bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex Spectroscopy Studies of Nifedipine Photodegradation
Authors: Paraschiv Mirela , Daescu Monica , Bartha Cristina , Chiricuta Bogdan , Baibarac Mihaela
Published: November 2023

The aim of this work is to highlight the influence of UV light on the hydrolysis reaction of nifedipine (NIF) in the presence of alkaline solutions. In this context, the photodegradation of NIF in the absence of alkaline solutions caused (a) a change in the ratio between the absorbances of three bands in the UV-VIS spectra localized at 224–240 nm, 272–276 nm and 310–340 nm, assigned to the electronic transitions of -COOCH3 groups, -NO2 groups and a heterocycle with six atoms; (b) a red-shift of the photoluminescence (PL) band from 458 nm to 477 nm, simultaneous with an increase in its intensity; (c) a decrease in the ratio of the Raman line intensities, which peaked at 1224 cm−1 and 1649 cm−1, associated with the vibrational modes of -C-C-O in the ester group and C=C stretching; and (d) a decrease in the ratio between the absorbances of the IR bands, which peaked at 1493 cm−1 and 1223 cm−1, associated with the vibrational modes of the -NO2 group and C-N stretching. These changes were explained considering the NIF photodegradation reaction, which leads to the generation of the compound 4-(2-nitrosophenyl)-2.6-dimethyl-3.5-dimethoxy carbonyl pyridine. The interaction of NIF with NaOH in the absence of UV light was demonstrated to induce changes in the vibrational mode of the -C-C-O bond in the ester group. The photodegradation of NIF after its reaction with NaOH induces significant changes highlighted in its (a) UV-VIS spectra, by the shift of the absorption band at 238 nm; (b) PL spectra, by the supraunitary value of the ratio between the emission band intensities at 394–396 nm and 450 nm; (c) Raman spectra, by the change in the ratio between the intensities of the lines that peaked at 1224 cm−1 and 1649 cm−1 from 0.61 to 0.49; and (d) FTIR spectra, by the lowered absorbance of the IR band at 1493 cm−1 assigned to the vibrational mode of the -NO2 group as a result of the generation of the nitroso compound. These changes were explained considering the hydrolysis reaction products of NIF, as the nitroso compound is converted to a lactam-type compound. The photodegradation reaction rate constants of NIF and NIF after interaction with NaOH were also reported. The decrease in thermal stability of NIF samples after interaction with NaOH, as well as of NIF after exposure to UV light compared to NIF prior to exposure to UV light, was demonstrated by thermogravimetry, and the key fragments were confirmed by mass spectrometry.
Photodynamic Therapy-Induced Anti-Tumor Immunity: Influence Factors and Synergistic Enhancement Strategies
Authors: Chou Wenxin , Sun Tianzhen , Peng Nian , Wang Zixuan , Chen Defu , Qiu Haixia , Zhao Hongyou
Published: November 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an approved therapeutic procedure that exerts cytotoxic activity towards tumor cells by activating photosensitizers (PSs) with light exposure to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Compared to traditional treatment strategies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, PDT not only kills the primary tumors, but also effectively suppresses metastatic tumors by activating the immune response. However, the anti-tumor immune effects induced by PDT are influenced by several factors, including the localization of PSs in cells, PSs concentration, fluence rate of light, oxygen concentration, and the integrity of immune function. In this review, we systematically summarize the influence factors of anti-tumor immune effects mediated by PDT. Furthermore, an update on the combination of PDT and other immunotherapy strategies are provided. Finally, the future directions and challenges of anti-tumor immunity induced by PDT are discussed.
Mark Burgin’s Legacy: The General Theory of Information, the Digital Genome, and the Future of Machine Intelligence
Authors: Mikkilineni Rao
Published: November 2023

With 500+ papers and 20+ books spanning many scientific disciplines, Mark Burgin has left an indelible mark and legacy for future explorers of human thought and information technology professionals. In this paper, I discuss his contribution to the evolution of machine intelligence using his general theory of information (GTI) based on my discussions with him and various papers I co-authored during the past eight years. His construction of a new class of digital automata to overcome the barrier posed by the Church–Turing Thesis, and his contribution to super-symbolic computing with knowledge structures, cognizing oracles, and structural machines are leading to practical applications changing the future landscape of information systems. GTI provides a model for the operational knowledge of biological systems to build, operate, and manage life processes using 30+ trillion cells capable of replication and metabolism. The schema and associated operations derived from GTI are also used to model a digital genome specifying the operational knowledge of algorithms executing the software life processes with specific purposes using replication and metabolism. The result is a digital software system with a super-symbolic computing structure exhibiting autopoietic and cognitive behaviors that biological systems also exhibit. We discuss here one of these applications.
Why Do We Need Alternative Methods for Fungal Disease Management in Plants?
Authors: McLaughlin Michael S. , Roy Maria , Abbasi Pervaiz A. , Carisse Odile , Yurgel Svetlana N. , Ali Shawkat
Published: November 2023

Fungal pathogens pose a major threat to food production worldwide. Traditionally, chemical fungicides have been the primary means of controlling these pathogens, but many of these fungicides have recently come under increased scrutiny due to their negative effects on the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Furthermore, the use of chemical fungicides can result in the development of resistance in populations of phytopathogenic fungi. Therefore, new environmentally friendly alternatives that provide adequate levels of disease control are needed to replace chemical fungicides—if not completely, then at least partially. A number of alternatives to conventional chemical fungicides have been developed, including plant defence elicitors (PDEs); biological control agents (fungi, bacteria, and mycoviruses), either alone or as consortia; biochemical fungicides; natural products; RNA interference (RNAi) methods; and resistance breeding. This article reviews the conventional and alternative methods available to manage fungal pathogens, discusses their strengths and weaknesses, and identifies potential areas for future research.
Application of Bacillus spp. Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria Improves Common Bean Production Compared to Conventional Fertilization
Authors: Souza Antonia Erica Santos de , Filla Vinicius Augusto , Silva João Paulo Morais da , Barbosa Júnior Marcelo Rodrigues , Oliveira-Paiva Christiane Abreu de , Coelho Anderson Prates , Lemos Leandro Borges
Published: November 2023

The use of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can be a sustainable strategy to increase phosphorus availability and promote satisfactory crop yields. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether inoculation with PSB in common bean increases (i) growth, (ii) nutrition, (iii) yield, and (iv) grain quality, and (v) reduces the chemical phosphorus application dose to obtain maximum yields. The experiment was conducted in an Oxisol using a randomized block design in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, with four replicates, using the cultivar IAC 2051. The first factor was four doses of P2O5 (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha−1), and the second factor was four doses of PSB (0, 100, 200 and 300 mL ha−1). For leaf area and leaf chlorophyll content, the association of PSB inoculation with a P2O5 dose of 40 kg ha−1 promoted the best conditions for the common bean. P2O5 application increased yield by 79 kg ha−1 for each 10 kg ha−1 added. PSB inoculation at a dose of 192 mL ha−1 promoted P export of 15.3 kg ha−1, and the PSB dose of 159 mL ha−1 increased yield by 389 kg ha−1 (12%) compared to the control. Grain quality remained within the standards required by the consumer market, being little affected by the treatments. Improvements in common bean growth and nutritional and physiological status promoted by P2O5 application and PSB were essential in increasing yield, so these are sustainable production strategies.
Hormonal Content and Gene Expression during Olive Fruit Growth and Ripening
Authors: Camarero Maria C. , Briegas Beatriz , Corbacho Jorge , Labrador Juana , Gomez-Jimenez Maria C.
Published: November 2023

The cultivated olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea var. europaea) is one of the most valuable fruit trees worldwide. However, the hormonal mechanisms underlying the fruit growth and ripening in olives remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, we investigated the physiological and hormonal changes, by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS), as well as the expression patterns of hormone-related genes, using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, during fruit growth and ripening in two olive cultivars, ‘Arbequina’ and ‘Picual’, with contrasting fruit size and shape as well as fruit ripening duration. Hormonal profiling revealed that olive fruit growth involves a lowering of auxin (IAA), cytokinin (CKs), and jasmonic acid (JA) levels as well as a rise in salicylic acid (SA) levels from the endocarp lignification to the onset of fruit ripening in both cultivars. During olive fruit ripening, both abscisic acid (ABA) and anthocyanin levels rose, while JA levels fell, and SA levels showed no significant changes in either cultivar. By contrast, differential accumulation patterns of gibberellins (GAs) were found between the two cultivars during olive fruit growth and ripening. GA1 was not detected at either stage of fruit development in ‘Arbequina’, revealing a specific association between the GA1 and ‘Picual’, the cultivar with large sized, elongated, and fast-ripening fruit. Moreover, ABA may play a central role in regulating olive fruit ripening through transcriptional regulation of key ABA metabolism genes, whereas the IAA, CK, and GA levels and/or responsiveness differ between olive cultivars during olive fruit ripening. Taken together, the results indicate that the relative absence or presence of endogenous GA1 is associated with differences in fruit morphology and size as well as in the ripening duration in olives. Such detailed knowledge may be of help to design new strategies for effective manipulation of olive fruit size as well as ripening duration.
Identification of High-Yielding Genotypes of Barley in the Warm Regions of Iran
Authors: Pour-Aboughadareh Alireza , Koohkan Shirali , Zali Hassan , Marzooghian Akbar , Gholipour Ahmad , Kheirgo Masoome , Barati Ali , Bocianowski Jan , Askari-Kelestani Alireza
Published: November 2023

One of the most important effects of climatic changes is increasing temperatures and expanding water deficit stress in tropical and subtropical regions. As the fourth most important cereal crop, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is crucial for food and feed security, as well as for a sustainable agricultural system. The present study investigates 56 promising barley genotypes, along with four local varieties (Norooz, Oxin, Golchin, and Negin) in four locations to identify high-yielding and adapted genotypes in the warm climate of Iran. Genotypes were tested in an alpha lattice design with six blocks, which were repeated three times. Traits measured were the number of days to heading and maturity, plant height, thousand kernels weight, and grain yield. A combined analysis of variance showed the significant effects of genotypes (G), environments (E), and their interaction (GEI) on all measured traits. Application of the additive main-effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model to the grain yield data showed that GEI was divided into three significant components (IPCAs), and each accounted for 50.93%, 30.60%, and 18.47%, respectively. Two selection indices [Smith–Hazel (SH) and multiple trait selection index (MTSI)] identified G18, G24, G29, and G57 as desirable genotypes at the four test locations. Using several BLUP-based indices, such as the harmonic mean of genotypic values (HMGV), the relative performance of genotypic values (RPGV), and the harmonic mean of the relative performance of genotypic values (HMRPGV), genotypes G6, G11, G22, G24, G29, G38, G52, and G57 were identified as superior genotypes. The application of GGE analysis identified G6, G24, G29, G52, and G57 as the high-yielding and most stable genotypes. Considering all statistical models, genotypes G24, G29, and G57 can be used, as they are well-adapted to the test locations in warm regions of Iran.
Simulation Design of Novel Non-Fluorine Polymers as Electron Transport Layer for Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Moiz Syed Abdul , Alshaikh Mohammed Saleh , Alahmadi Ahmed N. M.
Published: November 2023

Significant progress has been made in the advancement of perovskite solar cells, but their commercialization remains hindered by their lead-based toxicity. Many non-toxic perovskite-based solar cells have demonstrated potential, such as Cs2AgBi0.75Sb0.25Br6, but their power conversion efficiency is inadequate. To address this issue, some researchers are focusing on emerging acceptor–donor–acceptor’–donor–acceptor (A-DA’D-A)-type non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) for Cs2AgBi0.75Sb0.25Br6 to find effective electron transport layers for high-performance photovoltaic responses with low voltage drops. In this comparative study, four novel A-DA’D-A-type NFAs, BT-LIC, BT-BIC, BT-L4F, and BT-BO-L4F, were used as electron transport layers (ETLs) for the proposed devices, FTO/PEDOT:PSS/Cs2AgBi0.75Sb0.25Br6/ETL/Au. Comprehensive simulations were conducted to optimize the devices. The simulations showed that all optimized devices exhibit photovoltaic responses, with the BT-BIC device having the highest power conversion efficiency (13.2%) and the BT-LIC device having the lowest (6.8%). The BT-BIC as an ETL provides fewer interfacial traps and better band alignment, enabling greater open-circuit voltage for efficient photovoltaic responses.
Development of Novel PET-PAN Electrospun Nanocomposite Membrane Embedded with Layered Double Hydroxides Hybrid for Efficient Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Pirzada Abdul Majeed , Ali Imran , Mallah Nabi Bakhsh , Maitlo Ghulamullah
Published: November 2023

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with their unique structural chemistry create opportunities to be modified with polymers, making different nanocomposites. In the current research, a novel PET-PAN embedded with Mg-AI-LDH-PVA nanocomposite membrane was fabricated through electrospinning. SEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD, and AFM were carried out to investigate the structure and morphology of the nanocomposite membrane. The characterization of the optimized nanocomposite membrane showed a beadless, smooth structure with a nanofiber diameter of 695 nm. The water contact angle and tensile strength were 16° and 1.4 Mpa, respectively, showing an increase in the hydrophilicity and stability of the nanocomposite membrane by the addition of Mg-Al-LDH-PVA. To evaluate the adsorption performance of the nanocomposite membrane, operating parameters were achieved for Cr(VI) and methyl orange at pH 2.0 and pH 4.0, respectively, including contact time, adsorbate dose, and pollutant concentration. The adsorption data of the nanocomposite membrane showed the removal of 68% and 80% for Cr(VI) and methyl orange, respectively. The process of adsorption followed a Langmuir isotherm model that fit well and pseudo-2nd order kinetics with R2 values of 0.97 and 0.99, respectively. The recycling results showed the membrane’s stability for up to five cycles. The developed membrane can be used for efficient removal of pollutants from wastewater.
Recycling Compatible Organic Electrode Materials Containing Amide Bonds for Use in Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Yao Masaru , Sano Hikaru , Ando Hisanori
Published: November 2023

Organic rechargeable batteries that do not use any scarce heavy metals are candidates for the next generation of rechargeable batteries; although, it is not easy to realize both high capacity and long cycle life. Organic compounds linked by amide bonds are expected to have superior recycling properties after battery degradation, since they will become a single monomer upon hydrolysis. In this study, anthraquinone was chosen as a model redox active unit, and dimeric and trimeric compounds were synthesized, their cycle performances as electrode materials for use in rechargeable batteries were compared, and a trend in which oligomerization improves cycle properties was confirmed. Furthermore, quantum chemistry calculations suggest that oligomerization decreases solubility, which would support a longer life for oligomerized compounds. This methodology will lead to the development of organic rechargeable batteries with further environmental benefits.
Synthesis and Aggregation Behavior of Hexameric Quaternary Ammonium Salt Surfactant Tz-6C12QC
Authors: Jiao Jianjian , Ma Chi , Zhang Linlin , Li Fan , Gao Tianxu , Wang Lei , Sin Lee Tin
Published: November 2023

A hexameric quaternary ammonium salt surfactant Tz-6C12QC featuring a rigid triazine spacer and six ammonium groups was synthesized. The molecular structure and aggregation behavior of Tz-6C12QC were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, surface tension, conductivity, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy, etc. Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation was employed to investigate the self-assembly behavior of Tz-6C12QC at different concentrations. The rheological behavior of the polyacrylamide/Tz-6C12QC system was characterized by shear rheology. The results indicated that Tz-6C12QC exhibited superior surface activity and lower surface tension compared to conventional surfactants. Rheology analysis revealed that Tz-6C12QC had a significant viscosity reduction effect on polyacrylamide. DLS and TEM indicated that, as the concentration of Tz-6C12QC increased, monomer associations, spherical aggregations, vesicles, tubular micelles, and bilayer vesicles were sequentially formed in the solution. This study presents a synthetic approach for polysurfactants with a rigid spacer and sheds light on the self-assembly process of micelles.
Antibacterial Activity against Escherichia coli and Cytotoxicity of Maillard Reaction Product of Chitosan and Glucosamine Prepared by Gamma Co-60 Ray Irradiation
Authors: Le Anh Quoc , Dang Van Phu , Nguyen Ngoc Duy , Nguyen Chi Thuan , Nguyen Quoc Hien
Published: November 2023

In this study, the gamma ray-induced Maillard reaction method was carried out for chitosan (CTS) and glucosamine (GA) to improve the water solubility and antibacterial activity. The mixture solution of CTS and GA was exposed to gamma rays at a dose of 25 kGy and freeze-dried to obtain a Maillard reaction product (MRP) powder. The physicochemical and biological properties of the CTS-GA MRP powder were investigated. The CTS-GA MRP powder expressed good solubility at a concentration of 0.05 g/mL. In addition, the result of the antibacterial activity test against Escherichia coli revealed that the CTS-GA MRP powder exhibited highly antibacterial activity at pH 7; in particular, bacterial density was reduced by over 4 logs. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity test of the CTS-GA MRP powder on mouse fibroblast cells (L929) showed non-cytotoxicity with high cell viability (>90%) at concentrations of 0.1–1 mg/mL. Owing to the high antibacterial activity and low cytotoxicity, the water-soluble CTS-GA MRP powder can be used as a favorable natural preservative for food and cosmetics.
Reconstruction of a Fluid Bed Device for Separating Granular Material from the Grinding Process of Rapid Antigen Tests
Authors: Jordan Miha , Švarc Tilen , Majerič Peter , Rudolf Rebeka , Zadravec Matej
Published: November 2023

The article includes the study and reconstruction of a fluid bed device with the purpose of separating the granular material from the grinding process of rapid antigen tests. The following techniques were performed, with the purpose of characterisation of the ground particles: sieve analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The paper includes experimental testing of a simplified separation process with zeolite spheres and paper strips, supported by a numerical model. The flow conditions’ impact on the behaviour and interactions of particles of the considered problem were simulated using coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the discrete element method (DEM) approach. The separation process of zeolite spheres and paper strips was found to be efficient. The simulation results showed the appropriate behaviour of the particles during the process. We explained the results’ deviations, and we also presented the shortcomings and possible improvements. Further research is required to define the adequacy of the process, while using actual ground material of rapid antigen tests.
Efficiency of Modified Natural Clinoptilolite Tuff for As(III) and As(V) Uptake from Model Polluted Water
Authors: Stanimirova Tsveta , Karadjova Irina
Published: November 2023

Granular and powdery clinoptilolite tuff samples from Beli Plast, Eastern Rhodopes, Bulgaria, were coated with metal hydroxides (Fe, Al, Fe-Mg) by two-step alkalization. The prepared sorbents were tested for As(III) and As(V) uptake from a modeled water solution with an arsenic concentration of 44 μg/L. The granular sorbent was used in the sorption columns and showed a high efficiency of arsenic purification from slightly polluted waters. The calculated maximum sorption capacity for the optimal conditions is 32.9 μg/g. The adsorption proceeds according to the Langmuir model. The mechanism of adsorption is most likely inner-sphere complexation. The sorbents’ complete regeneration was achieved by NaOH treatment. The results of the experiments show good possibilities for obtaining water with an arsenic concentration ranging from below the limit of detection to 3.8 µg/L, which is a significantly lower value than the permitted value of 10 μg/L and close to the national environmental quality standard for shallow waters. The high efficiency shows Fe- or Mg,Fe-coated clinoptilolite sorbents. The sorbents are highly efficient in purifying 400 liters of water with an initial concentration of 44 mg/L of either arsenate or arsenite per 1 kilogram of sorbent at a rate of 2.4–2.0 L/h/kg. The powdered sorbents used in a batch system under “static” conditions showed a much higher adsorption capacity than the granular one. Such sorbents are more suitable for small quantities of water with a high concentration of arsenic.
The Role of Substance P and NK1 Receptors in Mild to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: From CTE to ICP
Authors: Vink Robert , Corrigan Frances
Published: November 2023

Binding of substance P to the tachykinin NK1 receptor is involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes ranging from modulation of sensory and motor function to inflammation, cancer, and brain injury, amongst others. NK1 antagonists therefore have enormous potential as a therapeutic intervention in a wide variety of human disease states, albeit that the clinical potential is yet to be fully realised. In the current review, the role of substance P in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) will be discussed, summarising both experimental and clinical observations in mild, moderate, and severe TBI. In addition, the potential for NK1 antagonists to be a valuable therapeutic intervention against chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after repeated concussive brain injury as well as raised intracranial pressure (ICP) following severe TBI will be addressed, highlighting the various pathophysiological processes that are attenuated by the intervention.
Shared Religious Soundscapes: Indian Rāga Music in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Devotion in South Asia
Authors: Beck Guy L.
Published: November 2023

Music has played a central role in Indian religious experience for millennia. The origins of Indian music include the recitation of the sacred syllable OM and Sanskrit Mantras in ancient Vedic fire sacrifices. The notion of Sound Absolute, first in the Upanishads as Śabda-Brahman and later as Nāda-Brahman, formed the theological background for music, Sangīta, designed as a vehicle of liberation founded upon the worship of Hindu deities expressed in rāgas, or specific melodic formulas. Nearly all genres of music in India, classical or devotional, share this theoretical and practical understanding, extending to other Indic religions like Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. What is less documented is how rāga music has been adopted by non-Indic communities in South Asia: Judaism (Bene Israel), Christianity (Catholic), and Islam (Chishti Sufi). After briefly outlining the relation between religion and the arts, the Indian aesthetics of Rasa, and the basic notions of sacred sound and music in Hinduism, this essay reveals the presence of rāga music, specifically the structure or melodic pattern of the morning rāga known as Bhairava, in compositions praising the divinity of each non-Indic tradition: Adonai, Jesus, and Allah. As similar tone patterns appear in the religious experiences of these communities, they reveal the phenomenon of “shared religious soundscapes” relevant to the comparative study of religion and music, or Musicology of Religion.
Liturgies of Livability or Liturgical Violence: What Kind of Space Is Christian Congregational Song Creating for LGBTQIA2S+ and Nonbinary People?
Authors: Budwey Stephanie A.
Published: November 2023

The liturgy is one of the most important places in which people are formed theologically through components such as prayers, music, visual art, and preaching. Yet, depending on the theology that is expressed, the liturgy can be a place that heals or harms. Because LGBTQIA2S+ and nonbinary people are often excluded and made invisible in Christian worship, this article focuses on the importance of Christian congregational song and how—drawing from Nathan Myrick’s work—it can be ethical for LGBTQIA2S+ and nonbinary people when it contributes to their flourishing. First is an articulation of a theology of “both/neither” which (1) acknowledges that LGBTQIA2S+ and nonbinary people exist, (2) is based on a sexually polymorphic reading of Genesis 1:27 and asserts that LGBTQIA2S+ and nonbinary people are made in God’s image, and (3) celebrates difference, diversity, and multiplicity. Next is a discussion of how enacting a theology of “both/neither” in the liturgy creates liturgies of livability for LGBTQIA2S+ and nonbinary people, whereas when it is not, it inflicts liturgical violence. This article concludes by exploring examples from Christian congregational song that support liturgies of livability through their expression of a theology of “both/neither.”
Introduction for Special Issue “The Role of Religions in a Pluralistic Society”
Authors: Cipriani Roberto , Ricucci Roberta
Published: November 2023

There are often events that reshuffle the cards, that is, challenge theories and methodological perspectives [...]
Pursuing Alignment: A Comparison of Public Officials and Citizen Perception of Mine Development
Authors: Poelzer Gregory
Published: November 2023

Maintaining legitimacy is a crucial objective for public officials to ensure effectiveness. Without legitimacy, political costs rise as the trust in government decreases and policy implementation is delayed; thus, officials handling resource development are encouraged to improve the acceptability of their processes. Therefore, it is essential for the government to understand the values and expectations of the citizens affected by resource development. Such an understanding assists the government in accomplishing its goals. This paper examines two cases, Norrbotten, Sweden, and Saskatchewan, Canada, both of which have established mining operations and similar regulatory frameworks and, during the commodities boom, experienced increased foreign investment and applications for new mines. While most mining projects in Saskatchewan faced little public opposition, some Norrbotten mines met contestation and protest. This paper utilizes survey data that focus on the perspectives of the residents close to the proposed mining operations, as well as interview data from public officials responsible for mine permitting, to examine the relationship between stakeholder influence and trust in government on the acceptability of mining.
Claims Modelling with Three-Component Composite Models
Authors: Li Jackie , Liu Jia
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we develop a number of new composite models for modelling individual claims in general insurance. All our models contain a Weibull distribution for the smallest claims, a lognormal distribution for the medium-sized claims, and a long-tailed distribution for the largest claims. They provide a more detailed categorisation of claims sizes when compared to the existing composite models which differentiate only between the small and large claims. For each proposed model, we express four of the parameters as functions of the other parameters. We fit these models to two real-world insurance data sets using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation, and test their goodness-of-fit based on several statistical criteria. They generally outperform the existing composite models in the literature, which comprise only two components. We also perform regression using the proposed models.
A Semiautonomous Control Strategy Based on Computer Vision for a Hand–Wrist Prosthesis
Authors: Cirelli Gianmarco , Tamantini Christian , Cordella Luigi Pietro , Cordella Francesca
Published: November 2023

Alleviating the burden on amputees in terms of high-level control of their prosthetic devices is an open research challenge. EMG-based intention detection presents some limitations due to movement artifacts, fatigue, and stability. The integration of exteroceptive sensing can provide a valuable solution to overcome such limitations. In this paper, a novel semiautonomous control system (SCS) for wrist–hand prostheses using a computer vision system (CVS) is proposed and validated. The SCS integrates object detection, grasp selection, and wrist orientation estimation algorithms. By combining CVS with a simulated EMG-based intention detection module, the SCS guarantees reliable prosthesis control. Results show high accuracy in grasping and object classification (≥97%) at a fast frame analysis frequency (2.07 FPS). The SCS achieves an average angular estimation error ≤18° and stability ≤0.8° for the proposed application. Operative tests demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed approach to handle complex real-world scenarios and pave the way for future implementation on a real prosthetic device.
Integrated Remote Sensing Observations of Radiative Properties and Sources of the Aerosols in Southeast Asia: The Case of Thailand
Authors: Bridhikitti Arika , Petchpayoon Pakorn , Prabamroong Thayukorn
Published: November 2023

Aerosols in Southeast Asia (SEA) are entangled with complex land–sea–atmosphere–human interactions, and it is difficult for scientists to understand their dynamic behaviors. This study aims to provide an insightful understanding of aerosols across SEA with respect to their radiative properties using several lines of evidence obtained from remote sensing instruments, including those from onboard Earth observation satellites (MODIS/Terra and MODIS/Aqua, CALIOP/CALIPSO) and from ground-based observation (AERONET). The findings, obtained from cluster analysis of aerosol optical properties, showed seven aerosol types which were dominant across the country, exhibiting diverse radiative forcing potentials. The light-absorbing (prone to warm the atmosphere) aerosols were likely found in mainland SEA, both for background and high-aerosol events. The light-scattering aerosols were associated with aging processes and hygroscopic growth. The neutral potential, which comprised a mixture of oceanic and local anthropogenic aerosols, was predominant in background aerosols in insular SEA. Further studies should focus on carbonaceous aerosols (organic carbons, black carbon, and brown carbon), the aging processes, and the hygroscopic growth of these aerosols, since they play significant roles in the regional aerosol optical properties.
A New Method for Bare Permafrost Extraction on the Tibetan Plateau by Integrating Machine Learning and Multi-Source Information
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , Ji Yuhe , Zhou Guangsheng , Zhou Li , Li Xiaopeng , He Xiaohui , Tian Zhihui
Published: November 2023

Bare permafrost refers to permafrost with almost no vegetation on the surface, which is an essential part of the ecosystem of the Tibetan Plateau. An accurate extraction of the boundaries of bare permafrost is vital for studying how it is being impacted by climate change. The accuracy of permafrost and bare land distribution maps is inadequate, and the spatial and temporal resolution is low. This is due to the challenges associated with obtaining significant amounts of data in high-altitude and alpine regions and the limitations of current mapping techniques in effectively integrating multiple factors. This study introduces a novel approach to extracting information about the distribution of bare permafrost. The approach introduced here involves amalgamating a sample extraction method, the fusion of multi-source remote sensing information, and a hierarchical classification strategy. Initially, the available multi-source permafrost data, expert knowledge, and refinement rules for training samples are integrated to produce extensive and consistent permafrost training samples. Using the random forest method, these samples are then utilized to create features and classify permafrost. Subsequently, a methodology utilizing a hierarchical classification approach in conjunction with machine learning techniques is implemented to identify an appropriate threshold for fractional vegetation cover, thereby facilitating the extraction of bare land. The bare permafrost boundary is ultimately derived through layer overlay analysis. The permafrost classification exhibits an overall accuracy of 90.79% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.806. The overall accuracies of the two stratified extractions in bare land were 97.47% and 96.99%, with Kappa coefficients of 0.954 and 0.911. The proposed approach exhibits superiority over the extant bare land and permafrost distribution maps. It is well-suited for retrieving vast bare permafrost regions and is valuable for acquiring bare permafrost distribution data across a vast expanse. It offers technical assistance in acquiring extended-term data on the distribution of exposed permafrost on the Tibetan Plateau. Furthermore, it facilitates the elucidation of the impact of climate change on exposed permafrost.
Improving Rock Classification with 1D Discrete Wavelet Transform Based on Laboratory Reflectance Spectra and Gaofen-5 Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Guo Senmiao , Jiang Qigang
Published: November 2023

The high intra-class variability of rock spectra is an important factor affecting classification accuracy. The discrete wavelet transform (DWT) can capture abrupt changes in the signal and obtain subtle differences between the spectra of different rocks. Taking laboratory spectra and hyperspectral data as examples, high-frequency features after DWT were used to improve the discrimination accuracy of rocks. Various decomposition levels, mother wavelet functions, and reconstruction methods were used to compare the accuracy. The intra-class variability was measured using the intra-class Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM). Our results show that the high-frequency features could improve the discrimination accuracy of laboratory spectra by 13.4% (from 46.5% to 59.9%), compared to the original spectral features. The accuracy of image spectra in two study areas increased by 8.6% (from 68.3% to 76.9%) and 7.2% (from 81.3% to 88.5%), respectively. Haar wavelets highlighted the spectral differences between different rocks. After DWT, intra-class SAM reduced and intra-class variability of rocks decreased. The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a negative correlation between intra-class variability and overall accuracy. It suggested that improving classification accuracy by reducing intra-class variability was feasible. Though the result of lithological mapping still leaves room for improvement, this study provides a new approach to reduce intra-class variability, whether using laboratory spectra or hyperspectral data.
Impact of Satellite-Derived Land Cover Resolution Using Machine Learning and Hydrological Simulations
Authors: Hanif Fatima , Kanae Shinjiro , Farooq Rashid , Iqbal M. Rashid , Petroselli Andrea
Published: November 2023

This study carefully assesses the capability of supervised machine learning classification algorithms in identifying land cover (LC) in the context of the Jhelum River basin in Kashmir. Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8 high-resolution data from two satellite sources were used. Through preprocessing techniques, we removed any potential noise inherent to satellite imagery and assured data consistency. The study then utilized and compared the skills of the supervised algorithms random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM). A hybrid approach, amalgamating classifications from both methods, was also tested for potential synergistic enhancements in accuracy. Using a stratified random sampling approach for validation, the SVM algorithm emerged with a commendable accuracy rate of 82.5%. Using simulations from 2000 to 2015, the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model was used to further explore the hydrological effects of LC alterations. Between 2009 and 2019, there were discernible changes in the land cover, with a greater emphasis on ranges, forests, and agricultural plains. When these changes were combined with the results of the hydrologic simulation, a resultant fall in average annual runoff—from above 700 mm to below 600 mm—was seen. With runoff values possibly ranging between 547 mm and 747 mm, the statistics emphasize the direct effects of urban communities encroaching upon forest, agricultural, and barren lands. This study concludes by highlighting the crucial role that technical pipelines play in enhancing LC classifications and by providing suggestions for future water resource estimation and hydrological impact evaluations.
Fighting Hate and Hate Speech: Raising Anti-Hate Awareness through Critical Analysis of Popular Cultural Texts on an Undergraduate Course
Authors: Woo Hyunju , Cho Yoon Y.
Published: November 2023

Central to the understanding of hate is an apprehension of the complexities of various hate-motivated social attitudes, which include Othering and the production of social, economic, and political hierarchies of domination. While hate speech is endemic both online and offline in contemporary society, Korean youths have difficulties recognizing its structural forces. The present study aims to offer an instructional model of a college-level course for identifying and countering hate in everyday life. As participants in this course, students read popular cultural texts thematizing hate, wrote critical reviews, and held group discussions to develop anti-hate critical thinking and raise awareness about online hate speech and hate-motivated social behavior. They showed significant progress in the surveys, which measured anti-hate critical thinking, as well as during the course, as they proceeded from observing and identifying hate speech to formulating and articulating proactive strategies to challenge it. This study provided an opportunity for college students to develop good citizenship in reading hate speech and representations of hate in popular cultural texts with a critical eye, and to reflect on the problem of hate in society.
Coverage of Allies, Allyship and Disabled People: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wolbring Gregor , Lillywhite Aspen
Published: November 2023

Disabled people face many problems in their lived reality, as evidenced by the content of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Disabled people are constantly engaged in activism to decrease their problems. However, disabled people cannot do all the work by themselves and need allies (who can be so-called non-disabled people or disabled people of a different background to other disabled people) given the many barriers disabled people face in being activists, given the precarious lived reality of many, and given the many problems in need of solving. At the same time, the expectations linked to being an authentic ally of disabled people pose many challenges and stressors and a danger of burnout for the ally. Therefore, the aim of this study was to better understand the academic coverage of allyship and allies in relation to disabled people in general, and specifically the coverage of challenges, stressors, and danger of burnout for allies of disabled people. To fulfill this aim, we performed a scoping review of academic abstracts and full texts employing SCOPUS, the seventy databases of the EBSCO-HOST and the Web of Science. Of the 577 abstracts, covering allies and allyship in relation to disabled people that were downloaded, 306 were false positives. Of the 271 relevant ones, the content of six abstracts suggested a deeper coverage of allyship/allies in the full texts. Within the full texts, two mentioned ally burnout and four mentioned challenges faced by allies. Among the 271 abstracts, 86 abstracts mentioned allies without indicating who the allies were, 111 abstracts mentioned specific allies with technology as an ally being mentioned second highest. Sixty-three abstracts covered specific topics of activism for allies. Furthermore, although searching abstracts for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) related phrases, terms, and policy frameworks generated sixty-three abstracts, only three abstracts mentioned disabled people. Abstracts containing science and technology governance or technology focused ethics fields terms did not generate any hits with the terms ally or allies or allyship. Searching abstracts and full texts, phrases containing ally or allies or allyship and burnout had 0 hits, ally terms with stress* generated four hits and phrases containing anti-ableism, or anti disablism, anti-disableist, anti-disablist, anti-ablist, or anti-ableist with ally terms had 0 hits. Our findings show many gaps in the coverage of allies and allyship in relation to disabled people especially around the barriers, stressors, and burnout that authentic allies of disabled people can face. These gaps should be filled given that disabled people need allies and that there are many challenges for being an authentic disabled or non-disabled ally of disabled people.
Durability, Microstructure, and Optimization of High-Strength Geopolymer Concrete Incorporating Construction and Demolition Waste
Authors: Elemam Walid E. , Tahwia Ahmed M. , Abdellatief Mohamed , Youssf Osama , Kandil Mohamed A.
Published: November 2023

The incorporation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste in concrete production has gained great importance toward sustainability, especially in geopolymer concrete. In this study, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) and fine aggregate of normal geopolymer concrete were partially replaced by clay brick powder (CBP) and fine clay brick (FCB) derived from C&D waste, respectively, aiming to produce high-strength geopolymer concrete (HSGC). Fly ash (FA) was also used as a partial replacement for GGBFS in normal geopolymer concrete. Twenty HSGC mixtures were designed using the response surface methodology with three variables, including CBP (0–25%), FA (0–25%), and FCB (0–50%). The performance of the proposed HSGC mixtures was assessed by measuring several mechanical and durability properties. In addition, a variety of physicochemical methods, including X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, were used to examine the mineralogical and microstructural characteristics of the control and the developed mixtures. The findings revealed that the compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths of the HSGC made with C&D waste ranged from 38.0 to 70.3 MPa, 4.1 to 8.2 MPa, and 5.2 to 10.0 MPa, respectively. The results also indicated that the incorporation of FA is an essential parameter to eliminate the negative impacts of C&D waste addition on concrete workability. The optimal proportions for the HSGC were 5% for CBP, 5% for FA, and 40% for FCB, which were determined to generate the optimized HSGC with the highest mechanical performance, according to the verified models and optimization findings. The physicochemical analyses showed that the thick amorphous geopolymeric gel predominated the nonporous structure of the optimized HSGC, which had good mechanical characteristics. Furthermore, the anti-carbonation performance and freezing resistance of the optimal HSGC increased by 17.7% and 14.6%, respectively, while the apparent porosity decreased by 8.4%.
Psychophysiological Data Harmonization for the Sustainability of Outdoor Activities
Authors: Papale Olga , Festino Emanuel , Condello Giancarlo , Di Rocco Francesca , De Maio Marianna , Cortis Cristina , Fusco Andrea
Published: November 2023

Prolonged sedentary behavior is considered a risk factor for health throughout the human lifespan. Although outdoor activities, such as walking and hiking, can be effective in reducing sedentary behavior, there is a lack of data harmonization on the psychophysiological characteristics of hiking trails. Therefore, this research protocol aims to provide an innovative and uniform methodology to provide a psychophysiological characterization of hiking. Enrolled subjects will be allocated in groups equally distributed for age, physical activity level (physically active vs. sedentary), and sex (male vs. female). Subjects will perform two treadmill tests in laboratory sessions and two hiking tests in field sessions. The Ruffier test will be performed before each session to assess subjects’ exercise capacity. During each session, body mass measurement, cardiometabolic evaluation, heart rate and heart rate variability monitoring, rating of perceived exertion, and physical activity enjoyment rate will be assessed. To measure breath-by-breath ventilation, oxygen consumption, and energy expenditure, subjects will be equipped with a portable gas analyzer during one laboratory session and one field session. Findings from the present study protocol have the potential to fill a gap in assessing hiking-related fitness, promoting physical and mental health, and offering a practical way to evaluate fitness for hiking, encouraging outdoor activity. These findings will have the potential to impact tourism, health, and well-being through outdoor experiences.