bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pirfenidone in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Real-World Observation on Efficacy and Safety, Focus on Patients Undergoing Antithrombotic and Anticoagulant
Authors: Reccardini Nicolò , Chernovsky Maria , Salton Francesco , Confalonieri Paola , Mondini Lucrezia , Barbieri Mariangela , Romallo Antonio , Maggisano Marta , Torregiani Chiara , Geri Pietro , Hughes Michael , Campochiaro Corrado , Confalonieri Marco , Scarda Angelo , Zuccon Umberto , Ruaro Barbara
Published: July 2024

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare and progressive interstitial lung disease characterized by irreversible distortion of lung architecture and subsequent loss of pulmonary function. Pirfenidone is an antifibrotic agent associated with increased progression-free survival and overall survival rates, but it carries multiple side effects. The aim of the study was to examine the efficacy and safety profile of pirfenidone in a real-life context, with a focus on the concomitant use of antithrombotic and/or anticoagulant treatments. The clinical and functional data (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1], diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide [DLCO], and 6 min walking test distance [6MWD]) of all IPF patients treated with pirfenidone and referred to our two centers between 2019 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed at baseline, 6 and 12 months after the start of treatment. A total of 55 IPF subjects undergoing pirfenidone treatment were included in the analysis (45.5% females, median [IQR] age at disease onset 68.0 [10.0] years, median [IQR] age at baseline 69.0 [10.8] years). Compared to baseline, at 12 months, FVC (86.0% vs. 80.0%; p = 0.023) and DLCO (44.0% vs. 40.0%; p = 0.002) were significantly reduced, while FEV1 (p = 0.304) and 6MWD (p = 0.276) remained stable; no significant change was recorded at 6 months. Most of the reported adverse events were mild or moderate. Gastrointestinal intolerance (9.1%) was the main cause of treatment discontinuation. A total of 5% of patients reported at least one minor bleeding event, although all episodes occurred in those receiving concomitant antithrombotic or anticoagulant. Overall, this real-life experience confirms the efficacy and safety profile of pirfenidone in the case of the concomitant use of antithrombotic and/or anticoagulant drugs.
Determination of NAT2 Genotypes in a Cohort of Patients with Suspected TB in the State of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Dutra Cecília Alvim , Teixeira Raquel Lima de Figueiredo , Lopes Márcia Quinhones Pires , Silva Victória de Moraes , Suffys Philip Noel , Carvalho Ricardo de Souza , Moreira Adriana Rezende , Santos Adalberto Rezende , Kritski Afrânio Lineu
Published: July 2024

The human N-acetyltransferase 2 enzyme, encoded by the NAT2 gene, plays an important role in the metabolism of isoniazid, the main drug used to treat tuberculosis. The interindividual variation in the response of patients to drug treatment for tuberculosis may be responsible for the occurrence of unfavorable outcomes. The presence of polymorphisms in genes associated with the metabolism and transport of drugs, receptors, and therapeutic targets has been identified as a major determinant of this variability. The objective of this study was to identify the genetic profile of NAT2 in the study population. Using the obtained genomic DNA followed by PCR amplification and sequencing, the frequency of nine SNPs as well as alleles associated with slow (47.9%), intermediate (38.7%), and fast acetylation phenotypes (11.3%), in addition to those whose phenotype has not yet been characterized (2.1%), was estimated. The NAT2*5B allele was identified more frequently (31.3%). The description of SNPs in pharmacogenes and the establishment of their relationship with the pharmacokinetics of an individual offer an individualized approach that allows us to reduce the unfavorable outcomes of a therapy, ensure better adherence to treatment, prevent the emergence of MDR strains, reduce the cost of treatment, and improve the quality of patients’ lives.
The United States Food and Drug Administration’s Platform Technology Designation to Expedite the Development of Drugs
Authors: Niazi Sarfaraz K.
Published: July 2024

Drug development costs can be significantly reduced if proven “platform” technologies are allowed to be used without having to validate their use. The most recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guideline brings more clarity, as well as a greater focus on the most complex technologies that can now be used for faster drug development. The FDA has highlights the use of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to package and deliver mRNA vaccines, gene therapy, and short (2–20 length) synthetic nucleotides (siRNA). Additionally, monoclonal antibody cell development is targeted. The FDA provides a systematic process of requesting platform status to benefit from its advantages. It brings advanced science and rationality into regulatory steps for the FDA’s approval of drugs and biologicals.
Exploring the Biomedical Frontiers of Plant-Derived Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Biological Reactions
Authors: Barathi Selvaraj , Ramalingam Srinivasan , Krishnasamy Gopinath , Lee Jintae
Published: July 2024

As contemporary technology advances, scientists are striving to identify new approaches to managing several diseases. Compared to the more popular physiochemical synthesis, the plant-derived combination of metallic nanoparticles using plant secondary metabolites as a precursor has a number of benefits, including low expenses, low energy consumption, biocompatibility, and medicinal usefulness. This study intends to explore the impacts of using plant-derived synthetic materials including metallic nanoparticles (NPs), emphasizing the benefits of their broad use in next-generation treatments for cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and vector diseases. This comprehensive analysis investigates the potential of plant-derived remedies for diseases and looks at cutting-edge nanoformulation techniques aimed at addressing the function of the nanoparticles that accompany these organic substances. The purpose of the current review is to determine how plant extracts contribute to the synthesis of Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), Gold nanoparticles (GtNPs), and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs). It provides an overview of the many phytocompounds and their functions in biomedicine, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, this study placed a special focus on a range of applications, including drug delivery systems, diagnostics and therapy, the present benefits of nanoparticles (NPs), their biomedical uses in medical technology, and their toxicities.
Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) Oil Nanoemulsions Loaded with Levofloxacin: Phytochemical Profiles and Antibiofilm Activity against Staphylococcus spp.
Authors: Maurizi Linda , Lasalvia Alba , Fabiano Maria Gioia , D’Intino Eleonora , Del Cioppo Francesca , Fraschetti Caterina , Filippi Antonello , Ammendolia Maria Grazia , Conte Antonietta Lucia , Forte Jacopo , Corinti Davide , Crestoni Maria Elisa , Carafa Maria , Marianecci Carlotta , Rinaldi Federica , Longhi Catia
Published: July 2024

Most clinical isolates of both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis show the capacity to adhere to abiotic surfaces and to develop biofilms resulting in a contribution to chronic human skin infections. Antibiotic resistance and poor biofilm penetration are the main causes of ineffective therapeutic treatment in killing bacteria within biofilms. A possible strategy could be represented by drug delivery systems, such as nanoemulsions (composed of bioactive oil, surfactant and water phase), which are useful for enhancing the drug permeation of a loaded drug inside the biofilm and its activity. Phytochemical characterization of Pistacia lentiscus oil (LO) by direct infusion Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) allowed the identification of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties, including fatty acids and phenolic compounds. Several monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes have been also detected and confirmed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis, together providing a complete metabolomic profiling of LO. In the present study, a nanoemulsion composed of LO has been employed for improving Levofloxacin water solubility. A deep physical–chemical characterization of the nanoemulsion including hydrodynamic diameter, ζ-potential, morphology, entrapment efficiency, stability release and permeation studies was performed. Additionally, the antimicrobial/antibiofilm activity of these preparations was evaluated against reference and clinical Staphylococcus spp. strains. In comparison to the free-form antibiotic, the loaded NE nanocarriers exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against the sessile forms of Staphylococcus spp. strains.
Use of Drug Sensitisers to Improve Therapeutic Index in Cancer
Authors: Chen Yu-Shan , Jin Enhui , Day Philip J.
Published: July 2024

The clinical management of malignant tumours is challenging, often leading to severe adverse effects and death. Drug resistance (DR) antagonises the effectiveness of treatments, and increasing drug dosage can worsen the therapeutic index (TI). Current efforts to overcome DR predominantly involve the use of drug combinations, including applying multiple anti-cancerous drugs, employing drug sensitisers, which are chemical agents that enhance pharmacokinetics (PK), including the targeting of cellular pathways and regulating pertinent membrane transporters. While combining multiple compounds may lead to drug–drug interactions (DDI) or polypharmacy effect, the use of drug sensitisers permits rapid attainment of effective treatment dosages at the disease site to prevent early DR and minimise side effects and will reduce the chance of DDI as lower drug doses are required. This review highlights the essential use of TI in evaluating drug dosage for cancer treatment and discusses the lack of a unified standard for TI within the field. Commonly used benefit–risk assessment criteria are summarised, and the critical exploration of the current use of TI in the pharmaceutical industrial sector is included. Specifically, this review leads to the discussion of drug sensitisers to facilitate improved ratios of effective dose to toxic dose directly in humans. The combination of drug and sensitiser molecules might see additional benefits to rekindle those drugs that failed late-stage clinical trials by the removal of detrimental off-target activities through the use of lower drug doses. Drug combinations and employing drug sensitisers are potential means to combat DR. The evolution of drug combinations and polypharmacy on TI are reviewed. Notably, the novel binary weapon approach is introduced as a new opportunity to improve TI. This review emphasises the urgent need for a criterion to systematically evaluate drug safety and efficiency for practical implementation in the field.
Fragments and Lies
Authors: Brinkema Eugenie
Published: July 2024

This article considers the formal and critical consequences of organizing an aesthetic corpus around the philosophical concept of the fragment via a reading of Aryan Kaganof’s “Ten Monologues from the Lives of the Serial Killers” (1994). This experimental video sets spoken accounts from the perspective of the likes of Ted Bundy and Charles Manson alongside grainy, ambiguous imagery. Instead of thematic meditations on violence, the monologues circle around quasi-nostalgic reflections on the past and the nature of identity. The film frustrates any language of formal analysis that would rely on accounting for what is present in the film, instead proposing a sympathy with poststructuralism’s efforts at displacing the metaphysics of appearance. Violence is not what resides ready-made within the work, nor is it reducible to the realm of the visible or the audible, but is an unstable process bound up with the act of reading itself. The fragment as a formal problem holds out the abstract, general notion of a break in ways that compel a rethinking of violence as something impersonal, rhythmic, and grammatical.
Poly(lactic acid) Degradation by Recombinant Cutinases from Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Alvarado Eric , Castro Rafael , Castro-Rodríguez José Augusto , Navarro Arturo , Farrés Amelia
Published: July 2024

Poly(lactic-acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer widely used as a packaging material. Its monomer, lactic acid, and its derivatives have been used in the food, cosmetic, and chemical industries. The accumulation of PLA residues leads to the development of green degrading methodologies, such as enzymatic degradation. This work evaluates the potential use of three cutinolytic enzymes codified in the Aspergillus nidulans genome to achieve this goal. The results are compared with those obtained with proteinase K from Tritirachium album, which has been reported as a PLA-hydrolyzing enzyme. The results show that all three cutinases act on the polymer, but ANCUT 1 releases the highest amount of lactic acid (25.86 mM). Different reaction conditions assayed later led to double the released lactic acid. A decrease in weight (45.96%) was also observed. The enzyme showed activity both on poly L lactic acid and on poly D lactic acid. Therefore, this cutinase offers the potential to rapidly degrade these package residues, and preliminary data show that this is feasible.
Biocompatible Preparation of Beta-Lactoglobulin/Chondroitin Sulfate Carrier Nanoparticles and Modification of Their Colloidal and Hydropathic Properties by Tween 80
Authors: Pispas Ioannis , Spiliopoulos Nikolaos , Papagiannopoulos Aristeidis
Published: July 2024

The electrostatic complexation of the protein beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG) with the anionic polysaccharide chondroitin sulfate (CS) and the subsequent stabilization by thermal treatment were studied to achieve the well-defined nanoparticles (NPs). The formation of the well-defined NPs was obtained at pH 4 with a hydrodynamic radius from 60 to 80 nm. NP aggregation was observed at pH 1.5 because of the loss of the anionic charge of chondroitin sulfate on the surface of the NPs. After thermal treatment, the NPs exhibited stability against a pH increase to pH 7 while a stronger aggregation at pH 1.5 was observed. Core-shell structures were found at pH 7 after thermal treatment, indicating a possible mechanism of partial disintegration. The addition of Tween 80 (T80) before thermal treatment led to the formation of T80 self-assemblies inside the NPs. This caused an increase in the hydrophobicity of the inner and outer surfaces of the NPs as it was observed by fluorescence spectroscopy. The ζ-potential of the complexes and NPs was about −20 mV while the presence of T80 did not affect it. FTIR spectra verified changes of the secondary structure of β-LG in its complexes with CS and T80. The thermally treated NPs exhibited high surface and overall hydrophobicity and stability in high salinity and biocompatible solutions. The thermally treated NPs showed colloidal and physicochemical stability for 1 month, which were enhanced by the addition of T80. Due to the nature of the precursors and their colloidal properties, the NPs are highly promising for applications as biocompatible drug delivery nanocarriers while T80 acts as an agent to modify their properties.
Development of PLA–Waste Paper Biocomposites with High Cellulose Content
Authors: Delgado-Orti Concepción , Navas-Martos Francisco J. , Rodríguez-Liébana Jose A. , La Rubia M. Dolores , Jurado-Contreras Sofía
Published: July 2024

In this study, the integration of paper industry waste with high cellulose content into biocomposites of polylactic acid (PLA), a widely used biobased polymer material, was investigated. The PLA/waste biocomposite samples (0–25 wt.%) were manufactured using the extrusion and injection moulding techniques. The mechanical test results showed improvements in terms of tensile properties and a decrease in impact strength as the percentage of residue increased. The melting temperature decreased, and the crystallinity increased in all biocomposites according to the Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Water absorption increased proportionally with the percentage of residue, attributed to the higher cellulose content in the biocomposites, determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fracture analysis demonstrated effective reinforcement–matrix cohesion, supporting the previously observed behaviour of the analysed materials. This work highlights the potential of using waste from the paper industry as reinforcement in PLA matrices, opening new perspectives for sustainable applications in the framework of the manufacture of composite materials.
Study on Surfactant–Polymer Flooding after Polymer Flooding in High-Permeability Heterogeneous Offshore Oilfields: A Case Study of Bohai S Oilfield
Authors: Liu Yingxian , Ge Lizhen , Ma Kuiqian , Chen Xiaoming , Zhu Zhiqiang , Hou Jirui
Published: July 2024

Polymer flooding is an effective development technology to enhance oil recovery, and it has been widely used all over the world. However, after long-term polymer flooding, a large number of oilfields have experienced a sharp decline in reservoir development efficiency. High water cut wells, serious dispersion of residual oil distribution and complex reservoir conditions all bring great challenges to enhance oil recovery. In this study, the method of enhancing oil recovery after polymer flooding was studied by taking the S Oilfield as an example. A surfactant–polymer system suitable for high-permeability heterogeneous oilfields was developed, comprising biogenic surfactants and polymers. Microscopic displacement experiments were conducted using cast thin sections from the S Oilfield, and nuclear magnetic resonance was employed for core displacement experiments. Numerical simulation experiments were also conducted on the S Oilfield. The results show that the enhanced oil recovery mechanism of the surfactant–polymer system is to adjust the flow direction, expand the swept volume, emulsify crude oil and reduce interfacial tension. Surfactant–polymer flooding proves to be effective in improving recovery efficiency, significantly reducing the time of flooding and further enhancing the strong swept area. The nuclear magnetic resonance results indicate a high amplitude of passive utilization of residual oil during the surfactant–polymer flooding stage, highlighting the enormous potential for an increased recovery ratio. Surfactant–polymer flooding emerges as a more suitable technique to enhance oil recovery in the post polymer-flooding stage in high-permeability heterogeneous oilfields.
The Diverse Health Preservation Literature and Ideas in the Sanyuan Canzan Yanshou Shu
Authors: Li Lu , Huang Yongfeng
Published: July 2024

The Sanyuan Canzan Yanshou Shu 三元參贊延壽書, compiled by Li Pengfei during the Yuan dynasty, is a comprehensive collection of the essence of earlier health preservation literature. Recently, the Jianwen first-year (1399) re-engraved edition by Liu Yuanran 劉淵然 (1351–1432) has emerged, which is currently housed in the Imperial Household Agency Library in Japan. It has challenged the prevailing consensus in China that the edition (1445) in the Daozang 道藏 is the earliest version. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of the text’s historical dissemination but also highlights the international appreciation and preservation of Chinese traditional medical and health knowledge. Upon meticulous examination, the various editions of this text can be systematically classified into two distinct lineages: Yanshou Canzan 延壽參贊 and Canzan Yanshou 參贊延壽. The latter lineage is notably more comprehensive, with the Wanli 萬曆 edition serving as a prime exemplar of this expanded scope. Li Pengfei primarily drew upon the Yangsheng Leizuan 養生類纂 as the foundational text for his work, skillfully integrating a wealth of Daoism and medical scriptures. He adeptly restructured the content by employing the conceptual framework of three primes (sanyuan 三元), incorporating the health preservation philosophies of Confucianism and Buddhism, thereby transforming it into a more systematic and diverse Daoism scripture dedicated to health preservation. The book eloquently advocates for health-preserving philosophies centered around the principle of not diminishing (busun 不損) primordial pneuma (yuanqi 元氣), extending life through three primes, and prolonging life through the virtue of yin (yinde 陰德). These ideas emphasize a human-centered approach, focusing on preserving the primordial pneuma as the foundation and employing both loss prevention and supplementation as dual pathways. It aims to achieve a state of health preservation where there is unity of man with heaven (tianren heyi 天人合一) and a harmonious balance of yin and yang energies (yinyang qihe 陰陽氣和).
Religion- and Spirituality-Based Effects on Health-Related Components with Special Reference to Physical Activity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kruk Joanna , Aboul-Enein Basil Hassan
Published: July 2024

The positive effects of religion and/or spirituality through faith-based interventions on health and promoting health programs have been well documented over the last two decades. Research indicates that faith-related programs can motivate increased physical activity, among other behaviors. This review summarizes the literature on how religion and spirituality beliefs and practices support physical, mental, and psychosocial health, focusing primarily on physical activity. A literature search was conducted using databases (Medline/PubMed, Science Direct) and Google Scholar, with search terms like “religion”, “spirituality”, “physical activity”, “physical exercise”, and “health” to identify relevant studies from 2017 to 2023. Thirteen studies were selected, including seven cross-sectional designs, four randomized controlled trials, and two cohort studies. Eleven of these studies reported positive effects of religious faith, religiosity, and spirituality interventions on increasing physical activity or reducing sedentary behavior. These findings confirm that greater religious commitment is positively associated with better health outcomes, including increased physical activity. This research suggests that further studies are needed to identify specific religiosity/spirituality variables in the context of physical activity association and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Such insights may inform the development of intervention programs aimed at promoting physical activity and strengthening health associations.
Old Wine in a New Bottle: Navigating Religion and Politics in Turkiye
Authors: Öztığ Laçin İdil , Adısönmez Umut Can
Published: July 2024

While there is a large body of literature on different models of secularism and religion and politics, relatively scarce attention has been devoted to the experimentation of the moderate secularism model in authoritarian and Muslim-majority countries. This article brings a novel insight into the literature by unpacking the complex relationship between secularism, politics, and religion in Turkiye. The Turkish Republic was founded on the norm of authoritarian secularism that promulgates the exclusion of religion both from the political and public spheres. After the Justice and Development Party (JDP) came to power, Turkiye appeared to be moving toward moderate secularism through policies, such as the liberalization of the headscarf and the expansion of non-Muslim rights. By examining the transformed role of the Diyanet (the Presidency of Religious Affairs), Imam Hatip schools, and the conversion of church-turned-museums into mosques, this article illustrates that rather than moving in the direction of moderate secularism, the JDP has rather instrumentalized it and has eventually worked toward infusing Islamic norms into the Turkish state through bureaucratic and political initiatives. By examining and contextualizing the trajectory of secularism in Turkiye, this study contributes to the literature on religion, authoritarianism, and secularism in general, and ongoing debates on Turkish politics in particular.
Is Confucius a Philosopher or a Saint? Michele Ruggieri’s Views from His Translations of the Four Books
Authors: Wang Huiyu
Published: July 2024

Michele Ruggieri (1543–1607) was the first Westerner officially approved to reside in China. He promoted Chinese and Western cultural exchange, and he was especially noted for facilitating dialogue between Confucianism and Catholicism. His writings had an important impact in both China and Europe. During his sojourn preaching in China, Ruggieri not only wrote the Tianzhu shilu—the first catechism written in Chinese—but he was also the first Westerner to translate the Four Books into Western language and introduce them to Europe. Based on Ruggieri’s two translations of the Four Books—one translation into Spanish, and one into Latin—this article analyzes Ruggieri’s views of Confucius. In his translations, Ruggieri identified Confucius as a philosopher and a shengren, or saint, and he highlighted the status of Confucius in the Four Books. After analyzing Ruggieri’s treatments of Confucian concepts, this article discusses how Ruggieri’s translations imply that Confucianism had both rational and religious dimensions. After Ruggieri, other Jesuits who came to China gradually turned to emphasizing the rational aspects of Confucianism.
Home, History, and the Postsecular: A Literary–Religious Inquiry of Disgrace
Authors: Dong Liang
Published: July 2024

In J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace, the postsecular emerges as a critical framework to understand the characters’ search for home amidst the remnants of South Africa’s colonial legacy. This essay proposes an exploration of how the novel’s engagement with the postsecular scriptures and moments offers a nuanced perspective on the religious impulse within the literary form. I focus on the protagonist, Lurie, whose journey from a sexual scandal to a commitment to animal welfare symbolizes a broader quest for redemption and atonement. Contrasting Lurie’s postsecular odyssey is his daughter Lucy’s steadfast attachment to her farm, which becomes a battleground for historical racial tensions. Through a mythological critical approach, I interpret Lucy’s experience as a contemporary iteration of the scapegoat, embodying the sacrificial role in a society seeking reconciliation and healing. My analysis extends to the novel’s esthetic and ethical dimensions, examining how Coetzee’s narrative challenges and reframes traditional religious narratives. By situating my discussion within the fields of the sciences of religions, theology, and mythology, I contribute to the understanding of literature as a vital medium for engaging with religious and theological themes. The essay concludes with a reflection on the implications of Coetzee’s postsecular discourse for the individual’s search for home and belonging in a post-apartheid context.
A Framework for Enhanced Human–Robot Collaboration during Disassembly Using Digital Twin and Virtual Reality
Authors: Hoebert Timon , Seibel Stephan , Amersdorfer Manuel , Vincze Markus , Lepuschitz Wilfried , Merdan Munir
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a framework that integrates digital twin and virtual reality (VR) technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of human–robot collaborative systems in the disassembly domain. With the increasing complexity of the handling of end-of-life electronic products and as the related disassembly tasks are characterized by variabilities such as rust, deformation, and diverse part geometries, traditional industrial robots face significant challenges in this domain. These challenges require adaptable and flexible automation solutions that can work safely alongside human workers. We developed an architecture to address these challenges and support system configuration, training, and operational monitoring. Our framework incorporates a digital twin to provide a real-time virtual representation of the physical disassembly process, allowing for immediate feedback and dynamic adjustment of operations. In addition, VR is used to simulate and optimize the workspace layout, improve human–robot interaction, and facilitate safe and effective training scenarios without the need for physical prototypes. A unique case study is presented, where the collaborative system is specifically applied to the disassembly of antenna amplifiers, illustrating the potential of our comprehensive approach to facilitate engineering processes and enhance collaborative safety.
Correction of Ionospheric Phase in SAR Interferometry Considering Wavenumber Shift
Authors: Li Gen , Hu Zihan , Wang Yifan , Dong Zehua , Li Han
Published: July 2024

The ionospheric effects in repeat-pass SAR interferometry (InSAR) have become a rising concern with the increasing interest in low-frequency SAR. The ionosphere will introduce serious phase errors in the interferogram, which should be properly corrected. In this paper, the influence of the wavenumber shift on the Range Split-Spectrum (RSS) method is analyzed quantitatively. It is shown that the split-spectrum processing deteriorates the coherence of the sub-band interferogram and then greatly reduces the estimation accuracy. The RSS method combined with common band filtering (CBF) can improve the coherence of sub-band interferograms and estimation accuracy, but the estimation is biased due to the RSS model mismatch. To address the problem, a modified truncated singular value decomposition (MTSVD) based multi-sub-band RSS method is proposed in this paper. The proposed method divides the range common spectrum into multiple sub-bands to jointly estimate the ionospheric phase. The performance of the proposed method is analyzed and validated based on simulation experiments. The results show that the proposed method has stronger robustness and higher accuracy.
Research Advances and Prospects of Underwater Terrain-Aided Navigation
Authors: Wang Rupeng , Wang Jiayu , Li Ye , Ma Teng , Zhang Xuan
Published: July 2024

Underwater terrain-aided navigation (TAN) can obtain high-precision positioning independently and autonomously under the conditions of a communication rejection space, which is an important breakthrough for the autonomous and refined operation of deep-sea autonomous underwater vehicles near the seabed. Although TAN originated in the aviation field, the particularity of the underwater physical environment has led to the formation of a different theoretical and technical system. In this article, the application background, operating principles, and most important technical aspects of underwater TAN are introduced. Then, the relevant algorithms involved in the two main modules (the terrain-aided positioning module and the iterative filtering estimation module) of the underwater TAN are reviewed. Finally, other cutting-edge issues in the field of underwater TAN are summarized. The purpose of this article is to provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the current research status and possible future developments in the TAN field.
An Improved Method of Mitigating Orbital Errors in Multiple Synthetic-Aperture-Radar Interferometric Pair Analysis for Interseismic Deformation Measurement: Application to the Tuosuo Lake Segment of the Kunlun Fault
Authors: Xu Qian , Yang Yinghui , Chen Qiang , Wang Dechao , Liu Su , He Yucong , Xu Lang , Zi Chengdai
Published: July 2024

It is challenging to precisely measure the slow interseismic crustal-deformation rate from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. The long-wavelength orbital errors, owing to the uncertainties in satellite orbit vectors, commonly exist in SAR interferograms, which degrade the precision of the Interferometric SAR (InSAR) products and become the main barrier to extracting interseismic tectonic deformation. In this study, we propose a novel temporal-network orbital correction method that is able to isolate the far-fault tectonic deformation from the mixed long-wavelength signals based on its spatio–temporal characteristic. The proposed approach is straightforward in methodology but could effectively separate the subtle tectonic deformation from glaring orbital errors without ancillary data. Both synthetic data and real Sentinel-1 SAR images are used to validate the reliability and effectiveness of this method. The derived InSAR velocity fields clearly present the predominant left-lateral strike-slip motions of the Tuosuo Lake segment of the Kunlun fault in western China. The fault-parallel velocity differences of 5–6 mm/yr across the fault between areas ~50 km away from the fault trace are addressed. The proposed method presents a significantly different performance from the traditional quadratic approximate method in the far field. Through the implementation of the proposed method, the root mean square error (RMSE) between the LOSGPS and our derived descending InSAR LOS (line of sight) measurements is reduced to less than one-third of the previous study, suggesting its potential to enhance the availability of InSAR technology for interseismic crustal-deformation measurement.
The Effects of Breed, Lactation Number, and Lameness on the Behavior, Production, and Reproduction of Lactating Dairy Cows in Central Texas
Authors: Martin Lily A. , Webb Edward C. , Runyan Cheyenne L. , Spencer Jennifer A. , Jones Barbara W. , Wellmann Kimberly B.
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of breed, lactation number, and lameness on lying time, milk yield, milk urea nitrogen concentration (MUN), progesterone concentration (P4), and the calving-to-conception interval (CCI) of lactating dairy cows in Central Texas. A total of 84 lactating dairy cows (Holsteins, Jerseys, and crossbreeds) from a commercial dairy farm in Central Texas were randomly selected and enrolled in this study from October 2023 to February 2024. Cows (60 ± 7 DIM) were enrolled in cohorts weekly for five weeks and were randomly fitted with an IceQube pedometer (IceRobotics, Edinburgh, UK) to track lying time. Lameness and body condition scores (BCS) were recorded, and blood samples were collected once a week. Parameters of reproductive performance included insemination rate, conception rate, pregnancy rate, and the CCI. Monthly dairy herd improvement association (DHIA) testing included milk yield and MUN concentrations. Breed and lactation number had a significant effect on milk yield, MUN concentration, lying time, BCS, and lameness (p < 0.001). Lactation number had a significant effect on P4 concentrations (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between lameness and milk yield (p = 0.014) and a negative correlation between lameness and MUN concentrations (p = 0.038).
Multi-Resolution Learning and Semantic Edge Enhancement for Super-Resolution Semantic Segmentation of Urban Scene Images
Authors: Shu Ruijun , Zhao Shengjie
Published: July 2024

Super-resolution semantic segmentation (SRSS) is a technique that aims to obtain high-resolution semantic segmentation results based on resolution-reduced input images. SRSS can significantly reduce computational cost and enable efficient, high-resolution semantic segmentation on mobile devices with limited resources. Some of the existing methods require modifications of the original semantic segmentation network structure or add additional and complicated processing modules, which limits the flexibility of actual deployment. Furthermore, the lack of detailed information in the low-resolution input image renders existing methods susceptible to misdetection at the semantic edges. To address the above problems, we propose a simple but effective framework called multi-resolution learning and semantic edge enhancement-based super-resolution semantic segmentation (MS-SRSS) which can be applied to any existing encoder-decoder based semantic segmentation network. Specifically, a multi-resolution learning mechanism (MRL) is proposed that enables the feature encoder of the semantic segmentation network to improve its feature extraction ability. Furthermore, we introduce a semantic edge enhancement loss (SEE) to alleviate the false detection at the semantic edges. We conduct extensive experiments on the three challenging benchmarks, Cityscapes, Pascal Context, and Pascal VOC 2012, to verify the effectiveness of our proposed MS-SRSS method. The experimental results show that, compared with the existing methods, our method can obtain the new state-of-the-art semantic segmentation performance.
The Application of Polysaccharide Chiral Columns for the Separation of Fluorinated and Protonated Liquid Crystalline Racemic Esters
Authors: Wojda Edyta , Urbańska Magdalena
Published: July 2024

The subject of this study was to compare the enantioseparation of fourteen racemic esters that are liquid crystals. This study aimed to determine the difference in the enantioseparation of mixtures with protonated and fluorinated aliphatic chains and those with different orders of occurrence of benzene rings (benzoates and biphenylates). This research was carried out on two chiral polysaccharide columns: amylose tris(3-chloro-5-methylphenylcarbamate) (ReproSil Chiral MIG) and cellulose tris(3,5-dichlorophenylcarbamate) (ReproSil Chiral MIC). The columns were evaluated in HPLC separation. The analyses were performed in the normal- and reversed-phase systems. The mobile phase consisted of different solvent systems (acetonitrile/water and n-hexane/2-propanol) in different volume ratios to select optimal separation conditions. The main parameter evaluated in separating racemic mixtures was the resolution—Rs. All measurements were performed at 25 °C. The elution order was also determined. The highest value of resolution (over 11) and selectivity (over 3) was obtained for the ReproSil Chiral MIG column and the volume ratio of ACN:H2O (95:5 v/v).
Effect of Brassinolide on Stoichiometric Stability Characteristics of Tall Fescue under Drought Stress in Ecological Restoration
Authors: Kang Roujia , Li Mingyi , Guo Shiwei , Xia Dong , Liu Liming , Dong Wenhao , Xu Wennian , Lv Yucai
Published: July 2024

In order to investigate the effects of brassinolide (BR) on the ecological stoichiometric characteristics and internal stability of plants in slope ecological protection under different drought conditions, the biomass, proline content, nutrient content, and internal stability of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) in three stress periods were analyzed by weighing water control method, with three drought degrees (75% ± 5%), mild drought (55% ± 5%) and severe drought (35% ± 5%) and four BR concentrations (0 mg/L, 0.05 mg/L, 0.2 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L). The results showed that drought stress resulted in a decrease in plant biomass and nutrient content, and there were differences in carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus contents and their stoichiometric ratios in different organs. Spraying suitable concentration of BR could alleviate plant nutrient loss and promote nutrient accumulation of the tall fescue. Under normal water spraying conditions 0.2 mg/L, under mild and severe drought conditions with spraying of 0.5 mg/L BR, it is most suitable for the nutrient accumulation in tall fescue. The tall fescue showed high sensitivity to exogenous BR input, and the internal stability of the underground part of the tall fescue increased clearly. BR is propitious to the synthesis of proline and enhances the drought resistance of plants. According to stoichiometric characteristics, BR can improve the nitrogen and phosphorus utilization efficiency of tall fescue to a certain extent, and the results of the nitrogen and phosphorus ratio show that nitrogen is the main factor limiting plant growth in a vegetation concrete ecological restoration system, which can supplement nitrogen to accelerate the process of vegetation restoration. The application of BR can improve the biomass and stress resistance of tall fescue, adjust the nutrient distribution strategy and stoichiometric stability, and alleviate the adverse effects of drought on plants. This study provides new ideas and methods for ecological restoration and vegetation reconstruction in arid areas.
Comparative Energy and Economic Analysis of Dish Stirling Engine and National Grid Electricity for Residential Building in Mafraq, Jordan
Authors: Khawaldeh Habes Ali , Shboul Bashar , Al-Smairan Mohammad , Al-Soeidat Mohammad , Lu Dylan , Almomani Fares
Published: July 2024

The primary purpose of this research is to determine the most economical approach to installing a solar dish Stirling engine (SDSE) system on a building for residential purposes in Mafraq while taking into account the local weather, usual monthly consumption of energy and the prices charged by the local powered utility. The house uses an average of 622.25 kWh of energy every month, with the highest consumption in February and the lowest in May. A range of optical efficiencies between 50% and 98% are used to mount the SDSE system. This study evaluated the relationship between the price of electrical energy and the amount of power consumed to identify the times of day when energy consumption is highest. Another approach relevant to consider is solar power, which likewise varies across the whole year. When the available intensity of the sun and power rates are at their peak, an SDSE system is regarded as a feasible solution for fulfilling the energy requirements. This is because SDSE systems can still make electricity even during cloudy days. This work also includes a comprehensive analysis of the solar power that an SDSE receives and the generated electrical power.
Exploring the Perspectives of Oil and Gas Industry Managers on the Adoption of Sustainable Practices: A Q Methodology Approach to Green Marketing Strategies
Authors: Abedin Bahareh , Gabor Manuela Rozalia , Susanu Irina Olimpia , Jaber Yousif Fllayyih
Published: July 2024

This article investigates the perspectives of managers on green marketing strategies in the oil and gas industry, a critical global concern given that a significant portion of historical industrial greenhouse gas emissions can be traced back to a few oil and gas companies. Employing Q methodology and its subjective operant theory for a nuanced qualitative and quantitative approach, the research builds a Q-sample through a literature review and in-depth interviews with nine experienced Iraqi managers. The P-sample includes 20 senior, middle managers, and supervisors in Iraq’s oil and gas sector. The study identifies five distinct viewpoints among Iraqi managers regarding green marketing strategy adoption: (1) opponents and skeptics; (2) environmental advocates; (3) public opinion advocates; (4) government adherents; and (5) forward-thinking visionaries. The findings contribute valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing green marketing strategies in a region marked by environmental concerns and economic imperatives. This research not only enhances understanding but also informs policymaking, guides businesses in formulating more effective sustainable strategies, and encourages environmental responsibility within the Iraqi corporate landscape.
Gold Production and the Global Energy Transition—A Perspective
Authors: Trench Allan , Baur Dirk , Ulrich Sam , Sykes John Paul
Published: July 2024

Gold is neither a critical mineral nor a metal that is central to the global energy transition in terms of demand from new energy production technologies. Yet, gold is unique among mined commodities for its role in financial markets and for its global production footprint including in numerous developing economies. Since the production of gold incurs CO2 emissions and other environmental risks including water pollution and land degradation, gold producers seek to adopt clean production solutions through electrification and renewable energy adoption. Further, gold’s unique role as a store of value creates new potential green business models in gold, such as the digitalisation of in-ground gold inventories, which can further reduce negative environmental externalities from gold mining. A net-zero emissions, future global gold industry, is possible. Major gold producers are targeting net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050, coupled with a lower overall environmental footprint to meet heightened societal expectations for cleaner production. An analysis of emissions data from Australian gold mines shows systematic differences between mining operations. Further clean energy investment in gold production is required to reduce emission levels towards the target of net zero.
Drought Characteristics and Causes during Winter Wheat Growth Stages in North China
Authors: Xu Chuanyang , Xu Zimeng , Li Yao , Luo Yuanyuan , Wang Kai , Guo Linghui , Hao Chengyuan
Published: July 2024

Understanding potential drought characteristics under climate change is essential for reducing vulnerability and establishing adaptation strategies, especially in North China, a major grain production area. In this study, the key growth period of winter wheat was taken as the entry point. We comprehensively utilized data from meteorological stations and circulation factors and employed methods such as the modified Mann–Kendall test, run theory, wavelet analysis, and cluster analysis. We quantitatively assessed the drought conditions during the winter wheat growth stages using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index at a 1-month timescale (SPEI-1). We analyzed the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of drought and explored the inherent correlation between drought and atmospheric circulation factors. Results indicate that the SPEI-1 index increased significantly during the entire growth period, the overwintering-jointing stage, and the heading-maturity stage at rates of 0.0058, 0.0044, and 0.0140 per year, respectively, showing a wetting trend. Higher drought frequency values were observed in northern Shanxi, northern Hebei, western Henan, and southern Shandong during the entire growth period, with the drought frequency of the overwintering-jointing stage approximately twice that of the emergence-tillering and heading-maturity stages. Furthermore, drought frequency values in southern Hebei and southern Henan decreased from high to low frequency during the heading-maturity stage compared to the overwintering-jointing period. The SPEI-1 is predominantly influenced by the Arctic Oscillation (AO), Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), varying by growth stages.
Intelligent Control Characteristics and Development of Highway Tunnel Lighting Environment in China
Authors: Yuan Peilong , Tang Guochen , Ji Cheng , Wu Yuanchun , Wang Qiang , Zhang Tao , Liu Tong , Chen Yunteng
Published: July 2024

At present, the intelligent control technology of highway tunnel lighting mainly includes two types, graded dimming and stepless dimming, both of which have certain energy-saving effects. Tunnel lighting energy saving and consumption reduction, traffic safety, and the security degree are important indicators used to measure the efficient operation of a tunnel. By adding variable correlated color temperature (CCT) control based on stepless dimming, the adjustment of a lamp’s CCT according to changes in the external tunnel environment can be achieved. This not only serves the dual purpose of secondary energy saving and providing comfortable lighting, but also plays a significant role in reducing the reaction time and ensuring tunnel traffic safety. This paper mainly discusses the research achievements and applications of the main intelligent control technologies for highway tunnel lighting. Combining on-site investigations, operating and energy-saving effects achieved are evaluated, and the future development direction of intelligent control technology for highway tunnel lighting is summarized. Furthermore, this paper proposes an optimization model of a stepless dimming control system and intelligent control technology in the tunnel’s variable CCT based on stepless dimming. The results of this review can provide useful technical support for the design, operation and management of intelligent lighting control in highway tunnels.