bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Artemisia Genus: An Insight into the Phytochemical and Multi-Biological Potential of A. campestris subsp. lednicensis (Spreng.) Greuter & Raab-Straube
Authors: Trifan Adriana , Czerwińska Monika E. , Mardari Constantin , Zengin Gokhan , Sinan Kouadio Ibrahime , Korona-Glowniak Izabela , Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna , Luca Simon Vlad
Published: October 2022

The Artemisia L. genus includes over five hundred species with great economic and medicinal properties. Our study aimed to provide a comprehensive metabolite and bioactivity profile of Artemisia campestris subsp. lednicensis (Spreng.) Greuter & Raab-Straube collected from north-eastern Romania. Liquid chromatography with tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) analysis of different polarity extracts obtained from the aerial parts led to the identification of twelve flavonoids, three phenolic acids, two sesquiterpene lactones, two fatty acids, one coumarin, and one lignan. The antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties were shown in the DPPH (0.71–213.68 mg TE/g) and ABTS (20.57–356.35 mg TE/g) radical scavenging, CUPRAC (38.56–311.21 mg TE/g), FRAP (121.68–202.34 mg TE/g), chelating (12.88–22.25 mg EDTAE/g), phosphomolybdenum (0.92–2.11 mmol TE/g), anti-acetylcholinesterase (0.15–3.64 mg GALAE/g), anti-butyrylcholinesterase (0–3.18 mg GALAE/g), anti-amylase (0.05–0.38 mmol ACAE/g), anti-glucosidase (0.43–2.21 mmol ACAE/g), and anti-tyrosinase (18.62–48.60 mg KAE/g) assays. At 100 μg/mL, Artemisia extracts downregulated the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human neutrophil model (29.05–53.08% of LPS+ control). Finally, the Artemisia samples showed moderate to weak activity (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 625 mg/L) against the seventeen tested microbial strains (bacteria, yeasts, and dermatophytes). Overall, our study shows that A. campestris subsp. lednicensis is a promising source of bioactives with putative use as food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients.
Trehalose 6-Phosphate/SnRK1 Signaling Participates in Harvesting-Stimulated Rubber Production in the Hevea Tree
Authors: Zhou Binhui , Fang Yongjun , Xiao Xiaohu , Yang Jianghua , Qi Jiyan , Qi Qi , Fan Yujie , Tang Chaorong
Published: October 2022

Trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P), the intermediate of trehalose biosynthesis and a signaling molecule, affects crop yield via targeting sucrose allocation and utilization. As there have been no reports of T6P signaling affecting secondary metabolism in a crop plant, the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis serves as an ideal model in this regard. Sucrose metabolism critically influences the productivity of natural rubber, a secondary metabolite of industrial importance. Here, we report on the characterization of the T6P synthase (TPS) gene family and the T6P/SNF1-related protein kinase1 (T6P/SnRK1) signaling components in Hevea laticifers under tapping (rubber harvesting), an agronomic manipulation that itself stimulates rubber production. A total of fourteen TPS genes were identified, among which a class II TPS gene, HbTPS5, seemed to have evolved with a function specialized in laticifers. T6P and trehalose increased when the trees were tapped, this being consistent with the observed enhanced activities of TPS and T6P phosphatase (TPP) and expression of an active TPS-encoding gene, HbTPS1. On the other hand, SnRK1 activities decreased, suggesting the inhibition of elevated T6P on SnRK1. Expression profiles of the SnRK1 marker genes coincided with elevated T6P and depressed SnRK1. Interestingly, HbTPS5 expression decreased significantly with the onset of tapping, suggesting a regulatory function in the T6P pathway associated with latex production in laticifers. In brief, transcriptional, enzymatic, and metabolic evidence supports the participation of T6P/SnRK1 signaling in rubber formation, thus providing a possible avenue to increasing the yield of a valuable secondary metabolite by targeting T6P in specific cells.
A PEGylated Chitosan as Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Anqi , Tu Yue , Wang Sijie , Zhang Hongbing , Yu Feng , Chen Yong , Li De
Published: October 2022

Due to their safety and sustainability, polysaccharides such as cellulose and chitosan have great potential to be the matrix of gel polymer electrolytes (GPE) for lithium-based batteries. However, they easily form hydrogels due to the large numbers of hydrophilic hydroxyl or amino functional groups within their macromolecules. Therefore, a polysaccharide-based amphiphilic gel, or organogel, is urgently necessary to satisfy the anhydrous requirement of lithium ion batteries. In this study, a PEGylated chitosan was initially designed using a chemical grafting method to make an GPE for lithium ion batteries. The significantly improved affinity of PEGylated chitosan to organic liquid electrolyte makes chitosan as a GPE for lithium ion batteries possible. A reasonable ionic conductivity (1.12 × 10−3 S cm−1) and high lithium ion transport number (0.816) at room temperature were obtained by replacing commercial battery separator with PEG-grafted chitosan gel film. The assembled Li/GPE/LiFePO4 coin cell also displayed a high initial discharge capacity of 150.8 mA h g−1. The PEGylated chitosan-based GPE exhibits great potential in the field of energy storage.
Upcycling Different Particle Sizes and Contents of Pine Branches into Particleboard
Authors: Wronka Anita , Kowaluk Grzegorz
Published: October 2022

A growing world population means that demand for wood-based materials such as particleboard is constantly increasing. In recent years, wood prices have reached record highs, so a good alternative can be the utilization of branches, which can reduce the cost of raw materials for particleboard production. The goal of the study was to confirm the feasibility of using an alternative raw material in the form of Pinus sylvestris L. pine branches for the production of three-layer particleboard. Characterization of the alternative raw material was also carried out, and the bulk density was determined. As part of the research, six variants of particleboard, 0%, 5%, 10%, 25%, and 50%, w/w, and two variants where the first one had the face layer made of branch particles and the core layer made of industrial particles, and the reverse variant (all produced panels were three-layer) were produced and then their physical and mechanical properties were studied. The results show that even if the bulk density of branch particles is significantly higher than industrial material, the internal bond and water absorption rises as branch particle content increases. In the case of bending strength and modulus of elasticity, these were decreased with a branch particle content increase. The conducted tests confirmed the possibility of using the raw material, which was usually used as fuel or mulch, to produce particleboards even in 50% content. The present solution also contributes to the positive phenomenon of carbon storage, due to incorporating the branches’ biomass into panels rather than burning it. Further research should be focused on the modification of particle production from branches to obtain lower bulk density and to reach fraction shares closer to industrial particles. Furthermore, the chemical characterization of the pine branch particles (cellulose and lignin content, extractives content, pH value) would provide valuable data about this potential alternative raw material.
Synthesis, Application and Effect of Hybrid Nanocomposites Based on Hydrogel and Nanoclay in Cement-Mortars
Authors: Watanuki Filho Adhemar , Higuti Ricardo Tokio , Moura Marcia Regina de , Aouada Fauze Ahmad
Published: October 2022

Hybrid nanocomposite hydrogels, as admixtures for internal curing of cementitious materials, have been widely studied. This study analyzes the effect of applying 0.5% (wt/wt cement) of pre-soaked hydrogels based on polyacrylamide, carboxymethylcellulose, and three different concentrations of Cloisite-Na+ (0, 10, and 20% wt/wt) on the fresh and hardened properties of cementitious mortars. In general, all mortars with hydrogel decreased the consistency index, mainly M20, due to the high concentration of Cloisite-Na+ that modifies the release kinect of the hydrogel. The results showed a slight variation, with an overall average value of 99% water retention in all mortars. This behavior is due to the portion of hydrogel-mortars dosage water retained to reduce the availability of free water in the mixture because this amount of water is stored, a priori, within the polymer particles. At 28 d, the mortars produced with hydrogels containing 20% of nanoclay (M20) exhibit mechanical behavior similar to the reference mortar (M), which corroborates the percentage of voids found. Scanning electron microscope images confirm that the M and M20 mortars are uniform and possess few pores or microcracks. Thus, these hybrid hydrogels have the potential to be innovative materials for water control improvements in cementitious materials technology.
The Effects of Eccentric Web Openings on the Compressive Performance of Pultruded GFRP Boxes Wrapped with GFRP and CFRP Sheets
Authors: Madenci Emrah , Özkılıç Yasin Onuralp , Aksoylu Ceyhun , Safonov Alexander
Published: October 2022

Pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (PFRP) profiles have started to find widespread use in the structure industry. The position of the web openings on these elements, which are especially exposed to axial pressure force, causes a change in the behavior. In this study, a total of 21 pultruded box profiles were tested under vertical loads and some of them were strengthened with carbon-FRP (CFRP) and glass-FRP (GFRP). The location, number and reinforcement type of the web openings on the profiles were taken into account as parameters. As a result of the axial test, it was understood that when a hole with a certain diameter is to be drilled on the profile, its position and number are very important. The height-centered openings in the middle of the web had the least effect on the reduction in the load-carrying capacity and the stability of the profile. In addition, it has been determined that the web openings away from the center and especially the eccentric opening significantly reduces the load carrying capacity. Furthermore, when double holes were drilled close to each other, a significant decrease in the capacity was observed and strengthening had the least effect on these specimens. It was also determined that the specimens reinforced with carbon FRP contribute more to the load-carrying capacity than GFRP.
Improved Pilot-Plant-Scale Synthesis of Chlorin e6 and Its Efficacy as a Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy and Photoacoustic Contrast Agent
Authors: Thapa Magar Til Bahadur , Shrestha Rajeev , Gurung Pallavi , Lim Junmo , Kim Yong-Wan
Published: October 2022

Photodynamic therapy and photoacoustic (PA) imaging are emerging therapeutic modalities for the diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancer or other diseases. In this study, the second-generation photosensitizer Chlorin e6 was prepared on a pilot scale by using the rapid, simple, and green synthetic method as compared to a conventional protocol. In the modified method, the extraction/reaction time and volume of solvents were significantly reduced. The dark and photodynamic cytotoxicity of Ce6 was measured against B16F10 melanoma cell line. Ce6 did not affect cancer cells in the dark up to 192 µM, ensuring their safety in the absence of light. After PDT, it displayed significant cytotoxicity at lower concentrations (IC50: 18.9 µM). For in vivo study, B16F10 allograft mice were treated with Ce6 at 2.5 mg/kg and then exposed to red light (660 nm) after 3 h. The Ce6-PDT caused the inhibition of tumor growth. Furthermore, Ce6 was also used as a photoacoustic imaging agent in ICR mice to visualize the internal organs. Therefore, this study provides valuable information about Ce6-PDT as a promising strategy for anti-cancer therapy as well as visualization of internal organs without surgery or x-rays.
Gelatin-Oxidized Nanocellulose Hydrogels Suitable for Extrusion-Based 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Zhou Shiyu , Han Chenyang , Ni Zhongjin , Yang Chao , Ni Yihua , Lv Yan
Published: October 2022

3D bioprinting is an emerging research field developed by the deep cross-fertilization of 3D printing technology with multiple disciplines such as mechanics, materials, and biomedicine. Extrusion 3D bioprinting, the most widely used 3D bioprinting technology, can print biomaterials with different viscosities and has a wide range of material applicability. In this study, we prepared a composite hydrogel with gelatin-oxidized nanocellulose as the matrix and glycerol as a multifunctional co-solvent, and the optimal composition of the hydrogel was determined by material characterization. The microstructure of the hydrogel was visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and it can be seen that the composite hydrogel material has a three-dimensional porous network structure with microporous pore sizes ranging from 200–300 µm. The infrared spectra also showed that the addition of glycerol did not interact with gelatin-oxidized nanocellulose while improving the hydrogel properties. Meanwhile, the composite hydrogel has obvious shear-thinning properties and good mechanical properties, which are suitable for extrusion-based 3D bioprinting, and the printed area is clear and structurally stable. A series of results indicate that the hydrogel is suitable for extrusion-based 3D bioprinting with good pore structure, mechanical properties, and printable performance. This gelatin-oxidized nanocellulose hydrogel provides a new idea and material for 3D bioprinting and expands the potential uses of the material.
The Methodological Implications of the Buddhist Model of Study, Reflection, and Cultivation
Authors: Turenne Philippe
Published: October 2022

This paper discusses aspects of the Buddhist concept of threefold wisdom and their implications on methodology for Buddhist studies, especially the academic study of Buddhist philosophy. The first part of the paper discusses aspects of threefold wisdom as presented in Indian and Tibetan Buddhist sources, arguing that threefold wisdom is not simply a presentation of mental cultivation and philosophical practice, but that it also proposes what can be called a practical hermeneutic, that is, a method to maximize a reader’s understanding of Buddhist scriptures and their full implication. Second, we consider how certain methods of studying Buddhist thought, especially those that deal with philosophical engagement with Buddhist thought, should be adapted to include the dimension of Buddhist philosophy that is exemplified by threefold wisdom. More particularly, Buddhist philosophy’s perspective on what a successful reading method consists of, which is exemplified by the practical hermeneutic described by threefold wisdom, should be included as part of what scholars pay attention to when studying Buddhist philosophy. Thus, only will the conditions for an open dialogue between Buddhism and other philosophical traditions be sufficiently present for such a dialogue to take place in a fruitful way.
An Automatic Self Shape-Shifting Soft Mobile Robot (A4SMR)
Authors: Al-Ibadi Mohammed A. , Al-Assfor Fatemah K. , Al-Ibadi Alaa
Published: October 2022

This article proposes a mobile robot that is fully constructed and actuated by utilising a pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM). Several features are shown in this design including softness, lightweight, and shape change. The robot that has been designed in this article is constructed with four identical contraction actuators: one pair for steering and moving forward and the second pair for shape-shifting. The proposed mobile robot has the ability to move forward, steer, and shapeshift to navigate through narrow paths. The kinematic for the system is provided for the area of the robot by using the shoelace formula by utilising a Pixy camera to track the coordinates of the four vertices.
Sequential Processing of Inter-Satellite Doppler Tracking for a Dual-Spacecraft Configuration
Authors: Petricca Flavio , Genova Antonio
Published: October 2022

The navigation of future interplanetary spacecraft will require an increasing degree of autonomy to enhance space system performance. A real-time trajectory determination is of paramount importance to reduce the risks of operations devoted to the exploration of celestial bodies in the solar system and to reduce the dependence and the loading on the ground systems. We present a technique for a sequential estimation of spacecraft orbits through the processing of line-of-sight relative velocity measurements that are acquired by the novel inter-satellite tracking system. This estimation scheme is based on the extended Kalman filter and is tested and validated in a realistic Mars mission scenario. Our numerical simulations suggest that the proposed navigation system can provide accuracies of a few meters in position and a few millimeters per second in velocity.
Characterizing the Turning Points in Ecosystem Functioning and Their Linkages to Drought and Human Activities over the Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Northern China
Authors: Hong Xiuchao , Huang Fang , Zhang Hongwei , Wang Ping
Published: October 2022

Identifying the changes in dryland functioning and the drivers of those changes are critical for global ecosystem conservation and sustainability. The arid and semi-arid regions of northern China (ASARNC) are located in a key area of the generally temperate desert of the Eurasian continent, where the ecological conditions have experienced noticeable changes in recent decades. However, it is unclear whether the ecosystem functioning (EF) in this region changed abruptly and how that change was affected by natural and anthropogenic factors. Here, we estimated monthly rain use efficiency (RUE) from MODIS NDVI time series data and investigated the timing and types of turning points (TPs) in EF by the Breaks For Additive Season and Trend (BFAST) family algorithms during 2000–2019. The linkages between the TPs, drought, the frequency of land cover change, and socioeconomic development were examined. The results show that 63.2% of the pixels in the ASARNC region underwent sudden EF changes, of which 26.64% were induced by drought events, while 55.67% were firmly associated with the wetting climate. Wet and dry events were not detected in 17.69% of the TPs, which might have been caused by human activities. TP types and occurrences correlate differently with land cover change frequency, population density, and GDP. The improved EF TP type was correlated with the continuous humid climate and a reduced population density, while the deteriorated EF type coincided with persistent drought and increasing population density. Our research furthers the understanding of how and why TPs of EF occur and provides fundamental data for the conservation, management, and better decision-making concerning dryland ecosystems in China.
Wearable Sensors Applied in Movement Analysis
Authors: Buisseret Fabien , Dierick Frédéric , Van der Perre Liesbet
Published: October 2022

Recent advances in the miniaturization of electronics have resulted in sensors whose sizes and weights are such that they can be attached to living systems without interfering with their natural movements and behaviors [...]
Experimental Study on Magnetic Coupling Piezoelectric–Electromagnetic Composite Galloping Energy Harvester
Authors: Li Xia , Ma Tongtong , Liu Benxue , Wang Chengming , Su Yufeng
Published: October 2022

In order to solve the demand for low-power microcomputers and micro-electro-mechanical system components for continuous energy supply, a magnetic coupling piezoelectric–electromagnetic composite galloping energy harvester (MPEGEH) is proposed. It is composed of a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) and an electromagnetic energy harvester (EEH) coupled by magnetic force. The bistable nonlinear magnetic coupling structure improves the output power of the MPEGEH. The advantages and output performance of the MPEGEH are analyzed. The prototype of the energy harvester is made, and the nonlinear output characteristics under different load resistances are analyzed. Through the experiment on the key parameters of the composite energy harvester, it is found that the higher the coupling degree of the two parts of the MPEGEH, the stronger the nonlinear characteristics and the better the output characteristics. The results show that the onset wind velocity and output power of the MPEGEH are better than the classic galloping piezoelectric energy harvester (CGPEH). At the same wind speed, with the increase in the distance d0 between magnets A and B, the output power of both the PEH and the EEH decreases. When d0 is 37 mm, the output power of the EEH is the largest. The distance s0 between magnets B and C has little influence on the output power of the PEH but has a great influence on the EEH. When s0 is 23 mm, the EEH has the best output characteristics. Compared with the CGPEH, the onset wind velocity is reduced by 28%, and the output power is increased by 136% when the wind speed is 11 m/s.
Standards-Based UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS Systematically Identifies 36 Bioactive Compounds in Ampelopsis grossedentata (Vine Tea)
Authors: Cai Rongxin , Li Xican , Li Chunhou , Zhu Jiayi , Zeng Jingyuan , Li Jianwu , Tang Boxu , Li Zheng , Liu Shuqin , Yan Yan
Published: October 2022

Ampelopsis grossedentata (vine tea) has been used as a detoxifying beverage in China for centuries. To systematically identify its bioactive compounds, the study adopted standards-based ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) analysis. The analysis was conducted under a negative ion model and the data were collected using the Xcalibur 4.1 software package. Based on comparisons with authentic standards, 36 bioactive compounds were putatively identified by four parameters: retention time, molecular ion peak, MS/MS profile, and characteristic fragments. These bioactive compounds include two chromones (noreugenin and 3,5,7-trihydroxychromone), 15 flavonoids (S-eriodictyol, S-naringenin, luteolin, ampelopsin, taxifolin, myricetin, quercetin, viscidulin I, kaempferol, myricetin 3-O-galactoside, myricitrin, avicularin, quercitrin, isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside, and afzelin), four phenolic acids (gallic acid, 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, and ellagic acid), five tea polyphenols (epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and catechin gallate), three chalcones (phloridzin, phloretin, and naringenin chalcone), one stilbene (polydatin), two lipids (myristic acid and ethyl stearate), one sugar (D-gluconic acid), one amino acid (L-tryptophan), one triterpenoid (oleanolic acid) and one alkaloid (jervine). Notably, the jervine identification is the first report regarding the occurrence of alkaloid in the plant. Two chromones may be the parent skeleton to biosynthesize the flavonoid in A. grossedentata.
Exploring Job Satisfaction and Intentions to Quit among Security Officers: The Role of Work Hygiene and Motivator Factors
Authors: Nagpaul Tania , Leong Chan-Hoong , Toh Chin-Seng , Amir Ardi Bin , Chin Raymond , Tan Steve
Published: October 2022

Amidst the pandemic, the work of many security personnel increased due to the additional requirements of checking vaccination records, temperature-taking, and contact-tracing procedures. There is ample research linking work hygiene and motivator factors (from Herzberg’s two-factor theory) to both job satisfaction and intentions to quit in various types of work settings. However, little is known about what keeps security officers on the job despite the exacerbated challenges posed by the pandemic. We examine how distinct hygiene and motivator factors predict intentions to quit among security officers. One thousand security officers in Singapore participated in a cross-sectional survey that assessed their current job experiences. The findings of this study revealed that job satisfaction plays a mediating effect in the positive relationship between four out of five poor hygiene factors and intentions to quit. Furthermore, the negative mediating effect of job satisfaction between all three motivator factors and intentions to quit was significant. Specifically, the intrinsic motivation for the work itself was the most significant predictor of intentions to stay. Interventions targeted at enhancing work commitment among security officers should highlight the value of security work and its role in maintaining public safety.
Empirical Model of Gaseous Mercury Emissions for the Analysis of Working Conditions in Outdoor Highly Contaminated Sites
Authors: Rodríguez Rafael , Garcia-Gonzalez Hector , García-Ordiales Efrén
Published: October 2022

The project SUBproducts4LIFE is a LIFE-funded research project that aims to demonstrate innovative circular economy concepts by repurposing industrial subproducts/waste (coal ash and gypsum from coal power plants, blast furnace slag, and steelmaking slag from steel factories) for the remediation of contaminated soils and brownfield areas associated with Hg mining on a large scale. Within the project, one of the objectives is related to worker safety by developing protocols and elaborating a guide of good practices to work under in these highly contaminated areas. The present research aims to assess the working conditions in an abandoned mine facility in terms of gaseous mercury in the environment, evaluating the main areas of the mine to ensure the health and safety of all workers and visitors. The study developed an empirical model for estimating the gaseous mercury concentration at any temperature with the target of scheduling the work to avoid occupational hazards. The research concluded that working without restrictions for temperatures under 15 °C in all the mine’s facilities is possible.
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Trends and Characteristics of Railway Research
Authors: Da Fonseca-Soares Diogo , Galvinicio Josicleda Domiciano , Eliziário Sayonara Andrade , Ramos-Ridao Angel Fermin
Published: October 2022

A retrospective bibliometric analysis of the railway sector covering the 20-year period between 2002 and 2021 was carried out to better understand the characteristics of the railway research. The Scopus database contained 1918 articles published with the keywords “Rail System”. VOSviewer software was used to create network maps from each of the variables studied. The results showed a huge increase in the number of publications over this period—notably, work written by Zhang, Y.T., who was found to be the most productive author. Engineering was found to be the most studied subject area of knowledge; Transportation Research Record was the journal with the highest number of publications; and China was revealed to be the leading country regarding this research field, Southwest Jiaotong University being the leading institution in this topic. Finally, there was a lack of research on the environmental impact and sustainability of railway systems, an area that could be opened up for future study.
Analysis of Combustion Conditions for Sustainable Dual-Fuel Mixtures
Authors: Puškár Michal , Živčák Jozef , Lavčák Matúš , Šoltésová Marieta , Kopas Melichar
Published: October 2022

The scientific contribution is focused on the analysis and optimization of combustion conditions concerning the dual-fuel mixtures. The greatest attention was paid to the temperature of intake air when a mixture of ethanol and gasoline created the applied fuel. An experimental fuel mixture was added into the intake pipe and ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel (ULSDF) was added directly into the engine cylinder using the CR (common rail) injection system. The article analysed the medium- and high-level operational engine load, whereby the engine timing parameters originally corresponded to a conventional diesel engine. The obtained results of the performed analysis showed that the temperature of intake air affected the following operational parameters: delay of ignition, pressure rise rate in the engine cylinder and the maximum level of pressure in the engine cylinder. Lower values of the intake air temperature enabled higher injection speeds for the ethanol–sustainable mixture (ESM), especially at high engine loads. An increase in the injection speed was possible due to lower charge air temperature. While there were reduced nitrogen oxide emissions, we also noted a reduction in both carbon monoxide emissions and the total amount of unburned hydrocarbon emissions.
Study on the Ecological Operation Model of Settlements Based on Social Network Analysis: Stakeholder Perspective
Authors: Rong Qi , Shen Liangfeng
Published: October 2022

The appropriate ecological operation method is suggested in order to create a harmonious human settlement environment and achieve the sustainable development of residential areas. The key to determining whether the model can be successfully implemented is now the stakeholders. Scholars feel that stakeholders in the urban development process should sustain collaboration, and they suggest collaborative measures because they have successfully identified these parties. Nevertheless, there are distinctions between the specialized research of ecological operation stakeholders and the disregard for internal differences of related groups. In order to examine the relationship strength and network density, structural location, and role interaction, this article employs social network analysis to examine the cohesiveness, relevance, reciprocity, transitivity, hierarchy, and agency of the stakeholder relationship network in the ecological operation. Interest disagreements, solutions, and recommendations among participants encourage the effective application of the ecological operating model. The study demonstrates that there are no factions, and that weak links dominate the stakeholder relationship network in ecological operations, exhibiting a “core-periphery” relationship structure. High relevance, high reciprocity, and high transmissibility describe the relationship network. Although the network’s overall power is dispersed, each group’s power is centralized. Residents and social organizations in residential areas are in a poor position, since governments at all levels have strong control over them. In order to optimize relationships and collaborative governance, which is helpful for implementing the ecological operation mode and realizing harmony and oneness between man and nature, the study explored the relationship network structure and features of stakeholders in the ecological operation.
Rural–Urban Metabolism: A Methodological Approach for Carbon-Positive and Circular Territories
Authors: Pianegonda Angelica , Favargiotti Sara , Ciolli Marco
Published: October 2022

Cities are responsible for about 75% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Various materials and energy sources, which are mostly produced by the rural areas rather than the cities, are consumed by the cities, and their waste is released back into the rural areas, thereby causing evident environmental damages. The Rural–Urban Metabolism approach can offer a comprehensive tool to understand the flux of resources that cross the urban environments and plan for more sustainable cities. Considering the strength of the relationship between the urban and rural areas, this paper offers a new perspective regarding the Rural–Urban Metabolism and its application in the Autonomous Province of Trento is discussed. The methodological approach consists of four main steps: data collection and management to support strategic territorial/urban plans; data assessment to critically evaluate the existing context; data mapping to visualize the data and territorial dynamics; and finally, the definition of the strategic and integrated development plan and actions. The Rural–Urban Metabolism proved to be a strategic approach for urban planning and design to monitor the flow of it, assess the impacts of it and promote more sustainable and circular urban policies.
Predictors Influencing Urban and Rural Area students to Use Tablet Computers as Learning Tools: Combination of UTAUT and TTF Models
Authors: Wang Fang , Wijaya Tommy Tanu , Habibi Akhmad , Liu Yixuan
Published: October 2022

University students use various ICT-based media a goal to help them learn. The Chinese government is also increasing the use of ICT tools in the education sector because they relate to university students’ learning outcomes. Several universities in China provide tablet computer facilities as learning tools for their university students. These learning tools are widely used in the country because they have many benefits in educational settings. For instance, they are paperless, practical, and portable and support sustainable education. Although tablets provide many benefits, their use as learning tools is not necessarily accepted by university students. Knowing the factors influencing the intention to use them as a learning tool increases their effective utilization by college university students. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the factors predicted to relate to the intention and actual usage of tablet computers by university students in urban and rural areas. It combined the TTF model and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT-2). The study sample comprised 232 university students in rural and 214 university students in urban areas. Data were analyzed using the partial least squares statistical technique to examine the structural model and test the initial hypothesis. The results showed that the intention of university students in the village to use tablet computers as learning media is influenced by hedonic motivation and task technology fit. In contrast, habit and task technology fit is the most significant factor for university students in urban areas to use tablet computers as learning tools.
Optimization of Hydrokinetic Swept Blades
Authors: Gemaque Miriam L. A. , Vaz Jerson R. P. , Saavedra Osvaldo R.
Published: October 2022

The hydrokinetic turbine is used worldwide for electrical generation purposes, as such a technology may strongly reduce environmental impact. Turbines designed using backward swept blades can significantly reduce the axial load, being relevant for hydro turbines. However, few works have been conducted in the literature in this regard. For the case of hydrokinetic rotors, backward swept blades are still a challenge, as the authors are unaware of any optimization procedures available, making this paper relevant for the current state of the art. Thus, the present work develops a new optimization procedure applied to hydrokinetic turbine swept blades, with the main objective being the design of blades with reduced axial load on the rotor and possibly a reduction in the cavitation. The proposed method consists of an extension of the blade element momentum theory (BEMT) to the case of backward swept blades through a radial transformation function. The method has low computational cost and easy implementation. Once it is based on the BEMT, it presents good agreement when compared to experimental data. As a result, the sweep heavily affects the chord and twist angle distributions along the blade, increasing the turbine torque and power coefficient. In the case of the torque, it can be increased by about 18%. Additionally, even though the bound circulation demonstrates a strong change for swept rotors, Prandtl’s tip loss seems to be not sensitive to the sweep effect, and alternative models are needed.
High-Resolution Hazard Assessment for Tropical Cyclone-Induced Wind and Precipitation: An Analytical Framework and Application
Authors: Tang Jiting , Hu Fuyu , Liu Yimeng , Wang Weiping , Yang Saini
Published: October 2022

Intensified tropical cyclones (TCs) threaten the socioeconomic development of coastal cities. The coupling of strong wind and precipitation with the TC process usually amplifies the destructive effects of storms. Currently, an integrated analytical framework for TC hazard assessment at the city level that combines the joint statistical characteristics of multiple TC-induced hazards and local environmental features does not exist. In this study, we developed a novel hazard assessment framework with a high spatiotemporal resolution that includes a fine-tuned K-means algorithm for clustering TC tracks and a Copula model to depict the wind–precipitation joint probability distribution of different TC categories. High-resolution wind and precipitation data were used to conduct an empirical study in Shenzhen, a coastal megacity in Guangdong Province, China. The results show that the probabilities of TC-induced wind speed and precipitation exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity in Shenzhen, which can be explained by the characteristics of TC tracks and terrain environment factors. In general, the hazard intensity of TCs landing from the west side is higher than that from the east side, and the greatest TC intensity appears on the southeast coast of Shenzhen, implying that more disaster prevention efforts are needed. The proposed TC hazard assessment method provides a solid base for highly precise risk assessment at the city level.
The Role of Public–Private Partnerships in Local Government Debt Is a Potential Threat to Sustainable Cities: A Case from China
Authors: Fu Liping , Sun Huajun , Meng Yuan , Li Jiaxin
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Public–private partnerships (PPPs) play an essential role in sustainable cities and are widely applied in the public environment, health, and transportation sectors. One of the main functions of PPP projects is to attract private capital to provide better public services and infrastructure. PPP projects require government investment, potentially threatening the debt of local governments. However, few scholars have shown attention to the relationship between PPP projects and local government debt. (2) Methods: Therefore, this study selects data from 36 cities in China from 2014 to 2018. Ordinary least squares (OLS), quantile regression, and placebo tests are used to investigate this claim. (3) Results: This study finds that PPP projects can affect local governments’ debt; based on this result, this study further proposes that the effect of PPP projects on local government debt has regional heterogeneity. Compared with eastern regions, PPPs in central and western areas of China have a noticeable impact on local government debt. This study also investigates the effect of different types of PPP projects on local government debt. In terms of the number of new additions, comprehensive urban development PPP projects have the largest effect on the exacerbation of government deb. In terms of the amount of new investment, environmental protection PPP projects have the greatest exacerbating effect on government debt. (4) Conclusion: These findings try to identify PPPs’ effect on local government debt. It is of potential reference for sustainable cities and helps to provide better transport, environmental, and health public services.
Research on the Spatial Network Effect of Urban Tourism Flows from Shanghai Disneyland
Authors: Chen Hao , Wang Min , Zheng Shanting
Published: October 2022

For a long time, Shanghai’s urban tourism has presented a single-core agglomeration pattern with the Bund area as the core, with the phenomenon of overcrowding in the core area during holidays. The opening of Disneyland in 2016 has had an important impact on the development of Shanghai’s urban tourism, including the spatial network of tourism flows. This study selects the travel notes of domestic tourists to Shanghai from Ctrip.com and sorts out a total of 1419 pieces of valid spatial information before and after the opening of Disneyland. With the help of social network analysis, it analyses the influence of Disneyland on the spatial network of domestic tourism flows in Shanghai. The results show that Disneyland has become a new spatial growth pole of Shanghai urban tourism, with an obvious network nuclear Overhauser effect, which is conducive to alleviating congestion in the Bund area, but the correlation effect of Disneyland on other tourism nodes is not obvious. The connection between high-grade tourism nodes is further enhanced, and some low-grade tourism nodes are more marginalized, showing the Matthew effect of nodes and the combined effects of nodes. Accordingly, this paper puts forward three suggestions. First, to strengthen the optimal design of tourism routes and enhance the connection between Disneyland and other tourism nodes; second, to upgrade low-grade tourism nodes, enhance recognition and strengthen integration with core tourism nodes; and, third, to strengthen top-level planning, provide comprehensive support for Disneyland, enhance its industrial linkage effect and spatial network effect, and promote the sustainable development of Shanghai’s urban tourism.
Does Interdisciplinary Research Lead to Higher Faculty Performance? Evidence from an Accelerated Research University in China
Authors: Yu Li , Yan Yue , Li Mingjun
Published: October 2022

The current trend of building accelerated research universities in China that explore the pursuit of interdisciplinary research (IDR) approach to yield academic excellence and innovation through institutional reforms is aspiring to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Employing data from faculty Curriculum Vitae and bibliometric records from a pilot accelerated research university in China, this study provides a case study to empirically quantify the impact of interdisciplinary research on 490 faculty’s performance, including research productivity, impact, and prestige. Results show that faculty involved in interdisciplinary research outperform their non-interdisciplinary counterparts in terms of research productivity, impact, and prestige. The degree of interdisciplinary as measured by subject categories is positively associated with faculty research performance. However, there are heterogeneous effects across faculty subgroups since faculty in applied-oriented disciplines reap more benefits while young faculty may suffer. Additionally, this study finds that faculty individual interdisciplinary research behavior can be affected by school-level concentration and dispersion of the degree of interdisciplinarity, which suggests the existence of peer effects.
Landscape Heterogeneity Determines the Diversity and Life History Traits of Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: Kędzior Renata , Kosewska Agnieszka
Published: October 2022

Functional diversity is crucial to ecosystem functioning in agricultural landscapes. Intensive agriculture has led to habitat homogeneity and thus a decrease in biodiversity and the disappearance of useful epigeic fauna. This study investigated how local habitat types in an agricultural landscape affect the assemblage parameters (abundance, species richness and Shannon–Wiener diversity index) and life history traits of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae). The study was conducted in four habitat types: Orchard, meadow, shrubs, and forest. In each type, 12 sampling transects were selected, in which individuals were caught in pitfall traps. Non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed significant differences in ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) assemblage composition between habitats. The generalized linear model showed that the habitat type influenced the beetles’ assemblage parameters and life history traits. Abundance, number of species, and species diversity were highest in the orchard. The occurrence of large brachypterous predators was also strongly dependent on habitat heterogeneity. Their presence in the orchard depended on their distance from semi-natural habitats (shrubs or forest). The results underscore the importance of habitat heterogeneity for populations of predatory Carabidae in intensively used agricultural landscapes and demonstrate the role of functional parameters, providing detailed information on agroecosystem condition and functioning.
Spatiotemporal Variations in Shrimp Aquaculture in China and Their Influencing Factors
Authors: Wang Jing , Che Bin , Sun Chen
Published: October 2022

The sustainable development of the aquaculture industry is of great significance for national food security within the context of increasing consumer demand, scarce land resources, and continuous ecological and environmental deterioration. China is a major shrimp farming country. It is crucial to investigate the spatiotemporal variations in the characteristics of shrimp aquaculture for the stability and sustainable development of China’s shrimp aquaculture industry, as well as to explore an optimization strategy for the spatial layout of this industry. Existing research mainly focuses on the fluctuations in shrimp production and their influencing factors, while studies on the spatiotemporal variations of shrimp aquaculture and their influencing mechanisms are few. In this study, we analyzed the patterns of spatiotemporal variation in shrimp aquaculture in China and further explored their influencing factors using standard deviational ellipse and Geodetector, based on China’s shrimp aquaculture production data from 2003 to 2020. The results show that (1) there has been a steady upward trend in shrimp aquaculture production in China over the past 18 years, with a growth rate of 128% and an average annual growth rate of 5.2%; (2) the spatial distribution range of shrimp farms has expanded, showing a zonal distribution pattern from the northeast to southwest, and the center of the shrimp aquaculture industry has generally shifted southward; and (3) the level of development within the fishing industry, labor quantity, and per capita income are the main factors affecting the spatial distribution variability of shrimp aquaculture. The degree of influence of each different factor on spatial distribution of shrimp aquaculture varied temporally.
Seaport Resilience Analysis and Throughput Forecast Using a Deep Learning Approach: A Case Study of Busan Port
Authors: Cuong Truong Ngoc , You Sam-Sang , Long Le Ngoc Bao , Kim Hwan-Seong
Published: October 2022

The global nature of seaport operations makes shipping companies susceptible to potential impacts. Sustainability requires seaport authorities to understand the underlying mechanisms of resilience in a dynamic world, to ensure high performance under disruptions. This paper deals with data analytics for analysing port resilience and a new paradigm for productivity forecasting that utilize a hybrid deep learning method. Nonlinear analytical methods include Lyapunov exponent, entropy analysis, Hurst exponent, and historical event analysis, with statistical significance tests. These approaches have been utilised to show that throughput demand at Busan port (South Korea) exhibits complex behaviour due to business volatility. A new forecasting method based on long short-term memory (LSTM) and random forest (RF) has been applied to explore port throughput in realizing recovery policy. The LSTM networks have shown high effectiveness in time-series forecasting tasks; RF is proposed as a complementary method to mitigate residual errors from the LSTM scheme. Statistical significance tests have been conducted to comprehensively evaluate the introduced forecasting models. The results show that the hybrid method outperformed three benchmarked models in both the short- and long-term forecasting at a 95% confidence level, guaranteeing accuracy and robustness as well as suitability. As a seeking strategy for seaport competitiveness, novel resilience planning incorporates sustainability to prepare for disruptions such as a global pandemic.