bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Varied Bulk Powder Properties of Micro-Sized API within Size Specifications as a Result of Particle Engineering Methods
Authors: Wang Zijian , Solomos Marina , Axnanda Stephanus , Chen Chienhung , Figus Margaret , Schenck Luke , Sun Changquan Calvin
Published: September 2022

Micronized particles are commonly used to improve the content uniformity (CU), dissolution performance, and bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). Different particle engineering routes have been developed to prepare micron-sized API in a specific size range to deliver desirable biopharmaceutical performance. However, such API particles still risk varying bulk powder properties critical to successful manufacturing of quality drug products due to different particle shapes, size distribution, and surface energetics, arising from the anisotropy of API crystals. In this work, we systematically investigated key bulk properties of 10 different batches of Odanacatib prepared through either jet milling or fast precipitation, all of which meet the particle size specification established to ensure equivalent biopharmaceutical performance. However, they exhibited significantly different powder properties, solid-state properties, dissolution, and tablet CU. Among the 10 batches, a directly precipitated sample exhibited overall best performance, considering tabletability, dissolution, and CU. This work highlights the measurable impact of processing route on API properties and the importance of selecting a suitable processing route for preparing fine particles with optimal properties and performance.
Effects of Laser Power and Hatch Orientation on Final Properties of PA12 Parts Produced by Selective Laser Sintering
Authors: El Magri Anouar , Bencaid Salah Eddine , Vanaei Hamid Reza , Vaudreuil Sébastien
Published: September 2022

Poly(dodecano-12-lactam) (commercially known as polyamide “PA12”) is one of the most resourceful materials used in the selective laser sintering (SLS) process due to its chemical and physical properties. The present work examined the influence of two SLS parameters, namely, laser power and hatch orientation, on the tensile, structural, thermal, and morphological properties of the fabricated PA12 parts. The main objective was to evaluate the suitable laser power and hatching orientation with respect to obtaining better final properties. PA12 powders and SLS-printed parts were assessed through their particle size distributions, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and their tensile properties. The results showed that the significant impact of the laser power while hatching is almost unnoticeable when using a high laser power. A more significant condition of the mechanical properties is the uniformity of the powder bed temperature. Optimum factor levels were achieved at 95% laser power and parallel/perpendicular hatching. Parts produced with the optimized SLS parameters were then subjected to an annealing treatment to induce a relaxation of the residual stress and to enhance the crystallinity. The results showed that annealing the SLS parts at 170 °C for 6 h significantly improved the thermal, structural, and tensile properties of 3D-printed PA12 parts.
Revealing Nanodomain Structures of Bottom-Up-Fabricated Graphene-Embedded Silicon Oxycarbide Ceramics
Authors: Hu Dongxiao , Shao Gaofeng , Wang Jun , Gurlo Aleksander , Bekheet Maged F.
Published: September 2022

Dispersing graphene nanosheets in polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) has become a promising route to produce exceptional mechanical and functional properties. To reveal the complex nanodomain structures of graphene–PDC composites, a novel reduced graphene oxide aerogel embedded silicon oxycarbide (RGOA-SiOC) nanocomposite was fabricated bottom-up using a 3D reduced graphene oxide aerogel as a skeleton followed by infiltration of a ceramic precursor and high-temperature pyrolysis. The reduced graphene oxide played a critical role in not only the form of the free carbon phase but also the distribution of SiOxC4−x structural units in SiOC. Long-ordered and continuous graphene layers were then embedded into the amorphous SiOC phase. The oxygen-rich SiOxC4−x units were more prone to forming than carbon-rich SiOxC4−x units in SiOC after the introduction of reduced graphene oxide, which we attributed to the bonding of Si atoms in SiOC with O atoms in reduced graphene oxide during the pyrolysis process.
A Scientometric-Analysis-Based Review of the Research Development on Geopolymers
Authors: Khan Kaffayatullah , Ahmad Waqas , Amin Muhammad Nasir , Nazar Sohaib
Published: September 2022

A scientometric-based assessment of the literature on geopolymers was conducted in this study to determine its critical aspects. Typical review studies are restricted in their capability to link disparate segments of the literature in a systematic and exact way. Knowledge mapping, co-citation, and co-occurrence are very difficult components of creative research. This study adopted an advanced strategy of data mining, data processing and analysis, visualization and presentation, and interpretation of the bibliographic data on geopolymers. The Scopus database was used to search for and retrieve the data needed to complete the study’s objectives. The relevant sources of publications, keyword assessment, productive authors based on publications and citations, top papers based on citations received, and areas actively engaged in the research of geopolymers are recognized during the data assessment. The VOSviewer (VOS: visualization of similarities) software application was employed to analyze the literature data comprising citation, bibliographic, abstract, keywords, funding, and other information from 7468 relevant publications. In addition, the applications and restrictions associated with the use of geopolymers in the construction sector are discussed, as well as possible solutions to overcome these restrictions. The scientometric analysis revealed that the leading publication source (journal) in terms of articles and citations is “Construction and building materials”; the mostly employed keywords are geopolymer, fly ash, and compressive strength; and the top active and contributing countries based on publications are China, India, and Australia. Because of the quantitative and graphical representation of participating nations and researchers, this study can help academics to create collaborative efforts and exchange creative ideas and approaches. In addition, this study concluded that the large-scale usage of geopolymer concrete is constrained by factors such as curing regime, activator solution scarcity and expense, efflorescence, and alkali–silica reaction. However, embracing the potential solutions outlined in this study might assist in boosting the building industry’s adoption of geopolymer concrete.
Polymeric Packaging Applications for Seafood Products: Packaging-Deterioration Relevance, Technology and Trends
Authors: Laorenza Yeyen , Chonhenchob Vanee , Bumbudsanpharoke Nattinee , Jittanit Weerachet , Sae-tan Sudathip , Rachtanapun Chitsiri , Chanput Wasaporn Pretescille , Charoensiddhi Suvimol , Srisa Atcharawan , Promhuad Khwanchat , Wongphan Phanwipa , Harnkarnsujarit Nathdanai
Published: September 2022

Seafood is a highly economical product worldwide. Primary modes of deterioration include autolysis, oxidation of protein and lipids, formation of biogenic amines and melanosis, and microbial deterioration. These post-harvest losses can be properly handled if the appropriate packaging technology has been applied. Therefore, it is necessary for packaging deterioration relevance to be clearly understood. This review demonstrates recent polymeric packaging technology for seafood products. Relationship between packaging and quality deterioration, including microbial growth and chemical and biochemical reactions, are discussed. Recent technology and trends in the development of seafood packaging are demonstrated by recent research articles and patents. Development of functional polymers for active packaging is the largest area for seafood applications. Intelligent packaging, modified atmosphere packaging, thermal insulator cartons, as well as the method of removing a fishy aroma have been widely developed and patented to solve the specific and comprehensive quality issues in seafood products. Many active antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds have been found and successfully incorporated with polymers to preserve the quality and monitor the fish freshness. A thermal insulator has also been developed for seafood packaging to preserve its freshness and avoid deterioration by microbial growth and enzymatic activity. Moreover, the enhanced biodegradable tray is also innovative as a single or bulk fish container for marketing and distribution. Accordingly, this review shows emerging polymeric packaging technology for seafood products and the relevance between packaging and seafood qualities.
Effect of Ultrasonication on the Morphology, Mechanical Property, Ionic Conductivity, and Flame Retardancy of PEO-LiCF3SO3-Halloysite Nanotube Composites for Use as Solid Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Pongsuk Pattranuch , Pumchusak Jantrawan
Published: September 2022

PEO-LiCF3SO3-halloysite nanotube (HNT) composites were fabricated by solution casting together with hot compression to form a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membrane. Different ultrasonic exposure times were used to disperse HNT nanoparticles in the PEO-20%LiCF3SO3-HNT composite solutions prior to casting. An exposure time of 15 min gave the highest ionic conductivity in the SPE membrane, the ionic conductivity significantly increased by two orders of magnitude from 6.6 × 10−6 to 1.1 × 10−4 S/cm. TEM, FE-SEM, and EDS-mapping were used to study the dispersion of HNTs in the SPE membrane. ATR-FTIR revealed that the bonding of PEO-LiCF3SO3 and PEO-HNT was created. XRD and DSC showed a reduction in the crystallinity of PEO due to HNT addition. The ultrasonication for an optimal period gave uniform dispersion of HNT, reduced the polymer crystallinity and strengthened the tensile property of SPE membrane. Moreover, the electrochemical stability, flame retardance and dimensional stability were improved by the addition of HNT and by ultrasonication.
Hydroxypropyltrimethyl Ammonium Chloride Chitosan Nanoparticles Coatings for Reinforcement and Concomitant Inhibition of Anionic Water-Sensitive Dyes Migration on Fragile Paper Documents
Authors: Xing Huiping , Wang Jianwei , Ma Ouya , Chao Xiaolian , Zhou Yajun , Li Yuhu , Jia Zhihui
Published: September 2022

The fragile paper is treated to improve the stability and appearance of the paper artifact, such as washing, lining, deacidification, and reinforcement. During the above treatments, paper documents inevitably make contact with water directly, leading to the appearance change, stability decrease, and migration or fading of anionic water-sensitive dyes, which are seriously harmful to information security. Herein, Hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) nanoparticles were employed for the reinforcement and concomitant inhibition of anionic water-sensitive dye migration on fragile paper. HACC nanoparticles were prepared through physical ball grinding method and characterized via LPSA, SEM, TEM, XRD and FTIR. To evaluate the protective potential of HACC nanoparticles coating, the chemical and mechanical properties of coated and uncoated papers were evaluated after dry heat and hygrothermal accelerated aging. Additionally, good color stability of anionic water-sensitive dyes was observed on the paper coated with HACC nanoparticles after lining technology. Finally, the interaction mechanism between the anionic water-sensitive dyes and HACC nanoparticles was analyzed using an ultraviolet spectrophotometer and FTIR. The as-proposed technique can provide technical support to improve the mechanical properties of fragile paper and enhance the anionic water-sensitive dyes stability in the aqueous phase.
Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites: Mechanical Properties and Applications
Authors: Ilyas R. A. , Sapuan S. M. , Bayraktar Emin , Hassan Shukur Abu , Hayeemasae Nabil , Atikah M. S. N. , Shaker Khubab
Published: September 2022

"Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites: Mechanical Properties and Applications" is a newly open Special Issue of Polymers, which aims to publish original and review papers on new scientific and applied research and make boundless contributions to the finding and understanding of the reinforcing effects of various synthetic and natural fibres on the performance of biopolymer composites [...]
Determination of Frequency-Dependent Shear Modulus of Viscoelastic Layer via a Constrained Sandwich Beam
Authors: Kang Ludi , Sun Chengpu , Liu Haosheng , Liu Bilong
Published: September 2022

Viscoelastic material can significantly reduce the vibration energy and radiated noise of a structure, so it is widely used in lightweight sandwich structures. The accurate and efficient determination of the frequency-dependent complex modulus of viscoelastic material is the basis for the correct analysis of the vibro-acoustic behavior of sandwich structures. Based on the behavior of a sandwich beam whose core is a viscoelastic layer, a combined theoretical and experimental study is proposed to characterize the properties of the viscoelastic layer constituting the core. In this method, the viscoelastic layer is bonded between two constraining layers. Then, a genetic algorithm is used to fit the analytical solution of the frequency¬ response function of the free–free constrained beam to the measured result, and then the frequency-dependent complex modulus is estimated for the viscoelastic layer. Moreover, by varying the length of the beams, it is possible to characterize the frequency-dependent complex modulus of the viscoelastic material over a wide frequency range. Finally, the characterized frequency-dependent complex modulus is imported into a finite element model to compute the complex natural frequencies of a sandwich beam, and a comparison of the simulated and measured results displays that the errors in the real parts are within 2.33% and the errors in the imaginary parts are within 3.31%. It is confirmed that the proposed method is feasible, accurate, and reliable. This provides essential technical support for improving the acoustic vibration characteristics of sandwich panels by introducing viscoelastic materials.
Comparison of Various Antimicrobial Agents for Thermoplastic Polymeric Retainers
Authors: Kiatwarawut Kanket , Kuvatanasuchati Jintakorn , Thaweboon Boonyanit , Sirisoontorn Irin
Published: September 2022

The thermoplastic retainers indicated a rising incidence of cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. A report suggested the case of a patient with severe gingival inflammation and dental caries as a result of inadequate appliance cleaning. This study aims to compare the various antimicrobial agents for thermoplastic polymeric retainers. A minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of acetic acid was determined. Streptococcus mutans biofilm was formed on punched 4-mm copolyester (Essix ACE®) and polyurethane (Vivera®) retainers after they were submerged in 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX group), acetic acid (AA group), Polident Denture Cleanser® (PD group), and Polident Pro Guard & Retainer® (PR group). A crystal violet (CV) test was performed. The biofilm imaging was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The results showed that all chemical disinfectants exhibited statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) compared to the positive control. This novel finding elucidated that 0.625% acetic acid is effective for antimicrobial in both copolyester and polyurethane retainers. However, only the CHX, PD, and PR groups could reduce biofilm mass. In addition, the CV assay cannot provide information about the actual number of living and dead bacteria. Furthermore, the LIVE/DEAD BacLight assay was able to show the bacterial viability.
Sustainable Polymer Composites Manufacturing through 3D Printing Technologies by Using Recycled Polymer and Filler
Authors: Fico Daniela , Rizzo Daniela , De Carolis Valentina , Montagna Francesco , Esposito Corcione Carola
Published: September 2022

In the last years, the excessive use of plastic and other synthetic materials, that are generally difficult to dispose of, has caused growing ecological worries. These are contributing to redirecting the world’s attention to sustainable materials and a circular economy (CE) approach using recycling routes. In this work, bio-filaments for the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing technique were produced from recycled polylactic acid (PLA) and artisanal ceramic waste by an extrusion process and fully characterized from a physical, thermal, and mechanical point of view. The data showed different morphological, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of the two produced filaments. Furthermore, the 3D objects produced from the 100% recycled PLA filament showed lower mechanical performance. However, the results have demonstrated that all the produced filaments can be used in a low-cost FFF commercial printer that has been modified with simple hand-made operations in order to produce 3D-printed models. The main objective of this work is to propose an example of easy and low-cost application of 3D printing that involves operations such as the reprocessing and the recyclability of materials, that are also not perfectly mechanically performing but can still provide environmental and economic benefits.
A Review on Research Progress in Plasma-Controlled Superwetting Surface Structure and Properties
Authors: Li Dayu , Xu Kai , Zhang Yanjun
Published: September 2022

Superwetting surface can be divided into (super) hydrophilic surface and (super) hydrophobic surface. There are many methods to control superwetting surface, among which plasma technology is a safe and convenient one. This paper first summarizes the plasma technologies that control the surface superwettability, then analyzes the influencing factors from the micro point of view. After that, it focuses on the plasma modification methods that change the superwetting structure on the surface of different materials, and finally, it states the specific applications of the superwetting materials. In a word, the use of plasma technology to obtain a superwetting surface has a wide application prospect.
Analysis of Optical Turbulence over the South China Sea Using Balloon-Borne Microthermal Data and ERA5 Data
Authors: Xu Manman , Shao Shiyong , Weng Ningquan , Liu Qing
Published: September 2022

It is very useful for adaptive optics (AO) systems to have appropriate knowledge of optical turbulence. However, due to the limitations of space and time, it is difficult to obtain turbulence parameters, especially in the far sea area. In this paper, the characteristics of optical turbulence over the South China Sea are obtained by analyzing the meteorological data obtained from the field experiment of ocean optical parameters and the fifth set of reanalysis data of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) for 10 years (2011–2020). Firstly, a new statistical model is proposed based on the measured data and the Hufnagel-Valley 5/7, which can well reconstruct the atmospheric turbulence characteristics of the South China Sea. Secondly, according to the comparison between the temperature and wind speed data in ERA5 data and microthermal measurement, the ERA5 data have good reliability, with the temperature deviation basically less than 1.5 K and the wind speed deviation basically less than 2 m∙s−1. Thirdly, the vertical distributions and seasonal behavior of the turbulence strength at the determined location are analyzed, which shows that the turbulence strength in the upper atmosphere is strongest in summer, followed by autumn and winter, and weakest in spring. Then, the distribution profile of the Richardson number provides us with the relative probability of the existence of optical turbulence. During summer and September, the instability of the atmosphere is significantly larger than other months and the extremely low intensity in April indicates the most stable condition in all months. Finally, the analysis results of turbulence parameter profiles for many years show that there is good consistency between different parameters.
Waterlogging Assessment of Chinese Ancient City Sites Considering Microtopography: A Case Study of the PuZhou Ancient City Site, China
Authors: Chai Xinyuan , Dong Youqiang , Li Yihao
Published: September 2022

A waterlogging assessment framework based on the stormwater management model (SWMM), considering the microtopography, is proposed (taking into account the complexity of the underlying surface, which contains various micro-surface features within the Chinese ancient city site). We used the ancient city site of PuZhou as the study case and the framework is detailed in this paper. First, the land cover was classified by combining the analysis of UAVs and field surveys; subsequently, a revised sub-catchment division method considering the land cover was proposed to obtain more accurate and reliable sub-catchments; thirdly, the parameters used in SWMM were determined by analyzing the micro-surface features; finally, the inundation area was calculated based on the SWMM-GIS. To verify the advantage of our proposed framework, two comparative experiments where the land cover and the micro-surface features were not considered in the stages of the sub-catchment division and parameter estimations were carried out. The simulated inundation area derived from our proposed framework with the return periods of 10a., 50a., 100a., and 1000a. were (separately) 22,500 m2, 29,500 m2, 33,600 m2, and 44,200 m2, which are more in line with the actual situation compared with the two designed comparative experiments. The experimental results show that our proposed framework has significant meaning to the waterlogging assessment on the Chinese ancient city site.
Unsupervised Change Detection around Subways Based on SAR Combined Difference Images
Authors: Jiang Aihui , Dai Jie , Yu Sisi , Zhang Baolei , Xie Qiaoyun , Zhang Huanxue
Published: September 2022

Prompt and precise acknowledgement of surface change around subways is of considerable significance in urban rail protection and local environmental management. Research has proven the considerable potential of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images for detecting such information; however, previous studies have mostly focused on change intensity using single Difference images (DIs), e.g., difference value DI (DVDI) and mean value DI (MVDI). With the aim of more accurate information with respect to surface changes around subways, in this study, we proposed a novel SAR detection method that involved three steps: (1) the calculation of three single DIs, (2) the combination of the single DIs and (3) the delineation of the changed area. Compared to existing detection methods, the proposed method represents three major improvements. First, both the intensity information and phase information were applied by combining the DVDI, MVDI and coherent difference images (CDIs). Secondly, a local energy weight (LEW) approach was proposed to combine single DIs instead of the normally used equal weights. Because the changed area often comprises continuous rather than discrete pixels, a combined DI with the LEW (“CoDI-LEW” hereafter) fully considers the attributes of adjacent pixels and enhances the signal-to-noise ratio of SAR images. Thirdly, the FCM algorithm, instead of the widely used threshold methods, was applied to distinguish changed areas from unchanged areas. An experimental comparison with several existing detection methods showed that the proposed method could delineate changed areas with higher accuracy in terms of both quality and quantity. Furthermore, it can effectively execute detection under diverse surface change conditions with good feasibility and applicability.
Geometric Quality Improvement Method of Optical Remote Sensing Satellite Images Based on Rational Function Model
Authors: Li Qingyang , Zhong Ruofei , Yang Cankun , Zhao Ke , Zhang Chenchen , Li Yue
Published: September 2022

The high-precision geometric positioning of optical remote sensing satellites is the prerequisite to determine the application capability of satellite image products. Its positioning accuracy is related to the observation accuracy of each link in the imaging process, including satellite attitude, orbit measurement accuracy, time synchronization accuracy, camera measurement accuracy, and so on. Untimely and inaccurate on-orbit calibration will lead to great geometric positioning errors. To optimize the positioning accuracy of satellite images with the rational function model (RFM) under low positioning accuracy, our paper proposes an improved geometric quality model based on the reorientation of internal and external orientation elements in the RFM model of remote sensing images. By establishing the rational function positioning model, the external orientation model, and the internal orientation model, the original image can be reorientated. Then, we use the improved model to generate uniformly distributed virtual ground control points. By analyzing and verifying the relationship between each rational polynomial coefficient (RPC) and its influence on geometric positioning accuracy, we propose an RPC coefficients optimization method based on image offset correction and positioning dominant coefficients. Finally, we use the small satellite “MN200Sar-1” with low geometric accuracy for experimental verification. The results show that the model can effectively eliminate the errors of internal and external elements in the on-orbit calibration, and the positioning accuracy is improved from one hundred pixels to one pixel. At the same time, the rational polynomial dominant coefficient optimization method can improve geometric positioning accuracy without introducing additional compensation parameters.
Land Suitability Analysis for Potential Vineyards Extension in Afghanistan at Regional Scale Using Remote Sensing Datasets
Authors: Arab Sara Tokhi , Ahamed Tofael
Published: September 2022

Grapes are one of the world’s most widely distributed crops and are cultivated in more than 100 countries in the global scheme. Due to climate change and improper vine growth variable selection, production has significantly decreased across countries. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to develop a land suitability analysis method using a fuzzy expert system at a regional scale. The fuzzy membership function was used in the ArcGIS® environment to perform the spatial analysis, and the overlay function was used to generate the final suitability map for Afghanistan considering policy planning. The results indicated that 23% (15,760,144 ha) of the areas were potential and located in the highly suitable region for grape production; however, 11% (7,370,025 ha) of the regions were not suitable for vineyards throughout the country of Afghanistan. In the present study, it was observed that most of the vineyards were in highly suitable areas (90%, 80,466 ha), while 0.01% (5 ha) of the vineyards were in less suitable areas. The present analysis demonstrated that the significant extension of grape vines can be possible in highly suitable areas. The results of this research can support decision-makers, farm managers and land developers to find more prospective acreage for expanding vineyards in Afghanistan.
Distributed Satellite Relay Cooperative Communication with Optimized Signal Space Dimension
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Xiyuan , Liu Qiao , Li Hui
Published: September 2022

With the increasingly obvious trend of satellite communication and network integration, especially the emergence of inter satellite links, the interconnection between space nodes has become the development trend and inevitable requirement of future space communication. However, problems, such as long communication distance, large transmission delay and loss, limited network resources and frequent switching of transmission links, limit the ability of spatial information transmission. Firstly, based on the idea of ring planning and design, this paper uses the joint design of beamforming between nodes to design the physical layer network coding in the relay to realize the reliable transmission of information. Secondly, according to the diversity of relay signal space resources and network node information exchange, a joint design method of relay compression matrix and node precoding vector is studied, which breaks through the existing configuration constraints. In this scheme, the computational complexity is reduced by compressing and precoding the matrix to ensure reliable decoding while obtaining spatial alignment gain and degrees of freedom. Simulated and real data results demonstrate the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Calculating Co-Seismic Three-Dimensional Displacements from InSAR Observations with the Dislocation Model-Based Displacement Direction Constraint: Application to the 23 July 2020 Mw6.3 Nima Earthquake, China
Authors: Hu Jun , Shi Jianwen , Liu Jihong , Zheng Wanji , Zhu Kang
Published: September 2022

As one of the most prevailing geodetic tools, the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technique can accurately obtain co-seismic displacements, but is limited to the one-dimensional line-of-sight (LOS) measurement. It is therefore difficult to completely reveal the real three-dimensional (3D) surface displacements with InSAR. By employing azimuth displacement observations from pixel offset tracking (POT) and multiple aperture InSAR (MAI) techniques, 3D displacements of large-magnitude earthquakes can be obtained by integrating the ascending and descending data. However, this method cannot be used to accurately realize the 3D surface displacement measurements of small-magnitude earthquakes due to the low accuracies of the POT/MAI-derived azimuth displacement measurements. In this paper, an alternative method is proposed to calculate co-seismic 3D displacements from ascending and descending InSAR-LOS observations with the dislocation model-based displacement direction constraint. The main contribution lies in the two virtual observation equations that are obtained from the dislocation model-based forward-modeling 3D displacements, which are then combined with the ascending/descending InSAR observations to calculate the 3D displacements. The basis of the two virtual observation equations is that the directions of the 3D displacement vectors are very similar for real and model-based 3D displacements. In addition, the weighted least squares (WLS) method is employed to solve the final 3D displacements, which aims to consider and balance the possible errors in the InSAR observations as well as the dislocation model-based displacement direction constraint. A simulation experiment demonstrates that the proposed method can achieve more accurate 3D displacements compared with the existing methods. The co-seismic 3D displacements of the 2020 Nima earthquake are then accurately obtained by the proposed method. The results show that co-seismic displacements are dominated by the vertical displacement, the magnitude of the horizontal displacement is relatively small, and the overall displacement pattern fits well with the tensile rupture.
WaterMaskAnalyzer (WMA)—A User-Friendly Tool to Analyze and Visualize Temporal Dynamics of Inland Water Body Extents
Authors: Buettig Stephan , Lins Marie , Goihl Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Freely available satellite imagery from the EU Copernicus program can record water surfaces precisely and at high temporal resolution. This paper provides the development status of the open-source demo software “WaterMaskAnalyzer” (WMA) for the determination of water body extents. The application allows simple to use on-demand monitoring of inland water dynamics by the Otsu-thresholding algorithm that automatically classifies water bodies. The tool can answer various hydrological issues related to disaster and water management, nature conservation, or water body monitoring. The first results from investigations of the Sentinel-1 time series in VH polarization show high accuracies with R2 = 0.824 compared to in situ measurements for the Quitzdorf reservoir in Saxony, Germany. Small or indented-shaped water bodies, as well as those with forested riparian zones, such as the Cranzahl (VH: R2 = 0.102 and VV: R2 = 0.251) and Klingenberg reservoirs (VH: R2 = 0.091 and VV: R2 = 0.146), only achieve a low R2 for VV and VH polarization but receive equally low RMSEs of 0.045 km2 (Cranzahl) and 0.077 km2 (Klingenberg). By separating out outliers and using correction factors, fast improvements in the accuracies can be expected. For future improvements, alternate classification methods and diverse new ground-truth data lead us to expect the next big step in development.
Ternary Planar Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells Based on the Ternary Active Layers: α-6T/AlPcCl/C60
Authors: Ftouhi Hajar , Lamkaouane Hind , Diani Mustapha , Louarn Guy , Arzel Ludovic , Bernède Jean-Christian , Addou Mohammed , Cattin Linda
Published: September 2022

Ternary planar heterojunction organic solar cells (PHJ-OPVs) were fabricated using three organic small molecules, alpha-sexithiophene (α-6T), aluminum phthalocyanine chloride (AlPcCl) and fullerene (C60). These molecules can be easily sublimated under a vacuum; they have complementary optical absorption spectra and their energy band structure alignment is favorable for electronic charge transfers. Moreover, α-6T and AlPcCl have almost the same HOMO, which is desirable to avoid any decrease in open circuit voltage. The AlPcCl intercalated layer bridges the energy levels of the electron donor, α-6T, and the electron acceptor, C60, which facilitates charge transport through the energy cascade effect. Moreover, the charge carrier mobility measurements of AlPcCl, using the space charge limited current method, demonstrated that it iss ambipolar. All these properties combine to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PHJ-OPVs by moving from binary structures (α-6T/C60, α-6T/AlPcCl and AlPcCl/C60) to ternary ones (α-6T/AlPcCl/C60). We show, in this study, that both interfaces of the ternary PHJ-OPVs are efficient for carrier separation. After optimization of the different layer thickness, we show that, by comparing the optimum efficiencies of the binary PHJ-OPVs, the realization of ternary PHJ-OPVs, based on the active layers α-6T/AlPcCl/C60, using the following optimized method, allows us to achieve a PCE of 4.33%.
Analysis of Ride-Hailing Passenger Satisfaction and Life Satisfaction Based on a MIMIC Model
Authors: Li Gang , Zhang Ruining , Guo Shujuan , Zhang Junyi
Published: September 2022

Well-being enhancement is an essential goal of urban transportation. As an emerging and popular mode of urban transportation, the impact of the ride-hailing service on people’s well-being has not been well examined, especially in developing countries. In order to study the influencing factors of ride-hailing passenger satisfaction and the relationship between passenger satisfaction and subjective well-being, a conceptual framework of the relationships between ride-hailing passengers’ characteristics, the service quality of ride-hailing (service perception, operation service, external influence, and safety perception), passenger satisfaction, and life satisfaction is developed and verified with data collected in Dalian city, China. A comparative analysis between express and hitch in the ride-hailing service is conducted by a multiple indicators multiple causes model. The result shows that service perception, safety perception, external influence, and operation service have significantly positive effects on passenger satisfaction in both express and hitch, but they play diverse roles. Passenger satisfaction in express and hitch positively and differently affects their respective life satisfaction with the consideration of individual heterogeneity in terms of socio-economic characteristics. These findings complement the interaction mechanism of service quality, passenger satisfaction, and life satisfaction in the field of ride-hailing; they provide critical insights for ride-hailing platforms and policymakers to satisfy the diversified travel needs and the well-being improvement of the public.
Applying Adaptive Security Techniques for Risk Analysis of Internet of Things (IoT)-Based Smart Agriculture
Authors: Riaz Abdur Rehman , Gilani Syed Mushhad M. , Naseer Salman , Alshmrany Sami , Shafiq Muhammad , Choi Jin-Ghoo
Published: September 2022

In modern times, the Internet of Things (IoT) is having a major impact on agriculture. Risk and security parameters are always linked when researching, developing, implementing and deploying IoT-based devices. It is a myth that security does not play a major role in IoT applications in agriculture. Data accuracy and availability is a high-priority requirement for farmers who help achieve high yields. A secure IoT network requires a situational approach, often referred to as dynamic security. An advanced security approach to improving IoT security is adaptive security, a cybersecurity-based approach. The lack of security in a smart farming environment is a very important factor for agricultural growth. In this study, we introduce IoT together with adaptive security operations and integrate it into a smart farming environment. We propose an evaluation framework that can be applied to diverse smart farming environments. Several scenarios of an agricultural environment with smart devices and sensors are described for execution. Storylines with real-time environments are then derived from these scenarios to extend and incorporate adaptive security frameworks and scenarios in IoT-based agriculture.
Sustainable Consumption and Production in the Extraction and Processing of Raw Materials—Measures Sets for Achieving SDG Target 12.2
Authors: Trummer Patrick , Ammerer Gloria , Scherz Marco
Published: September 2022

As part of the European Green Deal, the European Commission recently launched the project “New European Bauhaus of the 21st Century” to promote climate-neutral, affordable, and creative design approaches and transform the built environment towards sustainability. Based on a forecasting and backcasting approach, we developed three sets of measures containing eighteen individual measures, with the overall aim of reducing the consumption of mineral raw materials in line with the sustainability strategies (consistency, efficiency, and sufficiency) from exploration through material processing, to semi-finished product production. The developed measures address in detail the reduction of primary raw material consumption, the increased use of secondary raw materials, and the intensification of access to important domestic raw material sources, as well as the efficiency and productivity progression of the Austrian raw material industry. The implementation of the measures will raise the transparency and traceability of raw material routes, material flows, and supply chains through improved and comprehensive data collection and processing. The developed measures were handed over to the Austrian Federal Government in February 2022 to push the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 in Austria.
Patterns of Seed Dispersal in Coastal Dune Plant Communities
Authors: Valdesolo Tommaso , Del Vecchio Silvia , Buffa Gabriella
Published: September 2022

Seed dispersal is a key determinant of species distribution, although it is still unclear how it contributes to species assembly in plant communities. We linked patterns of seed dispersal to coexisting species to investigate the role of dispersal in the species assembly process. We focused on 19 species coexisting in a foredune plant community, classified as “foredune foundation species”, “semi-fixed dune species,” and “alien species”. The number of seeds dispersed by the 19 species was monitored monthly in 25 plots for 12 months. Then we compared both dispersal strategies and dispersal phenology among the species. Foredune foundation species, species of the semi-fixed dune, and alien species used the same dispersal strategies, with the exception of hemerochory, which was prevalently used by alien species. The three groups of species differentiated the dispersal season: semi-fixed dune species and alien species were early and late dispersers, respectively (spring vs. late summer), while foredune foundation species dispersed seeds in summer. Seasonal differentiation in seed dispersal may play a more important role in the species assembly process than dispersal vectors. Shifts in seasonality due to climate change may influence the timing of seed dispersal and provide species with different colonization opportunities.
Cost–Benefit Analysis for Supply Chain of Renewable Gases from Perennial Energy Crops: The Case of Lithuania
Authors: Bužinskienė Rita , Miceikienė Astrida
Published: September 2022

The increasing production of renewable gases has been driving attention to perennial energy crop production, particularly the problem of choosing an attractive and effective way to produce the supply chain from the farmer to the biogas plant. The production of perennial energy crops for renewable gases may provide an excellent chance for a sustained bioeconomy and help to minimize the total environmental effect of the section. This study aims to demonstrate the scenarios associated with the production of five perennial energy crops, namely, Miscanthus, Switchgrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Common Sainfoin, and Lucerne, for renewable gases in the supply chain. The investigation was carried out utilizing cost–benefit methodology, during which a net benefit identification was executed by comparing the internal rate of return (IRR), payback period (PBT), and net present value (NPV), in addition to the benefit-cost ratio (RBC). According to the results, the best and most attractive perennial energy crops for biogas production include Miscanthus and Switchgrass. Perennial Ryegrass, Common Sainfoin, and Lucerne are not attractive crops for the supply chain of renewable gases. The earned revenue is too small to cover the costs of cultivation.
Determination of Silicon Accumulation in Non-Bt Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) Plants and Its Impact on Fecundity and Biology of Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Abbasi Asim , Sufyan Muhammad , Ashraf Hafiza Javaria , Zaman Qamar uz , Haq Inzamam Ul , Ahmad Zahoor , Saleem Ramish , Hashmi Mohammad Rameez , Jaremko Mariusz , Abdelsalam Nader R. , Ghareeb Rehab Y.
Published: September 2022

Considering the resistance development-potential of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) against control tactics with limited action mechanisms, the present study investigated the accumulation of two different silicon (Si) sources (SiO2 and K2SiO3) in cotton plants. The tested dose rates (0, 200, and 400 mg/L) of both Si sources were applied directly to the soil or through foliar application on cotton leaves. Moreover, a laboratory bioassay was also conducted to evaluate the performance of applied Si sources against the oviposition preference and biology of B. tabaci. A significantly higher Si accumulation, reduction in oviposition preference, and prolonged developmental period of all nymphs and total life cycle of B. tabaci was observed in the case of foliar-applied silicon. Similarly, among Si sources, a significant decline in the number of oviposited eggs and delay in the developmental period of B. tabaci was observed in the case of SiO2, followed by K2SiO3. Moreover, cotton plants subjected to SiO2 treatments possessed higher Si contents in their leaves than K2SiO3 treated plants. The results further revealed that both Si sources showed promising results at their higher concentrations regarding the tested parameters of Si accumulation, fecundity, and developmental period of B. tabaci. Our results strongly suggest that among emerging pest control strategies in cotton plants lies the use of foliar application of Si, which can also be incorporated in different integrated pest management programs due to its safety for humans and beneficial insect fauna.
Sustainability and Industry 4.0: Definition of a Set of Key Performance Indicators for Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Contini Giuditta , Peruzzini Margherita
Published: September 2022

Today, sustainability represents a fundamental concept to be developed and implemented in any industrial context. Therefore, it is essential to be able to measure sustainability performance by proper indicators, along the entire lifecycle and the value chain, considering environmental, economic, and social impacts. Moreover, every manufacturing company should have a specific measuring framework to calculate all the specific parameters. In this direction, the modern digital transition and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies are proposing to transform human–machine relations, with a significant impact on social and organizational aspects. At the same time, digitization can help companies to define and implement sustainability by correlating production with proper evaluation metrics. The aim of this research is to provide a complete overview of sustainability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) based on the Triple Bottom Line concept, referring to the three sustainability areas. Such an overview can be used by companies to set their specific KPIs and metrics to measure their sustainability level, according to their needs.
Evaluation of Urban Green Building Design Schemes to Achieve Sustainability Based on the Projection Pursuit Model Optimized by the Atomic Orbital Search
Authors: Liu Genbao , Zhao Tengfei , Yan Hong , Wu Han , Wang Fuming
Published: September 2022

The popularization and use of green buildings are of great significance for reducing the carbon emissions of buildings and achieving sustainable development. Scientific evaluation of the green building design scheme is the key factor in ensuring the popularization and use of green buildings. To overcome the shortage of a systematic evaluation index system and comprehensive evaluation method, an evaluation index system of green building design schemes and an evaluation method based on the projection pursuit model were developed. First, according to the needs of green building development, an evaluation index system of green building design schemes was systematically constructed from the five aspects of the economy, the resource utilization index, environmental impacts, technical management, and social impacts. The calculation methods of all secondary indexes are provided in detail. Then, a novel evaluation method based on the projection pursuit model optimized by the atomic orbital search was constructed. This method searches for key influencing factors and determines the evaluation grade from the evaluation data structure, and realizes the scientific and objective evaluations of green building design schemes. Finally, the Nanchang Hengda Project was selected to conduct a detailed empirical study. The research results show that the incremental net present value of the investment, the energy consumption of the air conditioning system, and the ratio of the window area to the indoor area are the most important secondary indexes. Moreover, the environmental impact index was found to be the most important primary index. Via comparisons with different optimization algorithms and evaluation methods, the superiority of the proposed model is proven.