bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Self-Reduction during the Thermal Decomposition of an Ammonium Molybdate
Authors: Yoo Kyoungkeun , Koo Won Beom , Kim Hanggoo , Lee Sang-hun
Published: January 2023

In the hydrometallurgical process of molybdenum using ammonia solution, ammonium paramolybdate tetrahydrate (APT: (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O) is produced as an intermediate product after a crystallization step. ATP is then thermally decomposed at a high temperature to give MoO3, which is reduced by hydrogen gas in a two-stage process to reduce molybdenum metal powder as the final product. If APT is pre-dried at an appropriately low temperature to remove the crystal water corresponding to 4 mol per mol of APT, it changes into (NH4)4Mo5O17, and the content of residual ammonia, which can be utilized as a reductant, in the ammonium molybdate increases. In this regard, the self-reducing potential of (NH4)4Mo5O17 was examined in this study through the effectiveness analysis of the residual ammonia component as a reductant for the primary hydrogen reduction step. In a series of experimental work on the thermal decomposition of (NH4)4Mo5O17 in an inert atmosphere, a maximum self-reduction degree of 18% was achieved. Based on this result, it can be expected that the metal powder can be manufactured in a more effective way than conventional processes in terms of hydrogen consumption and reaction time.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Sustainable Ternary and Quaternary Nanostructured Cu2SnS3, Cu2ZnSnS4, and Cu2ZnSnSe4 Chalcogenides for Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Nautiyal Himanshu , Lohani Ketan , Mukherjee Binayak , Isotta Eleonora , Malagutti Marcelo Augusto , Ataollahi Narges , Pallecchi Ilaria , Putti Marina , Misture Scott T. , Rebuffi Luca , Scardi Paolo
Published: January 2023

Copper-based chalcogenides have emerged as promising thermoelectric materials due to their high thermoelectric performance, tunable transport properties, earth abundance and low toxicity. We have presented an overview of experimental results and first-principal calculations investigating the thermoelectric properties of various polymorphs of Cu2SnS3 (CTS), Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS), and Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) synthesized by high-energy reactive mechanical alloying (ball milling). Of particular interest are the disordered polymorphs of these materials, which exhibit phonon-glass–electron-crystal behavior—a decoupling of electron and phonon transport properties. The interplay of cationic disorder and nanostructuring leads to ultra-low thermal conductivities while enhancing electronic transport. These beneficial transport properties are the consequence of a plethora of features, including trap states, anharmonicity, rattling, and conductive surface states, both topologically trivial and non-trivial. Based on experimental results and computational methods, this report aims to elucidate the details of the electronic and lattice transport properties, thereby confirming that the higher thermoelectric (TE) performance of disordered polymorphs is essentially due to their complex crystallographic structures. In addition, we have presented synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD) measurements and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations of the root-mean-square displacement (RMSD) in these materials, confirming anharmonicity and bond inhomogeneity for disordered polymorphs.
A Super Anticorrosive Ultrathin Film by Restarting the Native Passive Film on 316L Stainless Steel
Authors: Ren Ying , Li Yuchen , Kang Zhenwei , Zhang Xiaoke , Wu Shaojun , Shen Jun , Zhou Genshu
Published: January 2023

The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is attributed to the extraordinary protectiveness of the ultrathin native passive film (~3 nanometers) on alloy surface. This protectiveness, independent of alloying, can possibly be further increased by modifying the native film to resist corrosion in harsh conditions. However, the modification based on the film itself is extremely difficult due to its rapid, self-limiting growth. Here we present a strategy by using low-temperature plasma processing so as to follow the growth kinetics of the native film. The native oxide film is restarted and can uniformly grow up to ~15 nanometers in a self-limiting manner. High-resolution TEM found that the film exhibited a well-defined, chemical-ordering layered structure. The following corrosion tests revealed that the anodic current density of the alloy decreased by two orders of magnitude in 0.6 M NaCl solution with a remarkable increase of pitting potential. This enhancement is also observed in Fe-Cr alloys with Cr contents above ~10.5 wt.%. The superior protectiveness of the alloy is thus attributed to the continuous and thickened high-quality ultrathin Cr2O3 layer in the restarted film.
Inflammation and Treatment-Resistant Depression from Clinical to Animal Study: A Possible Link?
Authors: Almutabagani Lara F. , Almanqour Raghad A. , Alsabhan Jawza F. , Alhossan Abdulaziz M. , Alamin Maha A. , Alrajeh Haya M. , Alonazi Asma S. , El-Malky Ahmed M. , Alrasheed Nouf M.
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and inflammation in humans and experimental models. For the human study, a retrospective cohort study was conducted with 206 participants; half were on antidepressants for major depressive disorder. The patients were divided into healthy and depressed groups. Inflammation was assessed based on the values of the main inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, WBC and ESR). For the animal experiments, 35 adult male Wistar rats were assigned to stressed and non-stressed groups. Inflammation and stress were induced using lipopolysaccharide and chronic unpredictable mild stress. A 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of fluoxetine (FLX), a known antidepressant, was simultaneously administered daily for 4 weeks. Behavioral tests were performed. The plasma levels of inflammatory and stress biomarkers were measured and were significantly higher in the stressed and non-responsive groups in both studies. This study provides evidence of the link between inflammation and TRD. We further observed a possible link via the Phosphorylated Janus Kinase 2 and Phosphorylated Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (P-JAK2/P-STAT3) signaling pathway and found that chronic stress and high inflammation hinder the antidepressant effects of FLX. Thus, non-response to antidepressants could be mitigated by treating inflammation to improve the antidepressant effect in patients with TRD.
Prevalence of Sarcopenic Obesity and Factors Influencing Body Composition in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury in Japan
Authors: Ishimoto Ryu , Mutsuzaki Hirotaka , Shimizu Yukiyo , Kishimoto Hiroshi , Takeuchi Ryoko , Hada Yasushi
Published: January 2023

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and factors influencing body composition in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Japan. Adults with SCI aged ≥ 20 years who underwent whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Data from 97 patients were examined. The primary outcome was appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM). Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess factors influencing the lean and adipose indices in persons with SCI. Sarcopenia, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity were prevalent in 76%, 85%, and 64% of patients, respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that sex (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), lesion level (β = 0.25, p = 0.007), severity (β = 0.20, p = 0.043), and ability to walk (β = 0.29, p = 0.006) were independently associated with ASM. Sex (β = −0.63, p < 0.001) was independently associated with percent body fat. In conclusion, sarcopenia, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity were prevalent among patients with SCI in Japan. Female sex, tetraplegia, motor-complete injury, and inability to walk were risk factors for sarcopenia, whereas female sex was a risk factor for obesity in persons with SCI. A routine monitoring of body composition is necessary, especially among those with multiple risk factors, to identify individuals in need of preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Bioactivity and Digestibility of Microalgae Tetraselmis sp. and Nannochloropsis sp. as Basis of Their Potential as Novel Functional Foods
Authors: Paterson Samuel , Gómez-Cortés Pilar , de la Fuente Miguel Angel , Hernández-Ledesma Blanca
Published: January 2023

It is estimated that by 2050, the world’s population will exceed 10 billion people, which will lead to a deterioration in global food security. To avoid aggravating this problem, FAO and WHO have recommended dietary changes to reduce the intake of animal calories and increase the consumption of sustainable, nutrient-rich, and calorie-efficient products. Moreover, due to the worldwide rising incidence of non-communicable diseases and the demonstrated impact of diet on the risk of these disorders, the current established food pattern is focused on the consumption of foods that have functionality for health. Among promising sources of functional foods, microalgae are gaining worldwide attention because of their richness in high-value compounds with potential health benefits. However, despite the great opportunities to exploit microalgae in functional food industry, their use remains limited by challenges related to species diversity and variations in cultivation factors, changes in functional composition during extraction procedures, and limited evidence on the safety and bioavailability of microalgae bioactives. The aim of this review is to provide an updated and comprehensive discussion on the nutritional value, biological effects, and digestibility of two microalgae genera, Tetraselmis and Nannochloropsis, as basis of their potential as ingredients for the development of functional foods.
Effect of Different Dietary Patterns on Macronutrient Composition in Human Breast Milk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xi Qinghua , Liu Weixin , Zeng Tianyuan , Chen Xuan , Luo Ting , Deng Zeyuan
Published: January 2023

The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically review the relationships between lactation diet and the composition of mature breast milk through screening multiple databases and gray literatures, with priority given to quantitative articles published in Chinese and English. We identified 27 cross-sectional studies that included 4355 lactating women. According to these data, dietary patterns were categorized into four patterns based on the fat and protein energy supplying ratio, including rational-fat and rational-protein dietary (RR), high-fat and high-protein dietary (HH), rational-fat and high-protein dietary (RH), and high-fat and rational-protein dietary (HR). The results showed the fat content in mature milk was increased with increments of fat intake, while both the protein and lactose contents in mature milk did not increase with their intakes for lactating mothers. Among these four dietary patterns, the energy ratio of macronutrients in human milk at the RR was the closest to the estimated energy ratio for infants aged 0–6 M. In conclusion, our study represents that the rational dietary pattern should be advocated, and the irrational dietary patterns, especially high-fat and high-protein dietary patterns, should be avoided during lactation stage.
Could Periodontitis Aggravate Psoriasis?—An Update by Systematic Review
Authors: Meneu Juan José , Márquez-Arrico Cecilia Fabiana , Silvestre Francisco Javier , Silvestre-Rangil Javier
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Psoriasis is a chronic and inflammatory systemic disease that has been associated with periodontal pathologies, specifically periodontitis. The aim of this research is to answer the following question: Could periodontitis aggravate psoriasis? (2) Methods: We carried out a systematic review following the PRISMA guide using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and WOS; (3) Results: A total of 111 studies were identified in the databases and 11 were obtained after screening. The selection included nine case–control studies, one cross-sectional study, and one cohort study. Most of the publications report an increase in bleeding on probing and the presence of periodontal pockets in patients with psoriasis, confirming that inflammation caused by periodontitis can contribute to systemic inflammation worsening psoriasis. To summarize, the scientific literature indicates that local periodontal inflammation could aggravate psoriasis.
Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Authors: Gatt Dvir , Martin Isaac , AlFouzan Rawan , Moraes Theo J.
Published: January 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract disease, especially in young children. Despite its global impact on healthcare, related to its high prevalence and its association with significant morbidity, the current therapy is still mostly supportive. Moreover, while more than 50 years have passed since the first trial of an RSV vaccine (which unfortunately caused enhanced RSV disease), no vaccine has been approved for RSV prevention. In the last two decades, our understanding of the pathogenesis and immunopathology of RSV have continued to evolve, leading to significant advancements in RSV prevention strategies. These include both the development of new potential vaccines and the successful implementation of passive immunization, which, together, will provide coverage from infancy to old age. In this review, we provide an update of the current treatment options for acute disease (RSV-specific and -non-specific) and different therapeutic approaches focusing on RSV prevention.
Interaction between Pharmaceutical Drugs and Polymer-Coated Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles with Langmuir Monolayers as Cellular Membrane Models
Authors: Moya Betancourt Sara Natalia , Cámara Candelaria Inés , Riva Julieta Soledad
Published: January 2023

Surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has been reported to play a significant role in determining their interactions with cell membranes. In this research, the interactions between polymer functionalized (chitosan, CHI or diethylamino-ethyl dextran, DEAE-D) Fe3O4 MNPs, pharmaceutical drugs and model cell membranes were investigated by Langmuir isotherms and adsorption measurements. In this study, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate (DSPA) phospholipid monolayers were used as cell membrane models. Insertion experiments demonstrate that diclofenac (DCFN) is not absorbed at the air–water interface, whereas triflupromazine (TFPZ) has a MIP (maximum insertion pressure) of 35 m Nm−1. The insertion of composites MNPs:TFPZ or DCFN has larger MIP values, indicating that the MNPs are adsorbed on the monolayer with the drugs. An Fe3O4@CHI:DCFN composite presented an MIP of 39 m Nm−1 and Fe3O4@DEAE-D:DCFN presented an impressive MIP of 67 mNm−1. In the case of TFPZ, the enhancement in the MIP values is also evident, being 42 mNm−1 for Fe3O4@CHI:TFPZ and 40 mNm−1 for Fe3O4@DEAE-D:DCFN composite. All MNPs:drugs composites have MIP values greater than commonly accepted membrane pressure values, indicating that MNPs:drugs can penetrate a cellular membrane. The fact that the composite MNPs:drugs present greater MIP values than separated compounds indicates that polymer-coated MNPs can act as good drug delivery systems.
Vernalization Procedure of Tuberous Roots Affects Growth, Photosynthesis and Metabolic Profile of Ranunculus asiaticus L.
Authors: Fusco Giovanna Marta , Carillo Petronia , Nicastro Rosalinda , Modarelli Giuseppe Carlo , Arena Carmen , De Pascale Stefania , Paradiso Roberta
Published: January 2023

In Ranunculus asiaticus L., vernalization of propagation material is a common practice for the production scheduling of cut flowers, however little is known about the plant physiology and metabolism of this species as affected by cold treatments. We investigated the influence of two hybrids, MBO and MDR, and three preparation procedures of tuberous roots, only rehydration (control, C), and rehydration plus vernalization at 3.5 °C for 2 weeks (V2) and for 4 weeks (V4), on plant growth and flowering, leaf photosynthesis, and leaf metabolic profile in plants grown in pot in a cold greenhouse. Net photosynthesis (NP) was higher in MDR than in MBO. In the two genotypes, the NP did not change in V2 and increased in V4 compared to C in MBO, while was unaffected by vernalization in MDR. Quantum yield of PSII electron transport (ΦPSII), linear electron transport rate (ETR) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) did not differ in the two hybrids, whereas maximal PSII photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) was higher in MBO than in MDR. Fluorescence indexes were unaffected by the preparation procedure, except for ETR, which decreased in V2 compared to C and V4 in MDR. A significant interaction between genotype and preparation procedure was found in plant leaf area, which was reduced only in V4 in MBO, while decreased in both the vernalization procedures in MDR. In Control plants, flowering started in 65 days in MBO and 69 days in MDR. Compared to controls, both the vernalization treatments anticipated flowering in MDR, while they were detrimental or only slightly efficient in promoting flowering in MBO. Vernalization always reduced the quality of flower stems in both the hybrids.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Wood-Fiber-Based All-Cellulose Composites and Cellulose-Polypropylene Biocomposites
Authors: Uusi-Tarkka Eija-Katriina , Skrifvars Mikael , Khalili Pooria , Heräjärvi Henrik , Kadi Nawar , Haapala Antti
Published: January 2023

This article explores wood-fiber-based fabrics containing Lyocell yarn in the warp and Spinnova–Lyocell (60%/40%) yarn in the weft, which are used to form unidirectional all-cellulose composites (ACC) through partial dilution in a NaOH–urea solution. The aim is to investigate the role of the yarn orientation in composites, which was conducted by measuring the tensile properties in both the 0° and 90° directions. As a reference, thermoplastic biocomposites were prepared from the same fabrics, with biobased polypropylene (PP) as the matrix. We also compared the mechanical and thermal properties of the ACC and PP biocomposites. The following experiments were carried out: tensile test, TGA, DSC, DMA, water absorption test and SEM. The study found no significant difference in tensile strength regarding the Spinnova–Lyocell orientation between ACC and PP biocomposites, while the composite tensile strength was clearly higher in the warp (Lyocell) direction for both composite variants. Elongation at break doubled in ACC in the Lyocell direction compared with the other samples. Thermal analysis showed that mass reduction started at a lower temperature for ACC, but the thermal stability was higher compared with the PP biocomposites. Maximum thermal degradation temperature was measured as being 352 °C for ACC and 466 °C for neat PP, and the PP biocomposites had two peaks in the same temperature range (340–474 °C) as ACC and neat PP combined. ACCs absorbed 93% of their own dry weight in water in just one hour, whereas the PP biocomposites BC2 and BC4 absorbed only 10% and 6%, respectively. The study highlights the different properties of ACC and PP reference biocomposites that could lead to further development and research of commercial applications for ACC.
Aligned TiO2 Scaffolds in the Presence of a Galactopyranose Matrix by Sol-Gel Process
Authors: Romero Humberto Alejandro Monreal , Piñon Teresa Pérez , Sagarnaga Diana , Rico Raquel Duarte , Rascón Alfredo Nevárez , Pérez Carlos Alberto Martínez , Piñon Dagoberto Pérez , Flores de los Ríos Juan Pablo , Carrillo Mario Sánchez , Chacón-Nava José Guadalupe
Published: January 2023

In this work, titanium dioxide scaffolds were synthesized. Titanium isopropoxide (IV) was used as a precursor in its formation, using a polymeric network of galactopyranose as a template. The powder sample obtained was evaluated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA-DTA). According to the results, it was found that these scaffolds can be successfully synthesized in solution using the sol-gel method. The synthesized scaffolds have diameters from 50 nm with porosity of approximately 0.3–10 nm. Important parameters, such as pH and the concentration of the metallic precursors, were optimized in this solution. The values of maximum average roughness R(max) and roughness value (Ra) were 0.50 and 1.45, respectively. XRD diffraction analysis shows the formation of crystalline phases in the TiO2 scaffold at 700 °C. The use of biological polymers represents an alternative for the synthesis of new materials at low cost, manipulating the conditions in the production processes and making the proposed system more efficient.
Kinetic Study of the Effective Thermal Polymerization of a Prebiotic Monomer: Aminomalononitrile
Authors: Hortelano Carlos , Ruiz-Bermejo Marta , de la Fuente José L.
Published: January 2023

Aminomalononitrile (AMN), the HCN formal trimer, is a molecule of interest in prebiotic chemistry, in fine organic synthesis, and, currently, in materials science, mainly for bio-applications. Herein, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements by means of non-isothermal experiments of the stable AMN p-toluenesulfonate salt (AMNS) showed successful bulk AMN polymerization. The results indicated that this thermally stimulated polymerization is initiated at relatively low temperatures, and an autocatalytic kinetic model can be used to appropriately describe, determining the kinetic triplet, including the activation energy, the pre-exponential factor, and the mechanism function (Eα, A and f(α)). A preliminary structural characterization, by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, supported the effective generation of HCN-derived polymers prepared from AMNS. This study demonstrated the autocatalytic, highly efficient, and straightforward character of AMN polymerization, and to the best of our knowledge, it describes, for the first time, a systematic and extended kinetic analysis for gaining mechanistic insights into this process. The latter was accomplished through the help of simultaneous thermogravimetry (TG)-DSC and the in situ mass spectrometry (MS) technique for investigating the gas products generated during these polymerizations. These analyses revealed that dehydrocyanation and deamination processes must be important elimination reactions involved in the complex AMN polymerization mechanism.
Reservoir Advanced Process Control for Hydroelectric Power Production
Authors: Zanoli Silvia Maria , Pepe Crescenzo , Astolfi Giacomo , Luzi Francesco
Published: January 2023

The present work is in the framework of water resource control and optimization. Specifically, an advanced process control system was designed and implemented in a hydroelectric power plant for water management. Two reservoirs (connected through a regulation gate) and a set of turbines for energy production constitute the main elements of the process. In-depth data analysis was carried out to determine the control variables and the major issues related to the previous conduction of the plant. A tailored modelization process was conducted, and satisfactory fitting performances were obtained with linear models. In particular, first-principles equations were combined with data-based techniques. The achievement of a reliable model of the plant and the availability of reliable forecasts of the measured disturbance variables—e.g., the hydroelectric power production plan—motivated the choice of a control approach based on model predictive control techniques. A tailored methodology was proposed to account for model uncertainties, and an ad hoc model mismatch compensation strategy was designed. Virtual environment simulations based on meaningful scenarios confirmed the validity of the proposed approach for reducing water waste while meeting the water demand for electric energy production. The control system was commissioned for the real plant, obtaining significant performance and a remarkable service factor.
Improved Automatic Classification of Litho-Geomorphological Units by Using Raster Image Blending, Vipava Valley (SW Slovenia)
Authors: Jordanova Galena , Verbovšek Timotej
Published: January 2023

Automatic landslide classification based on digital elevation models has become a powerful complementary tool to field mapping. Many studies focus on the automatic classification of landslides’ geomorphological features, such as their steep main scarps, but in many cases, the scarps and other morphological features are difficult for algorithms to detect. In this study, we performed an automatic classification of different litho-geomorphological units to differentiate slope mass movements in field maps by using Maximum Likelihood Classification. The classification was based on high-resolution lidar-derived DEM of the Vipava Valley, SW Slovenia. The results show an improvement over previous approaches as we used a blended image (VAT, which included four different raster layers with different weights) along with other common raster layers for morphometric analysis of the surface (e.g., slope, elevation, aspect, TRI, curvature, etc.). The newly created map showed better classification of the five classes we used in the study and recognizes alluvial deposits, carbonate cliffs (including landslide scarps), carbonate plateaus, flysch, and slope deposits better than previous studies. Multivariate statistics recognized the VAT layer as the most important layer with the highest eigenvalues, and when combined with Aspect and Elevation layers, it explained 90% of the total variance. The paper also discusses the correlations between the different layers and which layers are better suited for certain geomorphological surface analyses.
Cooperative Navigation Algorithm of Extended Kalman Filter Based on Combined Observation for AUVs
Authors: Sheng Guangrun , Liu Xixiang , Sheng Yehua , Cheng Xiangzhi , Luo Hao
Published: January 2023

The navigation and positioning of multi-autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in the complex and variable marine environment is a significant and much-needed area of attention, especially considering the fact that cooperative navigation technology is the essential method for multiple AUVs to solve positioning problems. When the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is applied for underwater cooperative localization, the outliers in the sensor observations cause unknown errors in the measurement system due to deep-sea environmental factors, which are difficult to calibrate and cause a significant reduction in the co-location accuracy of AUVs, and can even cause problems with a divergence of estimation error. In this paper, we proposed a cooperative navigation method of the EKF algorithm based on the combined observation of multiple AUVs. Firstly, the corresponding cooperative navigation model is established, and the corresponding measurement model is designed. Then, the EKF model based on combined observation is designed and constructed, and the unknown error is eliminated by introducing a previously measured value. Finally, simulation tests and lake experiments are designed to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm. The results indicate that the EKF algorithm based on combined observation can approximately eliminate errors and improve the accuracy of cooperative localization when the unknown measurement error cannot be calibrated by common EKF methods. The effect of state estimation is improved, and the accuracy of co-location can be effectively improved to avoid serious declines in—and divergence of—estimation accuracy.
Analysis of Space-Based Observed Infrared Characteristics of Aircraft in the Air
Authors: Li Jiyuan , Zhao Huijie , Gu Xingfa , Yang Lifeng , Bai Bin , Jia Guorui , Li Zengren
Published: January 2023

The space-based infrared observatory of aircraft in the air has the advantages of wide-area, full-time, and passive detection. The optical design parameters for space-based infrared sensors strongly rely on target observed radiation, but there is still a lack of insight into the causes of aircraft observation properties and the impact of instrument performance. A simulation model of space-based observed aircraft infrared characteristics was constructed for this provision, coupling the aircraft radiance with background radiance and instrument performance effects. It was validated by comparing the model predictions to data from both space-based and ground-based measurements. The validation results reveal the alignment between measurements and model predictions and the dependence of overall model accuracy on the background. Based on simulations, the radiance contributions of aircraft and background are quantitatively evaluated, and the detection spectral window for flying aircraft and its causes are discussed in association with instrumental performance effects. The analysis results indicate that the target-background (T-B) contrast is higher in the spectral ranges where aircraft radiation makes an important contribution. The background radiance plays a significant role overall, while the observed radiance at 2.5–3μm is mainly from skin reflection and plume radiance. The skin-reflected radiation absence affects the model reliability, and its reduction at nighttime reduces the T-B contrast. The difference in T-B self-radiation and the stronger atmospheric attenuation for background contribute to the higher contrast at 2.7 μm compared to the other spectral bands.
A Geometric Multigrid Method for 3D Magnetotelluric Forward Modeling Using Finite-Element Method
Authors: Huang Xianyang , Yin Changchun , Wang Luyuan , Liu Yunhe , Zhang Bo , Ren Xiuyan , Su Yang , Li Jun , Chen Hui
Published: January 2023

The traditional three-dimensional (3D) magnetotelluric (MT) forward modeling using Krylov subspace algorithms has the problem of low modeling efficiency. To improve the computational efficiency of 3D MT forward modeling, we present a novel geometric multigrid algorithm for the finite element method. We use the vector finite element to discretize Maxwell’s equations in the frequency domain and apply the Dirichlet boundary conditions to obtain large sparse complex linear equations for the solution of EM responses. To improve the convergence of the solution at low frequencies we use the divergence correction to correct the electric field. Then, we develop a V-cycle geometric multigrid algorithm to solve the linear equations system. To demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our geometric multigrid method, we take three synthetic models (COMMEMI 3D-2 model, Dublin test model 1, modified SEG/EAEG salt dome model) and compare our results with the published ones. Numerical results show that the geometric multigrid algorithm proposed in this paper is much better than the commonly used Krylov subspace algorithms (such as SOR-GMRES, ILU-BICGSTAB, SOR-BICGSTAB) in terms of the iteration number, the solution time, and the stability, and thus is more suitable for large-scale 3D MT forward modeling.
Ditching Phosphatic Fertilizers for Phosphate-Solubilizing Biofertilizers: A Step towards Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Health
Authors: Wendimu Adishiwot , Yoseph Tarekegn , Ayalew Tewodros
Published: January 2023

Chemical phosphatic fertilizers are mainly produced from phosphate rocks, a natural reserve that is depleting rapidly. These chemical phosphatic fertilizers are polluting the environment at an alarming rate as a result of injudicious application to farmlands. On the other hand, phosphate-solubilizing biofertilizers (PSBs) are often considered better alternatives to industrial phosphatic fertilizers in many ways. PSBs are microorganisms capable of solubilizing insoluble forms of phosphate into soluble plant-usable forms. This paper is written with the objective of discussing the impacts of phosphatic fertilizers and making the case for why we should shift to PSBs instead. Phosphatic fertilizers have numerous impacts on the environment (water bodies, land resources, and air), and micro- and macro-organisms, including humans. Chemical fertilizers also tend to be more expensive, especially for farmers in developing countries. On the contrary, PSBs tend to be safer and way more beneficial than their chemical counterparts in that they are environmentally friendly and cheaper options of availing plant-usable phosphorus. PSBs are also involved in other beneficial roles such as the production of phytohormones and secretion of anti-phytopathogenic metabolites. The phytohormones enhance plant growth and the metabolites render crops immunity against phytopathogens. Hence, it is vital to replace chemical phosphatic fertilizers with PSB inoculants both to prevent the irreversible impacts of chemical fertilizers and to take advantage of the numerous benefits of PSBs. Moreover, it does not seem as if there is an option given the fact that the global phosphate reserve is depleting and the impact of fertilizer on the environment is worsening as time goes by.
Experimental Study on Phosphogypsum-Amended Red Mud as Road Base Material
Authors: Wang Huajin , Shi Minglei , Tian Xintao , Yu Changyun , Du Xuyang
Published: January 2023

Red mud is a byproduct of the aluminum oxide refining process that is an industrial waste residue. The storage of red mud can seriously contaminate the soil, water system, and atmosphere while also taking up a lot of valuable land resources. However, the use of stabilized/amended red mud technology in road engineering is relatively limited. Consequently, this research investigates how additives (cement, lime, and phosphogypsum) affect the strength of amended red mud as road base material. Additionally, it examines the effects of dry–wet and freeze–thaw cycles on the UCS, pH, dry density, and evolution of micropore structure in amended red mud with different phosphogypsum content. The findings reveal that, after five dry–wet and freeze–thaw cycles, the samples with 2% phosphogypsum content have a strong assurance rate of more than 85%. The percentage of micropores (0.01–0.1 μm) is reduced, although the percentage of small pores (0.1–1 μm) and medium pores (1–10 μm) is increased by dry–wet and freeze–thaw cycles. The cumulative mercury intake rises as the percentage increases, and the dry–wet cycle has a greater impact on the strength of amended red mud than the freeze–thaw cycle.
Assessment of Benefits and Risk of Genetically Modified Plants and Products: Current Controversies and Perspective
Authors: Ghimire Bimal Kumar , Yu Chang Yeon , Kim Won-Ryeol , Moon Hee-Sung , Lee Joohyun , Kim Seung Hyun , Chung Ill Min
Published: January 2023

Genetic transformation has emerged as an important tool for the genetic improvement of valuable plants by incorporating new genes with desirable traits. These strategies are useful especially in crops to increase yields, disease resistance, tolerance to environmental stress (cold, heat, drought, salinity, herbicides, and insects) and increase biomass and medicinal values of plants. The production of healthy plants with more desirable products and yields can contribute to sustainable development goals. The introduction of genetically modified food into the market has raised potential risks. A proper assessment of their impact on the environment and biosafety is an important step before their commercialization. In this paper, we summarize and discuss the risks and benefits of genetically modified plants and products, human health hazards by genetically transformed plants, environmental effects, Biosafety regulations of GMO foods and products, and improvement of medicinal values of plants by the genetic transformation process. The mechanisms of action of those products, their sources, and their applications to the healthcare challenges are presented. The present studies pointed out the existence of several controversies in the use of GMOs, mainly related to the human health, nutritions, environmental issues. Willingness to accept genetically modified (GM) products and the adoption of biosafety regulations varies from country to country. Knowledge about the gene engineering technology, debate between the government agencies, scientist, environmentalist and related NGOs on the GM products are the major factors for low adoptions of biosafety regulation. Therefore, the genetic transformation will help in the advancement of plant species in the future; however, more research and detailed studies are required.
How Does Digital Economy Promote the Geographical Agglomeration of Manufacturing Industry?
Authors: Wang Meijuan , Zhang Mingzhi , Chen Haiqian , Yu Donghua
Published: January 2023

With the acceleration of informatization, the spatial layout of economic activities has gradually shifted from “transportation cost + labor force” to “information + technology”. As a new generation of information, the digital economy has a profound impact on the spatial layout of the manufacturing industry. Based on the data of China’s listed manufacturing companies from 2001 to 2020, this paper aims to assess the effect of the digital economy on manufacturing agglomeration and identify the transmission mechanism of this effect. The results show the following: (1) The digital economy significantly promotes the geographical agglomeration of the manufacturing industry, which is still valid on the basis of a series of robustness and endogeneity tests. (2) Mechanism analysis shows that the digital economy promotes manufacturing agglomeration by reducing transaction costs, increasing market potential and enhancing knowledge spillover. (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the effect is more significant in the samples of large enterprises, high-tech manufacturing, central and western regions, small and medium-sized cities and the west side of the “Hu Huanyong Line”, which will greatly help the layout of the manufacturing industry break through the “Hu Huanyong Line” to achieve balanced development. (4) Globalization, localization and human capital play a significant positive moderating role in the process. This paper provides microevidence for the integration of digitalization and industrialization. Furthermore, it has important implications for the formulation of digital economy policy, the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry and the continuous promotion of regional coordinated development.
Assessing Shock Propagation and Cascading Uncertainties Using the Input–Output Framework: Analysis of an Oil Refinery Accident in Singapore
Authors: Mandapaka Pradeep V. , Lo Edmond Y. M.
Published: January 2023

The impacts of shock events frequently cascade beyond the primarily affected sector(s), through the interdependent economic system, and result in higher-order indirect losses in other sectors. This study employed the inoperability input–output model (IIM) and the dynamic IIM (DIIM) to model recovery of sectors after a shock event and quantify associated total losses. Considering data limitations and uncertainties regarding sectoral recovery time, a key variable in DIIM, a probabilistic approach is used for modelling uncertainty in recovery times. The event analyzed is the 2011 oil refinery fire accident in Pulau Bukom (PB) island, Singapore, which caused the refinery to shut down for 11 days and be partially operational for several days thereafter. The impacts are assessed using the regrouped 15-sector Singapore IO data of year 2010, with manufacturing sector as the directly affected sector. The initial economic impact of the PB refinery fire is assessed in the top-down framework using the refinery’s contribution to the manufacturing sector and nation’s GDP. The higher-order losses are quantified considering different recovery paths for the directly affected sector and accounting for its inventory. Simulation experiments using synthetic IO tables are also carried out to understand relationship between recovery characteristics of directly and indirectly affected sectors. The results from IIM analysis show that the indirect losses are about 35–38% of direct losses. The DIIM analysis reveal that the utilities sectors (e.g., electricity, water supply and treatment) suffer the largest inoperability among indirectly affected sectors for a given direct damage to the manufacturing sector. The results also illustrate the dependence of overall losses on the recovery path of the directly affected sector, and associated uncertainties in sectoral recovery times.
Parameter Optimization of Spiral Fertilizer Applicator Based on Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Mengqiang , Tang Yurong , Zhang Hong , Lan Haipeng , Niu Hao
Published: January 2023

To determine the optimal fertilizer discharging performance, a spiral fertilizer applicator was designed according to orchard agricultural requirements. The influence of different parameter combinations of the spiral speed, blade diameter, and pitch on the coefficient of variation (CV) of the fertilizer discharge uniformity was predicted using a neural-network-based model by using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) test. According to the extracted results, the neural network model has a good prediction ability, with the determination coefficient of the model and the mean relative error reaching 0.99 and 2.29%, respectively. The impact of the fertilizer discharge parameter combinations on the discharging performances was examined from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. During the fertilizer discharge process, the openness formed between the spiral blades and fertilizer outlet presented periodic changes with the continuous rotation of the spiral blade, thus resulting in the uneven discharge of the fertilizer particles. In addition, there are interacting force chains among fertilizer particles, which are not broken in time during the fertilizer discharge procedure, thus resulting in uneven fertilizer discharge. With comprehensive consideration of the fertilizer discharge efficiency, the fertilizer discharge effect, and CV of the fertilizer discharge uniformity, the spiral parameter combination of the fertilizer discharge after neural network optimization are as follows: rotating speed of 47.6 rpm, blade diameter of 90 mm, pitch of 60 mm, and CV of fertilizer discharge uniformity of 19.05%. Under this optimal spiral parameter combination, the fertilizer discharge effect and discharge efficiency were considered to be relatively good. Our work provides references for the design optimization of the spiral fertilizer applicator and fertilizer discharge parameter combination.
Fingerprinting Sediment Origin of the Silting Process of Urban Reservoirs
Authors: Ferreira Maria E. A. , Zanoni Diego A. , Carvalho Glauber A. , Anache Jamil A. A. , Oliveira Paulo Tarso S. , Sobrinho Teodorico Alves
Published: January 2023

The silting process of urban reservoirs has been occurring in many regions across the world. However, identifying the main sources of sediment and controlling the silting process in urban reservoirs are still unsolved problems in many regions, mainly in developing countries such as Brazil. In this study, we identify which land use most influences the siltation of reservoirs, and how the different tributary streams contribute to this process in two urban reservoirs located in Campo Grande, Midwestern Brazil. Thus, we applied a sediment source fingerprinting (SSF) approach, associated with land use analysis, and the bathymetric data of reservoirs connected to the stream and drainage network, obtained between the years 2008 and 2018. The reduction in the volume and area of the reservoir during the study period were 45% and 39%, respectively. We found a proportional relationship between the reduction in the reservoir volume and the increase in the impermeable areas of the studied basin. We also noted that the sediments deposited in the reservoir originate from bare soil, banks, and bed in the proportions of 46.9%, 37.1%, and 17.2%, respectively. Our findings show that the use of bathymetric surveys and data on land use and land cover, associated with the source tracing technique, are useful alternatives to identifying sediment mobility in urban basins, especially in those where the drainage network is connected to water courses. We conclude that the factors that most contribute to the silting up of reservoirs are the erosion of banks and beds, sediment remobilization and the connectivity of the drainage network with water courses.
Taiga Landscape Degradation Evidenced by Indigenous Observations and Remote Sensing
Authors: Morozova Arina O. , Nyland Kelsey E. , Kuklina Vera V.
Published: January 2023

Siberian taiga is subject to intensive logging and natural resource exploitation, which promote the proliferation of informal roads: trails and unsurfaced service roads neither recognized nor maintained by the government. While transportation development can improve connectivity between communities and urban centers, new roads also interfere with Indigenous subsistence activities. This study quantifies Land-Cover and Land-Use Change (LCLUC) in Irkutsk Oblast, northwest of Lake Baikal. Observations from LCLUC are used in spatial autocorrelation analysis with roads to identify and examine major drivers of transformations of social–ecological–technological systems. Spatial analysis results are informed by interviews with local residents and Indigenous Evenki, local development history, and modern industrial and political actors. A comparison of relative changes observed within and outside Evenki-administered lands (obshchina) was also conducted. The results illustrate: (1) the most persistent LCLUC is related to change from coniferous to peatland (over 4% of decadal change); however, during the last decade, extractive and infrastructure development have become the major driver of change leading to conversion of 10% of coniferous forest into barren land; (2) anthropogenic-driven LCLUC in the area outside obshchina lands was three times higher than within during the980s and 1990s and more than 1.5 times higher during the following decades.
Preventing Cyberbullying and Reducing Its Negative Impact on Students Using E-Parenting: A Scoping Review
Authors: Yosep Iyus , Hikmat Rohman , Mardhiyah Ai
Published: January 2023

Families have an important role in preventing cyberbullying and providing first treatment for their children. The negative impact of cyberbullying are psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and stress. One of the interventions to reduce the negative impact of cyberbullying is e-parenting. The aim of this study is to describe the methods in e-parenting to prevent and reduce the impact of cyberbullying on students. This study used the scoping review method. Articles for this review were drawn from CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest databases. The keywords used in English are “Cyberbullying”, “E-parenting”, and “Students”. The inclusion criteria were full text, randomized control trial or quasi-experimental research design, English language, student sample, and the publication period of the last 10 years (2013–2022). We found 11 articles which discussed e-parenting to prevent and reduce the negative impact of cyberbullying on students. The results of the study showed that e-parenting was effective in preventing cyberbullying and reducing its negative impact with three methods of e-parenting, namely prevention program, collaboration with the school, and video support. Most of the articles in this study used a randomized control trial design. Some articles in this scoping review are from Spain. Samples in the literature range between 35 and 2530 students. E-parenting is used as an intervention to increase the role of parents in preventing and reducing the negative effects of cyberbullying through collaboration with health and school workers.