bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epoxy-Encapsulated ZnO–MWCNT Hybrid Nanocomposites with Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance for Low-Grade Heat-to-Power Conversion
Authors: Volkova Margarita , Sondors Raitis , Spalva Elmars , Bugovecka Lasma , Kons Artis , Meija Raimonds , Andzane Jana
Published: November 2023

This work is devoted to the development of epoxy-encapsulated zinc oxide-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (ZnO–MWCNT) hybrid nanostructured composites and the investigation of their thermoelectric performance in relation to the content of MWCNTs in the composite. For the preparation of nanocomposites, self-assembling Zn nanostructured networks were coated with a layer of dispersed MWCNTs and subjected to thermal oxidation. The resulting ZnO–MWCNT hybrid nanostructured networks were encapsulated in commercially available epoxy adhesive. It was found that encapsulation of ZnO–MWCNT hybrid networks in epoxy adhesive resulted in a simultaneous decrease in their electrical resistance by a factor of 20–60 and an increase in the Seebeck coefficient by a factor of 3–15, depending on the MWCNT content. As a result, the thermoelectric power factor of the epoxy-encapsulated ZnO–MWCNTs hybrid networks exceeded that of non-encapsulated networks by more than 3–4 orders of magnitude. This effect was attributed to the ZnO–epoxy interface’s unique properties and to the MWCNTs’ contribution. The processes underlying such a significant improvement of the properties of ZnO–MWCNT hybrid nanostructured networks after encapsulation in epoxy adhesive are discussed. In addition, a two-leg thermoelectric generator composed of epoxy-encapsulated ZnO–MWCNT hybrid nanocomposite as n-type leg and polydimethylsiloxane-encapsulated CuO–MWCNT hybrid nanocomposite as p-type leg characterized at room temperatures showed better performance at temperature difference 30 °C compared with the similar devices, thus proving the potential of the developed nanocomposites for applications in domestic waste heat conversion devices.
Analysis of Deformation and Properties of Composite Melon Petals via Vibration Pretreatment—Microwave Compound Curing
Authors: Guan Chenglong , Chi Tongming , Zhan Lihua , Chen Junhao , Wang Bing , Xie Liping , Zhong Shuncong
Published: November 2023

The transition of large-scale cryogenic propellant tanks from metal to composite materials is the main trend in the global aerospace industry. Aiming to address the challenges of achieving the manufacturing of integrated and cost-effective manufacturing of aerospace cryogenic composite tanks that cannot be realized through the conventional autoclave process, and those of existing out-of-autoclave processes that are unable to effectively suppress defects under low-pressure conditions, a vibration pretreatment was innovatively introduced into the microwave curing process of composite materials in this study. Based on a systematic analysis of the inhibitory mechanisms of vibration pretreatment on void formation and the uniform heating mechanisms of microwaves in composite materials, the experimental results showed that the compound curing process enabled the production of components with complex structural features under low-pressure conditions while achieving equivalent surface precision and comprehensive properties, including porosity, interlaminar shear strength, and cryogenic permeation resistance, as those obtained through the standard 0.6 MPa autoclave process. This holds great promise for the application of out-of-autoclave processes in the manufacturing of large-scale aerospace cryogenic composite tanks.
Mechanical and Chemical Resistance of UV Coating Systems Prepared under Industrial Conditions Using LED Radiation
Authors: Henke Milena , Lis Barbara , Krystofiak Tomasz
Published: November 2023

The furniture industry constantly strives to search for ecological and cost-effective solutions in the production of wood-based composites. It is anticipated that furniture with a honeycomb core and HDF-facing will gain market share. Understanding how specific technical and procedural factors on the finishing line affect the resistance of coatings on furniture elements made of honeycomb boards was the main goal of the study. With the use of a digital microscope, the roughness of two different types of HDF was tested. On the industrial UV LED+Hg finishing line, 198 different surface coating variations were produced by applying five or six layers of varnish applied, ranging from 3 to 30 g/m2 and hardening them with various surface power densities. On the basis of statistical tests, the influence of individual factors on abrasion, impact, and scratch resistance was determined. The nanointendence test of the coatings was used to measure the hardness and elasticity modulus. The coloring caused by coffee traces was checked using a colorimeter. The findings confirm the conception that LED+Hg lamp modules can replace mercury and gallium-doped mercury lamps.
Water Hammer Characteristics and Component Fatigue Analysis of the Essential Service Water System in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Su Haonan , Sheng Liyuan , Zhao Shuai , Lu Cheng , Zhu Rongsheng , Chen Yiming , Fu Qiang
Published: November 2023

Due to the operation conditions and system characteristics of the essential service water system of nuclear power plants, water hammer pressure fluctuates in each transient process. In order to further analyze the characteristics of the water hammer and the harm this can cause to system equipment, this paper uses one-dimensional transient computing software to simulate the water hammer characteristics of the system under different operating conditions and at different water levels. The instantaneous pressure data of water hammer in the essential service water system were used as input conditions for fatigue analysis of components, and the fatigue damage of at-risk parts was calculated. The results show that the pressure fluctuation due to single pump outage is greater than that due to single pump start-up and the start-up of double pumps. The maximum pressure of the system under the design flood level is greater than that of other water levels, and the maximum pressure of the system under each working condition is 3.87 MPa. The most at-risk part of the system pressure fluctuation is the return valve, followed by the valve after a bend in a pipe and the tee pipe fitting. In the whole system, the joint of the main branch of a tee pipe experiences the greatest fatigue damage, and the theoretical fatigue life is 127.55 years.
Ritual Action and Its Consequences: Libai (Ritualized Prostration) in Medieval Daoist Rituals
Authors: Wu Yang
Published: November 2023

Chinese Buddhists in the Eastern Han initially employed the term libai to denote a supreme ritual performed by believers and disciples when meeting the Buddha. Deeply rooted in an Indian ritual greeting tradition, libai consisted of the action of touching the ground with the forehead. Buddhist vinayas regulated the performance of libai for senior or sick saṃgha members. In accordance with the ritual rationale of pūjā, libai was frequently used, along with other ritualized actions, for worshiping Buddhist statues and sūtras. The Daoists appropriated libai as a ritual technique in complicated ways. Several pre-5th century texts appeared to apply the term to describe a solemn greeting ritual for high-ranked deities. Since the 5th century, Numinous Treasure and Celestial Master Daoists have provided divergent understandings and usages of libai in their rituals. Specifically, Lu Xiujing considered libai to be a major part of the retreat that functioned to cultivate the body. The end of the 6th century witnessed the continuation of employing libai in the rituals worshiping the Daoist Three Treasures. Its diversity and significance were acknowledged by the early Tang Daoist monastic codes. The lawful performance of libai, interpreted by Zhang Wanfu, associated the body with the mind, and manifested the utmost sincerity.
The Practice of Rou 柔 from Wang Bi’s Perspective
Authors: Jiang Limei
Published: November 2023

This paper holds that Laozi’s philosophy on softness is a topic that remains to be fully discussed. By distinguishing between the meanings of softness and weakness, this paper discusses how Wang Bi semantically integrated the two, presenting them as methods to attain the Dao. In this paper, the differences in Wang Bi’s usage of “柔弱” (softness and weakness) and “柔顺” (softness and compliance) in his annotations on the Daodejing and Yijing are noted, emphasizing the logical support and rational explanation that Wang Bi provided for the external behaviors of gentleness described in the hexagram lines. Wang Bi reconciled the contradictions between Confucian and Daoist views on valuing gentleness and balancing Yin–Yang. In the text, he elaborates on gentleness as both a personal moral requirement and a method of social governance, addressing the real-world issues of his time and thus greatly enhancing the practicality of Laozi’s philosophy of valuing softness.
Evaluation of Scenedesmus dimorphus under Different Photoperiods with Eutrophicated Lagoon Water
Authors: Pérez Bravo Sheila Genoveva , Castañeda Chávez María del Refugio , Aguilera Vázquez Luciano , Gallardo Rivas Nohra Violeta , Morales Rodríguez María Lucila , Páramo García Ulises
Published: November 2023

Given the need to improve bioenergy production processes, it is necessary to focus on low-cost culture media and environmental conditions of radiation and temperature. The Scenedesmus dimorphus species was cultured in eutrophicated lagoon water and Bayfolan 0.3% as culture media under four photoperiods with the objective of evaluating the biomass productivity, bioremediation capacity and influence of illumination on the composition and lipid content. It is concluded that the increase of light hours in the culture with eutrophicated lagoon water produces a decrease in the biomass productivity and COD removal percentage. The highest biomass productivity was obtained in photoperiod F1 (10.5:13.5) hours L:O, 0.053 ± 0.0015 g/L day and a removal of 95.6%. Bayfolan 0.3% with F2 (11.5:12.5) and F3 (12.5:11.5) did not show significant differences in the biomass productivity and COD removal. The increase in light hours in the photoperiod induced an increase of 1.01% and 2.84% of saturated fatty acids and 0.8% and 2.14% of monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as a decrease of 3.85% and 2.88% of polyunsaturated fatty acids in eutrophicated lagoon water and Bayfolan 0.3%, respectively.
DDPG-Based Adaptive Sliding Mode Control with Extended State Observer for Multibody Robot Systems
Authors: Khan Hamza , Khan Sheraz Ali , Lee Min Cheol , Ghafoor Usman , Gillani Fouzia , Shah Umer Hameed
Published: November 2023

This research introduces a robust control design for multibody robot systems, incorporating sliding mode control (SMC) for robustness against uncertainties and disturbances. SMC achieves this through directing system states toward a predefined sliding surface for finite-time stability. However, the challenge arises in selecting controller parameters, specifically the switching gain, as it depends on the upper bounds of perturbations, including nonlinearities, uncertainties, and disturbances, impacting the system. Consequently, gain selection becomes challenging when system dynamics are unknown. To address this issue, an extended state observer (ESO) is integrated with SMC, resulting in SMCESO, which treats system dynamics and disturbances as perturbations and estimates them to compensate for their effects on the system response, ensuring robust performance. To further enhance system performance, deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) is employed to fine-tune SMCESO, utilizing both actual and estimated states as input states for the DDPG agent and reward selection. This training process enhances both tracking and estimation performance. Furthermore, the proposed method is compared with the optimal-PID, SMC, and H∞ in the presence of external disturbances and parameter variation. MATLAB/Simulink simulations confirm that overall, the SMCESO provides robust performance, especially with parameter variations, where other controllers struggle to converge the tracking error to zero.
An Unsupervised Band Selection Method via Contrastive Learning for Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Li Xiaorun , Liu Yufei , Hua Ziqiang , Chen Shuhan
Published: November 2023

Band selection (BS) is an efficacious approach to reduce hyperspectral information redundancy while preserving the physical meaning of hyperspectral images (HSIs). Recently, deep learning-based BS methods have received widespread interest due to their ability to model the nonlinear relationship between bands, with existing methods typically relying on generative algorithms. However, the process of generating images with pixel-level detail required by generative algorithm-based BS methods is computationally expensive. To alleviate this issue, we propose a contrastive learning-based unsupervised BS architecture, termed ContrastBS, in this article. With the help of contrastive learning, the proposed architecture avoids the costly generation step in pixel space by learning to distinguish data at the abstract semantic level of the feature space. Specifically, ContrastBS combines an attention mechanism with contrastive learning to extract the importance of each band. Furthermore, we design a novel loss function, which is able to constrain the symmetric loss while ensuring attention to the most valuable bands, for the contrastive learning-based BS network. Experimental results indicate that ContrastBS has excellent classification performance and competitive time cost compared to the comparison methods.
A Partial Point Cloud Completion Network Focusing on Detail Reconstruction
Authors: Wei Ming , Sun Jiaqi , Zhang Yaoyuan , Zhu Ming , Nie Haitao , Liu Huiying , Wang Jiarong
Published: November 2023

The point cloud is disordered and unstructured, and it is difficult to extract detailed features. The detailed part of the target shape is difficult to complete in the point cloud completion task. It proposes a point cloud completion network (BCA-Net) focusing on detail reconstruction, which can reduce noise and refine shapes. Specifically, it utilizes residual deformation architecture to avoid error points. The break and recombine refinement method is used to recover complete point cloud details. In addition, it proposes a bilateral confidence aggregation unit based on recurrent path aggregation to refine the coarse point cloud shape using multiple gating. Our experiments on the ShapeNet and Complete3D datasets demonstrate that our network performs better than other point cloud completion networks.
Distributions and Direct Radiative Effects of Different Aerosol Types in North China
Authors: Peng Nan , Su Jing , Han Xinyi , Deng Xingzhu , Lan Weiqi , Wang Jinyan
Published: November 2023

Different aerosol types exhibit distinct radiative effects in different regions, attributed to their unique optical characteristics and regional distributions. This study focuses on North China, which is impacted by both natural and anthropogenic aerosols with high concentrations and a variety of aerosol types. While many studies on aerosol direct radiative effects have been conducted in this region, the majority have focused on a specific type of aerosol or overall aerosol, leaving limited research on the direct radiative effects and contributions of different aerosol types. In this study, we use CALIPSO satellite data from 2011 to 2020 to investigate concentrations and distributions of different aerosol types. The results reveal that dust, polluted dust, polluted continental/smoke, and elevated smoke are the dominant aerosol types in North China. Based on the radiative closure experiment, we systematically calculate the radiative effects of different aerosol types and their corresponding contributions to the energy budget by combining satellite data with the Fu–Liou radiative transfer model. The annual average net aerosol direct radiative effect (ADRE) of North China is −6.1 and −13.43 W m−2 at the TOA and surface, respectively, causing a net warming effect of 7.33 W m−2 in the atmosphere. For each main aerosol type, dust contributes 93% to the shortwave ADRE in the western dust source region, while polluted dust mainly contributes 31% and 45% of the total ADRE, in Northwest China and North China Plain, respectively. Anthropogenic pollutant aerosols account for 58% of the total ADRE in Northeast China. This study holds great significance in elucidating the dominant aerosol types and their concentrations in North China, comprehending the impacts of different aerosol types on the local energy balance.
Effects of Strong Geomagnetic Storms on the Ionosphere and Degradation of Precise Point Positioning Accuracy during the 25th Solar Cycle Rising Phase: A Case Study
Authors: Wang Yifan , Yuan Yunbin , Li Min , Zhang Ting , Geng Hao , Wang Guofang , Wen Gang
Published: November 2023

Approaching the peak year of the 25th solar activity cycle, the frequency of strong geomagnetic storms is gradually increasing, which seriously affects the navigation and positioning performance of GNSS. Based on the globally distributed GNSS station data and FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 occultation data, this paper explores for the first time the effects of the G4-class geomagnetic storm that occurred on 23–24 April 2023 on the global ionosphere, especially the ionospheric equatorial anomalies and F-layer perturbations. It reveals the precise point positioning (PPP) accuracy degradation during a geomagnetic storm. The results show that the ionospheric rate of total electron content index (ROTI) and near high latitude GNSS phase scintillations index have varying levels of perturbation during geomagnetic storms, with the maximum ROTI and phase scintillations index exceeding 0.5 TECU/min and 0.8, respectively. The equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) shows an enhanced state (positive ionospheric storms) during geomagnetic storms, and the cause of this phenomenon is most likely the equatorward neutral wind. The variation of the S4 index of the FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 satellite reveals the uplift of the F-layer during geomagnetic storms. During geomagnetic storms, the PPP accuracy degrades most seriously at high latitudes, the maximum MAE exceeds 2.3 m, and the RMS in the three-dimensional (3D) direction exceeds 2.0 m. These investigations can provide case support for space weather and GNSS studies of the impact of geomagnetic storms during peak solar activity years.
Forest Height Inversion by Combining Single-Baseline TanDEM-X InSAR Data with External DTM Data
Authors: He Wenjie , Zhu Jianjun , Lopez-Sanchez Juan M. , Gómez Cristina , Fu Haiqiang , Xie Qinghua
Published: November 2023

Forest canopy height estimation is essential for forest management and biomass estimation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the capacity of TanDEM-X interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data to estimate canopy height with the assistance of an external digital terrain model (DTM). A ground-to-volume ratio estimation model was proposed so that the canopy height could be precisely estimated from the random-volume-over-ground (RVoG) model. We also refined the RVoG inversion process with the relationship between the estimated penetration depth (PD) and the phase center height (PCH). The proposed method was tested by TanDEM-X InSAR data acquired over relatively homogenous coniferous forests (Teruel test site) and coniferous as well as broadleaved forests (La Rioja test site) in Spain. Comparing the TanDEM-X-derived height with the LiDAR-derived height at plots of size 50 m × 50 m, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) was 1.71 m (R2 = 0.88) in coniferous forests of Teruel and 1.97 m (R2 = 0.90) in La Rioja. To demonstrate the advantage of the proposed method, existing methods based on ignoring ground scattering contribution, fixing extinction, and assisting with simulated spaceborne LiDAR data were compared. The impacts of penetration and terrain slope on the RVoG inversion were also evaluated. The results show that when a DTM is available, the proposed method has the optimal performance on forest height estimation.
The Evaluation of FY-3E Hyperspectral Infrared Atmospheric Sounder-II Long-Wave Temperature Sounding Channels
Authors: Huang Jing , Ma Gang , Liu Guiqing , Li Juan , Zhang Hua
Published: November 2023

Prior to assimilating hyperspectral infrared data on the FengYun (FY) satellite in the numerical weather prediction (NWP) system, it is necessary to identify the quality and bias characteristics of these data, especially as China’s first early-morning-orbit satellite data. Using the numerical model CMA-GFS (China Meteorological Administration Global Forecast System) and the observation of FY-3E HIRAS-II (Hyperspectral Infrared Atmospheric Sounder-II), the differences between observed and simulated brightness temperatures (O-Bs) are comprehensively analyzed, with a focus on evaluating the long-wave (LW) temperature sounding channels of HIRAS-II observation in the clear sky. The results show that the O-Bs in the LW channels are between ±1.0 K, except for the CO2 absorption line peak at 667 cm−1. Only a tiny variation in O-Bs, with relative consistency, could be observed during the day, the line of dawn and dusk, and night. The difference in the standard deviations of O-Bs in the three cases is less than 0.1 K. The O-Bs of two typical channels (channels 14 and 47) in the stratosphere have disturbances at individual times, whereas the O-Bs are much more stable in time series in the tropospheric channels. The O-Bs in different channels show the characteristics of changing with the latitude, but the bias and standard deviations of O-Bs during the ascending and descending stages are not much different, except for the bias of channel 47 in low latitude. The optimal ranking of Fields of View (FOVs) in assimilation is derived from a priori analysis of O-Bs. The results demonstrate that FOV4 and FOV5 are the best in a Field of Regard (FOR) compared to all LW channels of HIRAS-II in constructions of their O-Bs and magnitude of O-B standard deviations, and they can be used as the preferred FOVs for assimilation. While the O-Bs in FOV1 and FOV2 are slightly larger, the O-Bs’ characteristics also meet the assimilation requirements and can be used as assimilation FOVs in HIRAS-II LW channels after FOV4 and FOV5 lose their efficacy.
Novel Grid Collection and Management Model of Remote Sensing Change Detection Samples
Authors: Zhu Daoye , Han Bing , Silva Elisabete A. , Li Shuang , Huang Min , Ren Fuhu , Cheng Chengqi
Published: November 2023

Remote sensing data have become an important data source for urban and regional change detection, owing to their advantages of authenticity, objectivity, immediacy, and low cost. The method of collection and management for remote sensing change detection samples (RS_CDS) assumes a crucial role in the effectiveness of remote sensing intelligent change detection (RSICD). To achieve rapid collection and real-time sharing of RS_CDS, this study proposes a grid collection and management model of RS_CDS based on GeoSOT (GCAM-GeoSOT), including the grid collection method of RS_CDS (GCM-SD) and grid management method of RS_CDS (GMM-SD). To verify the feasibility and retrieval efficiency of GMM-SD, Oracle and PostgreSQL databases were combined and the retrieval efficiency and database capacity were compared with the corresponding spatial databases, Oracle Spatial and PostgreSQL + PostGIS, respectively. The experimental results showed that GMM-SD not only ensures the reasonable capacity consumption of the database but also has a higher retrieval efficiency for the RS_CDS. This results in a noteworthy comprehensive performance enhancement, with a 47.63% improvement compared to Oracle Spatial and a 40.24% improvement compared to PostgreSQL + PostGIS.
Spectral Heterogeneity Analysis and Soil Organic Matter Inversion across Differences in Soil Types and Organic Matter Content in Dryland Farmland in China
Authors: Shen Qiang , Zhang Shiwen , Xia Ke
Published: November 2023

Soil organic matter (SOM) plays an important role in agricultural production and arable land quality improvement. Hyperspectral technology enables frequent surveys over large areas. In this study, we explored the spectral heterogeneity of differences in soil types and SOM content, and proposed a method for measuring SOM content in large areas using spectroscopy. The results indicate regional variations in factors affecting soil spectral absorption peaks, with noticeable latitudinal disparities. The first-order differential partial-least-squares method provided the best prediction for the SOM inversion. The coefficient of determination (R2) for the SOM inversion model was 0.93, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 3.42, with an 8.49 g/kg difference in the SOM content. When the difference in SOM content fell between 8 and 15 g/kg, the inversion effect model performed best. The optimal model R2 exceeded 0.95, and the RMSE was less than 5. The comprehensive analysis showed that the organic matter content was an important factor affecting the SOM content estimate and must be considered in the real process. In addition, it is crucial to categorize soil samples on the basis of distinct soil types while maintaining a consistent range of SOM content within the same soil type, ideally between 8 and 15 g/kg. Subsequently, the first-order differential partial least squares method is applicable. These results are expected to contribute to the acquisition of high-quality information on variations in the SOM of complex large-scale areas.
Optimal Green Technology Choice for Firms under an Emission Trading Scheme: End-of-Pipe vs. Cleaner Production
Authors: Yuan Xuemei , Jin Shuai , Zhang Haibin
Published: November 2023

Green technology innovation helps to improve both economic and environmental performance simultaneously. How to invest in green technology innovation under emission trading policy is a current issue worthy of attention. However, existing research has not delved into the choices of different green technology innovation models, namely cleaner production technology and end-of-pipe technology, available to firms and governments under the joint implementation of other policies. Thus, this paper studies the optimal model of green technology innovation under emission trading policy and emission tax policy by constructing a two-stage game model suitable for complex decision analysis. The results show that regardless of the value of emission trading price, the optimal green technology innovation choice of the firms is cleaner production technology. Furthermore, the results show that neither conflict nor consistency always exists between governments’ and firms’ choices. When the emission trading price is high, the choice of governments and firms is in conflict; when the emission trading price is low, the choice of the two is consistent, both prefer cleaner production. This study not only enriches the existing research in theory but also provides support for governments to guide the choice of firms and achieve a win–win situation in practice.
Insights into the Potential Effects of Micro(nano)plastic-Containing Nanoparticles in the Environment
Authors: Fito López Carlos , Díaz Soler Beatriz , Guillem-Amat Ana , Andreu Sánchez Oscar
Published: November 2023

Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) can be generated from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items, the abrasion of synthetic textiles, and the fragmentation of plastic waste. These particles can become airborne and be transported by wind, potentially leading to their presence in the atmosphere. Due to their widespread applications, ZnO particles at the nanometer range have attractive proprieties that make them appropriate for being combined with polymers, especially PET (polyethylene terephthalate), the most commonly used polymer in the packaging sector. Nevertheless, ZnO NPs have a potential ecotoxicity that could be reflected in PET-ZnO composites reaching the environment in the form of micro(nano)plastics. To assess the potential release of PET-ZnO, as well as the ecotoxicity of ZnO NPs, PET-ZnO and weathered composites were analyzed. The ecotoxicity of PET-ZnO was tested in organisms representing different food-chain levels and compared to ZnO NPs’ ecotoxicity. The composite form contained a stable dispersion of around 3.7% of NPs uniformly scattered in the polymeric matrix. ZnO NPs were toxic to Vibrio fischeri and Brachionus calyciflorus. PET-ZnO did not exhibited any toxicity to the organisms studied, while a moderate level of toxicity was observed for the weathered forms.
Sustainable Use of Organic Seaweed Fertilizer Improves the Metagenomic Function of Microbial Communities in the Soil of Rice Plants
Authors: Prasedya Eka Sunarwidhi , Kurniawan Nanda Sofian Hadi , Fitriani Fitriani , Saraswati Putu Bella Aprillia , Qoriasmadillah Wanda , Ilhami Bq Tri Khairina , Hernawan Ari , Widyastuti Sri
Published: November 2023

The frequent use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural practices has developed into a serious environmental concern which urgently needs a solution to restrain their use in agricultural systems. Hence, there is an urgent need to investigate potential organic fertilizers from various natural resources to decrease the use of chemical fertilizers. Seaweed is among the natural resources with potential sustainability value. Our previous work has shown the effectiveness of seaweed fertilizer for increasing plant growth and soil beneficial microbiota. This study aims to evaluate the functional genes present in the soil of rice plants treated with seaweed fertilization. It involves amendments with reduced concentrations of chemical fertilizer in three groups: CF (only chemical fertilizer), CFSF1 (50% dose of CF + seaweed fertilizer 1 ton/ha), and CFSF2 (50% dose of CF + seaweed fertilizer 2 ton/ha). The rice plants supplemented with CFSF1 and CFSF2 were taller and faster to mature compared to CF. In addition, the primary macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were also significantly higher in soil supplemented with SF. Our findings showed increased ammonia-oxidizing archaea Crenarchaeota abundance in increasing SF treatments. The PICRUSt analyses indicated enriched functional genes and proteins in relation to amino acid, nucleotide, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism based on the KEGG, BioCyc, and PFAM databases. The current outcomes enhanced our understanding regarding the importance of microbial community for soil quality. Furthermore, seaweed supplementation has shown improvement in soil fertility, which significantly increases rice plant growth and productivity.
Discussion on the Relationship between Environmental Regulation and Green Technology Innovation from the Perspective of Innovation External Cooperation: Evidence from Chinese Private Enterprises
Authors: Ma Wenjing , Wang Mingyue
Published: November 2023

A number of studies have confirmed the Porter hypothesis that moderate environmental regulation can facilitate the adoption of green technology innovation strategies by cooperatives. However, the existing research has not clearly analyzed the paths of environmental regulation affecting green technology innovation and how internal factors act on the transmission path. To this end, this paper empirically examines the relationship between environmental regulation and enterprises’ green technology innovation from a collaborative innovation perspective, using data from the 13th Private Enterprise Survey in China as the sample. The findings show that: (1) the intensity of environmental regulation set by the Chinese government does promote enterprises’ green technological innovation, and this result will not change due to the difference between green process innovation and green product innovation; (2) under the constraints of environmental regulation, the allocation of resources through the mode of cooperative innovation to promote green technology innovation is an important transmission path, that is, cooperative innovation is an important mediating variable between environmental regulation and enterprises’ green technology innovation; (3) the management structure of enterprises can positively moderate the relationship between environmental regulation and collaborative innovation, i.e., the more managers, the more significant the influence of environmental regulation on collaborative innovation; (4) the stronger the social responsibility of enterprises, the more likely it is that the innovation resources obtained through collaborative forms will be allocated towards green technology innovation. However, such a moderating effect only exists in two types of cooperation: collaborative R&D and commissioned research. This research tells us that while environmental regulations continue to be strengthened, it is necessary to create an environment conducive to collaborative innovation but also to pay attention to the need for joint decision making and increase corporate social responsibility.
Evaluating the Circular Economy Potential of Modular Construction in Developing Economies—A Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Jayawardana Janappriya , Sandanayake Malindu , Kulatunga Asela K. , Jayasinghe J. A. S. C. , Zhang Guomin , Osadith S. A. Udara
Published: November 2023

Circular economy (CE) is an emergent concept that promotes resource circularity in multiple product systems. Modular construction (MC), an evolving construction technique, which includes an off-site manufacturing environment, increasingly supports CE strategies such as reuse due to the elevated potential for design for disassembly (DfD). Design-stage environmental assessments are paramount in aiding the early decision making of modular construction projects to successfully plan and implement DfD strategies. Research on synergising modular construction, circular economy and environmental sustainability is rare in developing economies. Thus, the current study aims to conduct a design-stage life cycle assessment of a DfD and linear versions of a modular building unit in Sri Lanka to evaluate the potential environmental benefits. The life cycle assessment results highlight that the DfD strategy has the lowest environmental impacts in all categories, with a 63% reduction in global warming potential and an approximately 90% reduction in terms of human toxicity compared to the linear version. Further, it showed the elevated potential of reuse compared to recycling practices in improving the environmental performance. Sensitivity assessment revealed that steel was the most sensitive to the change in reuse percentage among main building materials. The analysis outcomes highlight the importance of long-term thinking, architectural design creativity and industrial and technology development to uptake the CE-driven MC in the Sri Lankan context. Finally, strategies are proposed to support the CE approach in MC in developing regions. Both quantitative and qualitative outcomes provide a basis for construction industry stakeholders, academia, and policy makers to explore further and promote modular construction practices to enhance the circularity of building materials and components in developing regions.
Development of New Mathematical Methods and Software Applications for More Efficient and Sustainable Road Freight Transportation
Authors: Kovács György
Published: November 2023

Recently, the main aim of the road freight transportation sector has been the establishment of a cost-effective and sustainable operation because it is one of the most environmentally damaging and most expensive elements of the supply chains’ activities. The efficiency improvement and optimization of these transport activities can result in significant cost savings, which lead to increased competitiveness of the transport companies. Two new methods were elaborated for the optimization of road freight transport activities; therefore, this research is very innovative and up to date. The elaborated methods are as follows: (1) A new calculation method for the precise prime cost pre-calculation of transport tasks in order to determine an accurate transport fee, thus ensuring the company’s profit; furthermore, the losses can be eliminated in order to provide competitiveness to the transport company. (2) A new optimization method for the refueling procedure of international transport trips in order to minimize the total fuel cost of the transport trips taking into consideration the different unit fuel prices at the different stations. Therefore, the elaborated optimization method on the one hand helps in selecting the optimal petrol station and, on the other hand, defines the optimal amount of fuel to be refueled. Based on the newly developed methods, two decision-supporting software applications were developed to establish more profitable and sustainable transportation. The added value of the developed calculation methods and software applications is that, recently, both the prime cost calculation and the fuel supply optimization have not been supported by software. This is the reason the two developed methods and two software applications are innovative and unique. The newly developed software applications were successfully implemented at transport companies. The correctness of both elaborated mathematical methods was validated using the developed software in real case studies.
State of Knowledge on UK Agricultural Peatlands for Food Production and the Net Zero Transition
Authors: Lloyd Isobel L. , Thomas Virginia , Ofoegbu Chidiebere , Bradley Andrew V. , Bullard Paddy , D’Acunha Brenda , Delaney Beth , Driver Helen , Evans Chris D. , Faulkner Katy J. , Fonvielle Jeremy A. , Francksen Richard M. , Friday Laurie E. , Hose Gemma , Kaduk Joerg , Manning Francesca Re , Morrison Ross , Novo Paula , Page Susan E. , Rhymes Jennifer M. , Hudson Megan , Balzter Heiko
Published: November 2023

Agricultural peatlands are the most productive soils in the UK for the cultivation of many food crops. Historical drainage of peat for agriculture (i.e., cropland and managed grassland), without consideration of other associated environmental and climatic impacts, has resulted in a significant emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). There is a need to reduce GHG emissions without compromising the rural economy and jeopardizing food security in the UK to a greater extent than is currently being experienced. In March 2023, in a bid to identify alternative land management systems for agricultural peatlands to support the UK’s commitment to achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050, a group of forty investigators met at a workshop convened by the AgriFood4NetZero Network+. The workshop reviewed the state of knowledge surrounding the Fens of Eastern England and their importance for food provision, the economy, cultural identity, and climate change mitigation. A broad consensus emerged for research into how GHG emissions from agricultural peatlands could be reduced, whether alternative farming methods, such as seasonal farming or paludiculture, would offer a solution, and how a localized approach for the Fens could be defined. The development of a holistic, inclusive, and plausible land use scenario that considers all aspects of ecosystem services provided by the Fens is urgently needed.
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Cross-Border E-Commerce Logistics Alliance Subject Considering Supply Chain Disruption Risk
Authors: Yang Xiaochun , Jiang Huiyuan , Chen Wenxia
Published: November 2023

Due to the quick rise in cross-border e-commerce and the expansion of global economic integration, cross-border e-commerce logistics alliances now present new opportunities and potential. Simultaneously, research on risk concerns in cross-border e-commerce in the modern era has drawn interest. This paper considers the special scenario of cross-border e-commerce supply chain disruptions, analyzes the main decision-making behaviors of key entities in the cross-border e-commerce logistics alliance under normal and risk scenarios, and based on this, constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model among cross-border e-commerce platforms, logistics service providers, and overseas merchants. The article analyzes the evolutionary stability of strategy choices for all participants, discusses the impact of various elements on the strategy choices of the three parties, and conducts a simulation analysis of the dynamic game of strategy choices for the three parties under the influence of different parameters using MATLAB 2021a software. The findings of the study demonstrate the following: (1) The reduction in the allocation coefficient for additional total costs of logistics service providers, the increase in the overall losses of the alliance due to customer complaints, and the increase in compensation rulings by the platform for supply chain risks faced by merchants will all encourage logistics service providers to actively pursue service innovation strategies and prompt overseas merchants to actively participate in alliance cooperation. However, an increase in overall risk costs and an increase in opportunity costs for merchants will raise the costs of tripartite alliance cooperation, thus hindering cross-border e-commerce logistics alliance collaboration. At the same time, when logistics service providers receive punishment from the platform and face potentially increased losses due to complaints, this will not only enhance the platform’s control over logistics service providers but also reduce the enthusiasm of logistics service providers to pursue service innovation strategies. (2) As the main body of the alliance, cross-border e-commerce platforms should coordinate the participants, constrain the behaviors of the participating entities within the alliance through setting reasonable reward and punishment mechanisms, and ensure the comprehensive benefits of the cross-border e-commerce logistics alliance through the combined effect of different exogenous variables. Finally, through the analysis, verification, and explanation of the established model and methods, the effectiveness and applicability of the model and methods are confirmed, providing certain strategic support and a development reference for actively establishing cross-border e-commerce logistics alliances to promote cross-border e-commerce trade.
Optimal Design and Parameter Estimation for Small Solar Heating and Cooling Systems
Authors: Yoo Mooyoung
Published: November 2023

The use of solar heating and cooling systems has evolved from being limited to heating and hot water systems in the past to an increasing application in cooling systems. Furthermore, the efficiency optimization of solar heating and cooling systems is crucial in their design and control. This study aimed to enhance the overall efficiency of a solar heating and cooling system through simulations based on optimal design parameters. Additionally, simulations were conducted to optimize the control system to improve the efficiency of the entire solar heating and cooling system. The framework for control optimization can be summarized as follows: (1) modeling the components of the solar heating and cooling system using the Modelica language; (2) establishing baseline efficiencies for the solar heating and cooling system throughout the year; and (3) implementing a control logic, such as Fuzzy or proportional-integral-derivative (PID), within the system components. The resulting optimal control strategy for the solar heating and cooling system led to a maximum increase in the overall system efficiency of approximately 12% during a week of summer design days, reducing the energy consumption from 696.89 kWh to 556.12 kWh. This demonstrates that the developed parameters and control logic improved the overall system performance and achieved efficiency optimization.
Future Strategy of Lifelong Education through Systems Analysis in Republic of Korea: Long-Term Research Conducted Based on Two Surveys in 2016 and 2023
Authors: Jeong Jihoon , Hong Dongchul , Chang Joonho , Youm Sekyoung
Published: November 2023

This study is a long-term research project on the Fourth and Fifth Comprehensive Lifelong Education Promotion Plan from 2018 to 2023. It explores factors and prospective scenarios of lifelong education to create the educational environment that is likely to be prevalent in Korea after 2035. First, internal factors affecting lifelong education in 2016 were gathered from a literature review and expert interviews, and external factors related to laws and policies were identified through surveys of 65 participants, including government officials, university representatives, and lifelong education companies. Second, a causal map was developed based on these results using the multi-factor system, a tool to design future policy directions. Third, scenarios for strategic environments based on uncertain future factors in the causal map were developed, and future strategies for these scenarios were identified. Among the identified future strategies, those applicable to all scenarios were selected via the wind tunneling method as important strategies that must be prioritized in the Fourth Comprehensive Lifelong Education Promotion Plan from 2018 to 2023, which was to be implemented by the Korean government in 2017. Lastly, the second survey was conducted in 2023 based on the first survey for comparison with the past outcome and to provide an outlook for the Fifth Comprehensive Lifelong Education Promotion Plan from 2024 to 2029, which is to be implemented by the Korean government in 2023. By analyzing various factors and environments, the results of this study are expected to be useful as a portfolio for developing policy designs to achieve desirable lifelong education for the future.
A 7-Year Survey (2015–2021) in One Pediatric Hospital (Brasov, Romania) on Rotavirus Gastroenteritis Specified as Community- or Hospital-Acquired Infection in Young Children
Authors: Arbanas Ioana , Monescu Vlad , Dragomir Niculina , Sauciuc Larisa Diana , Cojocaru Emanuela , Csutak Katalin , Popovici Bianca Elena , Andreea Pandaru , Elena-Daniela Spirea , Lixandru Raluca-Ileana , Bleotu Laura , Falup-Pecurariu Oana
Published: November 2023

This project is an observational, descriptive study evaluating frequencies of rotavirus disease in hospitalized children aged less than 5 years old between 2015 and 2021 in the Pediatric Hospital of Brasov, Central Romania. The study compares socio-demographic (age, sex, place of living and ethnicity), clinical, and treatment aspects between community-acquired rotavirus gastroenteritis (CARG) and hospital-acquired rotavirus gastroenteritis (HARG). During that period, 1913 hospitalized children had a rapid positive immunichromatographic rotavirus test from stool specimens. Among them, 1620 (84.6%) were CARG and 293 (15.4%) were HARG. CARG conditions represented 28.5% of all acute hospitalized gastroenteritis (n = 5673) whereas HARG represented 5.2%. Around the same percentage of urban children were seen in CARG as in HARG (58.5% (n = 948) for CARG and 56.3% (n = 164) for HARG). About 64.9% (n = 1052) of CARG cases were from Roma population, and 66.5% (n = 195) in HARG. The age group with the highest frequency of the disease was 12 to 24 months old for both CARG and HARG. The average hospital duration was 5.09 days for CARG and 7.62 days for HARG. Diarrhea was the principal symptom in both CARG and HARG (92.6% (n = 1500) for CARG and 93.9% (n = 275) for HARG). Most CARG patients (61% (n = 989)) were treated for symptomatic management with iv fluids. Most HARG (60.4% (n = 177)) were treated for symptomatic management with iv fluids and antibiotics. A significant seasonal shift to a later period in the year was observed during the last registration year of 2021, possibly due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The seasonal disease burden of rotavirus infection in children remains high in hospital care in Romania, which may justify the systematic introduction of rotavirus vaccination across the whole country.