bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pseudo-Stilbene- and Azobenzene-Type Systems for Optical Frequency Conversion: Estimating the First-Order Molecular Hyperpolarizability
Authors: Araújo Raiane S. , Rodrigues José J. , Alencar Márcio A. R. C. , Rafique Jamal , Saba Sumbal , Abegão Luis M. G.
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the potential of a set of pseudo-stilbene and azobenzene molecular structures to become optical frequency converters for optical communications based on a detailed exploration of the first-order molecular hyperpolarizability (βHRS), which is the microscopic counterpart of second harmonic generation (SHG). βHRS values were obtained via quantum chemical calculations using the Gaussian 16 software package in solvent and gas-phase media at different wavelengths, i.e., 1064 nm, 1310 nm, and 1510 nm. The latter two wavelengths are of particular interest for optical communications. Our study focused on discerning how the molecular structure influences the βHRS response, explicitly highlighting the influence of the azomethine group (CH=N). The results revealed that the molecular planarity, affected by this group, plays a crucial role in modulating the optical properties. The highest βHRS value in a solvent medium using the CAM-B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p) level of theory achieved in this work was around 1400 ×10−30cm4startvolt−1, four orders of magnitude higher than KDP (0.2 ×10−30cm4startvolt−1), which is a reference in SHG experiments at 1064 nm. The highest calculated βHRS value at the same level of theory and solvent at 1310 nm and 1550 nm was 631 × 10−30cm4startvolt−1 and 456 × 10−30cm4startvolt−1, respectively. All these values belong to molecular structures with azo-coupling with donor (4-NMe2) and acceptor (4′-NO2) peripheral groups, designated as AB-3.
Glycerol Acrylate-Based Photopolymers with Antimicrobial and Shape-Memory Properties
Authors: Saunoryte Evelina , Navaruckiene Aukse , Grauzeliene Sigita , Bridziuviene Danguole , Raudoniene Vita , Ostrauskaite Jolita
Published: March 2024

In this paper, for the first time, photopolymers were synthesized from glycerol acrylates with different numbers of functional groups, 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl acrylate, glycerol dimethacrylate or glycerol trimethacrylate, without and with the addition of vanillin styrene. The photocuring kinetics were monitored by real-time photorheometry. The mechanical, rheological, thermal, antimicrobial and shape-memory properties of the photopolymers were investigated. All polymers synthesized demonstrated antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. 2-Hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl acrylate-based polymers showed thermoresponsive shape-memory behavior. They were able to maintain their temporary shape below the glass transition temperature and return to their permanent shape above the glass transition temperature. Synthesized photopolymers have potential to be used as sustainable polymers in a wide range of applications such as biomedicine, photonics, electronics, robotics, etc.
Surface Treatment Effect on the Mechanical and Thermal Behavior of the Glass Fabric Reinforced Polysulfone
Authors: Sherif Galal , Chukov Dilyus I. , Tcherdyntsev Victor V. , Stepashkin Andrey A. , Zadorozhnyy Mikhail Y. , Shulga Yury M. , Kabachkov Eugene N.
Published: March 2024

The chemical structure of the surface of glass fibers, including silanized fibers, was studied. Highly efficient heat-resistant composites were obtained by impregnating silanized glass fiber with a polysulfone solution, and the effect of modification of the surface of glass fibers on the physical, mechanical and thermophysical properties of the composite materials was studied. As a result of the study, it was found that the fiber-to-polymer ratio of 70/30 wt.% showed the best mechanical properties for composites reinforced with pre-heat-treated and silanized glass fibers. It has been established that the chemical treatment of the glass fibers with silanes makes it possible to increase the mechanical properties by 1.5 times compared to composites reinforced with initial fibers. It was found that the use of silane coupling agents made it possible to increase the thermal stability of the composites. Mechanisms that improve the interfacial interaction between the glass fibers and the polymer matrix have been identified. It has been shown that an increase in adhesion occurs both due to the uniform distribution of the polymer on the surface of the glass fibers and due to the improved wettability of the fibers by the polymer. An interpenetrating network was formed in the interfacial region, providing a chemical bond between the functional groups on the surface of the glass fiber and the polymer matrix, which was formed as a result of treating the glass fiber surface with silanes, It has been shown that when treated with aminopropyltriethoxysilane, significant functional unprotonated amino groups NH+/NH2+ are formed on the surface of the fibers; such free amino groups, oriented in the direction from the fiber surface, form strong bonds with the matrix polymer. Based on experimental data, the chemical structure of the polymer/glass fiber interface was identified.
Whose Soul Is It?—Destinative Magic in East-Central Europe (14th–18th Centuries)
Authors: Láng Benedek
Published: March 2024

This study explores destinative elements in late medieval and early modern learned magic in East-Central Europe, focusing on names, images, characters, invocations, and addresses facilitating communication with transcendental entities. It contends that a thematic shift occurred in the early modern era, witnessing a decline in destinative talisman texts, replaced by a surge in treasure-hunting manuals. Drawing from legal cases and treasure-hunting manuals, the research aims to categorize the “souls” frequently invoked in these practices. The term “souls” is interpreted as either spirits or the souls of the deceased, reflecting the significant role of the dead in treasure hunting, often conducted in cemeteries. This shift is linked to changes in the sociocultural background of practitioners, marking a transformation in magical practices from destinative talismans to treasure hunting, revealing a nuanced evolution in East-Central European magical traditions.
Spatial Imagination in Sacred Narratives of Mountain Communities in Western Yunnan, China
Authors: Huang Jinghua , Yang Chujing , Chen Si
Published: March 2024

Various sacred narratives have different emphases on the shaping of natural space. Creation myths reveal the basic structure of natural space. Sacred narratives of mountain gods focus on how and why mountain forests are the source of life and stability for nearly all the species in the area. The myth of the hunting god and the legend of the Flower Festival have a remarkable endemicity. The consciousness of the community of life, which is fundamentally constructed in creation myths, reveals visible and sensible pictures in these two types of narratives. The literary imagination of these sacred narratives focuses on establishing and breaking through spatial boundaries. In the intertwining of an imaginative narrative and a realistic existence, the sacredness of natural spaces is established and can be experienced. Mountaineers imbue their practices with gracefulness and nobleness in the dimensions of emotion and morality through storytelling in order to shape the morphological characteristics and the life essence of natural spaces. The shaping of beautiful places and sublime realms in these narratives is a vivid expression of cosmology.
The Ground-Based Absolute Radiometric Calibration of the Landsat 9 Operational Land Imager
Authors: Czapla-Myers Jeffrey S. , Thome Kurtis J. , Anderson Nikolaus J. , Leigh Larry M. , Pinto Cibele Teixeira , Wenny Brian N.
Published: March 2024

This paper presents the initial vicarious radiometric calibration results for Landsat 9 OLI using a combination of ground-based techniques and test sites located in Nevada, California, and South Dakota, USA. The field data collection methods include the traditional reflectance-based approach and the automated Radiometric Calibration Test Site (RadCaTS). The results for top-of-atmosphere spectral radiance show an average ratio (OLI/ground measurements) of 1.03, 1.01, 1.00, 1.02, 1.02, 1.01, 0.98, and 1.01 for Landsat 9 OLI bands 1–8, which is within the design specification of ±5% for spectral radiance. The results for top-of-atmosphere reflectance show an average ratio (OLI/ground measurements) of 0.99, 0.99, 1.00, 1.02, 1.01, 1.02, 1.00, and 1.00 for Landsat 9 OLI bands 1–8, which is within the design specification of ±3% for top-of-atmosphere reflectance.
Evaluation and Refinement of Chlorophyll-a Algorithms for High-Biomass Blooms in San Francisco Bay (USA)
Authors: Kudela Raphael M. , Senn David B. , Richardson Emily T. , Bouma-Gregson Keith , Bergamaschi Brian A. , Sim Lawrence
Published: March 2024

A massive bloom of the raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo occurred in summer 2022 in San Francisco Bay, causing widespread ecological impacts including events of low dissolved oxygen and mass fish kills. The rapidly evolving bloom required equally rapid management response, leading to the use of near-real-time image analysis of chlorophyll from the Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) aboard Sentinel-3. Standard algorithms failed to adequately capture the bloom, signifying a need to refine a two-band algorithm developed for coastal and inland waters that relates the red-edge part of the remote sensing reflectance spectrum to chlorophyll. While the bloom was the initial motivation for optimizing this algorithm, an extensive dataset of in-water validation measurements from both bloom and non-bloom periods was used to evaluate performance over a range of concentrations and community composition. The modified red-edge algorithm with a simplified atmospheric correction scheme outperformed existing standard products across diverse conditions, and given the modest computational requirements, was found suitable for operational use and near-real-time product generation. The final version of the algorithm successfully minimizes error for non-bloom periods when chlorophyll a is typically <30 mg m−3, while also capturing bloom periods of >100 mg m−3 chlorophyll a.
Laser Backscattering Analytical Model of Doppler Power Spectra about Convex Quadric Bodies of Revolution during Precession
Authors: Li Yanhui , Zhao Hua , Huang Ruochen , Zhang Geng , Zhou Hangtian , Han Chenglin , Bai Lu
Published: March 2024

In the realm of ballistic target analysis, micro-motion attributes, such as warhead precession, nutation, and decoy oscillations, play a pivotal role. This paper addresses these critical aspects by introducing an advanced analytical model for assessing the Doppler power spectra of convex quadric revolution bodies during precession. Our model is instrumental in calculating the Doppler shifts pertinent to both precession and swing cones. Additionally, it extends to delineate the Doppler power spectra for configurations involving cones and sphere–cone combinations. A key aspect of our study is the exploration of the effects exerted by geometric parameters and observation angles on the Doppler spectra, offering a comparative perspective of various micro-motion forms. The simulations distinctly demonstrate how different micro-motion patterns of a cone influence the Doppler power spectra and underscore the significance of geometric parameters and observational angles in shaping these spectra. This research not only contributes to enhancing LIDAR target identification methodologies but also lays a groundwork for future explorations into complex micro-motions like nutation.
Monitoring Thermal Exchange of Hot Water Mass via Underwater Acoustic Tomography with Inversion and Optimization Method
Authors: Xu Shijie , Yu Fengyuan , Zhang Xiaofei , Diao Yiwen , Li Guangming , Huang Haocai
Published: March 2024

Thermal exchange of underwater water mass caused by marine heat wave is a hot point of research recently. In particular, because the water temperature observation along hot water mass transportation is hard work. Acoustic tomography is an advanced method to measure water temperature variations via sound signal transmission with multi-station network sensing. The 5 kHz frequency acoustic tomography used for observing water temperature variations caused by ocean heat waves is interesting work. In this paper, the numerical simulation of hot water mass is completed first, then floatation and diffusion of hot water mass in a simulation are monitored by acoustic tomography. A new inversion optimization method is proposed to obtain hot water mass transportation variations at two-dimensional temperature vertical profile. The proposed inversion method adds a regularized mode matrix and the optimization method adds the model correlation matrix to improve the results quality. The accuracy of inversion optimization results is compared and discussed, where the mean temperature error is less than 0.4 °C. Sensing water temperature variation of marine heat waves is verified via acoustic signal transmission and improved inversion optimization method. The water dynamical process observation is an application of acoustic tomography, which can be further used observe underwater environmental characteristics.
A Regional Aerosol Model for the Oceanic Area around Eastern China Based on Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET)
Authors: Chen Shunping , Dai Congming , Liu Nana , Lian Wentao , Zhang Yuxuan , Wu Fan , Zhang Cong , Cui Shengcheng , Wei Heli
Published: March 2024

A regional aerosol model can complement globally averaged models and improve the accuracy of atmospheric numerical models in local applications. This study established a seasonal aerosol model based on data from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) of the sea area around eastern China, and its performance in calculating the aerosol optical depth (AOD) was evaluated. The seasonal columnar volume particle size distributions (VPSDs) illustrated a bimodal structure consisting of fine and coarse modes. The VPSDs of spring, autumn, and winter roughly agreed with each other, with their amplitudes of fine and coarse modes being almost equal; however, the fine mode of the summer VPSD was approximately twice as high as that of the coarse mode. Lognormal mode decomposition analysis revealed that fine and coarse modes comprised two sub-modes. Fitting the seasonal VPSDs to the four-mode lognormal distribution yielded a parameterized aerosol size distribution model. Furthermore, seasonal variations in complex refractive indices (CRIs) indicated unignorable changes in aerosol compositions. Overall, error analysis validated that the proposed model could meet accuracy requirements for optical engineering applications, with median AOD calculation errors of less than 0.01.
Ground Subsidence, Driving Factors, and Risk Assessment of the Photovoltaic Power Generation and Greenhouse Planting (PPG&GP) Projects in Coal-Mining Areas of Xintai City Observed from a Multi-Temporal InSAR Perspective
Authors: Ding Chao , Feng Guangcai , Xiong Zhiqiang , Zhang Lu
Published: March 2024

In recent years, photovoltaic power generation and greenhouse planting (PPG&GP) have become effective approaches for reconstructing and restoring the ecological environment of old coal-mining industry bases, such as Xintai City. However, the ecological impacts or improvements of the PPG&GP projects and their daily operations on the local environment are still unclear. To solve these problems, this study retrieved the ground deformation velocities and time series of the study region by performing the Small-Baseline Subset (SBAS)-Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technique on the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) PALSAR and Sentinel-1 SAR datasets. With these deformation results, the spatial analysis indicated that the area of the subsidence region within the PPG&GP projects reached 10.70 km2, with a magnitude of approximately −21.61 ± 12.10 mm/yr. Also, even though the ground deformations and their temporal changes were both visible in the construction and operation stages of the PPG&GP projects, the temporal analysis demonstrated that most observation points finally entered into the stationary phases in the late stage of the observation period. This phenomenon validated the effectiveness of the PPG&GP projects in enhancing the ground surface stability in coal-mining areas. Additionally, the precipitation, geological structure, increased coal-mining depths, and emergent agricultural modes were assumed to be the major impact factors controlling the ground deformation within the local PPG&GP projects. Finally, a novel risk assessment method with a designed index of IRA was utilized to classify the ground subsidence risks of the PPG&GP projects into three levels: Low (69.7%), Medium (16.9%), and High (9.4%). This study sheds a bright light on the ecological monitoring and risk management of the burgeoning industrial and agricultural infrastructures, such as the PPG&GP projects, constructed upon the traditional coal-mining areas in China from a multi-temporal InSAR perspective.
Self-Supervised Open-Set Speaker Recognition with Laguerre–Voronoi Descriptors
Authors: Ohi Abu Quwsar , Gavrilova Marina L.
Published: March 2024

Speaker recognition is a challenging problem in behavioral biometrics that has been rigorously investigated over the last decade. Although numerous supervised closed-set systems inherit the power of deep neural networks, limited studies have been made on open-set speaker recognition. This paper proposes a self-supervised open-set speaker recognition that leverages the geometric properties of speaker distribution for accurate and robust speaker verification. The proposed framework consists of a deep neural network incorporating a wider viewpoint of temporal speech features and Laguerre–Voronoi diagram-based speech feature extraction. The deep neural network is trained with a specialized clustering criterion that only requires positive pairs during training. The experiments validated that the proposed system outperformed current state-of-the-art methods in open-set speaker recognition and cluster representation.
Correcting Hardening Artifacts of Aero-Engine Blades with an Iterative Linear Fitting Technique Framework
Authors: Gao Yenan , Fu Jian , Chen Xiaolong
Published: March 2024

Aero engines are the key power source for aerospace vehicles. Cermet turbine blades are the guarantee for the new-generation fighters to improve aero-engine overall performance. X-ray non-destructive reconstruction can obtain the internal structure and morphology of cermet turbine blades. However, the beam hardening effect causes artifacts in objects and affects the reconstruction quality, which is an issue that needs to be solved urgently. This study proposes a hardening-correction framework for industrial computed tomography (ICT) images based on iterative linear fitting. First, an iterative binarization was performed to improve the penetration length accuracy of the forward projection. Then, the proposed linear fitting technology combined with the Hermite function model is derived and analyzed to obtain suitable parameters of blade data. Finally, the fitting curves of the blade data, using the proposed method and the traditional polynomial fitting method, were analyzed and compared and were used to correct the engine turbine blade projection data to reconstruct different groups of tomographic images. Different groups of tomographic images were analyzed using three quantitative image quality evaluation indicators. The results show that the root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the tomographic image obtained by the proposed framework is 0.0133, which is lower than that of the compared method. The peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) is 37.7050 dB and the feature structural similarity (FSIM) is 0.9881, which are both higher than that of the compared method. The proposed method improves the hardening-artifact-correction capability and can obtain higher-quality images, which provides new ideas for the development of imaging and detection of new-generation aero-engine turbine blades.
A Single-Shot Scattering Medium Imaging Method via Bispectrum Truncation
Authors: Han Yuting , Shen Honghai , Yuan Fang , Ma Tianxiang , Dai Pengzhang , Sun Yang , Chu Hairong
Published: March 2024

Imaging using scattering media is a very important yet challenging technology. As one of the most widely used scattering imaging methods, speckle autocorrelation technology has important applications in several fields. However, traditional speckle autocorrelation imaging methods usually use iterative phase recovery algorithms to obtain the Fourier phase of hidden objects, posing issues such as large data calculation volumes and uncertain reconstruction results. Here, we propose a single-shot scattering imaging method based on the bispectrum truncation method. The bispectrum analysis is utilized for hidden object phase recovery, the truncation method is used to avoid the computation of redundant data when calculating the bispectrum data, and the method is experimentally verified. The experimental results show that our method does not require uncertain iterative calculations and can reduce the bispectrum data computation by more than 80% by adjusting the truncation factor without damaging the imaging quality, which greatly improves imaging efficiency. This method paves the way for rapid imaging through scattering media and brings benefits for imaging in dynamic situations.
Multi-IRS-Assisted mmWave UAV-BS Network for Coverage Extension
Authors: Yamamoto Sota , Nakazato Jin , Tran Gia Khanh
Published: March 2024

In the era of Industry 5.0, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) offer promising avenues for economic growth and solutions to societal challenges. Digital twin technology is important for real-time three-dimensional space reproduction in this transition, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can support it. While recent studies have explored the potential applications of UAVs in nonterrestrial networks (NTNs), bandwidth limitations have restricted their utility. This paper addresses these constraints by integrating millimeter wave (mmWave) technology into UAV networks for high-definition video transmission. Specifically, we focus on coordinating intelligent reflective surfaces (IRSs) and UAV networks to extend coverage while maintaining virtual line-of-sight (LoS) conditions essential for mmWave communication. We present a novel approach for integrating IRS into Beyond 5G/6G networks to enhance high-speed communication coverage. Our proposed IRS selection method ensures optimal communication paths between UAVs and user equipment (UE). We perform numerical analysis in a realistically modeled 3D urban environment to validate our approach. Our results demonstrate significant improvements in the received SNR for multiple UEs upon the introduction of IRSs, and they confirm the feasibility of coverage extension in mmWave UAV networks.
Effect of Sonication Batch on Electrical Properties of Graphitic-Based PVDF-HFP Strain Sensors for Use in Health Monitoring
Authors: Díaz-Mena Victor , Sánchez-Romate Xoan F. , Sánchez María , Ureña Alejandro
Published: March 2024

In this study, flexible nanocomposites made from PVDF-HFP reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are manufactured using a sonication and solvent casting method for monitoring purposes. More specifically, the effect of the volume batch under the sonication process is explored. For CNT-based composites, the electrical conductivity decreases as the batch volume increases due to less effective dispersion of the CNTs during the 30-min sonication. The maximum electrical conductivity achieved in this type of sensor is 1.44 ± 0.17 S/m. For the GNP-based nanocomposites, the lower the batch volume is, the more breakage of nanoplatelets is induced by sonication, and the electrical response decreases. This is also validated by AC analysis, where the characteristic frequencies are extracted. Here, the maximum electrical conductivity measured is 8.66 ± 1.76 S/m. The electromechanical results also show dependency on the batch volume. In the CNT-based nanocomposites, the higher gauge factor achieved corresponds to the batch size, where the sonication may be more effective because it leads to a dispersed pathway formed by aggregates connected by tunneling mechanisms. In contrast, in the CNT-based nanocomposites, the GF depends on the lateral size of the GNPs. The biggest GF of all sensors is achieved with the PVDF-HFP/GNP sensors, having a value of 69.36 × 104 at 35% of strain, while the highest GF achieved with a PVDF-HFP/CNT sensor is 79.70 × 103 at 70%. In addition, cycling tests show robust electromechanical response with cycling for two different strain percentages for each type of nanocomposite. The sensor with the highest sensitivity is selected for monitoring two joint movements as proof of the applicability of the sensors manufactured.
Stepping Forward: A Scoping Systematic Literature Review on the Health Outcomes of Smart Sensor Technologies for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Lazarou Ioulietta , Fiska Vasiliki , Mpaltadoros Lampros , Tsaopoulos Dimitris , Stavropoulos Thanos G. , Nikolopoulos Spiros , Dafoulas George E. , Dailiana Zoe , Bargiota Alexandra , Kompatsiaris Ioannis
Published: March 2024

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) pose a significant challenge in diabetes care, demanding advanced approaches for effective prevention and management. Smart insoles using sensor technology have emerged as promising tools to address the challenges associated with DFU and neuropathy. By recognizing the pivotal role of smart insoles in successful prevention and healthcare management, this scoping review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence regarding DFU studies related to smart insoles, offloading sensors, and actuator technologies. This systematic review identified and critically evaluated 11 key studies exploring both sensor technologies and offloading devices in the context of DFU care through searches in CINAHL, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect databases. Predominantly, smart insoles, mobile applications, and wearable technologies were frequently utilized for interventions and patient monitoring in diabetic foot care. Patients emphasized the importance of these technologies in facilitating care management. The pivotal role of offloading devices is underscored by the majority of the studies exhibiting increased efficient monitoring, prevention, prognosis, healing rate, and patient adherence. The findings indicate that, overall, smart insoles and digital technologies are perceived as acceptable, feasible, and beneficial in meeting the specific needs of DFU patients. By acknowledging the promising outcomes, the present scoping review suggests smart technologies can potentially redefine DFU management by emphasizing accessibility, efficacy, and patient centricity.
A Sub-Picoampere Measurement Algorithm for Use in Dosimetry of Time-Varying Radiation Fields
Authors: Kuć Michał , Maciak Maciej , Tulik Piotr
Published: March 2024

Dosimetry based on gas detectors operating in the recombination and saturation region provides unique research opportunities but requires high-quality electrometers with a measuring range below 1 pA (10−12 A). The standard approach in electrometry is to strive to increase the accuracy and precision of the measurement, ignoring the importance of its duration. The article presents an algorithm for the measurement of low current values (from 100 fA) that allows both a fast measurement (with a step of 2.3 ms) and high accuracy (measurement error below 0.1%), depending on the measurement conditions and the expected results. A series of tests and validations of the algorithm were carried out in a measurement system with a Keithley 6517B electrometer and a REM-2 recombination chamber under conditions of constant and time-varying radiation fields. The result of the work is a set of parameters that allow for the optimisation of the operation of the algorithm, maximising the quality of the measurements according to needs and the expected results. The algorithm can be used in low current measurement systems, e.g., for dosimetry of mixed radiation fields using recombination methods and chambers.
Determination of Enantiomer in Tofacitinib Citrate Using Reversed-Phase Chiral High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Wang Xue , Jin Bo , Wang Zhijun , Guo Kaijing , Zhang Tingting , Ma Chen
Published: March 2024

Tofacitinib citrate (RR-isomer) is a janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate. The presence of the enantiomer of tofacitinib citrate (SS-isomer) is monitored for quality control as a possible impurity in the final product. In this study, a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method based on a chiral recognition mechanism for the separation of tofacitinib citrate and its enantiomer was established based on the principles of green analytical chemistry. A CHIRALPAK IH column was used with a mobile phase of ammonium acetate buffer (pH 8.0) and acetonitrile in a gradient elution at a detection wavelength of 285 nm. The calibration curve exhibited excellent linearity over the range of 0.1002–20.04 μg/mL (r = 0.9999). The average recovery of the enantiomer was 98.6% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.7%. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) were 0.04 and 0.1 μg/mL, respectively. This RP-HPLC method was suitable for detecting the enantiomers of tofacitinib citrate in tablets. Furthermore, the method proved to be environmentally friendly based on the evaluation by Analytical Eco-Scale, Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) and Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI).
A Review of Recent Advancements in Knock Detection in Spark Ignition Engines
Authors: Mittal Vikram
Published: March 2024

In gasoline engines, the combustion process involves a flame’s propagation from the spark plug to the cylinder walls, resulting in the localized heating and pressurization of the cylinder content ahead of the flame, which can lead to the autoignition of the gasoline and air. The energy release from the autoignition event causes the engine cylinder to resonate, causing an unpleasant noise and eventual engine damage. This process is termed as knock. Avoiding knock has resulted in limiting the maximum engine pressures, and hence limiting the maximum efficiencies of the engine. Modern engines employ knock sensors to detect resonances, adjusting the spark plug timing to reduce pressures and temperatures, albeit at the expense of engine performance. This paper sets out to review the different signals that can be measured from an engine to detect the start of knock. These signals traditionally consist of the in-cylinder pressure, the vibrations of the engine block, and acoustic noise. This paper reviews each of these techniques, with a focus on recent advances. A number of novel methods are also presented, including identifying perturbations in the engine speed or exhaust temperature; measuring the ion charge across the spark plug leads; and using artificial intelligence to build models based on engine conditions. Each of these approaches is also reviewed and compared to the more traditional approaches. This review finds that in-cylinder pressure measurements remain as the most accurate for detecting knock in modern engines; however, their usage is limited to research settings. Meanwhile, new sensors and processing techniques for vibration measurements will more accurately detect knock in modern vehicles in the short term. Acoustic measurements and other novel approaches are showing promise in the long term.
Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Agro-Industrial Waste Mixtures for Biogas Production: An Energetically Sustainable Solution
Authors: Hernández Diógenes , Pinilla Fernando , Rebolledo-Leiva Ricardo , Aburto-Hole Joaquín , Díaz Joaquín , Quijano Guillermo , González-García Sara , Tenreiro Claudio
Published: March 2024

In a climate crisis, searching for renewable energy sources is urgent and mandatory to achieve a low-carbon society. The food industry is an attractive source for providing different organic waste with great potential for energy generation, avoiding the environmental impacts of its inadequate management at the disposal stage. This manuscript determines the feasibility of using three agro-industrial byproducts for biogas production with a mesophilic anaerobic digestion process. Three mixture samples such as tomato pulp with olive cake (TP-OC), apple pomace with olive cake (AP-OC), and tomato pulp with apple pomace (TP-AP) at a 1:1 w/w ratio were evaluated using bovine manure as inoculum. During 7 to 12 days of operation, results indicate that TP-OC achieved the highest biogas production yield with 1096 mL/L (with up to 70% methane), followed by AP-OC and TP-AP with 885 (62% methane) and 574 mL/L (69% methane), respectively. Experimentally, TP-OC consistently encompassed the highest biogas and methane production and fit the kinetic models, whereas the modified Gompertz model produced the best fit (R2 = 99.7%). This manuscript supports the preference for mixing byproducts from the agro-industrial sector rather than using them individually for biogas production.
Development of Louvered Noise Barrier with Changeable Sound Insulation from Waste Tire Rubber and Investigation of Acoustic Properties
Authors: Strazdas Edgaras , Januševičius Tomas
Published: March 2024

In line with circular economy principles, the recycling and reuse of tire rubber waste are considered highly advanced and environmentally friendly waste disposal methods. Through the repurposing of tire rubber waste, the goal is to minimize environmental impact while creating a louvered noise barrier with sound attenuation capabilities. The acoustic properties of the structure made of used tire rubber granulate are investigated in this research. Firstly, nine rubber granulate plates of different fractions, thickness, and density were produced. Two plates with the best results were selected after an impedance tube analysis of their sound absorption (α) and sound transmission loss (DTL). These plates were used as a filler in the structure of the louvers. The efficiency of the structure and its dependence on the tilting angle of the louvers and the number of plates were investigated in a semi-anechoic sound-absorbing chamber. The maximum sound level reduction observed was 17.3 dB (in the 8000 Hz frequency band), and the maximum equivalent sound level loss (LAeq) was 7.3 dBA.
Changes to the Transport Behaviour of Inhabitants of a Large City Due the Pandemic
Authors: Borowska-Stefańska Marta , Dulebenets Maxim A. , Koneczny Piotr , Kowalski Michał , Masierek Edyta , Turoboś Filip , Wiśniewski Szymon
Published: March 2024

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic and, in consequence, many countries took steps to prevent the importation and subsequent local transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, resulting in restrictions on economic activity, transport, travel, and daily mobility. Although the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on daily mobility have been widely addressed in the literature, there is a limited number of studies that indicate to what extent these changes have become permanent. The purpose of this study was to determine the nature and scale of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local transport system of a large city in Poland (Łódź) and, above all, to identify the permanence of this impact. To accomplish these objectives, a questionnaire survey was conducted using the computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) technique on a sample of 500 residents, which included questions on daily mobility in the period before (autumn 2019) and after (autumn 2022) the pandemic. In addition, the results of the questionnaire survey were juxtaposed with data from intelligent transport systems (ITS) (data from 20 induction loops, and data on the number of tickets validated in public transport vehicles). Not only did the pandemic change the frequency of spatial motivations, but it also affected trip durations and preferred modes of transport. The most unfavourable changes concern the modal division and the increase in the use of private transport at the expense of public transport. Understanding the durability of the impact of the pandemic on changes in the spatial mobility of the population may help to develop transport policies and increase the resilience of transport systems to possible future pandemics.
Spatial Analysis of Bike-Sharing Ridership for Sustainable Transportation in Houston, Texas
Authors: Chun Bumseok , Nguyen Anh , Pan Qisheng , Mirzaaghazadeh Elaheh
Published: March 2024

This study aims to analyze bike-sharing information and related urban factors to promote bike-sharing utilization in Houston, Texas. The research was initiated with a descriptive analysis, where the hourly and daily variations in bike demand are investigated, thereby revealing the time-related patterns of bike tours. The models included data on socio-demographics, public transportation availability, land use patterns, tree canopy coverage, bike routes, and job density within 0.25-mile and 0.5-mile buffer zones around each bike-sharing station. Stepwise regression was utilized to examine the effects of urban factors on bike-sharing ridership, and the explanatory power of the model was enhanced by selecting meaningful variables. The analysis found that tree canopy coverage was a significant factor in influencing bike-sharing ridership. Expansion of tree coverage can help make biking a sustainable mode of transportation. These findings have the potential to guide the development of practical policies that aim to promote sustainable urban mobility through bike-sharing programs.
Enhancing Sustainable Waste Management Using Biochar: Mitigating the Inhibitory of Food Waste Compost from Methane Fermentation Residue on Komatsuna (Brassica rapa) Yield
Authors: Santi Nur , Dewi Ratih Kemala , Watanabe Shoji , Suganuma Yutaka , Iikubo Tsutomu , Komatsuzaki Masakazu
Published: March 2024

Methane fermentation, utilizing food waste (FW), is viewed as a sustainable strategy that leverages garbage and agricultural waste to conserve the environment. However, FW compost encounters growth inhibition issues, which we examine in this study. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of various compost mixtures on seed germination growth and the yield of Komatsuna (Brassica rapa). The experiment employed FW compost mixtures with biochar (BC), clay (CL), weeds (WD), and a control group in a completely randomized design with three replications to monitor germination. The experimental pots, arranged in a complete factorial design, involved three treatment factors: compost type (FW or HM), biochar presence or absence (WB or NB), and three input rates (25 g pot−1, 50 g pot−1, and 100 g pot−1), each in triplicate. The combination of FW and BC exhibited an enhanced germination rate compared to FW alone. Moreover, the inclusion of biochar significantly amplified this effect, particularly at the input rate of 50 g pot−1 and had a substantial impact on the interaction between input rate, compost type, and biochar on variables such as nitrogen (N) uptake, % N, soil carbon, and yield. Homemade BC demonstrates an increasing fertilizer cost performance (FCP) as the input rate rises across all fertilizer combinations, while commercially priced BC exhibits a reverse relationship with FCP. These findings suggest that the addition of biochar enhances the performance of methane fermentation residue compost, thereby promoting plant growth through the processing of environmentally sustainable waste.
Peeking into Corporate Greenwashing through the Readability of ESG Disclosures
Authors: Hu Peng , Li Xuming , Li Nian , Wang Yiying , Wang Derek D.
Published: March 2024

Faced with the widespread issue of greenwashing, there is a pressing need for an effective approach to assess the extent of corporate involvement in such hypocritical practices. This study aims to address this concern by examining the association between corporate ESG disclosures’ readability and greenwashing. We gauge the readability using a modified Fog Index and construct a company’s peer-relative greenwashing score based on data from third-party databases. The empirical analysis reveals a negative relationship between the level of corporate greenwashing and the readability of its ESG disclosures, suggesting that companies whose ESG disclosures are more readable are less likely to engage in greenwashing. This negative relationship is particularly pronounced in companies characterized by higher levels of information asymmetry. However, the relationship is weaker after 2018, when the “Code of Corporate Governance for Listed Companies” was implemented. In conclusion, our research highlights the significance of ESG disclosure readability in effectively conveying and predicting corporate greenwashing practices. This study provides valuable insights for investors seeking to evaluate corporate performance and make well-informed investment decisions.
Urban Day-to-Day Travel and Its Development in an Information Environment: A Review
Authors: Nai Wei , Yang Zan , Li Dan , Liu Lu , Fu Yuting , Guo Yuao
Published: March 2024

Urban day-to-day travel systems generally exist in various types of cities. Their modeling is difficult due to the uncertainty of individual travelers in micro travel decision-making. Moreover, with the advent of the information age, intelligent connected vehicles, smartphones, and other types of intelligent terminals have placed urban day-to-day travel systems in an information environment. In such an environment, the travel decision-making processes of travelers are significantly affected, making it even more difficult to give theoretical explanations for urban day-to-day travel systems. Considering that analyzing urban day-to-day travel patterns in an information environment is of great significance for governing the constantly developing and changing urban travel system and, thus, of great importance for the sustainable development of cities, this paper gives a systematic review of the theoretical research on urban day-to-day travel and its development in an information environment over the past few decades. More specifically, the basic explanation of an information environment for urban day-to-day travel is given first; subsequently, the theoretical development of micro decision-making related to individual day-to-day travelers in an information environment is discussed, and the theoretical development related to changes in urban macro traffic flow, which can be recognized as the aggregation effect formed by individual micro decision-making, is also discussed; in addition, the development of understanding different types of traffic information that travelers may obtain in an information environment is discussed; finally, some important open issues related to the deep impact of information environment on urban day-to-day travel systems that require further research are presented. These valuable research directions include using information methods to fit day-to-day travel patterns of cities and implementing macro and micro integrated modeling for urban day-to-day travel systems based on complex system dynamics and even quantum mechanics.
How Financial Inclusion Moderates the Curvilinear Nexus between Tangible Investment and Sustainable Firm Growth: New Evidence from the Middle East and North Africa Region
Authors: Khémiri Wafa , Attia Eman Fathi , Chafai Ahmed
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the curvilinear relationship between tangible investment and sustainable firm growth in the MENA region, as well as the moderating role of financial inclusion on this connection. To achieve this, we selected a sample of 465 firms over the period 2007–2020. Employing a system GMM model for the empirical analysis, the findings reveal that there is a curvilinear (inverted U-shaped) nexus between tangible investment and sustainable firm growth. Moreover, this study employs a moderating effect model to demonstrate that financial inclusion can enhance sustainable firm growth. The system GMM model further indicates that financial inclusion moderates the curvilinear relationship between tangible investment and sustainable firm growth. This study offers valuable insights for strategic firm planning and policy development, highlighting the role of financial inclusion in promoting firm sustainability.
Utilising Digital Twins to Bolster the Sustainability of Logistics Processes in Industry 4.0
Authors: Rigó Ladislav , Fabianová Jana , Lokšík Milan , Mikušová Nikoleta
Published: March 2024

Industry 4.0, characterized by the integration of advanced technologies, has allowed industries to optimise operations, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact. Digitalization has become a cornerstone for achieving sustainability goals, and one of the key enablers of Industry 4.0 is the digital twin. The digital twin provides real-time insights and simulations to optimise processes. Organizations can thus optimise not only their operations but also contribute to a more resilient global supply chain. The aim of the paper is to present a comprehensive methodology for implementing the digital twin principle in the Tecnomatix environment. The Tecnomatix model is connected to Siemens PLC SIMATIC S7-1200 utilizing the OPC UA (Unified Architecture) method and through KEPServerEX, V6.14.263.0. The described approach enables continuous monitoring of critical indicators to optimise production efficiency and address downtime issues.