bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale Deblurred Feature Extraction Network for Automatic Four-Rod Target Detection in MRTD Measuring Process of Thermal Imagers
Authors: Guo Zhenggang , Guan Wei , Wu Haibin
Published: May 2023

The minimum resolvable temperature difference (MRTD) at which a four-rod target can be resolved is a critical parameter used to assess the comprehensive performance of thermal imaging systems, which is important for technological innovation in military and other fields. Recently, there have been some attempts to use an automatic objective approach based on deep learning to take the place of the classical manual subjective MRTD measurement approach, which is strongly affected by the psychological subjective factors of the experimenter and is limited in accuracy and speed. However, the scale variability of four-rod targets and the low pixels of infrared thermal cameras have turned out to be a challenging problem for automatic MRTD measurement. We propose a multiscale deblurred feature extraction network (MDF-Net), a backbone based on a yolov5 neural network, in an attempt to solve the aforementioned problem. We first present a global attention mechanism (GAM) attention module to represent strong images of the four-rod targets. Next, a Rep VGG module is introduced to decrease the blur. Our experiments show that the proposed method achieves the desired effect and state-of-the-art detection results, which innovatively improve the accuracy of four-rod target detection to 82.3% and thus make it possible for the thermal imagers to see further and to respond faster and more accurately.
EOG Signal Classification with Wavelet and Supervised Learning Algorithms KNN, SVM and DT
Authors: Hernández Pérez Sandy Nohemy , Pérez Reynoso Francisco David , Gutiérrez Carlos Alberto González , Cosío León María De los Ángeles , Ortega Palacios Rocío
Published: May 2023

The work carried out in this paper consists of the classification of the physiological signal generated by eye movement called Electrooculography (EOG). The human eye performs simultaneous movements, when focusing on an object, generating a potential change in origin between the retinal epithelium and the cornea and modeling the eyeball as a dipole with a positive and negative hemisphere. Supervised learning algorithms were implemented to classify five eye movements; left, right, down, up and blink. Wavelet Transform was used to obtain information in the frequency domain characterizing the EOG signal with a bandwidth of 0.5 to 50 Hz; training results were obtained with the implementation of K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) 69.4%, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) of 76.9% and Decision Tree (DT) 60.5%, checking the accuracy through the Jaccard index and other metrics such as the confusion matrix and ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve. As a result, the best classifier for this application was the SVM with Jaccard Index.
Particulate Matter Detachment from a Magnetizable Single Fiber Applying Magnetic Forces in Ambient Air
Authors: Szabadi Julia , Meyer Jörg , Dittler Achim
Published: May 2023

The potential utilization of magnetic effects in gas particle separation is a current subject of research. This paper demonstrates for the first time that a single magnetizable filter fiber can be deflected by a magnetically induced excitation for a selected combination of parameters, resulting in the removal of deposited particle structures with high detachment levels. A correlation between the magnetic flux density and achieved acceleration to overcome the adhesive forces/strength of the particle structure was determined. The degree of detachment after each regeneration was calculated by comparing the projection area before and after detachment using high-speed images. At a magnetic flux density of B = 38.5 mT, accelerations of maximum a = 105 m·s−2 are achieved, depending on the axial position along the single fiber. The degrees of regeneration achieved at these parameters depend on the amount of fiber loading and on the fiber orientation in the gravitational field. The horizontal orientation of the fiber leads to an increased reattachment of precedingly detached particle structures after deflection compared to a vertical orientation. High particle loading on the fiber results in enhanced detachment by inertia. Under the most favorable process conditions investigated, detachment levels of > 90% are achieved.
The Interpretation and Application of the Law with a Gender Perspective in Spain: Challenges and Outstanding Issues
Authors: Salazar Benítez Octavio , Cárdenas Cordón Alicia , Adam Muñoz María Dolores , Agudo Zamora Miguel , Marrades Puig Ana , Prados García Celia , Serrano Valverde Gloria
Published: May 2023

This work, situated within the Spanish legal context, presents a reflection upon the need to apply and interpret the law bearing in mind the mandate of the gender perspective contained in national and international legislation. In spite of the significant advances, in questions of gender equality, evidenced by the Spanish legal system in recent decades, these have not led to real, effective equality. In the spheres of both private and public law, this task should be prioritised and undertaken in transversal fashion by all legal operators, judges in particular. Without this commitment, the guarantee of women’s human rights will continue to be hindered by the shortcomings of an androcentric legal culture that perpetuates structural discrimination against women.
Learning Green Social Work in Global Disaster Contexts: A Case Study Approach
Authors: Breen Kyle , Greig Meredith , Wu Haorui
Published: May 2023

Green social work (GSW) is a nascent framework within the social work field that provides insights regarding social workers’ engagement in disaster settings. Although this framework has recently garnered more attention, it remains under-researched and underdeveloped within the context of social work research, education, and practice in Canada and internationally. To further develop GSW in social work education and professional training, we considered how social work students and practitioners can use a learning framework to understand the impact and build their capacities to serve vulnerable and marginalized populations in diverse disaster settings. To do this, we developed a four-step case study approach, as follows: (1) provide detailed background information on the cases, (2) describe how each case is relevant to social work, (3) discuss how each case informs social work practice from a GSW perspective, and (4) provide recommendations for social work practitioners and students using GSW in future disaster-specific efforts. This case study approach centers on natural, technological, and intentional/willful hazards that examine current GSW research–practice engagement in Canada and internationally. Applying this four-step case study approach to three extreme events in Canada and internationally (a natural hazard, a technological hazard, and an intentional/willful hazard) illustrates it as a potential method for social work students and professionals to build their GSW capacities. This will assist in building the resilience of Canadian and international communities—especially those who have been historically marginalized. This article sheds light on how current social work education and professional training should develop new approaches to incorporate the GSW framework into the social work curriculum at large in order to prepare for future extreme events while incorporating environmental and social justice into research and practice.
Age and Visual Contribution Effects on Postural Control Assessed by Principal Component Analysis of Kinematic Marker Data
Authors: Promsri Arunee
Published: May 2023

Postural control, the ability to control the body’s position in space, is considered a critical aspect of health outcomes. This current study aimed to investigate the effects of age and visual contribution on postural control. To this end, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to extract movement components/synergies (i.e., principal movements, PMs) from kinematic marker data of bipedal balancing on stable and unstable surfaces with eyes closed and open, pooled from 17 older adults (67.8 ± 6.6 years) and 17 young adults (26.6 ± 3.3 years), one PCA-analysis for each surface condition. Then, three PCA-based variables were computed for each PM: the relative explained variance of PM-position (PP_rVAR) and of PM-acceleration (PA_rVAR) for measuring the composition of postural movements and of postural accelerations, respectively, and the root mean square of PM-acceleration (PA_RMS) for measuring the magnitude of neuromuscular control. The results show the age and visual contribution effects observed in PM1, resembling the anteroposterior ankle sway in both surface conditions. Specifically, only the greater PA1_rVAR and PA1_RMS are observed in older adults (p ≤ 0.004) and in closed-eye conditions (p < 0.001), reflecting their greater need for neuromuscular control of PM1 than in young adults and in open-eye conditions.
Internationalisation at Home: Developing a Global Change Biology Course Curriculum to Enhance Sustainable Development
Authors: Falkenberg Laura J. , Joyce Patrick W. S.
Published: May 2023

Internationalisation of curriculum can enhance graduate awareness of global issues, such as climate change, and shape behaviours in ways that facilitate sustainable development. To ensure all students can develop this perspective, internationalisation needs to be done at home using a variety of approaches. There is a growing body of research exploring internationalisation at home; however, much of this research focuses on Western academic institutions, with other regions being largely overlooked. This study investigated the application of an internationalisation at home approach, specifically the use of contemporary media, during the “Global Change Biology” course taught at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Case studies of the international aspects of global change were introduced to students through the use of news articles at the beginning of lectures. Student responses to this activity were identified using surveys conducted at the beginning and end of the course. There was an overwhelmingly positive response to the sharing of case studies and internationalisation of the curriculum, with students at the end of the course reporting increased knowledge confidence about the global effects of climate change. Further, students were able to share more location-specific examples of the effects of global change, and indicated they may shift behaviours in the future so that they adapt more sustainably to climate change. In terms of the teaching approach used, students stated the sharing of news articles provided them with a greater appreciation of the global nature of climate change impacts. Together, these results indicate that internationalisation at home can be effective, and allow an internationalised experience for students regardless of their access to travel.
Performance Analysis of a Hybrid Renewable-Energy System for Green Buildings to Improve Efficiency and Reduce GHG Emissions with Multiple Scenarios
Authors: Al-Rawashdeh Hani , Al-Khashman Omar Ali , Al Bdour Jehad T. , Gomaa Mohamed R. , Rezk Hegazy , Marashli Abdullah , Arrfou Laith M. , Louzazni Mohamed
Published: May 2023

A hybrid system, such as solar and wind, may be more successful than nonhybrid systems in accelerating the transition from conventional to renewable power sources. However, these new energy sources have several challenges, such as intermittency, storage capacity, and grid stability. This paper presents a complete analysis and study of a hybrid renewable-energy system (HRES) to convert a facility into a green building and reduce its dependence on conventional energy by generating clean energy with near-zero greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions. The proposed system aims to reduce the energy bill of a hotel in Petra, Jordan, by considering different sustainable energy resource configurations in a grid-connected hybrid renewable energy system (GHRES). The hybrid optimization of multiple energy resources (HOMER) grid software was utilized on the hybrid systems to study ways to improve their overall efficiency and mitigate GHG emissions from an economic perspective. The hybrid system components included in the simulation were a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, a wind turbine (WT) system, a diesel generator (DG), and a converter. Five scenarios (PV–Converter–DG–Grid, PV–Converter–Battery–DG–Grid, WT–DG–Grid, PV–WT–Converter–Battery–DG–Grid, PV–WT–Converter–DG–Grid) were considered. The optimal configuration had a USD 1.16 M total net present cost, USD 0.0415/kWh cost of energy, 15.8% effective internal rate of return, and an approximately 77% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the base case.
Simulation Study on Sunshine Temperature Field of a Concrete Box Girder of the Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Wang Qiusheng , Xian Jianping , Xiao Jun , Zou Shuai
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates the distribution of the sunshine temperature field in bridge structures. To implement thermodynamic boundary conditions on the structure under the influence of sunshine, this study utilized the FILM and DFLUX subroutines provided by ABAQUS. Based on this method, the sunshine temperature field of the concrete box girder of a cable-stayed bridge was analyzed. The results showed that the simulated temperature values were in good agreement with the measured values. The temperature difference between the internal and external surfaces of the box girder under the influence of sunshine was significant, with the maximum negative temperature difference appearing around 6:00 a.m. and the maximum positive temperature difference appearing around 2:00 p.m. The temperature gradient of the box girder section calculated by the method presented a C-shaped distribution pattern, which differs from the double-line distribution pattern specified in the current “General Specifications for Design of Highway Bridges and Culverts” in China (JTG D60-2015). Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis of thermal parameters using the proposed simulation method for the sunshine temperature field of the concrete box girder was conducted, and the results indicated that the solar radiation absorption coefficient had a significant impact on the temperature field. A 30% increase or decrease in the solar radiation absorption coefficient caused the maximum temperature change on the surface of the structure to exceed 10 °C. This paper provides an accurate simulation of the sunshine temperature field of the concrete box girder of a cable-stayed bridge, and the research results are significant for controlling bridge alignment and stress state during the construction period, ensuring the reasonable initial operating state of the bridge, and enhancing the sustainability of the structure.
Interlinkages between Climate Change Impacts, Public Attitudes, and Climate Action—Exploring Trends before and after the Paris Agreement in the EU
Authors: Nayna Schwerdtle Patricia , Cavan Edwige , Pilz Lukas , Oggioni Silvio Daniele , Crosta Arianna , Kaleyeva Veranika , Karim Peshang Hama , Szarvas Filip , Naryniecki Tobiasz , Jungmann Maximilian
Published: May 2023

European member states have high emission reduction potential. They send a strong signal to the rest of the world with their action or inaction on climate change. Yet, within the EU, national-level climate policies (NLCP) lag behind the EU Commission’s overall climate goals. Transparency of and accountability for climate action requires an integrative perspective. Here, insights from diverse research disciplines address the following questions: How are climate impacts, public attitudes, and climate policies changing over time, and what are the interlinkages? Using three databases (Germanwatch (CCPI), European Extreme Events Climate Index (E3CI), and Eurobarometer Public Opinion Survey, 27 European countries were compared for NLCP (mitigation), climate change impacts (heat/drought), and public attitudes towards climate change (cognition/affect/conation). Differences among groups before and after the Paris Agreement were evaluated with ANOVA tests; trends and geographical differences were analysed with linear models. NLCP did not improve after the Paris Agreement, even displaying some deterioration in the eastern macro-region. Conversely, public awareness towards climate change is improving, with concern being higher in northern compared with southern countries. Heat stress is significantly related to NLCP, with increases in heat stress corresponding to improved climate policy in the northern region while worsening it in the southern region. Under worsening climate impacts, public attitudes increasingly favour climate action. However, overall policy responses are inadequate, although differences occur at the macro-regional level. The results provide granular insights into a persistent knowledge–action gap.
Performance Stability and Regeneration Property of Catalytic Membranes Coupled with Advanced Oxidation Process: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Shi Yawei , Zhang Tongwen , Chang Qian , Ma Chang , Yang Yao , Wang Songbo , Pan Zonglin , Sun Ya , Ding Guanghui
Published: May 2023

The performance stability and regeneration property of catalytic membranes should be considered from a practical viewpoint. In this review, recent works concerning this issue have been comprehensively summarized. The performance stability of catalytic membranes was first summarized in terms of the two commonly employed evaluation ways, i.e., multi-cycle experiments and long-time filtration. The main deactivation reasons included the adsorption of pollutants and its oxidation intermediates, the change in chemical properties of the membranes, as well as leaching of metal species. After that, the regeneration property of the catalytic membranes was discussed according to the different regeneration methods including solvent washing, heat treatment, advanced oxidation, and others. This review further highlights the current achievements and hurdles in the performance stability and regeneration property of catalytic membranes and proposes recommendations for future works, including more attention on changes in the kinetic constant, trans-membrane pressure/flux and removals of total organic carbon/chemical oxygen demand, the selection of suitable cycle numbers and operation time, the development of new regeneration methods, as well as more studies on the pilot and larger scales.
Acquisition Method of User Requirements for Complex Products Based on Data Mining
Authors: Hao Juan , Gao Xinqin , Liu Yong , Han Zhoupeng
Published: May 2023

The vigorous development of big data technology has changed the traditional user requirement acquisition mode of the manufacturing industry. Based on data mining, manufacturing enterprises have the innovation ability to respond quickly to market changes and user requirements. However, in the stage of complex product innovation design, a large amount of design data has not been effectively used, and there are some problems of low efficiency and lack of objectivity of user survey. Therefore, this paper proposes an acquisition method of user requirements based on patent data mining. By constructing a patent data knowledge base, this method combines the Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic model and a K-means algorithm to cluster patent text data to realize the mining of key functional requirements of products. Then, the importance of demand is determined by rough set theory, and the rationality of demand is verified by user importance performance analysis. In this paper, the proposed method is explained and verified by mining the machine tool patent data in CNKI. The results show that this method can effectively improve the efficiency and accuracy of user requirements acquisition, expand the innovative design approach of existing machine tool products, and be applied to other complex product fields with strong versatility.
Infrared Precursor Experiment to Predict Water Inrushes in Underground Spaces Using a Multiparameter Normalization
Authors: Cao Kewang , Dong Furong , Ma Liqiang , Khan Naseer Muhammad , Feroze Tariq , S. Alarifi Saad , Hussain Sajjad , Ali Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Rock failure is the root cause of geological disasters such as slope failure, civil tunnel collapse, and water inrush in roadways and mines. Accurate and effective monitoring of the loaded rock failure process can provide reliable precursor information for water inrushes in underground engineering structures such as in mines, civil tunnels, and subways. The water inrush may affect the safe and efficient execution of these engineering structures. Therefore, it is essential to predict the water inrush effectively. In this paper, the water inrush process of the roadway was simulated by laboratory experiments. The multiparameters such as strain energy field and infrared radiation temperature field were normalized based on the normalization algorithm of linear function transformation. On the basis of analyzing the variation characteristics of the original parameters, the evolution characteristics after the parameters normalization algorithm were studied, and the precursor of roadway water inrush was predicted comprehensively. The results show that the dissipation energy ratio, the infrared radiation variation coefficient (IRVC), the average infrared radiation temperature (AIRT), and the variance of successful minor infrared image temperature (VSMIT) are all suitable for the prediction of roadway water inrushes in the developing face of an excavation. The intermediate mutation of the IRVC can be used as an early precursor of roadway water inrush in the face of an excavation that is being developed. The inflection of the dissipation energy ratio from a declining amount to a level value and the mutation of VSMIT during rock failure can be used as the middle precursor of roadway water inrush. The mutation of AIRT and VSMIT after rock failure can be used as the precursor of roadway imminent water inrush. Combining with the early precursor and middle precursor of roadway water inrush, the graded warning of “early precursor–middle precursor–final precursor” of roadway water inrush can be obtained. The research results provide a theoretical basis for water inrush monitoring and early warning in the sustainable development of mine, tunnel, shaft, and foundation pit excavations.
Critical Factors and Trends in NFT Technology Innovations
Authors: Wu Chih-Hung , Liu Chien-Yu , Weng Ting-Sheng
Published: May 2023

Non-fungible token (NFT) products are important for industrial applications. In recent years, they have rapidly gained importance in the field of blockchain combined with metaverse. The concept of NFTs has developed gradually, as many industries have begun using NFTs creatively to raise new business innovation opportunities in entrepreneurship. However, few studies have been conducted analyzing critical features of NFTs for success, trends, and challenges in NFT products. In this study, group discussions, case analysis methods, and the OpenSea database were used to analyze fashion trends among NFT products. A mixed method was used in this study. Quantitative and qualitative data derived from the questionnaire and group discussions were analyzed using the case study method, and the actual historical trading data of NFT products obtained from the OpenSea platform were analyzed. This study analyzed NFT products, fashion characteristics, and trends in NFT artwork. The opportunities and challenges of NFT applications and sustainable NFTs are discussed in this study. Our research results show that the most attractive NFT product types are collectible digital works and creative artworks. The critical design characteristics are lovely (cute), beautiful, and interesting. We recommend that NFT makers use the above-mentioned characteristics to create NFT artworks with special design characteristics to increase NFT values. The advantage of NFTs is that makers can freely create their works through the NFT platform, which can decrease the limitations of traditional methods such as the need for venues, exhibition setup costs, and intermediaries’ commissions. The major challenges of current NFT applications include usability challenges, security and privacy issues, and governance considerations. We believe that our research results can provide useful directions and strategies for future researchers, makers, and ventures seeking to develop NFT applications. Our research results, such as identifying the critical design factors and current trends in NFTs, can provide guidelines for art design and innovation education. In addition, this study discusses the applications of NFTs in sustainable education, which can provide benefits for sustainable educational development to meet the goal of quality education in SDG4.
Understanding Public Support for the Flat-Rate Personal Income Tax in a Post-Communist Context: The Case of Romania
Authors: Gheorghiță Andrei
Published: May 2023

The overall landscape of personal income taxation (PIT) has changed rapidly in numerous post-communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with the adoption of a form of flat-rate tax. Although the economic consequences of this change have been studied extensively, little is known about public opinion on the topic in these countries. This article aims to shed some light on how public opinion addresses the issue of flat-rate PIT in Romania. Logistic regression analysis is used to assess the impact of self-interest, education, age, gender, ideology, political trust, social solidarity, and political knowledge on public support for flat-rate PIT, based on survey data (N = 1105) from the Romanian Election Study (RES). The results suggest that high-income earners, women, and those with higher levels of political trust are more likely to support flat-rate PIT, while higher levels of social solidarity and more education increase the chances of being reluctant about it. Furthermore, the analysis finds no evidence that age, ideology, or political knowledge have an influence on people’s fiscal preferences. The article’s findings provide lessons for policymakers on how fiscal preferences arise and may evolve in a post-communist context, particularly in relation to recurring societal crises.
Interplay between Plant Functional Traits and Soil Carbon Sequestration under Ambient and Elevated CO2 Levels
Authors: Bhattacharyya Siddhartha Shankar , Mondaca Pedro , Shushupti Oloka , Ashfaq Sharjeel
Published: May 2023

Unique plant functional traits (morpho-physio-anatomical) may respond to novel environmental conditions to counterbalance elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2) concentrations. Utilizing CO2, plants produce photoassimilates (carbohydrates). A mechanistic understanding of partitioning and translocation of carbon/photoassimilates into different plant parts and soils under ambient and eCO2 is required. In this study, we examine and present the intrinsic relationship between plant functional traits and eCO2 and seek answers to (i) how do plant functional traits (morpho-physio-anatomical features) affect C storage and partitioning under ambient and eCO2 in different plant parts? (ii) How do plant functional traits influence C transfer to the soil and rhizosphere services? Our study suggests that morpho-physio-anatomical features are interlinked, and under eCO2, plant functional traits influence the quantity of C accumulation inside the plant biomass, its potential translocation to different plant parts, and to the soil. The availability of additional photoassimilates aids in increasing the above- and belowground growth of plants. Moreover, plants may retain a predisposition to build thick leaves due to reduced specific leaf area, thicker palisade tissue, and higher palisade/sponge tissue thickness. eCO2 and soil-available N can alter root anatomy, the release of metabolites, and root respiration, impacting potential carbon transfer to the soil.
Evaluation of the Design of Ecological Buildings Using the Matrix of Eco-Efficiency in Residential Sectors of Ecuador
Authors: Mejia Adriana Soledad , Moya Marcelo , Martínez-Gómez Javier
Published: May 2023

The research aims to study the influence of eco-efficient buildings by comparing their designs according to energy efficiency criteria and optimization considering scenarios with traditional construction systems. The proposed methodology shows that eco-efficient building projects comply with environmental and sustainable strategies for the expansion of height with floors. Previous technical characteristics and parameters are considered, and these are divided into three main areas: water, energy, and inputs, in addition to a secondary area: housing density. The evaluation that was carried out showed that the water consumption parameter is the most expensive to manage for any construction company and tends to be very irregular in its percentage of compliance, since it depends on the customs of the inhabitants. The energy parameter is considered a complex aspect, since the use of private transport is expected to decrease. However, due to the customs and structures of cities, this is difficult to change without comprehensive public policies. This implies that apartment sales decrease when there are no available parking spaces. On the other hand, the contribution parameter, regardless of the construction company, always remains constant due to the economic investment required and international regulations. Finally, the housing density is always met with the same percentage due to the amount of user occupancy in the buildings. The planning of the cities in Ecuador is currently part of a sustainable development, and the instruments and policies involved are shaped by the real estate sector and, with it, urban development. Thus, by starting from a definition of nature and going through a description of the regulations and public policies until specific cases in architecture are reached, the application of sustainable development in the real estate sector is shown.
Evaluation of Green Development Level of Mianyang Agriculture, Based on the Entropy Weight Method
Authors: Chen Changhong , Zhang Huijie
Published: May 2023

Achieving the “dual carbon” objective is contingent upon the ecological development of agriculture. As the only Science and Technology City in China, evaluating the level of green agricultural development in Mianyang during the 13th Five-Year Plan is of considerable practical importance. Using the entropy weight comprehensive evaluation method, this paper determines the level of green agricultural development in Mianyang by selecting panel data from 2016 to 2020 for Mianyang and its counties (cities and districts) and constructing 15 agricultural green development evaluation indicators from three levels: socioeconomic, scientific and technological progress, and resources and environment. The results indicate that the overall level of green agricultural development in the city of Mianyang is satisfactory, and that the level of green development increased each year from 2016 to 2020, with clear differences in the level of green agricultural development between counties (cities and districts) and numerous factors influencing the development of green agriculture. On this basis, it is proposed that local conditions-specific green agricultural development policies be formulated and implemented in accordance with local conditions to promote the ecological and high-quality development of agriculture by capitalizing on the benefits of a science and technology city, and to assist in achieving the “dual carbon” objective.
Numerical Simulation of Energy and Mass Transfer in a Magnetic Stirring Photocatalytic Reactor
Authors: Yao Yixin , Zheng Yaqian , Yang Yan
Published: May 2023

Hydrogen production via photocatalytic water splitting is one of the promising solutions to energy and environmental issues. Understanding the relationship between hydrogen production in suspended photocatalytic reactions and various influencing factors is crucial for expanding the scale of the system. However, the complexity of physical and chemical factors involved in hydrogen production via photocatalytic water splitting makes systematic research of this technology challenging. In recent research, the simulated light source reactor has become a preferred study object due to its strong controllability. This paper presents a comprehensive energy and mass transfer model for the suspended photocatalytic reaction in a magnetically stirred reactor. The mutual impacts between the flow field, radiation field, and reaction field are analyzed. The simulation results show that the rotating speed of the stirring magneton in the reactor has a significant influence on the flow field. The rotation of the stirring magneton generates a vortex in the central axis area of the reactor, with the relationship between the depth of the vortex f(s) and the rotating speed of the magneton s described as f(s) = 0.27e0.0032s. The distribution of radiation within the reactor is influenced by both the incident radiation intensity and the concentration of the catalyst. The relationship between the penetration depth of radiation g(i) and the incident radiation intensity i is described as g(i) = 10.73ln(i) − 49.59. The relationship between the penetration depth of radiation h(c) and the particle concentration c is given as h(c) = −16.38ln(c) + 15.01. The radiation distribution in the reactor has a substantial impact on hydrogen production, which affects the concentration distribution law of hydrogen. The total amounts of hydrogen generated in the reactor are 1.04 × 10−3 mol and 1.35 × 10−3 mol when the reaction times are 1.0 s and 2.0 s, respectively. This study serves as a foundation for the future scaling of the system and offers theoretical guidance for the optimization of the photocatalytic reactor design and operating conditions.
Examining the Connectivity between Urban Rail Transport and Regular Bus Transport
Authors: Yang Haochun , Liang Yunyi
Published: May 2023

According to the principle of urban transport integration and sustainable development, in this work, we study the level of connection between urban rail transit and regular bus transport, construct an evaluation indicator system according to the characteristics of the connection system, use the entropy weighting method (EWM) to calculate the weights of the indicators to determine the influence of each indicator on the level of connection, and construct a TOPSIS comprehensive evaluation model, which can make an overall evaluation of objects subject to multiple factors to analyze the level of connection between rail transit stations. Finally, the system of evaluation indicators and the analysis of the level of connection are applied to an example of a rail transit station in operation in Wuxi city, and the problems of connection and interchange in the case station are analyzed. We find that 57.5% of rail stations in Wuxi have low connectivity and that interchange information service and average transfer time are the most influential factors. This study defines and quantifies eight key indicators that influence the level of rail-transit connectivity to quantify and grade the connectivity of different stations, and selects the city of Wuxi as a case study for validation. Our research provides theoretical support and practical guidance for improving rail transit interchange capacity and the sustainable development of public transport.
Which Hierarchical Levels of Value Description of Design Concepts Enhance Anticipated UX? Effects of Product Type on User Expectations
Authors: Doi Toshihisa , Doi Sayoko
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the effects of the description of design concepts and the ease of anticipating how to use products on users’ subjective evaluation before use. The findings of this study contribute to considerations of a method of value transmission to be used to enhance the anticipated UX. Usefulness, usableness, desirableness, and willingness to use were compared among four conditions with different levels of value evaluation structure (product attributes, functional benefits, emotional benefits, essential value). The results reveal that the participants experienced a greater expectation of product attributes when they more easily imagined using them. On the other hand, participants felt a high expectation of emotional benefit when they found it difficult to anticipate how to use a product.
Enhanced Chromium (VI) Adsorption onto Waste Pomegranate-Peel-Derived Biochar for Wastewater Treatment: Performance and Mechanism
Authors: Chen Yingzhou , Yang Jinyan , Abbas Adil
Published: May 2023

Surface chemical modification allows for the rational construction of biochar with desirable structures and functionalities for environment purification. Fruit-peel-derived adsorbing material has been well studied in the adsorption of heavy-metal removal due to its abundance and non-toxicity, but its precise mechanism in removing chromium-containing pollutants remains unclear. Herein, we explored the potential application of engineered biochar prepared from fruit waste via chemical modification to remove chromium (Cr) from an aqueous solution. By synthesizing two types of agricultural residue-derived adsorbents, including pomegranate peel adsorbent (PG) and its modified product, pomegranate-peel-derived biochar (PG-B), via chemical and thermal decomposition methods, we elucidated the adsorption property of Cr(VI) on the studied materials and identified the cation retention mechanism of the adsorption process. Batch experiments and varied characterizations demonstrated that superior activity was exhibited in PG-B, which can contribute to the porous surfaces caused by pyrolysis and effective active sites resulting from alkalization. The highest Cr(VI) adsorption capacity is obtained at pH 4, a dosage of 6.25 g L−1, and a contact time of 30 min. The maximum adsorption efficiency of 90.50% in a short period (30 min) was obtained on PG-B, while PG reached a removal performance of 78.01% at 60 min. The results from kinetic and isotherm models suggested that monolayer chemisorption dominated the adsorption process. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity is 16.23 mg g−1. This study shortened the adsorption equilibrium time of pomegranate-based biosorbents and presents positive significance in designing and optimizing waste fruit-peel-derived adsorption materials for water purification.
Evaluation of Analytical and Clinical Performance and Usefulness in a Real-Life Hospital Setting of Two in-House Real-Time RT-PCR Assays to Track SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern
Authors: Moisan Alice , Soares Anaïs , De Oliveira Fabienne , Alessandri-Gradt Elodie , Lecoquierre François , Fourneaux Steeve , Plantier Jean-Christophe , Gueudin Marie
Published: May 2023

Since the end of 2020, multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) have emerged and spread worldwide. Tracking their evolution has been a challenge due to the huge number of positive samples and limited capacities of whole-genome sequencing. Two in-house variant-screening RT-PCR assays were successively designed in our laboratory in order to detect specific known mutations in the spike region and to rapidly detect successively emerging VOCs. The first one (RT-PCR#1) targeted the 69–70 deletion and the N501Y substitution simultaneously, whereas the second one (RT-PCR#2) targeted the E484K, E484Q, and L452R substitutions simultaneously. To evaluate the analytical performance of these two RT-PCRs, 90 negative and 30 positive thawed nasopharyngeal swabs were retrospectively analyzed, and no discordant results were observed. Concerning the sensitivity, for RT-PCR#1, serial dilutions of the WHO international standard SARS-CoV-2 RNA, corresponding to the genome of an Alpha variant, were all detected up to 500 IU/mL. For RT-PCR#2, dilutions of a sample harboring the E484K substitution and of a sample harboring the L452R and E484Q substitutions were all detected up to 1000 IU/mL and 2000 IU/mL, respectively. To evaluate the performance in a real-life hospital setting, 1308 and 915 profiles of mutations, obtained with RT-PCR#1 and RT-PCR#2, respectively, were prospectively compared to next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. The two RT-PCR assays showed an excellent concordance with the NGS data, with 99.8% for RT-PCR#1 and 99.2% for RT-PCR#2. Finally, for each mutation targeted, the clinical sensitivity, the clinical specificity and the positive and negative predictive values showed excellent clinical performance. Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the emergence of variants—impacting the disease’s severity and the efficacy of vaccines and therapies—has forced medical analysis laboratories to constantly adapt to the strong demand for screening them. Our data showed that in-house RT-PCRs are useful and adaptable tools for monitoring such rapid evolution and spread of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
The Effect of Pneumococcal, Influenza, and COVID-19 Vaccinations on COVID-19 Hospitalization and Progression in People over 65 Years Old Living in Nursing Homes
Authors: Yilmaz Feyza Kutay , Cakir Mustafa , Ikiisik Hatice , Maral Isil
Published: May 2023

Infectious diseases pose a major threat to elderly populations. Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria, influenza-causing viruses, and COVID-19 viruses cause three pathologies in the respiratory system with similar symptoms, transmission routes, and risk factors. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of pneumococcal, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccinations on the status of COVID-19 hospitalization and progression in people over 65 years of age living in nursing homes. This study was performed in all nursing homes and elderly care centers in the Uskudar district of Istanbul.The diagnosis rate of COVID-19 was determined as 49%, the rate of hospitalization as 22.4%, the rate of hospitalization in the intensive care unit as 12.2%. The rate of intubation was determined as 10.4%, the rate of mechanical ventilation as 11.1% and the rate of COVID-19 related mortality rate as 9.7%. When the factors affecting the diagnosis of COVID-19 were examined, the presence and dose of COVID-19 vaccine was protective. When the factors affecting hospitalization status were examined, male sex and presence of chronic disease were risk factors; four doses of COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine together with COVID-19 vaccine were protective. When the factors affecting COVID-19-related death were examined, the male sex was a risk factor; the pneumococcal and influenza vaccine together with COVID-19 vaccine were protective. Our results revealed that the availability of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines positively impacted the progression of COVID-19 disease in the elderly population living in nursing homes.
Key Lessons from COVID-19: A Narrative Review Describing Qatar’s Multifactorial Approach in Executing a Vaccination Campaign
Authors: Albayat Soha , Almaslamani Muna , Alromaihi Hamad , Khogali Hayat , Mundodan Jesha , Joury Jean , Haridy Hammam
Published: May 2023

Widespread vaccination programs have been implemented in many countries to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic, with varying success and challenges. To better understand the successes and challenges of the global COVID-19 response in the face of emerging new variants and epidemiologic data, we discuss how Qatar engaged the healthcare sector, governmental bodies, and the populace to combat COVID-19, with a focus on the country’s vaccination strategy. This narrative provides the history and timeline of the Qatar COVID-19 vaccination campaign; factors that helped the vaccination campaign and the transferable lessons learned are discussed. Details regarding how Qatar responded to challenges, such as vaccine hesitancy and mitigation of misinformation, are highlighted. Qatar was one of the first countries to procure the BNT162b2 (Comirnaty®; Pfizer-BioNTech, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, USA) and mRNA-1273 (Spikevax®; Moderna, Cambridge, MA, USA) COVID-19 vaccines. A relatively high vaccination rate and low case mortality rate (0.14% as of 4 January 2023) was observed in Qatar compared with other countries (global case mortality rate, 1.02%). Learnings will be carried forward as a basis for addressing this evolving pandemic and any future national emergencies in Qatar.
Quantifying the Impact of Coal Mining on Underground Water in Arid and Semi-Arid Area: A Case Study of the New Shanghai No. 1 Coal Mine, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Lyv Yuguang , Qiao Wei , Chen Weichi , Cheng Xianggang , Liu Mengnan , Liu Yingjie
Published: May 2023

The new Shanghai No. 1 Coal Mine is located in arid and semiarid area of northwest China, which is characterized by scarce rainfall, intense evaporation, and limited water resources. High-intensity coal mining has caused severe damage to groundwater resources. The Baotashan sandstone aquifer of the Jurassic system has abundant water resources, and they are stored in the floor strata of mining coal seams. This poses the risk of high-pressure build-up and water inrush hazards during the mining of coal. To avoid these, the Baotashan sandstone aquifer needs to be drained and depressurized, which can result in a huge waste of water resources. Thus, taking the New Shanghai No. 1 Coal Mine as the basis for the case study, the impact of coal mining on the underground water resources was quantified. Large-scale water release tests were performed under the shaft to determine the hydrogeological properties of the Baotashan sandstone aquifer and a three-dimensional numerical model of the groundwater system was established. The dynamic phenomenon of water drainage was simulated and the drained water discharge was predicted under the condition of safe mining.
Occurrence, Bioaccumulation, and Risk Assessment of Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment: A Review
Authors: Li Xuemei , Bao Liangwen , Wei Yuan , Zhao Wensi , Wang Fanfan , Liu Xuesong , Su Hailei , Zhang Ruiqing
Published: May 2023

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging as environmental pollutants and are widely distributed in aquatic environments. They are characterized by long life cycles, ease of migration, ability to adsorb other environmental pollutants, small size, and ease of ingestion by aquatic organisms, thereby threatening the growth, life, and health of aquatic organisms. MPs are biologically transferable and can accumulate in organisms at high trophic levels via food chains, thereby negatively impacting the ecological environment and human health. Moreover, the bioaccumulation of MPs is an important parameter for scientific risk assessments. This paper reviews the current status of MP pollution and its bioaccumulation in marine, freshwater, and other water environments. Furthermore, it proposes relevant recommendations for future research on the bioaccumulation of MPs in conjunction with previous studies to provide basic support for risk assessment and environmental management.