bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Origin, Seed Coat Color, and Maturity Group on Seed Isoflavones in Diverse Soybean Germplasm
Authors: Azam Muhammad , Zhang Shengrui , Qi Jie , Abdelghany Ahmed M. , Shaibu Abdulwahab Saliu , Feng Yue , Ghosh Suprio , Agyenim-Boateng Kwadwo Gyapong , Liu Yitian , Yao Luming , Li Jing , Li Bin , Wang Biao , Sun Junming
Published: June 2024

Soybeans are grown worldwide owing to their protein, oil, and beneficial bioactive compounds. Genetic and environmental factors influence soybean seed isoflavones. In the present study, we profiled the seed isoflavones in world diverse soybean germplasm grown in two locations over two years in China. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between the accessions, accession origins, seed coat colors, and maturity groups for individual and total isoflavone (TIF) content. TIF content of the soybean accessions ranged from 677.25 μg g−1 to 5823.29 μg g−1, representing an 8-fold difference. USA soybean accessions showed the highest mean TIF content (3263.07 μg g−1), followed by Japan (2521.26 μg g−1). Soybean with black seed coat showed the highest (3236.08 μg g−1) TIF concentration. Furthermore, isoflavone levels were significantly higher in late-maturity groups. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between individual and TIF content. Malonyldaidzin and malonylgenistin showed higher correlations with TIF content (r = 0.92 and r = 0.94, respectively). The soybean accessions identified as having high and stable TIF content can be utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries and breeding programs to develop soybean varieties with enhanced isoflavone content.
Effects of Photoperiod and Light Quality on Germination and Growth of Camellia sinensis ‘HuangKui’
Authors: Hu Gan , Li Xingchen , Yang Junlong , Yuan Qingqing , Yang Shijun , Fu Wenjun , Zhang Xianchen , Li Yeyun , Shen Zhougao , Jiang Jiayue
Published: June 2024

Light, as a critical environmental factor, plays a pivotal role in photosynthesis, ultimately influencing the timing of bud flush in tea plants. However, the synergistic effects of different photoperiods and light qualities on the timing of bud flush in the albino tea cultivar ‘HuangKui’ (later germination variety) remain unknown. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different photoperiods (12L/12D, 14L/10D, 16L/8D, and 18L/6D, where L = the number of daylight hours and D = the number of hours of darkness) and ratios of red (R) to blue (B) light (R/B 1:1, R/B 1:2, R/B 1:3, and R/B 2:1) on the germination and growth of the albino tea variety ‘HuangKui’. In our study, we examined how different photoperiods and red light and blue light affected tea germination and growth by investigating the timing of bud flush, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, and growth indicators. First, our study showed that ‘HuangKui’ germinated 4 days, 2 days, and 1 day earlier under the 16L/8D photoperiod at the one bud and one leaf period compared with plants cultivated under the 12L/12D, 14L/10D, and 18L/6D photoperiods under light simulating the solar spectrum. Also, the growth of ‘HuangKui’ was maximumly promoted under the 16L/8D photoperiod treatment. Additionally, the earliest germination of ‘HuangKui’ was observed for the 16L/8D photoperiod under the R/B 2:1 (red/blue) treatment compared with the other treatments. Moreover, the greatest plant height, length of the new shoots, and new leaf areas were detected in the albino tea variety ‘HuangKui’ under R/B 2:1. Moreover, the contents of auxin (indole acetic acid, IAA) and trans-zeatin (tZ) under R/B 2:1 were significantly higher than those under the R/B 1:1 and control treatments with the 16L/8D photoperiod. Additionally, the auxin-related expression levels of CsIAA13, CsGH3.1, CsAUX1, and CsARF2 under the R/B 2:1 treatment were significantly higher than those in the control. The expression of CsARR-B, a positive regulator of cytokinin-related genes, was significantly higher under the R/B 2:1 treatment than under the control treatment, while the opposite result was found for the expression of the negative regulator CsARR-A. Therefore, the R/B 2:1 treatment with the 16L/8D photoperiod was an appropriate means of timing the bud flush for the albino tea variety ‘HuangKui’, which may be related to IAA or tZ signal transduction. In conclusion, our research offers a novel lighting strategy that promotes the germination and growth of albino tea cultivars.
Photosynthetic Performance and Yield Losses of Winter Rapeseed (Brassica napus L. var. napus) Caused by Simulated Hail
Authors: Dąbrowski Piotr , Jełowicki Łukasz , Jaszczuk Zuzanna M. , Kryvoviaz Olena , Kalaji Hazem M.
Published: June 2024

Winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), Europe’s foremost oilseed crop, is significantly impacted by hailstorms, leading to substantial yield reductions that are difficult to predict and measure using conventional methods. This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of photosynthetic efficiency analysis for predicting yield loss in winter rapeseed subjected to hail exposure. The aim was to pinpoint the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters most affected by hail stress and identify those that could act as non-invasive biomarkers of yield loss. The study was conducted in partially controlled conditions (greenhouse). Stress was induced in the plants by firing plastic balls with a 6 mm diameter at them using a pneumatic device, which launched the projectiles at speeds of several tens of meters per second. Measurements of both continuous-excitation and pulse-modulated-amplitude chlorophyll fluorescence were engaged to highlight the sensitivity of the induction curve and related parameters to hail stress. Our research uncovered that some parameters such as Fs, Fm’, ΦPSII, ETR, Fo, Fv/Fm, and Fv/Fo measured eight days after the application of stress had a strong correlation with final yield, thus laying the groundwork for the creation of new practical protocols in agriculture and the insurance industry to accurately forecast damage to rapeseed crops due to hail stress.
Self-Neutralizing Melamine–Urea–Formaldehyde–Citric Acid Resins for Wood Panel Adhesives
Authors: Xi Xuedong , Pizzi Antonio , Lei Hong , Zhou Xiaojian , Du Guanben
Published: June 2024

In this study, we used a self-neutralizing system to counteract too acidic a pH, unsuitable for wood adhesives, and tested it on MUF resins augmented by the addition of citric acid or other organic acids, based on the addition of small percentages of hexamine or another suitable organic base to form an acid–base buffer. In this manner, the pH of the adhesive was maintained above the minimum allowed value of 4, and the strength results of wood particleboard and plywood bonded with this adhesive system increased due to the additional cross-linking imparted by the citric acid. Thus, the wood constituents at the wood/adhesive interface were not damaged/degraded by too low a pH, thus avoiding longer-term service failure of the bonded joints. The addition of the buffering system increased the strength of the bondline in both the plywood and particleboard, both when dry and after hot water and boiling water tests. The IB strength of the particleboard was then increased by 15–17% when dry but by 82% after boiling. For the plywood, the shear strengths when dry and after 3 h in hot water at 63 °C were, respectively, 37% and 90% higher than for the control. The improvement in the bonded panel strength is ascribed to multiple reasons: (i) the slower, more regular cross-linking rate due to the action of the buffer; (ii) the shift in the polycondensation–degradation equilibrium to the left induced by the higher pH and the long-term stability of the organic buffer; (iii) the additional cross-linking by citric acid of some of the MUF resin amine groups; (iv) the already known direct linking of citric acid with the carbohydrates and lignin constituents at the interface of the wood substrate; and (v) the likely covalent linking to the interfacial wood constituents of the prelinked MUF–citric acid resin by some of the unreacted citric acid carboxyl groups.
Influence of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotubes on the Structural, Electrical, and Photoluminescent Properties of Chitosan Films
Authors: González-Martínez Jesús R. , López-Oyama Ana B. , Del Ángel-López Deyanira , García-Guendulain Crescencio , Rodríguez-González Eugenio , Pulido-Barragan Eder U. , Barffuson-Domínguez Felipe , Magallanes-Vallejo Aurora G. , Mogica-Cantú Pablo J.
Published: June 2024

Chitosan is a biopolymer with unique properties that have attracted considerable attention in various scientific fields in recent decades. Although chitosan is known for its poor electrical and mechanical properties, there is interest in producing chitosan-based materials reinforced with carbon-based materials to impart exceptional properties such as high electrical conductivity and high Young’s modulus. This study describes the synergistic effect of carbon-based materials, such as reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes, in improving the electrical, optical, and mechanical properties of chitosan-based films. Our findings demonstrate that the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide influences the crystallinity of chitosan, which considerably impacts the mechanical properties of the films. However, the incorporation of a reduced graphene oxide–carbon nanotube complex not only significantly improves the mechanical properties but also significantly improves the optical and electrical properties, as was demonstrated from the photoluminescence studies and resistivity measurements employing the four-probe technique. This is a promising prospect for the synthesis of new materials, such as biopolymer films, with potential applications in optical, electrical, and biomedical bioengineering applications.
Mechanical Characterization and Production of Various Shapes Using Continuous Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Thermoset Resin-Based 3D Printing
Authors: Islam Md Zahirul , Rahman Md Atikur , Gibbon Luke , Hall Eric , Ulven Chad A. , La Scala John J.
Published: June 2024

Continuous carbon fiber-reinforced (CCFR) thermoset composites have received significant attention due to their excellent mechanical and thermal properties. The implementation of 3D printing introduces cost-effectiveness and design flexibility into their manufacturing processes. The light-assisted 3D printing process shows promise for manufacturing CCFR composites using low-viscosity thermoset resin, which would otherwise be unprintable. Because of the lack of shape-retaining capability, 3D printing of various shapes is challenging with low-viscosity thermoset resin. This study demonstrated an overshoot-associated algorithm for 3D printing various shapes using low-viscosity thermoset resin and continuous carbon fiber. Additionally, 3D-printed unidirectional composites were mechanically characterized. The printed specimen exhibited tensile strength of 390 ± 22 MPa and an interlaminar strength of 38 ± 1.7 MPa, with a fiber volume fraction of 15.7 ± 0.43%. Void analysis revealed that the printed specimen contained 5.5% overall voids. Moreover, the analysis showed the presence of numerous irregular cylindrical-shaped intra-tow voids, which governed the tensile properties. However, the inter-tow voids were small and spherical-shaped, governing the interlaminar shear strength. Therefore, the printed specimens showed exceptional interlaminar shear strength, and the tensile strength had the potential to increase further by improving the impregnation of polymer resin within the fiber.
Controlled Surface Textures of Elastomeric Polyurethane Janus Particles: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Trindade Ana Catarina
Published: June 2024

Colloidal particle research has witnessed significant advancements in the past century, resulting in a plethora of studies, novel applications, and beneficial products. This review article presents a cost-effective and low-tech method for producing Janus elastomeric particles of varied geometries, including planar films, spherical particles, and cylindrical fibers, utilizing a single elastomeric material and easily accessible chemicals. Different surface textures are attained through strain application or solvent-induced swelling, featuring well-defined wavelengths ranging from sub-microns to millimeters and offering easy adjustability. Such versatility renders these particles potentially invaluable for medical applications, especially in bacterial adhesion studies. The coexistence of “young” regions (smooth, with a small surface area) and “old” regions (wrinkled, with a large surface area) within the same material opens up avenues for biomimetic materials endowed with additional functionalities; for example, a Janus micromanipulator where micro- or nano-sized objects are grasped and transported by an array of wrinkled particles, facilitating precise release at designated locations through wrinkle pattern adjustments. This article underscores the versatility and potential applications of Janus elastomeric particles while highlighting the intriguing prospects of biomimetic materials with controlled surface textures.
Tomato Pomace Powder as a Functional Ingredient in Minced Meat Products—Influence on Technological and Sensory Properties of Traditional Serbian Minced Meat Product Ćevapi
Authors: Stajić Slaviša , Skwarek Patrycja , Đurđević Sanja , Karwowska Małgorzata , Pisinov Boris , Tomasevic Igor , Kurćubić Vladimir
Published: June 2024

The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of tomato pomace (TP) on the technological and sensory properties of ćevapi. Four treatments were prepared as follows: control (CON) and samples with the addition of TP in amounts of TP5 (0.5%—5 g/kg), TP10 (1%—10 g/kg), and TP20 (2%—20 g/kg). Technological properties (pH values, water activity (aw) cooking loss, length reduction), instrumental colour and texture, and sensory properties were examined. The addition of TP powder did not result in significant differences in pH and aw values between CON and modified treatments (in both raw and grilled). The addition of TP in the amounts higher than 10 g/kg significantly reduced cooking loss, while length reduction was observed when 20 g/kg was added. Also, significantly higher values of yellowness were observed in both the raw and grilled ćevapi, when 10 g/kg and more of TP was added. Significantly higher hardness and chewiness were observed in all experimental treatments. However, differences in instrumental colour and texture were not negatively perceived by the assessors, and there were no significant differences in any observed sensory properties between the CON and experimental treatments. Moreover, all the experimental treatments received a relatively high mark of around seven and higher on a nine-point hedonic scale. Further research could focus on the examination of salt/meat reduction as well as oxidative stability during freeze storage.
An Automated Quantitative Methodology for Computing Gravel Parameters in Imaging Logging Leveraging Deep Learning: A Case Analysis of the Baikouquan Formation within the Mahu Sag
Authors: Wang Liang , Lu Jing , Luo Yang , Ren Benbing , Li Angxing , Zhao Ning
Published: June 2024

Gravels are widely distributed in the Baikouquan formation in the Mabei area of the Junggar Basin. However, conventional logging methods cannot quantitatively characterize gravel development, which limits the identification of lithology, structure, and sedimentary facies in this region. This study proposes a new method for automatically identifying gravels from electric imaging images and calculating gravel parameters utilizing the salient object detection (SOD) network. Firstly, a SOD network model (U2-Net) was constructed and trained using electric imaging data from the Baikouquan formation at the Mahu Sag. The blank strips in the images were filled using the U-Net convolutional neural network model. Sample sets were then prepared, and the gravel areas were labeled in the electric imaging images with the Labelme software in combination with image segmentation and human–machine interaction. These sample sets were used to train the network model, enabling the automatic recognition of gravel areas and the segmentation of adhesive gravel regions in the electric imaging images. Based on the segmented gravel results, quantitative evaluation parameters such as particle size and gravel quantity were accurately calculated. The method’s validity was confirmed through validation sets and actual data. This approach enhances adhesive area segmentation’s accuracy and processing speed while effectively reducing human error. The trained network model demonstrated an average absolute error of 0.0048 on test sets with a recognition accuracy of 83.7%. This method provides algorithmic support for the refined evaluation of glutenite reservoir logging.
Coordinated Optimization of Hydrogen-Integrated Energy Hubs with Demand Response-Enabled Energy Sharing
Authors: Abbas Tasawar , Chen Sheng , Zhang Xuan , Wang Ziyan
Published: June 2024

The energy hub provides a comprehensive solution uniting energy producers, consumers, and storage systems, thereby optimizing energy utilization efficiency. The single integrated energy system’s limitations restrict renewable absorption and resource allocation, while uncoordinated demand responses create load peaks, and global warming challenges sustainable multi-energy system operations. Therefore, our work aims to enhance multi-energy flexibility by coordinating various energy hubs within a hydrogen-based integrated system. This study focuses on a cost-effective, ecologically sound, and flexible tertiary hub (producer, prosumer, and consumer) with integrated demand response programs, demonstrating a 17.30% reduction in operation costs and a 13.14% decrease in emissions. Power-to-gas technology enhances coupling efficiency among gas turbines, boilers, heat pumps, and chillers. A mixed-integer nonlinear programming model using a GAMS BARON solver will achieve the optimal results of this study. The proposed model’s simulation results show reduced energy market costs, total emissions, and daily operation expenses.
The Dissolution of the Monastic Houses in Iceland
Authors: Kristjánsdóttir Steinunn
Published: June 2024

The founding of the fourteen monasteries that operated for varying lengths of time in Iceland are in most cases known, but their dissolution differs. It is, however, known that none of them were closed due to plagues, natural disasters, or economic crises but rather because of administrative reasons. Five of the monasteries perished within a few decades; however, most of them perished because of political disputes between secular and ecclesiastical powers in Iceland during the thirteenth century. On the other hand, nine of them became highly prosperous but were dissolved following the Lutheran Reformation in the mid-sixteenth century. The truth is that monasticism vanished in Iceland with the closure of the last one in 1551, and their previous occupation was thereby discontinued. Here, an attempt will be made to obtain an overview of their dissolution, but their growth and development were in all cases dependent on the country’s authorities at any given time, ecclesiastical and royal. Still, the circumstances of their dissolutions varied nonetheless between monasteries.
The Intersection of Gender-Based Violence and Vulnerance in Pastoral Care
Authors: Leimgruber Ute
Published: June 2024

This paper examines several aspects of vulnerability, vulnerance, and resilience in pastoral care, with a focus on women in the Roman Catholic Church. It critiques gendered ideologies and the intersection of gender-based violence and systemic risks in pastoral care settings. Through doctrinal analysis and lived experiences, it argues pastoral care settings with their systemic vulnerances and asymmetries enable abuse, often by clerics. The concept of “vulnerance” sheds light on power dynamics, emphasizing the importance of trauma-sensitive pastoral care with high professional standards to foster resilience among victims.
From Monks to Educators: Venerable Zongyue and Buddhist Charitable Educational Activities in Early Twentieth-Century Beijing
Authors: Wu Wei
Published: June 2024

This article explores the charitable activities of Chinese Buddhists in Beijing in the first decades of the twentieth century, with a focus on Buddhists’ efforts in building schools and promoting modern education. Specifically, the activities led by Venerable Zongyue 宗月 (1880–1941) are examined, in his role spearheading various Buddhist charitable activities in Beijing, including building several schools for commoners (pingmin xuexiao 平民學校) in the 1920s. Zongyue also established a library and a Buddhist newspaper called Fobao Xunkan 佛寶旬刊 to promote ideas about philanthropy. In the late 1920s, inspired by Zongyue’s example, as well as under pressure from the government during the anti-superstition campaigns, many other temples in Beijing began building schools to offer educational opportunities to students. This article investigates the interactions between Buddhism, education, and the government. By examining the initiatives started by Zongyue and the role of Chinese Buddhists in promoting charitable educational activities and social change, this article sheds light on the broader impact of Buddhism on Chinese society in the early twentieth century.
Experiment for Oil Spill Detection Based on Dual-Frequency QZSS Reflected Signals Using Drone-Borne GNSS-R
Authors: Liu Runqi , Gao Fan , Jing Cheng , Li Xiao , Song Dongmei , Wang Bin , Sun Huyu , Kong Yahui , Zhong Zhenyao , Gu Shuo , Yin Cong , Bai Weihua
Published: June 2024

Oil spill detection plays an important role in marine environment protection. The technique of global navigation satellite system-reflectometry (GNSS-R) has the advantage of a short revisit time, which could help with timely cleanup of marine oil pollution. The conventional GNSS-R oil spill detection algorithm can resolve only the dielectric constant of oil based on power ratio measurements, while that of water cannot be realized. This is because the dielectric constant of water is much larger than that of oil such that the range of the equation used in the conventional algorithm is inadequate. To resolve this problem, we proposed a new algorithm containing a new equation with a larger scope, which has never been applied previously to GNSS-R oil spill detection. We derived a lookup method to resolve the dielectric constant of both oil and water. To validate our method, a drone-borne GNSS-R experiment based on dual-frequency QZSS reflection signals was conducted on 17 July 2023 using experimental pools simulating oil spills. Raw IF data in the L1 and L5 bands, collected using dual antennas and a data recorder, were processed using a software-defined receiver to deduce the power ratios and SNR of the GNSS signals. Results showed that the proposed algorithm is capable of resolving the dielectric constants of the reflected surface. In addition, the L5 signal was found to provide more detail and better contrast than the L1 C/A signal.
Point Cloud Denoising in Outdoor Real-World Scenes Based on Measurable Segmentation
Authors: Wang Lianchao , Chen Yijin , Xu Hanghang
Published: June 2024

With the continuous advancements in three-dimensional scanning technology, point clouds are fundamental data in various fields such as autonomous driving, 3D urban modeling, and the preservation of cultural heritage. However, inherent inaccuracies in instruments and external environmental interference often introduce noise and outliers into point cloud data, posing numerous challenges for advanced processing tasks such as registration, segmentation, classification, and 3D reconstruction. To effectively address these issues, this study proposes a hierarchical denoising strategy based on finite measurable segmentation in spherical space, taking into account the performance differences in horizontal and vertical resolutions of LiDAR systems. The effectiveness of this method was validated through a denoising experiment conducted on point cloud data collected from real outdoor environments. The experimental result indicates that this denoising strategy not only effectively eliminates noise but also more accurately preserves the original detail features of the point clouds, demonstrating significant advantages over conventional denoising techniques. Overall, this study introduces a novel and effective method for denoising point cloud data in outdoor real-world scenes.
Variational-Based Spatial–Temporal Approximation of Images in Remote Sensing
Authors: Amirfakhrian Majid , Samavati Faramarz F.
Published: June 2024

Cloud cover and shadows often hinder the accurate analysis of satellite images, impacting various applications, such as digital farming, land monitoring, environmental assessment, and urban planning. This paper presents a new approach to enhancing cloud-contaminated satellite images using a novel variational model for approximating the combination of the temporal and spatial components of satellite imagery. Leveraging this model, we derive two spatial-temporal methods containing an algorithm that computes the missing or contaminated data in cloudy images using the seamless Poisson blending method. In the first method, we extend the Poisson blending method to compute the spatial-temporal approximation. The pixel-wise temporal approximation is used as a guiding vector field for Poisson blending. In the second method, we use the rate of change in the temporal domain to divide the missing region into low-variation and high-variation sub-regions to better guide Poisson blending. In our second method, we provide a more general case by introducing a variation-based method that considers the temporal variation in specific regions to further refine the spatial–temporal approximation. The proposed methods have the same complexity as conventional methods, which is linear in the number of pixels in the region of interest. Our comprehensive evaluation demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed methods through quantitative metrics, including the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Structural Similarity Index Metric (SSIM), revealing significant improvements over existing approaches. Additionally, the evaluations offer insights into how to choose between our first and second methods for specific scenarios. This consideration takes into account the temporal and spatial resolutions, as well as the scale and extent of the missing data.
Quantifying City- and Street-Scale Urban Tree Phenology from Landsat-8, Sentinel-2, and PlanetScope Images: A Case Study in Downtown Beijing
Authors: Wang Hexiang , Gong Fang-Ying
Published: June 2024

Understanding the phenology of urban trees can help mitigate the heat island effect by strategically planting and managing trees to provide shade, reduce energy consumption, and improve urban microclimates. In this study, we carried out the first evaluation of high spatial resolution satellite images from Landsat-8, Sentinel-2, and PlanetScope images to quantify urban street tree phenology in downtown Beijing. The major research goals are to evaluate the consistency in pixel-level spring–summer growth period phenology and to investigate the capacity of high-resolution satellite observations to distinguish phenological transition dates of urban street trees. At the city scale, Landsat-8, Sentinel-2, and PlanetScope show similar temporal NDVI trends in general. The pixel-level analysis reveals that green-up date consistency is higher in areas with medium (NDVI > 0.5) to high (NDVI > 0.7) vegetation cover when the impacts of urban surfaces on vegetation reflectance are excluded. Similarly, maturity date consistency significantly increases in densely vegetated pixels with NDVI greater than 0.7. At the street scale, this study emphasizes the efficacy of NDVI time series derived from PlanetScope in quantifying the phenology of common street tree genera, including Poplars (Populus), Ginkgos (Ginkgo), Chinese Scholars (Styphnolobium), and Willows (Salix), in downtown Beijing to improve urban vegetation planning. Based on PlanetScope observations, we found that the four street tree genera have unique phenological patterns. Interestingly, we found that the trees along many major streets, where Chinese Scholars are the major tree genus, have later green-up dates than other areas in downtown Beijing. In conclusion, the three satellite observation datasets prove to be effective in monitoring street tree phenology during the spring–summer growth period in Beijing. PlanetScope is effective in monitoring tree phenology at the street scale; however, Landsat-8 may be affected by the mixture of land covers due to its relatively coarse spatial resolution.
A Comparison of Satellite Imagery Sources for Automated Detection of Retrogressive Thaw Slumps
Authors: Rodenhizer Heidi , Yang Yili , Fiske Greg , Potter Stefano , Windholz Tiffany , Mullen Andrew , Watts Jennifer D. , Rogers Brendan M.
Published: June 2024

Retrogressive thaw slumps (RTS) are a form of abrupt permafrost thaw that can rapidly mobilize ancient frozen soil carbon, magnifying the permafrost carbon feedback. However, the magnitude of this effect is uncertain, largely due to limited information about the distribution and extent of RTS across the circumpolar region. Although deep learning methods such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) have shown the ability to map RTS from high-resolution satellite imagery (≤10 m), challenges remain in deploying these models across large areas. Imagery selection and procurement remain one of the largest challenges to upscaling RTS mapping projects, as the user must balance cost with resolution and sensor quality. In this study, we compared the performance of three satellite imagery sources that differed in terms of sensor quality and cost in predicting RTS using a Unet3+ CNN model and identified RTS characteristics that impact detectability. Maxar WorldView imagery was the most expensive option, with a ground sample distance of 1.85 m in the multispectral bands (downloaded at 4 m resolution). Planet Labs PlanetScope imagery was a less expensive option with a ground sample distance of approximately 3.0–4.2 m (downloaded at 3 m resolution). Although PlanetScope imagery was downloaded at a higher resolution than WorldView, the radiometric footprint is around 10–12 m, resulting in less crisp imagery. Finally, Sentinel-2 imagery is freely available and has a 10 m resolution. We used 756 RTS polygons from seven sites across Arctic Canada and Siberia in model training and 63 RTS polygons in model testing. The mean IoU of the validation and testing data sets were 0.69 and 0.75 for the WorldView model, 0.70 and 0.71 for the PlanetScope model, and 0.66 and 0.68 for the Sentinel-2 model, respectively. The IoU of the RTS class was nonlinearly related to the RTS Area, showing a strong positive correlation that attenuated as the RTS Area increased. The models were better able to predict RTS that appeared bright on a dark background and were less able to predict RTS that had higher plant cover, indicating that bare ground was a primary way the models detected RTS. Additionally, the models performed less well in wet areas or areas with patchy ground cover. These results indicate that all imagery sources tested here were able to predict larger RTS, but higher-quality imagery allows more accurate detection of smaller RTS.
A Robust Monocular and Binocular Visual Ranging Fusion Method Based on an Adaptive UKF
Authors: Wang Jiake , Guan Yong , Kang Zhenjia , Chen Pengzhan
Published: June 2024

Visual ranging technology holds great promise in various fields such as unmanned driving and robot navigation. However, complex dynamic environments pose significant challenges to its accuracy and robustness. Existing monocular visual ranging methods are susceptible to scale uncertainty, while binocular visual ranging is sensitive to changes in lighting and texture. To overcome the limitations of single visual ranging, this paper proposes a fusion method for monocular and binocular visual ranging based on an adaptive Unscented Kalman Filter (AUKF). The proposed method first utilizes a monocular camera to estimate the initial distance based on the pixel size, and then employs the triangulation principle with a binocular camera to obtain accurate depth. Building upon this foundation, a probabilistic fusion framework is constructed to dynamically fuse monocular and binocular ranging using the AUKF. The AUKF employs nonlinear recursive filtering to estimate the optimal distance and its uncertainty, and introduces an adaptive noise-adjustment mechanism to dynamically update the observation noise based on fusion residuals, thus suppressing outlier interference. Additionally, an adaptive fusion strategy based on depth hypothesis propagation is designed to autonomously adjust the noise prior of the AUKF by combining current environmental features and historical measurement information, further enhancing the algorithm’s adaptability to complex scenes. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, comprehensive evaluations were conducted on large-scale public datasets such as KITTI and complex scene data collected in real-world scenarios. The quantitative results demonstrate that the fusion method significantly improves the overall accuracy and stability of visual ranging, reducing the average relative error within an 8 m range by 43.1% and 40.9% compared to monocular and binocular ranging, respectively. Compared to traditional methods, the proposed method significantly enhances ranging accuracy and exhibits stronger robustness against factors such as lighting changes and dynamic targets. The sensitivity analysis further confirmed the effectiveness of the AUKF framework and adaptive noise strategy. In summary, the proposed fusion method effectively combines the advantages of monocular and binocular vision, significantly expanding the application range of visual ranging technology in intelligent driving, robotics, and other fields while ensuring accuracy, robustness, and real-time performance.
Constructing Agency in the Climate Crisis: Rhetoric of Addressing the Crisis in Social Studies Textbooks
Authors: Satokangas Henri , Mikander Pia
Published: June 2024

The climate crisis is an urgent issue that requires immediate and significant international action and is tightly connected to several other global problems such as biodiversity loss, economic inequality, and countercurrents to democracy. Therefore, enabling the construction of an agentive role in relation to the crisis is a crucial task for education. According to the national core curriculum, Finnish social studies teaching should aim for active democratic citizenship. The article analyses the linguistic construction of agency in relation to climate issues in social studies textbooks from a discursive perspective, examining the rhetoric of positioning and addressing the reader as an active agent. The article draws an overall image of agency regarding the climate in textbooks and examines its implications. Four categories of orienting to the crisis and constructing agency in relation to it are identified: (1) constructing agency against the crisis; (2) stating the unsustainable nature of the current system; (3) enlisting ways of making an impact in general; and (4) representing the absence of crisis. Based on the findings, this article suggests that textbooks do not fully utilise their status as a forum for imaging our capacity to act to stop the climate crisis and, therefore, fall short of the goals set in the curriculum.
Social and Emotional Skills in at-Risk Adolescents through Participation in Sports
Authors: Teques Andreia P. , de Oliveira Rita F. , Bednarikova Michala , Bertollo Maurizio , Botwina Grzegorz , Khomutova Anastasiya , Turam Hamit Emir , Dinç İlknur , López-Flores Marcos , Teques Pedro
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: Adolescents who are under the care of child and youth institutions are vulnerable due to factors that can include disruption to family structure or education and adverse experiences. They often experience poor or unstable support systems, leaving them at risk of delinquency. In this context, sports engagement may provide a stable structure and have positive effects in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions, knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors regarding social and emotional skills among at-risk adolescents, with a specific focus on their engagement in sports. (2) Methods: Ninety-six adolescents aged 12 to 17 years (66 female, 30 male), residing in child and youth care institutions across Italy, Portugal, the UK, and Turkey, participated in this study. The participants were divided into 14 focus groups, each with six to eight participants of similar ages. (3) Results: Thematic analysis revealed four main themes: Emotional causes of behavioral problems; Emotional skills to regain control; Social support makes sports worthwhile; Sport as a socio-emotional resource. (4) Conclusions: The study findings highlight that although sports create many challenging emotional situations for these adolescents, they also provides resources that may help them cope with their emotions within and beyond sports.
Human-Centered and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence in Industry 5.0: Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Martini Barbara , Bellisario Denise , Coletti Paola
Published: June 2024

The aim of this position paper is to identify a specific focus and the major challenges related to the human-centered artificial intelligence (HCAI) approach in the field of Industry 5.0 and the circular economy. A first step towards the opening of a line of research is necessary to aggregate multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary skills to promote and take into consideration the different aspects related to this topic, from the more technical and engineering aspects to the social ones and the repercussions in terms of sustainability. The proposal and vision of this preliminary work is to identify and discuss a suitable field for such interaction. This field has been identified, specifically, within additive manufacturing (AM) in the context of Industry 5.0. Additive manufacturing (AM), is a disruptive opportunity for more sustainable production systems that can be better optimized with AI, becoming an ideal platform for interconnection between different levels of application and integration of HCAI concepts, and at the same time able to prove them. In this context, two prospective areas with a high application impact of HCAI are those of AM-oriented supply chain and product customization in the AM field, enabled by a plethora of recently emerging technologies such as the internet of things, cloud and edge computing, and next-generation networks (5G). The paper concludes with the challenges HCAI poses to public policymakers, who face significant policy challenges in regulating artificial intelligence, and addressing the socioeconomic and technological impacts. Decision-makers are required to address these challenges by adopting some tentative policy recommendations.
Development of Lignocellulosic-Based Insulation Materials from Agave fourcroydes and Washingtonia filifera for Use in Sustainable Buildings
Authors: Rosas-Díaz Felipe , García-Hernández David Gilberto , Juárez-Alvarado Cesar A.
Published: June 2024

The objective of this work was to develop two prototypes of insulating materials based on natural plant fibers from Agave fourcroydes and Washingtonia filifera, available in Mexico, for their potential use in buildings. For the development of the prototypes, the raw materials were characterized by physical, chemical, and microstructural methods. The samples were prepared by a pulping process after boiling the fibers in a sodium hydroxide solution. We worked with a Taguchi experimental matrix of four variables in three levels, defining as response variables the sample’s thermal conductivity, density, and flexural strength. The results show that the henequen-based insulation obtained a density of 69.8 kg/m3 and a thermal conductivity of 0.0367 W/mK; on the other hand, the palm-based insulation obtained a density of 45.06 g/cm3 and a thermal conductivity of 0.0409 W/mK, which in both cases are like the conductivity values reported by conventional insulating materials, such as expanded polystyrene or mineral wool, and therefore both optimized prototypes are promising as thermal insulators with a high potential to be used in sustainable buildings in Mexico, reducing the energy consumption of air conditioning and the environmental impact associated with the production of materials.
Raman Spectroscopy for Plant Disease Detection in Next-Generation Agriculture
Authors: Saletnik Aneta , Saletnik Bogdan , Zaguła Grzegorz , Puchalski Czesław
Published: June 2024

The present review focuses on recent reports on the contribution of the Raman method in the development of digital agriculture, according to the premise of maximizing crops with a minimal impact of agriculture on the environment. The Raman method is an optically based spectrum technique that allows for the species-independent study of plant physiology as well as the real-time determination of key compounds in a non-destructive manner. The review focuses on scientific reports related to the possibility of using the Raman spectrometer to monitor the physiological state of plants and, in particular, to effectively diagnose biotic and abiotic stresses. This review primarily aims to draw attention to and raise awareness of the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a digital tool capable of bridging the gap between scientists’ detailed knowledge of plants grown under laboratory conditions and farmers’ work. The Raman spectrometer allows plant breeders to take appropriate measures in a well-defined area, which will reduce the territory occupied by biotic and abiotic stresses, thus increasing yields and improving their quality. Raman technology applied to modern agriculture can positively affect the accuracy and speed of crop quality assessments, contributing to food safety, productivity and economic profitability. Further research and analysis on cooperation between farmers and scientists is indispensable to increase the viability and availability of Raman spectrometers for as many farmers and investors as possible.
Pollution Source and Soil Quality Assessments of Heavily Contaminated Soils by Selected Potentially Toxic Elements in a Human-Degraded Wetland Area
Authors: Kurt Mehmet Ali , Yalçın Sezen , Güler Cüneyt , Güven Onur , Yıldırım Ümit
Published: June 2024

Wetlands are transitional between terrestrial and aquatic environments and have essential ecological functions. Unfortunately, due to anthropogenic activities and climate change, the area covered by wetlands is gradually decreasing worldwide, causing deterioration and loss of their critical and vital ecological functions. One of these degraded wetlands is the Hürmetçi Sazlığı, a nationally important wetland located in the Kayseri Province of Turkey. This study aims to determine the spatial and vertical (depth profile) distribution and the sources of the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in the soils around the Hürmetçi Sazlığı Wetland (HSW) and to evaluate environmental risk factors using various soil quality indicators. According to the results obtained, it was determined that some parts of the wetland soils were significantly polluted in terms of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn. The concentrations (in mg/kg) of these PTEs in the soil around the wetland ranged between 9.12 and 273.9 for As, 0.38 and 1119.46 for Cd, 3.59 and 1807.66 for Pb, and 41.68 and 77,287.5 for Zn. Several soil quality indicators, including the Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), Ecological Risk Index (ERI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), were calculated to determine the quality and pollution levels of the collected soil samples. According to the calculated RI values, 70 out of 77 sites sampled in the area around the HSW are in the “High Risk” class in terms of all studied PTEs. The soil profile samples indicated that the topsoil (0–50 cm) was heavily contaminated by all PTEs, particularly near a zinc processing plant established in 1976. In addition, parts of the wetland further away from the Zn processing plant were also affected by arsenic pollution from geogenic sources, which can be associated with Plio-Quaternary volcanic activity in the region.
Biomass Allocation and Allometric Relationship of Salix gordejevii Branches in Sandy Habitats Heterogeneity in Northern China
Authors: Liu Guan-Zhi , Zhao Kai , Zhang Shi-Qi , Liang Yu-Mei , Yue Yong-Jie , Liu Guo-Hou , Qin Fu-Cang
Published: June 2024

The patterns of biomass allocation are crucial for understanding the growth, reproduction, and community functions of plant individuals. We investigated the allometric growth characteristics and biomass allocation patterns of Salix gordejevii fascicular branches in various habitats of the Hunshandake Sandy Land to delve into their adaptability to environmental changes and role in the carbon cycle. We discovered the following: (1) The base diameter-to-branch length of S. gordejevii fascicular branches exhibited allometric growth relationships in mobile dunes and interdune lowlands, whereas it showed isometric growth relationships in semifixed and fixed dunes. As the soil moisture gradient increased, the length growth rate of S. gordejevii fascicular branches became faster than the base diameter growth rate in mobile dunes, demonstrated isometric growth in semifixed and fixed dunes, and was slow in interdune lowlands. (2) The biomasses of S. gordejevii fascicular branches significantly varied across different habitats, with the biomass of each component showing an increasing trend as habitat conditions improved. This study revealed the resource utilization strategies and adaptability of S. gordejevii fascicular branches in different habitats, providing new insights into the carbon sink function of desert ecosystems in semiarid regions.
Satisfaction Evaluation and Sustainability Optimization of Urban Medical Facilities Based on Residents’ Activity Data in Nanjing, China
Authors: Cao Yang , Wu Hao , Zhou Linyi , Ding Feng , Xu Qi , Liu Yan , Xu Hao , Lu Xi
Published: June 2024

Research on public service facility evaluation has mainly focused on spatial accessibility and facility quality from a supply perspective, but has rarely focused on the evaluation of service facilities from a usage perspective. Researchers can observe the service quality, frequency of use, functional connotation, satisfaction level, and other aspects of facilities from the user’s perspective, effectively compensating for the disadvantage of insufficient precision in traditional macro statistical data. This study proposes a new method for evaluating medical facility usage and service quality based on residents’ activity data. We established an evaluation index system from the perspective of residents’ activity by measuring intensity, frequency, and service satisfaction through network grading data and online comments context. Then, we evaluated the supply and demand relationship of medical facilities, identifying the influencing factors of medical satisfaction. We have also proposed specific strategies for sustainable optimization of medical services. The results show that (1) the service attitude (0.024, 0.002**), service efficiency (0.133, 0.001*), and service quality (0.017, 0.001**) of medical institutions are the core factors that affect medical satisfaction, followed by the convenience of residents in accessing medical resources, showing a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01, Total R2 = 0.9061); and (2) the medical service level in Nanjing City is generally balanced, although spatial heterogeneity exists in the Qixia and Jiangning boroughs.