bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide SNP and Indel Discovery in Abaca (Musa textilis Née) and among Other Musa spp. for Abaca Genetic Resources Management
Authors: Barbosa Cris Francis C. , Asunto Jayson C. , Koh Rhosener Bhea L. , Santos Daisy May C. , Zhang Dapeng , Cao Ernelea P. , Galvez Leny C.
Published: July 2023

Abaca (Musa textilis Née) is an economically important fiber crop in the Philippines. Its economic potential, however, is hampered by biotic and abiotic stresses, which are exacerbated by insufficient genomic resources for varietal identification vital for crop improvement. To address these gaps, this study aimed to discover genome-wide polymorphisms among abaca cultivars and other Musa species and analyze their potential as genetic marker resources. This was achieved through whole-genome Illumina resequencing of abaca cultivars and variant calling using BCFtools, followed by genetic diversity and phylogenetic analyses. A total of 20,590,381 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and DNA insertions/deletions (InDels) were mined across 16 abaca cultivars. Filtering based on linkage disequilibrium (LD) yielded 130,768 SNPs and 13,620 InDels, accounting for 0.396 ± 0.106 and 0.431 ± 0.111 of gene diversity across these cultivars. LD-pruned polymorphisms across abaca, M. troglodytarum, M. acuminata and M. balbisiana enabled genetic differentiation within abaca and across the four Musa spp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the registered varieties Abuab and Inosa to accumulate a significant number of mutations, eliciting further studies linking mutations to their advantageous phenotypes. Overall, this study pioneered in producing marker resources in abaca based on genome-wide polymorphisms vital for varietal authentication and comparative genotyping with the more studied Musa spp.
The Role of the Piezo1 Mechanosensitive Channel in Heart Failure
Authors: Yuan Weihua , Zhang Xicheng , Fan Xiangming
Published: July 2023

Mechanotransduction (MT) is inseparable from the pathobiology of heart failure (HF). However, the effects of mechanical forces on HF remain unclear. This review briefly describes how Piezo1 functions in HF-affected cells, including endothelial cells (ECs), cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), cardiomyocytes (CMs), and immune cells. Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive ion channel that has been extensively studied in recent years. Piezo1 responds to different mechanical forces and converts them into intracellular signals. The pathways that modulate the Piezo1 switch have also been briefly described. Experimental drugs that specifically activate Piezo1-like proteins, such as Yoda1, Jedi1, and Jedi2, are available for clinical studies to treat Piezo1-related diseases. The only mechanosensitive ion-channel-specific inhibitor available is GsMTx4, which can turn off Piezo1 by modulating the local membrane tension. Ultrasound waves can modulate Piezo1 switching in vitro with the assistance of microbubbles. This review provides new possible targets for heart failure therapy by exploring the cellular functions of Piezo1 that are involved in the progression of the disease. Modulation of Piezo1 activity may, therefore, effectively delay the progression of heart failure.
Free Tissue Transfer in Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Multidisciplinary 15-Year Experience
Authors: Papanikolaou Athanasios , Guarino Laetitia , Giger Roland , Schaller Benoît , Constantinescu Mihai , Olariu Radu , Lese Ioana
Published: July 2023

Background: Free tissue transfer is considered the gold standard in reconstruction of extensive defects in head and neck surgery. The aim of this 15-year retrospective study is to analyze the outcomes of free tissue transfers in the head and neck area in a tertiary referral university hospital. Materials and methods: A retrospective, single-center study of all patients undergoing free tissue transfers for head and neck reconstruction between 2006 and 2020 was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, flap characteristics, outcomes and complications were assessed. Results: A total of 353 free flaps were performed. The most common defect etiology was synchronous oncologic resection (74.2%). The majority of patients had at least one comorbidity (70.3%), with smoking recorded in 46.2% of the cases and alcohol consumption in 31.7%. The anterolateral thigh flap was the most commonly used flap (37.7%), followed by the osteoseptocutaneous fibula flap (26.9%). Our overall flap success rate was 97.7%, while the overall complication rate was 45.9%. Conclusions: Free tissue transfer in head and neck reconstruction is reliable. However, complication rates remain high due to the complexity of such cases and frequent presence of comorbidities. Nonetheless, when effectively managed within a multidisciplinary team, complications rarely jeopardize the overall reconstruction outcome.
Metal–Organic Frameworks-Based Membranes with Special Wettability for Oil–Water Separation: A Review
Authors: Liu Teng , Tang Qijin , Lu Tong , Zhu Can , Li Shudi , Zhou Cailong , Yang Hao
Published: July 2023

The presence of oily wastewater poses a significant threat to both the ecological environment and public health. In order to solve this problem, the design and preparation of an efficient oil–water separation membrane is very important. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are currently a promising material for oil–water separation due to their tunable wettability, adjustable pore size and also low density, high porosity, and high surface area. Therefore, MOFs-based membranes show great potential in the field of oil–water separation. In this paper, we first introduce the oil–water separation mechanism and then comprehensively summarize the common preparation methods of MOFs-based oil–water separation membranes and the research progress of different MOFs-based membranes, including the ZIF series, UiO series, MIL series, etc. Finally, we also analyze the challenges faced by MOFs-based membranes in oil–water separation and provide an outlook on their future development and application.
Influence of Surface Nanocrystallization on Two-Step Pack-Boronizing of AISI 5120 Steel
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Tian Na , Liu Baojian , Yuan Zhanwei , Zhao Runze , Ge Liling
Published: July 2023

AISI 5120 steel, which underwent 30 min single-surface nanocrystallization via supersonic fine particle bombarding (SFPB), was pre-boronized at 600 °C for 2 h, and then final-boronized at 800 °C or 900 °C for 2–6 h, i.e., two-step pack-boronizing. The specimens’ microstructure and mechanical characteristics before and after two-step boronizing were examined in detail. The results showed that the hardness of the SFPB surface reached 570 HV, which was 2.73 times higher than its original hardness (209 HV). The nanocrystallized surface exhibited the increased thickness and hardness of the boride layer, in comparison to that of the un-SFPB surface. Two-step pack-boronizing further improved the thickness and hardness of the SFPB surface of AISI 5120 steel. When final-boronizing at 900 °C for 6 h, the thickness and hardness of the boronizing layer in the SFPB surface was 88 µm and 2196 HV, respectively, which was 10.5 times higher than the original hardness. Additionally, the CeO2 added in the boronizing agent was helpful in obtaining the boride layer with the ductile-serrated Fe2B phase rather than the brittle phase of FeB in the boride layer, which was expected for industrial applications.
The Self-Catalyzed Growth of GaAsSb Nanowires on a Si (111) Substrate Using Molecular-Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Li Kexue , Zhang Jian , Tang Jilong , Kang Yubin , Lin Fengyuan , Hou Xiaobing , Wei Zhipeng , Hao Qun
Published: July 2023

GaAsSb semiconductor material, a ternary alloy, has long been recognized as a crucial semiconductor in the near infrared range due to its ability to finely adjust the wavelength through controlling the Sb component. In this work, we report on the pattern of orientation variation in self-catalyzed grown GaAsSb nanowires (NWs). Utilizing solid-source molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE), self-catalyzed GaAs and GaAsSb nanowires (NWs) were grown on Si (111) substrates. The influence of various Sb components on the growth direction of the nanowires in the ternary GaAsSb alloy was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The inclusion of Sb components was discovered to alter the growth direction of the nanowires, transitioning them from a vertical and inclined orientation to a configuration that encompassed vertical, inclined, and parallel orientations with respect to the Si (111) substrate. As the Sb component in GaAsSb increased, there was an increased likelihood of the nanowires growing parallel to the surface of the Si (111) substrate. A combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy validated the presence of Sb components and indicated a high crystalline quality. Additionally, XRD confirmed that the Sb components aligned with the intended structure. These findings establish a solid material foundation for the development of high-performance GaAsSb-based devices.
Effect of Machine Pin-Manufacturing Process Parameters by Plasma Nitriding on Microstructure and Hardness of Working Surfaces
Authors: Dudziński Włodzimierz , Medyński Daniel , Sacher Paweł
Published: July 2023

This work concerns two stages of research into plasma nitriding (change of nitriding steel and modification of nitriding parameters). In the first stage, pins obtained from currently used steel were compared with pins made of an alternative material available on the market, using the same nitriding process parameters. As a result of the metallographic tests carried out, in the first case, the presence of a thin, porous, and heterogeneous nitrided layer or its absence was found, with the core in its raw state and not thermally improved. In the second case, the presence of a nitrided layer of small thickness with noticeable porosity on the surface of the sample was found, but with a core after heat treatment (incorrect process parameters). Therefore, modification of the parameters of the nitriding process was proposed, in terms of a mixture of gases, currents, time, and temperature of the nitriding process. As a result, a satisfactory effective thickness of the nitrided layer was obtained, consisting of a white near-surface zone with ε and ε + γ′-type nitrides with a thickness of 8.7 to 10.2 µm, and a dark zone of internal nitriding with γ′ nitrides. The nitrides layer was continuous, compact, and well adhered to the steel surface. In the core of the samples, the presence of a fine-needle tempering sorbite structure with a small amount of fine bainite, which is correct for the steel after heat treatment and nitriding, was found. The most favorable parameters of the ion nitriding process were gas flow rate (1.5 L/min N; 0.4 L/min H; 0.3 L/min Ar); currents (BIAS—410 V 4.0 A, SCREEN—320 V 4.0 A); time (26 h and 35 min); and temperature (550 °C).
Eliminating Ambiguities in Electrical Measurements of Advanced Liquid Crystal Materials
Authors: Kovalchuk Oleksandr V. , Kovalchuk Tetiana M. , Garbovskiy Yuriy
Published: July 2023

Existing and future display and non-display applications of thermotropic liquid crystals rely on the development of new mesogenic materials. Electrical measurements of such materials determine their suitability for a specific application. In the case of molecular liquid crystals, their direct current (DC) electrical conductivity is caused by inorganic and/or organic ions typically present in small quantities even in highly purified materials. Important information about ions in liquid crystals can be obtained by measuring their DC electrical conductivity. Available experimental reports indicate that evaluation of the DC electrical conductivity of liquid crystals is a very non-trivial task as there are many ambiguities. In this paper, we discuss how to eliminate ambiguities in electrical measurements of liquid crystals by considering interactions between ions and substrates of a liquid crystal cell. In addition, we analyze factors affecting a proper evaluation of DC electrical conductivity of advanced multifunctional materials composed of liquid crystals and nanoparticles.
Exploration of a Strengths-Based Rehabilitation Perspective with Adults Living with Multiple Sclerosis or Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Turcotte Samuel , Vallée Catherine , Vincent Claude
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Rehabilitation practices that adopt a strengths-based perspective are known as transdisciplinary evidence-based practices. However, little is known about whether and how such a perspective is experienced by people living with a neurological condition during their rehabilitation. Objective: To explore how core components of a strengths-based rehabilitation perspective (i.e., hope, self-determination, and mobilization of personal strengths) are envisioned and experienced in outpatient-based rehabilitation by adults living with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. Methods: A descriptive exploratory study with mixed data collection was conducted with adults living with spinal cord injury (n = 9) or multiple sclerosis (n = 11). Participants completed two semi-structured interviews and the Recovery Promoting Relationship Scale (RPRS). The qualitative analysis relied on a hybrid inductive and deductive approach. Results: Four themes depict a strengths-based rehabilitation perspective: (1) The mobilization of personal strengths (e.g., what a strengths-based perspective could offer); (2) hope (e.g., what hinders hope in rehabilitation); (3) accessing information for decision-making (e.g., navigating the system); and (4) exercising self-determination (e.g., influencing the length or intensity of rehabilitation services). Conclusions: Hope, self-determination, and the mobilization of personal strengths are of the utmost importance throughout the rehabilitation of adults living with multiple sclerosis and or spinal cord injury. This paper raises awareness about elements specific to the contexts in which services are offered or to the therapeutic relationships influencing how these three strength-based constructs are envisioned and experienced in rehabilitation.
FedDroidMeter: A Privacy Risk Evaluator for FL-Based Android Malware Classification Systems
Authors: Jiang Changnan , Xia Chunhe , Liu Zhuodong , Wang Tianbo
Published: July 2023

In traditional centralized Android malware classifiers based on machine learning, the training sample uploaded by users contains sensitive personal information, such as app usage and device security status, which will undermine personal privacy if used directly by the server. Federated-learning-based Android malware classifiers have attracted much attention due to their privacy-preserving and multi-party joint modeling. However, research shows that indirect privacy inferences from curious central servers threaten this framework. We propose a privacy risk evaluation framework, FedDroidMeter, based on normalized mutual information in response to user privacy requirements to measure the privacy risk in FL-based malware classifiers. It captures the essential cause of the disclosure of sensitive information in classifiers, independent of the attack model and capability. We performed numerical assessments using the Androzoo dataset, the baseline FL-based classifiers, the privacy-inferred attack model, and the baseline methodology of privacy evaluation. The experimental results show that FedDroidMeter can measure the privacy risks of the classifiers more effectively. Meanwhile, by comparing different models, FL, and privacy parameter settings, we proved that FedDroidMeter could compare the privacy risk between different use cases equally. Finally, we preliminarily study the law of privacy risk in classifiers. The experimental results emphasize the importance of providing a systematic privacy risk evaluation framework for FL-based malware classifiers and provide experience and a theoretical basis for studying targeted defense methods.
BAR: Blockwise Adaptive Recoding for Batched Network Coding
Authors: Yin Hoover H. F. , Yang Shenghao , Zhou Qiaoqiao , Yung Lily M. L. , Ng Ka Hei
Published: July 2023

Multi-hop networks have become popular network topologies in various emerging Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Batched network coding (BNC) is a solution to reliable communications in such networks with packet loss. By grouping packets into small batches and restricting recoding to the packets belonging to the same batch; BNC has much smaller computational and storage requirements at intermediate nodes compared with direct application of random linear network coding. In this paper, we discuss a practical recoding scheme called blockwise adaptive recoding (BAR) which learns the latest channel knowledge from short observations so that BAR can adapt to fluctuations in channel conditions. Due to the low computational power of remote IoT devices, we focus on investigating practical concerns such as how to implement efficient BAR algorithms. We also design and investigate feedback schemes for BAR under imperfect feedback systems. Our numerical evaluations show that BAR has significant throughput gain for small batch sizes compared with existing baseline recoding schemes. More importantly, this gain is insensitive to inaccurate channel knowledge. This encouraging result suggests that BAR is suitable to be used in practice as the exact channel model and its parameters could be unknown and subject to changes from time to time.
Degradation of Oil and Petroleum Products in Water by Bioorganic Compositions Based on Humic Acids
Authors: Gertsen Maria M. , Perelomov Leonid V. , Arlyapov Viacheslav A. , Atroshchenko Yurii M. , Meshalkin Valery P. , Chistyakova Tamara B. , Reverberi Andrea Pietro
Published: July 2023

The use of nature-like technologies, leading to acceleration of the processes of natural destruction of pollutants, is one of the promising directions for oil and petroleum product degradation in the environment. The joint use of oil-degrading bacteria and natural polymers with the properties of surfactants and humic acids (HAs) in bioorganic compositions is effective. In this study, humic acids from reed peat, which have a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 0.6 g/L, were used as an organic component. Oil-degrading bacteria of the genera Rhodococcus and Pseudomonas, which have an increased biodegrading ability in relation to crude oil and waste engine oil, were used as a bacterial component. Mono- and polybacterial bioorganic compositions based on these components are proposed. The emulsification index is maximum (94% ± 2%) using a bioorganic composition based on the association of strains of three bacteria. Analysis of films of model petroleum products in vitro showed a high degree of their destruction after 7 days using monobacterial bioorganic compositions (up to 80%) and after 2 days using a bioorganic composition based on 3 strains (almost 90%). A high ability to stabilize emulsions of humic acids and develop bioorganic compositions has been established, which indicates a significant potential for their use for cleaning the environment from oil pollution. The use of a combination of humic acids and oil-degrading bacteria (all strains) makes it possible to achieve the maximum stabilizing effect of emulsions: the transmission coefficients of emulsions are 37–75% lower relative to control (oil-polluted water) and 50% lower in relation to humic acids.
Performance Analysis and Comparison of an Experimental Hybrid PV, PVT and Solar Thermal System Installed in a Preschool in Bucharest, Romania
Authors: Barbu Madalina , Siroux Monica , Darie George
Published: July 2023

The demand for on-site production of energy is showing a rapid increase as the trend of decentralisation and energy self-reliance gains momentum. This paper studies and compares three of the main solar energy technologies: photovoltaic, solar thermal panels and hybrid photovoltaic thermal panels. A prototype experimental installation consisting of the aforementioned technologies was set up on the campus of University Politehnica Bucharest. Data were collected over several months, then the instantaneous power production and overall system performance was computed. The system was analysed in four types of weather patterns, and its suitability was assessed in each case. The results show that the performance of PVT panels is closely connected to the dissipation of the thermal energy collected in the thermal storage tank. In addition, PVT collectors can outperform the PV panels in accordance to the thermal energy demand of the end user when used in an installation with suitable dimensions.
Testing Hypotheses for Geological Controls on Hydraulic-Fracturing-Induced Seismicity in the Montney Formation, Canada
Authors: Wozniakowska Paulina , Eaton David W.
Published: July 2023

Hydraulic fracturing (HF) can trigger induced seismicity, but documented occurrences tend to be localized compared with the regional extent of industry operations. Factors that determine intrinsic geological susceptibility of a given region to induced seismicity remain incompletely understood. To address this uncertainty, we have developed a stochastic modeling approach to enable statistical testing of hypotheses regarding the distribution of induced seismicity. For reference, we adopted a null hypothesis that HF-induced seismic events are randomly associated with HF wells. Realizations of synthetic induced-seismicity catalogs are generated based on the Gutenberg–Richter relationship for magnitudes and explicit assumed spatial relationship(s) between HF wells and other known features, such as mapped structural corridors. Uncertainties in observed event locations and magnitudes are also considered. Based on 1000 independent realizations for each test scenario, normalized correlation coefficients, Bayesian information criteria and other statistical measures are used to quantify the similarity of synthetic catalogs to the observed seismicity distribution. We applied this approach to induced seismicity associated with HF operations within the Montney Formation, in western Canada. Three hypotheses were tested, each showing a statistically significant improvement over the null hypothesis. A previous machine-learning-based model for Seismogenic Activation Potential (SAP) showed the highest correlation between observed and synthetically generated seismicity catalogs. Our method has been developed using cloud-based computing and is easily adapted to other regions and data types.
A Review on Modular Converter Topologies Based on WBG Semiconductor Devices in Wind Energy Conversion Systems
Authors: Athwer Abdulkarim , Darwish Ahmed
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive review on the employment of wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor power devices in wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). Silicon-carbide- (SiC) and gallium-nitride (GaN)-based power devices are highlighted and studied in this review, focusing on their application in the wind energy system. This is due to their premium characteristics such as the operation at high switching frequency, which can reduce the switching losses, and the capability to operate at high temperatures compared with silicon (Si)-based devices. These advantages promote the replacement of the conventional Si-based devices with the WBG semiconductor devices in the new modular converter topologies due to the persistent demand for a more-efficient power converter topology with lower losses and smaller sizes. The main objective of this paper was to provide a comprehensive overview of the WBG power devices commercially available on the market and employed in the modular converter topologies for renewable energy systems. The paper also provides a comparison between the WBG power technologies and the traditional ones based on the Si devices. The paper starts from the conventional modular power converter topology circuits, and then, it discusses the opportunities for integrating the SiC and WBG devices in the modular power converters to improve and enhance the system’s performance.
Decoupled Speed and Flux Control of a Three-Phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor under an Open-Circuit Fault Using a PR Current Controller
Authors: Ghanayem Haneen , Alathamneh Mohammad , Nelms R. M.
Published: July 2023

Presented in this article is a method for decoupling the speed and flux control of a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) during an open-circuit fault (OCF) using a current controller based on proportional resonant (PR) control techniques. The suggested control approach is relatively simple to implement and maintains good motor operation during the open circuit. PMSM performance under pre-fault, OCF, and post-fault conditions were investigated using Matlab/Simulink and an experimental setup based on a dSPACE DS1104. The conducted investigations provide strong evidence supporting the efficacy and resilience of the suggested control approach during OCF conditions.
Planning and Evaluation of Nuclear-Renewable Hybrid Energy Penetration for Marine and Waterfront Applications
Authors: Gabbar Hossam A. , Esteves Otavio Lopes Alves
Published: July 2023

The global trade and transportation sectors heavily rely on the maritime industry. Still, its dependence on fossil energy sources poses significant environmental challenges and leads to unstable fuel prices that affect the cost of goods transported by sea. This paper aims to evaluate the viability of seaports as energy-intensive entities and explore the feasibility of implementing a Nuclear-Renewable Hybrid Energy System (NRHES). The study presents a case study of the Tanjung Priok Port in Indonesia, focusing on estimating energy consumption, emissions, and the potential impact of carbon taxation on seaport operations. By quantifying these factors, the research provides insights into the energy requirements, environmental effects, and potential costs associated with seaport carbon taxation. A comprehensive analysis of the technical and economic feasibility of implementing an NRHES in the seaport case study is conducted, determining the optimal sizing and composition of components, considering the proportion of nuclear and renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the economic analysis takes into account energy expenses, net present value, cash flow, return on investment, and internal rate of return. The objective of these findings is to provide decision-makers with insights into the advantages and obstacles associated with implementing an NRHES, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the maritime sector.
An Updated Review of Solar Cooling Systems Driven by Photovoltaic–Thermal Collectors
Authors: Jiao Cong , Li Zeyu
Published: July 2023

Solar cooling systems are widely used in the building sector, as they can utilize low-grade solar energy to reduce carbon emissions. To improve the thermodynamic performance and economic performance of solar cooling systems, solar cooling systems driven by photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) collectors have been widely studied. This paper reviews the recent research on the technological improvement of PVT collectors, the development of thermally driven cooling cycles, and the performance of solar cooling systems driven by PVT collectors. Innovative heat sink structures and the utilization of a high-thermal-conductivity coolant are employed to increase the solar-energy-conversion efficiency of PVT collectors. The use of thermal and mechanical two-stage compression and cascade cooling expands the lower temperature limit of the heat source required for the solar cooling cycle. In addition, specific examples of solar cooling systems driven by PVT collectors are reviewed to explore their thermodynamic and economic performance. Finally, the technical developments in and prospects of different types of PVT collectors and solar cooling systems are explored in an attempt to provide some insight to researchers. This study shows that the PVT collector’s electrical and thermal efficiencies can be improved by 0.85–11% and 1.9–22.02%, compared to those of conventional PV systems and PVT systems based on water cooling, respectively. Furthermore, the lower limit of the heat source temperature for the new thermally driven cooling system expands by 4–20 °C. Finally, the performances of solar cooling systems driven by PVT collectors show a minimum payback period of 8.45–9.3 years, which proves favorable economic feasibility.
Fuel Use Reduction and Economic Savings from Optimization of Road Transportation of Coniferous Roundwood
Authors: Stanula Zygmunt , Wieruszewski Marek , Mydlarz Katarzyna , Adamowicz Krzysztof
Published: July 2023

One of the 10 priorities of the Green New Deal is sustainable transportation. It should be considered in the perspective of long-term ecological and economic sustainability, according to the trend of opportunities for sustainable development. The economic and environmental aspects of transportation related to the harvesting and movement of timber play a special role in the energy cost and their environmental impact per distance of raw material supply. The principles of rational and energy-efficient use of transportation equipment play a key role in the movement of raw timber. These are influenced by the availability of timber resources, limitation of vehicle payloads, reduction of energy consumption expressed in terms of reduction of fuel combustion, or current legal and road regulations for timber transportation. The paper evaluates economic and environmental factors in relation to the demand for fuels necessary for the implementation of road transportation of softwood timber. The aim of this paper was to present the current situation of the use of transportation means in the movement of bulky timber, as well as opportunities to optimize fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, affecting the economic and environmental effects. Previous studies on fuel consumption in the transportation of roundwood indicate irrational use of vehicles. This indicates unused payload capacity increasing energy inputs expressed in fuel consumption. It has been empirically investigated that this is the result of improperly approved transport sets adapted to the material being transported. In addition, it was shown that there is a clear correlation between the vehicle payload utilization rate and economic and environmental factors. The results of this study point to the potential to increase the use of transportation vehicles for timber transportation and reduce fuel combustion and CO2 emissions by 7–20%.
Integrated Transmission Network Planning by Considering Wind Power’s Uncertainty and Disasters
Authors: Shi Yishan , Guo Ruipeng , Tang Yuchen , Lin Yi , Yang Zhanxin
Published: July 2023

The penetration of wind turbines and other power sources with strong uncertainty into the grid has increased in recent years. It has brought significant technical challenges to power systems’ operation. The volatility and intermittency of wind power increase the risk of insufficient transmission capacity of the lines. Therefore, the traditional deterministic planning methods for transmission grids are no longer fully applicable. On the other hand, the frequent disasters in recent years have posed a great threat to the power system, especially for the transmission grid. This requires the design of transmission lines with high design standards, such as skeleton networks, to withstand disasters. With the aim to address these problems, a bi-level integrated network planning model for the transmission grid is developed by considering wind power’s uncertainty and load guarantee under disasters. Chance constraints are used in the model to characterize wind power’s uncertainty, and a skeleton network is adopted to cope with disasters. Moreover, based on a convex relaxation method, the chance constraints are converted into the probabilistic inequalities to be solved. The proposed method is simulated in the IEEE 118 bus system, and the obtained network planning scheme is further analyzed in the scenario tests. And the result of the tests proves the validity and reasonableness of the proposed method.
Finite Time Disturbance Observer Based on Air Conditioning System Control Scheme
Authors: Rsetam Kamal , Al-Rawi Mohammad , Al-Jumaily Ahmed M. , Cao Zhenwei
Published: July 2023

A novel robust finite time disturbance observer (RFTDO) based on an independent output-finite time composite control (FTCC) scheme is proposed for an air conditioning-system temperature and humidity regulation. The variable air volume (VAV) of the system is represented by two first-order mathematical models for the temperature and humidity dynamics. In the temperature loop dynamics, a RFTDO temperature (RFTDO-T) and an FTCC temperature (FTCC-T) are designed to estimate and reject the lumped disturbances of the temperature subsystem. In the humidity loop, a robust output of the FTCC humidity (FTCC-H) and RFTDO humidity (RFTDO-H) are also designed to estimate and reject the lumped disturbances of the humidity subsystem. Based on Lyapunov theory, the stability proof of the two closed-loop controllers and observers is presented. Comparative simulations are carried out to confirm that the proposed controller outperforms conventional methods and offers greater accuracy of temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration, having superior regulation performance in terms of a rapid finite time convergence, an outstanding disturbance rejection property, and better energy consumption. In addition to presenting the comparative simulation results from the control applications on the VAV system, the quantitative values are provided to further confirm the superiority of the proposed controller. In particular, the proposed method exhibits the shortest settling time of, respectively, 15 and 40 min to reach the expected temperature and humidity, whereas other comparative controllers require a longer time to settle down.
Which Information Feedback Approach Is Beneficial to Improve the Supply of Quasi-Public Forestry Infrastructure? An Experimental Economics Approach
Authors: Zhang Liying , Wu Chengliang , Hao Yan
Published: July 2023

Forestry infrastructure plays a critical role in promoting tree growth to achieve carbon-neutral targets. However, as a quasi-public good, it faces challenges because of its non-excludability, meaning that everyone can use it whether they pay for it or not, which results in a phenomenon known as ‘free-riding’ and poor supply. In China, the government can regulate the supply behaviour by adjusting information feedback approaches, such as disclosing the supply value and revenue. This study examined three information feedback approaches: full feedback (disclosing supply and revenue), half feedback (disclosing only supply), and no feedback (no disclosure). It then combined these three information feedback methods with other three groups of variables, namely whether there was a reward or punishment mechanism, whether the return rate of forestry infrastructure was certain, and whether the foresters could communicate with each other, and 20 policy scenarios were designed. Using experimental economics, foresters’ supply behaviours in these policy scenarios were simulated. The results revealed that: (1) The scenario yielded the highest supply, which is with half feedback, certain return rate of forestry infrastructure, with a reward or punishment mechanism, and no communication. (2) When there is no reward or punishment mechanism, no communication, and the return rate of forestry infrastructure is certain, no feedback increases the supply. In the presence of rewards and punishments, half feedback leads to the highest supply. If there are no rewards or punishments but with a certain return rate and communication, full feedback results in the highest supply. (3) Implementing a reward or punishment mechanism and information feedback simultaneously increases the supply more effectively. The theoretical analysis and policy recommendations of this study aim to improve the supply status of forestry infrastructure.
The Influence of Logging Equipment on the Content, Stock and Stratification Coefficient of Elements of the Mineral Nutrition of Plants in the Soils of the Taiga Zone of Karelia
Authors: Medvedeva Maria Vladimirovna , Ananyev Vladimir
Published: July 2023

This study was carried out in the territories of Northern Europe, in the middle taiga subzone of Karelia. The paper presents the results of a study of an experiment on logging to study the impact of controlled logging using supervised logging with controlling cutting (SLCC) and conventional logging (CL) on the properties of soils (horizons O, E and BF) in a spruce forest 15 years after logging. Virgin forest (VF) was used as a control. The volume weight of soils, the contents of carbon, nitrogen and potassium in different soil layers (layers O, E and BF), as well as reserves of C, N and K and their stratification coefficients SRs (SR1 [O:E], SR2 [O:BF] and SR3 [E:BF]) were studied. The results showed a tendency to increase the volume weight of soils of anthropogenically disturbed (CL and SLCC) areas can be measured. The obtained data demonstrated that there was no sharp change in the contents or stocks of the studied elements between the anthropogenically disturbed (CL and SLCC) and undisturbed areas (VF). The largest reserves of carbon, nitrogen and potassium were noted in the upper horizons of the soils of all sites, averaging 35.6, 1.27 and 0.073 t/ha, respectively. In the lower horizons of the studied soils, the values were lower. The values of the stratification coefficients in the studied soils were arranged in decreasing order as SR2 > SR1 > SR3. At the same time, the general trend of unidirectional changes in the SR values for carbon and potassium in soils was noted; the data for nitrogen were somewhat different. The results showed a marked decrease in SOC concentration with an increase in soil depth. Higher rates of cellulose decomposition were observed in anthropogenically disturbed areas (CL—69.0 ± 3.6%; SLCC—57.4 ± 3.5%) compared with virgin forest (VF) (53.7 ± 3.1%), which is consistent with the results of other studies in the taiga zone. The data obtained indicate the importance of a more accurate assessment of the contents and stocks of elements, as well as the need to use tests for soil biological activity.
Soil Quality Evaluation and Driving Factor Analysis of Hippophae rhamnoides Plantations in Coal Mine Reclamation Areas Based on Different Restoration Durations
Authors: Ren Qianwen , Liu Guangquan , Liu Changhai , Qiang Fangfang , Ai Ning
Published: July 2023

The driving factors affecting soil quality were identified to evaluate the effect of vegetation on soil quality in coal mine reclamation areas with various restoration durations. This study used Hippophae rhamnoides subsp.sinensis Rousi with different reclamation durations (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 years) in the abandoned land area of the Juxinlong coal mine in Ordos as the research subject. Artificial and abandoned grasslands were selected as the study’s controls. A soil quality evaluation model was constructed to assess the soil quality in the reclamation area. A structural equation model was used to thoroughly analyze the driving factors affecting soil quality in the study area. The findings show that: (1) Reclamation duration significantly affected the physicochemical characteristics of the soil. As the reclamation duration increased, soil nutrients such as organic carbon accumulated while the bulk density index (BD) decreased. (2) The soil quality index of Hippophae rhamnoides forest land in China was the highest after 6 years of reclamation. The Hippophae rhamnoides forest land with the lowest soil quality index after 4 years of reclamation differed significantly from that after 6 years (p < 0.05). The soil quality index (SQI) of 6a (years) significantly increased by 67.44% compared to 4a. (3) By constructing a structural equation model, it was found that physical indicators (saturated water content and silt) and reclamation durations were the main drivers of soil quality. SQI had a strong interaction with organic matter (OM) and different restoration durations. The findings of this study will serve as important guidelines for future quantitative evaluation of soil quality following land reclamation and management during the ecological restoration process.
Moso Bamboo–Polygonatum cyrtonema Agroforestry Systems: Evaluation of Soil Quality and Polygonatum Yield
Authors: Xu Hui , Wang Fei , Hu Zixian , Du Zitao , Cheng Leiru , Xu Xiaoniu
Published: July 2023

Agroforestry has great potential for improving the ecological environment and raising the ecosystem productivity. This study is aim to evaluate the soil quality of bamboo forest and identify the main site factor that influencing the yield of Polygonatum tubers following the agroforestry practices. Four intercropping modes with different culm densities were conducted in Anhui, East China. The minimum data set method (MDS) was applied to evaluate soil quality index (SQI). Based on principal component analysis (PCA), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), available potassium (AK), altitude, and pH were selected as the MDS. The results showed that intercropping significantly increased SQI compared with moso bamboo monoculture. The mode M1(1750 culms/ha) was significantly better than other modes in improving soil fertility and increasing the yield of Polygonatum tubers. Results from random forest and structural equation model (SEM) showed the direct path coefficient of density on Polygonatum tubers yield was the largest, which was −0.83. Altitude, soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) had a small impact, with direct path coefficient of 0.16, 0.10, and 0.15 (p < 0.05), respectively. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for managing the moso bamboo and P. cyrtonema agroforestry system in a more effective manner.
Estimating a Regional Economic Conservation Benefit of Using Domestic Hardwoods vs. Apitong for Trailer Decking: A Case Study on US Army Use
Authors: Pokharel Mandira , Germain René H. , Wagner John E. , Smith William B.
Published: July 2023

United States Army trucks and trailers use an estimated one million board feet (2381 cubic meters) of a critically endangered tropical hardwood, apitong (Dipterocarpus spp.), from southeast Asian rainforests, for wood decking annually. However, their purchasing specifications require the use of domestic hardwoods for decking, floorboards, and platforms. Several US hardwood species, including northern red oak (Quercus rubra), white oak (Quercus alba), hickory (Carya spp.), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) could serve as viable substitutes. They have comparable strength properties to apitong, and there is an abundant and sustainable feedstock based on the United States Forest Service Forest Inventory Analysis (USFS FIA) database. The economic impact in New York State of manufacturing the decking panels in Onondaga County from three selected species: hickory, white oak, and black locust, was estimated using IMPLAN. The economic impact could be as high as $27 million, creating 128 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs. Equally important to providing local and regional economic benefits, domestically sourced decking panels also contributes to the preservation of tropical rainforests, particularly when the entire decking market is considered (beyond the US Army), which includes wood decking consumption by other government agencies at various levels and the private sector.
Assessing the Productivity of Forest Harvesting Systems Using a Combination of Forestry Machines in Steep Terrain
Authors: Yoshimura Tetsuhiko , Suzuki Yasushi , Sato Noriko
Published: July 2023

Despite similarly steep terrain, the productivity of forest harvesting operations in Japan is lower than in Central Europe. Harvesting systems in Japan are typically characterized by the four production processes of felling, yarding, processing, and forwarding, whereas in Central Europe they have mostly been reduced to just two through the use of a PTY (Processor Tower Yarder). This study investigated the number of production processes as a reason for the relatively lower productivity of forest harvesting in Japan using the Combined Machine Productivity (CMP) and Combined Labor Productivity (CLP) indices. The CMP and CLP were 1.81 m3/h and 0.45 m3/worker/h, respectively, for a parallel production model based on a typical Japanese forest harvesting system in Japan. The CMP and CLP values were improved to 2.51 m3/h and 0.63 m3/worker/h, respectively, when the forwarding process was removed from the model. The CMP and CLP values were further improved to 3.04 m3/h and 0.76 m3/worker/h, respectively, when yarding and processing were integrated into a single process. Reducing the number of the production processes can therefore improve the productivity of forest harvesting operations in Japan.
Effects of Tree Competition on Biomass Allocation of Stump and Coarse Roots of Larix olgensis of Different Site Classes
Authors: Men Xiuli , Yue Yang , Gu Huiyan , Wang Xiuwei , Chen Xiangwei
Published: July 2023

Site class is a quantitative indicator used to evaluate site quality. It reflects site conditions, mainly climate, the suitability of soil for tree species and soil fertility. Despite the economic and ecological importance of tree competition and site class in sustainable forest management, there has been little research on its impact on the stump and coarse root biomass allocation within plantations. The stump and coarse roots were divided into five components ((stump disc (SD), stump knot (SK), coarse roots (>10 cm in diameter) (CR1), medium coarse roots (5–10 cm) (CR2) and fine coarse roots (2–5 cm) (CR3)), and the biomass of each component was obtained via the weighing method. It was found that the biomass of SD, CR1, CR2 and CR3 was mainly affected by competition (p ≤ 0.01). In the three site classes, the biomass of CR3 increased significantly with the increase in the competition index (CI) (p < 0.01); the biomass of CR1 decreased gradually. In site V, the biomass of SK, sapwood and heartwood increased significantly with the increase in CI. The results show that competition affects the allocation of stump and coarse root biomass mainly by changing the coarse root biomass. The development of stump knots is greatly influenced by site class. This study provides a reference for solving the competition mechanism underlying larch wood forest development, which will in turn promote more effective utilization of larch wood forests. This study also provides a scientific basis for accurately estimating the belowground biomass and carbon storage of artificial plantation forests.
Fire-Derived Charcoal Attracts Microarthropods in the Litter of Boreal Deciduous Forest
Authors: Kondratova Anjelica , Bryanin Semyon
Published: July 2023

Larch forests in the permafrost zone of Eastern Eurasia are exposed to frequent wildfires, which are expected to increase with climate warming. However, little is known about how fire-derived charcoal is linked to the decomposition process in these forests. Fire-derived charcoal can affect the faunal communities in the forest litter. In a two-year field litterbag experiment, we investigated the effect of fire-derived charcoal on the colonisation by microarthropods (Collembola and Acari) of three decomposing litter species dominant in boreal larch forests. Charcoal addition led to an average 15% decrease in body size of collembola but significantly increased their abundance by 5 times throughout the experiment and acari by 1.5 times in the second year of decomposition, and this effect was consistent across all litter species. The increased microarthropod community may have hampered microbial activity and mass loss rate in the presence of charcoal. Charcoal altered the microarthropod community composition, increasing the proportion of collembola up to 20% compared to acari. The difference in abiotic conditions (increased litter water content during dry periods) induced by fire-derived charcoal was a more substantial factor determining the microarthropod community than litter species in the boreal larch forest. Our results indicate that fire-derived charcoal influences the biological drivers of decomposition in boreal larch forests, stimulating the growth of microarthropod community in decomposing litter.