bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology, Cytotoxicity, and Antimicrobial Activity of Electrospun Polycaprolactone Biomembranes with Gentamicin and Nano-Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Mirica Ioana-Codruta , Furtos Gabriel , Moldovan Marioara , Prodan Doina , Petean Ioan , Campian Radu-Septimiu , Pall Emoke , Lucaciu Ondine
Published: December 2023

The aim of this research is to develop new nanocomposite membranes (NMs) for guided bone regeneration from polycaprolactone (PCL), with different concentrations of gentamicin sulfate (GEN) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) through electrospinning. The obtained NMs were characterized for structure through SEM and AFM, which revealed the influence of GEN and nHAP on the fiber diameter. The addition of GEN lowered the fiber diameter, and the addition of nHAP increased the diameter of the fibers. The NMs demonstrated antibacterial properties against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, B. cereus, and E. coli depending on the drug concentration, while being negligibly affected by the nHAP content. NM cytotoxicity assessment, performed once using the MTT assay, revealed no cytotoxicity. The developed NMs could be a promising alternative for guided bone regeneration.
There Are No Insurmountable Barriers: Passage of the Helicobacter pylori VacA Toxin from Bacterial Cytoplasm to Eukaryotic Cell Organelle
Authors: Jarzab Miroslaw , Skorko-Glonek Joanna
Published: December 2023

The Gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori is a very successful pathogen, one of the most commonly identified causes of bacterial infections in humans worldwide. H. pylori produces several virulence factors that contribute to its persistence in the hostile host habitat and to its pathogenicity. The most extensively studied are cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA). VacA is present in almost all H. pylori strains. As a secreted multifunctional toxin, it assists bacterial colonization, survival, and proliferation during long-lasting infections. To exert its effect on gastric epithelium and other cell types, VacA undergoes several modifications and crosses multiple membrane barriers. Once inside the gastric epithelial cell, VacA disrupts many cellular-signaling pathways and processes, leading mainly to changes in the efflux of various ions, the depolarization of membrane potential, and perturbations in endocytic trafficking and mitochondrial function. The most notable effect of VacA is the formation of vacuole-like structures, which may lead to apoptosis. This review focuses on the processes involved in VacA secretion, processing, and entry into host cells, with a particular emphasis on the interaction of the mature toxin with host membranes and the formation of transmembrane pores.
Metal Recovery from Wastewater Using Electrodialysis Separation
Authors: Cerrillo-Gonzalez Maria del Mar , Villen-Guzman Maria , Rodriguez-Maroto Jose Miguel , Paz-Garcia Juan Manuel
Published: December 2023

Electrodialysis is classified as a membrane separation process in which ions are transferred through selective ion-exchange membranes from one solution to another using an electric field as the driving force. Electrodialysis is a mature technology in the field of brackish water desalination, but in recent decades the development of new membranes has made it possible to extend their application in the food, drug, and chemical process industries, including wastewater treatment. This work describes the state of the art in the use of electrodialysis (ED) for metal removal from water and wastewater. The fundamentals of the technique are introduced based on the working principle, operational features, and transport mechanisms of the membranes. An overview of the key factors (i.e., the membrane properties, the cell configuration, and the operational conditions) in the ED performance is presented. This review highlights the importance of studying the inter-relation of parameters affecting the transport mechanism to design and optimize metal recovery through ED. The conventional applications of ED for the desalination of brackish water and demineralization of industrial process water and wastewater are discussed to better understand the key role of this technology in the separation, concentration, and purification of aqueous effluents. The recovery and concentration of metals from industrial effluents are evaluated based on a review of the literature dealing with effluents from different sources. The most relevant results of these experimental studies highlight the key role of ED in the challenge of selective recovery of metals from aqueous effluents. This review addresses the potential application of ED not only for polluted water treatment but also as a promising tool for the recovery of critical metals to avoid natural resource depletion, promoting a circular economy.
Analysis of the Frequency-Dependent Vibration Rectification Error in Area-Variation-Based Capacitive MEMS Accelerometers
Authors: Zhang Shaolin , Li Zhi , Wang Qiu , Yang Yuanxia , Wang Yongzhen , He Wen , Liu Jinquan , Tu Liangcheng , Liu Huafeng
Published: December 2023

The presence of strong ambient vibrations could have a negative impact on applications such as high precision inertial navigation and tilt measurement due to the vibration rectification error (VRE) of the accelerometer. In this paper, we investigate the origins of the VRE using a self-developed MEMS accelerometer equipped with an area-variation-based capacitive displacement transducer. Our findings indicate that the second-order nonlinearity coefficient is dependent on the frequency but the VRE remains constant when the displacement amplitude of the excitation is maintained at a constant level. This frequency dependence of nonlinearity is a result of several factors coupling with each other during signal conversion from acceleration to electrical output signal. These factors include the amplification of the proof mass’s amplitude as the excitation frequency approaches resonance, the nonlinearity in capacitance-displacement conversion at larger displacements caused by the fringing effect, and the offset of the mechanical suspension’s equilibrium point from the null position of the differential capacitance electrodes. Through displacement transducer and damping optimization, the second-order nonlinearity coefficient is greatly reduced from mg/g2 to μg/g2.
Updates on Staphylococcal Vaccines
Authors: Scafa-Udriste Alexandru , Popa Mircea-Ioan , Popa Gabriela-Loredana
Published: December 2023

Staphylococcus aureus, a prevalent human pathogen and a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, is increasingly evolving antibiotic-resistant strains, increasing mortality and morbidity rates. Anti-staphylococcal vaccine research for prevention and treatment has become a priority. Antibodies against specific S. aureus components, toxins, and polysaccharides have demonstrated encouraging results in animal studies regarding protection against colonization or infection. However, human immunization trials have yielded less optimistic outcomes, with no anti-staphylococcal having passed clinical trials up to now. Although multiple formulation attempts triggered strong antibody responses, the vaccines could not effectively prevent S. aureus infections. This article delves into the results of immunotherapeutic strategies against S. aureus in both animal and human studies, discussing the feasibility of adequate immunization approaches against S. aureus in humans.
Selective Separation Behavior and Study on the Interaction Mechanism of 2-Hydroxy-3-Naphthylmethyl Hydroxamic Acid and Cassiterite
Authors: Wu Shipeng , Wang Zhongming , Liu Fang , Zhao Chen , Zhu Yangge
Published: December 2023

In this study, the performance of 2-hydroxy-3-naphthylmethyl hydroxamic acid (NHA) in cassiterite flotation was investigated. The aim was to understand the mechanism of action of NHA for the first time. The effect of NHA as a collector in the flotation separation of cassiterite, calcite, and quartz was investigated via microbubble flotation experiments. The experimental results showed that the maximum recovery of cassiterite in the presence of NHA was 91.76%. This was attributed to the selective adsorption of NHA on the cassiterite surface. NHA showed a stronger collection performance for cassiterite than calcite and quartz. Therefore, the mechanism of NHA-cassiterite interaction was investigated using zeta potential, the logarithmic solubility plot (LSD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses. This study introduces a new adsorption process and mechanism for the NHA-based adsorption of cassiterite. The results show that, under neutral conditions, the solute components of cassiterite surface lattice ions mainly exist in the form of Sn–OH complexes. Chemisorption occurs between cassiterite and NHA which is adsorbed onto the cassiterite surfaces through interaction with O sites, rather than Sn sites as is traditionally expected. Further, the hydroxyl and hydroxyl groups of NHA are chemically coordinated with Sn–OH on the surface of cassiterite to form a six-membered chelate ring. This proposed mechanism can be extended to most systems in which metal ions interact with hydroxamic acids bearing hydroxyl groups. This contributes to a better understanding of the activation mechanism of hydroxamic acid collectors in cassiterite flotation.
Provenance of Coastal and Seabed Sediments Relative to Mining and Processing Wastes: The Case of Lavrion, Attiki Peninsula, Greece
Authors: Triantafyllidis Stavros Savvas , Anastasakis Georgios , Papanastasiou Anastasios , Stylianou Charalambos , Kavros Nikolaos , Pappa Filothei K. , Tombros Stylianos Fotios , Fitros Michalis , Skliros Vasilios
Published: December 2023

A detailed textural, mineralogical, and geochemical investigation of beach sands and seabed sediments from Thorikos and Oxygono bays of the eastern coast of Lavrion is performed, with the objective the provenance of the ore types exploited, the processing and beneficiation types employed, and the respective exploitation periods. The Oxygono Bay beach and seabed sands are highly heterogeneous, predominated by lithic clasts originating from surrounding lithologies. Examination of the fine-grained fraction from the seabed core revealed that only the upper 50 cm was affected by recent and ancient mining activity. Combining the mineralogy and geochemistry of Oxygono Bay sands with the radiochronological model of Pappa et al. (2018), four periods of recent exploitation (mid-19th—late 20th century) are distinguished: (1) The “1860–1875 A.D.”, involving exploitation of the ancient smelter slags, (2) the “1875–1900 A.D.”, with ongoing ancient smelter slag processing and the commencement of underground sulfide ore exploitation, (3) the “1900–1930 A.D.”, where heavy mining of the carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn–Ag ore occurs, (4) the “1930–1980”), where the implementation of flotation-type processing assisted in the exploitation of the poor skarn and porphyry-type ores. The latest “1980 A.D.—to date” period depicts the cessation of all mining and processing activities. The southern Thorikos Bay beach sands are homogeneous and fine-grained, are mainly composed of gangue and pyrite, and show elevated Fe, As, Pb, Zn, and Mn content. The southern Thorikos Bay beach sands clearly point to exploitation and processing by flotation of the carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn–Ag sulfide ore, and the tailings were disposed of from the nearby facilities to southern Thorikos Bay without any environmental concern during the “1930–1980 A.D.” period.
Generation of Viral Particles with Brain Cell-Specific Tropism by Pseudotyping HIV-1 with the Zika Virus E Protein
Authors: Ngo Hai Dang , Formanski Jan Patrick , Grunwald Vivien , Schwalbe Birco , Schreiber Michael
Published: December 2023

Flaviviruses are a family of RNA viruses that includes many known pathogens, such as Zika virus (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), dengue virus (DENV), and yellow fever virus (YFV). A pseudotype is an artificial virus particle created in vitro by incorporating the flavivirus envelope proteins into the structure of, for example, a retrovirus such as human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). They can be a useful tool in virology for understanding the biology of flaviviruses, evaluating immune responses, developing antiviral strategies but can also be used as vectors for gene transfer experiments. This protocol describes the generation of a ZIKV/HIV-1 pseudotype developed as a new tool for infecting cells derived from a highly malignant brain tumor: glioblastoma multiforme grade 4.
Recurrent Falls as the Only Clinical Sign of Cortical–Subcortical Myoclonus: A Case Report
Authors: De Napoli Giulia , Rossi Jessica , Cavallieri Francesco , Pugnaghi Matteo , Rizzi Romana , Russo Marco , Assenza Federica , Di Rauso Giulia , Valzania Franco
Published: December 2023

Some authors use the term cortical–subcortical myoclonus to identify a specific type of myoclonus, which differs from classical cortical myoclonus in that the abnormal neuronal activity spreads between the cortical and subcortical circuits, producing diffuse excitation. The EEG shows generalized spike-and-wave discharges that correlate with the myoclonic jerks. We report the case of a 79-year-old patient with a history of right thalamic deep hemorrhagic stroke, with favorable evolution. Fifteen years later, he was readmitted to the emergency department for episodes characterized by sudden falls without loss of consciousness. An EEG with EMG recording channel on the right deltoid muscle was performed, which documented frequent diffuse spike–wave and polyspike–wave discharges, temporally related to myoclonic jerks in the lower limbs. Brain MRI showed the persistence of a small right thalamic hemosiderin residue at the site of the previous hemorrhage. Antiseizure treatment with levetiracetam was started, with rapid clinical and electroencephalographic improvement. Our case may represent a lesion model of generalized epilepsy with myoclonic seizures. Furthermore, it highlights that lower limb myoclonus of cortical–subcortical origin may be an underestimate cause of gait disturbances and postural instability. Then, it may be reasonable to include the EEG in the diagnostic work-up of patients with recurrent falls.
Correction: Siddhardha et al. Chrysin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Potentiates Antibiofilm Activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Pathogens 2020, 9, 115
Authors: Siddhardha Busi , Pandey Uday , Kaviyarasu K. , Pala Rajasekharreddy , Syed Asad , Bahkali Ali H. , Elgorban Abdallah M.
Published: December 2023

The authors wish to make the following corrections to the original publication [...]
Comparative Studies on the Photoreactivity, Efficacy, and Safety of Depigmenting Agents
Authors: Mota Sandra , Rosa Gonçalo P. , Barreto Maria Carmo , Garrido Jorge , Sousa Emília , Cruz Maria T. , Almeida Isabel F. , Quintas Clara
Published: December 2023

Depigmenting products are increasingly used to counteract skin hyperpigmentation and related psychosocial issues. This study aimed to compare different depigmenting agents—4-butylresorcinol; bakuchiol; tranexamic acid; ascorbyl glucoside; α-arbutin; and ascorbic acid—for photoreactivity; tyrosinase inhibition; and safety. Photoreactivity was assessed using the Reactive Oxygen Species assay. In vitro tyrosinase inhibition was compared, and cell viability was assessed in B-16V melanocytes to evaluate safety. Results showed 4-butylresorcinol, ascorbyl glucoside, and α-arbutin are non-photoreactive, while for ascorbic acid and bakuchiol it was not possible to reach conclusive results due to the lack of specificity of the ROS assay. 4-Butylresorcinol, acting as a competitive inhibitor, displayed potent tyrosinase inhibition, followed by ascorbic acid and bakuchiol. Both 4-butylresorcinol and bakuchiol reduced cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. The insights obtained in this work support the development of depigmenting products by providing useful scientific guidance on the photostability, tyrosinase inhibitory efficacy, and skin safety of depigmenting agents.
Formulation and Evaluation of Insulin-Loaded Sodium-Alginate Microparticles for Oral Administration
Authors: Bácskay Ildikó , Papp Boglárka , Pártos Péter , Budai István , Pető Ágota , Fehér Pálma , Ujhelyi Zoltán , Kósa Dóra
Published: December 2023

The development of oral insulin drug delivery systems is still an ongoing challenge for pharmaceutical technology researchers, as the formulation process has to overcome a number of obstacles due to the adverse characteristics of peptides. The aim of this study was to formulate different sodium-alginate microparticles as a possible method for oral insulin administration. In our previous studies, the method has been successfully optimized using a small model peptide. The incorporation of insulin into alginate carriers containing nonionic surfactants has not been described yet. In order to enhance the absorption of insulin through biological barriers, Labrasol ALF and Labrafil M 2125 CS were selected as permeation-enhancing excipients. They were applied at a concentration of 0.10% (v/v%), along with various combinations of the two, to increase oral bioavailability. Encapsulation efficiency showed sufficient drug incorporation, as it resulted in over 80% in each composition. In vitro dissolution and enzymatic stability test results proved that, as a pH-responsive polymer, alginate bead swelling and drug release occur at higher pH, thus protecting insulin against the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract. The remaining insulin content was 66% due to SIF degradation after 120 min. Permeability experiments revealed the impact of permeation enhancers and natural polymers on drug absorption, as they enhanced drug transport significantly through Caco-2 cells in the case of alginate microparticle formulations, as opposed to the control insulin solution. These results suggest that these formulations are able to improve the oral bioavailability of insulin.
Health and Wellness Projects Created by Student Pharmacists during Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences: Exploring the Impact on Professional Development
Authors: Briceland Laurie L. , Veselov Megan , Tackes Courtney Caimano , Cerulli Jennifer
Published: December 2023

A curricular expectation of pharmacy educators is to equip students with strategies for the promotion of health and wellness. The impact on student professional development with involvement in such health promotions has been sparsely documented. The specific aim of this project was to explore the impact on student learning and professional development when they create, implement, and reflect upon a Health and Wellness Project (HWP). In 2022–2023, each student completing a Community Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience created and implemented an HWP with the goal of serving as a “health promoter” (205 projects). A multi-method design of quantitative and qualitative assessment techniques was used to analyze the impact of creating/implementing the HWP on students’ learning, with a self-determination theory (SDT) framework utilized to evaluate professional development. Upon review, all projects met the acceptability criteria. Qualitative data analysis from a subset of 48 students identified themes of impact on learning, which included knowledge acquisition, enhancement of communication skills, opportunity for patient-centered interaction, selection of targeted educational strategies, and immersion into the role of health promoter. All three components of SDT were found to support professional development: competence in the field; relatedness to patients and the profession; and autonomy in creating the HWP. Student quotations demonstrated strong professional identity formation as students began to think, act, and feel like pharmacists.
Casimir–Lifshitz Frictional Heating in a System of Parallel Metallic Plates
Authors: Dedkov George V.
Published: December 2023

The Casimir–Lifshitz force of friction between neutral bodies in relative motion, along with the drag effect, causes their heating. This paper considers this frictional heating in a system of two metal plates within the framework of fluctuation electromagnetic theory. Analytical expressions for the friction force in the limiting cases of low (zero) temperature and low and high speeds, as well as general expressions describing the kinetics of heating, have been obtained. It is shown that the combination of low temperatures (T < 10 K) and velocities of 10–103 m/s provides the most favorable conditions when measuring the Casimir–Lifshitz friction force from heat measurements. In particular, the friction force of two coaxial disks of gold 10 cm in diameter and 500 nm in thickness, one of which rotates at a frequency of 10–103 rps (revolutions per second), can be measured using the heating effect of 1–2 K in less than 1 min. A possible experimental layout is discussed.
Stripe Rust Effector Pst_9302 Inhibits Wheat Immunity to Promote Susceptibility
Authors: Zhao Haibin , Huang Jiangyu , Zhao Xiaoyan , Yu Ligang , Wang Xiaodong , Zhao Congcong , nasab Hojjatollah Rabbani , Tang Chunlei , Wang Xiaojie
Published: December 2023

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is an obligate biotrophic fungus that causes destructive stripe rust disease in wheat. During infection, Pst secretes virulence effectors via a specific infection structure—the haustorium—inside host cells to disturb host immunity and promote fungal colonization and expansion. Hence, the identification and functional analyses of Pst effectors are of great significance in deciphering the Pst pathogenicity mechanism. Here, we identified one candidate Pst effector Pst_9302 that could suppress Bax-triggered cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana. qRT-PCR analyses showed that the transcript levels of Pst_9302 were highly increased during the early infection stages of Pst. The transient expression of Pst_9302 in wheat via the type-three secretion system (T3SS) significantly inhibited the callose deposition induced by Pseudomonas syringae EtHAn. During wheat–Pst interaction, Pst_9302 overexpression suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cell death caused by the avirulent Pst race CYR23. The host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) of Pst_9302 resulted in decreased Pst pathogenicity with reduced infection area. The results suggest that Pst_9302 plays a virulence role in suppressing plant immunity and promoting Pst pathogenicity. Moreover, wheat voltage-dependent anion channel 1 protein (TaVDAC1) was identified as candidate Pst_9302-interacting proteins by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening. Pull-down assays using the His-Pst_9302 and GST-TaVDAC1 protein verified their interactions. These results suggest that Pst_9302 may modulate wheat TaVDAC1 to regulate plant immunity.
Enrichment of Water Bodies with Phenolic Compounds Released from Betula and Pinus Pollen in Surface Water
Authors: Kerienė Ilona , Šaulienė Ingrida , Šukienė Laura , Judžentienė Asta , Ligor Magdalena , Valiuškevičius Gintaras , Grendaitė Dalia , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: December 2023

Betula and Pinus pollen, which are dispersed in natural surface waters, release biologically active compounds into the water bodies. This study aims to evaluate variations in the distribution and composition of phenolic compounds in suspended particles in natural water bodies during pollen spreading. Samples taken from water bodies of different trophic levels were analyzed by microscopy, UV/VIS spectroscopy, HPTLC, and HPLC/DAD. The study revealed that the total phenolic content in water-suspended particles varied from 3.0 mg/g to 11.0 mg/g during Betula and Pinus pollen spreading. It was also observed that the surface water of dystrophic natural lakes had a higher content of phenolic compounds than the eutrophic, hypereutrophic, and mesotrophic water bodies. Chlorogenic, trans-ferulic, vanillin, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids were frequently detected in the surface water samples. Experimental measurements have shown variations in the release of phenolic compounds from Betula pollen into water (p < 0.05). After the exhibition of pollen, the distilled water predominantly contained bioactive chlorogenic acid. Further in situ investigations are necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the function of phenolic compounds in aquatic ecosystems. The exploration of the release of bioactive compounds from pollen could provide valuable insights into the potential nutritional value of pollen as a nutrient source for aquaculture.
Risk Assessment Method for Analyzing Borehole Instability Considering Formation Heterogeneity
Authors: Gao Xiangsen , Wang Min , Shi Xian , Li Cui , Zhang Mingming
Published: December 2023

In the study of borehole instability, the majority of input parameters often rely on the average values that are treated as fixed values. However, in practical engineering scenarios, these input parameters are often accompanied by a high degree of uncertainty. To address this limitation, this paper establishes a borehole stability model considering the uncertainty of input parameters, adopts the Monte Carlo method to calculate the borehole stability reliability at different drilling fluid densities, evaluates the sensitivity of borehole instability to a single parameter, and studies the safe drilling fluid density window at different borehole stability reliability values under multi-parameter uncertainties. The results show that the uncertainty of rock cohesion has a great influence on the fracture pressure of the vertical and horizontal wells. The minimum horizontal stress has the greatest influence on the fracture pressure of the vertical and horizontal wells, followed by pore pressure. In the analysis of borehole stability, the accuracy of cohesion and minimum horizontal stress parameters should be improved. In scenarios involving multiple parameter uncertainties, while the overall trend of the analysis results remains consistent with the conventional borehole stability outcomes, there is a noteworthy narrowing of the safe drilling fluid density window. This suggests that relying on conventional borehole stability analysis methods for designing the safe drilling fluid density window can considerably increase the risks of borehole instability. Uncertainty assessment is crucial to determine the uncertainties associated with the minimum required mud pressure, thereby ensuring more informed decision-making during drilling operations. To meet practical application demands, structure and boundary condition uncertainties should be implemented for a more comprehensive assessment of borehole stability.
Dynamic Characteristics of an Automotive Air-Conditioning Electromagnetic Clutch
Authors: Diao Ziyu , Zhang Yu , Li Chao , Liu Xingming , Liu Zhentao
Published: December 2023

The automotive air conditioning (AC) electromagnetic clutch plays a crucial role in accurately controlling power transmission between the engine and the compressor, ensuring the proper operation of the AC system. The aim of this paper is to provide high-quality experimental data for researchers who are interested in simulating the dynamic process of an AC electromagnetic clutch and also to assess the adaptiveness of empirical equations to describe the AC electromagnetic clutch performance that is limited in discussion in existing studies. In this study, an automotive AC electromagnetic clutch characteristic test system was employed along with an infrared (IR) camera to conduct comprehensive experimental analyses. The test system enabled the evaluation of various parameters, including the clutch torque output, compressor exhaust pressure, and temperature of the friction surface. The results revealed that the torque and exhaust pressure were closely associated with the on/off time and rotational speed, with a peak value observed around 3000 rpm. Additionally, longer break-in time, higher rotational speeds, and shorter on/off time led to varying increases in the temperature of the friction surface. These findings provided a theoretical foundation for optimizing the design and control of automotive AC electromagnetic clutches. By enhancing design or adjusting control strategies, these clutches can better handle high-load and high-frequency working conditions.
Exergoeconomic Evaluation of a Cogeneration System Driven by a Natural Gas and Biomass Co-Firing Gas Turbine Combined with a Steam Rankine Cycle, Organic Rankine Cycle, and Absorption Chiller
Authors: Liu Ji , Ren Jie , Zhang Yujia , Huang Weilong , Xu Chen , Liu Lu
Published: December 2023

Considering energy conversion efficiency, pollution emissions, and economic benefits, combining biomass with fossil fuels in power generation facilities is a viable approach to address prevailing energy deficits and environmental challenges. This research aimed to investigate the thermodynamic and exergoeconomic performance of a novel power and cooling cogeneration system based on a natural gas–biomass dual fuel gas turbine (DFGT). In this system, a steam Rankine cycle (SRC), a single-effect absorption chiller (SEAC), and an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) are employed as bottoming cycles for the waste heat cascade utilization of the DFGT. The effects of main operating parameters on the performance criteria are examined, and multi-objective optimization is accomplished with a genetic algorithm using exergy efficiency and the sum unit cost of the product (SUCP) as the objective functions. The results demonstrate the higher energy utilization efficiency of the proposed system with the thermal and exergy efficiencies of 75.69% and 41.76%, respectively, while the SUCP is 13.37 $/GJ. The exergy analysis reveals that the combustion chamber takes the largest proportion of the exergy destruction rate. The parametric analysis shows that the thermal and exergy efficiencies, as well as the SUCP, rise with the increase in the gas turbine inlet temperature or with the decrease in the preheated air temperature. Higher exergy efficiency and lower SUCP could be obtained by increasing the SRC turbine inlet pressure or decreasing the SRC condensation temperature. Finally, optimization results indicate that the system with an optimum solution yields 0.3% higher exergy efficiency and 2.8% lower SUCP compared with the base case.
Using Atmospheric Inverse Modelling of Methane Budgets with Copernicus Land Water and Wetness Data to Detect Land Use-Related Emissions
Authors: Tenkanen Maria K. , Tsuruta Aki , Tyystjärvi Vilna , Törmä Markus , Autio Iida , Haakana Markus , Tuomainen Tarja , Leppänen Antti , Markkanen Tiina , Raivonen Maarit , Niinistö Sini , Arslan Ali Nadir , Aalto Tuula
Published: December 2023

Climate change mitigation requires countries to report their annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and sinks, including those from land use, land use change, and forestry (LULUCF). In Finland, the LULUCF sector plays a crucial role in achieving net-zero GHG emissions, as the sector is expected to be a net sink. However, accurate estimates of LULUCF-related GHG emissions, such as methane (CH4), remain challenging. We estimated LULUCF-related CH4 emissions in Finland in 2013–2020 by combining national land cover and remote-sensed surface wetness data with CH4 emissions estimated by an inversion model. According to our inversion model, most of Finland’s CH4 emissions were attributed to natural sources such as open pristine peatlands. However, our research indicated that forests with thin tree cover surrounding open peatlands may also be a significant source of CH4. Unlike open pristine peatlands and pristine peatlands with thin tree cover, surrounding transient forests are included in the Finnish GHG inventory if they meet the criteria used for forest land. The current Finnish national GHG inventory may therefore underestimate CH4 emissions from forested organic soils surrounding open peatlands, although more precise methods and data are needed to verify this. Given the potential impact on net GHG emissions, CH4 emissions from transitional forests on organic soils should be further investigated. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the potential of combining atmospheric inversion modelling of GHGs with diverse data sources and highlight the need for methods to more easily combine atmospheric inversions with national GHG inventories.
A Novel Intrapulse Beamsteering SAR Imaging Mode Based on OFDM-Chirp Signals
Authors: Wang Shenjing , He Feng , Dong Zhen
Published: December 2023

The multiple-input multiple-output synthetic aperture radar (MIMO SAR) system has developed rapidly since its discovery. At the same time, the low-disturbance and high-gain requirements of the MIMO system are continuing to increase. Through the application of digital beamforming (DBF) techniques, the multidimensional waveform encoding (MWE) technique can play a key role in MIMO systems, which can greatly improve the system’s performance, especially the multi-mission capability of radar. Intrapulse beamsteering in elevation is a typical form of multi-dimensional waveform encoding which can greatly improve the transmitting efficiency and multi-mission performance of radar. However, because of the high sensitivity of the DBF technique to height, there is significant deterioration in performance in the presence of terrain undulations. The OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) technique is widely used in communication. Due to the similarity of radar and communication systems and the great waveform diversity of OFDM signals, the OFDM radar has recently begun to emerge as a new radar system, simultaneously, the orthogonality of OFDM signals is in the time and frequency domains, and is not affected by terrain undulation. So, this paper proposes a novel radar mode combining intrapulse beamsteering in elevation and OFDM-Chirp signals, that is, the combination of “beam orthogonality” and “waveform orthogonality”, which can greatly improve the performance and fault tolerance to interference signals. In this manuscript, the system working mode and signal processing flow are introduced in detail, and simulations for both point targets and distributed targets are carried out to verify the feasibility of the proposed mode. Simultaneously, a comparison experiment is carried out, which shows the high level of fault tolerance to terrain undulation and the high potential of the proposed radar mode in Earth observation.
A Recognition Model Incorporating Geometric Relationships of Ship Components
Authors: Ma Shengqin , Wang Wenzhi , Pan Zongxu , Hu Yuxin , Zhou Guangyao , Wang Qiantong
Published: December 2023

Ship recognition with optical remote sensing images is currently widely used in fishery management, ship traffic surveillance, and maritime warfare. However, it currently faces two major challenges: recognizing rotated targets and achieving fine-grained recognition. To address these challenges, this paper presents a new model called Related-YOLO. This model utilizes the mechanisms of relational attention to stress positional relationships between the components of a ship, extracting key features more accurately. Furthermore, it introduces a hierarchical clustering algorithm to implement adaptive anchor boxes. To tackle the issue of detecting multiple targets at different scales, a small target detection head is added. Additionally, the model employs deformable convolution to extract the features of targets with diverse shapes. To evaluate the performance of the proposed model, a new dataset named FGWC-18 is established, specifically designed for fine-grained warship recognition. Experimental results demonstrate the excellent performance of the model on this dataset and two other public datasets, namely FGSC-23 and FGSCR-42. In summary, our model offers a new route to solve the challenging issues of detecting rotating targets and fine-grained recognition with remote sensing images, which provides a reliable foundation for the application of remote sensing images in a wide range of fields.
Monitoring of Cotton Boll Opening Rate Based on UAV Multispectral Data
Authors: Wang Yukun , Xiao Chenyu , Wang Yao , Li Kexin , Yu Keke , Geng Jijia , Li Qiangzi , Yang Jiutao , Zhang Jie , Zhang Mingcai , Lu Huaiyu , Du Xin , Du Mingwei , Tian Xiaoli , Li Zhaohu
Published: December 2023

Defoliation and accelerating ripening are important measures for cotton mechanization, and judging the time of defoliation and accelerating the ripening and harvest of cotton relies heavily on the boll opening rate, making it a crucial factor to consider. The traditional methods of cotton opening rate determination are time-consuming, labor-intensive, destructive, and not suitable for a wide range of applications. In this study, the relationship between the change rate of the vegetation index obtained by the unmanned aerial vehicle multi-spectrum and the ground boll opening rate was established to realize rapid non-destructive testing of the boll opening rate. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI) had good prediction ability for the boll opening rate. NDVI in the training set had an R2 of 0.912 and rRMSE of 15.387%, and the validation set performance had an R2 of 0.929 and rRMSE of 13.414%. GNDVI in the training set had an R2 of 0.901 and rRMSE of 16.318%, and the validation set performance had an R2 of 0.909 and rRMSE of 15.225%. The accuracies of the models based on GNDVI and NDVI were within the acceptable range. In terms of predictive models, random forests achieve the highest accuracy in predictions. Accurately predicting the cotton boll opening rate can support decision-making for harvest and harvest aid spray timing, as well as provide technical support for crop growth monitoring and precision agriculture.
Multiple Close-Range Geomatic Techniques for the Kinematic Study of the La Paúl Rock Glacier, Southern Pyrenees
Authors: Martínez-Fernández Adrián , Serrano Enrique , de Sanjosé Blasco José Juan , Gómez-Lende Manuel , Sánchez-Fernández Manuel , Pisabarro Alfonso , Atkinson Alan
Published: December 2023

Rock glaciers are one of the most representative elements of mountain permafrost. Their study can contribute to modelling climate change and its effect on natural and anthropogenic environments. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the evolution and quantify the changes in these periglacial landforms at a global level. This study aims to present the monitoring work carried out on the Pyrenean rock glacier of La Paúl (42°39′40″N, 0°26′34″E) from 2013 to 2020, employing in situ geomatics techniques to determine the landform surface kinematics accurately. For this purpose, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), terrestrial laser scanners (TLS), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) photogrammetry techniques were used simultaneously to evaluate their compatibility in quantifying displacements. Based on 2D and 3D analyses, the results demonstrate the high surface activity of the rock glacier, with mean variations reaching 36 cm/year (GNSS) and a distribution of deformations that, although intensified on its western side, are present on the entire surface of La Paúl. This study uses state-of-the-art geomatics techniques to present dependable and updated quantitative data on a periglacial landform’s recent development in under-researched areas, such as the Pyrenean temperate high mountain.
Exploration of Data Scene Characterization and 3D ROC Evaluation for Hyperspectral Anomaly Detection
Authors: Chang Chein-I , Chen Shuhan , Zhong Shengwei , Shi Yidan
Published: December 2023

Whether or not a hyperspectral anomaly detector is effective is determined by two crucial issues, anomaly detectability and background suppressibility (BS), both of which are very closely related to two factors, the datasets used for a selected hyperspectral anomaly detector and detection measures used for its performance evaluation. This paper explores how anomaly detectability and BS play key roles in hyperspectral anomaly detection (HAD). To address these two issues, we investigate three key elements attributed to HAD. One is a selected hyperspectral anomaly detector, and another is the datasets used for experiments. The third one is the detection measures used to evaluate the effectiveness of a hyperspectral anomaly detector. As for hyperspectral anomaly detectors, twelve commonly used anomaly detectors were evaluated and compared. To address the appropriate use of datasets for HAD, seven popular and widely used datasets were studied for HAD. As for the third issue, the traditional area under a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of detection probability—PD versus false alarm probability, PF, (AUC(D,F))—was extended to 3D ROC analysis where a 3D ROC curve was developed to generate three 2D ROC curves from which eight detection measures could be derived to evaluate HAD in all round aspects, including anomaly detectability, BS and joint anomaly detectability and BS. Qualitative analysis showed that many works reported in the literature which claimed that their developed hyperspectral anomaly detectors performed better than other anomaly detectors are actually not true because they overlooked these two issues. Specifically, a comprehensive study via extensive experiments demonstrated that these 3D ROC curve-derived detection measures can be further used to address the various characterizations of different data scenes and also to provide explanations as to why certain data scenes are not suitable for HAD.
Early-Wood vs. Late-Wood in Scots Pine: Finding Stable Relationships in Elemental Distribution
Authors: Gavrikov Vladimir L. , Fertikov Alexey I. , Sharafutdinov Ruslan A. , Tang Zhonghua , Vaganov Eugene A.
Published: December 2023

This study explored whether consistent differences can be found between early-wood and late-wood in terms of elemental content of tree rings. The species to study was Pinus sylvestris L. growing within an even-aged stand planted during the early 1970s in eastern Siberia. The wood specimens were extracted from the north and south sides of trees and subsequently scanned through an X-ray fluorescent facility Itrax Multiscanner. A sequence of relatively wide tree-rings was chosen for the analysis. The scanning data on a number of elements (Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr, and Hg) were split into early-wood and late-wood data for each year of growth. The early- and late-wood data in the same ring were analyzed for basic statistics against each other as well as against available meteorological data. In the northern direction, the elements Al, Si, P, Cl, Cu, and Zn are always more abundant in the late-wood, while Ca, Fe, and Sr are always more abundant in the early-wood. What is important is how the differences for P, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Sr were always significant. The calcium content in the early-wood was the most consistently reflective regarding the meteorological data for the early summer (June). In some trees, the late-wood K content was well correlated with the Vysotskii–Ivanov climatic index. In the southern direction, Cu and Zn were always more abundant in the late-wood, while Sr was more abundant in the early-wood. The differences for all three elements were always significant. The cases of consistent relationships, though rare, help to develop a research program in the area of dendrochemistry.
How Green Finance Affects Green Total Factor Productivity—Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Min , Li Chengrong , Zhang Jinshan , Chen Hongwei
Published: December 2023

Green finance is currently a key driver of China’s economic green transformation, but its impact on green total factor productivity (GTFP) mechanisms still needs further examination. Based on clarifying the theoretical mechanism of the impact of green finance on GTFP, this study uses the SBM model, which includes unexpected output, to calculate the GTFP of 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2020. It further breaks down GTFP into green technical efficiency change (EC) and green technical change (TC) and explores in detail the internal mechanism of the impact of green finance on GTFP, as well as its channels of action from the perspectives of technology transaction activity and financial development. The study finds that green finance can significantly improve GTFP, and its impact mechanism is mainly achieved through the promotion of green technical change. Stimulating the activity of the technology transaction market and improving the level of financial development are powerful channels for green finance to improve GTFP. The study also shows that the impact of green finance is relatively robust when dividing the 30 provinces of China into coastal, inland, eastern, central, and western regions. Due to the lack of financial development and abundant natural resources, the impact of green finance is not significant in the western region. These conclusions not only provide new research perspectives and supplementary empirical evidence for understanding the impact of green finance on GTFP, but also provide useful references for further improving relevant policies and promoting China’s economic development and transformation.
How Do Supply Chain Integration and Product Innovation Capability Drive Sustainable Operational Performance?
Authors: Arshad Ali Asif , Mahmood Asif
Published: December 2023

This study analyzes the influence of supply chain integration dimensions (internal integration and external integration) on the product innovation capability (market knowledge and product development) and operational performance of manufacturing firms, considering product innovation capability as a mediator. A purposive sampling method was used, and data were collected through a survey completed by 129 medium and large manufacturers in Pakistan and analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique. The results show internal and customer integrations are not directly related to operational performance. Furthermore, supplier integration was positively related to both product innovation capability and operational performance. Likewise, the link between product innovation capability and operational performance is positive. The study uniquely evaluates that product innovation capability positively mediates the impacts of internal and external integration on operational performance. The outcomes of this study will help managers of manufacturing firms boost their firms’ product innovation capability and operational performance by focusing on supply chain integration. Moreover, to achieve sustainability in the supply chain, practitioners are provided with directions on operationalizing supply chain integration. The study uniquely identifies the mediation effects of product innovation capability (market knowledge and product development) between internal and external integration and operational performance.
Surface Modification of Recycled Polyester Fiber and Performance Evaluation of Its Asphalt Mastic and Mixture
Authors: Xia Lei , Cao Dongwei , Zhang Hongliang , Zhang Mingming , Shan Lingyan , Zhang Haiyan , Wang Taiwei
Published: December 2023

The use of recycled polyester fiber (Re-PET) partially addresses the scarcity of non-renewable polyester (PET), but its thermal resistance in asphalt mixtures is relatively low. To enhance the reutilization and thermal resistance of Re-PET, it was modified through in situ growth grafting with tetrahedral nanoSiO2. A novel nanoSiO2 hybrid material (SiO2/Re-PET) was successfully prepared, and the effects of the surface modification on the morphology and thermal resistance of the Re-PET were investigated with the examination of its mechanism of modification. The results demonstrated an increase in the surface roughness and specific surface area of SiO2/Re-PET, as well as a higher melting point and structural stability compared to Re-PET. Subsequently, Re-PET and SiO2/Re-PET asphalt mastics under a filler–asphalt ratio of 1.0 were prepared, and their classical and rheological properties were investigated and compared. The results indicated an increase in the softening point and shear strength of SiO2/Re-PET asphalt mastic, as well as a significant improvement in its high-temperature performance. Furthermore, subsequent pavement performance tests revealed a significant improvement in the performance of SiO2/Re-PET asphalt mixtures compared to Re-PET asphalt mixtures. Consequently, the findings of this research promote the recycling of Re-PET, ultimately advocating for the sustainability of pavement construction.