bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and Issues of Life Cycle Assessment of Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Waste
Authors: Jayawickrama Kasun , Ruparathna Rajeev , Seth Rajesh , Biswas Nihar , Hafez Hisham , Tam Edwin
Published: October 2024

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a widely used tool to measure the environmental sustainability of products or processes. Integrating LCA into the assessment of waste diversion strategies recognizes that current waste diversion strategies are insufficient to stem the global impacts of waste effectively. The increased pressure to divert organic and inorganic materials to reduce landfills impacts and promotes the circular economy. Historically, waste diversion efforts in municipalities and industries focused on higher-profile inorganic wastes, such as plastics and other recyclables. However, organic waste is increasingly identified as a key waste fraction that must be effectively managed and regulated. This research surveys published LCAs from 2019 to 2023 focusing on the anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic waste. Notable conclusions include the lack of studies comparing AD with the latest treatment options such as co-gasification; the insufficient attention to the LCAs on biogas upgrading methods; and the monetization of LCA results using carbon credits. In addition, more than 50% of reviewed LCA studies concluded the results with a sensitivity analysis, which was not a common practice before 2019 in LCA studies on anaerobic digestion. This signifies the increasing need to understand uncertainty in the circumstances governing applying AD to wastes. Finally, neglecting the combined effect of several parameters in the sensitivity analysis might have reduced the accuracy of the sensitivity analyses in the reviewed LCAs. Overall, LCAs conducted on AD-related applications vary widely in terms of scope and consistency, implying that the outcomes may not be as applicable as intended. The identified challenges, issues, and other findings related to this research are expected to help standardize LCA procedures as applied to AD to promote greater comparability.
From Virtual Trees to Real Forests: Public Participation in Virtual Forest Realization Projects in China
Authors: Zhang Wenrui , Yang Jiameng , Zhang Zhiguang
Published: October 2024

With the rapid development of Internet technology, the channels for the public to participate in forest protection and ecological construction have been expanded. In China, virtual forest realization projects have successfully heightened environmental awareness among the public. However, these projects have also faced a “green gap”, characterized by a substantial disconnect between environmental intentions and actual participation behaviors. Based on 69 articles about virtual forest realization projects in China, this paper aims to reveal the roots of the intention–behavior gap, influencing factors, and potential mitigation strategies. Our findings indicate the following: (1) While virtual forest realization initiatives have made progress, they still face multiple challenges such as governmental inefficiencies and platform traffic bottlenecks. (2) The factors influencing public participation in virtual forest realization projects can generally be categorized into three types: external situational factors, internal psychological factors, and demographic variables. Initially, external influences like online word-of-mouth and gamified platforms played a crucial role in attracting the public. Over time, internal factors such as public trust in the platform and perceived enjoyment have become more prominent. Inconsistent findings regarding demographic variables suggest a need for further research. (3) Current solutions primarily focus on macro policies and have not fully addressed existing challenges. This study reveals the reasons and influencing factors of the intention–behavior gap, with the goal of offering valuable insights for future public engagement and project optimization.
Design and Applicability of Two-Step Fractional Newton–Raphson Method
Authors: Ali Naseem Zulfiqar , Khan Awais Gul , Awan Muhammad Uzair , Ciurdariu Loredana , Brahim Kamel
Published: October 2024

Developing two-step fractional numerical methods for finding the solution of nonlinear equations is the main objective of this research article. In addition, we present a detailed study of convergence analysis for the methods that have been proposed. By comparing numerically, we can see that the proposed methods significantly improve convergence rate and accuracy. Additionally, we demonstrate how our main results can be applied to basins of attraction.
Sacubitril/Valsartan Combination Partially Improves Cardiac Systolic, but Not Diastolic, Function through β-AR Responsiveness in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Erdogan Betul R. , Yesilyurt-Dirican Zeynep E. , Karaomerlioglu Irem , Muderrisoglu Ayhanim Elif , Sevim Kadir , Michel Martin C. , Arioglu-Inan Ebru
Published: October 2024

Cardiovascular complications are the major cause of diabetes mellitus-related morbidity and mortality. Increased renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system activity and decreased β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) responsiveness contribute to diabetic cardiac dysfunction. We evaluated the effect of sacubitril/valsartan (neprilysin inhibitor plus angiotensin receptor antagonist combination) and valsartan treatments on the diabetic cardiac function through β-AR responsiveness and on protein expression of diastolic components. Six-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control, diabetic, sacubitril/valsartan (68 mg/kg)-, and valsartan-treated (31 mg/kg) diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet plus low-dose streptozotocin (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). After 10 weeks of diabetes, rats were treated for 4 weeks. Systolic/diastolic function was assessed by in vivo echocardiography and pressure–volume loop analysis. β-AR-mediated responsiveness was assessed by in vitro papillary muscle and Langendorff heart experiments. Protein expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase2a, phospholamban, and phosphorylated phospholamban was determined by Western blot. Sacubitril/valsartan improved ejection fraction and fractional shortening to a similar extent as valsartan alone. None of the treatments affected in vivo diastolic parameters or the expression of related proteins. β1-/β2-AR-mediated responsiveness was partially restored in treated animals. β3-AR-mediated cardiac relaxation (an indicator of diastolic function) responses were comparable among groups. The beneficial effect of sacubitril/valsartan on systolic function may be attributed to improved β1-/β2-AR responsiveness.
Comparative Analysis of the Codon Usage Pattern in the Chloroplast Genomes of Gnetales Species
Authors: Yang Xiaoming , Wang Yuan , Gong Wenxuan , Li Yinxiang
Published: October 2024

Codon usage bias refers to the preferential use of synonymous codons, a widespread phenomenon found in bacteria, plants, and animals. Codon bias varies among species, families, and groups within kingdoms and between genes within an organism. Codon usage bias (CUB) analysis sheds light on the evolutionary dynamics of various species and optimizes targeted gene expression in heterologous host plants. As a significant order of gymnosperms, species within Gnetales possess extremely high ecological and pharmaceutical values. However, comprehensive analyses of CUB within the chloroplast genomes of Gnetales species remain unexplored. A systematic analysis was conducted to elucidate the codon usage patterns in 13 diverse Gnetales species based on the chloroplast genomes. Our results revealed that chloroplast coding sequences (cp CDSs) in 13 Gnetales species display a marked preference for AT bases and A/T-ending codons. A total of 20 predominantly high-frequency codons and between 2 and 7 optimal codons were identified across these species. The findings from the ENC-plot, PR2-plot, and neutrality analyses suggested that both mutation pressure and natural selection exert influence on the codon bias in these 13 Gnetales species, with natural selection emerging as the predominant influence. Correspondence analysis (COA) demonstrated variation in the codon usage patterns among the Gnetales species and indicated mutation pressure is another factor that could impact CUB. Additionally, our research identified a positive correlation between the measure of idiosyncratic codon usage level of conservatism (MILC) and synonymous codon usage order (SCUO) values, indicative of CUB’s potential influence on gene expression. The comparative analysis concerning codon usage frequencies among the 13 Gnetales species and 4 model organisms revealed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Nicotiana tabacum were the optimal exogenous expression hosts. Furthermore, the cluster and phylogenetic analyses illustrated distinct patterns of differentiation, implying that codons, even with weak or neutral preferences, could affect the evolutionary trajectories of these species. Our results reveal the characteristics of codon usage patterns and contribute to an enhanced comprehension of evolutionary mechanisms in Gnetales species.
Toxicological Evaluation of Kaempferol and Linearolactone as Treatments for Amoebic Liver Abscess Development in Mesocricetus auratus
Authors: Varela-Rodríguez Luis , Calzada Fernando , Velázquez-Domínguez José , Hernández-Ramírez Verónica , Varela-Rodríguez Hugo , Bautista Elihú , Herrera-Martínez Mayra , Pichardo-Hernández Diana , Castellanos-Mijangos Rodrigo , Chávez-Munguía Bibiana , Talamás-Rohana Patricia
Published: October 2024

Several studies with kaempferol (KP) and linearolactone (LL) have demonstrated their antiparasitic activity. However, the toxicity of these treatments is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the possible toxicological effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of KP or LL on the amoebic liver abscess model (ALA) in Mesocricetus auratus. An ALA was induced in male hamsters with 1.5 × 105Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) trophozoites inoculated in the left hepatic lobe. The lesion evolved for 4 days, and then KP (5 mg/kg body weight/day) or LL (10 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered for 4 consecutive days. Then, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), paraclinical analyses, and necropsy for histopathological evaluation were performed. There was similar ALA inhibition by KP (19.42%), LL (28.16%), and metronidazole, the antiamoebic control (20.87%) (p ≤ 0.05, analysis of variance [ANOVA]). There were hepatic and renal biochemical alterations in all treatment groups, mainly for KP (aspartate aminotransferase: 347.5 ± 37.5 U/L; blood urea nitrogen: 19.4 ± 1.9 g/dL; p ≤ 0.05, ANOVA). Lesions found in the organs were directly linked to the pathology. In conclusion, KP and LL decreased ALA development and exerted fewer toxicological effects compared with metronidazole. Therefore, both compounds exhibit therapeutic potential as an alternative treatment of amoebiasis caused by E. histolytica. However, additional clinical studies in different contexts are required to reaffirm this assertion.
Smartphone Privacy and Cyber Safety among Australian Adolescents: Gender Differences
Authors: Al-Saggaf Yeslam , Maclean Julie
Published: October 2024

While existing studies explore smartphone privacy setting risks for adolescents, they provide limited insight into the role of gender in these dynamics. This study aims to enhance adolescents’ awareness of the security risks associated with smartphone privacy leakage by focusing on how a cyber safety intervention lesson can affect knowledge of smartphone privacy settings, attitudes toward smartphone settings, and concerns about smartphone privacy. This study surveyed 376 high school students before and after a cyber safety lesson. Our study found that before the cyber safety intervention, females reported lower knowledge of smartphone settings than males. After the lesson, this gap narrowed, with both genders demonstrating more consistent understanding. Both genders showed lower attitudes towards smartphone privacy compared to knowledge, with males displaying the largest gap, reflecting the privacy paradox. Females expressed greater concern regarding location privacy, especially when tracked by unknown individuals, indicating that while both genders are aware of risks, females perceive them more acutely. The results suggest that targeted educational programs can effectively enhance adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes, and concerns about smartphone privacy, particularly in technical areas where gender gaps exist.
Early Mortality Stratification with Serum Albumin and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score at Emergency Department Admission in Septic Shock Patients
Authors: Kim Sang-Min , Ryoo Seung-Mok , Shin Tae-Gun , Jo You-Hwan , Kim Kyuseok , Lim Tae-Ho , Chung Sung-Phil , Choi Sung-Hyuk , Suh Gil-Joon , Kim Won-Young
Published: October 2024

Background: Early risk stratification is crucial due to septic patients’ heterogeneity. Serum albumin level may reflect the severity of sepsis and host status. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic ability of the initial sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score alone and combined with serum albumin levels for predicting 28-day mortality in patients with septic shock. Methods: We conducted an observational study using a prospective, multicenter registry of septic shock patients between October 2015 and May 2022 from 12 emergency departments in the Korean Shock Society and the results were validated by examining those from the septic shock cohort in Asan Medical Center. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the predictive values of SOFA score alone and SOFA score combined with serum albumin level. Results: Among 5805 septic shock patients, 1529 (26.3%) died within 28 days. Mortality increased stepwise with decreasing serum albumin levels (13.6% in albumin ≥3.5, 20.7% in 3.5–3.0, 29.7% in 3.0–2.5, 44.0% in 2.5–2.0, 56.4% in <2.0). The albumin SOFA score was calculated by adding the initial SOFA score to the 4 points assigned for albumin levels. ROC analysis for predicting 28-day mortality showed that the area under the curve for the albumin SOFA score was 0.71 (95% CI 0.70–0.73), which was significantly higher than that of the initial SOFA score alone (0.68, 95% CI: 0.67–0.69). Conclusions: The combination of the initial SOFA score with albumin can improve prognostic accuracy for patients with septic shock, suggesting the albumin SOFA score may be used as an early mortality stratification tool.
Improved Photocatalytic Activity of Dion–Jacobson-Type Tantalate Perovskites Modified with FeCl2
Authors: Pavel Monica , Anastasescu Crina , Atkinson Irina , Papa Florica , Balint Ioan
Published: October 2024

A rapid and feasible approach was used to develop visible-light-driven-type Dion–Jacobson perovskites by the modification of the RbLaTa2O7 host (RbLTO) with FeCl2 through the molten salt route. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization showed that FeCl2-modified layered perovskite (e.g., Fe@RbLTO) preserved its lamellar structure. SEM micrographs confirmed the layered morphology of both RbLTO and Fe@RbLTO perovskite materials. The UV-Vis spectra illustrated a significant red shift of the absorption edge after Fe2+ modification, with the band gap energy reducing from 3.88 to 1.82 eV. H2-TPR measurements emphasized the anchorage of Fe2+ species located on the surface of the layered perovskite as well as in the interlayer space. The synthesized materials were valorized as photocatalysts for the degradation of phenol under both Xe lamp and simulated solar irradiation (SSL) conditions. The photocatalytic reaction follows first-order kinetics. By-product formations during phenol (Ph) degradation were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Hydroquinone, 1,2-dihydroxi-benzene, benzoquinone, and pyrogallol were identified as the main Ph degradation intermediates. Pristine RbLaTa2O7 exhibited a phenol conversion value of about 17% using an Xe lamp, while a ≈ 11% conversion was achieved under SSL. A substantial increase in Ph conversion and selectivity was perceived after Fe2+ modification. Fe@RbLTO demonstrated superior photocatalytic performances (43% conversion of phenol under an Xe lamp, and 91% selectivity to aromatic intermediate compounds) at optimized reaction conditions. The stability of the Fe@RbLTO photocatalyst when exposed to an Xe lamp was also assessed. These results suggest that the existence of iron species on the layered perovskite’s surface is responsible for the improved redox properties of Fe@RbLTO, resulting in a valuable material for environmental applications.
An AI-Based Approach for Developing a Recommendation System for Underground Mining Methods Pre-Selection
Authors: Manjate Elsa Pansilvania Andre , Okada Natsuo , Ohtomo Yoko , Adachi Tsuyoshi , Bene Bernardo Miguel , Arima Takahiko , Kawamura Youhei
Published: October 2024

Selecting the most appropriate mining method to recover mineral resources is a critical decision-making task in mining project development. This study introduces an artificial intelligence-based mining methods recommendation system (AI-MMRS) for the pre-selection of underground mining methods. The study integrates and evaluates the capability of two approaches for mining methods selection (MMS): the memory-based collaborative filtering (CF) approach aided by the UBC-MMS system to predict the top-3 relevant mining methods and supervised machine learning (ML) classification algorithms to enhance the effectiveness and novelty of the AI-MMRS, addressing the limitations of the CF approach. The results reveal that the memory-based CF approach achieves an accuracy ranging from 81.8% to 87.9%. Among the classification algorithms, artificial neural network (ANN) and k-nearest neighbors (KNN) classifiers perform the best, with accuracy levels of 66.7% and 63.6%, respectively. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness and viability of both approaches in MMS, acknowledging their limitations and the need for continuous training and optimization. The proposed AI-MMRS for the pre-selection stage supplemented by the direct involvement of mining professionals in later stages of MMS, has the potential to significantly aid in the MMS decision-making, providing data-driven and experience-based recommendations following the ongoing evolution of mining practices.
Empirical Comparison of Forecasting Methods for Air Travel and Export Data in Thailand
Authors: Banditvilai Somsri , Araveeporn Autcha
Published: October 2024

Time series forecasting plays a critical role in business planning by offering insights for a competitive advantage. This study compared three forecasting methods: the Holt–Winters, Bagging Holt–Winters, and Box–Jenkins methods. Ten datasets exhibiting linear and non-linear trends and clear and ambiguous seasonal patterns were selected for analysis. The Holt–Winters method was tested using seven initial configurations, while the Bagging Holt–Winters and Box–Jenkins methods were also evaluated. The model performance was assessed using the Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE) to identify the most effective model, with the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) used to gauge the accuracy. Findings indicate that the Bagging Holt–Winters method consistently outperformed the other methods across all the datasets. It effectively handles linear and non-linear trends and clear and ambiguous seasonal patterns. Moreover, the seventh initial configurationdelivered the most accurate forecasts for the Holt–Winters method and is recommended as the optimal starting point.
Bactrian Camel Milk: Chemical Composition, Bioactivities, Processing Techniques, and Economic Potential in China
Authors: Seyiti Shamila , Kelimu Abulimiti , Yusufu Gulinaer
Published: October 2024

Bactrian camel (BC) milk has gained increasing attention due to its unique nutritional profile and potential bioactivities. This comprehensive review explores the chemical composition, bioactivities, processing techniques, and economic potential of BC milk in China. The distinctive chemical composition of BC milk, including protein, lipid, carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral content, is discussed, emphasizing its differences from other mammalian milk. The review highlights the various bioactivities of BC milk, such as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and anticancer properties, as well as its modulatory effects on intestinal microbiota. The technological properties of BC milk, focusing on its heat stability, coagulation behavior, and potential for product development, are examined. The review also addresses current processing techniques and their impact on milk quality. Finally, the economic potential and future perspectives of BC milk in China are evaluated. This review provides valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of BC milk, serving as a foundation for future research and development in this emerging field. The motivation for this review stems from the growing interest in BC milk as a functional food and the need for a comprehensive understanding of its properties, applications, and market potential to guide future research and industry development.
Metal-Cation-Induced Tiny Ripple on Graphene
Authors: Huang Yingying , Li Hanlin , Zhu Liuyuan , Song Yongshun , Fang Haiping
Published: October 2024

Ripples on graphene play a crucial role in manipulating its physical and chemical properties. However, producing ripples, especially at the nanoscale, remains challenging with current experimental methods. In this study, we report that tiny ripples in graphene can be generated by the adsorption of a single metal cation (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cu2+, Fe3+) onto a graphene sheet, based on the density functional theory calculations. We attribute this to the cation–π interaction between the metal cation and the aromatic rings on the graphene surface, which makes the carbon atoms closer to metal ions, causing deformation of the graphene sheet, especially in the out-of-plane direction, thereby creating ripples. The equivalent pressures applied to graphene sheets in out-of-plane direction, generated by metal cation–π interactions, reach magnitudes on the order of gigapascals (GPa). More importantly, the electronic and mechanical properties of graphene sheets are modified by the adsorption of various metal cations, resulting in opened bandgaps and enhanced rigidity characterized by a higher elastic modulus. These findings show great potential for applications for producing ripples at the nanoscale in graphene through the regulation of metal cation adsorption.
Magnetization States and Coupled Spin-Wave Modes in Concentric Double Nanorings
Authors: Hussain Bushra , Cottam Michael G.
Published: October 2024

Concentric multiple nanorings have previously been fabricated and investigated mainly for their different static magnetization states. Here, we present a theoretical analysis for the magnetization dynamics in double nanorings arranged concentrically, where there is coupling across a nonmagnetic spacer due to the long-range dipole–dipole interactions. We employ a microscopic, or Hamiltonian-based, formalism to study the discrete spin waves that exist in the magnetic states where the individual rings may be in either a vortex or an onion state. Numerical results are shown for the frequencies and the spatial amplitudes (with relative phase included) of the spin-wave modes. Cases are considered in which the magnetic materials of the rings are the same (taken to be permalloy) or two different materials such as permalloy and cobalt. The dependence of these properties on the mean radial position of the spacer were studied, showing, in most cases, the existence of two distinct transition fields. The special cases, where the radial spacer width becomes very small (less than 1 nm) were analyzed to study direct interfaces between dissimilar materials and/or effects of interfacial exchange interactions such as Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yoshida coupling. These spin-wave properties may be of importance for magnetic switching devices and sensors.
Effect of Obesity and Metabolic Health Status on Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease among Renal Transplant Recipients Using Hepatic Steatosis Index
Authors: Lin I-Hsin , Yu Yi-Ping , Duong Tuyen Van , Nien Shih-Wei , Tseng I-Hsin , Wu Yi-Ming , Chiang Yang-Jen , Chiang Chia-Yu , Chiu Chia-Hui , Wang Ming-Hsu , Yang Nien-Chieh , Wu Ta-Ho , Wong Te-Chih
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Obesity and metabolic conditions increase the risk of metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study examined the risk of MASLD in 137 renal transplant recipients (RTRs) from a single-center hospital on the basis of their obesity and metabolic health status. Methods: Participants were categorized into four groups: metabolically healthy nonobese (MHNO), metabolically healthy obese (MHO), metabolically abnormal nonobese (MANO), and metabolically abnormal obese (MAO). MASLD was assessed using the hepatic steatosis index (HSI), calculated as 8 × (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio) + body mass index + 2 (if diabetic) + 2 (if woman). The HSI scores were 29.50 ± 4.55, 38.08 ± 5.44, 33.61 ± 5.23, and 39.86 ± 4.13 in the MHNO, MHO, MANO, and MAO groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Results: Overall, 25.55% of the participants (57.14% men) were classified as having MASLD (HSI > 36). A multivariate-adjusted regression analysis revealed significantly higher HSI scores in the MAO group than in the MHNO group. Both MHO and MANO groups also had significantly higher HSI scores. The odds ratios for more severe MASLD were 2.74 (95% CI: 0.88–8.52) for the MANO group and 74.59 (95% CI: 13.29–418.68) for the MAO group compared with the MHNO group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that RTRs with obesity have a higher risk of MASLD, but even those with a normal weight and metabolic abnormalities are at increased risk.
Unveiling the Nutritional Quality of Terrestrial Animal Source Foods by Species and Characteristics of Livestock Systems
Authors: Rueda García Ana María , Fracassi Patrizia , Scherf Beate D. , Hamon Manon , Iannotti Lora
Published: October 2024

Background. It is well-established that a range of macronutrients, micronutrients and bioactive compounds found in animal-source foods play unique and important roles in human health as part of a healthy diet. Methods. This narrative review focuses on terrestrial animal source foods (TASFs). It particularly analyzes five groups: poultry eggs, milk, unprocessed meat, foods from hunting and wildlife farming, and insects. The objectives were as follows: (1) examine the nutrient composition of TASFs within and across livestock species, drawing on the country and regional food composition databases; (2) analyze the influence of intrinsic animal characteristics and production practices on TASF nutritional quality. Results. TASFs are rich in high-quality proteins and fats, as well as micronutrients such as vitamin B12, iron or zinc. This study found differences in the nutritional quality of TASFs by livestock species and animal products, as well as by characteristics of livestock production systems. Our findings suggest that there may be public health opportunities by diversifying TASF consumption across species and improving certain aspects of the production systems to provide products that are both more sustainable and of higher quality. Conclusions. Future research should adopt a more holistic approach to examining the food matrix and the dietary patterns that influence TASF digestibility. It is necessary to include meat from hunting and wildlife farming and insects in global food composition databases, as limited literature was found. In addition, scarce research focuses on low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for further exploration of TASF food composition analysis and how intrinsic animal characteristics and livestock production system characteristics impact their nutritional value.
A Fast and Robust Range Alignment Method for ISAR Imaging Based on a Deep Learning Network and Regional Multi-Scale Minimum Entropy Method
Authors: Ning Qianhao , Wang Hongyuan , Yan Zhiqiang , Wang Zijian , Lu Yinxi
Published: October 2024

In inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging, range alignment (RA) is crucial for translational compensation. To address the need for rapidity and accuracy in the RA process, a fast and robust range alignment method is proposed based on a deep learning network and minimum entropy (ME) method. The proposed method consists primarily of two components: the CNN-RNN attention mechanism network (CRAN) architecture and the regional multi-scale minimum entropy (RMSME) method. The main distinction of this method from existing approaches lies in its utilization of a deep learning network for rapid coarse alignment, followed by the search for minimum entropy within local regions at multiple scales. The integration strategy effectively addresses the current challenges of poor generalization in deep learning networks and low efficiency in the traditional ME method. The experimental results of simulation data indicate that the proposed method achieves the best range alignment performance compared to RNN, CRAN, and the traditional ME method. The experimental results of the measured data further validate the practicality of the proposed method. This research provides reference significance for the joint application of deep learning and traditional methods in the RA process.
Efficacy of Wearable Single-Lead ECG Monitoring during Exercise Stress Testing: A Comparative Study
Authors: Choi Hyo-In , Lee Seung Jae , Choi Jong Doo , Kim GyungChul , Lee Young-Shin , Lee Jong-Young
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: Few comparative studies have evaluated wearable single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) devices and standard multi-lead ECG devices during exercise testing. This study aimed to validate the accuracy of a wearable single-lead ECG monitor for recording heart rate (HR) metrics during graded exercise tests (GXTs). Methods: A cohort of 50 patients at a tertiary hospital underwent GXT while simultaneously being equipped with wearable single- and conventional multi-lead ECGs. The concordance between these modalities was quantified using the intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plot analysis. Results: The minimum and average HR readings between the devices were generally consistent. Parameters such as ventricular ectopic beats and supraventricular ectopic beats showed strong agreement. However, the agreement for the Total QRS and Maximum RR was not sufficient. HR measurements across different stages of the exercise test showed sufficient agreement. Although not statistically significant, the standard multi-lead ECG devices exhibited higher noise levels compared to the wearable single-lead ECG devices. Conclusions: Wearable single-lead ECG devices can reliably monitor HR and detect abnormal beats across a spectrum of exercise intensities, offering a viable alternative to traditional multi-lead systems.
Multi-Stage Corn-to-Syrup Process Monitoring and Yield Prediction Using Machine Learning and Statistical Methods
Authors: Hsieh Sheng-Jen , Hykin Jeff
Published: October 2024

Corn syrup is a cost-effective sweetener ingredient for the food industry. In producing syrup from corn, process control to enhance and/or maintain a constant dextrose equivalent value (DE) is a constant challenge, especially in semi-automated/batch production settings, which are common in small to medium-size factories. Existing work has focused on continuous process control to keep parameter values within a setpoint. The machine learning method applied is for time series data. This study focuses on building process control models to enable semi-automation in small to medium-size factories in which the data are not as time dependent. Correlation coefficients were used to identify key process parameters that contribute to feed pH value and DE. Artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), and linear regression (LR) models were built to predict feed pH and DE. The results suggest (1) model accuracy ranges from 91% to 96%; (2) the ANN models yielded about 1% to 3% higher accuracy than the SVM and LR models and the prediction accuracy is robust even with as few as six data sets; (3) both the SVM and ANN models have noise tolerant properties, but ANN has a higher noise tolerance than SVM; (4) SVM performance can be hindered when using high-dimensional data sets; (5) the LR model yields higher variation in accuracy prediction than ANN and SVM; (6) distribution fitting is a good approach for generating data; however, fidelity of fitting can greatly impact accuracy; and (7) multi-stage models yield higher accuracy than single-stage models, but there are pros and cons to each approach.
Estimation of the Soil Moisture Content in a Desert Steppe on the Mongolian Plateau Based on Ground-Penetrating Radar
Authors: Li Kaixuan , Liao Zilong , Ji Gang , Liu Tiejun , Yu Xiangqian , Jiao Rui
Published: October 2024

Desert grasslands are a crucial component of terrestrial ecosystems that play vital roles in regional and global hydrological cycling, climate change, and ecosystem balance through variations in their soil moisture content (SMC). Despite this, current research on the SMC of desert grasslands remains insufficient, with many areas remaining underexplored. In this study, we focused on a typical desert grassland located in the northern foothills of the Yinshan Mountains. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) exploration and soil sampling were used to test existing mixed-media models, and a new mixed-media model was calibrated using cross-validation methods. Among the three general mixed-media models, the Topp and Roth models yielded more accurate SMC estimates for the study area, with root mean square errors of 0.0091 g/cm3 and 0.0054 g/cm3, respectively, and mean absolute percentage errors of 25.86% and 19.01%, respectively, demonstrating their high precision. A comparison of the calibrated and original mixed-media models revealed that the estimation accuracy was significantly improved after parameter calibration. After parameter calibration, the Ferre model achieved an accuracy comparable to that of the Topp model. Parameter-calibrated models can be used to estimate the SMC using GPR data, offering a higher precision than general models and possessing greater suitability for the study area. The soil in the study area is primarily composed of sand particles and is therefore more compatible with the parameters of the Topp model, whereas the Ferre model requires further parameter calibration to achieve effective application.
Constraints on Public Policy Design and Formulation: A Case Study on the Conservation of Natural Resources in Local Governments of the Amazonia, Peru
Authors: Bravo Einstein , Amasifuen Carlos A. , Cayo Ilse S. , Pariente Eli , Sanchez Tito , Vásquez Jheiner , Vergara Alex J.
Published: October 2024

The high rate of depredation of forest resources causes major climatic changes that affect the economic activities and health of populations, plunging them into poverty and social problems. The state is responsible for dealing with these problems, because it has the technical, legal, and economic power to do so. This research aims to identify the factors that limit the design and formulation of public policies for the conservation of natural resources at the level of local district and provincial governments in Peru. For this study, we used qualitative methodology and non-probabilistic sampling, as well as techniques such as unstructured interviews, focus groups, and documentary review; moreover, for data analysis, we applied the theoretical saturation design in grounded theory. The results show that the conservation of natural resources is not positioned as a priority public policy in municipal administrations; furthermore, the organic units of natural resources suffer financial restrictions, and not because of a lack of budget availability, but because of a lack of will and decision-making capacity of authorities and civil servants, as well as a lack of coordination between the different national governments. It concludes that there are conflicts of interest in public policy making, with abuse of power and corruption predominating. Furthermore, the complexity of addressing sustainability criteria and the inability to confront the environmental crisis mean that international summits and national norms are attenuated in the face of the problems of environmental degradation. Deforestation should be considered a major public priority problem because of its environmental, economic, social, and health impacts. These problems require a holistic approach that combines local, national, and international policies and fosters effective and participatory governance.
Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Fertilization on Growth Traits and Leaf and Wood Characteristics of Three Poplar Clones
Authors: Wang Hongxing , Jiang Luping , Zhang Feifan , Zhao Xiyang
Published: October 2024

A comprehension of the effects planting density and nitrogen (N) fertilization have on the physiological and morphological characteristics of trees is critical for optimizing the require size and characteristics of wood products. We evaluated the growth traits and the leaf and wood characteristics of three clone poplars including Populus simonii × P. nigra ‘Xiaohei’, ‘Xiaohei-14’ and ‘Bailin-3’ under five planting densities (1666, 1111, 833, 666, and 555 tree ha−1) and four N fertilization rates (0, 100, 160, and 220 g tree−1 year−1). The results show that the clone type significantly affected all observed indicators, while planting density and N fertilization treatments had a significant effect on growth traits and leaf characteristics, but not on wood characteristics. Specifically, the clone ‘Bailin-3’ exhibited the largest annual increments in tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH), leaf width, N content, and soluble protein content. A decrease in initial planting density (from 1666 to 555 tree ha−1) led to an increased annual incremental tree height and DBH, regardless of clone type and N fertilization treatment. N fertilization treatment significantly impacted the annual increment in DBH, but not that of tree height. Further, the annual increments in tree height and DBH were positively correlated with leaf width, N content, chlorophyll content, and soluble protein content, and negatively correlated with hemicellulose content. In addition, the chlorophyll and soluble protein contents were identified as the most reliable predictors of the annual increments in tree height and DBH. Our results demonstrate the clone ‘Bailin-3’ with 555 tree ha−1 under 160 g N tree−1 yr−1 showed superior growth traits and leaf characteristics. Thus, it is recommended for future poplar silviculture of larger diameter timber production at similar sites. The results contribute to understanding of the effects of planting density and fertilization on the growth traits and the leaf and wood characteristics of three poplar clones, offering valuable guidance for the sustainable development and long-term productivity of poplar plantations.
Innovations in Wind Turbine Blade Engineering: Exploring Materials, Sustainability, and Market Dynamics
Authors: Firoozi Ali Akbar , Firoozi Ali Asghar , Hejazi Farzad
Published: October 2024

This manuscript delves into the transformative advancements in wind turbine blade technology, emphasizing the integration of innovative materials, dynamic aerodynamic designs, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Through an exploration of the evolution from traditional materials to cutting-edge composites, the paper highlights how these developments significantly enhance the efficiency, durability, and environmental compatibility of wind turbines. Detailed case studies of notable global projects, such as the Hornsea Project One, the Gansu Wind Farm, and the Block Island Wind Farm, illustrate the practical applications of these technologies and their impact on energy production and sustainability. Additionally, the manuscript examines the critical role of regulatory frameworks and industry standards in fostering these technological advancements, ensuring safety, and promoting global adoption. By analyzing the current trends and future directions, this study underscores the potential of modern turbine technologies to meet the increasing global demand for renewable energy and contribute to sustainable development goals. The findings advocate for continued innovation and policy alignment to fully harness the potential of wind energy in the renewable energy landscape.
In Situ Conductive Heating for Thermal Desorption of Volatile Organic-Contaminated Soil Based on Solar Energy
Authors: Wang Mei , Kong Deyang , Liu Lang , Wen Guoming , Zhang Fan
Published: October 2024

A novel conductive heating method using solar energy for soil remediation was introduced in this work. Contaminated industrial heritage sites will affect the sustainable development of the local ecological environment and the surrounding air environment, and frequent exposure will have a negative impact on human health. Soil thermal desorption is an effective means to repair contaminated soil, but thermal desorption is accompanied by a large amount of energy consumption and secondary pollution. Therefore, a trough solar heat collection desorption system (TSHCDS) is proposed, which is applied to soil thermal desorption technology. The effects of different water inlet temperature, water inlet velocity and soil porosity on the evolution of soil temperature field were discussed. The temperature field of contaminated soil can be numerically simulated, and a small experimental platform is built to verify the accuracy of the numerical model for simulation research. It is concluded that the heating effect is the best when the water entry temperature is the highest, at 70 °C, and the temperature of test point 4 is increased by 50.71% and 1.42%, respectively. When the inlet water flow rate is increased from 0.1 m/s to 0.2 m/s, the heating effect is significantly improved; when the inlet water flow rate is increased from 0.5 m/s to 1.5 m/s, the heating effect is not significantly improved. Therefore, when the flow rate is greater than a certain value, the heating effect is not significantly improved. The simulation analysis of soil with different porosity shows that larger porosity will affect the thermal diffusivity, which will make the heat transfer effect worse and reduce the heating effect. The effects of soil temperature distribution on the removal of petroleum hydrocarbon C6–C9 and trichloroethylene (TCE) were studied. The results showed that in the thermal desorption process of petroleum hydrocarbon C6–C9-contaminated soil, the removal rate of pollutants increased significantly when the average soil temperature reached 80 °C. In the thermal desorption of trichloroethylene-contaminated soil, when the thermal desorption begins, the soil temperature rises rapidly and reaches the target temperature, and a large number of pollutants are removed. At the end of thermal desorption, the removal of both types of pollutants reached the target repair value. This study provides a new feasible method for soil thermal desorption.
Process Optimization and Thermal Hazard Study for the Preparation of TBPB by a Two–Step Reaction
Authors: Wang Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Dan-Feng , Zhang Hong-Rui , Liu Wen-Jun , Chen Zhi-Quan , Jiang Jun-Cheng , Ni Lei
Published: October 2024

In this study, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate was used as a stabilizer, and NaOH, TBHP, and benzoyl chloride were used as reactants in the preparation of tert–butyl peroxybenzoate (TBPB) using a two–step process. The process conditions were optimized by a three–factor, three–level Box–Behnken design approach. The results showed that the yield of TBPB achieved 88.93% under the optimum conditions of temperature of 31.50 °C, feeding time of 22.00 min, and NaOH concentration of 15%. The exothermic properties of the synthesis of TBPB were investigated using reaction calorimetry. The thermal decomposition characteristics of reactants and products were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC), and the changes in substance types, characteristic peaks, and exothermic quantities during the reaction were analyzed before and after the reaction by FTIR. The reaction mechanism was proposed by combining EasyMax 102, RC1e, gas chromatography (GC), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). A comprehensive study of the reaction mechanism and reaction exotherm was carried out using density functional theory (DFT) to predict the reaction energy change and the direction of the reaction and to determine whether the reaction was reversible or not. The risk level for the synthesis of TBPB in semi–batch mode was evaluated using a risk matrix and the Stoessel criticality diagram. The optimal conditions for the TBPB synthesis process in a plate microreactor were explored. Both microreactors and semi–batch modes were comparatively analyzed using the m–ITHI quantitative assessment method. The results indicated a hazard class 2 in semi–batch mode and a hazard class 1 in the microreactor. The results of the study may provide a reference for the further improvement of the intrinsically safe design of the synthetic TBPB process.
Towards Sustainable and Sufficient City Region Food Systems: Reflections from the Case Study of Turin, Italy
Authors: Krähmer Karl , Battisti Luca , Berti Giaime , Bruno Riccardo Giovanni , Dansero Egidio
Published: October 2024

The City Region Food System (CRFS) approach has emerged in recent years as a framework for shaping urban food governance and policies that overcome the methodological cityism of approaches limited to urban territories defined by administrative boundaries. This article critically analyses the concept referring to the case study of the metropolitan city of Turin, Italy, as part of action research contributing to ongoing efforts to establish food policies. The discussion focuses on three dimensions: (1) the spatial definition of the city region; (2) the relation between the support of short and the re-assessment of long supply chains, with reference to a relational understanding of space; (3) the tensions between the CRFS as an analytical concept and a transformative framework. Results suggest that there is no linear path to define the spatial limits for a CRFS analysis and that a pragmatic approach can best serve policies; that long supply chains should not be ignored but integrated into local food policies; that there are contradictions in the transformative dimension of the CRFS literature when investigating the underlying sustainable development framework from a growth-critical perspective; and that separating the analytical more clearly from the normative dimension could make the discussion more productive.
Biodiesel from Higher Alcohols for Removal of Crude Oil Spills from Coastal Sediments
Authors: Gotovuša Mia , Huzjak Paula , Zadravec Ivana , Zadravec Martina , Parlov Vuković Jelena , Faraguna Fabio
Published: October 2024

Throughout the decades, the production, transport, and use of fossil fuels have led to numerous environmental concerns. Crude oil has caused catastrophic accidents after its spillage into the aqueous environment and accumulation on coastal sediments. To tackle this problem in a sustainable manner, researchers have used alternative remediation agents to extract these crude oil spills from the sediments. In this study, the biodiesels fatty acid methyl, ethyl, and butyl esters (FAME, FAEE, and FABE, respectively) were synthesized via transesterification reaction from waste cooking oil and corresponding alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, potassium hydroxide, and used as remediation agents for crude oil extraction. The influence of different experimental conditions on the crude-oil removal efficiency was studied (time of 1, 2, or 4 h; mass ratio of biodiesel to crude oil of 0.5:1, 1:1, or 2:1), with a simulation of coastal effects using a shaker. UV/Vis spectrophotometry was used to determine crude-oil separation efficiency based on the correlation of the residual crude-oil mass fraction and corresponding absorbance. The results show that FAME and FAEE were most effective in the removal of crude oil from sand (removing 88–89%), while FAEE and FABE extracted the most crude oil from gravel (removing 74–77%).