bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydroxytyrosol: A Promising Therapeutic Agent for Mitigating Inflammation and Apoptosis
Authors: Batarfi Wafa Ali , Yunus Mohd Heikal Mohd , Hamid Adila A. , Lee Yi Ting , Maarof Manira
Published: November 2024

Inflammation and apoptosis are interrelated biological processes that have a significant impact on the advancement and growth of certain chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular problems, neurological conditions, and osteoarthritis. Recent research has emphasized that focusing on these mechanisms could result in novel therapeutic approaches that aim to decrease the severity of diseases and enhance patient outcomes. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), which is well-known for its ability to prevent oxidation, has been identified as a possible candidate for regulating both inflammation and apoptosis. In this review, we will highlight the multifaceted benefits of HT as a therapeutic agent in mitigating inflammation, apoptosis, and associated conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest in vitro and in vivo research on the anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of HT and the mechanisms by which it works. Based on these studies, it is strongly advised to use HT as a bioactive ingredient in pharmaceutical products intended for mitigating inflammation, as well as those with apoptosis applications.
Synergistic Effects of Nitrogen and Zinc Foliar Application on Yield and Nutrient Accumulation in Rice at Various Growth Stages
Authors: Tuiwong Patcharin , Cho Hui-Kyong , Rouached Hatem , Prom-U-Thai Chanakan
Published: November 2024

The rising interest in foliar nutrient spraying as a strategy to boost crop yields has led to investigations of how such application influences nutrient uptake and accumulation, especially in edible plant parts. Despite its importance, the effects of single versus simultaneous nutrient application on plant absorption, transport, and accumulation have been underexplored. This study addresses this knowledge gap by examining the physiological and molecular responses of rice to foliar application of nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) individually and in combination at different growth stages. We assessed how the treatments affect rice grain yield and nutrient accumulation in relation to the expression of Zn transport-related genes. Foliar application of N+Zn+ at the tillering stage resulted in a 62.01% increase in grain yield compared to the control. Additionally, Zn concentrations in brown rice were increased by 26.04% and 34.20% when N0Zn+ and N+Zn+ treatments, respectively, were applied at panicle initiation. Gene expression analysis revealed that the timing and nutrient combination significantly influenced rice productivity and grain Zn concentration. At the tillering stage, the N+Zn+ treatment elevated the expression of Zn transporters such as OsZIP3, OsZIP4, and OsZIP9 in leaves, thereby enhancing grain yield. At panicle initiation, the nutrient treatments influenced a broad range of genes, including OsZIP4, OsZIP9, OsHAM2, OsDUR3, OsAAP1, OsGS1;1, and OsFd-GOGAT, affecting grain Zn and N accumulation. These insights are crucial for developing targeted nutrient management strategies to optimize rice yield and grain nutritional quality for the benefit of consumers.
A Nucleotide-Binding Domain Leucine-Rich Repeat Gene Regulates Plant Growth and Defense Against Chewing Herbivores
Authors: Qiu Chen , Jin Xiaochen , Zhao Yumiao , Kuai Peng , Lou Yonggen
Published: November 2024

Plant nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat immune receptor genes (NLRs) play an important role in plant defenses against pathogens, pathogenic nematodes, and piercing–sucking herbivores. However, little is known about their functions in plant defenses against chewing herbivores. Here, we identified a plasma membrane-localized coiled-coil-type NLR protein, OsPik-2-like, whose transcript levels were induced by the infestation of rice leaf folder (LF, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) larvae, and by treatment with mechanical wounding. Knocking out OsPik-2-like in rice increased the LF-induced levels of jasmonic acid (JA) and jasmonoyl–isoleucine (JA-Ile), the activity of trypsin protease inhibitors (TrypPIs), and the basal levels of some flavonoids, which in turn decreased the performance of LF larvae. Moreover, knocking out OsPik-2-like reduced plant growth. These findings demonstrate that OsPik-2-like regulates the symbiosis between rice and LF by balancing plant growth and defense.
Effects of Rhizobacteria Strains on Plant Growth Promotion in Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Hernández-Amador Eduardo , Montesdeoca-Flores David Tomás , Abreu-Acosta Néstor , Luis-Jorge Juan Cristo
Published: November 2024

Numerous factors, such as soil fertility, climatic conditions, human activity, pests, and diseases, limit agricultural yields. Pesticides and fertilizers have become indispensable tools to satisfy the global food demand. However, its adverse environmental effects have led to the search for more sustainable and ethical techniques. Biofertilizers and biopesticides based on plant- growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) are efficient and ecological treatments that promote plant growth and protection against pathogens and abiotic stresses. In this study, twelve rhizobacterial strains with plant-growth-promoting attributes were selected to evaluate their plant-growth-promoting effect on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L. var Robin). Soil inoculation with these strains resulted in a significant increase in shoot length, up to 50% when compared with control plants. Regarding fresh biomass, rhizobacterial treatments significantly improved seedlings’ fresh aerial weight with a maximum increase of 77%. Root biomass also demonstrated a substantial improvement, yielding 62.26% greater fresh root weight compared to the control. Finally, dry root weights exhibited the most remarkable enhancements, with values between 49 and 124%, when compared to the control plants. Concerning the nutritional status, the strains inoculation increased the macronutrients and micronutrients content in the aerial and root parts of the plants. All these findings suggest that rhizobacteria from different ecosystems and agriculture soils of the Canary Islands could be used as fertilizer inoculants to increase crop yield and promote more sustainable practices in modern agriculture.
Genome-Wide Dissection of Selection on microRNA Target Genes Involved in Rice Flower Development
Authors: Zhang Fen , Ling Li-Zhen , Gao Li-Zhi
Published: November 2024

Although genome-wide studies have identified a number of candidate regions evolving under selection in domesticated animals and cultivated plants, few attempts have been made, from the point of a definite biological process, to assess sequence variation and characterize the regimes of the selection on miRNA-associated motifs. Here, we performed a genome-wide dissection of nucleotide variation and selection of miRNA targets associated with rice flower development. By sampling and resequencing 26 miRNA targets for globally diverse representative populations of Asian cultivated rice and wild relatives, we found that purifying selection has reduced genetic variation at the conserved miRNA binding sites on the whole, and highly conserved miRNA binding sequences were maintained in the studied rice populations. Conversely, non-neutral evolution of positive and/or artificial selection accelerates the elevated variations at nonconserved binding sites in a population-specific behavior which may have contributed to flower development-related phenotypic variation. Taken together, our results elucidate that miRNA targets involved in flower development are under distinctive selection regimes during rice evolution.
Straw Returning Methods Affects Macro-Aggregate Content and Organic Matter Content in Black Soils: Meta-Analysis and Comprehensive Validation
Authors: Liu Kangmeng , Hu Yu , Li Yumei , Wang Lei , Jin Liang , Cai Lianfeng , Wu Xiaoxiao , Yang Zhenguo , Li Yan , Wei Dan
Published: November 2024

Straw returning into the soil is a crucial method for boosting soil carbon levels. To research the influence of straw return practices on soil aggregates and organic matter content within the farmlands of the Northeast Black Soil Region, the objective was to clarify the varying impacts of these practices on soil carbon enhancement. In this study, 89 pertinent papers were acquired through a rigorous literature compilation. Meta-analysis and the linear regression method were employed to analyze the influence of field return methods, their duration on soil water-stable aggregates, and their organic matter content. Furthermore, the study delved into the trends in the variation of aggregates and organic matter in relation to mean annual temperature and precipitation. Our results showed that the straw-returning method has been discovered to predominantly bolster soil organic matter by altering the proportions of macro-aggregate content. Specifically, straw incorporation has led to a notable enhancement in the content of macro-aggregates (57.14%) and micro-aggregates (20.29%), in addition to augmenting the content of macro-, small, and micro-aggregate organic matter by 13.22%, 16.43%, and 15.08%, respectively. The most significant increase in large agglomerates was witnessed in straw return over a period of more than 5 years (115.17%), as well as shallow mixing return (87.32%). Meanwhile, the highest increase in the organic matter content of large agglomerates was recorded in straw return over 5 years (12.60%) and deep mixing return (8.72%). In the field validation experiment, a period of seven years of straw return significantly boosted the macro-aggregate content across various soil layers, ranging from 11.78% to 116.21%. Furthermore, among the various climatic factors, the primary determinants of disparities in study outcomes were the average annual temperature and average annual precipitation. Specifically, lower precipitation and higher temperatures were conducive to the enhancement of macro-aggregate formation and organic matter content.
Seed Traits and Germination of Invasive Plant Solanum rostratum (Solanaceae) in the Arid Zone of Northern China Indicate Invasion Patterns
Authors: Yu Hailun , Zhang Runxia , Huang Wenda , Liu Wei , Zhan Jin , Wang Ruixiong , Zhao Xueyong , Feng Qi
Published: November 2024

The ability of seeds to germinate under a wide range of environmental conditions is an important characteristic of invasive alien plant species. Solanum rostratum Dunal, has been widely distributed in the Northeast and Northwest of China and is causing huge damage to the local agricultural production. Studies on seed germination and response among populations to environmental stress may assist in revealing the adaptability of invasive plants and how they cope with climate change. In this study, we collected seeds from five invasive plant populations of S. rostratum, with intervals of over 3000 km between them, distributed in different habitats and climate zones. We measured the differences in seed traits between populations and studied the trends in germination responses of S. rostratum seeds under diverse abiotic stress conditions. The weight and size of S. rostratum seeds distributed in Northeast China were significantly greater than those distributed in Northwest China; for the response of S. rostratum seed germination to environmental factors, seeds from arid and extremely arid areas of Northwest China had greater tolerance to high temperatures and osmotic stress, while seeds from semi-arid areas of Northeast China were more sensitive to low temperatures and high salt stress. Overall, the germination of S. rostratum seeds responded differently to various environmental stress factors, reflecting the ability of S. rostratum to occupy germination sites under low resource competition. Given the rapid changes in the global climate, our findings provide new insights into the seed adaptation strategies of alien plants during the invasion process and the mechanisms involved.
Development of Conductive Antibacterial Coatings on Cotton Fabrics via Polyphenol-Mediated Silver Mirror Reaction
Authors: Wu Yixiao , Fu Chenlin , Xing Jiaxin , Yang Lin , Zhao Chong , Yan Kun
Published: November 2024

Herein, this study reports the development of a multifunctional conductive antibacterial cotton fabric through the utilization of the natural polyphenol-mediated silver mirror reaction. The experimental results demonstrate that polyphenols can effectively facilitate the deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), resulting in a uniform and durable hybrid nanocoating on the cotton fabric. The effects of polyphenol’s molecular weights on the coating structures and stabilities have been revealed via two distinct approaches: washing resistance and electrochemical testing systems. It has been concluded that lower-molecular-weight phenols induce a compact and dense coating structure, whereas polyphenols such as tannic acid exhibit relatively high stability, achieving an excellent conductivity of 0.2 S/cm and a good washing resistance of 67% over five cycles. The underlying mechanism has been further confirmed by the cyclic voltammetry measurements, suggesting that polyphenols play a significant role in stabilizing AgNPs and preventing their dissolution. Furthermore, the Ag-doped polyphenol-coated fabrics exhibit notable antibacterial properties. By coupling natural polyphenols with typical silver mirror reactions, this study not only offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals but also presents a promising method to endow cotton textiles with the dual properties of conductivity and antibacterial activity.
Study on the Microscopic Distribution Pattern of Residual Oil and Exploitation Methods Based on a Digital Pore Network Model
Authors: Sun Xianda , Qin Xudong , Xu Chengwu , Zhao Ling , Zhang Huili
Published: November 2024

With the persistent rise in global energy demand, the efficient extraction of petroleum resources has become an urgent and critical issue. Polymer flooding technology, widely employed for enhancing crude oil recovery, still lacks an in-depth understanding of the distribution of residual oil within the microscopic pore structure and the associated displacement mechanisms. To address this, a digital pore network model was established based on mercury intrusion experimental data, and pore structure visualization was achieved through 3Dmax software, simulating the oil displacement process under various polymer concentrations, molecular weights, and interfacial tension conditions. The findings reveal that moderately increasing the polymer concentration (from 1000 [mg/L] to 2000 [mg/L]) improves the recovery factor during polymer flooding by approximately 1.45%, effectively emulsifying larger masses of residual oil and reducing the proportion of throats with high oil saturation. However, when the concentration exceeds 2500 [mg/L], the dispersion of residual oil is hindered, and the enhancement in displacement efficiency becomes marginal. Increasing the molecular weight from 12 million to 16 million and subsequently to 24 million elevates the recovery factor by approximately 1.07% and 1.37%, respectively, reducing clustered residual oil while increasing columnar residual oil; high molecular weight polymers exhibit a more significant effect on channels with high oil saturation. Lowering the interfacial tension (from 30 [mN/m] to 0.005 [mN/m]) markedly enhances the binary flooding recovery factor, with the overall recovery reaching 71.72%, effectively reducing the residual oil within pores of high oil saturation. The study concludes that adjusting polymer concentration, molecular weight, and interfacial tension can optimize the microscopic distribution of residual oil, thereby enhancing oil displacement efficiency and providing a scientific foundation for further improving oilfield recovery and achieving efficient reservoir development.
Unveiling the Mechanics Behind Polyimide’s Friction-Greening Phenomenon
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Ma Dawei , Li Haowen , Zhao Baojie , Huang Yinglong , Li Yanbo
Published: November 2024

Polyimide (PI) has been widely used as a flexible substrate in the OLED display industry to achieve folding and other functions. However, it has unintended side effects, such as friction-greening, a green screen phenomenon caused by friction after prolonged usage. This is related to drifting TFT characteristics caused by charge accumulating in the PI in combination with the high efficiency of green pixels. In this study, the mechanism of the influence of PI structure on friction-greening was investigated. Increasing the process temperature from 350 °C to 470 °C, the chain segment structure within the PI became more regularized. Thus, the material had higher conductivity and shallower trap energy levels, which was confirmed by X-ray small angle scattering, dielectric, photoluminescence, and other methods. Under prolonged discharge conditions, less charge accumulated within PI, thus effectively mitigating the threshold voltage drift of the thin-film transistor (TFT). These results will contribute to the further optimization of the process and the development of PI materials.
Exploring α-Lipoic Acid Based Thermoplastic Silicone Adhesive: Towards Sustainable and Green Recycling
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Chu Zhaoyutian , Zheng Sijia
Published: November 2024

Considering the demand for the construction of a sustainable future, it is essential to endow the conventional thermoset silicone adhesive with reuse capability and recyclability. Although various research attempts have been made by incorporating reversible linkages, developing sustainable silicone adhesives by natural linkers is still challenging, as the interface between the natural linker and the silicone is historically difficult. We exploited the possibility of utilizing α-lipoic acid, a natural linker, to construct a sustainable silicone adhesive. Via the simultaneous ring-opening reaction between the COOH and epoxide-functionalized silicone and the polymerization of the α-lipoic acid, the resulting network exhibited dynamic properties. The shear strength of the LASA90 presented strong adhesion (up to 88 kPa) on various substrates including steel, aluminum, PET, and PTFE. Meanwhile, reversible adhesion was shown multiple times under mild heating conditions (80 °C). The rheology, TG-DTA, DSC, and 1H NMR showed that the degradation of the LASA occurred at 150 °C via the retro-ROP of the five-membered disulfide ring, indicating their recyclability after usage. Conclusively, we envision that a silicone adhesive based on α-lipoic acid as a natural linker is more sustainable than conventional silicone thermosets because of its desired properties, strong adhesion, reversibility, and on-demand heat degradation.
Fluid Phase Behavior of the Licuri (Syagrus coronata) Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester + Glycerol + Ethanol Mixtures at Different Temperatures—Experimental and Thermodynamic Modeling
Authors: Toledo Iza Estevam Pedrosa , Coêlho Dayana de Gusmão , Meili Lucas , Hiranobe Carlos Toshiyuki , Corazza Marcos Lúcio , Arce Pedro , da Silva Erivaldo Antônio , de Carvalho Sandra Helena Vieira , dos Santos Renivaldo José , Soletti João Inácio , Ferreira-Pinto Leandro
Published: November 2024

This study provides experimental insights into the liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) of a system consisting of fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) derived from licuri oil, glycerol, and ethanol, evaluated at various temperatures and standard atmospheric pressures. FAEE was synthesized through transesterification of licuri oil using NaOH as a catalyst. The liquid phase compositions were assessed via titration, and the results were consistent with the solubility curves and overall compositions. Data reliability was confirmed using Hand and Othmer-Tobias correlations, with a determination coefficient (R2) of 1, validating the dependability of the results. The NRTL model was employed to correlate the LLE data, yielding a root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of approximately 1.20%, signifying a strong correlation with experimental uncertainties. The selectivity (S) and distribution (D) parameters indicated the efficacy of glycerol in the system, with S values exceeding 1 under all conditions tested. This investigation is crucial for biodiesel production, highlighting the potential of licuri oil as a renewable feedstock and the importance of phase equilibrium studies in the separation processes of biodiesel production products.
Optimization of CO2 Capture Using a New Aqueous Hybrid Solvent (MDEA-[TBPA][TFA]) with a Low Heat Capacity: Integration of COSMO-RS and RSM Approaches
Authors: Mohd Rasdi Fairuz Liyana , Jeyaseelan Revathi , Taha Mohd Faisal , Mohd Razip Mohamad Amirul Ashraf
Published: November 2024

This study aims to evaluate the performance of a new hybrid solvent, comprising aqueous MDEA and tetrabutylphosphonium trifluoroacetate ([TBP][TFA]), for CO2 capture and to optimize its CO2 absorption efficiency. First, this study focused on predicting the thermodynamic properties of aqueous MDEAs and [TBP][TFA] and their interaction energy with CO2 using COSMO-RS. Based on the prediction, it aligns with the principle that CO2 solubility in the MDEA-[TBP][TFA] hybrid solvent decreases as the Henry’s Law constant increases, with the interactions primarily governed by van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding. The aqueous MDEA-[TBP][TFA] hybrid solvent was prepared in two steps: synthesizing and blending [TBP][TFA] with aqueous MDEAs. The formation and purity of [TBP][TFA] were confirmed through NMR, FT-IR, and Karl Fischer. The heat capacity of the hybrid solvents was lower than their aqueous MDEA solutions. The performance and optimization of CO2 capture were studied using RSM-FC-CCD design, with the optimal value obtained at 50 wt.% MDEA, 20 wt.% [TBP][TFA], 30 °C, and 30 bar (12.14 mol/kg), aligning with COSMO-RS predictions. A 26% reduction in the heat capacity was achieved with the optimal ratio (wt.%) of the hybrid solvent. These findings suggest that the aqueous MDEA-[TBP][TFA] hybrid solvent is a promising alternative for CO2 capture, providing a high removal capacity and lower heat capacity for more efficient regeneration compared to commercial aqueous MDEA solutions.
Experimental Investigation into Atmospheric Microwave Plasma-Driven Nitrogen Fixation Using Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zheng Fang , Feng Kai , Wu Shaokun , Xiao Wei
Published: November 2024

Microwave plasma-driven nitrogen fixation can occur at atmospheric pressure without complex processing conditions. However, this method still faces the challenge of high energy consumption and low production. Combined plasma–catalyst systems are widely used to increase production and reduce energy consumption in nitrogen fixation. However, the efficacy of currently used catalysts remains limited. In this paper, the metal–organic framework materials (MOFs) copper benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (Cu-BTC) and zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) are combined with atmospheric microwave plasma for nitrogen fixation. The experimental results show that they have a better catalytic effect than the ordinary catalyst zeolite socony mobil-5 (ZSM-5). The maximum nitrogen oxide concentration reaches 33,400 ppm, and the lowest energy consumption is 2.05 MJ/mol. Compared to no catalyst, the production of nitrogen oxides (NOx) can be increased by 17.1%, and the energy consumption can be reduced by 14.6%. The stability test carried out these catalysts demonstrates that they have a stable performance within one hour. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first effort to study the synergistic effects of atmospheric microwave plasma and MOFs on nitrogen fixation. This study also introduces a potentially eco-friendly approach to nitrogen fixation, characterized by its low energy consumption and emissions.
A Novel Approach to Predicting Critical Alternating Stall in a Centrifugal Pump Impeller with Even Blades Under Transient Conditions
Authors: Zhou Xiaojie , Chen Xulai , Yu Di , Li Yu , Chen Xiaoping
Published: November 2024

A novel approach is proposed to predict alternating stall in a centrifugal pump impeller with even blades by introducing a low-pressure ratio, which is defined as the ratio of the deviation of the low-pressure zones of adjacent impeller passages. The threshold of 2/3 is shown to be a good quantity with which to accurately and quantitatively predict alternating stall and even critical alternating stall (CAS). The effectiveness of this new approach is validated by comparison with previous findings obtained under quasi-steady conditions. Large eddy simulation data for a six-blade centrifugal pump impeller are used to predict the CAS under transient conditions, with the transient conditions corresponding to a sinusoidal flow rate with an equilibrium value of 0.5Qd (where Qd is the design load) and an initial phase of zero combined with different oscillation amplitudes. The low-pressure ratio frequency equals the flow rate frequency, approximately 2 Hz. The phase of the low-pressure ratio lags behind the flow rate. When the oscillation amplitude is larger than 0.15Qd, a non-stall state occurs during the dropping stage of the flow rate. The flow rates corresponding to the CAS during the dropping and rising stages, respectively, increase and decrease as the oscillation amplitude increases.
HEXACO Traits, Emotions, and Social Media in Shaping Climate Action and Sustainable Consumption: The Mediating Role of Climate Change Worry
Authors: Balaskas Stefanos
Published: November 2024

Climate change is an irreversible crisis that urgently calls for social transformation to protect human livelihood and environmental stability. Establishing awareness, building environmental literacy, and citizens’ mobilization are the steps toward sustainable change in giving a legacy of hope to future generations. This research explores major psychological and social drivers of pro-environmental behavior, considering the influence of HEXACO personality traits, climate anxiety (CCW), and social media engagement (SMI) on sustainable consumption (SC) and climate action intentions (CCI). Our findings revealed th eco-guilt (EGQ) and environmental empathy (EE) are immediate drivers for climate action, while long-term nurturance of eco-grief (ECOG) leads to engagement, supporting the notion that different emotions uniquely contribute to pro-environmental intentions. In terms of personality predictors, HEXACO’s traits of emotionality (E), honesty-humility (HH), and openness (O) are revealed to be significant, with emotionality also moderating the relationship between eco-grief and climate change action. The results reveal that connectedness to nature (CTN) and moderate levels of climate anxiety synergistically promote sustainable consumption intentions, while demographic factors such as gender, education levels, and exposure to social media moderate these intentions. Females also show a higher level of climate action intention in response to eco-guilt and eco-grief, while individuals with higher levels of education are more responsive to climate-related social media content, increasing their sustainable consumption behaviors. In exploring such interactions, this study aims to add to the understanding of what drives people toward valued environmental behaviors and, in turn, to inform effective climate advocacy, education, and personality-driven strategies to promote environmental engagement.
The Journey: An Approach—From Human Sciences to Theology
Authors: Ramos Gómez Miriam , Jorge Fernández Charlie
Published: November 2024

The symbolic value of the journey has been widely explored in literary theory, educational science, history and philosophy. However, is it possible to approach travel from a theological point of view? The aim of our article is to answer this question. In order to do so, we essentially seek a biblical and theological–spiritual foundation for our research. First, we start from the experience contained in travel books as well as from the notion of the journey as a path to wisdom as it appears in some literary works. After examining the pedagogical value of the notion of the journey as an adventure in which the hero is formed, and the philosophical value of the concept of the journey as a search for the meaning of life, we intend to develop the theological approach on three levels: examining the notion of the journey as a metaphor for the Christian way; the experience of the journey as expatriation; and the relationship between the journey and conversion.
Revealing Water Storage Changes and Ecological Water Conveyance Benefits in the Tarim River Basin over the Past 20 Years Based on GRACE/GRACE-FO
Authors: Sun Weicheng , Zhang Xingfu
Published: November 2024

As China’s largest inland river basin and one of the world’s most arid regions, the Tarim River Basin is home to an extremely fragile ecological environment. Therefore, monitoring the water storage changes is critical for enhancing water resources management and improving hydrological policies to ensure sustainable development. This study reveals the spatiotemporal changes of water storage and its driving factors in the Tarim River Basin from 2002 to 2022, utilizing data from GRACE, GRACE-FO (GFO), GLDAS, the glacier model, and measured hydrological data. In addition, we validate GRACE/GFO data as a novel resource that can monitor the ecological water conveyance (EWC) benefits effectively in the lower reaches of the basin. The results reveal that (1) the northern Tarim River Basin has experienced a significant decline in terrestrial water storage (TWS), with an overall deficit that appears to have accelerated in recent years. From April 2002 to December 2009, the groundwater storage (GWS) anomaly accounted for 87.5% of the TWS anomaly, while from January 2010 to January 2020, the ice water storage (IWS) anomaly contributed 57.1% to the TWS anomaly. (2) The TWS changes in the Tarim River Basin are primarily attributed to the changes of GWS and IWS, and they have the highest correlation with precipitation and evapotranspiration, with grey relation analysis (GRA) coefficients of 0.74 and 0.68, respectively, while the human factors mainly affect GWS, with an average GRA coefficient of 0.64. (3) In assessing ecological water conveyance (EWC) benefits, the GRACE/GFO-derived TWS anomaly in the lower reaches of the Tarim River exhibits a good correspondence with the changes of EWC, NDVI, and groundwater levels.
A Comparative Study of Methods for Estimating the Thickness of Glacial Debris: A Case Study of the Koxkar Glacier in the Tian Shan Mountains
Authors: Liu Jun , Qin Yan , Han Haidong , Zhao Qiudong , Liu Yongqiang
Published: November 2024

The local or overall mass balance of a glacier is significantly influenced by the spatial heterogeneity of its overlying debris thickness. Accurately estimating the debris thickness of glaciers is essential for understanding their hydrological processes and the impact of climate change. This study focuses on the Koxkar Glacier in the Tian Shan Mountains, using debris thickness data to compare the accuracy of three commonly used approaches for estimating the spatial distribution of debris thickness. The three measurement approaches include two empirical relationships between the land surface temperature (LST) and debris thickness approaches, empirical relationship approach 1 and empirical relationship approach 2, and the energy balance of debris approach. The analysis also explores the potential influence of topographic factors on the debris distribution. By incorporating temperature data from the debris profiles, this study examines the applicability of each approach and identifies areas for possible improvement. The results indicate that (1) all three debris thickness estimation approaches effectively capture the distribution characteristics of glacial debris, although empirical relationship approach 2 outperforms the others in describing the spatial patterns; (2) the accuracy of each approach varies depending on the debris thickness, with the energy balance of debris approach being most accurate for debris less than 50 cm thick, while empirical relationship approach 1 performs better for debris thicker than 50 cm and empirical relationship approach 2 demonstrates the highest overall accuracy; and (3) topographic factors, particularly the elevation, significantly influence the accuracy of debris thickness estimates. Furthermore, the empirical relationships between the LST and debris thickness require field data and focus solely on the surface temperature, neglecting other influencing factors. The energy balance of debris approach is constrained by its linear assumption of the temperature profile, which is only valid within a specific range of debris thickness; beyond this range, it significantly underestimates the values. These findings provide evidence-based support for improving remote-sensing methods for debris thickness estimation.
Forecasting Flood Inundation in U.S. Flood-Prone Regions Through a Data-Driven Approach (FIER): Using VIIRS Water Fractions and the National Water Model
Authors: Rostami Amirhossein , Chang Chi-Hung , Lee Hyongki , Wan Hung-Hsien , Du Tien Le Thuy , Markert Kel N. , Williams Gustavious P. , Nelson E. James , Li Sanmei , Straka III William , Helfrich Sean , Gutierrez Angelica L.
Published: November 2024

Floods, one of the costliest, and most frequent hazards, are expected to worsen in the U.S. due to climate change. The real-time forecasting of flood inundations is extremely important for proactive decision-making to reduce damage. However, traditional forecasting methods face challenges in terms of implementation and scalability due to computational burdens and data availability issues. Current forecasting services in the U.S. largely rely on hydrodynamic modeling, limited to river reaches near in situ gauges and requiring extensive data for model setup and calibration. Here, we have successfully adapted the Forecasting Inundation Extents using REOF (FIER) analysis framework to produce forecasted water fraction maps in two U.S. flood-prone regions, specifically the Red River of the North Basin and the Upper Mississippi Alluvial Plain, utilizing Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) optical imagery and the National Water Model. Comparing against historical VIIRS imagery for the same dates, FIER 1- to 8-day medium-range pseudo-forecasts show that about 70–80% of pixels exhibit absolute errors of less than 30%. Although originally developed utilizing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images, this study demonstrated FIER’s versatility and effectiveness in flood forecasting by demonstrating its successful adaptation with optical VIIRS imagery which provides daily water fraction product, offering more historical observations to be used as inputs for FIER during peak flood times, particularly in regions where flooding commonly happens in a short period rather than following a broad seasonal pattern.
A Neuro-Symbolic Framework for Tree Crown Delineation and Tree Species Classification
Authors: Harmon Ira , Weinstein Ben , Bohlman Stephanie , White Ethan , Wang Daisy Zhe
Published: November 2024

Neuro-symbolic models combine deep learning and symbolic reasoning to produce better-performing hybrids. Not only do neuro-symbolic models perform better, but they also deal better with data scarcity, enable the direct incorporation of high-level domain knowledge, and are more explainable. However, these benefits come at the cost of increased complexity, which may deter the uninitiated from using these models. In this work, we present a framework to simplify the creation of neuro-symbolic models for tree crown delineation and tree species classification via the use of object-oriented programming and hyperparameter tuning algorithms. We show that models created using our framework outperform their non-neuro-symbolic counterparts by as much as two F1 points for crown delineation and three F1 points for species classification. Furthermore, our use of hyperparameter tuning algorithms allows users to experiment with multiple formulations of domain knowledge without the burden of manual tuning.
An Empirical Atmospheric Weighted Average Temperature Enhancement Model in the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau Considering Surface Temperature
Authors: Shen Yi , Li Peicheng , Zhang Bingbing , Wu Tong , Zhu Junkuan , Li Qing , Li Wang
Published: November 2024

Atmospheric weighted mean temperature (Tm) is a crucial parameter for retrieving atmospheric precipitation using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). It plays a significant role in GNSS meteorology research. Although existing empirical models can quickly obtain Tm values for the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, their accuracy is generally low due to the region’s complex environmental and climatic conditions. To address this issue, this study proposes an enhanced empirical Tm model tailored for the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau. This new model incorporates surface temperature (Ts) data and employs the least squares method to determine model coefficients, thereby improving the accuracy of the Tm empirical model. The research utilizes observational data from 16 radiosonde stations in the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau from 2010 to 2018. By integrating Ts into the Hourly Global Pressure and Temperature (HGPT2) model, we establish the enhanced empirical Tm model, referred to as YGTm. We evaluate the accuracy of the YGTm model using Tm values obtained from the 2019 radiosonde station measurements as a reference. A comparative analysis is conducted against the Bevis model, the HGPT2 model, and the regional linear model LTm. The results indicate that at the modeling stations, the proposed enhanced model improves Tm prediction accuracy by 24.9%, 16.1%, and 22.4% compared to the Bevis, HGPT2, and LTm models, respectively. At non-modeling stations, the accuracy improvements are 26.2%, 17.1% and 24.4%, respectively. Furthermore, the theoretical root mean square error and relative error from using the YGTm model for GNSS water vapor retrieval are 0.27 mm and 0.93%, respectively, both of which outperform the comparative models.
Changes in Urban Green Spaces in the Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration: From the Perspectives of the Area, Spatial Configuration, and Quality
Authors: Yao Tianci , Li Shengfa , Su Lixin , Zhang Hongou
Published: November 2024

Urban green spaces (UGSs) are integral to urban ecosystems, providing multiple benefits to human well-being. However, previous studies mainly focus on the quantity or quality of UGSs, with less emphasis on a comprehensive analysis. This study systematically examined the spatiotemporal UGS dynamics in the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration (PRDUA) in China from the perspectives of the area, spatial configuration, and quality, using the high spatial resolution (30 m) Landsat-derived land-cover data and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data during 1985–2021. Results showed the UGS area in both the old urban districts and expanded urban areas across all nine cities in the PRDUA has experienced a dramatic reduction from 1985 to 2021, primarily due to the conversion of cropland and forest into impervious surfaces. Spatially, the fragmentation trend of UGSs initially increased and then weakened around 2010 in nine cities, but with an inconsistent fragmentation process across different urban areas. In the old urban districts, the fragmentation was mainly due to the loss of large patches; in contrast, it was caused by the division of large patches in the expanded urban areas of most cities. The area-averaged NDVI showed a general upward trend in urban areas in nearly all cities, and the greening trend in the old urban districts was more prevalent than that in the expanded urban areas, suggesting the negative impacts of urbanization on NDVI have been balanced by the positive effects of climate change, urbanization, and greening initiatives in the PRDUA. These findings indicate that urban greening does not necessarily correspond to the improvement in UGS states. We therefore recommend incorporating the three-dimensional analytical framework into urban ecological monitoring and construction efforts to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of UGS states and support effective urban green infrastructure stewardship.
Techniques for Canopy to Organ Level Plant Feature Extraction via Remote and Proximal Sensing: A Survey and Experiments
Authors: Nethala Prasad , Um Dugan , Vemula Neha , Montero Oscar Fernandez , Lee Kiju , Bhandari Mahendra
Published: November 2024

This paper presents an extensive review of techniques for plant feature extraction and segmentation, addressing the growing need for efficient plant phenotyping, which is increasingly recognized as a critical application for remote sensing in agriculture. As understanding and quantifying plant structures become essential for advancing precision agriculture and crop management, this survey explores a range of methodologies, both traditional and cutting-edge, for extracting features from plant images and point cloud data, as well as segmenting plant organs. The importance of accurate plant phenotyping in remote sensing is underscored, given its role in improving crop monitoring, yield prediction, and stress detection. The review highlights the challenges posed by complex plant morphologies and data noise, evaluating the performance of various techniques and emphasizing their strengths and limitations. The insights from this survey offer valuable guidance for researchers and practitioners in plant phenotyping, advancing the fields of plant science and agriculture. The experimental section focuses on three key tasks: 3D point cloud generation, 2D image-based feature extraction, and 3D shape classification, feature extraction, and segmentation. Comparative results are presented using collected plant data and several publicly available datasets, along with insightful observations and inspiring directions for future research.
Body Volatilome Study Strategy for COVID-19 Biomarker Identification Considering Exogenous Parameters
Authors: Boudard Elsa , Moumane Nabil , Dugay José , Vial Jérôme , Thiébaut Didier
Published: November 2024

Since the 1950s, the screening of the body volatilome has proven to be a powerful tool for preventing diseases from spreading. Following the COVID-19 crisis, several studies began investigating the connection between viruses and the body volatilome, gradually identifying potential biomarkers, which varied depending on the study. To try to elucidate potential sources of inconsistency in biomarker findings, we decided to set up a study taking into consideration the factors often overlooked in previous studies. The VOCs constituting the body volatilomes of 40 COVID-19 patients and 13 healthy subjects were sampled by using PowerSorb® as the sorbent phase. Thermodesorption, followed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TD-GC×GC/TOF MS), was utilized for the analysis. A non-targeted biomarker research methodology compared Covid(+) and Covid(−) chromatograms, assessing statistical significance and peak area changes. Out of the 25 compounds highlighted, 13 associated with cosmetic products were excluded, and 8 linked to air pollution in urban settings were also excluded. Finally, after having quantitatively evaluated the potential sources of the compounds (cosmetic or environmental), 4 compounds remained and their relevance was assessed using ROC curves. Among them, hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl- identification was confirmed with standard and led to an area-under-the-curve value of 92%. More in-depth studies are needed to investigate the specificity of the biomarker in relation to COVID-19, but the strategy of this study shows how to avoid obtaining data that are biased by exogenous factors.
Socioeconomic Status as a Predictor of the Academic Achievement of Engineering Students in Taiz State, Yemen
Authors: Ghaleb Atef M. , Amrani Mokhtar Ali , Al Selwi Raad Abdo M. , Hebah Hanaa A. , Saeed Mogeeb A. , Mejjaouli Sobhi
Published: November 2024

Serious concerns have been raised over the consistent academic underperformance of Yemeni students at almost all levels of university studies. This paper investigates the impact of various socioeconomic factors on the academic performance of engineering students in Taiz State, Yemen, an impoverished and unstable society. Our quantitative methodology employed a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire and targeted 596 female/male students from three engineering colleges in Taiz State. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and simple and multiple regression models to examine the impact of socioeconomic variables on academic achievement while moderating financial condition and gender. This study measured academic achievement through GPAs, student attendance, and English level. Many socioeconomic influences have been examined against academic performance, such as gender, family income, family stability, family openness, marital status, co-education, part-time jobs, and stimulant use. The results accurately specified that students’ gender considerably impacts the studied variables; moreover, low-income features of families negatively affect students’ academic performance. The outcome of this study indicated that socioeconomic variables matched well with GPA, attendance rate, and English level, but with higher matching to the attendance rate. This study highlights that university students in impoverished and unstable societies, like Yemen, are significantly affected by socioeconomic factors. It recommends coordinated efforts among government authorities, educational institutions, and community leaders to mitigate the negative impact on academic achievement and implement appropriate technologies to enhance performance. Additionally, conducting similar studies in other disciplines and communities within the country is recommended for a deeper understanding of this issue.
Multi Scale Evaluation of the Impact of High-Intensity Mining on Vegetation Carbon Sequestration Capacity
Authors: Dai Linda , Wang Fei , Li Quansheng , Yan Yueguan , Zhang Yongliang , Li Yu , Jin Siju
Published: November 2024

This study uses the Shangwan coal mine in Shendong Mine as its research area and evaluates the vegetation net primary productivity (NPP)’s impact in the mining area based on the multi-scale research unit of working face. The probability integral model (PIM) was employed to analyze the characteristics of spatiotemporal variation and mining impact laws of surface vegetation NPP in the entire Shangwan coal mine and working face impact zone. We proposed vegetation NPP impact assessment scheme based on working face and annual mining impact spatiotemporal scales, as well as impact distance and duration evaluation parameters, and multi-scale evaluation results of NPP in the mining area were calculated. (1) The vegetation NPP of the Shangwan coal mine has shown a fluctuating growth trend from 2000 to 2023. The annual average NPP variation value is 98.5–280.7 gC/m2, and the average annual value is 198.8 gC/m2. (2) By analyzing the fourth district impact zone, the impact patterns of the underground mining area, subsidence area, and vegetation NPP above the mining area were revealed for each mining year. (3) From the impact of mining on the 12401 working face in 2018, the mining impact distance on surface vegetation NPP is 300–400 m, and the impact duration is 3–4 years. It reveals that the impact of underground mining on surface vegetation NPP in the entire coal mining area is not significant. The NPP in mining area shows a temporal variation pattern of fluctuating growth and stabilizing trends. The research results have comprehensively revealed the degree and characteristics of underground mining’s impact on surface vegetation from different evaluation scales, providing a basis for effective management of the mining area environment.