bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polypropylene Modified with Polyethylene Through Reactive Melt Blending: Fabrication and Characterizations
Authors: Lim Changgyu , Jang Yujin , Chang Young-Wook
Published: December 2024

Conventional PP with a linear chain structure is not suitable for foam processing due to its poor rheological properties. In this study, PP was modified with PE through reactive melt blending of maleic anhydride-grafted PP (MA-PP) with a small amount of PE bearing glycidyl groups on its backbone (G-PE), with the aim of enhancing the melt rheological properties of PP to make it suitable for foam processing. An anhydride–epoxy reaction occurred between MA-PP and G-PE during the melt processing, resulting in the formation of a crosslinked polymer network, which was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, a solubility test, and the presence of a rubbery plateau above the melting point. Melt rheological tests demonstrated that the modified PP showed a pronounced shear-thinning effect and higher elasticity compared to pristine PP. Foaming tests using supercritical carbon dioxide as a foaming agent in an autoclave demonstrated that the modified PP could produce a microcellular foam with a closed-cell structure, which was not achievable with neat PP.
Generation of Bio-Based, Shape- and Temperature-Stable Three-Dimensional Nonwoven Structures Using Different Polyhydroxyalkanoates
Authors: Hiller Tim , Gutbrod Frederik , Bonten Louisa , Vocht Marc Philip , Azimian Mehdi , Resch Julia , Bonten Christian , Winnacker Malte
Published: December 2024

Recent research has shown the potential of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly poly(3–hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), to form nonwoven structures with fine fiber diameter distributions ranging from 2.5 µm to 20 µm during the meltblow process. The shortcomings of existing fabrics of this type include high brittleness, low elongation at break (max. 3%), and a lack of flexibility. Furthermore, the high melt adhesion and the special crystallization kinetics of PHAs have commonly been regarded as constraints in filament and nonwoven processing so far. However, these two properties have now been used to elaborate a three-dimensional fiber arrangement on a matrix, resulting in the creation of dimensionally and temperature-stable “nonwoven-parts”. Moreover, this study investigated the PHA copolymer poly(3–hydroxybutyrate–co–3–hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH), revealing a similar processability to P3HB and PHBV in the meltblow process. A significant increase in the (peak load) elongation in the machine direction was observed, reaching values between 5% and 10%, while the tensile strength retained unaltered. The addition of the bio-based plasticizer acetyltributylcitrate (ATBC) to PHBH resulted on an increase in elongation up to 15%. The three-dimensional fabric structure of PHBH exhibited complete resilience to compression, a property that differentiates it from both P3HB and PHBV. However, the addition of the plasticizer to P3HB did not lead to any improvements. This interesting array of properties results in moderate air permeability and hydrophobicity, leading to impermeability to water.
Significantly Enhanced Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance of RuO2 Nanoparticles by Introducing Oxygen Vacancy with Polytetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Zhang Jinyang , Wang Xinru , Zhao Xinyue , Chen Honglei , Jia Peng
Published: December 2024

The supported RuO2 catalysts are known for their synergistic and interfacial effects, which significantly enhance both catalytic activity and stability. However, polymer-supported RuO2 catalysts have received limited attention due to challenges associated with poor conductivity. In this study, we successfully synthesized the RuO2-polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) catalyst via a facile annealing process. The optimized nucleation and growth strategies enable the formation of RuO2 particles (~13.4 nm) encapsulating PTFE, establishing a conductive network that effectively addresses the conductivity issue. Additionally, PTFE induces the generation of oxygen vacancies and the formation of stable RuO2/PTFE interfaces, which further enhance the acidic OER activity and the stability of RuO2. As a result, the RuO2-PTFE catalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 219 mV at 10 mA cm⁻2 in the three-electrode system, and the voltage of the RuO2-PTFE||commercial Pt/C system can keep 1.50 V for 800 h at 10 mA cm−2. This work underscores the versatility of PTFE as a substrate for fine-tuning the catalyst morphology, the crystal defect, and the stable interface outerwear. This work not only broadens the application scope of PTFE in catalyst synthesis but also provides a novel approach to the design of high-performance metallic oxide catalysts with tailored oxygen vacancy concentration and stable polymer outerwear.
Heavy Metals Research in the Black Soil Region of Liaoning Province, China: Spatial Patterns, Risk Assessment, and Sources Apportionment
Authors: Gao Fan , Zhou Jinhan , Jiang Jie , Sun Guoxin
Published: December 2024

Heavy metals are enriched in black soil area and affect human safety through the food chain. In this research, 149 soil samples were collected from the black soil region in Liaoning Province; seven heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb, As, and Cd) were investigated to determine the status, ecological-health risks, and contamination risks and to identify sources. The method of potential ecological risk assessment, Nemerow index, and geo-accumulation index were used to appraise the heavy-metal contamination. Principal component analysis was combined with an absolute factor score/multiple linear regression model to identify the heavy metals’ sources in the soil. The average concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb, As, and Cd were 0.92, 0.87, 0.84, 0.95, 1.09, 0.97, and 1.86 times of the soil background value, respectively. In the research area, Ni and Cr were basically non-enriched; As, Cu, and Zn were mildly enriched; Pb was moderately enriched; and Cd was seriously enriched. The source analysis identified three primary sources of heavy metals: the first was natural sources, including Cr, Ni, and Cu. The second was industrial sources, including smelting, with a high contribution from Cd and Zn. The third was human activities, such as mining operations, which have a high contribution rate to Pb and As. The research area was not heavily contaminated with heavy metals. This work lays a foundation for the environmental restoration of heavy-metals-polluted black soil, which is vital to restoring the ecology of and fostering sustainable agriculture in Liaoning’s black soil region.
Automatic Control System for Maize Threshing Concave Clearance Based on Entrainment Loss Monitoring
Authors: Yu Yang , Cheng Yi , Fan Chenlong , Chen Liyuan , Wu Qinhao , Qiao Mengmeng , Zhou Xin
Published: December 2024

Complex harvesting environments and varying crop conditions often lead to threshing cylinder blockage and increased entrainment loss in maize grain harvesters. To address these issues, an electric-driven automatic control system for maize threshing concave clearance based on real-time entrainment loss monitoring was developed. The system automatically adjusts concave clearance parameters at different harvesting speeds to maintain grain entrainment loss within an optimal range. First, an adjustable concave structure based on a crank-link mechanism was designed, with a threshing clearance adjustment range of 15–47 mm and motor rotation angle of 0–48°. Subsequently, an EDEM simulation model of the mixed material discharge inside the threshing cylinder was established to determine the optimal installation position of the entrainment loss monitoring sensor based on piezoelectric ceramic-sensitive elements. The sensor was positioned at the left tail end of the concave sieve, with a minimum distance of 58 mm between the sensitive plate centerline and threshing concave sieve and an installation angle of 65° relative to the horizontal plane. A maize threshing clearance control method based on fuzzy neural network PID control algorithm was proposed, and Simulink simulation optimization verified its superior performance with fast response speed. After system integration, field trials were conducted at low, medium, and high operating speeds with preset ideal entrainment loss intervals. The results showed that control was unnecessary at low speed, the control system-maintained entrainment loss within set range at medium speed, and maximum threshing clearance was needed at high speed. Finally, comparative trials of threshing performance with and without the control system were conducted at medium harvesting speed. Results showed that the entrainment loss rate decreased by 43.75% with the control system activated, significantly reducing maize threshing entrainment losses. This study overcame the barrier of maize threshing parameter adjustment being heavily reliant on manual experience and provided theoretical support for the intelligent grain harvesting equipment.
Ansanus “the Baptizer” and the Problem of Siena’s Non-Existent Early Episcopacy (c. 1100–1600)
Authors: Anderson Carol A.
Published: December 2024

Medieval writers designated Siena as a “new city”. Seemingly confirming this assessment, the Sienese Church possessed no hagiographic tradition of early bishops that would prove that their urban settlement was a true civitas in late antiquity. As part of their effort to verify that their city had not only Roman but also early Christian origins, the Sienese, primarily spearheaded by lay officials, refashioned the image of their martyr-saint, Ansanus (d. 296). By the thirteenth century, the implication that the lay martyr had baptized the citizens was added to his second Latin passion narrative. Yet, only beginning in the fifteenth century do vernacular passions and images of Ansanus baptizing the Sienese appear, revealing that the baptismal event emerged as a defining point in the sacred history of the city and was communicated to citizens both textually and visually. These were produced at the behest of lay institutions, such as the Opera del Duomo and the communal government. By performing the sacrament of baptism, Ansanus fulfilled a crucial function of a proto-bishop, namely the transformation of the pagan Sienese into a true community of the baptized. Though some Sienese humanists sought to identify the earliest bishops, no episcopal cult was ever established. Considering that the default for other major cities in Italy was to identify and venerate their early bishops, Ansanus’s transformation into “the Baptizer” presents a case study of how saints could be adapted in unconventional ways to fix a problematic civic past.
Embodying the Spirit (meyppāṭu): A puttiṇai Perspective
Authors: Selvamony Nirmal
Published: December 2024

I explain the early Tamil idea of meyppāṭu as a kind of action, which consists of embodying the spirit, and show how it manifests itself in ordinary emotional experience, in love at first sight, in emoting in theatre, and in spirit possession. The analytical tool I employ is the concept of mūviṭam, or the personaic triad, the central concept in the theory called puttiṇai. Using this tool, I outline the idea of meyppāṭu in the primal community, in the state society, and also in the industrialist state, and show how the understanding of meyppāṭu in the primal world (what I have called viḻuttiṇai) ensured a love-based lifeway necessary for the wellbeing of the people and all the beings other than humans that were also part of that world, and why this understanding is necessary today to end the present Anthropocenic industrialist lifeway, which has brought humans and beings other than humans to the brink of disaster.
The Translation of Physics Texts by Western Missionaries During the Late Ming and Early Qing Dynasties and Its Enlightenment of Modern Chinese Physics
Authors: Li Yafeng , Fu Jingmin
Published: December 2024

Christian culture is viewed as a translated cultural practice that has become intricately intertwined with the local culture over the course of historical development in China. Currently, many research findings focus on the translation of missionary religious texts during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. However, the translation of non-religious texts by Western missionaries from the same period also plays a pivotal role in the development of Chinese society and culture. In order to verify the above point of view, this paper focuses on the translation of physics texts by Western missionaries during the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties. Examining the choice of physics texts translated by missionaries reveals the missionary motivations in evangelization. On the basis of analyzing the translation motivation, this study classifies the overall translation practice of Western missionaries in translating physical texts during that period, presenting the physical scientific knowledge brought to China at the time. Additionally, it explores how the translation of Western physical science enlightened the transformation and development of Chinese physics in modern times. Furthermore, the paper argues that the translations by Western missionaries played a crucial role in introducing new ideas and knowledge, contributing to the enlightenment of modern scientific knowledge in China, so as to underscore the value of the non-religious texts translated by Western missionaries to the society and culture in China.
The Church as Res Publica
Authors: Hovorun Cyril
Published: December 2024

Christianity emerged valuing horizontal socio-political relations, which it inherited from Jesus Christ, and which resonated with the ideals of ancient Greek and Roman republicanism. As the church engaged with the Roman Empire, its republican roots faded, adopting monarchical traits. Still, republicanism never disappeared from the church or the Christian Empire. In the former, it took the form of synodality and became reflected in the ways of electing bishops. In the latter, the church became a part of the power-sharing system, effectively substituting the Senate. In contrast to the stereotype that the church is intrinsically monarchical and supports monarchies, this paper argues that the original Christian ethos is more republican than monarchical. As a result, the church has the potential to enhance democracies in the modern geopolitical landscape.
Virtue Depends on Natural Law and Divine Commands
Authors: Clanton J. Caleb , Martin Kraig
Published: December 2024

Virtue theory has occupied a place of relative prominence within the Christian intellectual tradition. But there is a problem facing it: how one contemplates the virtues and vices will ultimately depend upon deeper accounts of the good and the right. Accordingly, virtue theory is incomplete, at least when taken by itself. Our task in this paper is to show that neither of the standard approaches to explaining the metaphysical foundations of morality within the Christian tradition—natural law theory and divine command theory—are sufficient to fix this incompleteness. We thus propose a combination of natural law theory and divine command theory to remedy the matter. The upshot of our argument, then, is this: what counts as a virtue ultimately depends upon the natural law and divine commands.
Determining the Proper Force Parameters for Robotized Pipetting Devices Used in Automated Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Authors: Sandu Melania-Olivia , Ciupe Valentin , Gruescu Corina-Mihaela , Kristof Robert , Sticlaru Carmen , Tulcan Elida-Gabriela
Published: December 2024

This study aims to provide a set of experimentally determined forces needed for gripping operations related to a robotically manipulated microliter manual pipette. The experiments are conducted within the scope of automated sample processing for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in small-sized to medium-sized laboratories where dedicated automated equipment is absent and where procedures are carried out manually. Automation is justified by the requirement for increased efficiency and to eliminate possible errors generated by lab technicians. The test system comprises an industrial robot; a dedicated custom gripper assembly necessary for the pipette; pipetting tips; and mechanical holders for tubes with chemical substances and genetic material. The selected approach is to measure forces using the robot’s built-in force–torque sensor while controlling and limiting the pipette’s gripping force and the robot’s pushing force. Because the manipulation of different materials requires the attachment and discarding of tips to and from the pipette, the operator’s perceived tip release force is also considered.
Effect of the Outer Pipe on Reducing Direct Coupling of the Thin Borehole Radar Probe in Thick Water-Filled Borehole
Authors: Ebihara Satoshi , Masui Raiki , Koyama Koki , Tsujikawa Yuki , Nishida Yuto
Published: December 2024

We propose an outer pipe to reduce a direct wave in a thin single-hole borehole radar probe in a thick water-filled borehole. The outer pipe replaces the medium, such as water inside the borehole, with low-permittivity materials, such as air and plastics. According to numerical calculations, the cylindrical water layer makes the direct wave from the transmitting loop antenna to the receiving one have significant power and narrow frequency bandwidth. This is caused by the low attenuation of the TE01 surface wave when there is a cylindrical water layer. The MoM analysis showed that wearing the outer pipe on the radar probe decreased the direct wave’s power more than the reflected wave from the subsurface objects, improving the detection of that reflected wave. We realized the radar system with the outer pipe by attaching the two acrylic pipes with different diameters. With this outer pie, we conducted field experiments to estimate the position of metal ore near the borehole in skarn with the loop antenna array type borehole radar. The direct wave having oscillation prevented the detection of the reflected wave from the sphalerite vein in the time domain without the outer pipe. However, attaching the outer pipe highlighted that reflected wave.
Prediction of Full-Frequency Deep-Sea Noise Based on Sea Surface Wind Speed and Real-Time Noise Data
Authors: Yuan Bo , Lu Licheng , Wang Zhenzhu , Song Guoli , Ma Li , Wang Wenbo
Published: December 2024

The prediction of ocean ambient noise is crucial for protecting the marine ecosystem and ensuring communication and navigation safety, especially under extreme weather conditions such as typhoons and strong winds. Ocean ambient noise is primarily caused by ship activities, wind waves, and other factors, and its complexity makes it a significant challenge to effectively utilize limited data to observe future changes in noise energy. To address this issue, we have designed a multi-modal linear model based on a “decomposition-prediction-modal trend fusion-total fusion” framework. This model simultaneously decomposes wind speed data and ocean ambient noise data into trend and residual components, enabling the wind speed information to effectively extract key trend features of ocean ambient noise. Compared to polynomial fitting methods, single-modal models, and LSTM multi-modal models, the average error of the relative sound pressure level was reduced by 1.3 dB, 0.5 dB, and 0.3 dB, respectively. Our approach demonstrates significant improvements in predicting future trends and detailed fittings of the data.
Extracting Water Surfaces of the Dike-Pond System from High Spatial Resolution Images Using Deep Learning Methods
Authors: Zhou Jinhao , Fu Kaiyi , Liang Shen , Li Junpeng , Liang Jihang , An Xinyue , Liu Yilun
Published: December 2024

A type of aquaculture pond called a dike-pond system is distributed in the low-lying river delta of China’s eastern coast. Along with the swift growth of the coastal economy, the water surfaces of the dike-pond system (WDPS) play a major role attributed to pond aquaculture yielding more profits than dike agriculture. This study aims to explore the performance of deep learning methods for extracting WDPS from high spatial resolution remote sensing images. We developed three fully convolutional network (FCN) models: SegNet, UNet, and UNet++, which are compared with two traditional methods in the same testing regions from the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. The extraction results of the five methods are evaluated in three parts. The first part is a general comparison that shows the biggest advantage of the FCN models over the traditional methods is the P-score, with an average lead of 13%, but the R-score is not ideal. Our analysis reveals that the low R-score problem is due to the omission of the outer ring of WDPS rather than the omission of the quantity of WDPS. We also analyzed the reasons behind it and provided potential solutions. The second part is extraction error, which demonstrates the extraction results of the FCN models have few connected, jagged, or perforated WDPS, which is beneficial for assessing fishery production, pattern changes, ecological value, and other applications of WDPS. The extracted WDPS by the FCN models are visually close to the ground truth, which is one of the most significant improvements over the traditional methods. The third part is special scenarios, including various shape types, intricate spatial configurations, and multiple pond conditions. WDPS with irregular shapes or juxtaposed with other land types increases the difficulty of extraction, but the FCN models still achieve P-scores above 0.95 in the first two scenarios, while WDPS in multiple pond conditions causes a sharp drop in the indicators of all the methods, which requires further improvement to solve it. We integrated the performances of the methods to provide recommendations for their use. This study offers valuable insights for enhancing deep learning methods and leveraging extraction results in practical applications.
Sustaining Carbon Storage: An Analysis of Land Use and Conservation Strategies in China’s Huang-Huai-Hai Plain
Authors: Wang Xiaofang , Zhang Weiwei , Zhao Xinghui , Wang Dongfeng , Li Yongsheng
Published: December 2024

The Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, a vital agricultural area in China with a significant amount of arable land, plays a pivotal role in influencing grain production, ecological carbon cycles, and global climate change through its shifts in land use. Within this research, we have employed the ArcGIS tool and the In-VEST-Geodetector-PLUS methodology to scrutinize the shifts in carbon storage from the year 2000 to 2020, determine the pivotal influences behind these shifts, and anticipate the projected carbon storage for 2030. Although there has been a slight increase in forested areas as a result of environmental policies, the conversion of cropland to impervious surfaces due to urbanization has led to a persistent decrease in carbon storage, with a cumulative loss of 272.79 million metric tons over the two decades. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Night-Time Lights (NTL), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and Population (POP) are critical factors impacting carbon storage, reflecting the intricate connection between socio-economic development and natural ecosystems. The multi-scenario simulations for 2030 suggest that the least reduction in carbon storage would occur under the scenario of protecting arable land, while the most significant decrease would be under the urban expansion scenario, highlighting the impact of urbanization. The study’s results emphasize the critical need to harmonize agricultural land conservation with economic progress for the enduring growth of the Huang-Huai-Hai region.
Fostering Continuous Innovation in Creative Education: A Multi-Path Configurational Analysis of Continuous Collaboration with AIGC in Chinese ACG Educational Contexts
Authors: Huangfu Juan , Li Ruoyuan , Xu Junping , Pan Younghwan
Published: December 2024

AI-generated content (AIGC) is uniquely positioned to drive the digital transformation of professional education in the animation, comic, and game (ACG) industries. However, its collaborative application also faces initial novelty effects and user discontinuance. Existing studies often employ single-variable analytical methods, which struggle to capture the complex mechanisms influencing technology adoption. This study innovatively combines necessary condition analysis (NCA) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and applies them to the field of ACG education. Using this mixed-method approach, it systematically explores the necessary conditions and configurational effects influencing educational users’ continuance intention to adopt AIGC tools for collaborative design learning, aiming to address existing research gaps. A survey of 312 Chinese ACG educational users revealed that no single factor constitutes a necessary condition for their continuance intention to adopt AIGC tools. Additionally, five pathways leading to high adoption intention and three pathways leading to low adoption intention were identified. Notably, the absence or insufficiency of task–technology fit, and perceived quality do not hinder ACG educational users’ willingness to actively adopt AIGC tools. This reflects the creativity-driven learning characteristics, and the flexible and diverse tool demands of the ACG discipline. The findings provide theoretical and empirical insights to enhance the effective synergy and sustainable development between ACG education and AIGC tools.
A Simulation Tool to Forecast the Behaviour of a New Smart Pre-Gate at the Sines Container Terminal
Authors: Pereira Raquel Gil , Lopes Rui Borges , Martins Ana , Macedo Bernardo , Teixeira Leonor
Published: December 2024

Intelligent logistical systems are crucial for adapting to technological advancements and global supply chains, particularly at seaports. Automation can maximize port efficiency and adapt to changing circumstances, but port digitalisation is challenging due to the various parties and information flows involved. The port of Sines in Portugal is undergoing a digital transformation, specifically about the Smart Gate concept. The port administration and partners have developed a pre-gate, which is being examined for operations, technologies, and information models. This work uses simulation to analyse the pre-gate model dynamically. The discrete-event simulation model, using Anylogic software (version 8.9.0), forecasts possible problems and predicts pre-gate behaviour, facilitating ongoing enhancement of pre-gate procedures. The considered scenarios vary in two factors: the processing time at the bottleneck process and the number of active lanes at the same point. Four of the twenty tested alternatives were identified as balanced. Results allow drawing conclusions on the number of lanes to be open to prevent congestion, particularly when processing times increase. The study highlights the benefits of simulating complex systems to improve operations. Future work could involve adjusting parameters, incorporating advanced optimisation techniques, and expanding evaluated metrics. The ultimate goal is to develop a reliable digital twin for the port.
Pathways to Greener Primary Lithium Extraction for a Really Sustainable Energy Transition: Environmental Challenges and Pioneering Innovations
Authors: Ruberti Marcello
Published: December 2024

The rapid increase in lithium demand has recently drawn attention to the environmental impacts of conventional mining processes. Pyrometallurgical extraction from hard rock is associated with high energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and land degradation. Extraction from brines involves the depletion of water resources and risks to local ecosystems. In response to these environmental challenges, this study explores innovative pathways for more sustainable primary lithium extraction for a truly green energy transition across the entire supply chain. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of novel technologies designed to mitigate these impacts, with particular emphasis on direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies, which offer promising solutions for water savings, CO2e emissions reduction, and improved lithium recovery. A comprehensive review of the scientific literature, along with an analysis of data and information from various pilot projects and demonstration plants, have been conducted. The main conclusion is that, despite considerable efforts by mining companies, two primary obstacles remain to the implementation of novel technology: scalability and operational costs. To address these challenges, it is essential to sustain consistent investments in R&D (Research and Development) initiatives and continue testing the implementation of the most sustainable experimental practices on an industrial scale.
Assessing the Implementation of Wellbeing Rating Systems Among Architectural Firms for Commercial Office Building
Authors: Binabid Jamil , Alrajhi Mohammad Z. , Alawwad Reham
Published: December 2024

Human health and wellbeing in the field of design have been a rising focus in the last decade due to the growing recognition of the built environment’s impact on occupant health and productivity. This study aims to assess the implementation of wellbeing rating systems among architectural firms for commercial office buildings, focusing on designers’ perceptions, challenges, and experiences in incorporating these systems. A mixed-methods approach will be used, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from a sample of designers working on commercial office building projects. The quantitative survey will assess designers’ knowledge of wellbeing rating systems. The qualitative interviews will investigate designers’ understanding and awareness of wellbeing rating systems, motivations for using them, and challenges they face during implementation. This study aims to identify potential areas for improvement and recommend strategies to enhance the successful integration of wellbeing rating systems into design practices, ultimately contributing to healthier and more sustainable commercial buildings. Also, findings reveal that 36% of architectural firms in Riyadh expressed an interest in adopting the WELL Building Standard (WELL). Contributing to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the level of adoption of wellbeing rating systems among designers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, providing current challenges and strategies recommendations that are essential in shaping building regulations, guidelines, and tools related to occupant wellbeing.
Perceived Price Fairness as a Mediator in Customer Green Consumption: Insights from the New Energy Vehicle Industry and Sustainable Practices
Authors: Xu Ziyu , Song Zhiwen , Fong Kwong-Yee
Published: December 2024

This paper explores how to promote consumer identification and acceptance of green products in the field of sustainable consumption and green marketing. Specifically, this paper examines how green factors affect consumers’ willingness to purchase new energy vehicles (NEVs) and focuses on the mediating role played by perceived price equity in this process. It is found that consumers’ green self-identity, green product experience, and green product innovation have a significant positive impact on their willingness to purchase NEVs, while perceived price fairness plays an important mediating role in this process. When consumers perceive that the pricing of NEVs is fair, they are more inclined to purchase them. Through the analysis of China’s new energy vehicle market, this paper puts forward suggestions to optimize the promotion strategy of green products from the perspective of price fairness, with a view to providing theoretical support and practical guidance for relevant enterprises. As China is the world’s number one country in terms of NEV ownership, studying its market consumption willingness not only reveals the unique characteristics of the Chinese market but also provides lessons and references for the future development of the new energy vehicle market in other countries, which is of great exemplary significance.
Production and Characterization of First-Generation Bioethanol from Extracted Mesquite Pod (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.) Broth
Authors: Leite Filho Manoel T. , Cavalcanti-Mata Mário E. R. M. , Duarte Maria E. M. , Lúcio Alexandre S. , Sousa Francisca M. , Melo Mylena O. P. , Martins Jorge J. A. , Delgado João M. P. Q. , Lima Antonio G. B.
Published: December 2024

The mesquite tree (Prosopis juliflora) is cultivated across 500,000 hectares in the semi-arid region of Brazil, primarily aimed at recovering degraded areas in the northeastern part of the country, which represents 15.7% of the national territory. However, its economic potential remains underutilized. Mesquite pods are particularly rich in carbohydrates, making them a promising raw material for bioethanol production. This study investigates the production of first-generation bioethanol from mesquite pods as feedstock. Mature pods were sourced from local producers in Sumé Town, located in the Cariri Paraibano microregion of Brazil. Sugar extraction from the mesquite pods involved hydration followed by pressing, with the extracted juice adjusted to a pH of 4.3 and soluble solids (°Brix) concentrations corrected to 20, 18, and 16. The juice was then subjected to fermentation using different yeast strains (fresh yeast, granular yeast, and FLNF CA-11) at a concentration of 25 g L−1. Alcoholic fermentation was carried out in a batch system, with measurements of cell concentration (biomass), soluble solids (°Brix), ethanol concentration (°GL), and pH taken at 2 h intervals over a 20 h period. The best physicochemical characterization of bioethanol was obtained using the LNF CA-11 yeast at 20 °Brix, producing a biofuel that met Brazilian legal standards set by the National Petroleum Agency (ANP). The bioethanol had a colorless appearance and was free of impurities, with a titratable acidity of 28.2 mg of acetic acid, electrical conductivity of 282.33 µS m−1, a specific mass of 809 kg m−3, an alcohol content of 95.5 °GL, a pH of 6.28, and no evaporation residue in 100 mL. Additionally, the highest bioethanol yield was achieved with broth fermented at 18 °Brix and LNF CA-11 yeast. These results highlight the potential of mesquite pods as a renewable energy alternative, especially relevant in the context of the global climate crisis; the growing need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels; and the need to reduce environmental problems; and they promote the added-value and use of this product.
Identification of Aerosols’ Optical Properties in the Caribbean Area Using Ascending Hierarchical Clustering Analysis
Authors: Euphrasie-Clotilde Lovely , Plocoste Thomas , Brute France-Nor , Velasco-Merino Cristian , Mateos Davis , Toledano Carlos
Published: December 2024

Atmospheric aerosols significantly impact air quality, human health, and regional climate, with regions like the Caribbean Basin affected by various aerosol types, including marine, anthropogenic, and desert dust particles. This study utilizes Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) to analyze more than a decade of Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) data (2007–2023) from four Caribbean islands: Barbados, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. We examined sixteen physical parameters, including Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), Angstrom Exponent (AE), and Volume Particle Size Distribution (VPSD), to identify distinct aerosol regimes and groups of daily measurements displaying similar aerosol optical properties. The originality of this work lies in the significant number of parameters considered to achieve a classification free of arbitrary orientation. The clustering method identified specific periods and aerosol characteristics, revealing seasonal patterns of background marine aerosols and Saharan dust events. By referring to existing research and using analysis tools such as VPSD and AE versus AOD representation, we aimed to define value ranges of physical parameters attributable to marine, dust, and mixed aerosols in the Caribbean region. The results underscore the diversity of aerosol sources and their seasonal variations across the Caribbean, providing critical insights for improving regional air quality management. This classification approach integrates comprehensive aerosol properties and is reinforced by the analysis of atmospheric circulation using the HYSPLIT model. These findings not only advance the characterization of aerosol regimes but also contribute to sustainable air quality management practices by providing actionable data to mitigate the adverse health and environmental impacts of aerosols.
Viticulture Carbon Footprint in Desert Areas of the Global South: A Cabernet Sauvignon Case of Ningxia, China
Authors: Li Li , Liu Yang , Zhang Liqin , Li Jianjun , Wang Tingning , Han Qizheng
Published: December 2024

Background: The wine industry in arid area serves as a crucial livelihood source at the frontiers of anti-desertification and anti-poverty. By making use of a carbon footprint (CF) management system, formerly untapped climate values can be explored, embedded, and cherished to connect rural communities with the global goals of sustainable development. However, the current standards of CF management mainly represent the traditional wine grape growing areas of Europe, Oceania, and North America. Limited study of the arid areas in lower-income regions exists, which offers a kind of potential development knowledge regarding creating climate-related livelihoods. Methods: This paper attempts to construct a cradle-to-gate CF Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework based on the prominent emission factors in three GHG emission phases (raw material input, planting management, and transportation) of a wine grape variety, Cabernet Sauvignon (chi xia zhu), planted at the Eastern Foothills of the Helan Mountains in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. Results: It is found that viticulture processes (instead of wine-making, bottling, or distribution) account for a larger proportion of GHG emissions in Ningxia. Due to the large amount of irrigation electricity usage, the less precipitation wine producers have, the larger CF they produce. By using organic fertilizer, the CF of Ningxia Cabernet Sauvignon, being 0.3403 kgCO2e/kg, is not only lower than that of the drier areas in Gansu Province (1.59–5.7 kgCO2e/kg) of Western China, but it is even lower than that of the Israel Negev Region (0.342 kgCO2e/kg) that experiences more rainfall. Conclusions: The measurement of CF also plays a role in understanding low-carbon experience sharing. As the largest wine grape production area in China, CF analysis of the Ningxia region and its commercial value realization might practically fill in the knowledge gap for desert areas in developing countries. It is inspiring to know that by applying green agricultural technologies, the viticulture CF can be effectively reduced. For the potential exchanges in global carbon markets or trading regulations under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), positive variations in CF and soil organic carbon (SOC) storage volume need to be considered within financial institutional design to lead to more participation toward SDGs.
Romanian University Website Survey Regarding the Evaluation of Informational and Documentary Resources Provided to Students
Authors: Ciortan Ștefan Cristian , Tîrziman Elena , Micle Maria , Repanovici Angela
Published: December 2024

The universities website has become an established tool, serving as an interface between an organization and its audience. For university websites, they act as portals for information and communication with students, facilitating educational and research objectives while promoting the institution’s image. Based on this perspective, the authors conducted a strategic monitoring/documentation process, employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to analyze the vast textual content from the websites of 101 universities in Romania. Data collection occurred from January 2021 to March 2022. These websites were monitored and analyzed comparatively for quality based on Minerva EU principles, which serve as the analytical standard, utilizing predefined categories: identification, relevance, maintenance, accessibility, user orientation, responsiveness, multilingualism, and interoperability. Additionally, the study assesses whether the websites provide useful information for students’ specific activities, including accessible informational and documentary resources within the university library’s digital environment. The results indicate that state universities (54 in total, both civilian and military) are the most relevant. They continually enhance their websites to serve as a vital access point for specific informational resources, including administrative, educational, documentary, and cultural resources.
Fishermen’s Preferences for Ecological Policies and Behavior Analysis: A Case Study of Weihai City, China
Authors: Wu Yinuo , Wu Yanyi , Zhong Changbiao
Published: December 2024

The extent to which fishery ecological protection policy objectives are aligned with fishermen’s preferences is central to their participation in environmental protection behavior and can enhance their utility. In this study, survey data are analyzed from 352 fishing households in Weihai City, China, using the choice experiment method and a random parameter logit model to examine the differences in the fishermen’s target preferences for fishery ecological protection measures and their behavior in terms of participation in environmental protection. The results indicate that incorporating fishery ecological policy objectives into conservation programs significantly increases the fishermen’s enthusiasm for environmental protection and their willingness to participate, reflecting their ecological and social rationality. In addition, the environmental protection behavior of fishermen is influenced by their ecological awareness of fisheries, risk perception, willingness to pay, per capita annual income, employment status, number of laborers, fishery technology training, participation in cooperatives, and education level, in addition to other important factors, including the economic conditions and social background. Therefore, designing fishery ecological protection plans that incorporate various policy objectives from which fishermen can choose provides effective decision support and practical pathways for fishery ecological protection and sustainable development. The effective alignment of policies with fishermen’s preferences can thereby enhance their participation in environmental protection.
Evaluation of Ecological Carrying Capacity in Western Jilin Province from the Perspective of “Production–Living–Ecological Spaces” Coupling Coordination
Authors: Xu Jiarong , Tong Zhijun , Liu Xingpeng , Zhang Jiquan
Published: December 2024

Under the combined influences of climate change and human activities, the western Jilin (WJ) Province, as a typical ecologically fragile area, has experienced ecological degradation and resource depletion. Therefore, it is urgently needed to assess its ecological carrying capacity (ECC) to provide scientific support for regional ecological protection and resource management. This study integrated the “Pressure-State-Response” (P-S-R) model with the “production, living, and ecological spaces” (PLES) conceptual model to construct a comprehensive evaluation indicator system for ECC. The indicator weights were calculated using a Bayesian BWM-CRITIC-CWDF linear combination method, and the spatial–temporal distribution of ECC was then assessed using an improved TOPSIS and gray relational analysis (GRA). This evaluation model overcomes the limitations of traditional methods in weight allocation, indicator correlation, and non-linear effects, providing a more accurate, reliable, and objective assessment of ECC. Furthermore, a bivariate spatial autocorrelation model was applied to reveal the interaction between the “coupling coordination degree (CCD) of PLES” and ECC. The results indicate that the ECC value was divided into a period of decline (2000–2010) and a period of growth (2010–2020); spatially, the ECC level transitioned from a high-west, low-east to a high-east, low-west pattern. This change was primarily driven by factors such as fertilizer usage, per capita GDP, and per capita output. The “CCD of PLES” and ECC indicated positive spatial correlation, primarily forming “high-high” and “high-low” clusters. This study provides a reliable evaluation index system and an evaluation model for evaluating ECC in WJ. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for the region’s sustainable development and offer valuable insights for ecological carrying capacity research.
Correction: Robbe et al. Towards Solving the Beach Litter Problem: Ecosystem Service Assessments at North African Coasts. Sustainability 2024, 16, 5911
Authors: Robbe Esther , Abdallah Lilia Ben , El Fels Loubna , Chaher Nour El Houda , Haseler Mirco , Mhiri Fadhel , Schernewski Gerald
Published: December 2024

The authors would like to make the following correction to the published paper [...]
Thematic and Bibliometric Review of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System-Based Flood Disaster Studies in South Asia During 2004–2024
Authors: Madushani Jathun Arachchige Thilini , Withanage Neel Chaminda , Mishra Prabuddh Kumar , Meraj Gowhar , Kibebe Caxton Griffith , Kumar Pankaj
Published: December 2024

Floods have catastrophic effects worldwide, particularly in monsoonal Asia. This systematic review investigates the literature from the past two decades, focusing on the use of remote sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GISs), and technologies for flood disaster management in South Asia, and addresses the urgent need for effective strategies in the face of escalating flood disasters. This study emphasizes the importance of tailored GIS- and RS-based flood disaster studies inspired by diverse research, particularly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and the Maldives. Our dataset comprises 94 research articles from Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The analysis revealed an upward trend after 2014, with a peak in 2023 for publications on flood-related topics, primarily within the scope of RS and GIS, flood-risk monitoring, and flood-risk assessment. Keyword analysis using VOSviewer revealed that out of 6402, the most used keyword was “climate change”, with 360 occurrences. Bibliometric analysis shows that 1104 authors from 52 countries meet the five minimum document requirements. Indian and Pakistani researchers published the most number of papers, whereas Elsevier, Springer, and MDPI were the three largest publishers. Thematic analysis has identified several major research areas, including flood risk assessment, flood monitoring, early flood warning, RS and GIS, hydrological modeling, and urban planning. RS and GIS technologies have been shown to have transformative effects on early detection, accurate mapping, vulnerability assessment, decision support, community engagement, and cross-border collaboration. Future research directions include integrating advanced technologies, fine-tuning spatial resolution, multisensor data fusion, social–environmental integration, climate change adaptation strategies, community-centric early warning systems, policy integration, ethics and privacy protocols, and capacity-building initiatives. This systematic review provides extensive knowledge and offers valuable insights to help researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and communities address the intricate problems of flood management in the dynamic landscapes of South Asia.