarriers. In this study, hydrophobic hyperbranched poly(lauryl methacrylate) (PLMA) homopolymers comprised of highly hydrophobic LMA moieties with –COOH polar end groups were synthesized by employing reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) was utilized as the branching agent. End groups are incorporated through the RAFT agent utilized. The resulting amphiphilic hyperbranched polymer was molecularly characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), and 1H–NMR spectroscopy. Pyrene, curcumin, and IR-1048 dye were hydrophobic payload molecules successfully encapsulated to show how adaptable these homopolymer nanoparticles (prepared by nanoprecipitation in water) are as dye nanocarriers. This study demonstrates a simple way of producing excipients by generating polymeric nanoparticles from an amphiphilic, hyperbranched, hydrophobic homopolymer, with a low fraction of polar end groups, for bioimaging purposes.
Terephthalate Copolyesters Based on 2,3-Butanediol and Ethylene Glycol and Their Properties
Authors: Blom Marian , van Putten Robert-Jan , van der Maas Kevin , Wang Bing , Klink Gerard P. M. van , Gruter Gert-Jan M.
Published: July 2024

This study explores the synthesis and performance of novel copolyesters containing 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO) as a biobased secondary diol. This presents an opportunity for improving their thermal properties and reducing crystallinity, while also being more sustainable. It is, however, a challenge to synthesize copolyesters of sufficient molecular weight that also have high 2,3-BDO content, due to the reduced reactivity of secondary diols compared to primary diols. Terephthalate-based polyesters were synthesized in combination with different ratios of 2,3-BDO and ethylene glycol (EG). With a 2,3-BDO to EG ratio of 28:72, an Mn of 31.5 kDa was reached with a Tg of 88 °C. The Mn dropped with increasing 2,3-BDO content to 18.1 kDa for a 2,3-BDO to EG ratio of 78:22 (Tg = 104 °C) and further to 9.8 kDa (Tg = 104 °C) for the homopolyester of 2,3-BDO and terephthalate. The water and oxygen permeability both increased significantly with increasing 2,3-BDO content and even the lowest content of 2,3-BDO (28% of total diol) performed significantly worse than PET. The incorporation of 2,3-BDO had little effect on the tensile properties of the polyesters, which were similar to PET. The results suggest that 2,3-BDO can be potentially applied for polyesters requiring higher Tg and lower crystallinity than existing materials (mainly PET).
Parcel-Based Sugarcane Mapping Using Smoothed Sentinel-1 Time Series Data
Authors: Li Hongzhong , Wang Zhengxin , Sun Luyi , Zhao Longlong , Zhao Yelong , Li Xiaoli , Han Yu , Liang Shouzhen , Chen Jinsong
Published: July 2024

The timely and accurate mapping of sugarcane cultivation is significant to ensure the sustainability of the sugarcane industry, including sugarcane production, rural society, sugar futures, and crop insurance. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR), due to its all-weather and all-time imaging capability, plays an important role in mapping sugarcane cultivation in cloudy areas. However, the inherent speckle noise of SAR data worsens the “salt and pepper” effect in the sugarcane map. Therefore, in previous studies, an additional land cover map or optical image was still required. This study proposes a new application paradigm of time series SAR data for sugarcane mapping to tackle this limitation. First, the locally estimated scatterplot smoothing (LOESS) smoothing technique was exploited to reconstruct time series SAR data and reduce SAR noise in the time domain. Second, temporal importance was evaluated using RF MDA ranking, and basic parcel units were obtained only based on multi-temporal SAR images with high importance values. Lastly, the parcel-based classification method, combining time series smoothing SAR data, RF classifier, and basic parcel units, was used to generate a sugarcane extent map without unreasonable sugarcane spots. The proposed paradigm was applied to map sugarcane cultivation in Suixi County, China. Results showed that the proposed paradigm was able to produce an accurate sugarcane cultivation map with an overall accuracy of 96.09% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.91. Compared with the pixel-based classification result with original time series SAR data, the new paradigm performed much better in reducing the “salt and pepper” spots and improving the completeness of the sugarcane plots. In particular, the unreasonable non-vegetation spots in the sugarcane map were eliminated. The results demonstrated the efficacy of the new paradigm for mapping sugarcane cultivation. Unlike traditional methods that rely on optical remote sensing data, the new paradigm offers a high level of practicality for mapping sugarcane in large regions. This is particularly beneficial in cloudy areas where optical remote sensing data is frequently unavailable.
Understanding Aerosol–Cloud Interactions through Lidar Techniques: A Review
Authors: Cairo Francesco , Di Liberto Luca , Dionisi Davide , Snels Marcel
Published: July 2024

Aerosol–cloud interactions play a crucial role in shaping Earth’s climate and hydrological cycle. Observing these interactions with high precision and accuracy is of the utmost importance for improving climate models and predicting Earth’s climate. Over the past few decades, lidar techniques have emerged as powerful tools for investigating aerosol–cloud interactions due to their ability to provide detailed vertical profiles of aerosol particles and clouds with high spatial and temporal resolutions. This review paper provides an overview of recent advancements in the study of ACI using lidar techniques. The paper begins with a description of the different cloud microphysical processes that are affected by the presence of aerosol, and with an outline of lidar remote sensing application in characterizing aerosol particles and clouds. The subsequent sections delve into the key findings and insights gained from lidar-based studies of aerosol–cloud interactions. This includes investigations into the role of aerosol particles in cloud formation, evolution, and microphysical properties. Finally, the review concludes with an outlook on future research. By reporting the latest findings and methodologies, this review aims to provide valuable insights for researchers engaged in climate science and atmospheric research.
How Phenology Shapes Crop-Specific Sentinel-1 PolSAR Features and InSAR Coherence across Multiple Years and Orbits
Authors: Löw Johannes , Hill Steven , Otte Insa , Thiel Michael , Ullmann Tobias , Conrad Christopher
Published: July 2024

Spatial information about plant health and productivity are essential when assessing the progress towards Sustainable Development Goals such as life on land and zero hunger. Plant health and productivity are strongly linked to a plant’s phenological progress. Remote sensing, and since the launch of Sentinel-1 (S1), specifically, radar-based frameworks have been studied for the purpose of monitoring phenological development. This study produces insights into how crop phenology shapes S1 signatures of PolSAR features and InSAR coherence of wheat, canola, sugar beet. and potato across multiple years and orbits. Hereby, differently smoothed time series and a base line of growing degree days are stacked to estimate the patterns of occurrence of extreme values and break points. These patterns are then linked to in situ observations of phenological developments. The comparison of patterns across multiple orbits and years reveals that a single optimized fit hampers the tracking capacities of an entire season monitoring framework, as does the sole reliance on extreme values. VV and VH backscatter intensities outperform all other features, but certain combinations of phenological stage and crop type are better covered by a complementary set of PolSAR features and coherence. With regard to PolSAR features, alpha and entropy can be replaced by the cross-polarization ratio for tracking certain stages. Moreover, a range of moderate incidence angles is better suited for monitoring crop phenology. Also, wheat and canola are favored by a late afternoon overpass. In sum, this study provides insights into phenological developments at the landscape level that can be of further use when investigating spatial and temporal variations within the landscape.
Vegetation Water Content Retrieval from Spaceborne GNSS-R and Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data Using Ensemble Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Zhang Yongfeng , Bu Jinwei , Zuo Xiaoqing , Yu Kegen , Wang Qiulan , Huang Weimin
Published: July 2024

Vegetation water content (VWC) is a crucial parameter for evaluating vegetation growth, climate change, natural disasters such as forest fires, and drought prediction. Spaceborne global navigation satellite system reflectometry (GNSS-R) has become a valuable tool for soil moisture (SM) and biomass remote sensing (RS) due to its higher spatial resolution compared with microwave measurements. Although previous studies have confirmed the enormous potential of spaceborne GNSS-R for vegetation monitoring, the utilization of this technology to fuse multiple RS parameters to retrieve VWC is not yet mature. For this purpose, this paper constructs a local high-spatiotemporal-resolution spaceborne GNSS-R VWC retrieval model that integrates key information, such as bistatic radar cross section (BRCS), effective scattering area, CYGNSS variables, and surface auxiliary parameters based on five ensemble machine learning (ML) algorithms (i.e., bagging tree (BT), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM)). We extensively tested the performance of different models using SMAP ancillary data as validation data, and the results show that the root mean square errors (RMSEs) of the BT, XGBoost, RF, and LightGBM models in VWC retrieval are better than 0.50 kg/m2. Among them, the BT and RF models performed the best in localized VWC retrieval, with RMSE values of 0.50 kg/m2. Conversely, the XGBoost model exhibits the worst performance, with an RMSE of 0.85 kg/m2. In terms of RMSE, the RF model demonstrates improvements of 70.00%, 52.00%, and 32.00% over the XGBoost, LightGBM, and GBDT models, respectively.
Shoreliner: A Sub-Pixel Coastal Waterline Extraction Pipeline for Multi-Spectral Satellite Optical Imagery
Authors: Bergsma Erwin W. J. , Klotz Adrien N. , Artigues Stéphanie , Graffin Marcan , Prenowitz Anna , Delvit Jean-Marc , Almar Rafael
Published: July 2024

Beach morphology can be observed over large spatio-temporal scales, and future shoreline positions can be predicted and coastal risk indicators can be derived by measuring satellite-derived instantaneous waterlines. Long-term satellite missions, such as Landsat and Sentinel-2, provide decades of freely available, high-resolution optical measurement datasets, enabling large-scale data collection and relatively high-frequency monitoring of sandy beaches. Satellite-Derived Shoreline (SDS) extraction methods are emerging and are increasingly being applied over large spatio-temporal scales. SDS generally consists of two steps: a mathematical relationship is applied to obtain a ratio index or pixel classification by machine-learning algorithms, and the land/sea boundary is then determined by edge detection. Indexes from lake waterline detection, such as AWEI or NDWI, are often transferred towards the shore without taking into account that these indexes are inherently affected by wave breaking. This can be overcome by using pixel classification to filter the indices, but this comes at a computational cost. In this paper, we carry out a thorough evaluation of the relationship between scene-dependent variables and waterline extraction accuracy, as well as a robust and efficient thresholding method for coastal land–water classification that optimises the index to satellite radiometry. The method developed for sandy beaches combines a new purpose-built multispectral index (SCoWI) with a refinement method of Otsu’s threshold to derive sub-pixel waterline positions. Secondly, we present a waterline extraction pipeline, called Shoreliner, which combines the SCoWI index and the extraction steps to produce standardised outputs. Implemented on the CNES High Performance Cluster (HPC), Shoreliner has been quantitatively validated at Duck, NC, USA, using simultaneous Sentinel-2 acquisitions and in situ beach surveys over a 3-year period. Out of six dates that have a satellite acquisition and an in situ survey, five dates have a sub-pixel RMS error of less than 10 m. This sub-pixel performance of the extraction processing demonstrates the ability of the proposed SDS extraction method to extract reliable, instantaneous and stable waterlines. In addition, preliminary work demonstrates the transferability of the method, initially developed for Sentinel-2 Level1C imagery, to Landsat imagery. When evaluated at Duck on the same day, Sentinel-2 and Landsat imagery several minutes apart provide similar results for the detected waterline, within the method’s precision. Future work includes global validation using Landsat’s 40 years of data in combination with the higher resolution Sentinel-2 data at different locations around the world.
Oceanic Mesoscale Eddy Fitting Using Legendre Polynomial Surface Fitting Model Based on Along-Track Sea Level Anomaly Data
Authors: Kong Chunzheng , Zhang Yibo , Shi Jie , Lv Xianqing
Published: July 2024

Exploring the spatial distribution of sea surface height involves two primary methodologies: utilizing gridded reanalysis data post-secondary processing or conducting direct fitting along-track data. While processing gridded reanalysis data may entail information loss, existing direct fitting methods have limitations. Therefore, there is a pressing need for novel direct fitting approaches to enhance efficiency and accuracy in sea surface height fitting. This study demonstrates the viability of Legendre polynomial surface fitting, benchmarked against bicubic quasi-uniform B-spline surface fitting, which has been proven to be a well-established direct fitting method. Despite slightly superior accuracy exhibited by bicubic quasi-uniform B-spline surface fitting under identical order combinations, Legendre polynomial surface fitting offers a simpler structure and enhanced controllability. However, it is pertinent to note that significant expansion of the spatial scope of fitting often results in decreased fitting efficacy. To address this, the current research achieves the precise fitting of sea surface height across expansive spatial ranges through a regional stitching methodology.
Evaluation of BTEX Pollution and Health Risk for Sustainable Use of a Typical Chemical Pesticide Industrial Site
Authors: Huang Ye , Chen Yangmin , Wu Qingqing , Shi Peili , Yang Bin , Xie Yunfeng
Published: July 2024

BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) are widely used in pesticide manufacturing industries. Due to their high volatility and toxicity, BTEX compounds often leak during production, storage, and transportation, posing significant threats to human health and the environment. In this study, soil and groundwater samples at a chemical pesticide industrial site in southern China were collected and analyzed. Soil concentrations ranged from 0.05–142 mg/kg for benzene, 0.05–315 mg/kg for toluene, 0.05–889 mg/kg for ethylbenzene, 0.05–2800 mg/kg for m-&p-xylene, and 0.05–668 mg/kg for o-xylene. Groundwater concentrations were 0.7–340,000 μg/L for benzene, 0.9–4070 μg/L for toluene, 0.5–1900 μg/L for ethylbenzene, 1.6–6000 μg/L for m-&p-xylene, and 0.6–1500 μg/L for o-xylene. While the average concentrations were relatively low, there were numerous locations where BTEX levels significantly exceeded national soil and groundwater standards. Despite the minimal health risks from soil BTEX pollution, utilizing groundwater for drinking or bathing could result in unacceptable cancer and non-cancer risks. These findings underscore the urgent need for remediation efforts, particularly concerning benzene contamination in groundwater, to ensure the sustainable utilization of the industrial site in question.
Visualization and Analysis of Hotspots and Trends in Seafood Cold Chain Logistics Based on CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and RStudio Bibliometrix
Authors: Hu Lin , Chen Qinghai , Yang Tingting , Yi Chuanjian , Chen Jing
Published: July 2024

The development of cold chain logistics for seafood plays a pivotal role in guaranteeing food safety, promoting economic progress, reducing losses, and fostering sustainable development, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the seafood supply chain. This study conducted a comprehensive investigation into the primary research focuses of the seafood cold chain logistics field using the literature on visualization analysis software (CiteSpace (6.2.R6), VOSviewer (1.6.20), and RStudio Bibliometrix (4.4.0)). A total of 1787 articles were collected and further analyzed from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science (WOS), and Google databases over 12 years, establishing a knowledge framework for research in seafood cold chain logistics. Through the utilization of keyword clustering and emerging analysis techniques, the study constructed a knowledge map that intuitively describes the emerging trends and key hotspot in this field. The results indicate a growing trend in the seafood cold chain logistics field, with disciplines such as mathematics, systems, and physics being notably prominent. Key terms such as “cold chain logistics”, “highlighted supply chain management”, “frozen storage techniques”, “cold storage practices”, “post-harvest loss prevention strategies”, and “optimization of the cold chain” frequently appear in the literature, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary academic research in these areas. By exploring the current development of the seafood cold chain logistics field, we strengthen the research gaps in the literature and propose future research directions. Therefore, well-conducted bibliometric studies can play a crucial role in advancing the field by providing comprehensive insights, facilitating scholarly discussions, identifying knowledge gaps, generating new research ideas, and showcasing their intended contributions to the field.
Authentic Leadership and Socially Responsible Behavior: Sequential Mediation of Psychological Empowerment and Psychological Capital and Moderating Effect of Perceived Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Almasradi Rajeh Bati , Sarwar Farhan , Droup Ismail
Published: July 2024

The aim of the study is to explore the relationship between authentic leadership and socially responsible behavior among employees in Saudi Arabia’s service sector, which aligns with Saudi Vision 2030. Utilizing social cognitive theory as the theoretical framework, the research proposes that authentic leadership indirectly influences socially responsible behavior through psychological empowerment and psychological capital as parallel and serial mediators. Additionally, the study examines the moderating effect of CSR perceptions on these relationships. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 349 professionals from the service sector. The results, analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), revealed that authentic leadership does not directly impact SRB. Instead, the relationship is fully mediated by psychological empowerment and psychological capital. Moreover, CSR perceptions significantly moderate the relationship between authentic leadership and psychological empowerment and have an indirect effect of authentic leadership on SRB through psychological empowerment and psychological capital. The findings highlight the importance of fostering an authentic leadership style and the way the psychological resources of empowerment and psychological capital carry forward this effect to promote SRB in the service sector. Additionally, the study underscores the role of CSR perceptions in strengthening the impact of authentic leadership on employee outcomes. The research contributes to the literature on leadership, CSR, and employee behavior and also offers practical implications for organizations aiming to enhance their social responsibility initiatives.
The Paradox of Kowloon Walled City: Architectural Anomaly and Social Microcosm
Authors: AlSuwaidi Maryam , Boussaa Djamel , Furlan Raffaello , Awwaad Reem
Published: July 2024

Kowloon Walled City (KWC), formerly the world’s most densely populated place, is an example of urban density and self-organization in opposition to current urban developments, such as NEOM’s The Line, which illustrates the future of envisioned sustainable living. The main research question addressed in this study is: How can principles of self-organization and resilience from densely populated historical urban areas be applied to enhance the sustainability and livability of future planned urban developments? This study investigates the critical components of urban livability and governance amid severe densities by examining the underlying factors that lead to KWC’s unique sort of urban equilibrium and comparing them to the ideas that motivated the creation of The Line. This multidisciplinary research employs qualitative analysis to focus on architectural styles, community interactions, and governance systems. This approach allows for an in-depth examination of the parallels and dissimilarities between natural city evolution and future city planning. Key findings reveal that KWC’s functioning stems from its complex social fabric and adaptable informal governance, providing valuable lessons in resilience and community-driven urban development. The results suggest that the flexibility and community-driven efforts of KWC are essential for ensuring long-term viability, and these aspects may be integrated into contemporary projects such as The Line. The outcomes highlight the potential of combining KWC’s social cohesiveness with The Line’s technology developments to create urban environments that are both robust and sustainable. The results are supported by evidence obtained from historical analysis, which showcases the practical uses of integrating organic and planned urban development concepts.
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Turnover Intentions among Field Technicians: A Case Study in Philippines
Authors: Reynoso Eric De Vera , Prasetyo Yogi Tri , Persada Satria Fadil , Mariñas Klint Allen , Benito Omar Paolo , Nadlifatin Reny , Gumasing Ma. Janice J. , Ayuwati Irene Dyah
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several disruptions, necessitating adaptation to the current circumstances. The concept of the “New Normal” has been introduced to facilitate coexistence with the virus. Nevertheless, numerous industries saw significant impacts, both in terms of financial losses and personnel attrition. This development has a significant impact on the agriculture industry, particularly on field technicians (FTs). The present study seeks to understand the factors that influence the inclination to leave one’s job among field technicians. A purposive sampling strategy was used to choose fifty-three participants who were then requested to complete a survey-type questionnaire on various factors including perceived supervisor support, workload, perceived alternative jobs, perceived benefits, COVID-19, and job satisfaction. A SmartPLS structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis indicated that job satisfaction did not operate as a mediator in the relationship between turnover intention and its determinants, such as workload, supervisor support, benefits, and employment alternatives. Furthermore, this study verified that the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 epidemic did not influence the connection between job satisfaction and turnover intention. This study represents one of the initial investigations conducted on workers in the Philippine farm sector during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, the discoveries could be utilized to assess the distinct circumstances arising from the current global COVID-19 pandemic.
The Social Sustainability of the Use of Information and Communication Technologies by Frail Older People Ageing in Place Alone in Italy: Barriers and Impact on Loneliness and Social Isolation
Authors: Melchiorre Maria Gabriella , Socci Marco , Lamura Giovanni , Quattrini Sabrina
Published: July 2024

Older people often report functional limitations and low digital skills, with the latter hampering the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and having potentially negative consequences on their social isolation and loneliness. Against this background, we present some findings from the “Inclusive ageing in place” (IN-AGE) study, carried out in 2019 in Italy. This study explored seniors’ abilities and difficulties with the independent use of mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets/personal computers (PCs). Qualitative/semi-structured interviews involved 120 seniors aged 65 years and over, living alone in three Italian regions (Lombardy, Marche, and Calabria). Purposive sampling was conducted, and quantitative/qualitative analyses were performed. The main results showed that smartphones and PCs/tablets were used by older respondents living mainly in the north and in urban sites to talk with family members and less for other functionalities (e.g., internet). Those more educated and without serious functional limitations were more capable of utilising ICTs. Seniors using ICTs reported mainly low/moderate loneliness and less social isolation. Therefore, technological tools have the potential to mitigate both, even though some barriers (e.g., poor health, low education) can hinder this opportunity. These results can offer insights for policymakers to design adequate policies (e.g., e-training programs) for seniors, to facilitate their inclusion in digital society, thus enabling social sustainability in an ageing population.