bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Diversity and Phylogeography of the Relict Tree Fern Culcita macrocarpa: Influence of Clonality and Breeding System on Genetic Variation
Authors: Suárez-Santiago Víctor N. , Provan Jim , Romero-García Ana Teresa , Ben-Menni Schuler Samira
Published: June 2024

The tree fern Culcita macrocarpa, a threatened Iberian–Macaronesian endemism, represents the sole European species of the order Cyatheales. Considered a Tertiary relict of European Palaeotropical flora, its evolutionary history and genetic diversity, potentially influenced by presumed high clonal propagation, remain largely unknown. This study elucidates the phylogeographic history of C. macrocarpa, assessing the impact of vegetative reproduction on population dynamics and genetic variability. We provide genetic data from eight newly identified nuclear microsatellite loci and one plastid DNA region for 17 populations spanning the species’ range, together with species distribution modeling data. Microsatellites reveal pervasive clonality in C. macrocarpa, which has varied among populations. We assess the impact of clonality on genetic diversity and evaluate how estimates of intra-population genetic diversity indices and genetic structuring are affected by the chosen definition of “individual” (focusing exclusively on genetically distinct individuals, genets, as opposed to considering all independent clonal replicates, ramets). We identify two main population groups, one in the northern Iberian Peninsula and the other in the Macaronesian archipelagos and southern Iberian Peninsula. Within each group, we found relict populations (in the Azores and the Cantabrian Cornice) as well as recent originated populations. This population structure suggests colonization dynamics in which recent populations originated from one or a few genets of relict populations and became established through intra-gametophytic self-fertilization and vegetative expansion. DAPC analysis facilitated the identification of alleles that most significantly contributed to the observed population structure. The current Andalusian populations appear to have originated from colonization events from the Azores and the Cantabrian Cornice. Our findings suggest that C. macrocarpa persisted through the Last Glacial Maximum in two refugia: the Azores and the Cantabrian Cornice. Colonization into new areas occurred presumably from these refuges, generating two large population groups with structured genetic diversity. This study underscores the significance of clonality in establishing new populations and shaping genetic structure.
Magnesium Transfer between Atomic Force Microscopy Probes and Metal Electrodes in Aqueous Alginate Electrolytes
Authors: Legerstee Walter J. , Kiriinya Lindah , Kwakernaak Mark , Kelder Erik M.
Published: June 2024

The upcoming energy transition requires not only renewable energy sources but also novel electricity storage systems such as batteries. Despite Li-ion batteries being the main storage systems, other batteries have been proposed to fulfil the requirements on safety, costs, and resource availability. Moving away from lithium, materials such as sodium, magnesium, zinc, and calcium are being considered. Water-based electrolytes are known for their improved safety, environmentally friendliness, and affordability. The key, however, is how to utilize the negative metal electrode, as using water-based electrolytes with these metals becomes an issue with respect to oxidation and/or dendrite formation. This work studied magnesium, where we aimed to determine if it can be electrochemically deposited in aqueous solutions with alginate-based additives to protect the magnesium. In order to do so, atomic force microscopy was used to research the morphological structure of magnesium deposition at the local scale by using a probe—the tip of a cantilever—as the active electrode, during charging and discharging. The second goal of using the AFM probe technology for magnesium deposition and stripping was an extension of our previous study in which we investigated, for lithium, whether it is possible to measure ion current and perform nonfaradaic impedance measurements at the local scale. The work presented here shows that this is possible in a relatively simple way because, with magnesium, no dendrite formation occurs, which hinders the stripping process.
Preparation of Gradient Polyurethane and Its Performance for Flexible Sensors
Authors: Ning Chuanqi , Gong Depeng , Wu Lili , Chen Wanyu , Zhang Chaocan
Published: June 2024

Flexible sensors are prone to the problems of slow recovery rate and large residual strain in practical use. In this paper, a polyurethane functional composite with a gradient change in elastic modulus is proposed as a flexible sensor to meet the recovery rate and residual strain without affecting the motion. Different hard and soft segment ratios are used to synthesize a gradient polyurethane structure. The conductive percolation threshold was obtained between 45 wt% and 50 wt% of flake silver powder. Both gradient polyurethane and gradient polyurethane composites demonstrated that gradient materials can increase the recovery rate and reduce residual strain. The gradient polyurethane composites had a tensile strength of 3.26 MPa, an elastic modulus of 2.58 MPa, an elongation at break of 245%, a sensitivity coefficient of 1.20 at 0–25% deformation, a sensitivity coefficient of 11.38 at 25–75% deformation, a rate of recovery of 1.95 s at a time, and a resistance to fatigue (over 1000 cycles at a fixed strain of 20% showed a stable electrical response). The sensing performance under different cyclic strain frequencies was also investigated. The process has practical applications in the field of wearable skin motion and health monitoring.
Surface Modification of Copper-Based Flakes for Conductive Polymer Composites
Authors: Mihelčič Mohor , Oseli Alen , Rojac Tadej , Slemenik Perše Lidija
Published: June 2024

The physical properties as well as thermal and electrical stability of copper particles can be improved by surface protection, which mainly depends on the coating material. Our study was, therefore, focused on the rheological, thermal, mechanical and electrical characterization of polymer composites by comparing uncoated (Cu), silver-coated (Cu@Ag) and silica-coated (Cu@Si) copper flakes in low-density polyethylene at various volume concentrations (up to 40%). Interactions among particles were investigated by rheological properties, as these indicate network formation (geometrical entanglement), which is important for mechanical reinforcement as well as establishing an electric pathway (electrical percolation). The results showed that geometrical and electrical percolation were the same for Cu and Cu@Si, ~15%, while, surprisingly, Cu@Ag exhibited much lower percolation, ~7.5%, indicating the fusion of the Ag coating material, which also decreased crystal growth (degree of crystallinity). Furthermore, the magnitude of the rheological and mechanical response remained the same for all investigated materials, indicating that the coating materials do not provide any load transfer capabilities. However, they profoundly affect electron transfer, in that, Cu@Ag exhibited superior conductivity (74.4 S/m) compared to Cu (1.7 × 10−4 S/m) and Cu@Si (1.5 × 10−10 S/m). The results obtained are important for the design of advanced polymer composites for various applications, particularly in electronics where enhanced electrical conductivity is desired.
Performance Evaluation of Out-of-Spec Carbon Prepregs for Upcycling Purposes
Authors: Rao Sanjeev , Bastienne Dereck
Published: June 2024

In view of exploring the possibility of upcycling aerospace scrap, cure characteristics of out-of-spec carbon fiber prepregs are investigated in this study. The cure behavior of the prepreg is examined in the form of the mechanical cure conversion state of the material using a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA). Cure kinetics is modeled by comparing the storage modulus at the start of the reaction (E′0) and instantaneously (E′t) during isothermal experiments with those of the fully cured material (E′∞) obtained from dynamic scans. The glass transition temperature Tg and the extent of reaction before gelation are modeled using the DiBenedetto model, where the Tg of each laminate is determined in a DMA, per standard ASTM D7028. The mechanical properties, the extent of cure, and the glass transition temperature of the cured laminates were determined according to industry and international standards. The maximum conversion at temperatures between 100 °C and 140 °C is approximately 80% (±5%). The modeled rate of conversion shows a reasonable match with the experimental data, exhibiting a maximum reaction rate at about 30–40% of the cure conversion. The predicted evolution of the Tg as a function of cure conversion using the DiBenedetto model provides a 94% match with the experimental data. The multi-stage cure cycle based on the models offers shorter cycle times and high-quality laminates. The mechanical test results indicate approximately a 13% and 15% decrease in tensile strength and modulus, respectively, compared to pristine ones. The experimental extent of cure of the cured laminates (95.4%) is in close agreement with that predicted by the model (97%). The porosity in the laminates is estimated to be approximately 2.4%, which is acceptable in several industries.
An Experimental Study on the Solubility of Betulin in the Complex Solvent Ethanol-DMSO
Authors: Shambilova Gulbarshin K. , Bukanova Aigul S. , Kalauova Altynay S. , Kalimanova Danagul Zh. , Abilkhairov Amangeldi I. , Makarov Igor S. , Vinogradov Markel I. , Makarov Georgy I. , Yakimov Sergey A. , Koksharov Alexander V. , Novikov Egor M.
Published: June 2024

Betulin is a promising natural organic substance due to its antibacterial, fungicidal, and antitumor properties, as are their derivatives. The particle size of betulin can reach several tens of micrometers, and its thickness is several microns. There are various ways of processing betulin, but the most promising are solution methods (applying thin layers, impregnation, etc.). Application or impregnation of various materials is carried out using betulin; however, currently known solvents do not allow obtaining solutions with the necessary content of it. Since a number of direct solvents are already known for betulin, which provides only low-concentration solutions, the use of complex systems based on two solvents can become the optimal solution to the problem. The literature data show that the use of mixtures of solvents allows for the preparation of homogeneous solutions, for example, for natural polymers like cellulose, etc. This approach to obtaining solutions has become the basis for the processing of betulin. The use of a mixed solvent based on ethanol and DMSO for the preparation of betulin solutions has been proposed for the first time. The solubility of betulin in a mixture system with a ratio of components of 50 wt.% to 50 wt.% was studied, and a solubility curve was plotted. It is shown that the use of a two-component solvent makes it possible to transfer up to 10% of betulin into solution, which is almost twice as much as compared to already known solvents. The rheological properties of the obtained solutions have been studied. The viscosity of betulin solutions in a complex solvent depends on its content and temperature, so for 7% solutions at 70 °C, it is approximately 0.008 Pa*s. Applying betulin to the surface of the cardboard increases its hydrophobic properties and repellency.
Production of Synthetic Carbonate Rocks Using Limestone Mining Waste: Mineralogical, Petrophysical and Geomechanical Characterization
Authors: dos Santos Yago Ryan Pinheiro , Gomes Igor , Lima Analice , Barbosa José , Correia Filho Osvaldo , Antonino Antonio Celso Dantas , Duarte Daniel , Rodrigues Marcos
Published: June 2024

Carbonate rocks are important for the petroleum industry, as they contribute significantly to hydrocarbon reserves, although their analysis is complex due to the high cost of core sampling and their high heterogeneity; for this, synthetic rocks aim to provide relatively homogeneous samples with analogous characteristics to natural rocks. In this research, synthetic carbonate rocks were produced by mixing a fixed ratio between limestone powder, obtained from limestone mining waste, and epoxy resin as a cementing material, using compaction energy for consolidation. The work aimed to produce homogeneous samples with high strength, reproducing the intergranular pore system for future applications in rock–fluid interaction analysis. The characteristics and structure of the samples were investigated through X-ray computed microtomography, petrographic images, petrophysical, chemical and geomechanical tests. Results showed a direct increasing relationship between porosity and permeability and a tendency for mechanical strength (UCS) to decrease with increasing porosity. When compared with the natural carbonate rocks, these presented similarities in their mechanical properties and petrophysical measurements, showing that the methodology can be considered as an alternative for the obtention of a realistic material that can be used for future experiments regarding rock mechanics and rock–fluid interaction for prediction of carbonate rocks’ behavior.
Vegetation Influences on Cloud Cover in Typical Plain and Plateau Regions of Eurasia: 2001–2021
Authors: Lu Tianwei , Han Yong , Zhou Qicheng , Dong Li , Zhang Yurong , Deng Ximing , Xu Danya
Published: June 2024

The feedback of vegetation on cloud cover is an important link in the global water cycle. However, the relative importance of vegetation and related factors (surface properties, heat fluxes, and environmental conditions) on cloud cover in the context of greening remains unclear. Combining the Global Land Surface Satellite (GLASS) leaf area index (LAI) product and the fifth-generation reanalysis data of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ERA5), we quantified the relative contribution of vegetation and related factors to total cloud cover (TCC) in typical regions (Eastern European Plain, Western Siberian Plain, Mongolian Plateau, and Northeastern China Plain) of Eurasia over 21 years, and investigated how vegetation moderated the contribution of the other factors. Here, we show that the relative contribution of different factors to TCC was closely related to the climate and vegetation characteristics. In energy-limited (moisture-limited) areas, temperature (relative humidity) was more likely to be the factor that strongly contributed to TCC variation. Except for sparsely vegetated ecosystems, the relative contribution of LAI to TCC was stable within a range of 8–13%. The case study also shows that vegetation significantly modulated the contribution of other factors on TCC, but the degree of the regulation varied among different ecosystems. Our results highlight the important influence of vegetation on cloud cover during greening, especially the moderating role of vegetation on the contribution of other factors.
Three-Dimensional Structure and Transport Properties of Dust Aerosols in Central Asia—New Insights from CALIOP Observations, 2007–2022
Authors: Li Jinglong , He Qing , Wang Yonghui , Ma Xiaofei , Zhang Xueqi , Li Yongkang
Published: June 2024

Central Asia (CA) is one of the major sources of global dust aerosols. They pose a serious threat to regional climate change and environmental health and also make a significant contribution to the global dust load. However, there is still a gap in our understanding of dust transport in this region. Therefore, this study utilizes Cloud–Aerosol LiDAR with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) data from 2007 to 2022 to depict the three-dimensional spatiotemporal distribution of dust aerosols over CA and to analyze their transport processes. In addition, the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) was employed to assist in monitoring the movement of typical dust events, and the trajectory model was utilized to simulate the forward and backward trajectories of a dust incident. Additionally, a random forest (RF) model was employed to rank the contributions of various environmental factors. The findings demonstrate that high extinction values (0.6 km−1) are mostly concentrated within the Tarim Basin of Xinjiang, China, maintaining high values up to 2 km in altitude, with a noticeable decrease as the altitude increases. The frequency of dust occurrences is especially pronounced in the spring and summer seasons, with dust frequencies in the Tarim Basin and the Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts exceeding 80%, indicating significant seasonal and regional differences. The high values of dust optical depth (DOD) in CA are primarily concentrated in the summer, concurrent with the presence of a stable aerosol layer of dust in the atmosphere with a thickness of 0.62 km. Furthermore, dust from CA can traverse the Tianshan mountains via the westerlies, transporting it eastward. Additionally, skin temperature can mitigate regional air pollution. Our results contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamic processes of dust in CA and provide scientific support for the development of regional climate regulation strategies.
Quantitative Inversion of Multiantenna Ground-Penetrating Radar Data with Modeling Error Correction Based on Long Short-Term Memory Cells
Authors: Fedeli Alessandro , Schenone Valentina , Randazzo Andrea
Published: June 2024

Quantitative inversion of GPR data opens the door to precise characterization of underground environments. However, in order to make the inverse scattering problem solution easier from a computational viewpoint, simplifying assumptions are often applied, i.e., two-dimensional approximations or the consideration of idealized field probes and electromagnetic sources. These assumptions usually produce modeling errors, which can degrade the dielectric reconstruction results considerably. In this article, a processing step based on long short-term memory cells is proposed for the first time to correct the modeling error in a multiantenna GPR setting. In particular, time-domain GPR data are fed into a neural network trained with couples of finite-difference time-domain simulations, where a set of sample targets are simulated in both realistic and idealized configurations. Once trained, the neural network outputs an approximation of multiantenna GPR data as they are collected by an ideal two-dimensional measurement setup. The inversion of the processed data is then accomplished by means of a regularizing Newton-based nonlinear scheme with variable exponent Lebesgue space formulation. A numerical study has been conducted to assess the capabilities of the proposed inversion methodology. The results indicate the possibility of effectively compensating for modeling error in the considered test cases.
Fisheye Object Detection with Visual Prompting-Aided Fine-Tuning
Authors: Jeon Minwoo , Park Gyeong-Moon , Hwang Hyoseok
Published: June 2024

Fisheye cameras play a crucial role in various fields by offering a wide field of view, enabling the capture of expansive areas within a single frame. Nonetheless, the radial distortion characteristics of fisheye lenses lead to notable shape deformation, particularly at the edges of the image, posing a significant challenge for accurate object detection. In this paper, we introduce a novel method, ‘VP-aided fine-tuning’, which harnesses the strengths of the pretraining–fine-tuning paradigm augmented by visual prompting (VP) to bridge the domain gap between undistorted standard datasets and distorted fisheye image datasets. Our approach involves two key elements: the use of VPs to effectively adapt a pretrained model to the fisheye domain, and a detailed 24-point regression of objects to fit the unique distortions of fisheye images. This 24-point regression accurately defines the object boundaries and substantially reduces the impact of environmental noise. The proposed method was evaluated against existing object detection frameworks on fisheye images, demonstrating superior performance and robustness. Experimental results also showed performance improvements with the application of VP, regardless of the variety of fine-tuning method applied.
Spatial Downscaling of Satellite-Based Soil Moisture Products Using Machine Learning Techniques: A Review
Authors: Senanayake Indishe P. , Pathira Arachchilage Kalani R. L. , Yeo In-Young , Khaki Mehdi , Han Shin-Chan , Dahlhaus Peter G.
Published: June 2024

Soil moisture (SM) is a key variable driving hydrologic, climatic, and ecological processes. Although it is highly variable, both spatially and temporally, there is limited data availability to inform about SM conditions at adequate spatial and temporal scales over large regions. Satellite SM retrievals, especially L-band microwave remote sensing, has emerged as a feasible solution to offer spatially continuous global-scale SM information. However, the coarse spatial resolution of these L-band microwave SM retrievals poses uncertainties in many regional- and local-scale SM applications which require a high amount of spatial details. Numerous studies have been conducted to develop downscaling algorithms to enhance the spatial resolution of coarse-resolution satellite-derived SM datasets. Machine Learning (ML)-based downscaling models have gained prominence recently due to their ability to capture non-linear, complex relationships between SM and its driving factors, such as vegetation, surface temperature, topography, and climatic conditions. This review paper presents a comprehensive review of the ML-based approaches used in SM downscaling. The usage of classical, ensemble, neural nets, and deep learning methods to downscale SM products and the comparison of multiple algorithms are detailed in this paper. Insights into the significance of surface ancillary variables for model accuracy and the improvements made to ML-based SM downscaling approaches are also discussed. Overall, this paper provides useful insights for future studies on developing reliable, high-spatial-resolution SM datasets using ML-based algorithms.
Multi-Shot Simultaneous Deghosting for Virtual-Shot Gathers via Integrated Sparse and Nuclear Norm Constraint Inversion
Authors: Zhang Junming , Wang Deli , Hu Bin , Gong Xiangbo , Chen Yifei , Zhang Yang
Published: June 2024

Seismic interferometry is a key technology in geophysical exploration, having achieved significant developments in constructing virtual seismic responses, overcoming the limitation of traditional exploration. However, non-physical reflections in virtual-shot gathers pose challenges for data processing and interpretation. This study focuses on deghosting in virtual-shot gather data processing. We propose a novel method that integrates sparse and nuclear norm constraint inversion for multi-shot simultaneous deghosting. Initially, a pseudo 3D data cube is created to enhance computational efficiency and lay the foundation for subsequent continuity regularization. Subsequently, an inversion framework is constructed to improve deghosting precision and stability by combining sparse and nuclear norm constraint inversion. Both synthetic and field examples demonstrate the superiority of our method, offering a new paradigm for virtual-shot gather data processing, and representing a major advancement in overcoming the inherent limitations of seismic interferometry.
Textronic Capacitive Sensor with an RFID Interface
Authors: Pyt Patryk , Skrobacz Kacper , Jankowski-Mihułowicz Piotr , Węglarski Mariusz
Published: June 2024

This article presents an innovative combination of textile electrical circuits with advanced capabilities of electronic RFID sensors, indicating the revolutionary nature of the development of textronics, which is used in various areas of life, from fashion to medicine. A review of the literature relating to the construction of textronic RFID identifiers and capacitive textronic sensors is performed. Various approaches to measuring capacity using RFID tags are discussed. This article focuses on presenting the concept of a capacitive sensor with an RFID interface, consisting of a microelectronic part and a textile part. The textile part is based on the WL4007 material, where antennas and capacitive sensors are embroidered using SPARKFUN DEV 11791 conductive thread. The antenna is a half-wave dipole designed to operate at a frequency of 860 MHZ. The microelectronic part is sewn to the textile part and consists of a microcontroller, an RFID-integrated circuit and a coupling loop, placed on the PCB. The embroidered antenna is coupled with a loop on the microelectronic module. This article focuses on presenting various designs of textronic electrodes, enabling various types of measurements. Article presents capacitance measurements of individual sensor electrodes, made using a measuring bridge and a built RFID tag. The sensors’ capacity measurement results are shown.
Do Morphological Variations in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Strains Indicate Differences in Aggressiveness?
Authors: Vizi Ramóna , Kiss József , Turóczi György , Dobra Nóra , Pálinkás Zoltán
Published: June 2024

White mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum de Bary) is one of the most important fungal diseases of winter oilseed rape (OSR). Since the pathogen can persist in the soil for a long time with its sclerotia, prevention and non-chemical methods (specifically biological agents) are important pillars in the integrated plant protection strategy against this pathogen. Mapping the intraspecific variability of the pathogen is an important step in the development of resistance to S. sclerotiorum. S. sclerotiorum isolates were collected from different OSR growing locations in Hungary during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 growing seasons. The morphological characteristics of sclerotia obtained from infected OSR stems were studied in the laboratory, and seedlings of four OSR hybrids were infected in vitro with isolates. The strains from four locations have different morphological characteristics. Significant differences in the level of aggressivity were also observed between strains; a correlation was also found between mycelial growth after 24 h, weight of sclerotia, and aggressivity. Among the four tested hybrids, OSR PT271 proved to be the most susceptible to most S. sclerotinia strains.
Development of a Lightweight Pavement Block with Extremely High Permeability Using the Volcanic Pumice Bora
Authors: Yasui Kentaro , Sakaida Yuri , Yamamura Kenshiro , Minamimagari Makoto , Horisawa Eitaro , Morita Chihiro , Kinoshita Hiroyuki
Published: June 2024

Bora is a granular volcanic pumice with a certain degree of hardness. In this study, we investigated the possibility of using fired Bora as a substitute for fine sand in mortar. The objective was to develop a lightweight pavement block with extremely high permeability using fired Bora. Initially, the changes in hardness and density of Bora particles fired at different temperatures were examined. The bending strength of mortar containing fired Bora as a fine aggregate was also evaluated. Subsequently, we fabricated a permeable pavement block with a hybrid structure, comprising a mortar containing the fired Bora and a porous material with large-sized Bora particles bonded using cement paste. We examined its bending strength and permeability and performed a quantitative analysis of the bending stress distribution on the block using the finite element method. The hardness of Bora significantly increased when fired at temperatures exceeding 900 °C; hence, Bora fired at 1100 °C can be used as an effective substitute for crushed sand in mortar. Furthermore, the results confirmed that the use of fired Bora enabled the production of lightweight pavement blocks with extremely high permeability that satisfied the bending strength criterion.
The Potential of Recycling and Reusing Waste Materials in Underground Construction: A Review of Sustainable Practices and Challenges
Authors: Sharghi Mohammad , Jeong Hoyoung
Published: June 2024

Underground infrastructure projects pose significant environmental risks due to resource consumption, ground stability issues, and potential ecological damage. This review explores sustainable practices for mitigating these impacts throughout the lifecycle of underground construction projects, focusing on recycling and reusing excavated tunnel materials. This review systematically analyzed a wide array of sustainable practices, including on-site reuse of excavated tunnel material as backfill, grouting, soil conditioning, and concrete production. Off-site reuses explored are road bases, refilling works, value-added materials, like aggregates and construction products, vegetation reclamation, and landscaping. Opportunities to recover and repurpose tunnel components like temporary support structures, known as “false linings”, are also reviewed. Furthermore, the potential for utilizing industrial and construction wastes in underground works are explored, such as for thermal insulation, fire protection, grouting, and tunnel lining. Incorporating green materials and energy-efficient methods in areas like grouting, lighting, and lining are also discussed. Through comprehensive analysis of numerous case studies, this review demonstrates that with optimized planning, treatment techniques, and end-use selection informed by material characterization, sustainable practices can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of underground infrastructure. However, certain approaches require further refinement and standardization, particularly in areas like the consistent assessment of recycled material properties and the development of standardized guidelines for their use in various applications. These practices contribute to broader sustainability goals by reducing resource consumption, minimizing waste generation, and promoting the use of recycled and green materials. Achieving coordinated multi-stakeholder adoption, including collaboration between contractors, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and research institutions, is crucial for maximizing the impact of these practices and accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable underground construction industry.
The Smell of Sustainability: Understanding Consumers’ Acceptability of Recycled Plastic Packaging with an Off-Odor
Authors: Di Cicco Francesca , Loos Maike , Vos Isa , Gibson Rebecca , Naidoo Yuvesveri , Gifford Susan , Smeets Monique A. M.
Published: June 2024

This study investigates consumers’ acceptance and perceptions of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic packaging with an off-odor, and the effect of a sustainability claim thereupon. We utilized a mixed design to examine the influence of the percentage of PCR, packaging color, and the presence of a sustainability claim on consumer perceptions. Participants were presented with vignettes describing a scenario involving the purchase of shampoo bottles with or without a sustainability claim and asked to smell and rate the odor qualities of the bottles, as well as their acceptability and willingness to buy. The study found a main effect of the percentage of PCR and color on acceptability and willingness to buy and a main effect of the percentage of PCR on the perceived odor properties. However, the presence of a sustainability claim did not significantly affect consumer perceptions. The findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders in the sustainable production and consumption sector and offer recommendations for future research to further explore the impact of sustainability claims in shaping consumer acceptance of sustainable packaging with suboptimal sensory properties.
Unleashing the Power of Closed-Loop Supply Chains: A Stackelberg Game Analysis of Rare Earth Resources Recycling
Authors: Lai Chenghao , Wang Xiuli , Li Hengkai , Zhou Yanbing
Published: June 2024

Due to the rapid development of the clean energy sector against the global backdrop of carbon emission reduction, the availability of rare earths is becoming scarce. The strategic recycling of rare earth resources serves the dual purpose of alleviating supply shortages and aligning with the global quest for carbon reduction and environmental preservation. This study establishes a second-level, closed-loop supply chain that includes a rare earth group (REG) that synergizes rare earth mining and smelting companies with rare earth material manufacturing companies, as well as a specialized rare earth recycler. The study considers three different recycling scenarios: the recycler only recycles oil sludge scrap (S1), the recycler only recycles end-of-life products (S2), and the recycler both recycles oil sludge scrap and end-of-life products (S3). In addition, the study examines the impact of government subsidies, carbon trading mechanisms, and corporate research and development (R&D) initiatives on closed-loop supply chains. The findings are summarized below. (1) Rare earth recycling does not impact the rare earth market downstream. (2) The profits of both REG and the recycler have a positive correlation with the quantity of recycling. However, recycling sludge waste can generate higher revenues for the recycler compared to recycling end-of-life products. (3) Government subsidies exert a positive effect on the recycler’s profits and the production of secondary rare earths. However, the REG redirects a segment of the recycler’s profits in its direction. Elevated carbon trading prices encroach upon the REG’s profitability, prompting increased procurement of secondary supply rare earths. (4) The benefits of increasing rare earth recycling rates outweigh government subsidies and carbon trading valuations in the supply chain. Therefore, enterprise-focused research and development initiatives play a critical role in improving the efficiency of the closed-loop rare earth supply chain.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Drivers of Carbon Emission Efficiency in China’s Iron and Steel Industry
Authors: Xu Rongbang , Yang Fujie , Wu Sanmang , Xue Qinwen
Published: June 2024

Improving the carbon emission efficiency (CEE) of the iron and steel industry (ISI) is crucial for China to achieve the goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. This study employed the undesirable SBM and Dagum Gini coefficient to measure the ISI’s CEE and analyzed the spatial heterogeneity among three regions of China. This study also used the Tobit model to clarify the influencing factors. The conclusions show that (1) the CEE in eastern provinces is the highest, the central ones rank second, while the western ones rank the worst; the promoting effect of Technical Change is greater than that of Efficiency Change. (2) ISI’s CEE shows a positive spatial correlation and an apparent spatial heterogeneity. The CEE gap between the regions contributes most to the CEE difference among provinces. The regional CEE gap within the western region is the largest, with a maximum difference of 0.520 in the Dagum Gini coefficient. Furthermore, the total CEE gap shows a narrowing trend from 2009 to 2020, with the Dagum Gini coefficient decreasing from 0.414 in 2009 to 0.357 in 2020. (3) Industrial structure, enterprise scale, foreign direct investment, and technology level positively correlate with ISI’s CEE; the marginal impacts are 0.6711, 0.1203, 0.0572, and 3.5191, respectively. While energy intensity, environmental regulation, and product structure negatively correlate with it, the marginal impacts are 0.0178, 1.4673, and 0.2452, respectively.
Centering Community Perspectives to Advance Recognitional Justice for Sustainable Cities: Lessons from Urban Forest Practice
Authors: Grant Amber , Edge Sara , Millward Andrew A. , Roman Lara A. , Teelucksingh Cheryl
Published: June 2024

Cities worldwide are grappling with complex urban environmental injustices. While environmental justice as a concept has gained prominence in both academia and policy, operationalizing and implementing environmental justice principles and norms remains underexplored. Notably, less attention has been given to centering the perspectives and experiences of community-based actors operating at the grassroots level, who can inform and strengthen urban environmental justice practice. Through ethnographic, participant-as-observer methods, interviews, and geovisualizations, this study explores the perspectives, experiences, knowledge, and practices of community-based urban forest stewards in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (United States) who are invested in addressing environmental injustices through urban tree-planting and stewardship. Interviewees were asked how they were addressing issues of distribution, procedure, and recognition in urban forest planning and practice, as well as the socio-political and institutional factors that have influenced their perspectives and practices. Particular attention is given to how urban forest stewards implement recognitional justice principles. Findings from this study exposed several complex socio-political challenges affecting steward engagement in community-led tree initiatives and the broader pursuit of environmental justice, including discriminatory urban planning practices, gentrification concerns, underrepresentation of Black and Latinx voices in decision-making, volunteer-based tree-planting models, and tree life cycle costs. Nevertheless, urban forest stewards remain dedicated to collective community-building to address environmental injustices and stress the importance of recognizing, listening to, dialoguing with, and validating the perspectives and experiences of their neighbors as essential to their process.
Behind the Door: Practical Parameterization of Propagation Parameters for IEEE 802.11ad Use Cases
Authors: Ahumada Luciano , Carreño Erick , Anglès Albert , Dujovne Diego , Palacios Játiva Pablo
Published: June 2024

The integration of the 60 GHz band into the IEEE 802.11 standard has revolutionized indoor wireless services. However, this band presents unique challenges to indoor wireless communication infrastructure, originally designed to handle data traffic in residential and office environments. Estimating 60 GHz signal propagation in indoor settings is particularly complicated due to dynamic contextual factors, making it essential to ensure adequate coverage for all connected devices. Consequently, empirical channel modeling plays a pivotal role in understanding real-world behavior, which is characterized by a complex interplay of stationary and mobile elements. Given the highly directional nature of 60 GHz propagation, this study addresses a seemingly simple but important question: what is the impact of employing highly directive antennas when deviating from the line of sight? To address this question, we conducted an empirical measurement campaign of wireless channels within an office environment. Our assessment focused on power losses and distribution within an angular range while an indoor base station served indoor users, simulating the operation of an IEEE 802.11ad high-speed WLAN at 60 GHz. Additionally, we explored scenarios with and without pedestrian movement in the vicinity of wireless terminals. Our observations reveal the presence of significant antenna lobes even in obstructed links, indicating potential opportunities to use angular combiners or beamformers to enhance link availability and the data rate. This empirical study provides valuable information and channel parameters to simulate 60 GHz millimeter wave (mm-wave) links in indoor environments, paving the way for more efficient and robust wireless communication systems.
Computed Tomography Effective Dose and Image Quality in Deep Learning Image Reconstruction in Intensive Care Patients Compared to Iterative Algorithms
Authors: Quaia Emilio , Kiyomi Lanza de Cristoforis Elena , Agostini Elena , Zanon Chiara
Published: June 2024

Deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithms employ convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for CT image reconstruction to produce CT images with a very low noise level, even at a low radiation dose. The aim of this study was to assess whether the DLIR algorithm reduces the CT effective dose (ED) and improves CT image quality in comparison with filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We identified all consecutive patients referred to the ICU of a single hospital who underwent at least two consecutive chest and/or abdominal contrast-enhanced CT scans within a time period of 30 days using DLIR and subsequently the FBP or IR algorithm (Advanced Modeled Iterative Reconstruction [ADMIRE] model-based algorithm or Adaptive Iterative Dose Reduction 3D [AIDR 3D] hybrid algorithm) for CT image reconstruction. The radiation ED, noise level, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were compared between the different CT scanners. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used for statistical comparison. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 83 patients (mean age, 59 ± 15 years [standard deviation]; 56 men) were included. DLIR vs. FBP reduced the ED (18.45 ± 13.16 mSv vs. 22.06 ± 9.55 mSv, p < 0.05), while DLIR vs. FBP and vs. ADMIRE and AIDR 3D IR algorithms reduced image noise (8.45 ± 3.24 vs. 14.85 ± 2.73 vs. 14.77 ± 32.77 and 11.17 ± 32.77, p < 0.05) and increased the SNR (11.53 ± 9.28 vs. 3.99 ± 1.23 vs. 5.84 ± 2.74 and 3.58 ± 2.74, p < 0.05). CT scanners employing DLIR improved the SNR compared to CT scanners using FBP or IR algorithms in ICU patients despite maintaining a reduced ED.
The Pulsar Timing Array Signal from Infrared Regions of Scalar-Induced Gravitational Waves
Authors: Fei Qin
Published: June 2024

The common-spectrum process, characterized by the Hellings–Downs angular correlation and observed by pulsar timing array collaborations, such as NANOGrav, PPTA, EPTA, and CPTA, can be explained by the scalar-induced gravitational waves (SIGWs). The energy density of SIGWs exhibits universal behavior in the infrared regions. Utilizing a broken power law parameterization for the primordial curvature power spectrum, we clarify the PTA signal through the infrared characteristics of the SIGWs, using Bayesian analysis to provide posterior distributions. Bayesian factors emphasize the statistical preference for the SIGW model over explanations involving supermassive black hole binaries.
The Hearth of the World: The Sun before Astrophysics
Authors: Kutrovátz Gábor
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a historical overview of conceptions about the Sun in Western astronomical and cosmological traditions before the advent of spectroscopy and astrophysics. Rather than studying general cultural ideas, we focus on the concepts developed by astronomers or by natural philosophers impacting astronomy. The ideas we investigate, from the works of Plato and Aristotle to William Herschel and his contemporaries, do not line up into a continuous and integrated narrative, since the nature of the Sun was not a genuine scientific topic before the nineteenth century. However, the question recurringly arose as embedded in cosmological and physical contexts. By outlining this heterogeneous story that spreads from transcendence to materiality, from metaphysics to physics, from divinity to solar inhabitants, we receive insight into some major themes and trends both in the general development of astronomical and cosmological thought and in the prehistory of modern solar science.
Retrospective, Observational Analysis on the Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Variant Omicron in Hospitalized Immunocompromised Patients in a German Hospital Network—The VISAGE Study
Authors: Nachtigall Irit , Kwast Stefan , Hohenstein Sven , König Sebastian , Dang Phi Long , Leiner Johannes , Giesen Nicola , Schleenvoigt Benjamin Thomas , Bonsignore Marzia , Bollmann Andreas , Kuhlen Ralf , Jah Fungwe
Published: June 2024

Aims: Endemic SARS-CoV-2 infections still burden the healthcare system and represent a considerable threat to vulnerable patient cohorts, in particular immunocompromised (IC) patients. This study aimed to analyze the in-hospital outcome of IC patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in Germany. Methods: This retrospective, observational study, analyzed administrative data from inpatient cases (n = 146,324) in 84 German Helios hospitals between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 with regard to in-hospital outcome and health care burden in IC patients during the first 12 months of Omicron dominance. As the primary objective, in-hospital outcomes of patients with COVID-19-related severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) were analyzed by comparing patients with (n = 2037) and without IC diagnoses (n = 14,772). Secondary analyses were conducted on IC patients with (n = 2037) and without COVID-19-related SARI (n = 129,515). A severe in-hospital outcome as a composite endpoint was defined per the WHO definition if one of the following criteria were met: intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, mechanical ventilation (MV), or in-hospital death. Results: In total, 12% of COVID-related SARI cases were IC patients, accounting for 15% of ICU admissions, 15% of MV use, and 16% of deaths, resulting in a higher prevalence of severe in-hospital courses in IC patients developing COVID-19-related SARI compared to non-IC patients (Odds Ratio, OR = 1.4, p < 0.001), based on higher in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.4, p < 0.001), increased need for ICU treatment (OR = 1.3, p < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.2, p < 0.001). Among IC patients, COVID-19-related SARI profoundly increased the risk for severe courses (OR = 4.0, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings highlight the vulnerability of IC patients to severe COVID-19. The persistently high prevalence of severe outcomes in these patients in the Omicron era emphasizes the necessity for continuous in-hospital risk assessment and monitoring of IC patients.
Heterogenous Induction of Blocking Antibodies against Ragweed Allergen Molecules by Allergen Extract-Based Immunotherapy Vaccines
Authors: Zbîrcea Lauriana-Eunice , Buzan Maria-Roxana , Grijincu Manuela , Cotarcă Monica-Daniela , Tamaș Tudor-Paul , Haidar Laura , Tănasie Gabriela , Huțu Ioan , Babaev Elijahu , Stolz Frank , Valenta Rudolf , Păunescu Virgil , Panaitescu Carmen , Chen Kuan-Wei
Published: June 2024

Currently, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) for ragweed allergy is still based on natural allergen extracts. This study aimed to analyse the ability of four commercially available AIT vaccines (CLUSTOID, TYRO-SIT, POLLINEX Quattro Plus and Diater Depot) regarding their ability to induce IgG antibodies against ragweed pollen allergens in rabbits. Accordingly, the IgG reactivity of AIT-induced rabbit sera was tested for ten different ragweed pollen allergens (Amb a 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12) by an ELISA. Furthermore, the ability of rabbit AIT-specific sera to block allergic patients’ IgE binding to relevant ragweed allergens (Amb a 1, 4, 6, 8 and 11) and to inhibit allergen-induced basophil activation was evaluated by an IgE inhibition ELISA and a mediator release assay. Only two AIT vaccines (Diater Depot > CLUSTOID) induced relevant IgG antibody levels to the major ragweed allergen Amb a 1. The IgG responses induced by the AIT vaccines against the other ragweed allergens were low and highly heterogeneous. Interestingly, the kinetics of IgG responses were different among the AIT vaccines and even within one AIT vaccine (Diater Depot) for Amb a 1 (long-lasting) versus Amb a 8 and Amb a 11 (short-lived). This could be due to variations in allergen contents, the immunogenicity of the allergens, and different immunization protocols. The IgE inhibition experiments showed that rabbit AIT-specific sera containing high allergen-specific IgG levels were able to inhibit patients’ IgE binding and prevent the mediator release with Diater Depot. The high levels of allergen-specific IgG levels were associated with their ability to prevent the recognition of allergens by patients’ IgE and allergen-induced basophil activation, indicating that the measurement of allergen-induced IgG could be a useful surrogate marker for the immunological efficacy of vaccines. Accordingly, the results of our study may be helpful for the selection of personalized AIT vaccination strategies for ragweed-allergic patients.