bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Anti-Capsize Ship for Patrol Vessel with the Self-Righting Moment
Authors: Trimulyono Andi , Fuadi Moh. Afroh , Zakki Ahmad Fauzan , Mursid Ocid , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: January 2023

The patrol boat is one of the critical aspects for archipelago countries, such as Indonesia, to supervise and maintain the sea border. Due to rough sea conditions, the patrol boat could lose its stability due to the loss of a self-righting roll moment in severe waves. One of the most challenging aspects is to ensure the sufficient stability of the patrol boat during rough conditions. Another challenge is to design a boat that has a self-righting moment during rolling in extreme conditions. This paper examines the design of an anti-capsize ship by improving the self-righting moment with different deck houses height. The rough condition is described when the boat experiences a roll angle of 170°. The principal dimensions of the patrol boat, i.e., Lpp, B, H, T, are 13.0 m, 4.2 m, 2.19 m, and 1.15 m, respectively. Four different deck house heights are compared to obtain the best self-righting roll moment with a height increment of 0.1 m. The physical model is implemented with ship model 1:27.4. In addition, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is also used to support the proof of the existence of the self-righting roll moment. It is revealed that the center of gravity and buoyancy are essential parameters to acquire the self-righting moment. The height of the deckhouse improves the center of the metacenter, which influences the righting arm of ship stability. The results show that our ship design has a self-righting moment during heel at 180°.
Study on the Influence of Gradient Wind on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Two-Element Wingsail for Ship-Assisted Propulsion
Authors: Li Chen , Wang Hongming , Sun Peiting
Published: January 2023

It is well known that sail-assisted propulsion works under gradient wind conditions in the atmospheric boundary layer, and is an energy-saving device for fuel consumption. In order to study the aerodynamic characteristics of a wingsail in the atmospheric boundary layer above sea level, a transition SST turbulence model was used for numerical simulation of the wingsail with uniform and gradient wind conditions. We concluded that gradient wind conditions can delay the stall caused by an increased angle of attack. This is because the airflow on the suction surface of the wingsail in the spanwise direction exerts an acceleration towards the top of the wingsail. At the same time, supplementary airflow compresses the separated vortex, thus delaying the stall of the two-element wingsail. Under gradient wind conditions, the flow separation of the wingsail develops rapidly in the stall angles. Once a flat separation vortex is formed at the trailing edge of the wingsail, with the slow increase of flap deflection angle, flow separation rapidly expands and a deep stall occurs. Therefore, a small change of the flap deflection angle in the near-stall angles may lead to a deep stall of the wingsail, which should be avoided in engineering applications. Finally, the influence of the average speed of the gradient wind on the aerodynamic performance of the two-element wingsail was analyzed.
Turbulent Transport in a Stratified Shear Flow
Authors: Gladskikh Daria , Ostrovsky Lev , Troitskaya Yuliya , Soustova Irina , Mortikov Evgeny
Published: January 2023

Within the framework of the theory of unsteady turbulent flows in a stratified fluid, a new parameterization of the turbulent Prandtl number is proposed. The parameterization is included in the k-ε-closure and used within the three-dimensional model of thermohydrodynamics of an enclosed water body where density distribution includes pycnocline. This allows us to describe turbulence in a stratified shear flow without the restrictions associated with the gradient Richardson number and justify the choice of closure constants. Numerical experiments, where the downward penetration of turbulence was considered, confirm the advantage of the developed approach in describing the effects neglected in the classical closures.
Methodology for the Practical Implementation of Monitoring Temperature Conditions over Vast Sea Areas Using Acoustic Thermometry
Authors: Dolgikh Grigory , Morgunov Yuri , Burenin Alexander , Bezotvetnykh Vladimir , Luchin Vladimir , Golov Aleksandr , Tagiltsev Alexander
Published: January 2023

The methodological and technical possibilities of monitoring temperature fields in the Sea of Japan by acoustic thermometry methods are presented. The proposed tomographic method for monitoring the dynamics and structure of water is based on the transmission and reception of complex phase-shift keyed acoustic signals on a diagnosed track with the determination of the travel time along various ray trajectories, followed by the sound speed (temperature) determination. The physical prerequisites for the practical implementation of thermometric studies at large distances are based on the acoustic “mudslide” effect—the phenomenon of the acoustic energy “injection“ from the near-bottom shelf area to the underwater sound channel of the deep ocean. Based on the Sea of Japan example, an acoustic thermometry system based on tomographic schemes with mobile and stationary hydroacoustic sources for promising work in the field of oceanic climatology is proposed. For numerical calculations of the signal propagation channels’ impulse responses between sources and receivers, a specialized database of oceanological information was formed for the northwestern part of the Sea of Japan. The database includes all available data from organizations in Russia, Japan, North Korea, the Republic of Korea, and the United States (23,247 stations completed from 1925 to 2017). In the example of the Sea of Japan, a high-precision acoustic thermometry system based on tomographic schemes with developed mobile and stationary hydroacoustic transmitting and receiving systems was proposed and experimentally tested.
Objective Functions and Performance Optimization of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) with CO2-Based Binary Zeotropic Mixture Power Cycle
Authors: Shi Weixiu , Sun Yin , Pan Lisheng , Song Linjian , Wei Xiaolin
Published: January 2023

Ocean thermal energy is a huge renewable and clean energy. For different applications of the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system, new objective functions are proposed and optimal CO2-based binary zeotropic mixtures for each objective function are discussed. Propane, butane, isobutane, and pentane were selected as the secondary component of the mixture working fluid. Based on each objective function, some parameters of the CO2-based binary zeotropic mixture power cycle were studied and the optimal working fluids were obtained. The results indicated that the thermal efficiency showed an upwards trend as the evaporating temperature increased from 20 to 23 °C and decreased as the molar fraction of the secondary component of the working fluid increased from 0.01 to 0.05, but the specific volumetric flow showed the opposite trend. The specific net power increased as the evaporating temperature increased, and the net power output had a greater effect on the variations in the specific net power than the molar fraction of the secondary component. When taking thermal efficiency or specific volumetric flow as the objective functions, CO2/propane was the suitable working fluid under the considered conditions; in the case that specific net power was taken as the objective function, CO2/butane (0.97/0.03 or 0.96/0.04 molar ratio) or CO2/isobutane (0.97/0.03, 0.96/0.04, or 0.95/0.05 molar ratio) were suitable under the considered evaporating temperature.
Strength Behaviors and Constitutive Model of Gas-Saturated Methane Hydrate-Bearing Sediment in Gas-Rich Phase Environment
Authors: Sun Yuqi , Zhang Yiqun , Liu Li , Lu Jingsheng , Tian Shouceng , Li Gensheng
Published: January 2023

Natural gas hydrates occupy an important position in the development of clean energy around the world in the 21st century. It is of great significance to research the mechanical properties of methane hydrate-bearing sediment (MHBS). In this paper, gas-saturated MHBS were synthesized based on the self-developed triaxial compressor apparatus. The triaxial shear tests were performed at temperatures of 2 °C, 3 °C, and 5 °C and confining pressures of 7.5 MPa, 10 MPa, and 15 MPa. Results indicate that the axial strain process can be divided into three stages: initial elastic deformation, initial yield deformation, and strain softening. When confining pressure is increased, the shear strength of MHBS increases at a lower confining pressure. In contrast, shear strength appears to decrease with increasing confining pressure at a higher confining pressure. There is a negative correlation between temperature and shear strength of MHBS. The initial yield strain of MHBS increases in condition due to the increase in confining pressure and the decrease in temperature. The change in strength degradation is kept within 2 MPa. Using test data, the Duncan-Chang model was modified to describe the strength behaviors of gas-saturated MHBS. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparing calculated values with test data.
Relationship of Satellite Altimetry Data, and Bathymetry Observations on the West Coast of Africa
Authors: Pajak Katarzyna , Idzikowska Magdalena , Kowalczyk Kamil
Published: January 2023

The sea surface is variable in time and space; therefore, many researchers are currently interested in searching for dependencies and connections with the elements influencing this diversity, e.g., with the seabed topography. An important problem is combining or comparing models obtained based on different data sets with different accuracies and spatial resolutions. These studies are designed to discover the relationship that may exist between observations of the shape of the seabed and changes in sea level. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship by checking the correlation between the observations from the point recording of satellite altimetry measurements and the bathymetric data. The object of research is the capital city of Gabon—Libreville, located on the west coast of Africa and three point in Las Palmas. The results present sea level, salinity, and potential temperature variations in selected points. The highest trends of sea level changes occur, at one point, in the open ocean (P6) and at coastal points (Libreville, P3, Pointe Noire). The study indicates that, from 1993 to 2020, the temperature trend at the assessed points is on average 0.018  ±  0.012 °C·year−1, while the average salinity trend is 0.008  ±  0.005 1e−3 year−1. The correlation coefficients for the sea water temperature trend and the sea water salinity trend—determined at 0.20 and 0.08—present a weak linear relationship. Correlation takes slightly higher values for elevation, which is determined at 0.38. Research shows that there is a relationship between satellite and bathymetric observations on the east coast of Africa; however, the strength of the correlation depends on the location.
An Underwater Wet-Mateable Electrical Connector with Dual-Bladder Pressure-Balanced Oil-Filled (PBOF) Technology
Authors: Song Wentao , Yang Cuibo , Cui Weicheng , Song Changhui , Yang Ping , Hong Jin , Lei Yi , Liu Qimeng , Wang Zhenhua
Published: January 2023

Underwater wet-mateable connectors have been widely used to reduce the cost and the time of installation, maintenance and reconfiguration in many fields, such as the oil and gas (O&G) industry, offshore renewable energy (ORE), and undersea observatories. In the past few years, the authors’ group has made some efforts in developing wet-mateable connectors. This paper presents a methodology for designing and testing a wet-mateable electrical connector. First, an innovative wet-mateable electrical connector with dual-bladder pressure-balanced oil-filled (PBOF) technology is proposed. Second, the generalized equations of differential pressure are derived. Then, a procedure of thermal-electric-structure (TES) coupling simulation is proposed, and a series of finite element analysis (FEA) involving coupled multi-field problems is conducted, including thermal-electric coupling analysis, static structural analysis, and dynamic analysis. Finally, a prototype of the proposed connector is developed successfully, and its electrical performance is verified by the online test in a hydrostatic pressure environment with an ocean depth of 3000 m, which has reached the leading level in China. This paper is the first discloser on wet-mateable connectors in the aspects of design, theory, simulation and testing, which might be helpful to many ocean scientists in developing countries who are technically blocked or could not afford the high cost.
Fault-Tolerant Formation Control for Multiple Stochastic AUV System under Markovian Switching Topologies
Authors: Pan Xiaoli , Yan Zheping , Jia Heming , Zhou Jiajia , Yue Lidong
Published: January 2023

Formation control, which is a core problem in multi-autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) systems, plays an important role in realizing safe and accurate cooperation of multi-AUV systems. This paper provides a study on fault-tolerant formation control for multiple stochastic AUV systems under Markovian switching topologies. Considering the effect of noise and Markovian switching communication topology, a novel leader-following group formation control protocol with an actuator fault for a multi-AUV system is developed under the influence of the two independent stochastic processes. The designed controller is proved by an infinitesimal generator with Lyapunov stability theory and can guarantee that the follower AUVs’ states will eventually converge to the leader’s state in each subgroup while forming the desired sub-formation. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis is verified by a simulation experiment.
Chitin Biosynthesis in Aspergillus Species
Authors: Brauer Veronica S. , Pessoni André M. , Freitas Mateus S. , Cavalcanti-Neto Marinaldo P. , Ries Laure N. A. , Almeida Fausto
Published: January 2023

The fungal cell wall (FCW) is a dynamic structure responsible for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, and is essential for modulating the interaction of the fungus with its environment. It is composed of proteins, lipids, pigments and polysaccharides, including chitin. Chitin synthesis is catalyzed by chitin synthases (CS), and up to eight CS-encoding genes can be found in Aspergillus species. This review discusses in detail the chitin synthesis and regulation in Aspergillus species, and how manipulation of chitin synthesis pathways can modulate fungal growth, enzyme production, virulence and susceptibility to antifungal agents. More specifically, the metabolic steps involved in chitin biosynthesis are described with an emphasis on how the initiation of chitin biosynthesis remains unknown. A description of the classification, localization and transport of CS was also made. Chitin biosynthesis is shown to underlie a complex regulatory network, with extensive cross-talks existing between the different signaling pathways. Furthermore, pathways and recently identified regulators of chitin biosynthesis during the caspofungin paradoxical effect (CPE) are described. The effect of a chitin on the mammalian immune system is also discussed. Lastly, interference with chitin biosynthesis may also be beneficial for biotechnological applications. Even after more than 30 years of research, chitin biosynthesis remains a topic of current interest in mycology.
Efficient Azo Dye Biodecolorization System Using Lignin-Co-Cultured White-Rot Fungus
Authors: Sun Su , Liu Pengyang , Ullah Mati
Published: January 2023

The extensive use of azo dyes by the global textile industry induces significant environmental and human health hazards, which makes efficient remediation crucial but also challenging. Improving dye removal efficiency will benefit the development of bioremediation techniques for textile effluents. In this study, an efficient system for azo dye (Direct Red 5B, DR5B) biodecolorization is reported, which uses the white-rot fungus Ganoderma lucidum EN2 and alkali lignin. This study suggests that the decolorization of DR5B could be effectively enhanced (from 40.34% to 95.16%) within 48 h in the presence of alkali lignin. The dye adsorption test further confirmed that the alkali-lignin-enhanced decolorization of DR5B was essentially due to biodegradation rather than physical adsorption, evaluating the role of alkali lignin in the dye biodegradation system. Moreover, the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis and DR5B decolorization experiments also indicated that alkali lignin carried an excellent potential for promoting dye decolorization and displayed a significant role in improving the activity of lignin-modifying enzymes. This was mainly because of the laccase–mediator system, which was established by the induced laccase activity and lignin-derived small aromatic compounds.
An Empirical Study of the Impact of Social Media Use on Online Political Participation of University Students in Western China
Authors: Tang Yulong , Wen Qing
Published: January 2023

More and more university students in China are opting to access, share, and comment on political issues via social media as a result of the rapid expansion of Internet technology. In the western part of China, you can find Western universities. University students there find it challenging to use the Internet and engage in online political activities due to the region’s level of economic development and social conventions. We are unsure whether their political involvement will have an effect on how society functions as a result. This study uses 530 students from Western colleges as a sample to investigate the effects of social media use on online political involvement and the adjustment effect of political efficacy. It combines a correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and regression multiples with a questionnaire survey. The results showed a strong positive link between Western Chinese university students’ online political participation and their use of social media. Students’ online political engagement in Western colleges greatly increased their political efficacy. Influence was governed by how effectively politics were perceived. This research can increase the political engagement of Western Chinese university students who utilize social media and offer some suggestions for how the government might carry out its daily operations to better control this activity.
A Hybrid Method to Predict Human Action Actors in Accounting Information System
Authors: Samarghandi Hamed , Askarany Davood , Dehkordi Bahareh
Published: January 2023

Recent literature shows that adopting an accounting information system (AIS) can lead to better decision-making, planning, efficiency and on-time management control, and organisational functionality. However, the impact of AIS implementation on role creation in the organisation is unclear. With the digital transformation of AIS and daily advances in machine learning and other innovative technologies, it is also unclear how these changes interact with human roles in organisations and which AIS components are considered essential. This paper addresses the above issues by applying the actor-network theory to examine the impact of deep machine learning modules in predicting the human actor roles in accounting information systems in organisations. We targeted 120 human actors and examined the influence of deep machine learning modules in predicting 11 personnel and professional features of human actors, based on multivariate statistical analysis. Our findings show that two human factors (familiarity with accounting information and time spent on becoming familiar with it) are the most influential elements that can predict the human actor roles in accounting information systems in organisations. So, human and non-human actors are both essential parts of an integrated AIS that must be considered. The current literature has focused on the AIS structure with less on the interaction between human and non-human actors. One of the main contributions of this study is providing evidence that AIS heavily relies on its human and non-human actors to form a coherent and united AIS network to promote AIS management strategies. The practical implication of the results is that investing in either technology or human resources alone is not enough to achieve the best productivity and performance in organisations. Instead, there must be a balance between human and non-human actors.
Investment Decision and Firm Value: Moderating Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility and Profitability of Non-Financial Sector Companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange
Authors: Suteja Jaja , Gunardi Ardi , Alghifari Erik Syawal , Susiadi Audrey Amelya , Yulianti Alfina Sri , Lestari Anggi
Published: January 2023

This study focused on increasing firm value through CSR- and profitability-moderated investment decisions in emerging markets. A panel data analysis method was used for this study with a total of 215 observations of non-financial sector companies on the Indonesian Stock Exchange from 2018 to 2020. The results of the Chow test and the Hausman test showed that the fixed effect model with GLS was the most feasible. The model showed that there was a negative effect of investment decisions on firm value and the role of CSR and profitability strengthened this effect. Based on the results of the robustness check, the research model remained consistent with the results of previous studies. Investment decisions have a negative effect on firm value, and CSR and profitability moderate this effect, either when using other control variables or when using a different estimation model, which in this case was quantile regression. Our findings provide an understanding of the fact that investment decisions are important financial decisions for companies and that they can be controlled through good fund management and risk management.
Money Market Fund Reform: Dealing with the Fundamental Problem
Authors: Ennis Huberto M. , Lacker Jeffrey M. , Weinberg John A.
Published: January 2023

After the events in March 2020, it became clear to U.S. policymakers that the 2014 reform of the money market funds (MMFs) industry had not successfully addressed the stability concerns associated with surges in withdrawals. In December 2021, the SEC proposed a new set of rules governing how money market funds can operate. A fundamental problem behind the instability of money market funds is the expectation that backstop liquidity support will be provided by the government in the event of financial distress, along with the government’s inability to credibly commit to not provide such support. This expectation dampens funds’ incentives to take steps ahead of time to mitigate the risk of sudden withdrawals. The newly proposed reforms are aimed at constraining withdrawals or penalizing them with “swing pricing”. We argue that if the commitment problem is the fundamental issue, it would be more useful to reduce expectations of ex-post support by requiring MMFs to have contractual commitments in place, ex-ante, for liquidity support from private parties.
Assessment Protocol to Evaluate the Degree of Conservation of Habitats of Community Interest: A Case Study for the 5220* HCI in the Westernmost Localities of Europe
Authors: Hidalgo-Triana Noelia , Casimiro-Soriguer Solanas Federico , Solakis Tena Andros , Manteca-Bautista David , Picornell Antonio , García-Sánchez José , Navarro Teresa , Pérez-Latorre Andrés V.
Published: January 2023

The westernmost European nucleus of the 5220* Habitat of Community Interest (HCI) is located in the province of Málaga (Andalusia). In this area, the 5220* HCI is characterized by the presence of scrublands of Gymnosporia senegalensis subsp. europaea. This is a relict species in Europe, with inhabits only in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. The westernmost Iberian nuclei of the 5220* HCI are constituted by three isolated nuclei (Málaga–Rincón de la Victoria; Torremolinos; and Pizarra). These nuclei have been only partially mapped. The objectives were: to map the 5220* HCI characterized by G. senegalensis subsp. europaea in detail; to evaluate its degree of conservation (DC); and to identify the chronosequences of the evolution of this habitat from 1957 to 2021, and its fragmentation. Our results have contributed to generating a 1:10,000 scale cartography of the habitat. In general, the DC obtained was from good to excellent. With an excellent DC value, one inland locality (Pizarra) was highlighted. However, the highest reduction in the value of DC was observed in the localities of Torremolinos and Málaga–Rincón de la Victoria which, in addition, have reduced the area of occupancy (AOO) and are fragmented. It is important to note that some areas of Málaga–Rincón de la Victoria reached excellent values of DC, indicating the need to carry out protection.
Classifying Slope Unit by Combining Terrain Feature Lines Based on Digital Elevation Models
Authors: Wang Hao , Hu Guanghui , Ma Junfei , Wei Hong , Li Sijin , Tang Guoan , Xiong Liyang
Published: January 2023

In recent years, applications and analyses based on slope units have become increasingly widespread. Compared with grid units, slope units can better represent terrain features and boundaries and allow a more complete view of the morphology of the Earth’s surface. Maps based on slope units also offer significant improvements for disaster prediction and the analysis of slope land resources. Therefore, we need a reasonable method of slope unit classification. Although some methods have been proposed for slope unit classification, they have been too focused on morphological variations and have not fully considered the importance of geomorphology, and the geomorphological and physical significance of slope partitioning remain unclear. Therefore, we propose a novel slope unit classification method by combining terrain feature lines (CTFL) derived from the meaning of geomorphology ontology that use several terrain feature lines, such as geomorphic water division lines, valley shoulder lines, slope toe lines, and shady/sunny slope boundary lines, to classify slopes. The Jiuyuangou and Lushan study areas were selected to test the CTFL method. Compared with the traditional hydrological method, the CTFL method can effectively overcome topographic abruptness and distortions, improve the uniformity of slope and aspect within individual units, and increase the accuracy of slope unit applications and analyses. This work fully considers the importance of geomorphology and is conducive to future studies of slope unit division.
Research on the Impact of Digital Agriculture Development on Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity
Authors: Zhou Xinxin , Chen Tong , Zhang Bangbang
Published: January 2023

In this study, to discover how the growth of digital agriculture has impacted agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP), we take panel data from 2011 to 2019 for 30 Chinese provinces as the research object, measure the growth of AGTFP and digital agriculture development using the SBM-ML and entropy method, and use a fixed effect model to analyze the effects of digital agriculture development on AGTFP. The results demonstrate that (1) from the time-series characteristics, digital agriculture presented a steady growth state from 2011 to 2019; (2) during the study period, the technical efficiency index was slightly lower than the technological progress index in the AGTFP index, meaning that there is room for further development; (3) the relationship between the growth of digital agriculture and AGTFP presents an inverted U-shaped curve, with human capital playing a moderating role. Finally, corresponding countermeasures are proposed in four aspects: strengthening the construction of organizational mechanisms, building a standardized base for digital agriculture output, enhancing the traceability and certification of agricultural products, and improving social services in the agricultural industry.
Prediction of Phosphorus Sorption Index and Availability by NIR and MIR in Soils in Madagascar
Authors: Ramaroson Henintsoa V. , Becquer Thierry , Razafimahatratra Hery , Razakavololona Ando , Rabeharisoa Lilia , Rakotondrazafy Amos F. M.
Published: January 2023

The development of techniques for the rapid, inexpensive, and accurate determination of the phosphorus (P) availability and sorption index (PSI) in soils is important for P management in highly weathered tropical soils. The applicability of near- and mid-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR and MIR) as tools for estimating P availability and PSI was assessed over a wide range of highly weathered soils in Madagascar. The predictions were based on chemometric methods using multivariate calibration models with partial least squares (PLS) regressions, and pedotransfer functions (PTFs). Chemometric methods failed to predict available P (Presin). However, a P sorption index, determined as the P remaining in solution (Prem), was estimated with acceptable accuracy with both NIR and MIR (R2cv = 0.70 − 0.73; R2v = 0.65 − 0.77; SEP(c) = 5.5 − 4.6 mg kg−1). The PTFs showed that the PSI was well explained by iron oxide, gibbsite, and sand contents, all of these compounds being well predicted by NIR or MIR (R2v > 0.70). These results indicate that NIR and MIR can be helpful for a rapid estimate of PSI of highly weathered ferralitic soils.
Spatio-Temporal Variation of the Ecosystem Service Value in Qilian Mountain National Park (Gansu Area) Based on Land Use
Authors: Pu Lili , Lu Chengpeng , Yang Xuedi , Chen Xingpeng
Published: January 2023

The value of ecosystem services and service capabilities continue to improve, and the way to form a path of resource industrialization development has become one of the important directions of sustainable development. This paper mainly takes the construction of national parks as a major opportunity and explores the temporal and spatial changes in the value of ecosystem services in Qilian Mountain National Park (Gansu area) and the construction path of the industrial system of national park construction. The total value of ecosystem services was calculated using a comprehensive index of the degree of land use, land contribution rate, ecological service value, equivalent factor of economic value, and the improved value coefficient of farmland ecological services, and then the Sensitivity index was used to reveal the dependence of the value of ecosystem services on the value index over time. The results showed the following: (1) Human disturbance factors in Qilian Mountain National Park (Gansu area) are weak, and the land use of Qilian Mountain National Park (Gansu Area) was mainly grassland, followed by unused land, forest land, and glacial snow, with the change in glacial snow cover being the largest. (2) The ecosystem of Qilian Mountain National Park (Gansu area) is strong, and the contribution rate of forest land, construction land, unused land, and glacial snow cover in Qilian Mountain National Park (Gansu Area) was positive, while cultivated land, grassland, and water area were negative. Among them, glacial snow cover contributed the most at 10.4723 the ecological barrier function plays a stable role. (3) The ecosystem service value (ESV) in Qilian Mountain National Park (Gansu Area) showed a fluctuating growth trend on the whole, showing the characteristics of high northwest and low southeast, among which the total value of grassland was the largest, the value of unused land was the smallest with the largest increase range, and the increase in water area was the smallest. (4) Qilian Mountain National Park (Gansu Area) is mainly based on regulated services, followed by support services, supply services, and cultural services, all showing a clear growth trend, increasing by 181.77%, 183.90%, 196.19%, and 170.38%, respectively. With the development of low-carbon economy and circular economy as the main idea, we aim to build a national park industrialization development path of direct product supply, indirect product supply, and basic guarantee.
Land Transfer and Rural Household Consumption Diversity: Promoting or Inhibiting?
Authors: Li Gang , Cui Xufeng , Pan Lan , Wang Yufei
Published: January 2023

Land resources are important for millions of rural households in China. With the land tenure system reform and the trend of nonfarm employment, land transfer affects household income and consumption diversity significantly. Utilizing the data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) 2018, this study investigated the effects of land transfer on Chinese rural households’ consumption diversity, measured by the Simpson index. In order to mitigate the endogeneity problems caused by reverse causality and selection bias between farmers’ household land transfer decisions and consumption behavior, we employed the propensity score matching (PSM) method and instrumental variable (IV) method. Besides, the Shannon index was also used to measure consumption diversity for the robustness test. The results showed that the rural households who have transferred others’ land in would decrease their consumption diversity, while the households who have transferred their land out would increase their consumption diversity. Heterogeneity analysis showed that land transfer had different degrees of impact on rural households with different income groups and was more significant for low-income households. Specifically, compared with higher-income households, both the promotion effect of land transfer out and the inhibitory effect of land transfer on consumption diversity were more obvious for lower-income households.
How Has the Inter-City Corporate Network Spatio-Temporally Evolved in China? Evidence from Chinese Investment in Newly Established Enterprises from 1980–2017
Authors: Xiao Sha , Sun Bindong
Published: January 2023

Based on social network analysis (SNA) and the modified Boston Matrix (also known as Market Growth Rate—Relative Market Share Matrix or Four Quadrant Analysis, which was developed by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in the early 1970s.), this paper presents the temporal and spatial evolution process of inter-city corporate investment networks in 338 city regions (prefecture level and above) in China from 1980 to 2017. First, we find that inter-city investment linkages formed a diamond-shaped connection structure, with Beijing–Shanghai–Shenzhen–Chongqing as the spatial vertices; moreover, the overall investment network underwent a transition from looseness to aggregation. Second, the spatial layout of module division presents a situation of overall fragmentation and partial agglomeration, and regional integration is increasing. Third, the resource control capability of nodes showed the Beijing unipolar pattern before the 2000s and developed into the Beijing–Shanghai–Hangzhou one-pole, dual-core pattern after the 2000s. The reachability of nodes presents the Beijing uni-polar pattern during all the study years. The core–periphery model of nodes weakened over the study period, and the nodes’ positions have obvious administrative hierarchy and economic level orientation. Fourth, the node potentials and development stages are stronger in the east than in the west overall. Finally, we propose some political implications that the government can consider in order to improve the regional coordination of development.
System Dynamics Tools to Study Mediterranean Rangeland’s Sustainability
Authors: Martínez-Valderrama Jaime , Ibáñez Puerta Javier
Published: January 2023

Rangelands are a key resource present all over the world and cover half of all emerged lands. They are even more important in drylands, where they cover 48% of the total area. Their intensification and the additional pressure added by climate change push these socio-ecological systems towards desertification. Over the last two decades, we have developed and applied System Dynamics (SD) models for the study of Mediterranean grasslands. In addition, we have designed procedures and analysis tools, such as global sensitivity analysis, stability analysis condition, or risk analysis, to detect the main drivers of these socio-ecological systems and provide indicators about their long-term sustainability. This paper reviews these works, their scientific background, and the most relevant conclusions, including purely technical and rangeland-related ones, as well as our experience as systemic modelers in a world driven by field specialists.
Testing and Enhancing the 8R Framework of Responsible Land Management with Documented Strategies and Effects of Land Reclamation Projects in Indonesia
Authors: de Vries Walter Timo , Rudiarto Iwan
Published: January 2023

Whereas most contemporary frameworks evaluating land management aspects focus on institutional settings at a national level, the 8R framework of responsible land management aims at evaluating individual land management projects or interventions. This 8R framework is, however, still under development and needs testing, validation and further detailing, such that specific operational characteristics and internal and external effects can be included in the evaluation. This article addresses this need by demonstrating how the 8R framework could improve when knowing both the operational details and external effects of a land management intervention. By reviewing the documented implementation strategies and effects of eight different types of land reclamation cases in Indonesia, the article derives adaptations and extensions of the 8R framework assessment, such that the framework can better detect whether a specific project is sufficiently responsible in any of the 8R aspects. The induction shows that the number of types of systematic prompts needs to be extended and further detailed if it aims to capture and detect specific problems of structures, processes and impacts. Zooming in to documented reclamation projects in Indonesia shows that there are various types of such projects, which are oftentimes contested, yet each requires integrated land management and development strategies. Furthermore, they draw on dissimilar, mostly contextual, justifications and legal frameworks, which makes it difficult to compare the generic relevancy and sustainability of reclamation as a land management intervention tool. Nevertheless, testing the 8R framework for reclamation cases in Indonesia can improve its methodology and extent or specify the use of the systematic prompts designed to qualify and quantify the respective aspects.
Identification and Expression Analysis of Wnt2 Gene in the Sex Differentiation of the Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)
Authors: Zhou Tong , Zhang Haiqi , Chen Meng , Zhang Yingping , Chen Guobin , Zou Guiwei , Liang Hongwei
Published: January 2023

The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is an important freshwater aquaculture animal in China. The Wnt gene family plays important regulatory roles in the development and growth of mammals. However, the precise function of these family genes has not been well understood in the sex differentiation of Chinese soft-shelled turtles. Here, we cloned a member of the Wnt family, Wnt2, which obtained a 1077 bp open reading frame that encoded a 358-aa protein. The putative amino acid sequences of proteins are exceeded 80% identical to other turtles. The expression level of Wnt2 peaked at the 14th stage both in female and male embryos during the early gonadal differentiation period of Chinese soft-shelled turtles, which occurred before gonadal differentiation. Wnt2 mRNA was expressed at higher levels in the brains and gonads of mature P. sinensis females compared with those in mature males. Wnt agonists significantly affected the expression level of Wnt2 during the gonadal differentiation period. After Wnt agonists (1.0 μg/μL, 2.5 μg/μL, 5.0 μg/μL) treatment, the expression level of the Wnt2 generally appeared to have an inverted-V trend over time in female embryonic gonads. The results suggested that Wnt2 may participate in the regulation of gonad development in P. sinensis during the early embryonic stages. These results could provide a theoretical basis for the reproduction process of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle.
Assessment of Countermovement Jump: What Should We Report?
Authors: Anicic Zdravko , Janicijevic Danica , Knezevic Olivera M. , Garcia-Ramos Amador , Petrovic Milos R. , Cabarkapa Dimitrije , Mirkov Dragan M.
Published: January 2023

The purpose of the present study was (i) to explore the reliability of the most commonly used countermovement jump (CMJ) metrics, and (ii) to reduce a large pool of metrics with acceptable levels of reliability via principal component analysis to the significant factors capable of providing distinctive aspects of CMJ performance. Seventy-nine physically active participants (thirty-seven females and forty-two males) performed three maximal CMJs while standing on a force platform. Each participant visited the laboratory on two occasions, separated by 24–48 h. The most reliable variables were performance variables (CV = 4.2–11.1%), followed by kinetic variables (CV = 1.6–93.4%), and finally kinematic variables (CV = 1.9–37.4%). From the 45 CMJ computed metrics, only 24 demonstrated acceptable levels of reliability (CV ≤ 10%). These variables were included in the principal component analysis and loaded a total of four factors, explaining 91% of the CMJ variance: performance component (variables responsible for overall jump performance), eccentric component (variables related to the breaking phase), concentric component (variables related to the upward phase), and jump strategy component (variables influencing the jumping style). Overall, the findings revealed important implications for sports scientists and practitioners regarding the CMJ-derived metrics that should be considered to gain a comprehensive insight into the biomechanical parameters related to CMJ performance.
A New Anticancer Semisynthetic Theobromine Derivative Targeting EGFR Protein: CADDD Study
Authors: Eissa Ibrahim H. , Yousef Reda G. , Elkady Hazem , Alsfouk Aisha A. , Alsfouk Bshra A. , Husein Dalal Z. , Ibrahim Ibrahim M. , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Metwaly Ahmed M.
Published: January 2023

A new lead compound has been designed as an antiangiogenic EGFR inhibitor that has the pharmacophoric characteristics to bind with the catalytic pocket of EGFR protein. The designed lead compound is a (para-chloro)acetamide derivative of the alkaloid, theobromine, (T-1-PCPA). At first, we started with deep density functional theory (DFT) calculations for T-1-PCPA to confirm and optimize its 3D structure. Additionally, the DFT studies identified the electrostatic potential, global reactive indices and total density of states expecting a high level of reactivity for T-1-PCPA. Secondly, the affinity of T-1-PCPA to bind and inhibit the EGFR protein was studied and confirmed through detailed structure-based computational studies including the molecular docking against EGFRWT and EGFRT790M, Molecular dynamics (MD) over 100 ns, MM-GPSA and PLIP experiments. Before the preparation, the computational ADME and toxicity profiles of T-1-PCPA have been investigated and its safety and the general drug-likeness predicted. Accordingly, T-1-PCPA was semi-synthesized to scrutinize the proposed design and the obtained in silico results. Interestingly, T-1-PCPA inhibited in vitro EGFRWT with an IC50 value of 25.35 nM, comparing that of erlotinib (5.90 nM). Additionally, T-1-PCPA inhibited the growth of A549 and HCT-116 malignant cell lines with IC50 values of 31.74 and 20.40 µM, respectively, comparing erlotinib that expressed IC50 values of 6.73 and 16.35 µM, respectively.
Developments in Laminate Modification of Adhesively Bonded Composite Joints
Authors: Ramezani Farin , Simões Beatriz D. , Carbas Ricardo J. C. , Marques Eduardo A. S. , da Silva Lucas F. M.
Published: January 2023

The use of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials is increasing in many different industries, such as those operating in the aviation, marine, and automotive sectors. In these applications, composite parts are often joined with other composite or metallic parts, where adhesive bonding plays a key role. Unlike conventional joining methods, adhesive bonding does not add weight or require the drilling of holes, both of which are major sources of stress concentration. The performance of a composite joint is dependent on multiple factors and can be improved by modifying the adhesive layer or the composite layup of the adherend. Moreover, joint geometry, surface preparation, and the manufacturing methods used for production are also important factors. The present work reviews recent developments on the design and manufacture of adhesively bonded joints with composite substrates, with particular interest in adherend modification techniques. The effects of stacking sequence, use of thin-plies, composite metal laminates and its specific surface preparations, and the use of toughened surface layers in the composite adherends are described for adhesively bonded CFRP structures.
Wood Residue-Derived Biochar as a Low-Cost, Lubricating Filler in Poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) Biocomposites
Authors: Cappello Miriam , Rossi Damiano , Filippi Sara , Cinelli Patrizia , Seggiani Maurizia
Published: January 2023

This study focused on the development of a novel biocomposite material formed by a thermoplastic biodegradable polyester, poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), and a carbonaceous filler as biochar (BC) derived by the pyrolysis of woody biomass waste. Composites with various BC contents (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.%) were obtained by melt extrusion and investigated in terms of their processability, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties. In all the composites, BC lowered melt viscosity, behaving as a lubricant, and enhancing composite extrudability and injection moulding at high temperatures up to 20 wt.% of biochar. While the use of biochar did not significantly change composite thermal stability, it increased its stiffness (Young modulus). Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) revealed the presence of a second crystal phase induced by the filler addition. Furthermore, results suggest that biochar may form a particle network that hinders polymer chain disentanglement, reducing polymer flexibility. A biochar content of 10 wt.% was selected as the best trade-off concentration to improve the composite processability and cost competitiveness without compromising excessively the tensile properties. The findings support the use of biochar as a sustainable renewable filler and pigment for PBSA. Biochar is a suitable candidate to replace more traditional carbon black pigments for the production of biodegradable and inexpensive innovative PBSA composites with potential fertilizing properties to be used in agricultural applications.