bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-Frailty and Frailty in Hospitalized Older Adults: A Comparison Study in People with and without a History of Cancer in an Acute Medical Unit
Authors: Han Chad Yixian , Chan Raymond Javan , Ng Huah Shin , Sharma Yogesh , Yaxley Alison , Baldwin Claire , Miller Michelle
Published: June 2024

A prospective observational study was conducted in a cohort of older adults ≥65 years (n = 329), admitted to the acute medical unit (AMU) of a tertiary hospital, to describe and compare characteristics including frailty status and clinical outcomes. Multivariable models compared older adults with and without a history of cancer to determine characteristics associated with frailty and pre-frailty. An adjusted Poisson regression model was used to compare the length of hospital stay (LOS) between the two groups. About one-fifth (22%) of the cohort had a history of cancer. The most common cancer types were prostate (n = 20), breast (n = 13), lung (n = 8) and gastrointestinal (n = 8). There was no difference in the prevalence of pre-frailty/frailty among patients with or without a history of cancer (58% vs. 57%, p > 0.05). Pre-frailty/frailty was associated with polypharmacy (OR 8.26, 95% CI: 1.74 to 39.2) and malnutrition (OR 8.91, 95% CI: 2.15 to 36.9) in patients with a history of cancer. Adjusted analysis revealed that the risk of having a longer LOS was 24% higher in older adults with a history of cancer than those without (IRR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.41, p < 0.001). Clinicians in the AMU should be aware that older adults with a history of cancer have a higher risk of a longer LOS compared to those without.
Perforator versus Non-Perforator Flap-Based Vulvoperineal Reconstruction—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wendelspiess Séverin , Kouba Loraine , Stoffel Julia , Speck Nicole , Appenzeller-Herzog Christian , Gahl Brigitta , Montavon Céline , Heinzelmann-Schwarz Viola , Lariu Ana , Schaefer Dirk J. , Ismail Tarek , Kappos Elisabeth A.
Published: June 2024

Background: Patients with advanced vulvoperineal cancer require a multidisciplinary treatment approach to ensure oncological safety, timely recovery, and the highest possible quality of life (QoL). Reconstructions in this region often lead to complications, affecting approximately 30% of patients. Flap design has evolved towards perforator-based approaches to reduce functional deficits and (donor site) complications, since they allow for the preservation of relevant anatomical structures. Next to their greater surgical challenge in elevation, their superiority over non-perforator-based approaches is still debated. Methods: To compare outcomes between perforator and non-perforator flaps in female vulvoperineal reconstruction, we conducted a systematic review of English-language studies published after 1980, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series. Data on demographics and surgical outcomes were extracted and classified using the Clavien–Dindo classification. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to derive a pooled estimate of complication frequency (%) in patients who received at least one perforator flap and in patients who received non-perforator flaps. Results: Among 2576 screened studies, 49 met our inclusion criteria, encompassing 1840 patients. The overall short-term surgical complication rate was comparable in patients receiving a perforator (n = 276) or a non-perforator flap (n = 1564) reconstruction (p* > 0.05). There was a tendency towards fewer complications when using perforator flaps. The assessment of patients’ QoL was scarce. Conclusions: Vulvoperineal reconstruction using perforator flaps shows promising results compared with non-perforator flaps. There is a need for the assessment of its long-term outcomes and for a systematic evaluation of patient QoL to further demonstrate its benefit for affected patients.
Corrosion Behavior of CMT Cladding Layer of AZ91 Magnesium Alloy Subjected to Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Chen Yang , Shen Junqi , Hu Shengsun , Zhen Yahui , Zhao Huichao
Published: June 2024

Friction stir processing (FSP) was performed on an AZ91 magnesium alloy cladding layer fabricated by a cold metal transfer (CMT) technique. Electrochemical properties and immersion corrosion behavior of the cladding layer before and after FSP in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution were investigated. After applying the FSP, the corrosion potential and corrosion current density of the cladding layer increased from −1.455 V to −1.397 V and decreased from 4.135 μA/cm2 to 1.275 μA/cm2, respectively. The results of OM and SEM displayed the refinement of grains and the dispersion of β-Mg17Al12 second phase in the friction stir processed (FSPed) cladding layer and more severe corrosion of the unprocessed sample. The corrosion rate of the FSPed cladding layer was lower, and a more compact corrosion product film was formed on the surface of the FSPed cladding layer. EDS results and XRD patterns showed that the corrosion products was mainly composed of Mg(OH)2. The increase in Al content in the α-Mg matrix, grain refinement, and fragmentation and dispersion of the β-Mg17Al12 second phase induced by FSP were the main factors that led to the improvement in corrosion resistance of the cladding layer of the AZ91 magnesium alloy fabricated by CMT.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructural Heterogeneity and Abrasive Wear Behavior of ASTM A128 Grade C Steel
Authors: Higuera-Cobos Oscar-Fabián , Cely-Bautista María-Mercedes , Muñoz-Bolaños Jairo-Alberto
Published: June 2024

Microstructural heterogeneities of an ASTM A128 grade C steel subjected to heat treatments and their effect on abrasive wear behavior were investigated. The heat-treatment process involved different austenization times at 1050 °C and quenching media. To characterize the effects of heat treatment on the material’s microstructure and mechanical behavior, two microscopy techniques were used: optical microscopy (OM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical composition of the material was obtained using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) optical emission spectrometry. The variation in carbide composition was evaluated using X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). To characterize the mechanical behavior of the steel, hardness measurements and abrasive wear tests were performed after homogenization annealing and quenching treatments. The results showed that the heat-treated samples developed a heterogeneous microstructure, with the presence of austenitic grains and Martensite around the surface of the samples induced by decarburization in both the protected and unprotected specimens. The specimens with lower decarburization presented less formation of Martensite and precipitated carbides, resulting in lower hardness values and higher abrasion resistance (solution treatment at 1080 °C for 1 h + sand protection + brine quenching).
Effect of Cow Dung Additions on Tropical and Mediterranean Earth Mortars-Mechanical Performance and Water Resistance
Authors: Pachamama Raphael N. , Faria Paulina , Rezende Marco A. P. , Santos Silva António
Published: June 2024

Cow dung (CD) is a material that has been used for millennia by humanity as a stabilizer in earth building techniques in vernacular architecture. However, this stabilization has been little addressed scientifically. In this study, the effect of CD additions was assessed on earth mortars produced with one type of earth from Brazil and two other types from Portugal (from Monsaraz and Caparica). The effect of two volumetric proportions of CD additions were assessed: 10% and 20% of earth + sand. The German standard DIN 18947 was used to perform the physical and mechanical tests, and classify the mortars. In comparison to the reference mortars without CD, the additions reduced linear shrinkage and cracking. An increase in flexural and compressive strengths was not observed only in mortars produced with earth from Monsaraz. In mortars produced with the earth from Caparica, the addition of 10% of CD increased flexural strength by 15% and compressive strength by 34%. For mortars produced with the earth from Brazil, the addition of 10% of CD increased these mechanical strengths by 40%. The increase in adhesive strength and water resistance promoted by the CD additions was observed in mortars produced with all three types of earth. Applied on ceramic brick, the proportion of 10% of CD increased the adherence by 100% for the three types of earth. Applied on adobe, the same proportion of CD also increased it more than 50%. For the water immersion test, the CD additions made possible for the mortar specimens not to disintegrate after a 30 min immersion, with the 20% proportion being more efficient. The effects of the CD on mechanical performance, including adhesion, were more significant on the tropical earth mortars but the effects on water resistance were more significant on the Mediterranean earthen mortars. CD has shown its positive effects and potential for both tropical and Mediterranean earthen plasters and renders tested, justifying being further studied as an eco-efficient bio-stabilizer.
Current Aspects of Selected Factors to Modulate Brain Health and Sports Performance in Athletes
Authors: Przewłócka Katarzyna , Korewo-Labelle Daria , Berezka Paweł , Karnia Mateusz Jakub , Kaczor Jan Jacek
Published: June 2024

This review offers a comprehensive evaluation of current aspects related to nutritional strategies, brain modulation, and muscle recovery, focusing on their applications and the underlying mechanisms of physiological adaptation for promoting a healthy brain, not only in athletes but also for recreationally active and inactive individuals. We propose that applying the rule, among others, of good sleep, regular exercise, and a properly balanced diet, defined as “SPARKS”, will have a beneficial effect on the function and regeneration processes of the gut–brain–muscle axis. However, adopting the formula, among others, of poor sleep, stress, overtraining, and dysbiosis, defined as “SMOULDER”, will have a detrimental impact on the function of this axis and consequently on human health as well as on athletes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for optimizing brain health and cognitive function. This review highlights the significance of these factors for overall well-being, suggesting that adopting the “SPARKS” approach may benefit not only athletes but also older adults and individuals with health conditions.
Association between Childhood Overweight and Altered Concentrations of Circulating Amino Acids
Authors: Campos Jéssica de Oliveira , Oliveira Tafnes Laís Pereira Santos de Almeida , Vitalis Oriane , Pereira Jéssica Gonzaga , Nogueira Isabella da Costa Ribeiro , Santos Gabriela Carvalho Jurema , Chikh Karim , Leandro Carol Gois , Costa-Silva João Henrique da , Pirola Luciano
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: Dysregulated serum amino acids (AA) are known to be associated with obesity and risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) in adults, and recent studies support the same notion in the pubertal age. It is, however, unknown whether childhood overweight may already display alterations of circulating AA. (2) Methods: We used liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)—targeted metabolomics to determine plasma concentrations of AA and AA-related molecules in 36 children aged 7–12 years with normal weight or overweight. Clinical and anthropometric parameters were measured. (3) Results: Overweight in children is associated with an altered AA profile, with increased branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and decreased glycine levels, with no clinically manifested metabolic conditions. Moreover, z-BMI was positively and negatively correlated with BCAA and glycine levels, respectively, even after adjustment for age and gender. We also found a correlation between the AA profile and clinical parameters such as lipids profile and glycemia. (4) Conclusions: A pattern of low glycine, and increased BCAA is correlated to z-BMI, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in overweight but otherwise healthy children. Our data suggest that, in childhood overweight, AA disturbances may precede other clinical parameters, thus providing an early indicator for the later development of metabolic disease.
Mediterranean Diet Influence on SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Adverse Reaction: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Gualtieri Paola , Frank Giulia , Cianci Rossella , Smeriglio Antonella , Alibrandi Angela , Di Renzo Laura , Trombetta Domenico
Published: June 2024

Background: The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has long been recognized for its health-promoting attributes, with proven benefits in preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, MedDiet’s potential to mitigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection gained attention. This study aims to investigate the interplay among MedDiet adherence, immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and potential sex-related variations. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted through collecting data from a web survey for the Italian population. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS); in addition, COVID-19 symptoms and vaccination details were also obtained. Results: Significant associations between MedDiet adherence, COVID-19 symptoms, and vaccine-related side effects were observed. Notably, females demonstrated distinct responses, reporting lymph node enlargement and a different prevalence and severity of vaccine side effects compared to males. Conclusions: This study highlights the protective role of the MedDiet against COVID-19 and emphasizes the relevance of sex-specific responses in vaccination outcomes according to MEDAS score.
A Symbiotic Meal Containing Extruded Sorghum and Probiotic (Bifidobacterium longum) Ameliorated Intestinal Health Markers in Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Secondary Analysis of a Subsample from a Previous Randomized and Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Lúcio Haira Guedes , Lopes Rita de Cassia Stampini Oliveira , Gomes Mariana Juste Contin , da Silva Alessandra , Grancieri Mariana , Della Lucia Ceres Mattos , Queiroz Valéria Aparecida Vieira , da Silva Bárbara Pereira , Martino Hercia Stampini Duarte
Published: June 2024

Background: Chronic kidney disease increases uremic toxins concentrations, which have been associated with intestinal dysbiosis. Sorghum bicolor L. Moench has dietary fiber and bioactive compounds, while Bifidobacterium longum can promote beneficial health effects. Methods: It is a controlled, randomized, and single-blind clinical trial. Thirty-nine subjects were randomly separated into two groups: symbiotic group (SG), which received 100 mL of unfermented probiotic milk with Bifidobacterium longum strain and 40 g of extruded sorghum flakes; and the control group (CG), which received 100 mL of pasteurized milk and 40 g of extruded corn flakes for seven weeks. Results: The uremic toxins decreased, and gastrointestinal symptoms improved intragroup in the SG group. The acetic, propionic, and butyric acid production increased intragroup in the SG group. Regarding α-diversity, the Chao1 index was enhanced in the SG intragroup. The KEGG analysis revealed that symbiotic meal increased the intragroup energy and amino sugar metabolism, in addition to enabling essential amino acid production and metabolism, sucrose degradation, and the biosynthesis of ribonucleotide metabolic pathways. Conclusions: The consumption of symbiotic meal reduced BMI, improved short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) synthesis and gastrointestinal symptoms, increased diversity according to the Chao1 index, and reduced uremic toxins in chronic kidney disease patients.
On the Use of Styrene-Based Nanoparticles to Mitigate the Effect of Montmorillonite in Copper Sulfide Recovery by Flotation
Authors: Estrada Darwin , Murga Romina , Rubilar Olga , Amalraj John , Gutierrez Leopoldo , Uribe Lina
Published: June 2024

Clay minerals have different negative effects on the froth flotation process such as low adsorption of collectors on valuable minerals, increased pulp viscosity, and the reduction in recovery and grade concentrates of copper sulfides. This study aims to evaluate the use of polystyrene-based nanoparticles (NPs) for the froth flotation of chalcopyrite and their ability to mitigate the negative effect of montmorillonite on the recovery of this sulfide. The experimental stage consisted of preparing a type of polystyrene-based nanoparticle (St-CTAB-VI), which was analyzed by dynamic night scattering (DLS) to establish its hydrodynamic size. Then, the effect of NPs on chalcopyrite’s angle’s in the presence and absence of montmorillonite (15%) was evaluated and compared with the contact angle achieved using potassium amyl xanthate (PAX) and a mixture of PAX and NPs. In addition, zeta potential measurements were carried out to investigate the interactions between the chalcopyrite and the montmorillonite or the NPs under fixed concentrations and microflotation tests were performed employing different times to evaluate the chalcopyrite recovery in the presence of montmorillonite, using NPs and mixtures with PAX. Finally, turbidity analysis as a function of time was performed to evaluate the occurrence of sedimentation and flocculation phenomena in suspensions of 15% montmorillonite in the presence and absence of chalcopyrite, nanoparticles, and mixtures of NPs and PAX. The results indicated that the mixture of NPs and PAX contributed to increasing the contact angle of chalcopyrite in the presence of montmorillonite. This can be associated with the presence of molecular and nanometric collectors that generated a higher hydrophobicity on the chalcopyrite particles, contributing to reducing the presence of clay minerals on the mineral surface. In addition, the mixture of NPs and PAX promoted the generation of nanoparticles on the sulfide mineral surface, which helps to detach the slime and facilitate the bubble/mineral attachment step during flotation.
Progress in the Preparation and Application of Breathable Membranes
Authors: Luo Tingshuai , Farooq Ambar , Weng Wenwei , Lu Shengchang , Luo Gai , Zhang Hui , Li Jianguo , Zhou Xiaxing , Wu Xiaobiao , Huang Liulian , Chen Lihui , Wu Hui
Published: June 2024

Breathable membranes with micropores enable the transfer of gas molecules while blocking liquids and solids, and have a wide range of applications in medical, industrial, environmental, and energy fields. Breathability is highly influenced by the nature of a material, pore size, and pore structure. Preparation methods and the incorporation of functional materials are responsible for the variety of physical properties and applications of breathable membranes. In this review, the preparation methods of breathable membranes, including blown film extrusion, cast film extrusion, phase separation, and electrospinning, are discussed. According to the antibacterial, hydrophobic, thermal insulation, conductive, and adsorption properties, the application of breathable membranes in the fields of electronics, medicine, textiles, packaging, energy, and the environment are summarized. Perspectives on the development trends and challenges of breathable membranes are discussed.
Recent Advancements in the Synthesis of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene via Late Transition Metal Catalysts
Authors: Yue Qiang , Gao Rong , Song Zhihui , Gou Qingqiang
Published: June 2024

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs) are significant engineering plastics for their unique properties, such as high impact resistance, abrasion resistance, weatherability, lubricity, and chemical resistance. Consequently, developing a suitable catalyst is vital in facilitating the preparation of UHMWPE. The late transition metal catalysts have emerged as effective catalysts in producing UHMWPE due to their availability, enhanced tolerance to heteroatom groups, active polymerization characteristics, and good copolymerization ability with polar monomers. In this review, we mainly focus on the late transition metal catalysts, summarizing advancements in their application over the past decade. Four key metals (Ni, Pd, Fe, Co) for generating linear or branched UHMWPE will be primarily explored in this manuscript.
CMONOC II Common Mode Error Analysis and Structural Region Division Research
Authors: Bai Buang , Xiao Genru , Miao Peiyu , Shuai Fei , Liu Chenhui
Published: June 2024

The modern tectonic deformation of the Chinese mainland is dominated by landmass movements, and active tectonic block regions are geological units with a relatively uniform movement pattern. The removal of CMEs can provide more accurate GPS data for exploring the movement characteristics between active tectonic block regions. In order to improve the effect of CME extraction, we propose that the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China be divided into sub-regions based on the refined definition of active tectonic block regions of the Chinese mainland. In this paper, 247 stations in the CMONOC II network are used to form a large spatial scale GPS network and 6 sub-regions with small spatial scale GPS networks. For the large spatial scale GPS network, we compare and analyze the effects of PCA and ICA filtering, and the study shows that PCA is not suitable for CME extraction in this large spatial scale GPS network, while ICA filtering is better. Subsequently, the large spatial scale GPS network and six small spatial scale GPS networks were used to extract CME using ICA, with the results showing that the RMSE values of the residual time series of the large spatial scale GPS network were reduced by 9.60%, 17.08%, and 16.14% in the directions of E, N, and U, respectively, and that the subregions divided according to the refined and determined first-level active plots of the Chinese continent had their residual time series of the RMSE values were reduced by 26.19%, 26.95%, and 28.32% on average in the three respective directions of E, N, and U. The effect of extracting CMEs by dividing the subregions was 29.16%, 5.44%, and 39.84% higher than the effect of extracting them as a whole in the three directions of E, N, and U, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that the CMONOC II observation network is an effective and feasible method to extract CMEs according to the finely defined active tectonic block region of the Chinese mainland at the first level.
Is Endmember Extraction a Critical Step in the Analysis of Hyperspectral Images in Mining Environments?
Authors: He Jingping , Riley Dean N. , Barton Isabel
Published: June 2024

Hyperspectral imaging systems (HSIs) are becoming widespread in the mining industry for mineral classification. The spectral features detectable from near infrared to long-wave infrared make HSIs a potentially efficient tool for exploration, clay mapping, and leach pad modeling. However, the redundancy of hyperspectral data makes the analysis of hyperspectral images complicated and slow. Many researchers have proposed different algorithms and strategies to speed up processing and increase accuracy. These procedures rely on endmember extraction as one of the critical steps. However, no one has tested whether endmember extraction actually improves accuracy under all circumstances. Eliminating endmember extraction, if possible, would speed up the analysis of hyperspectral data. This study tested whether endmember extraction improves the accuracy and efficiency of mapping materials at leach pads, which are among the most complicated situations in mining environments. We compared the accuracy of abundance maps produced with fully constrained least squares (FCLS) (a) with endmember extraction by N-FINDR and (b) without endmember extraction, using a spectral library instead. The results from endmember extraction showed lower accuracy than the results from using a spectral library, probably because the spectral data were noisy and the scanned materials were mixtures. The application of FCLS to hyperspectral images provides useful information for metallurgists. The abundance maps showed that kaolinite, muscovite, and precipitation (hexahydrite and pickeringite) were the dominant minerals on the leach pad. The abundance maps of pipes and precipitation can be used to monitor leaching conditions. Lixiviant ponds mapped out in the abundance map of water can indicate saturation. This technique can also detect organic leakage and agglomeration effectiveness, but it will need different wavelength ranges and more future study. This paper also suggests best practices for using hyperspectral imaging systems to map leach pads.
Three-Dimensional Surface Deformation of the 2022 Mw 6.6 Menyuan Earthquake from InSAR and GF-7 Stereo Satellite Images
Authors: Han Nana , Shan Xinjian , Zhang Yingfeng , Wang Jiaqing , Chen Han , Zhang Guohong
Published: June 2024

Three-dimensional coseismic surface deformation fields are important for quantifying the geometric and kinematic characteristics of earthquake rupture faults. However, traditional geodetic techniques are constrained by intrinsic limitations: Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) can only extract far-field deformation fields owing to incoherence; global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) can only acquire displacement at discrete points. The recently developed optical pixel correlation technique, which is based on high-resolution remote sensing images, can acquire near-field coseismic horizontal deformation. In this study, InSAR line-of-sight (LOS) and azimuth direction far-field deformation, horizontal near-field deformation determined using optical pixel correlation based on pre- and post-earthquake GaoFen (GF)-2/7 images, and vertical deformation determined by differencing pre- and post-earthquake GF-7 digital elevation models (DEMs) were combined to comprehensively provide the three-dimensional deformation field of the 2022 Mw 6.6 Menyuan earthquake. The results show that the near-field deformation field calculated by optical pixel correlation quantified displacements distributed over the rupture fault zone, which were not available from the InSAR deformation maps. We identified significant vertical displacements of ~1–1.5 m at a bend region, which were induced by local compressive stress. The maximum uplift (>2.0 m) occurred near the epicenter, on the southern sides of the main and secondary faults along the middle segment of the ruptured Lenglongling fault. In addition, surface two-dimensional strain derived from the displacement maps calculated by optical pixel correlation revealed high strain concentration on the rupture fault zone. The method described herein provides a new tool for a better understanding of the characteristics of coseismic surface deformation and rupture patterns of faults.
Exploring the Potential of PRISMA Satellite Hyperspectral Image for Estimating Soil Organic Carbon in Marvdasht Region, Southern Iran
Authors: Golkar Amoli Mehdi , Hasanlou Mahdi , Taghizadeh Mehrjardi Ruhollah , Samadzadegan Farhad
Published: June 2024

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a crucial factor for soil fertility, directly impacting agricultural yields and ensuring food security. In recent years, remote sensing (RS) technology has been highly recommended as an efficient tool for producing SOC maps. The PRISMA hyperspectral satellite was used in this research to predict the SOC map in Fars province, located in southern Iran. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the capabilities of the PRISMA satellite in estimating SOC and examine hyperspectral processing techniques for improving SOC estimation accuracy. To this end, denoising methods and a feature generation strategy have been used. For denoising, three distinct algorithms were employed over the PRISMA image, including Savitzky–Golay + first-order derivative (SG + FOD), VisuShrink, and total variation (TV), and their impact on SOC estimation was compared in four different methods: Method One (reflectance bands without denoising, shown as M#1), Method Two (denoised with SG + FOD, shown as M#2), Method Three (denoised with VisuShrink, shown as M#3), and Method Four (denoised with TV, shown as M#4). Based on the results, the best denoising algorithm was TV (Method Four or M#4), which increased the estimation accuracy by about 27% (from 40% to 67%). After TV, the VisuShrink and SG + FOD algorithms improved the accuracy by about 23% and 18%, respectively. In addition to denoising, a new feature generation strategy was proposed to enhance accuracy further. This strategy comprised two main steps: first, estimating the number of endmembers using the Harsanyi–Farrand–Chang (HFC) algorithm, and second, employing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Independent Component Analysis (ICA) transformations to generate high-level features based on the estimated number of endmembers from the HFC algorithm. The feature generation strategy was unfolded in three scenarios to compare the ability of PCA and ICA transformation features: Scenario One (without adding any extra features, shown as S#1), Scenario Two (incorporating PCA features, shown as S#2), and Scenario Three (incorporating ICA features, shown as S#3). Each of these three scenarios was repeated for each denoising method (M#1–4). After feature generation, high-level features were added to the outputs of Methods One, Three, and Four. Subsequently, three machine learning algorithms (LightGBM, GBRT, RF) were employed for SOC modeling. The results showcased the highest accuracy when features obtained from PCA transformation were added to the results from the TV algorithm (Method Four—Scenario Two or M#4–S#2), yielding an R2 of 81.74%. Overall, denoising and feature generation methods significantly enhanced SOC estimation accuracy, escalating it from approximately 40% (M#1–S#1) to 82% (M#4–S#2). This underscores the remarkable potential of hyperspectral sensors in SOC studies.
A Wet Scrubber and Electrooxidation System for the Efficient Removal of Odor: A Bench-Scale Study
Authors: Oh Gyung-Geun , Do Eunchae , Kang Sungwon , Kim Weonjae , Yoo Sung Soo , Kang Jeong-Hee
Published: June 2024

Odor emissions are a crucial component of atmospheric pollution. As odor is a sensory pollutant, its management and treatment are recalcitrant. A wet scrubber (WS) is an efficient technique for odor removal, but disposal of waste liquid discharge leads to secondary pollution and CO2 emissions during transportation. In this study, a system consisting of WS and electrooxidation (EO) was developed and installed in a swine manure fermentation facility. The absorption and EO characteristics were estimated through the practical implementation of a bench-scale WS (BSW). For EO, a dimensionally stable anode and Cl− were applied. When the BSW was operated without EO, an L/G ratio of 8.88 was essential for securing the simultaneous removal rate of the four odorants (hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, ammonia, and total volatile compound). With the operation of the EO, the period to change the liquid based on equilibrium was postponed due to the continuous oxidation of the odorants absorbed in the liquid. As the applied current increased, the change period was further prolonged. However, the oxidation and absorption rates differed depending on the odor substances, due to differences in their physicochemical characteristics. Hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan exhibited similar absorption and oxidation rates. Ammonia had a high absorption rate and a low oxidation rate. The acetaldehyde oxidation rate was the most sluggish among the substances. These findings demonstrate that simultaneous consideration of Henry’s constant and the reactivity of the target pollutant with HOCl renders the design of BSW appropriate for treating odor gases containing various odorants. This study contributes to efforts to address environmental problems concerning odors and also to global climate threats.
Renewable Energy Distributed Energy System Optimal Configuration and Performance Analysis: Improved Zebra Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Qi Zhaoyu , Peng Shitao , Wu Peisen , Tseng Ming-Lang
Published: June 2024

The use of distributed energy systems (DES) can utilize local resources to achieve flexible and efficient energy production and supply. However, this aspect of pollutant emission reduction has not been sufficiently investigated in current related studies. On this basis, this study establishes a DES system that integrates a ground-source heat pump, a gas turbine, a photovoltaic device and an energy storage device. An Improved Zebra Optimization Algorithm (IZOA) is proposed for optimizing the capacity of DES devices and the energy supply ratio of the ground-source heat pump. Using the economic cost saving rate (ECSR), pollutant emission reduction rate (PERR) and energy saving rate (ESR) as the optimization objectives, the study builds a DES configuration optimization model. By analyzing the arithmetic example of a large hotel building, the study verifies the effectiveness of the IZOA algorithm in solving the DES configuration optimization problem. This study provides useful research ideas in promoting the development of distributed energy systems, environmental protection and energy conservation.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Energy Trading Framework: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Xu Yiming , Alderete Peralta Ali , Balta-Ozkan Nazmiye
Published: June 2024

As transportation evolves with greater adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) energy trading stands out as an important innovation for managing energy resources more effectively as it reduces dependency on traditional energy infrastructures and, hence, alleviates the pressure on the power grid during peak demand times. Thus, this paper conducts a systematic review of the V2V energy trading frameworks. Through the included article analysis (n = 61), this paper discusses the state-of-the-art energy trading frameworks’ structure, employed methodologies, encountered challenges, and potential directions for future research. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review explicitly focused on V2V energy trading. We detail four critical challenges to face while establishing the framework in current research, providing an overview of various methodologies, including auctions, blockchain, game theory, optimisation, and demand forecasting, that are used to address these challenges and explore their integration within the research landscape. Additionally, this paper forecasts the evolution of V2V energy trading, highlighting the potential incorporation of advanced and established technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, and smart contracts. This review aims to encapsulate the existing state of V2V energy trading research and stimulate future advancements and technological integration within the field.
Aesthetic Design and Evaluation of Public Facilities in Railway Stations under the Background of Sustainable Development: A Case of an Information Counter at Xiong’an Railway Station
Authors: Xie Xuan-Hui , Zhu Hongyang , Xu Yunpeng , Yan Huiran , Guo Shilin , Liu Qiang
Published: June 2024

Sustainable development is an important trend for railway stations, and public facilities are essential parts of railway stations. With the sustainable development of railway station construction, the aesthetic design of public facilities is a problem that needs to be solved in the field of industrial design. In this context, this study proposed an aesthetic design and evaluation method for public facilities in railway stations. This method is constructed by combining the Kansei image and AHP (analytic hierarchy process)–FCE (fuzzy comprehensive evaluation) model, and takes the information counter at Xiong’an railway station as an example to illustrate the method. JACKTM is applied to evaluate the ergonomics of the design scheme. The results are as follows. (1) Ecological culture is an important source of Kansei images for aesthetic designs in the context of sustainable development. Kansei words, such as understated, delicate, dynamic, and others, which reflect original simplicity and original nature, are typical semantic features. Simple and smooth shapes are typical form features. (2) An aesthetic design is a system of various elements; the core content of an aesthetic design is to reflect the original aesthetic feeling. On this basis, the elements of simple, harmonious, humanized, and natural constitute the aesthetic design principle. This method is suitable for the aesthetic design and evaluation of public facilities in railway stations, which could provide valuable guidance for the aesthetic design of public facilities in railway stations under the background of sustainable development.
Urban Greening Plans: A Potential Device towards a Sustainable and Co-Produced Future
Authors: Bellè Beatrice Maria , Deserti Alessandro
Published: June 2024

Within the last few years, there has been increasing attention towards climate change and strategies enabling climate neutrality and biodiversity development. Green spaces are one of the main elements in achieving these ambitious goals. Their role has become increasingly relevant in facing climate change, especially considering that Europe aims to be the first continent to be climate-neutral by 2050. In doing so, recently, the European Commission adopted different regulations with a specific focus on the role of green spaces, introducing strategies and activities for sustainable development. The article investigates the role of green spaces in urban planning, considering three main perspectives in dealing with them: (i) the nature of their property, (ii) their ecological nature, and (iii) their social and public nature. After describing green spaces as crucial for contemporary urban development, this article will introduce a potential planning tool enabling the combination of the three different ‘natures’: the Urban Greening Plan. The article presents the two case studies of Barcelona and Paris, which have already adopted this instrument. The article highlights the potential of Urban Greening Plans to restore nature and biodiversity while engaging different stakeholders in co-creation processes for more sustainable development. It also critically introduces a variety of open questions that require further investigations and analyses.
Remote Sensing Identification and Stability Change of Alpine Grasslands in Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, China
Authors: Xia Xingsheng , Liang Wei , Lv Shenghui , Pan Yaozhong , Chen Qiong
Published: June 2024

Alpine grasslands, a crucial component of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, play a vital role in maintaining ecological barriers and facilitating sustainable development, and the exact stability change is also the key to coping with climate change and implementing ecological protection projects. The purpose of this study was to identify the spatial and temporal distribution of multi-stage alpine grassland and explore its inter-annual distribution and growth stability. The Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, China (hereinafter referred to as Guoluo), where alpine grassland is widely distributed, was selected as the research area. Long-term stable grassland samples constructed using the Mann–Kendall–Sneyers mutation test method were analyzed alongside random forest classification to identify multi-stage grassland distribution trends from 1990 to 2020. Based on the Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC) and coefficient of variation (Cv), spatial and temporal changes in grassland quality and their driving factors were discussed. The results show the following: (1) Remote sensing grassland extraction, based on the establishment of long-term stable grassland samples and random forest classification, demonstrated high accuracy and reliability, with OA and Kappa coefficients consistently above 0.89 and 0.77, and PA and UA maintained consistently at approximately 0.9. (2) The distribution of grassland in Guoluo corresponded to the spatial patterns determined by the natural geographical environment, showing a gradual trend from high-cover grassland in the southeast to low-cover grassland in the northwest. The proportion of medium and high-cover grasslands slightly increased, indicating an improvement in grassland quality. However, the encroachment and degradation caused by human activities and climate change resulted in a slight decrease in the proportion of grassland area compared with 1990. (3) Despite the overall grassland ecosystem still having relative stability, local grassland quality changes dramatically, mainly in the north of Maduo County. And significant fluctuations in the area of grassland quality were noted over the last two decades, suggesting potential degradation in ecosystem stability. Climate change and human activities were identified as primary drivers of these changes. Climate change is dominant in the alpine region. The low-warming region is dominated by human activities. These findings offer essential insights for the planning and implementation of alpine grassland ecosystem protection and restoration initiatives and also have important value for exploring the evolution law of alpine grassland ecosystems.
Simulation of Coupled Hydraulic–Thermal Characteristics for Energy-Saving Control of Steam Heating Pipeline
Authors: Gao Xinyong , Zheng Lijun , Wang Yaran , Jiang Yan , Zhang Yuran , Fan Wei
Published: June 2024

The steam heating pipeline, as a heat energy delivery method, plays an important role in petrochemical, food processing, and other industrial fields. Research on dynamic hydraulic and thermal calculation methods for steam heating pipelines is the basis for the realization of precise control and efficient operation of steam pipe networks, which is also the key to reducing the energy consumption and carbon emissions of urban heating. In this study, the coupled hydraulic–thermal model of a steam pipeline is established considering the steam state parameter changes and condensate generation, the SIMPLE algorithm is used to realize the model solution, and the accuracy of the model is verified by the actual operation data of a steam heat network. The effects of condensate, environmental temperature, and steam pipeline inlet temperature and pressure changes on the hydraulic and thermal characteristics of the steam pipeline are simulated and analyzed. Results indicate that condensate only has a large effect on the steam outlet temperature and has almost no effect on the outlet pressure. As the heat transfer coefficient of the steam pipeline increases, the effect of both condensate and environmental temperature on the steam outlet temperature increases. The effect of the steam inlet pressure on the outlet pressure is instantaneous, but there is a delay in the effect of the inlet temperature on the outlet temperature, and the time required for outlet temperature stabilization increases by about 25 s to 30 s for each additional 400 m of pipeline length. The research can be applied to the control of supply-side steam temperature and pressure parameters in actual steam heating systems. Utilizing the coupled hydraulic–thermal characteristics of the steam pipeline network, tailored parameter control strategies can be devised to enhance the burner’s combustion efficiency and minimize fuel consumption, thereby significantly augmenting operational efficiency and fostering sustainable development within the steam heating system.
Using the Amount of Plastic Packaging Placed on the Market to Determine the Annual Amount of Plastic Packaging Waste Generated in Poland to Enable Sustainable Waste Management
Authors: Waszczyłko-Miłkowska Beata , Bernat Katarzyna
Published: June 2024

A new category of own resources based on national contributions, which are calculated on the basis of the amount of non-recycled plastic packaging waste (PPW) (EUR 0.80 per kilogram), was introduced in 2021 by the decision of the EU Council (EU, Euratom, 2020/2053). In accordance with the European strategy for plastics, the Union budget can contribute to reducing pollution from PPW, which is consistent with sustainable waste management. To calculate the own resource of plastics, it is necessary to determine the amount of non-recycled PPW by taking the difference between the amounts of generated and recycled PPW. Data on the amount of recycled PPW can be obtained from recycling facilities. The challenge, however, is to determine the actual amount of PPW generated in a given year. For this reason, the present study was undertaken to determine the amount of PPW generated annually, based on the amount of plastic packaging placed on the market (PPM) (i.e., with the use of the placed-on-the-market approach). To perform the calculations, the Polish entities that place products in plastic packaging on the market were identified. It was assumed that the amount of PPM was the sum of the amounts of packaging stated by producer responsibility organizations (PRO), as well as self-compliers (SC), private imports (I), and free-riders (FR), minus the amount of packaging privately exported (E). To obtain the relevant data from the records linked to the amounts of plastic packaging imported to and exported from Poland, a detailed methodology was developed. A complementary analysis was concurrently conducted to estimate the amount of plastic PPM by free-riders. The results of these analyses indicate that the amount of packaging transparently reported by the PRO accounted for almost 97% of the total amount of PPM. The analysis found 19,728 SC who placed 2.22% of the total plastic packaging on the market. The total amount of privately imported plastic packaging was 17,304,666 kg (1.37%). Plastic packaging placed on the market by FR is 24,788,196 kg (1.97%). However, the amount of plastic packaging privately exported was 30,571,691 kg (2.43%). Thus, in 2021, the amount of plastic packaging placed on the Polish market was 1,259,345,296 kg; this figure constitutes the basis for determining the own resources based on non-recycled PPW. It also indicates the potential of PPW to serve as a resource for the production of new products, which is in accordance with the principles of a circular economy.
Exploring the Relationships among Factors Influencing Healthcare Chatbot Adoption
Authors: Liou James J. H. , Vo Tuong Thanh
Published: June 2024

Technology has revolutionized various industries; notably, chatbots impact healthcare through the efficient streamlining of medical procedures, cost reductions, and improved accessibility to healthcare services. Consequently, understanding how to promote the adoption of healthcare chatbots has become crucial for enhancing the healthcare industry and medical service quality. Despite numerous studies identifying factors influencing healthcare chatbot adoption, there is a notable lack of empirical verification regarding their interrelationships, leading to a significant knowledge gap. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap by developing a decision-making model to analyze the relationships among key factors regarding three dimensions: technology, user, and society. The model begins by filtering out insignificant factors based on experts’ opinions. Subsequently, it employs DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) to construct a causal relationships graph and the ISM (interpretive structural modeling) method to categorize these factors into a hierarchical order. To mitigate uncertainties stemming from the topic’s complexity, this study utilizes fuzzy sets and Z-number theory in the assessment process. The findings reveal a predominance of causal factors within the technological dimension. Notably, the quality of information provided by chatbots stands out as the most influential causal factor. The insights from this study suggest implications for both enterprises and governments to boost chatbot adoption in society.