bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stipagrostis pennata (Trin.) De Winter Artificial Seed Production and Seedlings Multiplication in Temporary Immersion Bioreactors
Authors: Aghbolaghi Masoumeh Asadi , Dedicova Beata , Sharifzadeh Farzad , Omidi Mansoor , Egertsdotter Ulrika
Published: November 2022

This study was conducted to develop the protocol for artificial seed production of Stipagrostis pennata (Trin.) De Winter via somatic embryo encapsulation as well as test a temporary bioreactor system for germination and seedling growth. Embryogenic calli were encapsulated using sodium alginate and calcium chloride and then sowed in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) germination medium in in vitro cultures. The experiments were conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments include three concentrations of sodium alginate (1.5%, 2.5%, and 3.5%), two ion exchange times (20 and 30 min), and two artificial seed germination media (hormone-free MS and MS supplemented with zeatin riboside and L-proline). Germination percentage and number of days needed until the beginning of germination were studied. The highest percentage of artificial seed germination was obtained when 2.5% sodium alginate was used for 30 min (ion exchange time) and when the seeds were placed on the MS germination medium supplemented with zeatin riboside and L-proline. The results of the analysis of variance in the temporary immersion bioreactor system showed that the main effects observed on the seedling growth were associated with different growth hormones in culture media and the number of feeding cycles. Experimental results also indicated that the total protein analyses of zygotic seedlings and seedlings originating from the synthetic seeds showed no statistically significant differences between these samples.
Bioformulation Containing Cohorts of Ensifer adhaerens MSN12 and Bacillus cereus MEN8 for the Nutrient Enhancement of Cicer arietinum L.
Authors: Baliyan Nitin , Qureshi Kamal A. , Jaremko Mariusz , Rajput Minakshi , Singh Monika , Dhiman Sandhya , Maheshwari Dinesh Kumar , Kant Chandra , Kumar Ajay
Published: November 2022

Here we examine the effects of different carrier based bioinoculants on the growth, yield and nutritional value of chickpea and on associated soil nutrients. A consortium of two taxonomically distinct endophytic bacteria—Ensifer adhaerens MSN12 and Bacillus cereus MEN8—have promising plant growth promoting (PGP) attributes. We demonstrate their delivery from the laboratory to the field via the formulation of an effective bioinoculant with economic and accessible carriers. Sugarcane straw ash (SCSA) was found to be an efficient carrier and bioformulation for enhancing viability and shelf-life of strains up to 12 months. A bioformulation containing an SCSA-based consortium (MSN12 + MEN8) increased seed germination by 7%, plant weight by 29%, length by 17%, seed-yield by 12%, harvesting index by 14% and proximate nutritional constituents by 20% over consortium treatment without SCSA. In addition, the bioformulation of post-harvest treated soil improved the physico-chemical properties of the soil in comparison to a pre-sowing SCSA-based bioformulation treated crop, being fortified in different proximate nutritional constituents including dry matter (30%), crude protein (45%), crude fiber (35%), and ether extract (40%) in comparison to the control. Principal component analysis and scattered matrix plots showed a positive correlation among the treatments, which also validates improvement in the soil nutrient components and proximate constituents by T6 treatment (MSN12 + MEN8 + SCSA). The above results suggest efficiency of SCSA not only as a carrier material but also to support microbial growth for adequate delivery of lab strains as a substitute for chemi-fertilizers.
Vigorous Growing of Donor Plantlets by Liquid Overlay in Subcultures Is the Key to Cryopreservation of Endangered Species Pogostemon yatabeanus
Authors: Lee Hyoeun , Kim Haenghoon
Published: November 2022

Cryopreservation is a unique option for the long-term conservation of threatened plant species with non-orthodox or limitedly available seeds. However, the wide application of cryopreservation for the protection of wild flora is hampered by some reasons: limits of source material available, difficulties in in vitro propagation, needs to re-optimize protocol steps for new species, etc. In this study, using an endemic and endangered Korean species, Pogostemon yatabeanus, we investigated subculture medium and supplements on in vitro growth of donor plants: medium strength, gelling agents, liquid overlay, plant hormones, and activated charcoal. Subculture conditions of each cycle tested significantly impacted on height and dry weight of subcultured donor plantlets. Among the treatments tested, the overlay of the liquid medium on top of gellan gum-gelled medium significantly increased the growth of shoots and roots. In the droplet-vitrification procedure, the survival and regeneration of cryopreserved shoot tips were critically impacted by the dry weight of donor plantlets (CORELL = 0.85~0.95) which was affected by the following subculture conditions. Moreover, every subsequent subculture cycle before cryopreservation positively or negatively impacted post-cryopreservation regeneration. This study highlights the vigor of donor plantlets for post-cryopreservation regeneration and provides practices for the revitalization of donor plants during subcultures.
Self-Assembled Supramolecular Micelles Based on Multiple Hydrogen Bonding Motifs for the Encapsulation and Release of Fullerene
Authors: Huang Cheng-Wei , Chang Ya-Ying , Cheng Chih-Chia , Hung Meng-Ting , Mohamed Mohamed Gamal
Published: November 2022

Living creatures involve several defense mechanisms, such as protecting enzymes to protect organs and cells from the invasion of free radicals. Developing antioxidant molecules and delivery systems to working with enzymes is vital. In this study, a supramolecular polymer PNI-U-DPy was used to encapsulate C60, a well-known antioxidant that is hard to dissolve or disperse in the aqueous media. PNI-U-DPy exhibits characteristics similar to PNIPAM but could form micelles even when the environment temperature is lower than its LCST. The U-DPy moieties could utilize their strong complementary hydrogen bonding–interaction to create a physically crosslinked network within PNIPAM micelles, thus adjusting its LCST to a value near the physiological temperature. Morphological studies suggested that C60 could be effectively loaded into PNI-U-DPy micelles with a high loading capacity (29.12%), and the resulting complex PNI-C60 is stable and remains temperature responsive. A series of measurements under variable temperatures was carried out and showed that a controlled release process proceeded. Furthermore, PNI-C60 exhibits hydroxyl radicals scavenging abilities at a low dosage and could even be adjusted by temperature. It can be admitted that the micelle system can be a valuable alternative for radical scavengers and may be delivered to the desired position with good dispersibility and thermo-responsivity. It is beneficial to the search progress of scientists for drug delivery systems for chemotherapeutic treatments and biomedical applications.
Determination of the Long-Term Thermal Performance of Foam Insulation Materials through Heat and Slicing Acceleration
Authors: Bae Minjung , Ahn Hosang , Kang Jaesik , Choi Gyeongseok , Choi Hyunjung
Published: November 2022

Foam insulation materials are widely used in the construction industry due to their low thermal conductivity attributable to their microstructures and their low-conductivity blowing agents and affordability. In this study, we evaluate how the thermal performance of foam insulation materials used for the exterior walls of buildings, viz., extruded polystyrene (XPS), polyisocyanurate (PIR), and phenolic foam (PF), age over the life cycle of a building. To compare the aging of thermal performance during the life cycle of a building, each material was tested at 70 and 110 °C and with slicing acceleration according to EN and ISO standards. The thermal conductivity of each foam insulation material was measured using a heat flow meter at an operating temperature of 23 °C and converted into thermal resistance values. Different foam insulation materials have different aging procedures according to material-specific EN standards, while ISO 11561 applies the same procedure to all material classifications. Upon comparing the aged values according to ISO and EN standards to the initial values, the analysis showed a change rate of 23 to 26% in PIR and 18 to 20% in PF. In XPS, a rate of change of 10 to 23.8% was calculated. Our results indicated that the slicing acceleration induced a thermal resistance reduction rate about three times faster than aging at 70 °C. However, the long-term changed thermal resistance values of the foam insulation material applied via the calculating procedure specified in the ISO and EN standards were similar.
Porphyrin Polymers Bearing N,N′-Ethylene Crosslinkers as Photosensitizers against Bacteria
Authors: Santamarina Sofía C. , Heredia Daniel A. , Durantini Andrés M. , Durantini Edgardo N.
Published: November 2022

The appearance of microbes resistant to antibiotics requires the development of alternative therapies for the treatment of infectious diseases. In this work two polymers, PTPPF16-EDA and PZnTPPF16-EDA, were synthesized by the nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin and its Zn(II) complex with ethylenediamine, respectively. In these structures, the tetrapyrrolic macrocycles were N,N′-ethylene crosslinked, which gives them greater mobility. The absorption spectra of the polymers showed a bathochromic shift of the Soret band of ~10 nm with respect to the monomers. This effect was also found in the red fluorescence emission peaks. Furthermore, both polymeric materials produced singlet molecular oxygen with high quantum yields. In addition, they were capable of generating superoxide anion radicals. Photodynamic inactivation sensitized by these polymers was tested in Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. A decrease in cell viability greater than 7 log (99.9999%) was observed in S. aureus incubated with 0.5 μM photosensitizer upon 30 min of irradiation. Under these conditions, a low inactivation of E. coli (0.5 log) was found. However, when the cells were treated with KI, the elimination of the Gram-negative bacteria was achieved. Therefore, these polymeric structures are interesting antimicrobial photosensitizing materials for the inactivation of pathogens.
Research on the Structure Design and Mechanical Properties of Performance Optimized Multi-Axial Geogrid
Authors: Si Zhiyuan , Zhao Xinhai , Ren Xinbo , Zheng Chao , Yuan Hongbo , Liu Ji , Song Libin
Published: November 2022

In order to solve the problem of low transverse tensile strength of triaxial geogrid, a kind of performance-optimized multi-axial geogrid (POMG) that can bear larger transverse loads was designed. Firstly, the forming equipment and process of POMG are designed. Secondly, through the test of formability and mechanical properties, the POMG with good formability and mechanical properties is obtained, and the average tensile strength of POMG with circular and semicircular holes is the highest, reaching more than 16 KN/m. Finally, the feasibility of the process is further verified by numerical simulation, and the shape distribution and stress-strain law of POMG during the forming process are obtained, which provides further guidance for the actual production.
Layer-by-Layer Surface Modification of Alendronate-Loaded Polyester Microparticles—Enabling Protein Immobilization
Authors: Urbaniak Tomasz , Musiał Witold
Published: November 2022

The highly inert surface of polyester micro- and nano- drug carriers is a challenging substrate for further modification. The presence of surface moieties suitable for macromolecule coupling is crucial in the development of targeted drug delivery systems. Among available methods of surface activation, those based on adsorption of charged macromolecules may be carried out in mild conditions. In this work, alendronate-loaded microcores of three polyesters: poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLA-co-PCL) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were coated with three polyelectrolyte shells composed of chitosan/heparin (CHIT/HEP), polyallylamine/heparin (PAH/HEP), and polyethyleneimine/heparin (PEI/HEP) via the layer-by-layer method. Subsequently, the feasibility of model protein immobilization on obtained shells was assessed. Electrokinetic potential measurements confirmed the possibility of deposition of all investigated coating variants, and a positive correlation between initial core ζ potential and intensity of charge alterations after deposition of subsequent layers was identified. PEI/HEP assembly was stable in physiological-like conditions, while PAH/HEP multilayers disassembled in presence of phosphate ions, and CHIT/HEP shell showed limited stability in pH 7.4. Fluorescence assays of fluorescein tagged lysozyme surface coupled via ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride/N-Hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) click reaction with all shell variants indicated satisfying reaction efficiency. Poly-ε-caprolactone cores coated with CHIT/HEP tetralayer were selected as suitable for model IgG surface immobilization. Antibodies immobilized on the shell surface exhibited a moderate degree of affinity to fluorescent IgG binding protein.
Metallic Material Evaluation of Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tank for Marine Application Using a Tensile Cryostat for 20 K and Electrochemical Cell
Authors: Kim Myung-Sung , Lee Taehyun , Son Yeonhong , Park Junesung , Kim Minsung , Eun Hyeonjun , Park Jong-Won , Kim Yongjin
Published: November 2022

A series of material tests were performed on cryogenic metallic materials meant for liquid hydrogen storage tanks using a 20 K tensile cryostat and an electrochemical hydrogen-charging apparatus. Mechanical evaluation of the electrochemically hydrogen-charged specimens was performed in a tensile cryostat using helium gas at ambient temperature and cryogenic temperature (20 K). The tensile cryostat was equipped with a vacuum jacket and a G-M cryocooler with gaseous helium. Furthermore, the cathodic electrolysis cell used for charging the specimens was adopted for internal hydrogen conditions with a reflux condenser and heating mantle to increase hydrogen diffusivity. The target materials were austenite stainless steel and aluminum alloy, which are suitable for liquefied natural gas and gaseous hydrogen environments. No significant change in the yield strength and flow stress of the hydrogen-charged specimen up to 20% strain was observed. However, changes in tensile strength and elongation were observed thereafter. Electrochemical hydrogen charging of stainless steel leads to a high concentration of hydrogen on the surface of the specimen. The resulting surface cracks reduced the flow stress. The 20 K tensile test showed discontinuous yielding in the austenitic stainless steel with an abrupt increase in temperature. The mechanical performance of the aluminum alloys improved in terms of strength and elongation. Changes in the mechanical performance and relative area reduction were observed for all the metallic materials at 300 K and 20 K.
The Roles of a Native Starch and a Resistant Dextrin in Texture Improvement and Low Glycemic Index of Biscuits
Authors: Yu Shiyao , Dong Ke , Pora Bernard L. R. , Hasjim Jovin
Published: November 2022

Low-GI biscuits are commonly produced using whole-grain flour, bran, or soluble dietary fibers, giving an undesirable texture. New low-GI biscuits containing dietary fibers and with improved palatability were formulated by substituting 60% of wheat flour (WF) with a native starch (ST) and 15% of WF with a resistant dextrin (RD), a source of dietary fibers. The botanical source of ST was common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench). Biscuits were also made with a single substitution by ST or by RD at the same level for comparison. The firmness of the biscuits was increased with the single substitution by RD due to its small average molecular size and high hygroscopicity, while it was decreased with the single substitution by ST. The double substitution by ST and RD not only produced the texture with the lowest firmness and brittleness, but also led to the lowest in vitro starch digestion rate and total starch digestibility. The human trial confirmed that the biscuits with the double substitution had a low GI of 47. The results indicated the additive or synergistic effects of ST and RD on the properties of the biscuits, demonstrating that low-GI biscuits can be produced with a substantial dietary fiber content without jeopardizing their palatability.
Frequency-Dependent Dielectric Spectroscopy of Insulating Nanofluids Based on GTL Oil during Accelerated Thermal Aging
Authors: Havran Peter , Cimbala Roman , Király Jozef , Rajňák Michal , Bucko Samuel , Kurimský Juraj , Dolník Bystrík
Published: November 2022

Improving the dielectric properties of liquid-insulating materials is a current problem in research into the insulation system of a power transformer. Modern optimization of insulating liquids involves the potential use of unique synthetic esters enriched with nanoparticles. This study presents the results of the dielectric response of liquefied gas-based (GTL) insulating liquids during accelerated thermal aging. The dielectric relaxation spectroscopy method was used in the frequency domain to point out power losses as an imaginary part of a complex electric modulus. The relaxation spectra express the validity of applying this complex dielectric parameter. The polarization processes of the base oil alternately change position in the low-frequency band during thermal aging. Fullerene nanofluid undergoes three phases of dielectric loss changes during thermal aging. In the case of magnetic nanofluid, the effect of electric double-layer polarization disappeared after 500 h of thermal aging. It was found that with the gradual increase in the thermal aging time, there is no gradual increase in the dielectric losses investigated in the measured frequency spectrum. This study shows that the concentration of the two types of nanoparticles independently causes a different dielectric response to an applied AC electric field in the GTL base fluid.
Hydrolytic Oxidation of Cellobiose Using Catalysts Containing Noble Metals
Authors: Manaenkov Oleg , Kislitsa Olga , Ratkevich Ekaterina , Kosivtsov Yuriy , Sapunov Valentin , Matveeva Valentina
Published: November 2022

Studies of the processes of the hydrolytic oxidation of disaccharides are the first step towards the development of technologies for the direct conversion of plant polysaccharides, primarily cellulose, into aldonic and aldaric acids, which are widely used in chemical synthesis and various industries. In this study, heterogeneous catalysts based on a porous matrix of hypercrosslinked polystyrene (HPS) and noble metals (Pt, Au, Ru, and Pd) were proposed for the hydrolytic oxidation of cellobiose to gluconic and glucaric acids. The catalysts were characterized using low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, hydrogen chemisorption, electron microscopy, and other methods. In particular, it was shown that the Pt-containing catalyst contained, on average, six times more active centers on the surface, which made it more promising for use in this reaction. At a temperature of 145 °C, an O2 pressure of 5 bars, and a substrate/catalyst weight ratio of 4/1, the yields of gluconic and glucaric acids reached 21.6 and 63.4%, respectively. Based on the data obtained, the mathematical model of the cellobiose hydrolytic oxidation kinetics in the presence of 3% Pt/HPS MN270 was developed, and the parameter estimation was carried out. The formal description of the kinetics of cellobiose hydrolytic oxidation was obtained.
Three Contemporary Russian Poets and Biblical Tradition: Sergey Zavyalov, Natalia Chernykh, Jaan Kaplinski
Authors: Vishnevetsky Igor Georgievich
Published: November 2022

The poets in question belong to different generations, as well as different cultural, ethnic, and even religious backgrounds. Ethnically Mordvinian Zavyalov (b. 1957), who is also a noted scholar and translator from Ancient Greek and Latin, and ethnically Russian Chernykh (b. 1969), who is trained as a librarian and grew up among hippies, are both Eastern Orthodox Christians. Jaan Kaplinski (1941–2021), half Polish and half Estonian, was born and died a Roman Catholic, yet for a considerable part of his life, until his gradual switch from the Estonian language to Russian, considered himself a “pagan.” The article focuses on these poets’ different forms of engagement with the Holy Scripture and practices of the Christian Church. Zavyalov’s groundbreaking experimental poem Advent: Leningrad, 1941 (Рождественский пост, 2009) intertwines fragments of liturgical services and recommendations for fasting around the time of Christmas with the voices of the besieged city, dying from famine during WW II. His poem’s cathartic effect is remarkable: the death is negated by Christ’s birth and history starts anew. His most recent poem I Saw Jesus: And He Was Christ (Я видел Иисуса: и Он был Христос, 2022), which will be discussed in this article, engages with the Holy Scripture and the practices of the Russian Orthodox church in an even more direct way. Chernykh’s poetry of recent decades deals with the relevance of the Bible for a practicing Christian in a largely non-Christian world. Furthermore, Kaplinski’s posthumous Russian collection Winged Fingerprint (Отпечаток крылатого пальца), which is to be published in 2022, can be described as a dialog with the Biblical God and death “after the end of everything.” The most prominent voice in Estonian letters, Kaplinski transforms his later lyrical poetry written in Russian into a spirited prayer for the salvation of everything seemingly “insignificant”, left out of “larger history”.
Learning from Demonstrations in Human–Robot Collaborative Scenarios: A Survey
Authors: Sosa-Ceron Arturo Daniel , Gonzalez-Hernandez Hugo Gustavo , Reyes-Avendaño Jorge Antonio
Published: November 2022

Human–Robot Collaboration (HRC) is an interdisciplinary research area that has gained attention within the smart manufacturing context. To address changes within manufacturing processes, HRC seeks to combine the impressive physical capabilities of robots with the cognitive abilities of humans to design tasks with high efficiency, repeatability, and adaptability. During the implementation of an HRC cell, a key activity is the robot programming that takes into account not only the robot restrictions and the working space, but also human interactions. One of the most promising techniques is the so-called Learning from Demonstration (LfD), this approach is based on a collection of learning algorithms, inspired by how humans imitate behaviors to learn and acquire new skills. In this way, the programming task could be simplified and provided by the shop floor operator. The aim of this work is to present a survey of this programming technique, with emphasis on collaborative scenarios rather than just an isolated task. The literature was classified and analyzed based on: the main algorithms employed for Skill/Task learning, and the human level of participation during the whole LfD process. Our analysis shows that human intervention has been poorly explored, and its implications have not been carefully considered. Among the different methods of data acquisition, the prevalent method is physical guidance. Regarding data modeling, techniques such as Dynamic Movement Primitives and Semantic Learning were the preferred methods for low-level and high-level task solving, respectively. This paper aims to provide guidance and insights for researchers looking for an introduction to LfD programming methods in collaborative robotics context and identify research opportunities.
A Framework to Study and Design Communication with Social Robots
Authors: Kunold Laura , Onnasch Linda
Published: November 2022

Communication is a central component in social human–robot interaction that needs to be planned and designed prior to the actual communicative act. We therefore propose a pragmatic, linear view of communication design for social robots that corresponds to a sender–receiver perspective. Our framework is based on Lasswell’s 5Ws of mass communication: Who, says what, in which channel, to whom, with what effect. We extend and adapt this model to communication in HRI. In addition, we point out that, besides the predefined communicative acts of a robot, other characteristics, such as a robot’s morphology, can also have an impact on humans, since humans tend to assign meaning to every cue in robots’ behavior and appearance. We illustrate the application of the extended framework to three different studies on human–robot communication to demonstrate the incremental value as it supports a systematic evaluation and the identification of similarities, differences, and research gaps. The framework therefore offers the opportunity for meta-analyses of existing research and additionally draws the path for future robust research designs for studying human–robot communication.
Obstacles Avoidance for Mobile Robot Using Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Controller
Authors: Al-Mallah Mohammad , Ali Mohammad , Al-Khawaldeh Mustafa
Published: November 2022

Intelligent mobile robots need to deal with different kinds of uncertainties in order to perform their tasks, such as tracking predefined paths and avoiding static and dynamic obstacles until reaching their destination. In this research, a Robotino® from Festo Company was used to reach a predefined target in different scenarios, autonomously, in a static and dynamic environment. A Type-2 fuzzy logic controller was used to guide and help Robotino® reach its predefined destination safely. The Robotino® collects data from the environment. The rules of the Type-2 fuzzy logic controller were built from human experience. They controlled the Robotino® movement, guiding it toward its goal by controlling its linear and angular velocities, preventing it from colliding obstacles at the same time, as well. The Takagi–Sugeno–Kang (TSK) algorithm was implemented. Real-time and simulation experimental results showed the capability and effectiveness of the proposed controller, especially in dealing with uncertainty problems.
PCBA-Net: Pyramidal Convolutional Block Attention Network for Synthetic Aperture Radar Image Change Detection
Authors: Xia Yufa , Xu Xin , Pu Fangling
Published: November 2022

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery change detection (CD) is still a crucial and challenging task. Recently, with the boom of deep learning technologies, many deep learning methods have been presented for SAR CD, and they achieve superior performance to traditional methods. However, most of the available convolutional neural networks (CNN) approaches use diminutive and single convolution kernel, which has a small receptive field and cannot make full use of the context information and some useful detail information of SAR images. In order to address the above drawback, pyramidal convolutional block attention network (PCBA-Net) is proposed for SAR image CD in this study. The proposed PCBA-Net consists of pyramidal convolution (PyConv) and convolutional block attention module (CBAM). PyConv can not only extend the receptive field of input to capture enough context information, but also handles input with incremental kernel sizes in parallel to obtain multi-scale detailed information. Additionally, CBAM is introduced in the PCBA-Net to emphasize crucial information. To verify the performance of our proposed method, six actual SAR datasets are used in the experiments. The results of six real SAR datasets reveal that the performance of our approach outperforms several state-of-the-art methods.
Evaluation and Comparison of Open and High-Resolution LULC Datasets for Urban Blue Space Mapping
Authors: Zhou Qi , Jing Xuanqiao
Published: November 2022

Blue spaces (or water bodies) have a positive impact on the built-up environment and human health. Various open and high-resolution land-use/land-cover (LULC) datasets may be used for mapping blue space, but they have rarely been quantitatively evaluated and compared. Moreover, few studies have investigated whether existing 10-m-resolution LULC datasets can identify water bodies with widths as narrow as 10 m. To fill these gaps, this study evaluates and compares four LULC datasets (ESRI, ESA, FROM-GLC10, OSM) for blue space mapping in Great Britain. First, a buffer approach is proposed for the extraction of water bodies of different widths from a reference dataset. This approach is applied to each LULC dataset, and the results are compared in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and the F1-score. We find that a high median accuracy (i.e., >98%) is achieved with all four LULC datasets. The OSM dataset gives the best recall and F1-score. Both the ESRI and ESA datasets produce better results than the FORM-GLC10 dataset. Additionally, the OSM dataset enables the identification of water bodies with widths of 10 m, whereas only water bodies with widths of 20 m or more can be identified in the other datasets. These findings may be beneficial for urban planners and designers in selecting an appropriate LULC dataset for blue space mapping.
Hierarchical Object-Focused and Grid-Based Deep Unsupervised Segmentation Method for High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Pan Xin , Xu Jun , Zhao Jian , Li Xiaofeng
Published: November 2022

Since the unsupervised segmentation of high-resolution remote sensing is a highly challenging task, the introduction of deep learning and processing may be a sensible choice to improve the quality of unsupervised segmentation. Unfortunately, any attempt to direct using unsupervised deep neural networks (UDNNs) to perform this task will be hindered by many obstacles: uncontrollable refinement processes, excessive fragmentation at the borders and excessive computing resource requirements. These obstacles can prevent us from obtaining acceptable results. To address this problem, this article proposes a hierarchical object-focused and grid-based deep unsupervised segmentation method for high-resolution remote sensing images (HOFG). Based on a grid approach, HOFG first adopt a lazy deep segmentation method (LDSM) to handle fragmentation and large image sizes. Then, a hierarchical and iterative segmentation strategy is introduced to reduce the accuracy expectation for the LDSM by means of a cascaded focus mechanism, making the entire segmentation process more controllable. HOFG can overcome all of the above obstacles while utilizing the high recognition ability of UDNNs. In experiments, HOFG are compared with shallow and deep unsupervised segmentation methods. The results show that HOFG can obtain fewer segments while maintaining a high accuracy. HOFG transform the unsupervised classification ability of UDNNs into a controllable and stable segmentation ability, making HOFG valuable for practical applications. The results show that on average, HOFG need only 81.73% as many segments as traditional shallow methods to achieve a high overall accuracy, and HOFG can obtain a 7.2% higher accuracy than a UDNN even when using only approximately 18% as many segments. HOFG can effectively and controllably utilize the recognition ability of UDNNs to achieve better unsupervised segmentation results.
Focus Improvement of Spaceborne-Missile Bistatic SAR Data Using the Modified NLCS Algorithm Based on the Method of Series Reversion
Authors: Xi Zirui , Duan Chongdi , Zuo Weihua , Li Caipin , Huo Tonglong , Li Dongtao , Wen He
Published: November 2022

The speed and direction of a missile shifts sharply in the dive phase, making the azimuth frequency modulation (FM) rate change with the azimuthal position, leading to azimuth ambiguities and image distortion. To solve this problem, a modified nonlinear chirp scaling (NLCS) algorithm was adopted to compensate for the azimuth FM rate. First, the geometric configuration and echo signal model of the spaceborne missile bistatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) were built, and then the Doppler frequency correction was performed, and the 2-D spectrum of the signal was derived by the method of series reversion. Next, range migration correction and range compression were finished in the 2-D frequency domain. Following this, a modified NLCS algorithm was proposed to solve the space variance of Doppler phase problem. After compensating for the azimuth FM rate, the azimuth compression focusing was completed and the imaging result was obtained. Finally, by comparing the calculation amount, imaging effect, and performance index with the traditional NLCS algorithm, it can be concluded that the algorithm reduced the calculation amount by 1.0128 × 108 floating point operations per second (FLOPs) compared with the traditional NLCS algorithm, and the azimuth focusing effect of the edge point was greatly improved. Its resolution, peak sidelobe ratio (PSLR), and integrated sidelobe ratio (ISLR) were improved by 0.87 m, 3.32 dB, and 1.79 dB, respectively, which proved the effectiveness and feasibility of this method.
Adaptive High-Resolution Imaging Method Based on Compressive Sensing
Authors: Wang Zijiao , Gao Yufeng , Duan Xiusheng , Cao Jingya
Published: November 2022

Compressive sensing (CS) is a signal sampling theory that originated about 16 years ago. It replaces expensive and complex receiving devices with well-designed signal recovery algorithms, thus simplifying the imaging system. Based on the application of CS theory, a single-pixel camera with an array-detection imaging system is established for high-pixel detection. Each detector of the detector array is coupled with a bundle of fibers formed by fusion of four bundles of fibers of different lengths, so that the target area corresponding to one detector is split into four groups of target information arriving at different times. By comparing the total amount of information received by the detector with the threshold set in advance, it can be determined whether the four groups of information are calculated separately. The simulation results show that this new system can not only reduce the number of measurements required to reconstruct high quality images but can also handle situations wherever the target may appear in the field of view without necessitating an increase in the number of detectors.
Mitigation Mechanism of Membrane Fouling in MnFeOx Functionalized Ceramic Membrane Catalyzed Ozonation Process for Treating Natural Surface Water
Authors: Guo Hui , Chi Yanxiao , Jia Yifan , Li Manman , Yang Yuxuan , Yao Haiyong , Yang Kunlun , Zhang Zengshuai , Ren Xueli , Gu Peng , Miao Hengfeng
Published: November 2022

In order to efficiently remove NOMs in natural surface water and alleviate membrane pollution at the same time, a flat microfiltration ceramic membrane (CM) was modified with MnFeOX (Mn-Fe-CM), and a coagulation–precipitation–sand filtration pretreatment coupled with an in situ ozonation-ceramic membrane filtration system (Pretreatment/O3/Mn-Fe-CM) was constructed for this study. The results show that the removal rates of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), specific ultraviolet absorption (SUVA) and NH4+-N by the Pretreatment/O3/Mn-Fe-CM system were 51.1%, 67.9% and 65.71%, respectively. Macromolecular organic compounds such as aromatic proteins and soluble microbial products (SMPs) were also effectively removed. The working time of the membrane was about twice that in the Pretreatment/CM system without the in situ ozone oxidation, which was measured by the change in transmembrane pressure, proving that membrane fouling was significantly reduced. Finally, based on the SEM, AFM and other characterization results, it was concluded that the main mitigation mechanisms of membrane fouling in the Pretreatment/O3/Mn-Fe-CM system was as follows: (1) pretreatment could remove part of DOC and SUVA to reduce their subsequent entrapment on a membrane surface; (2) a certain amount of shear force generated by O3 aeration can reduce the adhesion of pollutants; (3) the loaded MnFeOX with a higher catalytic ability produced a smoother active layer on the surface of the ceramic membrane, which was conducive in reducing the contact among Mn-Fe-CM, O3 and pollutants, thus increasing the proportion of reversible pollution and further reducing the adhesion of pollutants; (4) Mn-Fe-CM catalyzed O3 to produce ·OH to degrade the pollutants adsorbed on the membrane surface into smaller molecular organic matter, which enabled them pass through the membrane pores, reducing their accumulation on the membrane surface.
Assessing Triadic Interactions and the Family Alliance among Belgian Lesbian Mothers and Their Donor-Conceived Children
Authors: D’Amore Salvatore , Favez Nicolas , Carone Nicola
Published: November 2022

Both empirical and clinical evidence with heterosexual parents and their biological children has shown the significant influence of early family interactions on children’s socioemotional and cognitive development during their first years. Yet, very little research has applied family-level assessment to families who are diverse with respect to parents’ gender and sexual orientation, and child’s method of conception. The present cross-sectional study compared 24 lesbian mother families with donor-conceived children and 24 heterosexual parent families with spontaneously conceived children with respect to triadic interaction quality and the family alliance (i.e., emotional and interactional coordination during family activities), as observed during the Lausanne Trilogue Play procedure. All parents were first-time parents, White, cisgender, residing in Belgium, had an upper-middle socioeconomic status, and a child aged 3–74 months (M = 21.00, SD = 17.72). Across family types, triadic interactions demonstrated similar scores in each family alliance dimension, characterized by appropriate levels of participation, organization, focalization, and affect sharing. The results have clinical implications for the use of the LTP as both a clinical assessment and a tool to reinforce and intervene with lesbian coparents. Family psychologists may find the results particularly informative when working to support coparenting relationships among diverse families.
COVID-19, Mental Illness, and Incarceration in the United States: A Systematic Review, 2019–2021
Authors: Ricciardelli Lauren A. , King Erin A. , Broadley Meghan
Published: November 2022

In 2019, the viral pandemic known as COVID-19 touched and indelibly impacted the global community, including the United States. The impact of COVID-19 was particularly onerous for the US’s incarcerated. Not only is the United States the leading incarcerator in the world, but the the carceral system represents the nation’s largest de facto mental health treatment setting. The carceral system is overrepresented by people of color, people with disabilities, and people of lower socioeconomic status—with great overlap between these populations. In combination with tough-on-crime policies, the US prison population also now finds itself aging, a process accelerated by confinement. The present systematic literature review describes the current state of peer-reviewed scholarship addressing the impact of COVID-19 on mental illness, incarceration, and their intersection in the United States. To be considered for inclusion, articles (1) were based in the United States or, if a global study, explicitly inclusive of the United States; (2) addressed COVID-19 and mental illness, COVID-19 and US incarceration, or COVID-19 and mental illness and US incarceration; and (3) were published or in-press between December 2019 and October 2021, as either a peer-reviewed commentary or research article in an academic journal. The final literature sample yielded 34 peer-reviewed articles. Ten themes and accompanying figures were developed within each of the three intersections: Intersection #1, COVID-19 and mental illness; Intersection #2, COVID-19 and US incarceration; and Intersection #3, COVID-19 and mental illness and US incarceration. Implications for respective US policies, programs, and systems are discussed.
The Impact of National Culture on Innovation: A Comparative Analysis between Developed and Developing Nations during the Pre- and Post-Crisis Period 2007–2021
Authors: Lee Han-Sol , Chernikov Sergey U. , Nagy Szabolcs , Degtereva Ekaterina A.
Published: November 2022

This empirical study investigates the impact of the Hofstede cultural dimensions (HCD) on the Global Innovation Index (GII) scores in four different years (2007, 2009, 2019 and 2021) to compare the impacts during the pre- and post-crisis (financial and COVID-19) period by employing ordinary least square (OLS) and robust least square (Robust) analyses. The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of cultural factors on the innovation development for different income groups during the pre- and post-crisis period. We found that, in general, the same cultural properties were required for countries to enhance innovation inputs and outputs regardless of pre- and post-crisis periods and time variances. The significant cultural factors (driving forces) of the innovation performance do not change over time. However, our empirical results revealed that not the crisis itself but the income group (either developed or developing) is the factor that influences the relationship between cultural properties and innovation. It is also worth noting that cultural properties have lost much of their impact on innovation, particularly in developing countries, during recent periods. It is highly likely that in terms of innovation, no cultural development or change can significantly impact the innovation output of developing countries without the construction of the appropriate systems.
The Relationship between Organisational Factors and Teachers’ Psychological Empowerment: Evidence from Lithuania’s Low SES Schools
Authors: Buksnyte-Marmiene Loreta , Brandisauskiene Agne , Cesnaviciene Jurate
Published: November 2022

Teacher psychological empowerment is one of the main aspects of their effective job performance, job satisfaction and students’ higher academic achievement. Unfortunately, there is still little research analysing different organisational factors fostering teacher psychological empowerment. To address this gap, this study asks the following question: how is teacher psychological empowerment associated with organisational factors? The research was performed in 33 schools from 9 municipalities with low SES contexts in Lithuania, and 292 teachers participated in the study. The results of the study show that the school should be viewed as a system in which organisational factors are interrelated and connected with teacher psychological empowerment. It was determined that the purposes of school as organisation predict the general psychological empowerment and teachers’ perceived meaning of work. Two organisational factors—purposes and leadership—predict teacher psychological empowerment to make decisions, and teachers’ confidence in competence is predicted by three organisational factors: purposes, relationships, and rewards.
Dyes from the Southern Lands: An Alternative or a Dream?
Authors: Cerdá María Fernanda
Published: November 2022

DSSC technology based on natural dyes still constitutes a tempting alternative to explore. Besides the ease of extraction, most natural dyes fulfill the characteristics to be applied as sensitizers. The presented results summarize the exploration of the features of several southern dyes, mostly coming from the Antarctic region. The explored pigments showed good absorption capacity within the visible region of the light spectra, and their molecules possess functional moieties to coordinate with the TiO2 semiconductor, oxidation potential value near 1 V and reduction potential near −0.8 V, adequate thermal stability, and low fluorescence emission.
On the Sampling Size for Inverse Sampling
Authors: Cuntrera Daniele , Falco Vincenzo , Giambalvo Ornella
Published: November 2022

In the Big Data era, sampling remains a central theme. This paper investigates the characteristics of inverse sampling on two different datasets (real and simulated) to determine when big data become too small for inverse sampling to be used and to examine the impact of the sampling rate of the subsamples. We find that the method, using the appropriate subsample size for both the mean and proportion parameters, performs well with a smaller dataset than big data through the simulation study and real-data application. Different settings related to the selection bias severity are considered during the simulation study and real application.
Biogas Slurry as an Alternative to Chemical Fertilizer: Changes in Soil Properties and Microbial Communities of Fluvo-Aquic Soil in the North China Plain
Authors: Tang Jiao , Yin Jinzhong , Davy Anthony J. , Pan Feifei , Han Xu , Huang Shaonan , Wu Dafu
Published: November 2022

Biogas slurry application offers an alternative to chemical fertilizer in realizing ecologically recycling agriculture. However, the responses of soil fertility and microbial communities to long term use of biogas slurry need to be explored in different soil types and regions. We investigated the effects of repeated applications over six years on the soil properties and microbial characteristics of a fluvo-aquic soil in the North China Plain. The experiment, with equivalent nitrogen inputs, comprised: biogas slurry (BS), chemical fertilizer (CF) or substitution of half the chemical fertilizer with biogas slurry (BSCF); a control treatment had no fertilizer addition. Soil samples, at a depth of 0–20 cm, were collected for their physicochemical properties. Microbial community diversity and composition was investigated using high-throughput sequencing. Biogas slurry application treatments tended to lower the soil bulk density while increasing the water-holding capacity and the water-stable aggregate mean weight diameter. Organic carbon and available nutrient concentrations (nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus) were enhanced in all fertilization treatments relative to the control, especially in the BSCF treatment. Significant differences in microbial community composition were detected between the control and all of the fertilization treatments. BSCF resulted in the greatest diversity and most evenly balanced assemblages of both bacteria and fungi at the phylum level. There were clear associations between microbial composition and changes in soil environmental variables caused by the fertilization treatments. Bacterial community composition and alpha diversity were associated particularly with differences in soil total nitrogen, pH, and available potassium, whereas fungal communities were more related to available potassium. Half substitution of the chemical fertilizer by biogas slurry gave the greatest improvement in soil structure and nutrient availability and this was associated with greater microbial diversity and better balanced microbial communities. Our results suggest that partial substitution with biogas slurry is an alternative to complete chemical fertilizer and that it offers clear benefits for the topsoil structure and fertility in fluvo-aquic soils. It also represents a promising approach to a biogas-linked agroecosystem that restores sustainable coordination between cropping and animal husbandry under an intensive production regime.