bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Irgafos P-168 and Degradative Profile in Samples of a Polypropylene/Polyethylene Composite Using Microwave, Ultrasound and Soxhlet Extraction Techniques
Authors: Hernández-Fernández Joaquín , Pérez-Mendoza Jaime , Ortega-Toro Rodrigo
Published: April 2024

In polypropylene/polyethylene composite (C-PP/PE) production, stabilizing additives such as Irgafos P-168 are essential as antioxidant agents. In this study, an investigation was carried out that covers different solid–liquid extraction methods (Soxhlet, ultrasound, and microwaves); various variables were evaluated, such as temperature, extraction time, the choice of solvents, and the type of C-PP/PE used, and the gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique was used to quantify the presence of Irgafos P-168 in the C-PP/PE samples. The results revealed that microwave extraction was the most effective in recovering Irgafos P-168. A recovery of 96.7% was achieved when using dichloromethane as a solvent, and 92.83% was achieved when using limonene as a solvent. The ultrasound technique recovered 91.74% using dichloromethane and 89.71% using limonene. The Soxhlet extraction method showed the lowest recovery percentages of 57.39% using dichloromethane as a solvent and 55.76% with limonene, especially when the C-PP/PE was in the form of pellets. The degradation products that obtained the highest degradation percentages were Bis (di-test-butyl phenyl) phosphate and Mono (di-test-butyl phenyl) phosphate using the microwave method with dichloromethane as a solvent and PP in film. Finally, the possible mechanisms for forming the degradation compounds of Irgafos P-168 were postulated.
Deferoxamine-Loaded Chitosan-Based Hydrogel on Bone Implants Showing Enhanced Bond Strength and Pro-Angiogenic Effects
Authors: Liu Huan , Li Kai , Yi Deliang , Ding Yi , Gao Yanfeng , Zheng Xuebin
Published: April 2024

Angiogenesis is vital for bone fracture healing and plays a significant role in the fate of orthopedic implants. The growth and maintenance of new blood vessels at the fracture site of patients is essential, which promotes the clinical outcome of plasma sprayed Ti (PST) coated orthopedic implants. In order to endow the PST coating with pro-angiogenic effects, deferoxamine-loaded chitosan-based hydrogel was fabricated on the coating surface. Polydopamine-modified chitosan (CS/PDA) hydrogel exhibited enhanced bonding strength to PST coatings as evidenced by scratch test. The deferoxamine-loaded CS/PDA (CS/PDA-DFO) exhibited a sustained drug-release property, and the cumulative concentration of released DFO reached 20.21 μg/mL on day 7. PST-CS/PDA with higher wettability and active group quantity enhanced the viability and adhesion characteristics of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and upregulated the secretion level of nitric oxide and vascular endothelial growth factor. Moreover, the introduction of DFO in PST-CS/PDA further enhanced the pro-angiogenic effects. Above all, this study offers a novel approach for developing hydrogel coating on orthopedic implants showing enhanced bonding strength and pro-angiogenic effects.
Development and Implementation of an Innovative Framework for Automated Radiomics Analysis in Neuroimaging
Authors: Camastra Chiara , Pasini Giovanni , Stefano Alessandro , Russo Giorgio , Vescio Basilio , Bini Fabiano , Marinozzi Franco , Augimeri Antonio
Published: April 2024

Radiomics represents an innovative approach to medical image analysis, enabling comprehensive quantitative evaluation of radiological images through advanced image processing and Machine or Deep Learning algorithms. This technique uncovers intricate data patterns beyond human visual detection. Traditionally, executing a radiomic pipeline involves multiple standardized phases across several software platforms. This could represent a limit that was overcome thanks to the development of the matRadiomics application. MatRadiomics, a freely available, IBSI-compliant tool, features its intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI), facilitating the entire radiomics workflow from DICOM image importation to segmentation, feature selection and extraction, and Machine Learning model construction. In this project, an extension of matRadiomics was developed to support the importation of brain MRI images and segmentations in NIfTI format, thus extending its applicability to neuroimaging. This enhancement allows for the seamless execution of radiomic pipelines within matRadiomics, offering substantial advantages to the realm of neuroimaging.
Metacognitive Management of Attention in Online Learning
Authors: Hays Matthew Jensen , Kustes Scott Richard , Bjork Elizabeth Ligon
Published: April 2024

Performance during training is a poor predictor of long-term retention. Worse yet, conditions of training that produce rapidly improving performance typically do not produce long-lasting, generalizable learning. As a result, learners and instructors alike can be misled into adopting training or educational experiences that are suboptimal for producing actual learning. Computer-based educational training platforms can counter this unfortunate tendency by providing only productive conditions of instruction—even if they are unintuitive (e.g., spacing instead of massing). The use of such platforms, however, introduces a different liability: being easy to interrupt. An assessment of this possible liability is needed given the enormous disruption to modern education brought about by COVID-19 and the subsequent widespread emergency adoption of computer-based remote instruction. The present study was therefore designed to (a) explore approaches for detecting interruptions that can be reasonably implemented by an instructor, (b) determine the frequency at which students are interrupted during a cognitive-science-based digital learning experience, and (c) establish the extent to which the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns affected students’ metacognitive ability to maintain engagement with their digital learning experiences. Outliers in time data were analyzed with increasing complexity and decreasing subjectivity to identify when learners were interrupted. Results indicated that only between 1.565% and 3.206% of online interactions show evidence of learner interruption. And although classroom learning was inarguably disrupted by the pandemic, learning in the present, evidence-based platform appeared to be immune.
Risk Analysis and Visualization of Merchant and Fishing Vessel Collisions in Coastal Waters: A Case Study of Fujian Coastal Area
Authors: Zhu Chuanguang , Lei Jinyu , Wang Zhiyuan , Zheng Decai , Yu Chengqiang , Chen Mingzhong , He Wei
Published: April 2024

The invasion of ship domains stands out as a significant factor contributing to the risk of collisions during vessel navigation. However, there is a lack of research on the mechanisms underlying the collision risks specifically related to merchant and fishing vessels in coastal waters. This study proposes an assessment method for collision risks between merchant and fishing vessels in coastal waters and validates it through a comparative analysis through visualization. First of all, the operational status of fishing vessels is identified. Collaboratively working fishing vessels are treated as a unified entity, expanding their ship domain during operation to assess collision risks. Secondly, to quantify the collision risk between ships, a collision risk index (CRI) is proposed and visualized based on the severity of the collision risk. Finally, taking the high-risk area for merchant and fishing vessel collisions in the Minjiang River Estuary as an example, this paper conducts an analysis that involves classifying ship collision scenarios, extracts risk data under different collision scenarios, and visually analyzes areas prone to danger. The results indicate that this method effectively evaluates the severity of collision risk, and the identified high-risk areas resulting from the analysis are verified by the number of accidents that occurred in the most recent three years.
Development and Application of an FSI Model for Floating VAWT by Coupling CFD and FEA
Authors: Luo Wenping , Liu Weiqin , Chen Shuo , Zou Qilu , Song Xuemin
Published: April 2024

The emerging floating vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are regarded as a preferred solution to overcome the challenges faced by the traditional horizontal type in open-sea environments. Numerous numerical models have been advanced for assessing this novel object. However, current fully coupled models predominantly rely on simplified theories, assuming a linear fluid load and a one-dimensional slender beam structure. Despite computational fluid dynamic and finite element (CFD-FEA) coupling being qualified for high precision, this technology remains limited to the fixed VAWT field. To predict the load and structural response accurately and comprehensively, this study aims to extend CFD-FEA technology to floating VAWTs. First, an aero-hydro-moor-elastic fully coupled model is developed, and this model is validated by comparing it with several model experiments. Subsequently, a full-scale floating straight-bladed VAWT is simulated with the geometry and numerical models introduced. Furthermore, load and structural responses in a typical case are analyzed in both time and frequency domains. Finally, the sensitivity analysis of each structure part in floating VAWTs to environmental parameters is conducted and discussed. The discovery highlights the intricate nature of tower structural response, which incorporates 2-node, 3-node, wind frequency, and wave frequency components. Distinct from blades or floating foundations, which are primarily influenced by a single environmental parameter, the tower response is significantly amplified by the combined effects of wind and waves.
Optimization of Berth-Tug Co-Scheduling in Container Terminals under Dual-Carbon Contexts
Authors: Wang Yan , Zou Tianyu
Published: April 2024

In order to address the dynamic changes in vessel preferences for berth lines caused by the deployment of shore-based power equipment in major ports and the collaborative scheduling problem of berthing and towing assistance, this paper quantifies the environmental costs of pollutants from the main engines of tugs and auxiliary engines of container ships using an environmental tax. Additionally, considering the economic costs such as vessel delay and shore power cable connection, a two-layer mixed-integer linear programming model is constructed using the task sequence mapping method. This model integrates the allocation of continuous berths at container terminals with coordinated towing scheduling for shore power selection. A solution approach is designed by combining the commercial solver (CPLEX) and the immune particle swarm optimization algorithm (IAPSO). The proposed scheme is validated using the example of the Nansha Phase IV Terminal at the Port of Guangzhou. The results show that compared to the traditional first-come-first-served and adjacent scheduling schemes, the collaborative scheduling scheme proposed in this paper reduces the total cost by 21.73%. By effectively utilizing berth resources and shore power equipment while densely arranging collaborative tasks and appropriately increasing the number of tugs, the port can convert the economic cost of leasing a small number of tugs (increased by 10.63%) into environmental benefits (decreased by 33.88%). This approach provides a reference for addressing nearshore pollution emissions in ports.
Risk Coupling Assessment of Vehicle Scheduling for Shipyard in a Complicated Road Environment
Authors: Wang Ningfei , Yin Jingbo , Khan Rafi Ullah
Published: April 2024

Vehicle scheduling at shipyards can involve delays due to numerous risk factors encountered in the complicated shipyard road environment. This paper studies the problems of risk coupling in shipyard vehicle scheduling based on the risk matrix approach, considering the complicated road environment, assessing the degrees of coupling and disorder. Based on safety-engineering theory and comprehensive analysis of the road environment, four key criteria are identified, vehicles, the road environment, the working environment, and humans, including 12 factors and their specific contents. The degree of coupling between various combinations of risk criteria is quantitatively determined utilizing the N-K model. Additionally, the degree of disorder in the risk criteria is assessed based on information entropy theory. The model’s correction coefficients are determined through comparative analysis of experimental data. By integrating the degree of coupling and disorder, delays caused by different combinations of risk criteria in scheduling tasks are computed. The quantitative evaluation model enables accurate appraisal of risk events during shipyard vehicle scheduling. The model provides a valuable managerial tool to analyze delays caused when specific risk criteria are met and to compare these delays to the potential impact on time resulting from adjusting vehicle scheduling plans. This research has significant implications for enhancing vehicle distribution efficiency in shipyards.
Tidal Flat Erosion Processes and Their Dynamic Mechanisms on the South Side of Sheyang River Estuary, Jiangsu Province
Authors: Zhang Wangze , Ouyang Kai , Zhang Xiaofei , Wang Aijun , Yu Qian , Ye Xiang , Yao Caihua
Published: April 2024

Tidal flats are accumulations of fine-grained sediment formed under the action of tides and play a very important role in coastal protection. The northern part of Jiangsu coast, as a typical example of muddy coasts found all over the world, has experienced serious erosion since the Yellow River shifted northward, and the range of erosion has been gradually extending southward, now reaching the south of the Sheyang River estuary (SYRE). In order to address coastal erosion near the SYRE through protective measures, there is an urgent need for research on the spatial and temporal variation of coastal erosion processes and their control mechanisms in the SYRE and adjacent coastal areas. For this study, the tidal flats on the south side of the SYRE were selected as the study area, and the sediment dynamics in the upper and lower intertidal flat were observed in different seasons to investigate the erosion processes and their dynamic mechanisms. The results show that the tidal current and wave action in the observed intertidal flats are stronger in winter than in summer, and these intertidal flats erode under the combined action of waves and currents. During winter, the net transport of the near-bottom suspended sediment and bedload is primarily towards the southeast, while in summer, the direction tends toward the north and northeast. The net transport fluxes are larger in the lower part of the intertidal flat than in the upper part in summer and also larger in winter than in summer within the lower intertidal flat. Furthermore, the tidal flat erosion in the study area manifests as shoreline retreat and flat surface erosion. The average shoreline retreat rate increased from 23.3 m/a during 2014–2019 to 43.5 m/a during 2019–2021, and the average erosion depth of the lower and upper parts of the intertidal flat over a tidal cycle is, respectively, 1.98 cm and 0.24 cm in winter and 1.65 cm and 0.26 cm in summer. The ratio of the wave-induced bottom shear stress to the tidal current-induced bottom shear stress is 0.40~0.46 in the lower intertidal flat and increases to 0.66~0.67 in the upper intertidal flat, indicating that the intertidal flat erosion in the study area is primarily driven by tidal currents, with significant contributions from wave action, especially in the upper intertidal flat.
Variable Neighborhood Search for Multi-Port Berth Allocation with Vessel Speed Optimization
Authors: Song Yalong , Ji Bin , Yu Samson S.
Published: April 2024

This paper delves into the multi-port berth allocation problem (MBAP), enriching the traditional berth allocation problem (BAP) with vessel speed optimization (VSO). In the MBAP, it is assumed that there is cooperation between the port and the shipping companies, and the operation of the vessels and the ports is planned to maximize the overall benefits. Exploring this potential collaboration between ports and shipping entities has the potential to mitigate, or even resolve, the challenges plaguing maritime transportation, e.g., port congestion and suboptimal vessel schedules, to ultimately enhance the efficiency of maritime trade. In this paper, a new mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model for the MBAP is formulated, which attempts to minimize the total cost incurred during operations, with various constraints such as vessel sailing, the vessel space–time relationship in ports, and the planning period. Meanwhile, an innovative variable neighborhood search (VNS) algorithm is presented, in which the initial solution generation method and neighborhood structures are proposed according to the MBAP characteristics. Furthermore, two sets of MBAP instances are generated to test the proposed MILP and VNS, of which the first set is based on real-world port data and the second on existing studies. The numerical experiments verify that the VNS can efficiently and reliably solve instances of all scales, with each neighborhood structure contributing uniquely to the iterative process. In addition, by analyzing the impact of varying oil prices on the MBAP, the study offers valuable management insights. Finally, a case study based on real data from a port group in the Yangtze River Basin is presented to further demonstrate the necessity of considering vessel service time window and planning period in the MBAP as well as the important role of the VSO in scheduling.
Towing Analysis and Validation of a Fully Assembled Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Based on an Experimental Study
Authors: Ramachandran Rahul Chitteth , Serraris Jorrit-Jan , Montfort Jaume Hernandez , De Ridder Erik-Jan , Desmond Cian , Murphy Jimmy
Published: April 2024

The offshore wind sector is moving into deep waters and using floating platforms to harness the higher wind speeds in exposed locations. There are various floating platform types currently in development, but semi-submersibles are considered the most prominent early movers. Such floaters need to be towed to and from wind farm locations for installation, special cases of repair and decommissioning. As with any other offshore activity, metocean limits exist for towing operations which can impact the development of a wind farm. It is important to calculate the motion and loads of the platform before commencing the towing operations and to check whether they exceed the defined limits to enable safe execution. In this paper, two approaches using two different numerical tools to predict the motion of a fully assembled floating wind platform under tow are presented and compared. A potential flow-based method derived from a low forward speed approach and a hybrid approach combining potential flow and Morison equation methods are investigated, and the numerical predictions are compared and validated against experimental results. Both methods demonstrate accurate predictions, depending on the wave condition and towing speed, albeit differing in execution time and the simplicity of the simulation setup. The first method was found to provide good predictions of the motion in low-speed (0.514–1.543 m/s) towing conditions. The second method provides better results for all the towing speeds and wave heights. As the wave height and towing speed increase, deviations from experiments were observed, signifying non-linear phenomena that are difficult to analyse using the mentioned potential-flow-based methods.
State of the Art on Fe Precipitation in Porous Media: Hydrogeochemical Processes and Evolving Parameters
Authors: Cao Wenran , Yan Guanxi , Hofmann Harald , Scheuermann Alexander
Published: April 2024

The mixing of terrestrial groundwater and seawater creates dynamic reaction zones in intertidal areas, where land-derived Fe(II) is oxidized to Fe(III) and then precipitates as Fe hydroxides at the groundwater–seawater interface. These hydrogeochemical processes contribute to the formation of iron bands at the saltwater wedge (SW) and beneath the upper saline plume (USP). This study provides a comprehensive review of physical and geochemical processes at field scale in coastal areas, explores the impact of mineral precipitation on pore structure at pore scale, and synthesizes reactive transport modeling (RTM) approaches for illustrating continuum-scale soil physio-chemical parameters during the evolution of porous media. Upon this review, knowledge gaps and research needs are identified. Additionally, challenges and opportunities are presented. Therefore, we reach the conclusion that the incorporation of observational data into a comprehensive physico-mathematical model becomes imperative for capturing the pore-scale processes in porous media and their influence on groundwater flow and solute transport at large scales. Additionally, a synergistic approach, integrating pore-scale modeling and non-invasive imaging, is equally essential for providing detailed insights into intricate fluid–pore–solid interactions for future studies, as well as facilitating the development of regional engineering-scale models and physio-chemical coupled models with diverse applications in marine science and engineering.
The Comparative Genomics of Botryosphaeriaceae Suggests Gene Families of Botryosphaeria dothidea Related to Pathogenicity on Chinese Hickory Tree
Authors: Liang Dong , Jiang Yiru , Zhang Yu , Mao Chengxing , Ma Tianlin , Zhang Chuanqing
Published: April 2024

Trunk canker poses a major threat to the production of Chinese hickory tree (Carya cathayensis Sarg.), which is primarily determined by Botryosphaeriaceae. In our previous work, we identified Botryosphaeria dothidea as the predominant pathogen of this disease. However, it is still unclear about corresponding gene families and mechanisms associated with B. dothidea’s pathogenicity on Chinese hickory tree. Here, we present a comparative analysis of high-quality genome assemblies of Botryosphaeria dothidea and other isolated pathogens, showing highly syntenic relationships between B. dothidea and its closely related species and the conservative evolution of the Botryosphaeriaceae family. Higher GC contents were found in the genomes of B. dothidea and three other isolated pathogens (Botryshaeria cortices, Botryshaeria fabicerciana, and Botryshaeria qingyuanensis) compared to Macrophomina phaseolina, Neofusicoccum parvum, Diplodia corticola, and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. An investigation of genes specific to or expanded in B. dothidea revealed that one secreted glucanase, one orsellinic acid biosynthesis enzyme, and two MFS transporters positively regulated B. dothidea’s pathogenicity. We also observed an overrepresentation of viral integrase like gene and heterokaryon incompatibility proteins in the B. dothidea’s genome. In addition, we observed one LRR-domain-containing protein and two Sec-domain-containing proteins (Sec_1 and Sec_7) that underwent positive selection. This study will help to understand B. dothidea’s pathogenicity and potential influence on the infection of Chinese hickory, which will help in the development of disease control and ensure the security of Chinese hickory production.
Four New Species and One New Record of Thelephora from China
Authors: Tian Mei-Zhi , Xia Hai-Bin , Gao Zheng-Lin , Zhao Chang-Yin , Ma Dan , Yang Zhu-Liang , Li Yan-Chun
Published: April 2024

Species of the genus Thelephora (Thelephorales, Thelephoraceae) are ectomycorrhizal symbionts of coniferous and broad-leaved plants, and some of them are well-known edible mushrooms, making it an exceptionally important group ecologically and economically. However, the diversity of the species from China has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analyses, along with morphological observations of this genus. Four new species from China are proposed, viz., T. dactyliophora, T. lacunosa, T. petaloides, and T. pinnatifida. In addition, T. sikkimensis originally described from India is reported for the first time from China. Thelephora dactyliophora, T. pinnatifida, and T. sikkimensis are distributed in subtropical forests and mainly associated with plants of the families Fagaceae and Pinaceae. Thelephora lacunosa and T. petaloides are distributed in tropical to subtropical forests. Thelephora lacunosa is mainly associated with plants of the families Fagaceae and Pinaceae, while T. petaloides is mainly associated with plants of the family Fagaceae. Line drawings of microstructures, color pictures of fresh basidiomes, and detailed descriptions of these five species are provided.
Decoding Journalism in the Digital Age: Self-Representation, News Quality, and Collaboration in Portuguese Newsrooms
Authors: Canavilhas João , Di Fátima Branco
Published: April 2024

This paper analyses the self-representations of Portuguese media professionals and their work practices. Utilizing data from a broader empirical study, this paper delves into the dynamics of influence among various actors within newsrooms. Based on journalists’ perceptions of the content, the methods they use to assess the quality of the news are also identified. To address these enquiries, a survey was conducted among professionals engaged in the news production process. This sample comprised 72 individuals from various sectors of newsrooms, including photographers, designers, IT professionals, social media managers, and videographers. The main results indicate that seven out of ten respondents acknowledged their reliance on colleagues in newsrooms for success. Furthermore, the data suggest that there are no significant disparities among different professionals, with personal satisfaction emerging as the primary criterion for assessing the work quality. It is notable that almost twice as many women tend to indicate the low impact of the journalist on their work compared to male respondents. Moreover, most respondents stated that there is space for hybrid professionals in newsrooms.
The Impact of ABCC2 -24C>T Gene Polymorphism on Graft Survival in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Choong Chiau Ling , Islahudin Farida , Wong Hin-Seng , Yahya Rosnawati , Mohd Tahir Nor Asyikin , Makmor-Bakry Mohd
Published: April 2024

Personalized medicine in kidney transplantation has the potential to improve outcomes and reduce complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding metabolizing enzymes (CYP3A5) and transporters (ABCC2) on clinical outcomes (acute graft failure and/or acute tubular necrosis (ATN)) in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study where adult KTR who had undergone kidney transplantation between 2020 and 2021 and received tacrolimus-mycophenolate treatment were enrolled in the study. DNA was extracted from collected blood samples using a commercially available kit. CYP3A5*3, ABCC2 -24C>T and ABCC2 3972C>T SNP were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Of the total 39 patients included, nine (23.1%) KTR had an incidence of acute graft failure and/or ATN. A multiple logistic regression showed wildtype ABCC2 -24C>T C allele had a higher risk of developing acute graft rejection and/or ATN compared to the variant allele carriers (adjusted Odd Ratios [aOR]: 27.675, p = 0.038). Recipients who had delayed graft function (aOR: 49.214, p = 0.012) and a history of CMV infection (aOR: 18.097, p = 0.009) were at 49.2 and 18.1-times increased risk for acute graft failure and/or ATN, respectively. The large aOR was inevitable due to the small sample size and required cautious interpretation. This is the first study to determine the effect of the ABCC2 -24C>T genetic polymorphism on clinical outcomes in Malaysian KTR and forms the basis for further work on ABCC2 -24C>T effects in long-term KTR.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Impact on Firm Performance for an Emerging Economy
Authors: Singhal Neeraj , Paul Pinku , Giri Sunil , Taneja Shallini
Published: April 2024

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was usually referred to as a concept where companies initiate voluntary action towards social and environmental concerns in the context of business operations related to the stakeholders of the company prior to the CSR Act 2013 in India. Post-2013, the voluntary initiative was replaced by regulatory guidelines to address social and environmental concerns. The CSR applicability–investment gap was used as a base concept in this study with instrumental theory; the study offers a strategic perspective of CSR and how organizations emphasized maximizing stakeholders’ value. In order to further investigate the effect of CSR on corporate financial performance (CFP) through the measure of shareholders’ value, i.e., the return on equity (ROE), the study used the sample from the National Stock Exchange (NSE)-Nifty-100 indexed companies of Emerging Economy—India for a span of fourteen years (2009–2023). The vast majority of research in this domain is conducted in developed countries; the research gap is filled by this study by considering India and drawing samples from multiple industries. The empirical model was developed by using panel data regression, where the dependent variable was ROE, and the independent variables were earning per share (EPS), log total income (LTI), CSR applicability/profit after tax (CRSAPPPAT), and CSR investment/profit after tax (CSRIPAT). The findings also highlighted the CSR applicability and investment of the firms during pre- and post-Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) periods. The same was also analyzed for the firms committed to CSR and not committed to CSR. The results indicated that there is no significant impact of the CSR/ESG initiatives (applicability and investment) on the ROE of the firms. The performance could be better if the companies minimize the CSR/ESG promise–performance gap through effective communication with stakeholders.
Whether to Add a Digital Product into Subscription Service?
Authors: Zhang Linlan , Zhang Yu
Published: April 2024

Digital products companies are increasingly adopting subscription pricing, but consumers who pay the subscription service may not be able to access all digital products sold on the sales platform. This paper explores the question of why some digital products are not in the subscription service of the sales platform. To address this problem, we develop an analytical model to examine two strategies of the firm. One is that the firm does not add the new product into the subscription service, the other is that the firm adds the new product into the subscription service. By comparing the profits under two sets, we find the condition under which the firm should add the new digital product into the subscription service. The results show that if the percentage of existing subscribers is below a certain threshold, and the subscription price is over a certain threshold, it is better for the firm to add the new product into the subscription service. We also analyze how the main variables affect the firm’s profit and the piracy rate. Our research provides useful insights for firms in choosing pricing schemes for the newly released product and offers advice for policymakers on controlling the piracy rate of digital products industry.
Tailoring Garment Fit for Personalized Body Image Enhancement: Insights from Digital Fitting Research
Authors: Li Jiayin , Su Xing , Liang Jiahao , Mok P. Y. , Fan Jintu
Published: April 2024

In the context of the Fashion Apparel Industry 4.0, a transformative evolution is directed towards the Online Apparel Mass Customization (OAMC) strategy, which provides efficient and personalized apparel product solutions to consumers. A critical challenge within this customization process is the determination of sizes. While existing research addresses comfort evaluation in relation to wearer and garment fit, little attention has been given to how garment fit influences the wearer’s body image, which is also an important purchase consideration. This study investigates the impact of garment fit on the wearer’s body scale perception using quantitative research design. A digital dataset of avatars, clothed in varying sizes of T-shirts, were created for the body scale perception experiment, and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was developed to predict the effect of T-shirt fit on body image. With only a small number of garments and body measurements as inputs, the ANN model can accurately predict the body scales of the clothed persons. It was found that the effect of apparel fit on body image varies depending on the wearer’s gender, body size, and shape. This model can be applied to enhance the online garment shopping experience with respect to personalized body image enhancement.
Research Progress in the Field of Peatlands in 1990–2022: A Systematic Analysis Based on Bibliometrics
Authors: Shi Jianzong , Liu Wenhao , Li Ren , Wu Xiaodong , Wu Tonghua , Zhao Lin , Ma Junjie , Wang Shenning , Xiao Yao , Hu Guojie , Jiao Yongliang , Wang Dong , Wei Xianhua , Lou Peiqing , Qiao Yongping
Published: April 2024

Peatlands are major natural carbon pool in terrestrial ecosystems globally and are essential to a variety of fields, including global ecology, hydrology, and ecosystem services. Under the context of climate change, the management and conservation of peatlands has become a topic of international concern. Nevertheless, few studies have yet systematized the overall international dynamics of existing peatland research. In this study, based on an approach integrating bibliometrics and a literature review, we systematically analyzed peatland research from a literature perspective. Alongside traditional bibliometric analyses (e.g., number of publications, research impact, and hot areas), recent top keywords in peatland research were found, including ‘oil palm’, ‘tropical peatland’, ‘permafrost’, and so on. Furthermore, six hot topics of peatland research were identified: (1) peatland development and the impacts and degradations, (2) the history of peatland development and factors of formation, (3) chemical element contaminants in peatlands, (4) tropical peatlands, (5) peat adsorption and its humic acids, and (6) the influence of peatland conservation on the ecosystem. In addition, this review found that the adverse consequences of peatland degradation in the context of climate change merit greater attention, that peatland-mapping techniques suitable for all regions are lacking, that a unified global assessment of carbon stocks in peatlands urgently needs to be established, spanning all countries, and that a reliable system for assessing peatland-ecosystem services needs to be implemented expeditiously. In this study, we argued that enhanced integration in research will bridge knowledge gaps and facilitate the systematic synthesis of peatlands as complex systems, which is an imperative need.
Impacts of Land Use Conversion on Soil Erosion in the Urban Agglomeration on the Northern Slopes of the Tianshan Mountains
Authors: Guo Ziqi , Yan Zhaojin , He Rong , Yang Hui , Ci Hui , Wang Ran
Published: April 2024

The serious problem of soil erosion not only has a profound impact on people’s lives but also results in a series of ecological and environmental challenges. To determine the impact of changes in land use type on soil erosion in the urban agglomeration on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains, this study commences by employing the InVEST-SDR (integrated valuation of ecosystem services and tradeoffs–sediment delivery ratio) model to calculate soil erosion levels spanning from 2000 to 2020. Subsequently, it forecasts land use and land cover (LULC) conditions for the year 2030 under three scenarios: Q1 (natural development), Q2 (ecological protection), and Q3 (economic priority). This projection is accomplished through the integration of a coupled Markov chain and multi-objective planning model (MOP) alongside patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) models. Ultimately, based on these outcomes, the study predicts soil erosion levels for the year 2030. There has been a consistent decline in soil erosion from 2000 to 2020 with high-intensity erosion concentrated in the Tianshan Mountain region. Grasslands, glaciers, and permafrost are identified as the most erosion-prone land types in the study area, with forests exhibiting the highest capacity for soil retention. Converting from grassland and barren land to forest within the same area results in a substantial reduction in soil erosion, specifically by 27.3% and 46.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the transformation from barren land to grassland also leads to a noteworthy 19% decrease in soil erosion. Over the past two decades, the study area has witnessed a significant decline in the area of grasslands, with a notable shift towards barren and impervious surfaces due to economic development and mining activities. The three predicted scenarios depict significant expansion towards barren land, grassland, and impervious area, respectively. Soil erosion decreases under different shared socio-economic pathway (SSP) scenarios relative to 2020. There is an increase in soil erosion in the Q1 scenario and in the Q3 scenario, whereas the amount of soil erosion in the Q2 scenario exhibits a continued decrease when only the effect of land change on soil erosion is considered. Persistently rapid economic development can exacerbate soil erosion problems, underscoring the need to find a balance between economic growth and ecological conservation. As economic expansion slows down, greater emphasis should be placed on environmental protection to maintain ecological stability.
Using Automated Machine Learning for Spatial Prediction—The Heshan Soil Subgroups Case Study
Authors: Liang Peng , Qin Cheng-Zhi , Zhu A-Xing
Published: April 2024

Recently, numerous spatial prediction methods with diverse characteristics have been developed. Selecting an appropriate spatial prediction method, along with its data preprocessing and parameter settings, presents a challenging task for many users, especially for non-experts. This paper addresses this challenge by exploring the potential of automated machine learning method proposed in artificial intelligent domain to automatically determine the most suitable method among various machine learning methods. As a case study, the automated machine learning method was applied to predict the spatial distribution of soil subgroups in Heshan farm. A total of 110 soil samples and 10 terrain variables were utilized in the designed experiments. To evaluate the performance, the proposed method was compared to each machine learning method with default parameters values or parameters determined by expert knowledge. The results showed that the proposed method typically achieved higher accuracy scores than the two alternative methods. This suggests that automated machine learning performs effectively in scenarios where numerous machine learning methods are available and offers practical utility in reducing the dependence on users’ expertise in spatial prediction. However, a more robust automated framework should be developed to encompass a broader range of spatial prediction methods, such as spatial statistic methods, rather than only focusing on machine learning methods.
Factors Influencing Ephemeral Gullies at the Regional Scale: Formation and Density
Authors: Ma Lei , Wang Chunmei , Zhong Yuan , Pang Guowei , Wang Lei , Long Yongqing , Yang Qinke , Tang Bingzhe
Published: April 2024

Ephemeral gully (EG) erosion is an important type of water erosion. Understanding the spatial distribution of EGs and other influencing factors at a regional scale is crucial for developing effective soil and water management strategies. Unfortunately, this area has not been sufficiently studied. The present study visually interpreted the EGs based on Google Earth images in 137 small watersheds uniformly distributed in the Loess Plateau, compared them with measured results, and analyzed the factors influencing EG formation and density using GeoDetector. The results showed that visually interpreting EGs from Google Earth images was suitable for EG regional studies. Out of the 137 small watersheds, 33.6% had EG occurrence with an average density of 3.41 km/km2. Rainfall (R) and slope gradient (S) were the primary factors influencing the formation of EGs, while the area proportion of sloping farmland (APSF) and soil erodibility (K) were the main factors affecting EG density. The interaction of dual factors had a greater influence compared to single factors, with the interaction between S and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) having the greatest impact on EG formation and the interaction between K and NDVI on EG density. Although natural forces significantly influence whether EGs can form in a specific area, human activities greatly affect the density of the gullies that develop. This underscores the importance of proper land management in controlling gully erosion. These findings could provide theoretical support for EG prediction models and a scientific basis for soil and water loss control strategies at the regional scale.
How to Realize Synergistic Emission Reduction in Future Urban Agglomerations: Spatial Planning Approaches to Reducing Carbon Emissions from Land Use: A Case Study of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region
Authors: Li Haoran , Liu Yang , Li Yixiao , Li Xiaoxi , Yan Shuyi , Zheng Xi
Published: April 2024

Land use changes in rapidly urbanizing regions around the world constitute a principal anthropogenic element fueling the surge in carbon emissions. Here, land use patterns within the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration under low-carbon development (LCD) scenarios were simulated. Additionally, social network analysis was employed to formulate carbon balance planning guidelines for various administrative regions. (1) In the ecological protection scenario, carbon emissions from land use were 643.42 × 104 tons lower compared to the natural development scenario. Counties with high ecological support coefficients accounted for 22%, making them better suited for predicting outcomes related to low-carbon-oriented land use. (2) The spatial connections of carbon emissions in BTH were closely related, forming the three main carbon emission spatial linkage areas. (3) A carbon balance zoning plan for the BTH in 2035 under the LCD scenario was formulated. Furthermore, key areas for the implementation of carbon peak and carbon neutrality projects were delineated, and targeted measures for carbon reduction and sink increase were proposed. This study provides a new perspective for implementing territorial spatial planning in Chinese urban agglomerations and can aid the government in formulating a reasonable low-carbon-oriented regional planning policy.
Policies and Regulations for Desertification Prevention and Control in Mongolia
Authors: You Yuan , Zhou Na , Wang Yongdong
Published: April 2024

Desertification is a transnational, cross-regional, and global eco-environmental problem that seriously restricts sustainable socioeconomic development. As Mongolia is a typical arid and semi-arid region, the evolution of desertification in the country is closely related to major global issues such as climate change, global carbon cycling, and biodiversity. In this article, we analyze the background, development process, limitations, and other aspects of Mongolia’s desertification prevention and control policies and regulations and conclude that Mongolia needs to formulate a “Desertification Prevention and Control Law.” In particular, it needs to clarify the responsibility subjects, beneficiaries, interest compensation subjects, and illegal punishment subjects for prevention and control, as well as the responsibilities and obligations of relevant legal subjects. The research results show that it is important to form a solution mechanism in legal research on the joint prevention and control of desertification between Mongolia and China. We propose a concept of best future practice, highlighting the urgent need to establish a framework for the joint prevention and control of desertification via a cooperative mechanism between Mongolia and China and for the two countries to jointly promote global cooperation in combating this important environmental issue.
Unveiling the Impact of Urbanization on Net Primary Productivity: Insights from the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Gao Jing , Liu Min , Wang Xiaoping
Published: April 2024

Urbanization has significantly altered the carbon cycle of the terrestrial environment, particularly in relation to net primary productivity (NPP). Gaining a more comprehensive comprehension of how NPP is affected by urbanization is crucial for obtaining fresh perspectives on sustainable urban landscape design and decision making. While there is a significant body of research examining the geographical and temporal patterns of NPP supply capacity, there are only a few studies that have investigated the spatial relationships between NPP and urbanization, particularly at the grid scale. This research investigated the temporal and geographical features and patterns of NPP and their impact mechanisms. In order to estimate NPP and the level of urbanization in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration (YRDUA), we used a combination of different models and datasets. To evaluate the geographical correlations and dependence between NPP and urbanization, we utilized local bivariate autocorrelation methods and spatial regression models to describe and visualize these relationships. The findings revealed that there was a consistent negative relationship between NPP and urbanization on a global scale from 1990 to 2020. However, when examining the local scale, the geographical correlations could be classified into four distinct categories: areas with both low NPP and low urbanization, areas with high NPP and high urbanization, areas with low NPP and high urbanization, and areas with high NPP and low urbanization. Our analysis showed that spatial regression models are more suitable for quantifying the spatial relationship between NPP and urbanization due to their ability to include the impacts of spatial Moran’s I techniques. Due to the growing urbanization, the highest NPP value was recorded in 2005, followed by 2000, 2020, and 2010. Conversely, the smallest association was observed in 2015. Examining the geographical connection between NPP and urbanization offers theoretical and practical insights for urban planning that prioritizes human needs and promotes sustainable development. It also aids in the development of reasonable methods for organizing ecological functional systems.