bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Physical Characteristics of Plasma and Its Relationship with Pore Formation during Laser-Metal Active Gas Arc Hybrid Welding of 42CrMo Steel
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Hao , Mi Xin , Zhou Hongzhi , Zhang Mingjun , Wan Zhongmin , Tang Liyuan
Published: November 2023

The automobile industry puts forward higher requirements for the design and manufacture of steel pistons. However, the welding of 42CrMo steel pistons still has unsolved technical problems, especially welding defects that cannot be directly detected, such as pores, which are easily generated inside the weld. A plasma experiment of laser-metal active gas arc (MAG) hybrid welding 42CrMo steel was conducted in this paper, and plasma signals inside and outside the keyhole were detected during the laser welding, leading laser laser-MAG hybrid welding, and leading arc laser-MAG hybrid welding of 42CrMo steel. The characteristic parameters such as electron temperature and electron density were calculated and analyzed to investigate the relationship between plasma behavior and the formation of weld porosity in the welding process of 42CrMo steel. Based on the fluctuations in plasma electron temperature and electron density, the prediction of pore formation in the weld of 42CrMo steel was made, aiming to provide guidance for achieving a stable and reliable laser-MAG hybrid welding process for 42CrMo steel.
Cultivation of Cyanobacteria on Sustainable Dried Luffa cylindrica
Authors: Kollmen Jonas , Stiefelmaier Judith , Mofrad Ramtin , Strieth Dorina
Published: November 2023

Cyanobacteria are promising organisms for the sustainable production of various biotechnological interesting products. Due to their energy production via photosynthesis, the cultivation of cyanobacteria expands the CO2 cycle. Most cyanobacteria form biofilms on surfaces in their natural environment by surrounding the cells with a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that hold the cells together. These special growth properties need special reactors for cultivation. By immobilizing cyanobacteria on carriers, systems currently established in industry could also be used for biofilm formers. Various artificial carriers for immobilized growth of cyanobacteria and microalgae have already been described in the literature. However, the use of waste materials or natural biodegradable carriers would be more sustainable and is, therefore, the focus of this study. Dried Luffa cylindrica, zeolite, and corn stalks were investigated for their use as carriers for cyanobacteria. L. cylindrica was shown to be an excellent natural carrier for (i) Anabaena cylindrica, (ii) Nostoc muscorum 1453-12a, and (iii) Nostoc muscorum 1453-12b. Higher or at least similar growth rates were achieved when cyanobacteria were cultivated with L. cylindrica compared to submerged cultivation. Additionally, the production of EPS and C-phycocyanin was increased at least 1.4 fold in all strains by culturing on L. cylindrica. The improved growth could be explained on the one hand by the high surface area of L. cylindrica and its properties, and, on the other hand, by the release of growth-promoting nutrients from L. cylindrica to the medium.
The Mining of Genetic Loci and the Analysis of Candidate Genes to Identify the Physical and Chemical Markers of Anti-Senescence in Rice
Authors: Yin Wenjing , Huang Zhao , Zhong Qianqian , Tang Luyao , Wu Richeng , Li Sanfeng , Mao Yijian , Zhu Xudong , Wang Changchun , Rao Yuchun , Wang Yuexing
Published: November 2023

Premature senescence is a common occurrence in rice production, and seriously affects rice plants’ nutrient utilization and growth. A total of 120 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were obtained from successive self-crossing of F12 generations derived from Huazhan and Nekken2. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), content and catalase (CAT) activity related to the anti-senescence traits and enzyme activity index of rice were measured for QTL mapping using 4858 SNPs. Thirteen QTLs related to anti-senescence were found, among which the highest LOD score was 5.70. Eighteen anti-senescence-related genes were found in these regions, and ten of them differed significantly between the parents. It was inferred that LOC_Os01g61500, LOC_Os01g61810, and LOC_Os04g40130 became involved in the regulation of the anti-senescence molecular network upon upregulation of their expression levels. The identified anti-senescence-related QTLs and candidate genes provide a genetic basis for further research on the mechanism of the molecular network that regulates premature senescence.
Correction: Im et al. Comparing Donor- and Acceptor-Originated Exciton Dynamics in Non-Fullerene Acceptor Blend Polymeric Systems. Polymers 2021, 13, 1770
Authors: Im Chan , Kang Sang-Woong , Choi Jeong-Yoon , An Jongdeok
Published: November 2023

There was an error in Equation (1) in the original publication [...]
Preceramic Polymers for Additive Manufacturing of Silicate Ceramics
Authors: Sarraf Fateme , Churakov Sergey V. , Clemens Frank
Published: November 2023

The utilization of preceramic polymers (PCPs) to produce both oxide and non-oxide ceramics has caught significant interest, owing to their exceptional characteristics. Diverse types of polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) synthesized by using various PCPs have demonstrated remarkable characteristics such as exceptional thermal stability, resistance to corrosion and oxidation at elevated temperatures, biocompatibility, and notable dielectric properties, among others. The application of additive manufacturing techniques to produce PDCs opens up new opportunities for manufacturing complex and unconventional ceramic structures with complex designs that might be challenging or impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods. This is particularly advantageous in industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics. In this review, various categories of preceramic polymers employed in the synthesis of polymer-derived ceramics are discussed, with a particular focus on the utilization of polysiloxane and polysilsesquioxanes to generate silicate ceramics. Further, diverse additive manufacturing techniques adopted for the fabrication of polymer-derived silicate ceramics are described.
Bimetal–Organic Framework-Loaded PVA/Chitosan Composite Hydrogel with Interfacial Antibacterial and Adhesive Hemostatic Features for Wound Dressings
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zhang Xiuwen , Zhu Yueyuan , Wang Dong , Li Ren , Li Shuangying , Meng Ruizhi , Liu Zhihui , Chen Dan
Published: November 2023

Silver-containing wound dressings have shown attractive advantages in the treatment of wound infection due to their excellent antibacterial activity. However, the introduction of silver ions or AgNPs directly into the wound can cause deposition in the body as particles. Here, with the aim of designing low-silver wound dressings, a bimetallic-MOF antibacterial material called AgCu@MOF was developed using 3, 5-pyridine dicarboxylic acid as the ligand and Ag+ and Cu2+ as metal ion sites. PCbM (PVA/chitosan/AgCu@MOF) hydrogel was successfully constructed in PVA/chitosan wound dressing loaded with AgCu@MOF. The active sites on the surface of AgCu@MOF increased the lipophilicity to bacteria and caused the bacterial membrane to undergo lipid peroxidation, which resulted in the strong bactericidal properties of AgCu@MOF, and the antimicrobial activity of the dressing PCbM was as high as 99.9%. The chelation of silver ions in AgCu@MOF with chitosan occupied the surface functional groups of chitosan and reduced the crosslinking density of chitosan. PCbM changes the hydrogel crosslinking network, thus improving the water retention and water permeability of PCbM hydrogel so that the hydrogel has the function of binding wet tissue. As a wound adhesive, PCbM hydrogel reduces the amount of wound bleeding and has good biocompatibility. PCbM hydrogel-treated mice achieved 96% wound recovery on day 14. The strong antibacterial, tissue adhesion, and hemostatic ability of PCbM make it a potential wound dressing.
Preparation and Space Charge Properties of Functionalized Zeolite/Crosslinked Polyethylene Composites with High Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Han Bai , Dai Jinghui , Zhao Wanliang , Song Wei , Sun Zhi , Wang Xuan
Published: November 2023

Nanocomposite doping is an effective method to improve the dielectric properties of polyethylene. Meanwhile, the introduction of thermal conductivity groups in crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) is also an effective way to improve the thermal conductivity. Nano-zeolite is an inorganic material with a porous structure that can be doped into polyethylene to improve the insulation performance. In this paper, hyperbranched polyarylamide (HBP) with a high thermal conductivity and an auxiliary crosslinking agent (TAIC) was grafted on the surface of ZSM-5 nano-zeolite successively to obtain functionalized nano-zeolite (TAICS-ZSM-5-HBP) (the “S” in TAICS means plural). The prepared functionalized nano-zeolite was doped in polyethylene and grafted under a thermal crosslinking reaction to prepare nanocomposites (XLPE/TAICS-ZSM-5-HBP). The structural characterization showed that the nanocomposite was successfully prepared and that the nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the polyethylene matrix. The space charge of the TAICS-ZSM-5-HBP 5wt% nanocomposite under a high electric field was obviously inhibited. The space charge short-circuit test showed that the porous structure of the nano-zeolite introduced more deep traps, which made the trapped charge difficult to break off, hindering the charge injection. The introduction of TAICS-ZSM-5-HBP particles can greatly improve the thermal conductivity of nanocomposites. The thermal conductivity of the XLPE/5wt% and XLPE/7wt% TAICS-ZSM-5-HBP nanocomposites increased by 42.21% and 69.59% compared to that of XLPE at 20 °C, and by 34.27% and 62.83% at 80 °C.
Melt Spinning Process Optimization of Polyethylene Terephthalate Fiber Structure and Properties from Tetron Cotton Knitted Fabric
Authors: Roungpaisan Nanjaporn , Srisawat Natee , Rungruangkitkrai Nattadon , Chartvivatpornchai Nawarat , Boonyarit Jirachaya , Kittikorn Thorsak , Chollakup Rungsima
Published: November 2023

Polyester/cotton fabrics with different proportions of Tetron Cotton, TC (35% Cotton/65% PET), and Chief Value Cotton, CVC (60% Cotton/40% PET), were investigated by removing the cotton component under various phosphoric acidic conditions including the use of cellulase enzymes. The remaining polyethylene terephthalate (PET) component was spun using the melt spinning method. Only 85% H3PO4-Enz_TC could be spun into consistent filament fibers. The effects of Acid-Enz TC (obtained from a powder preparation of 85% H3PO4-Enz_TC) at different weight amounts (1, 2, 5, and 10 %wt) blending with WF-rPET powder prepared by white recycled polyester fabric were evaluated for fiber spinnability at different winding speeds of 1000 and 1500 m/min. The results revealed that recycled PET fiber spun by adding Acid-Enz_TC up to 10 %wt gave uniformly distributed filament fibers. A comparative study of the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties also investigated the relationship between the effect of Acid-Enz_TC and the structure of the obtained fibers. Acid-Enz_TC:WF-rPET (5:95) was the optimal ratio. The thermal values were analyzed by DSC and TGA and crystallinity was analyzed by XRD, with mechanical strength closed to 100% WF-rPET. The FTIR analysis of the functional groups showed the removal of cotton from the blended fabrics. Other factors such as the Acid-Enz_TC component in WF-rPET, extraction conditions, purity, thermal, chemical, and exposure experiences also affected the formability and properties of recycled PET made from non-single-component raw materials. This study advanced the understanding of recycling PET from TC fabrics by strategically removing cotton from polyester–cotton blends and then recycling using controlled conditions and processes via the melt spinning method.
Improving Durability of Dye-Based Polarizing Films Using Novel Reactive Dyes as Dichroic Materials
Authors: Kim Young Do , Lee Jea Uk , Lee Jung Jin
Published: November 2023

Iodine is commonly used as a dichroic material in polarizing films, while dichroic dyes are employed when high heat resistance is necessary. Direct dyes, which can be applied to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in an acidic environment, are the most popular; however, their hydrogen bonding interaction with the PVA chain can weaken in high-humidity conditions, leading to a potential change in color value or polarization property. Reactive dyes offer a promising alternative for use in high-humidity environments. In this study, five novel reactive dyes were synthesized and used to prepare dye-based polarizing films. The dichroic ratios, order parameters, and transition moments of the reactive dyes were calculated and compared to those of corresponding direct dyes. Molecular orbital calculations indicated minimal effects on the optical anisotropy of the polarizing films due to the transition moments of the reactive dyes remaining close to their molecular axes. As a result, the dichroic ratios of the polarizing films were mainly dependent on the orientation of the dyes towards their stretching direction, and showed a similar behavior compared to direct dyes. Under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, the polarizing film using reactive dyes showed superior durability compared to the direct dye-based film.
Valuable Vice: Kierkegaard on Collective Envy in A Literary Review
Authors: Compaijen Rob
Published: November 2023

In this paper, I explore Kierkegaard’s views on envy as developed in A Literary Review, by confronting them with the capital vices tradition. I begin by developing a basic account of envy that serves as a point of reference throughout the paper. I then turn to the capital vices tradition, elaborating the concept of a capital vice, and discussing the views of Basil of Caesarea, Evagrius of Pontus, John Cassian, Gregory the Great, and Thomas Aquinas on envy’s viciousness. Subsequently, I discuss Kierkegaard’s treatment of envy in A Literary Review, exploring two of its key notions—‘the public’ and ‘leveling’—through a reading of L.P. Hartley’s novel Facial Justice (1960). In the final part of the paper, I show that the originality of Kierkegaard’s account of envy consists both in its character as a collective vice and its evaluative status as vicious yet valuable.
Constructing a Consistent and Continuous Cyanobacteria Bloom Monitoring Product from Multi-Mission Ocean Color Instruments
Authors: Mishra Sachidananda , Stumpf Richard P. , Meredith Andrew
Published: November 2023

Satellite-based monitoring of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) heavily utilizes historical Envisat-MERIS and current Sentinel-OLCI observations due to the availability of the 620 nm and 709 nm bands. The permanent loss of communication with Envisat in April 2012 created an observational gap from 2012 until the operationalization of OLCI in 2016. Although MODIS-Terra has been used to bridge the gap from 2012 to 2015, differences in band architecture and the absence of the 709 nm band have complicated generating a consistent and continuous CyanoHAB monitoring product. Moreover, several Terra bands often saturate during extreme high-concentration CyanoHAB events. This study trained a fully connected deep network (CyanNet) to model MERIS-Cyanobacteria Index (CI)—a key satellite algorithm for detecting and quantifying cyanobacteria. The network was trained with Rayleigh-corrected surface reflectance at 12 Terra bands from 2002–2008, 2010–2012, and 2017–2021 and validated with data from 2009 and 2016 in Lake Okeechobee. Model performance was satisfactory, with a ~17% median difference in Lake Okeechobee annual bloom magnitude. The median difference was ~36% with 10-day Chlorophyll-a time series data, with differences often due to variations in data availability, clouds or glint. Without further regional training, the same network performed well in Lake Apopka, Lake George, and western Lake Erie. Validation success, especially in Lake Erie, shows the generalizability of CyanNet and transferability to other geographic regions.
An Optimal Polarization SAR Three-Component Target Decomposition Based on Semi-Definite Programming
Authors: Wang Tingting , Suo Zhiyong , Jiang Penghui , Ti Jingjing , Ding Zhiquan , Qin Tianqi
Published: November 2023

The model-based polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) target decomposition decodes the scattering mechanism of the target by analyzing the essential scattering components. This paper presents a new general three-component scattering power decomposition method by establishing optimization problems. It is known that the existing three-component decomposition method prioritizes the contribution of volume scattering, which often leads to volume scattering energy overestimation and may make double-bounce scattering and odd-bounce scattering component power negative. In this paper, a full parameter optimization method based on the remainder matrix is proposed, where all the elements of the coherency matrix will be taken into account including the remaining T13 component. The optimization is achieved with no priority order by solving the problem using semi-definite programming (SDP) based on the Schur complement theory. By doing so, the problem of volume scattering energy overestimation and negative powers will be avoided. The performance of the proposed approach is demonstrated and evaluated with AIRSAR and GF-3 PolSAR data sets. The experimental results show that by using the proposed method, the power contributions of volume scattering in two sets of data were reduced by at least 2.6% and 3.7% respectively, compared to traditional methods. And the appearance of negative power of double-bounce scattering and odd-bounce scattering are also avoided compared with those of the existing three-component decomposition.
Improving the Accuracy of Soil Organic Carbon Estimation: CWT-Random Frog-XGBoost as a Prerequisite Technique for In Situ Hyperspectral Analysis
Authors: Yang Jixiang , Li Xinguo , Ma Xiaofei
Published: November 2023

Rapid and accurate measurement of the soil organic carbon (SOC) content is a pre-condition for sustainable grain production and land development, and contributes to carbon neutrality in the agricultural industry. To provide technical support for the development and utilization of land resources, the SOC content can be estimated using Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. However, the spectral redundancy and co-linearity issues of Vis-NIR spectra pose extreme challenges for spectral analysis and model construction. This study compared the effects of different pre-processing methods and feature variable algorithms on the estimation of the SOC content. To this end, in situ hyperspectral data and soil samples were collected from the lakeside oasis of Bosten Lake in Xinjiang, China. The results showed that the combination of continuous wavelet transform (CWT)-random frog could rapidly estimate the SOC content with excellent estimation accuracy (R2 of 0.65–0.86). The feature variable selection algorithm effectively improved the estimation accuracy (average improvement of (0.30–0.48); based on their ability to improve model estimation on average, the algorithms can be ranked as follows: particle swarm optimization (PSO) > ant colony optimization (ACO) > random frog > Boruta > simulated annealing (SA) > successive projections algorithm (SPA). The CWT-XGBoost model based on random frog showed the best results, with R2 = 0.86, RMSE = 2.44, and RPD = 2.78. The feature bands accounted for only 0.57% of the Vis-NIR bands, and the most important sensitive bands were distributed at 755–1195 nm, 1602 nm, 1673 nm, and 2213 nm. These findings are of significance for the extraction of precise information on lakeside oases in arid areas, which would aid in achieving human–land sustainability.
Impact of a Severe Dust Event on Diurnal Behavior of Surface Water Temperature in Subtropical Lake Kinneret
Authors: Kishcha Pavel , Lechinsky Yury , Starobinets Boris
Published: November 2023

Dust impact on lake surface water temperature (SWT) over lakes, located in the Eastern Mediterranean, has not yet been discussed in previous publications. We investigated the effect of an extreme dust intrusion on the diurnal behavior of SWT in Lake Kinneret, appearing from 7–9 September 2015. This was carried out using METEOSAT and in-situ observations of SWT. In the presence of dust, METEOSAT SWT decreased along with increasing dust pollution both in the daytime and nighttime. This contradicted in-situ measurements of SWT at a depth of 20 cm which increased to 1.2 °C in the daytime and to 1 °C in the nighttime, compared to SWT on clear-sky September 6. The in-situ radiometer measurements of upwelling longwave radiation (ULWR) provided us with a criterion for assessing the reliability of METEOSAT and in-situ observations of SWT. Using this criterion, we found that, in the presence of dust, in-situ SWT was in line, whereas METEOSAT SWT contradicted in-situ ULWR. Considering in-situ ULWR is determined by actual SWT, we concluded that, in the presence of dust, in-situ SWT were capable of reproducing Kinneret SWT, while METEOSAT was incapable of doing so. An observed increase in daytime air temperature during the dust intrusion contributed to an increase in daytime Kinneret SWT. In the presence of maximal dust pollution on September 8, atmospheric humidity (ρv) exceeded by 30% that on clear-sky September 6. This increase in ρv was observed in the absence of moisture advection indicating that dust intrusion can cause additional evaporation from Lake Kinneret and, consequently, intensify its drying up.
Influence of Climate, Topography, and Hydrology on Vegetation Distribution Patterns—Oasis in the Taklamakan Desert Hinterland
Authors: Peng Lei , Wan Yanbo , Shi Haobo , Anwaier Abudureyimu , Shi Qingdong
Published: November 2023

Vegetation in natural desert hinterland oases is an important component of terrestrial ecosystems. Determining how desert vegetation responds to natural variability is critical for a better understanding of desertification processes and their future development. The aim of this study is to characterize the spatial distribution of vegetation in the natural desert hinterland and to reveal how different environmental factors affect vegetation changes. Taking a Taklamakan Desert hinterland oasis as our research object, we analyzed the effects of different environmental factors on desert vegetation using a time-series normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) combined with meteorological, topographic, and hydrological data, including surface water and groundwater data. Vegetation was distributed in areas with high surface water frequency, shallow groundwater levels, relatively flat terrain, and dune basins. NDVI datasets show greening trends in oasis areas over the past 20 years. The frequency of surface water distribution influences water accessibility and effectiveness and shapes topography, thus affecting the spatial distribution pattern of vegetation. In this study, areas of high surface water frequency corresponded with vegetation distribution. The spatial distribution of groundwater depth supports the growth and development of vegetation, impacting the pattern of vegetation growth conditions. Vegetation is most widely distributed in areas where the groundwater burial depth is 3.5–4.5 m. This study provides data for restoring riparian vegetation, ecological water transfer, and sustainable development.
Tree-CRowNN: A Network for Estimating Forest Stand Density from VHR Aerial Imagery
Authors: Lovitt Julie , Richardson Galen , Zhang Ying , Richardson Elisha
Published: November 2023

Estimating the number of trees within a forest stand, i.e., the forest stand density (FSD), is challenging at large scales. Recently, researchers have turned to a combination of remote sensing and machine learning techniques to derive these estimates. However, in most cases, the developed models rely heavily upon additional data such as LiDAR-based elevations or multispectral information and are mostly applied to managed environments rather than natural/mixed forests. Furthermore, they often require the time-consuming manual digitization or masking of target features, or an annotation using a bounding box rather than a simple point annotation. Here, we introduce the Tree Convolutional Row Neural Network (Tree-CRowNN), an alternative model for tree counting inspired by Multiple-Column Neural Network architecture to estimate the FSD over 12.8 m × 12.8 m plots from high-resolution RGB aerial imagery. Our model predicts the FSD with very high accuracy (MAE: ±2.1 stems/12.8 m2, RMSE: 3.0) over a range of forest conditions and shows promise in linking to Sentinel-2 imagery for broad-scale mapping (R2: 0.43, RMSE: 3.9 stems/12.8 m2). We believe that the satellite imagery linkage will be strengthened with future efforts, and transfer learning will enable the Tree-CRowNN model to predict the FSD accurately in other ecozones.
Exploring Hidden Costs of Seasonal Migration in Agriculture within Roma Communities of Origin: Evidence from Romania
Authors: Corman Sorina , Croitoru Alin
Published: November 2023

The article is focused on researching the hidden effects of seasonal migration in agriculture on Roma communities in Romania. The theoretical framework considers the specific nature of seasonal migration in agriculture and includes elements relevant to understanding the seasonal migration patterns of the Roma population from Romania. The research is based on a qualitative methodological design and over 120 interviews in four communities with Roma individuals and key actors at the community level (e.g., local authorities, teachers, priests, and social workers). The interviews are thematically analyzed, and the hidden costs of seasonal migration are discussed at three levels of analysis: individual, familial, and community. First and foremost, the analysis emphasizes that migration is the most significant factor of social change in the studied Roma communities, and its effects are multifaceted. The analysis reveals significant negative costs of migration in terms of health, education, employability, family, and community life. In the medium and long term, these effects decrease the positive aspects linked to the material gains from migration, making these Roma communities more vulnerable and dependent.
Power Cost and CO2 Emissions for a Microgrid with Hydrogen Storage and Electric Vehicles
Authors: Dulău Lucian-Ioan
Published: November 2023

Hydrogen is considered the primary energy source of the future. The best use of hydrogen is in microgrids that have renewable energy sources (RES). These sources have a small impact on the environment when it comes to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and a power generation cost close to that of conventional power plants. Therefore, it is important to study the impact on the environment and the power cost. The proposed microgrid comprises loads, RESs (micro-hydro and photovoltaic power plants), a hydrogen storage tank, an electric battery and fuel cell vehicles. The power cost and CO2 emissions are calculated and compared for various scenarios, including the four seasons of the year, compared with the work of other researchers. The purpose of this paper is to continuously supply the loads and vehicles. The results show that the microgrid sources and hydrogen storage can supply consumers during the spring and summer. For winter and autumn, the power grid and steam reforming of natural gas must be used to cover the demand. The highest power costs and CO2 emissions are for winter, while the lowest are for spring. The power cost increases during winter between 20:00 and 21:00 by 336%. The CO2 emissions increase during winter by 8020%.
The Relationship between Residential Block Forms and Building Carbon Emissions to Achieve Carbon Neutrality Goals: A Case Study of Wuhan, China
Authors: Lian Haitao , Zhang Junhan , Li Gaomei , Ren Rui
Published: November 2023

Controlling building carbon emissions (CEs) is key to achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. Residential blocks are the main contributors of buildings’ carbon emissions and intensity, and thus can be manipulated to achieve carbon neutrality. This work aimed to evaluate the building carbon emissions intensity (CEI) levels of residential blocks using Rhino and Grasshopper and to quantify the relationship between the block form parameters and a building’s carbon emissions (CEs). Firstly, 48 cases were selected by stratified sampling, and they were classified by architectural typology. Secondly, the residential block morphological parameters and building carbon emissions were calculated. Thirdly, the relationship between the block form parameters and the building’s CE was quantified using statistical methods. Lastly, low-carbon planning strategies for residential blocks under the target of carbon neutrality were proposed. The findings showed that the influence of the block form parameters on a building’s CE was 31.66%. A building’s shape factor has a positive influence on its CE, and the floor area ratio, building volume–site area ratio, and building height have negative influences on its CE. A building’s shape factor, cover ratio, and surface–site area ratio synergistically impact its CE. The weight of a building’s shape factor on its carbon emissions was 3.84 times that of its cover ratio and 4.46 times that of its surface–site area ratio. The technology workflow proposed in this study can provide data in support of carbon emissions assessments and low-carbon planning strategies for urban blocks in other cities in China and worldwide.
Local Identity Based on Villagers’ Vision of Life and Village Dynamics—Evidence from 40 Villages in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Li Yun , Fang Zijia , Li Jiaxin , Zhang Li
Published: November 2023

Improving local identity is the key to rural sustainable development. Facing the issue of rural hollowing and aging, rural human settlement requires targeted enhancement in conjunction with the living willingness and local identity of villagers. Firstly, this study summarizes the dynamic evolution characteristics of rural human settlement development and population contraction in Yunnan Province from 2001 to 2021, based on the “Production-Living-Ecological” theory. Secondly, the paper selects detailed survey data from 40 administrative villages in Yunnan Province in 2015, analyzes the characteristics of villagers’ living visions in typical villages through questionnaire data, and constructs a comprehensive local identity index model based on multilevel living-visions to quantify the degree of villagers’ identification with rural human settlement construction. Thirdly, the paper analyzes the correlation between the local identity index and the comprehensive human settlement evaluation and analyzes the factors of rural human settlement development that affect the local identity in depth. The results reveal that: (1) rural construction in Yunnan Province cannot adapt to the changing needs of villagers, and the development of rural human settlement is accompanied by a trend of relative shrinkage of the rural population. (2) The local identity index of villagers is weakly correlated with the development of rural human settlements. (3) The rural human settlement factors that influence rural local identity include a dual cohesion–centrifugal trend. The findings suggest that rural development depends on the primary and secondary relationship between cohesion and centrifugal trends, providing a reference for the coupling of rural construction and local identity and promoting the return of rural population to achieve sustainable development.
Addressing the Sustainability Conundrums and Challenges within the Polymer Value Chain
Authors: Thomas Jomin , Patil Renuka Subhash , Patil Mahesh , John Jacob
Published: November 2023

Sustainability is a buzzword across numerous industries, and the polymer value chain is no exception. Due to the ubiquitous nature of polymer products, the conundrums and misconceptions revolving around them are universal too. In this review, we attempt to meticulously undertake some of the polymer-based sustainability conundrums and challenges, driven by technical knowledge and supported by facts. Four major topics of relevance are selected and reviewed without any bias. A basic understanding of all sustainability-related jargon is examined at the beginning to provide the necessary fundamental awareness. Thereafter, the emergence of biobased polymer products is critically analyzed against its distinct biodegradability conundrums. This is followed by an outlook and comparison of plastic products versus their alternatives. Greenwashing in the fashion industry is also reviewed in depth. Among the challenges, issues related to microplastics are assessed owing to their importance currently. It is critical that readers can understand the actual scenario and call out product propaganda with superficial claims. A meticulous overview of the existing literature and information is conducted to summarize all the conundrums, challenges, and future aspects. This examination of pertinent topics is carried out in the hope of spreading knowledge, enabling a higher critique within the polymer research community and a sustainable environment.
Foundational Effects of Organizational Climate on Perceived Safety Climate: A Multiple Mediation Model
Authors: Shen Yuzhong , Li Yadi , Ju Chuanjing , Ashraf Hassan , Hu Zhen , He Changquan , Memon Shoeb Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Organizational climate is the ascribed psychological meaning and significance associated with the procedures, policies, and practices that are recognized and rewarded in the workplace and, hence, mediate the effects of environmental stimuli on individuals’ responses. Safety climate is a specific organizational climate, i.e., organizational climate for safety. Previous research claimed that organizational climate provides a foundation for safety climate, but without elaboration on the foundational mechanisms. This paper attempts to fill this knowledge gap. As organizational climate is a multi-dimensional phenomenon, this paper chooses two dimensions: perceived organizational support (POS) and participative decision making (PaDM). Drawing on an interactive approach to forming climate perceptions, this paper introduces two interactive constructs—leader–member exchange (LMX) and team-member exchange (TMX)—and establishes a multiple mediation model depicting the foundational effect of organizational climate on safety climate. A random sample of 292 Hong Kong-based construction personnel is used to validate the model. The results show that both POS and PaDM are positively associated with perceived safety climate (β1 = 0.175, p < 0.01; β2 = 0.502, p < 0.005), both LMX and TMX fully mediate the effect of PaDM on safety climate (effect sizes are 0.146 and 0.076, respectively), and only LMX partially mediates the effect of POS on safety climate (effect size is 0.131). This study sheds light on the foundational effects of organizational climate on safety climate. POS can improve the quality of reciprocal exchange about safety matters between construction personnel and their supervisors and hence raise construction personnel’s awareness of the priority of safety. PaDM can improve the quality of reciprocal exchange about safety matters vertically and horizontally and hence have construction personnel aware of the importance of safety. In practice, this paper suggests that project managers recognize and reward construction personnel’s contributions in a timely manner, genuinely care about their well-being, and take their suggestions seriously in making decisions. In this way, the quality of both vertical and horizontal exchange about safety matters improves, and a sound and positive safety climate ensues.
Sustainability Enhancement through High-Dose Recycled Tire Steel Fibers in Concrete: Experimental Insights and Practical Applications
Authors: Zia Asad , Zhang Pu , Holly Ivan , Prokop Jaroslav
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the viability of incorporating high doses of recycled tire steel fibers (RSFs) in concrete to enhance sustainability. To address this, RSFs are incorporated at volume fractions ranging from 1% to 1.75% in the concrete mixture. The study evaluates various performance parameters, including workability, elastic modulus, compressive strength (CS), split tensile strength (SS), flexural strength (FS), linear shrinkage (LS), and water absorption (WA). Results show a 10% improvement in SS and a 4% improvement in FS compared to plain concrete (0RFRC). Additionally, RSF-reinforced concrete (RFRC) exhibits a maximum 15% reduction in LS. Water absorption slightly increases, and adverse effects on CS and workability are noted with high RSF doses. RFRC can impact the cost of rigid pavements due to reduced depth requirements. Disposing of discarded tires and their by-products has emerged as a substantial environmental challenge, obstructing progress toward achieving net-zero targets. As a sustainable solution, this study explores the potential utilization of secondary materials derived from discarded tires within the construction industry. In conclusion, this research highlights the significant potential of utilizing RSFs to enhance the sustainability of infrastructure and contribute to more eco-friendly construction practices.
Analyzing the Factors Driving the Changes of Ecosystem Service Value in the Liangzi Lake Basin—A GeoDetector-Based Application
Authors: Zhou Yan , Chen Tao , Wang Jingjing , Xu Xiaolan
Published: November 2023

The Liangzi Lake Basin (LLB) is an important ecological buffer for Wuhan’s urban agglomeration. It involves the ecological security of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Historical land misuse has altered the topography and impacted the ecosystem services value (ESV). Amid urbanization, it is vital to highlight changing land use methods and their effects on ESV valuation, understanding the underlying drivers comprehensively. The research is centered on the LLB as its designated study region, and utilizes remote sensing satellite data spanning from 2000 to 2020. This data is combined with a value equivalence table to quantify ESV. The GeoDetector method is employed to investigate the driving factors behind ESV fluctuations. The findings indicate a substantial shift in land use patterns within the LLB between 2000 and 2020. Notably, arable land decreased by 6.28% and water bodies decreased by 0.92%, while built-up areas expanded by 5.14% and forest land expanded by 2.05%. During this period, the LLB’s ecosystem services value decreased by approximately 2.035 billion yuan. This drop was mainly due to reduced water areas resulting from urbanization, negatively impacting the ecological regulatory services provided by these water bodies. Based on the geoprobe model, possible drivers of changes in ESV in the LLB were identified, with human activity intensity and NDVI detection results being the most obvious. The research emphasized protecting and restoring key ecological areas, like water bodies and forests, to maintain a delicate balance between the environment and socio-economic development. Additionally, they exemplify the effectiveness of ecological policies, including initiatives such as “Returning Farmland to Forest or Pasture” (RFFP), and the prohibition of lake and field reclamation.
Characterization of Technosols for Urban Agriculture
Authors: Ferrández-Gómez Borja , Jordá Juana Dolores , Sánchez-Sánchez Antonio , Cerdán Mar
Published: November 2023

Soil characterization is essential for planning activities in urban areas in order to detect potential risks and understand the possible impacts derived from those activities. Nine soils located in Alicante (southeast of Spain) developed over construction debris were studied. Soil characteristics including mineralogy, elemental composition and metal availability were analyzed in two consecutive years, 2019 and 2020. These soils were similar to forest soils in the same area, with no evidence of asbestos clays or excess harmful elements. However, the use of DTPA extraction revealed high levels of Mn and Zn in some soils. Organic carbon and metals extracted with DTPA differed in 2019 and 2020, but no relationship between metal-DTPA and organic carbon content was observed. In general, organic matter content was higher in 2019, and elements extracted with DTPA were lower. The above-average rainfall in 2019 could have led to the washing away of dissolved materials and fine soil particles, decreasing elemental availability on the one hand, while promoting the development of natural vegetation, increasing soil organic matter, and immobilizing elements in living organisms on the other hand. The fact that the metal mobility varies depending on weather and soil characteristics is important when planning. Despite the demonstrated advantages of increasing urban green areas from an environmental and social point of view, we should not forget the materials on which urban soils are developed. Therefore, it is essential to establish annual plans for monitoring variations in the availability of heavy metals. This is of the most relevance when the plants are for human consumption. It is therefore also necessary to control the vegetables that grow on these soils and, in the event of possible problems, use the soil for gardening.
Quantifying Bus Accessibility and Mobility for Urban Branches: A Reliability Modeling Approach
Authors: Tong Pei , Du Wenjing , Yan Yadan , Li Junsheng
Published: November 2023

In order to quantitatively assess the realization degree of urban branch road function, an evaluation method based on reliability theory was established. Firstly, the main characteristics of urban branch road functions, that is, emphasizing accessibility while maintaining mobility, were analyzed. Based on common road network patterns, the branch road network between adjacent higher-level roads was selected as the research object. Public transportation, which is more representative of accessibility, was considered in the evaluation method. Then, a reliability model for branch road function evaluation was proposed, in which walking distance and travel time by bus were taken as the main indicators. Combining Dijkstra algorithm and Monte Carlo simulation, the model was solved. The feasibility of the method was verified through a case study of two branch road units. Then, influences of road network density, connectivity, and bus route layout on the reliability of branch road unit functions were clarified by sensitivity analysis. Results showed that the reliability of the branch unit exhibited a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing with the growth of road network density and connectivity, which indicated that excessively high road network density may hinder the performance of the branch road unit. Adjusting the layout of bus routes within branch road units and expanding the service area of bus routes can enhance reliability. Finally, some suggestions for optimizing branch road unit reliability were provided.
Macro- and Micronutrient Contents and Their Relationship with Growth in Six Eucalyptus Species
Authors: da Silva Otavio Ananias Pereira , Silva Dayane Bortoloto da , Teixeira-Filho Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto , Silva Tays Batista , Campos Cid Naudi Silva , Baio Fabio Henrique Rojo , Azevedo Gileno Brito de , Faria Gláucia Amorim , Teodoro Larissa Pereira Ribeiro , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo
Published: November 2023

Knowing nutrient allocation dynamics in the tissues and the characteristics related to growth in different forest species is crucial to fertilization management and selecting better species for specific environments, ensuring greater fertilization efficiency and consequent sustainability in the forestry sector through the rational use of fertilizers. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the content of macro- and micronutrients in different tissues of eucalyptus species and (ii) to relate them with their growth. The treatments were composed of six eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., Corymbia citriodora Hook., E. saligna Sm., E. grandis W. Hill ex Maiden, E. urograndis, and E. urophylla S. T. Blake). Macro- (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur) and micronutrient (boron, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc) contents were determined in the leaves, bark, and sapwood. To study the functional patterns in macro- and micronutrient contents, Canonical Variable Analysis (CVA) was performed. The first two canonical variables in nutrient content of leaves, bark, and sapwood and the growth variables of eucalyptus species accumulated values greater than 80% of variance. The species E. grandis and E. urograndis showed the highest means for volume and total height but showed no differences regarding the concentration of major elements in the tissues, except the iron content in the bark, which was higher compared to other species. CVA proved to be an excellent tool for understanding, identifying, and classifying the strategies of Eucalyptus sp. regarding the content of nutrients in the shoot biomass tissues and may support genetic improvement programs aiming at identifying potential species. Future research involving the use of remotely piloted aircraft and remote sensors could be a strategy to monitor nutrient contents in different parts of trees throughout the cycle of different eucalyptus species.
Assessment of Barriers to Wind Energy Development Using Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Das Priyom , Amin S. M. Mezbahul , Lipu Molla Shahadat Hossain , Urooj Shabana , Ashique Ratil H. , Al Mansur Ahmed , Islam Md. Tariqul
Published: November 2023

Despite the vast potential of wind energy, it has yet to be implemented widely in Bangladesh. Several barriers play major roles in obstructing the wind energy sector’s development in Bangladesh. Hence, it is necessary to identify these barriers to progress this sector’s growth. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is a multi-criteria decision-making method that can rank alternatives by considering multiple factors. It is a valuable tool for complex decision-making problems with multiple criteria, and their relationships must be clarified. So, in this analysis, AHP is used to rank the barriers related to wind energy development in Bangladesh. First, six main barriers and eighteen sub-barriers have been identified from a detailed and comprehensive literature review. The main barriers are categorized into technical, administrative, policy and political, economic, social, and geographic. After that, a questionnaire was sent to experts to obtain their opinions on these barriers. Based on the analysis, it was found that, with a weighted score of 0.46, technical barriers were the most significant ones. Administrative barriers ranked second with a weighted score of 0.21, and social barriers ranked last with a weighted score of 0.03. Among the sub-barriers, risks associated with technology were found to be the most significant, while land use conflict was found to be the least significant. Finally, several recommendations are provided to overcome the wind energy barriers in Bangladesh. The findings of this study can help policymakers and stakeholders develop strategies to overcome the barriers to wind energy development in Bangladesh.