bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Impact of Model-Informed Precision Dosing on Procalcitonin Concentrations in Critically Ill Patients: A Secondary Analysis of the DOLPHIN Trial
Authors: Dräger Sarah , Ewoldt Tim M. J. , Abdulla Alan , Rietdijk Wim J. R. , Verkaik Nelianne , Ramakers Christian , de Jong Evelien , Osthoff Michael , Koch Birgit C. P. , Endeman Henrik
Published: February 2024

Model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) might be used to optimize antibiotic treatment. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker for severity of infection and response to antibiotic treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of MIPD on the course of PCT and to investigate the association of PCT with pharmacodynamic target (PDT) attainment in critically ill patients. This is a secondary analysis of the DOLPHIN trial, a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial. Patients with a PCT value available at day 1 (T1), day 3 (T3), or day 5 (T5) after randomisation were included. The primary outcome was the absolute difference in PCT concentration at T1, T3, and T5 between the MIPD and the standard dosing group. In total, 662 PCT concentrations from 351 critically ill patients were analysed. There was no statistically significant difference in PCT concentration between the trial arms at T1, T3, or T5. The median PCT concentration was highest in patients who exceeded 10× PDT at T1 [13.15 ng/mL (IQR 5.43–22.75)]. In 28-day non-survivors and in patients that exceeded PDT at T1, PCT decreased significantly between T1 and T3, but plateaued between T3 and T5. PCT concentrations were not significantly different between patients receiving antibiotic treatment with or without MIPD guidance. The potential of PCT to guide antibiotic dosing merits further investigation.
Development and Characterization of New Miconazole-Based Microemulsions for Buccal Delivery by Implementing a Full Factorial Design Modeling
Authors: Talianu Marina-Theodora , Dinu-Pîrvu Cristina-Elena , Ghica Mihaela Violeta , Anuţa Valentina , Prisada Răzvan Mihai , Popa Lăcrămioara
Published: February 2024

This research aimed to develop miconazole-based microemulsions using oleic acid as a natural lipophilic phase and a stabilizer mixture comprising Tween 20 and PEG 400 to solubilize miconazole as an antifungal agent known for its activity in oral candidiasis and to improve its bioavailability. The formulation and preparation process was combined with a mathematical approach using a 23-full factorial plan. Fluid and gel-like microemulsions were obtained and analyzed considering pH, conductivity, and refractive index, followed by extensive analyses focused on droplet size, zeta potential, rheological behavior, and goniometry. In vitro release tests were performed to assess their biopharmaceutical characteristics. Independent variables coded X1-Oleic acid (%, w/w), X2-Tween 20 (%, w/w), and X3-PEG 400 (%, w/w) were analyzed in relationship with three main outputs like mean droplet size, work of adhesion, and diffusion coefficient by combining statistical tools with response surface methodology. The microemulsion containing miconazole base–2%, oleic acid–5%, Tween 20–40%, PEG 400–20%, and water–33% exhibited a mean droplet size of 119.6 nm, a work of adhesion of 71.98 mN/m, a diffusion coefficient of 2.11·10−5 cm2/s, and together with remarked attributes of two gel-like systems formulated with higher oil concentrations, modeled the final optimization step of microemulsions as potential systems for buccal delivery.
Whole Genome Duplication Events Likely Contributed to the Aquatic Adaptive Evolution of Parkerioideae
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhang Rui , Shu Jiang-Ping , Zheng Xi-Long , Wu Xin-Yi , Chen Jian-Bing , Wang Mei-Na , Shen Hui , Yan Yue-Hong
Published: February 2024

As the only aquatic lineage of Pteridaceae, Parkerioideae is distinct from many xeric-adapted species of the family and consists of the freshwater Ceratopteris species and the only mangrove ferns from the genus Acrostichum. Previous studies have shown that whole genome duplication (WGD) has occurred in Parkerioideae at least once and may have played a role in their adaptive evolution; however, more in-depth research regarding this is still required. In this study, comparative and evolutionary transcriptomics analyses were carried out to identify WGDs and explore their roles in the environmental adaptation of Parkerioideae. Three putative WGD events were identified within Parkerioideae, two of which were specific to Ceratopteris and Acrostichum, respectively. The functional enrichment analysis indicated that the lineage-specific WGD events have played a role in the adaptation of Parkerioideae to the low oxygen concentrations of aquatic habitats, as well as different aquatic environments of Ceratopteris and Acrostichum, such as the adaptation of Ceratopteris to reduced light levels and the adaptation of Acrostichum to high salinity. Positive selection analysis further provided evidence that the putative WGD events may have facilitated the adaptation of Parkerioideae to changes in habitat. Moreover, the gene family analysis indicated that the plasma membrane H+-ATPase (AHA), vacuolar H+-ATPase (VHA), and suppressor of K+ transport growth defect 1 (SKD1) may have been involved in the high salinity adaptation of Acrostichum. Our study provides new insights into the evolution and adaptations of Parkerioideae in different aquatic environments.
Toxic Gas and Smoke Generation and Flammability of Flame-Retardant Plywood
Authors: Park Hee-Jun , Jian Hao , Wen Mingyu , Jo Seok-Un
Published: February 2024

Limited by flammability, wood and wood-based materials face challenges in distinguishing themselves as structural materials or finishing materials. Once burning, they can produce toxic gases detrimental to humans and the environment. Therefore, it is critical to make clear whether fire-retardant wood construction materials are insusceptible to fire and not the sources of toxic gases. This study aimed to evaluate flame-retardant plywood from the aspects of flammability and the toxic gas and smoke generation during combustion. The flame-retardant plywood was manufactured by impregnating a flame-retardant resin in line with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. The research results indicate that seven out of the eight kinds of toxic gases listed by the IMO, other than CO, were not detected during the combustion of the flame-retardant plywood. While CO was detected, its quantities under three test conditions are below the corresponding thresholds. Therefore, unlike synthetic resin products, flame-retardant plywood is a promising finishing material that can reduce the damage from toxic gases in the event of a fire. In the smoke generation tests, the mass reduction rate of flame-retardant plywood increased from 13% to 18% and then to 20% as the test condition became more severe. Under the same circumstances, the average maximum specific optical density also followed an upward trend, whose values (75.70, 81.00, and 191.20), however, still met the IMO standard of below 200. This reflects that the flame-retardant plywood is competent as a finishing material. Further, flammability was evaluated, and the critical flux at extinguishment (CFE), total heat release (Qt), and peak heat release rate (Qp) were determined to be 49.5 kW/m2, 0.21 MJ, and 0.66 kW, respectively, which all did not reach the corresponding thresholds given by the IMO. To sum up, flame-retardant plywood has satisfactory flame-retardant performance and meets fire safety standards, showing the potential to be an attractive finishing material for building and construction.
Synthesis of a Rivastigmine and Insulin Combinational Mucoadhesive Nanoparticle for Intranasal Delivery
Authors: Jamshidnejad-Tosaramandani Tahereh , Kashanian Soheila , Karimi Isaac , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: February 2024

Efficient drug delivery remains a critical challenge for treating neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Using innovative nanomaterials, delivering current medications like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to the brain through the intranasal route is a promising strategy for managing AD. Here, we developed a unique combinational drug delivery system based on N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs encapsulate rivastigmine, the most potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, along with insulin, a complementary therapeutic agent. The spherical NPs exhibited a zeta potential of 17.6 mV, a size of 187.00 nm, and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.29. Our findings demonstrate significantly improved drug transport efficiency through sheep nasal mucosa using the NPs compared to drug solutions. The NPs exhibited transport efficiencies of 73.3% for rivastigmine and 96.9% for insulin, surpassing the efficiencies of the drug solutions, which showed transport efficiencies of 52% for rivastigmine and 21% for insulin ex vivo. These results highlight the potential of a new drug delivery system as a promising approach for enhancing nasal transport efficiency. These combinational mucoadhesive NPs offer a novel strategy for the simultaneous cerebral delivery of rivastigmine and insulin, which could prove helpful in developing effective treatments of AD and other neurodegenerative conditions.
The Effect of Polyacrylate Emulsion Coating with Unmodified and Modified Nano-TiO2 on Weathering Resistance of Untreated and Heat-Treated Wood
Authors: Miklečić Josip , Zeljko Martina , Lučić Blagojević Sanja , Jirouš-Rajković Vlatka
Published: February 2024

In this research, the influence of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and their modifications on the weathering resistance of untreated and heat-treated wood was studied. The wood samples were coated with polyacrylate waterborne emulsion coatings that contain nano-TiO2 in the amount of 0.75 wt.%. Two types of modifiers were used to modify the nano-TiO2 surface: 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamide) dihydrochloride (AIBA) and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxy silane (AMPTS). Coated and uncoated wood samples were exposed to accelerated weathering by application of sunlight, water and moisture for 360 h. During the research, the dry film thickness, color, gloss and hardness of the surface of the samples were measured. The obtained results showed that the effect of the addition and surface modification of nano-TiO2 on the color and gloss stability was different on untreated and heat-treated ash wood, and that accelerated weathering causes an increase in surface hardness and a decrease in thickness of the dry coating.
Ductile Copolyesters Prepared Using Succinic Acid, 1,4-Butanediol, and Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) Terephthalate with Minimizing Generation of Tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Park Sang Uk , Seo Hyeon Jeong , Seo Yeong Hyun , Park Ju Yong , Kim Hyunjin , Cho Woo Yeon , Lee Pyung Cheon , Lee Bun Yeoul
Published: February 2024

Poly(1,4-butylene succinate) (PBS) is a promising sustainable and biodegradable synthetic polyester. In this study, we synthesized PBS-based copolyesters by incorporating 5–20 mol% of –O2CC6H4CO2– and –OCH2CH2O– units through the polycondensation of succinic acid (SA) with 1,4-butanediol (BD) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). Two different catalysts, H3PO4 and the conventional catalyst (nBuO)4Ti, were used comparatively in the synthesis process. The copolyesters produced using the former were treated with M(2-ethylhexanoate)2 (M = Mg, Zn, Mn) to connect the chains through ionic interactions between M2+ ions and either –CH2OP(O)(OH)O− or (–CH2O)2P(O)O− groups. By incorporating BHET units (i.e., –O2CC6H4CO2– and –OCH2CH2O–), the resulting copolyesters exhibited improved ductile properties with enhanced elongation at break, albeit with reduced tensile strength. The copolyesters prepared with H3PO4/M(2-ethylhexanoate)2 displayed a less random distribution of –O2CC6H4CO2– and –OCH2CH2O– units, leading to a faster crystallization rate, higher Tm value, and higher yield strength compared to those prepared with (nBuO)4Ti using the same amount of BHET. Furthermore, they displayed substantial shear-thinning behavior in their rheological properties due to the presence of long-chain branches of (–CH2O)3P=O units. Unfortunately, the copolyesters prepared with H3PO4/M(2-ethylhexanoate)2, and hence containing M2+, –CH2OP(O)(OH)O−, (–CH2O)2P(O)O− groups, did not exhibit enhanced biodegradability under ambient soil conditions.
Enhancing Mechanical Performance of High-Lignin-Filled Polypropylene via Reactive Extrusion
Authors: Wang Ruichen , You Xiangyu , Qi Shijie , Tian Ruiyun , Zhang Huijie
Published: February 2024

Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most extensively used commodity plastics. In terms of eco-friendliness, it is worth considering preparing high-lignin-filled PP. This study explores the incorporation of high lignin content, derived from acetic acid lignin (AAL) and Kraft lignin (KL), into PP through twin-screw extrusion and injection molding. The challenge lies in maintaining mechanical performance. A compatibilizer—specifically, maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP)—is employed to enhance lignin–PP compatibility by chemically bonding with lignin and physically associating with the PP phase. Results indicate that KL maintains better dispersity than AAL. Compatibilizers with a high maleic anhydride (MA) level (≥0.8 wt.%) and moderate melt flow index (MFI) in the range of 60–100 g 10 min⁻¹ prove favorable in constructing a reinforced PP/KL network. Optimizing with 40 wt.% lignin content and 10 parts per hundred (pph) of compatibilizer yields blends with mechanical performance comparable to neat PP, exhibiting a notable increase in modulus and heat deflection temperature (HDT). Furthermore, utilizing PP/lignin blends can lead to a 20% reduction in expenses and approximately 40% reduction in PP-induced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This approach not only reduces PP costs but also adds value to lignin utilization in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.
Supercritical Direct-Methane-to-Methanol Coupled with Gas-to-Wire for Low-Emission Offshore Processing of CO2-Rich Natural Gas: Techno-Economic and Thermodynamic Analyses
Authors: Reis Alessandra de Carvalho , Araújo Ofélia de Queiroz Fernandes , de Medeiros José Luiz
Published: February 2024

A greater H/C ratio and energy demand are factors that boost natural gas conversion into electricity. The Brazilian offshore pre-salt basin has large reserves of CO2-rich associated gas. Selling this gas requires high-depth long-distance subsea pipelines, making gas-to-pipe costly; in particular, gas-to-wire instead of gas-to-pipe is more practical since it is easier to transmit electricity via long subsea distances. This research proposes and investigates an innovative low-emission gas-to-wire alternative consisting of installing supercritical direct-methane-to-methanol upstream to gas-to-wire, which is embedded in an exhaust-gas recycle loop that reduces the subsequent carbon capture costs. The process exports methanol and electricity from remote offshore oil-and-gas fields with available CO2-rich natural gas, while capturing CO2. Techno-economic, thermodynamic and lost work analyses assess the alternative. Supercritical direct-methane-to-methanol is conducted in supercritical water with air. This route is chosen because supercritical water readily dissolves methanol and CO2, helping to preserve methanol via stabilization against further oxidation by gaseous air. Besides being novel, this process has intensification since it implements exhaust-gas recycle for –flue-gas reduction, CO2 abatement via post-combustion capture with aqueous monoethanolamine, CO2 dehydration with triethylene glycol and CO2 densification for enhanced oil recovery. The process is fed with 6.5 MMS m3/d of CO2-rich natural gas (CO2 > 40%mol) exporting methanol (2.2 t/h), electricity (457.1 MW) and dense CO2 for enhanced oil recovery, with an investment of 1544 MMUSD, 452 MMUSD/y in manufacturing costs and 820 MMUSD/y in revenues, reaching 1021 MMUSD net present value (50 years) and a 10 year payback time. The Second Law analysis reveals overall thermodynamic efficiency of 28%. The lost work analysis unveils the gas-combined-cycle sub-system as the major lost work sink (76% lost work share), followed by the post-combustion capture plant (14% lost work share), being the units that prominently require improvements for better economic and environmental performance. This work demonstrates that the newly proposed process is techno-economically feasible, environmentally friendly, thermodynamically efficient and competitive with the gas-to-wire processes in the literature.
Exploring Some Kinetic Aspects of the Free Radical Polymerization of PDMS-MA
Authors: Victoria-Valenzuela David , Morales-Cepeda Ana Beatriz
Published: February 2024

This study conducts a theoretical exploration of the free radical polymerization of polydimethylsiloxane homopolymers with a methyl methacrylate end group (PDMS-MA). To achieve this, a methodology is developed to model and simulate experimental data previously reported by one of the authors. The model incorporates a typical chain reaction mechanism, encompassing initiation, propagation, chain transfer, and termination stages. The resulting ordinary differential equations from this mechanistic approach are numerically integrated over time. Employing a semi-heuristic procedure, the study derives estimated values for the diffusive steps of termination (ktd) and propagation (kpd). Methodological accuracy is assessed through a comparison of the mathematical model results and experimental data. This evaluation includes the estimation of conversion and the average molecular weight (both number (Mn) and weight (Mw)) at three distinct monomer concentrations, considering a 4.78% mol initiator-to-monomer ratio. The theoretical results obtained from this study contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of diffusion coefficients. These coefficients play a crucial role in influencing the behavior of the studied reactions, particularly in relation to the absence of the autoacceleration effect in these reactions.
Study on Numerical Simulation of Formation Deformation Laws Induced by Offshore Shallow Gas Blowout
Authors: Yin Zhiming , Ma Yingwen , Yang Xiangqian , Yan Xinjiang , Han Zhongying , Liang Yanbo , Zhang Penghui
Published: February 2024

To address the deformation and instability characteristics of a formation after an offshore shallow gas well blowout, a theoretical model of formation deformation caused by shallow gas blowouts was constructed, based on porous elastic medium theory and incorporating the sand-out erosion criterion. The spatiotemporal dynamics of formation subsidence were then investigated, and deformation patterns during a blowout were analyzed under various factors. The results indicate that, following a blowout, a shallow gas formation near a borehole experiences significant subsidence and uplift at the upper and lower ends, with the maximum subsidence values at 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h post blowout being 0.072 m, 0.132 m, 0.164 m, and 0.193 m, respectively. The overlying rock layer forms a distinctive “funnel” shape, exhibiting maximum subsidence at the borehole, while more distant strata show uniform subsidence. The effective stress within the shallow gas stratum and surrounding rock layers increases gradually during the blowout, with lesser impact in distant areas. The ejection rate and sand blast volume demonstrate an exponential change pattern, with a rapid decline initially and later stabilization. Formation deformation correlates positively with factors like burial depth; shallow gas layer extent; pressure coefficient; sand blast volume; gas blowout rate; and bottomhole difference pressure. Formation pressure, ejection rate, and bottomhole difference pressure have the most significant impact, followed by sand blast volume and burial depth, while the extent of the shallow gas layer has a less pronounced effect. These simulation results offer valuable theoretical insights for assessing the destabilization of formations due to blowouts.
Investigation on the Lubrication Heat Transfer Mechanism of the Multilevel Gearbox by the Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Li Qihan , Xu Pu , Li Lin , Xu Weixin , Tan Dapeng
Published: February 2024

In a gear transmission system in a closed space, the heat transfer between gears and fluids presents highly nonlinear characteristics due to the complex physical processes involved in heat exchange and fluid motion, and constructing and solving the thermodynamic model of the gearbox becomes a task that involves considerable difficulty. This paper takes a conical–cylindrical two-stage gearbox as the research object, proposes a fluid–solid coupled dynamics model based on the lattice Boltzmann (LBM) combined with the large eddy simulation (LES) method, and the adopted lattice model is the D3Q27 velocity model, which is used to numerically simulate the distribution of the flow field inside the gearbox and undertake in-depth research on the fluid motion law of the complex gear transmission system in the enclosed space. The model is solved to reveal the laws determining the gear speed and the effects of the lubricant’s dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity coefficient on the gear heat dissipation efficiency. By adopting the lattice Boltzmann method, we can simulate the fluid flow and heat transfer inside the gearbox more efficiently, which provides a new way to closely understand the thermodynamic behavior of closed complex gear transmission systems. The application of this method is expected to provide strong support for thermal performance optimization and the design of gear transmission systems.
Effects of Heterogeneous Sulfated Acid Photocatalysts and Irradiation of Ultraviolet Light on the Chemical Conversion and Characteristics of Antifreeze from Bioglycerol
Authors: Lin Cherng-Yuan , Chen Yun-Chih
Published: February 2024

The purity of crude glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production, may be as low as 50%. Thus, it has relatively low economic value without previously applying adequate physical purification or chemical conversion processes. A solid-state sulfated acid photocatalyst, TiO2/SO42− was prepared in this study to catalyze the chemical conversion of bioglycerol with acetic acid to produce an antifreeze of glycerine acetate to improve the low-temperature fluidity of liquid fuel. The experimental results show that similar X-ray intensity structures appeared between the catalysts of TiO2/SO42− and SO42−. An infrared spectra analysis using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer confirmed the successful sintering of SO42− and ligating with TiO2 for preparing TiO2/SO42−. The effects of the photocatalyst were further excited by the irradiation of ultraviolet light. The highest weight percentage of glycerine acetate was obtained under a reaction time and reaction temperature of 10 h and 120 °C, respectively. In addition, it was observed that the glycerol conversion ratio reached 98.65% and the triacylglycerols compound amounted to 40.41 wt.% when the reacting molar ratio was 8. Moreover, the freezing point of the product mixture of glycerine acetate under the same molar ratio reached as low as −46.36 °C; the lowest among the products made using various molar ratios of acetic acid/glycerol. The UV light irradiation rendered higher triacylglycerols and diacylglycerols with lower diacylglycerol formation ratios than those without light irradiation.
Utilizing Machine Learning Models with Molecular Fingerprints and Chemical Structures to Predict the Sulfate Radical Rate Constants of Water Contaminants
Authors: Tang Ting , Song Dehao , Chen Jinfan , Chen Zhenguo , Du Yufan , Dang Zhi , Lu Guining
Published: February 2024

Sulfate radicals are increasingly recognized for their potent oxidative capabilities, making them highly effective in degrading persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in aqueous environments. These radicals excel in breaking down complex organic molecules that are resistant to traditional treatment methods, addressing the challenges posed by POPs known for their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential health impacts. The complexity of predicting interactions between sulfate radicals and diverse organic contaminants is a notable challenge in advancing water treatment technologies. This study bridges this gap by employing a range of machine learning (ML) models, including random forest (DF), decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), XGBoost (XGB), gradient boosting (GB), and Bayesian ridge regression (BR) models. Predicting performances were evaluated using R2, RMSE, and MAE, with the residual plots presented. Performances varied in their ability to manage complex relationships and large datasets. The SVM model demonstrated the best predictive performance when utilizing the Morgan fingerprint as descriptors, achieving the highest R2 and the lowest MAE value in the test set. The GB model displayed optimal performance when chemical descriptors were utilized as features. Boosting models generally exhibited superior performances when compared to single models. The most important ten features were presented via SHAP analysis. By analyzing the performance of these models, this research not only enhances our understanding of chemical reactions involving sulfate radicals, but also showcases the potential of machine learning in environmental chemistry, combining the strengths of ML with chemical kinetics in order to address the challenges of water treatment and contaminant analysis.
Confession Using Audio Visual, Distance Technologies
Authors: Del Rio Carlos M.
Published: February 2024

Celebrating the sacrament of penance or confession restores a state of grace in a person’s soul. This is vital for a life of faith to which all human persons are called, but only Roman Catholic believers can experience. Celebrating this sacrament requires a private and confidential conversation between an ordained priest and a baptized person. By reviewing sensory perceptions, we conclude that being in the “same location” is not necessary for two persons to celebrate penance. As the world adjusted to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, using distance technologies facilitated meaningful communications, including therapeutic conversations around mental health. We believe that using visual technologies can also help celebrate the sacrament of penance or confession. We suggest a pastoral adaptation may help bring absolution to persons from various locations seeking forgiveness. We believe our suggestions are ontologically probable and canonically adaptable.
Exploring Female Muslim Educational Leadership in a Multicultural Canadian Context
Authors: Amatullah Tasneem
Published: February 2024

This study explores the stories and experiences of female Muslim leaders in K-12 Islamic schools in Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada. Using the Islamic Leadership theory and practice framework, visible minority leaders from K-12 Islamic Schools were empowered to share their leadership narratives reflecting on their own identities as females and Muslim leaders in a multicultural context. Based on interviews with five school leaders, this study unveils that female Muslim leaders in K-12 schools prioritize personalized leadership, compassionate treatment of individuals, adaptive leadership, a strong emphasis on faith-based identity, and a theocentric worldview in their practice of educational leadership. Ultimately, this study sheds light on female Muslim educational leaders’ diverse and profound perspectives, showcasing their roles as initiators, role models, and facilitators of positive change in their communities. Their narratives reveal the significance of faith, compassion, and inclusivity in leadership, serving as valuable insights for enhancing leadership practices in Canadian K-12 Islamic education.
Christian Revelation as a Phenomenon: Jean-Luc Marion’s Phenomenological “Theology” and Its Balthasarian Roots
Authors: Tóth Beáta
Published: February 2024

This essay examines Jean-Luc Marion’s phenomenal model of the Trinity expounded in his recent book D’Ailleurs, la révélation (2020) and attempts to give an initial assessment from a theological perspective. Since Marion’s programme is largely indebted to the Roman Catholic theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar’s own project, first I give an overview of the Balthasarian phenomenal approach to revelation famously termed “aesthetic theology”. Next, I present Marion’s ideas concerning the convergence between the phenomenological and the theological enterprise. The third part examines the theological rationale behind Marion’s phenomenal model of the Trinity that again can be seen as relying significantly on Balthasarian trinitarian theology. In this section, I give an overview of the idea of the relationship between the immanent and the economic Trinity, and I inspect notions, such as trinitarian distance, kenosis and Marion’s own concept elsewhere. The fourth section gives an outline of Marion’s phenomenal model of the trinity where he develops a new trinitarian triad based on a phenomenal approach. The closing section reflects on the advantages and difficulties of Marion’s project.
Biochar: A Key Player in Carbon Credits and Climate Mitigation
Authors: Salma Alaa , Fryda Lydia , Djelal Hayet
Published: February 2024

The creation of the carbon market came forth as a tool for managing, controlling, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, combining environmental responsibility with financial incentives. Biochar has gained recognition as one of potential carbon offset solution. The practical and cost-effective establishment of biochar carbon credit standards is crucial for the integration of biochar into carbon trading systems, thus encouraging investments in the biochar industry while promoting sustainable carbon dioxide sequestration practices on a global scale. This communication focuses on the potential of biochar in carbon sequestration. Additionally, it spotlights case studies that highlight how biochar effectively generates carbon credits, as well as discussing the evolving carbon removal marketplace. Furthermore, we address knowledge gaps, areas of concern, and research priorities regarding biochar implementation in carbon credits, with the aim of enhancing our understanding of its role in climate change mitigation. This review positions biochar as a versatile and scalable technology with the potential to contribute significantly to carbon credits, aligning with sustainable development goals. It calls for continued research, transparency, and international cooperation to explore the full potential of biochar in climate change mitigation efforts.
Fusion Method of RFI Detection, Localization, and Suppression by Combining One-Dimensional and Two-Dimensional Synthetic Aperture Radiometers
Authors: Zhang Liqiang , Jin Rong , Zhang Qingjun , Wang Rui , Zhang Huan , Wen Zhongkai
Published: February 2024

Ocean salinity is a pivotal aspect of the ocean dynamic environment. Spaceborne L-band radiometers, like SMOS, Aquarius, and SMAP, offer a comprehensive approach to mapping out large-scale ocean salinity patterns. As China prepares for the launch of the Chinese Ocean Salinity and Soil Moisture Mission (COSM), it is essential to delve into the intricacies of radio frequency interference (RFI) detection, localization, and mitigation. The L-band, in particular, is highly susceptible to RFI. COSM will carry not one but two advanced instruments: a 2-D L-band aperture synthesis microwave radiometer (LASMR) and a 1-D L-C-K band microwave imager combined active and passive (MICAP). This article delves into the current state of RFI research, particularly in recent years, and introduces a fusion method that integrates MICAP and LASMR for more accurate RFI detection, localization, and mitigation. This fusion method relies on an algorithm that constructs localization and intensity objective functions based on the principle of least squares. By optimizing these functions, we can pinpoint the precise location and intensity of RFI. The resulting minimum mitigation residual offers a blueprint for achieving optimal RFI detection, localization, and mitigation. The experimental results, achieved in a controlled anechoic chamber, confirm that this fusion method—when weighted by variance—boosts detection accuracy, refines localization precision, and minimizes residual mitigation errors compared with standalone MICAP or LASMR techniques.
Retrieval of Surface Energy Fluxes Considering Vegetation Changes and Aerosol Effects
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Chen Haishan , Du Xinguan , Wang Ren
Published: February 2024

The exchange of moisture and energy between the land and the atmosphere plays a crucial role in terrestrial hydrological cycle and climate change. However, existing studies on the retrieval of surface water and heat flux tend to overlook the dynamic changes in surface vegetation and atmospheric aerosols, which directly affect surface energy and indirectly alter various meteorological factors, including cloud, precipitation, and temperature. In this study, we assess the machine-learning retrieval method for surface fluxes that takes into account vegetation changes and aerosol effects, using FLUXNET observations and remote sensing data to retrieve latent heat flux (LE) and sensible heat flux (H). We constructed four sets of deep neural network models: (a) The first set considers only meteorological factors, (b) the second set considers meteorological factors and aerosols, (c) the third set considers meteorological factors and vegetation changes, and (d) the fourth set comprehensively considers meteorological factors, aerosols, and vegetation changes. All model performances were evaluated using statistical indicators. ERA5 reanalysis and remote sensing data were used to drive the models and retrieve daily H and LE. The retrieved results were validated against ground observation sites that were not involved in model training or the FLUXCOM product. The results show that the model that considers meteorological factors, aerosols, and vegetation changes has the smallest errors and highest correlation for retrieving H and LE (RH = 0.85, RMSEH = 24.88; RLE = 0.88, RMSELE = 22.25). The ability of the four models varies under different vegetation types. In terms of seasons, the models that consider meteorological factors and vegetation changes, as well as those that comprehensively consider meteorological factors, aerosols, and vegetation changes, perform well in retrieving the surface fluxes. As for spatial distribution, when atmospheric aerosols are present in the region, the model that considers both meteorological factors and aerosols retrieves higher values of H compared to the model that considers only meteorological factors, while the LE values are relatively lower. The model that considers meteorological factors and vegetation changes, as well as the model that comprehensively considers meteorological factors, aerosols, and vegetation changes, retrieves lower values in most regions. Through the validation of independent observation sites and FLUXCOM products, we found that the model, considering meteorological factors, aerosols, and vegetation changes, was generally more accurate in the retrieval of surface fluxes. This study contributes to improving the retrieval and future prediction accuracy of surface fluxes in a changing environment.
Corn Grain Yield Prediction Using UAV-Based High Spatiotemporal Resolution Imagery, Machine Learning, and Spatial Cross-Validation
Authors: Killeen Patrick , Kiringa Iluju , Yeap Tet , Branco Paula
Published: February 2024

Food demand is expected to rise significantly by 2050 due to the increase in population; additionally, receding water levels, climate change, and a decrease in the amount of available arable land will threaten food production. To address these challenges and increase food security, input cost reductions and yield optimization can be accomplished using yield precision maps created by machine learning models; however, without considering the spatial structure of the data, the precision map’s accuracy evaluation assessment risks being over-optimistic, which may encourage poor decision making that can lead to negative economic impacts (e.g., lowered crop yields). In fact, most machine learning research involving spatial data, including the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery-based yield prediction literature, ignore spatial structure and likely obtain over-optimistic results. The present work is a UAV imagery-based corn yield prediction study that analyzed the effects of image spatial and spectral resolution, image acquisition date, and model evaluation scheme on model performance. We used various spatial generalization evaluation methods, including spatial cross-validation (CV), to (a) identify over-optimistic models that overfit to the spatial structure found inside datasets and (b) estimate true model generalization performance. We compared and ranked the prediction power of 55 vegetation indices (VIs) and five spectral bands over a growing season. We gathered yield data and UAV-based multispectral (MS) and red-green-blue (RGB) imagery from a Canadian smart farm and trained random forest (RF) and linear regression (LR) models using 10-fold CV and spatial CV approaches. We found that imagery from the middle of the growing season produced the best results. RF and LR generally performed best with high and low spatial resolution data, respectively. MS imagery led to generally better performance than RGB imagery. Some of the best-performing VIs were simple ratio index(near-infrared and red-edge), normalized difference red-edge index, and normalized green index. We found that 10-fold CV coupled with spatial CV could be used to identify over-optimistic yield prediction models. When using high spatial resolution MS imagery, RF and LR obtained 0.81 and 0.56 correlation coefficient (CC), respectively, when using 10-fold CV, and obtained 0.39 and 0.41, respectively, when using a k-means-based spatial CV approach. Furthermore, when using only location features, RF and LR obtained an average CC of 1.00 and 0.49, respectively. This suggested that LR had better spatial generalizability than RF, and that RF was likely being over-optimistic and was overfitting to the spatial structure of the data.
Anodic Stripping Voltammetric Procedure of Thallium(I) Determination by Means of a Bismuth-Plated Gold-Based Microelectrode Array
Authors: Korolczuk Mieczyslaw , Ochab Mateusz , Gęca Iwona
Published: February 2024

This article presents a new working electrode based on a bismuth-plated, gold-based microelectrode array, which is suitable for determining thallium(I) species using anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). It allowed a significant increase in the sensitivity as compared to other voltammetric sensors. The main experimental conditions and the instrumental parameters were optimized. A very good proportionality between the Tl(I) peak current and its concentration was evidenced in the range from 5 × 10−10 up to 5 × 10−7 mol L−1 (R = 0.9989) for 120 s of deposition and from 2 × 10−10 up to 2 × 10−7 mol L−1 (R = 0.9988) for 180 s. A limit of detection (LOD) of 8 × 10−11 mol L−1 for a deposition time of 180 s was calculated. The effects of interfering ions on the Tl(I) analytical signal were studied. The proposed method was applied for quantitative Tl(I) detection in water certified reference material TM 25.5 as well as in spiked real water samples, for which satisfactory recovery values between 98.7 and 101.8% were determined.
Amyloid-β Oligomer-Induced Electrophysiological Mechanisms and Electrical Impedance Changes in Neurons
Authors: Sun Shimeng , Ma Qing , Sheng Qiyu , Huang Shangwei , Wu Chenxia , Liu Junsong , Xu Jia
Published: February 2024

Amyloid plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and can aggregate to form oligomers and fibrils in the brain. There is increasing evidence that highly toxic amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs) lead to tau protein aggregation, hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, neuronal loss, synaptic loss, and dysfunction. Although the effects of AβOs on neurons have been investigated using conventional biochemical experiments, there are no established criteria for electrical evaluation. To this end, we explored electrophysiological changes in mouse hippocampal neurons (HT22) following exposure to AβOs and/or naringenin (Nar, a flavonoid compound) using electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). AβO-induced HT22 showed a decreased impedance amplitude and increased phase angle, and the addition of Nar reversed these changes. The characteristic frequency was markedly increased with AβO exposure, which was also reversed by Nar. The AβOs decreased intranuclear and cytoplasmic resistance and increased nucleus resistance and extracellular capacitance. Overall, the innovative construction of the eight-element CPE-equivalent circuit model further reflects that the pseudo-capacitance of the cell membrane and cell nucleus was increased in the AβO-induced group. This study conclusively revealed that AβOs induce cytotoxic effects by disrupting the resistance characteristics of unit membranes. The results further support that EIS is an effective technique for evaluating AβO-induced neuronal damage and microscopic electrical distinctions in the sub-microscopic structure of reactive cells.
A Triangular-Matrix-Based Spectral Encoding Method for Broadband Filtering and Reconstruction-Based Spectral Measurement
Authors: Yue Pinliang , Wang Xiaoxu
Published: February 2024

Broadband filtering and reconstruction-based spectral measurement represent a hot technical route for miniaturized spectral measurement; the measurement encoding scheme has a great effect on the spectral reconstruction fidelity. The existing spectral encoding schemes are usually complex and hard to implement; thus, the applications are severely limited. Considering this, here, a simple spectral encoding method based on a triangular matrix is designed. The condition number of the proposed spectral encoding system is estimated and demonstrated to be relatively low theoretically; then, verification experiments are carried out, and the results show that the proposed encoding can work well under precise or unprecise encoding and measurement conditions; therefore, the proposed scheme is demonstrated to be an effective trade-off of the spectral encoding efficiency and implementation cost.
Urban Design and Planning Participation in the Digital Age: Lessons from an Experimental Online Platform
Authors: Marshall Stephen , Farndon David , Hudson-Smith Andrew , Kourniotis Athanasios , Karadimitriou Nikos
Published: February 2024

There is increasing use of digital technologies in urban planning, including in the generation of designs and the participative side of planning. We examine this digital planning by reporting on the application of an experimental online participatory platform in the regeneration of a London housing estate, enabling reflection on participation processes and outcomes. Drawing on lessons learned, the paper synthesises a conceptual representation of online participation and a relational framework for understanding the participatory platform and its context. We subsequently develop a ‘matrix of participative space’, building on Arnstein’s ‘ladder of participation’, to present a two-dimensional framework of online participation, identifying cases of ‘participative deficit’ and ‘democratic deficit’. We conclude with implications for future digital participation in urban planning and design.
Disability Theatre as Critical Participatory Action Research: Lessons for Inclusive Research
Authors: Hole Rachelle D. , Schnellert Leyton
Published: February 2024

Informed by critical disability studies and disability justice, this article describes the reflections of two university researchers co-researching with self-advocates (individuals with intellectual disability), theatre artists, researchers, and a community living society to create social justice disability theatre as critical participatory research (CPAR), demonstrating how disability theatre can contribute to and advance inclusive research practice. Disability justice-informed theatre as CPAR has direct relevance to people with intellectual disabilities; offers a platform where self-advocates’ diverse ways to communicate and be in the world are honoured and taken up as resources to the research and community; and can generate mentorship opportunities for self-advocates to learn, practice, and develop research skills. Significances include showing how the theatre creation process (devising, developing, and refining scenes) is research in itself and how tensions are recognized as sites of possibility. Future research should explore how increasing pathways to communication, co-creation of KT strategies, and protocols for power sharing and problem solving within disability theatre as CPAR impact the roles, outcomes, and experiences of disabled and non-disabled researchers and audience members.
“Not Everyone Can Become a Rocket Scientist”: Decolonising Children’s Rights in Ethnic Minority Childhoods in Norway
Authors: Ursin Marit , Lyså Ida Marie
Published: February 2024

This paper uses a case study to critically reflect on contemporary discourses in Norway connected to ethnic minority childhoods and children’s rights to education and work. Based on a narrative interview with an ethnic minority girl, Sadja (aged 16), who is in state custody and lives with a foster family, we use a decolonial lens to explore the tensions in expectations and rights in her life and education. The tensions encountered are situated along three axes. The first axis illustrates tensions related to education, work, and responsibilities, as Sadja’s family responsibilities are perceived by teachers and child welfare workers as preventing her from having “a proper childhood”. The second axis explores tensions connected to independence, educational choice, and “belonging to the state”, where Sadja experiences that being in state custody results in being unable to “follow her dream”. The third axis reflects the tensions between parental expectations of “dreaming big” versus her surrounding environment’s anticipation of her simply getting a job. In sum, Sadja’s experiences suggest that contemporary Western discourses—such as individualism, self-autonomy, and children as human capital—paradoxically curtail the educational rights and trajectories of ethnic minority children in foster care in Norway in unforeseen and unfortunate ways.
Climate Change Impacts on Water Sensitive Urban Design Technologies
Authors: Chao Guerbatin Amanda , Ahammed Faisal
Published: February 2024

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) technologies are green infrastructures that aim to restore the hydrological balance of urban catchments. This research aimed to investigate the impacts of climate change in an infiltration-based WUSD, called soak-away, at residential allotments from a Village Green townhouse complex, Aldinga, South Australia. To do so, specific rainfall data for the study area were collected and then projected for the years 2030, 2060 and 2090, considering the RCP 4.5 and 8.5 pathways. The projections were determined using CSIRO’s Climate Futures tool, as suggested in the Australia Rainfall Runoff guidelines. The rainfall’s projected impacts on the soak-away performance and dimensions were analyzed in terms of the Village Green catchment conditions, using the MUSIC model and stormwater source control principles. When analyzing the RCP 8.5 pathway for different years, the distinction in soak-away design was more evident and was directly related to the peak flow percentage of the increase obtained in the MUSIC model. On the other hand, for RCP 4.5, the years 2030 and 2060 presented the same characteristics, and 2090 had an equivalent rainfall projection as RCP 8.5 2030. Regarding treatment effectiveness, the soak-away dimensions reached almost 100% of pollutant removal, which indicates that the approach might oversize the system. Nonetheless, when comparing all soak-away designs, the recommended soak-away system tends to be conservative due to the uncertainties surrounding future climate projections.