bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Method to Generate Chlorine Dioxide Gas In Situ for Sterilization of Automated Incubators
Authors: Schicklin Cédric , Rauter Georg , Cattin Philippe Claude , Eugster Manuela , Braissant Olivier
Published: November 2024

Pharmaceutical preclinical tests using cell cultures are nowadays commonly automated. Incubator microbial contaminations impact such tests. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is widely used in aqueous solutions. However, a gaseous form, such as chlorine dioxide gas (gClO2), can effectively access unreachable spaces, such as closed cell culture incubators. Steam sterilization requires a temperature rise to at least 121 °C, thus limiting the possibility of automation elements for sensors and actuators. gClO2 sterilization is an ambient-temperature sterilization method. This article aims to demonstrate that gClO2 generated from solid powder tablets is efficient for sterilizing incubators and can be automated. We selected (i) Bacillus subtilis strain, (ii) Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and (iii) T7 phages as representatives for (i) bacteria, (ii) fungi, and (iii) viruses for each domain to evaluate the sterilization efficiency. This study demonstrated that gClO2 can be generated inside the incubator from a solid powder tablet without specific equipment and can effectively fight biological proxies in 15 min. After 30 sterilization cycles, the actuators and sensors mounted inside the incubator were still operating. Our proposed sterilization method seems to be generally applicable for automated in situ sterilization of incubators and medical robots.
Pharmacological Evaluation of the Traditional Brazilian Medicinal Plant Monteverdia ilicifolia in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Preliminary Results of a Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: da Silva Maitê Scherer , Schunck Rebeca Vargas Antunes , Moraes Maicon Pereira , Corssac Giana Blume , Meirelles Gabriela , Bianchi Sara Elis , Targa Leonardo Vieira , Bassani Valquiria , Gonçalves Marcelo Rodrigues , Dani Caroline , Siqueira Ionara Rodrigues
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: The present work aimed to compare the effects of the standardized dry extract from the leaves of Monteverdia ilicifolia, popularly known as “espinheira-santa”, with omeprazole in the management of dyspepsia related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: A double-blind, randomized, non-inferiority and double-dummy clinical trial was conducted. In total, 86 patients with GERD symptoms were randomized into three groups: Omeprazol (20 mg), M. ilicifolia (400 mg), or M. ilicifolia (860 mg). Capsules were provided by SUSTENTEC®, Pato Bragato, Brazil. It was requested that the participants take three capsules before breakfast and dinner for 4 weeks. Clinical outcomes were obtained at the beginning and end of the study, with GERD symptoms (QS-GERD), the impact of heartburn symptoms on quality of life (HBQOL), and medical records. Results: Overall, 75.6% of the participants showed adherence without any differences among the experimental groups. All groups had significant reductions in both QS-GERD and HBQOL scores. Omeprazole and 400 and 860 mg of M. ilicifolia decreased the QS-GERD total scores at the endpoint compared to the baseline (Chi-square = 129.808; p < 0.0001), as well as individual item scores, such as heartburn intensity (Chi-square = 93.568, p < 0.0001) and heartburn after meals (Chi-square = 126.426, p < 0.0001). There were no differences among the experimental groups after the intervention. Conclusions: Our results suggest that capsules with a standardized dry extract from the leaves of M. ilicifolia at a dosage of 400 or 860 mg are non-inferior to omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor.
Modulatory Effect of Cucurbitacin D from Elaeocarpus hainanensis on ZNF217 Oncogene Expression in NPM-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Adorisio Sabrina , Fierabracci Alessandra , Cham Ba Thi , Hoang Vu Dinh , Thuy Linh Nguyen Thi , Nhung Le Thi Hong , Martelli Maria Paola , Ayroldi Emira , Ronchetti Simona , Rosati Lucrezia , Di Giacomo Silvia , Thuy Trinh Thi , Delfino Domenico Vittorio
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: The expression of oncogene zinc-finger protein 217 (ZNF217) has been reported to play a central role in cancer development, resistance, and recurrence. Therefore, targeting ZNF217 has been proposed as a possible strategy to fight cancer, and there has been much research on compounds that can target ZNF217. The present work investigates the chemo-preventive properties of cucurbitacin D, a compound with a broad range of anticancer effects, in hematological cancer cells, specifically with regard to its ability to modulate ZNF217 expression. Methods: Different cucurbitacins were isolated from the Vietnamese plant Elaeocarpus hainanensis. The purified compounds were tested on nucleophosmin-mutated acute myeloid leukemia and other hematological cancer cell lines to assess their effects on the cell cycle, cell viability and apoptosis, and the expression of ZNF217. Results: Cucurbitacin D resulted in a reduction in the number of acute myeloid leukemia cells by inducing an increase in apoptosis and blocking cell cycle progression. It also led to a significant decrease in ZNF217 expression in the nucleophosmin-mutated acute myeloid leukemia cell line but not in the other hematologic cancer cell lines. The reduction in ZNF217 expression contributed significantly to the blocking of cell cycle progression but did not affect apoptosis. Conclusions: The obtained results suggest that cucurbitacin D is a promising molecule for targeting mutated nucleophosmin or its pathway in acute myeloid leukemia cells, although further studies are needed for in-depth investigations into its specific mechanisms.
Formulation and Characterization of β-Cyclodextrins–Nitazoxanide Inclusion Complexes: Enhanced Solubility, In Vitro Drug Release, and Antiviral Activity in Vero Cells
Authors: Sakthi Velu Kuppu , Jegatheeswaran Sonamuthu , Akhtar Muhammad Saeed , Khan Mohammad Rizwan , Mohandoss Sonaimuthu , Ahmad Naushad
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Nitazoxanide (NTX) exhibits promising therapeutic potential; its effectiveness is constrained by its low oral bioavailability due to its poor water solubility and limited permeability. Methods: This study focused on developing a complex of NTX with β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs), specifically β-CD and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (Hβ-CD), to enhance the solubility and antiviral activity of NTX. Results: The formation of the β-CD:NTX in an aqueous solution was verified using UV–visible spectroscopy, confirming a 1:1 inclusion complex. Characterization of the solid β-CD:NTX complexes was confirmed via FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and DSC-TGA analyses. Molecular docking studies revealed that the NTX thiazole ring with the nitro group was positioned within the β-CDs cavity, while the benzene ring remained outside. Phase solubility tests showed that β-CD:NTX complexes were formed with high stability constants, demonstrating a linear increase in NTX solubility as the β-CD concentration increased. Dissolution tests revealed rapid and nearly complete NTX release within 90 min for β-CD:NTX and Hβ-CD:NTX complexes. The β-CD:NTX complexes were tested for their antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) cultures. Results showed that the Hβ-CD:NTX complex had significantly higher antiviral efficacy than β-CD:NTX and free NTX alone. Moreover, cytotoxicity and cellular uptake studies on Vero cells indicated that the Hβ-CD:NTX complex demonstrated lower cytotoxicity and had the highest IC50 value, followed by β-CD:NTX and free NTX. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Hβ-CD:NTX inclusion complexes may serve as effective carriers for delivering NTX in HSV-1 treatments using Vero cell models.
Diffraction Losses in a Stack of Diamond X-Ray Lenses
Authors: Klimova Nataliya , Snigirev Anatoly
Published: November 2024

Compound refractive lenses, crafted from single-crystal materials like diamond and silicon, are increasingly favored, particularly in cutting-edge facilities, such as free electron lasers and fourth-generation synchrotrons. These lenses are prized for their low parasitic scattering and resistance to significant radiation doses over extended periods. However, they do encounter a notable drawback known as the “glitch effect”, wherein undesired diffraction can occur across various X-ray energies. This phenomenon leads to a decrease in transmitted intensity, impacting experiments, particularly in spectroscopy. Typically, a series of lenses is employed to achieve optimal beam parameters, and each lens has its own spectrum of glitches. This paper presents experimentally measured glitches in stacks of 1, 4, 8, and 16 diamond compound refractive lenses, elucidating the theory behind glitch formation and offering strategies to predict and mitigate glitches in diverse focusing systems employing lenses made from single-crystal materials.
Reliability Study of Fiber Coupling Efficiency of 980 nm Semiconductor Laser
Authors: Liu Gang , Pang Shuhao , Zhang Xin , Tang Mingzhi , Liang Lei , Li Rui , Huang Rui
Published: November 2024

In order to improve the stability of semiconductor laser fiber coupling efficiency, based on the coupling principle, the optimal parameters for semiconductor laser fiber coupling were simulated to be θ = 45°, r = 3.25 μm, and z = 5.65 μm. By optimizing the structure and position of the lens fiber, it has been experimentally proven that the maximum fiber coupling efficiency of the 980 nm semiconductor laser can reach 87.1%, and the average coupling efficiency can also reach 84%. After temperature cycling and aging experiments, the average coupling efficiency of the device was 81.7%, indicating a decrease in coupling efficiency. At the same time, the effect of fiber stress on the reliability of coupling efficiency was analyzed, and the stability and consistency of the device before and after temperature cycling were explored. In future work, it will be necessary to further optimize the thermal stress caused by UV glue curing and tail pipe soldering, find suitable process parameters, and obtain stable and reliable coupling modules.
Effects of Drought on the Water Use Strategies of Pure and Mixed Shrubs in the Mu Us Sandy Land
Authors: Gao Qin , Dang Xiaohong , Meng Zhongju , Liu Yang , Lou Jiale , Yan Yu , Zhang Xing
Published: November 2024

Water resources are crucial factors that limit vegetation recovery, and rational planning of silvicultural patterns is essential for the efficient utilization of water in arid and semi-arid regions. This study examined the water utilization strategies of pure shrubs (pure stands of Artemisia ordosica and pure stands of Salix psammophila) and mixed shrubs (mixed stands of A. ordosica S. psammophila, and mixed stands of A. ordosica Caragana korshinskii) from the rainy to dry seasons using stable isotope techniques and MixSIAR modeling in the Mu Us Sandy Land in the semi-arid region of China. Mixed shrubs were significantly more effective than pure shrubs in utilizing the primary water sypply from the soil layer. During the rainy season in August, shallow soil water was used to a greater extent, contributing 33.78 ± 2.18%, with no significant difference in the contribution proportion. After a brief drought during the transition period in September, there was a significant increase in the use of the primary water-absorbing soil layer across all vegetation types, with a maximum increase of 39.53%. Conversely, during the dry season in October, after an extended drought, the contribution of the primary water supply layer to vegetation water absorption decreased compared with the transition period, with a maximum increase of only 17.88%. The results of this study revealed that variations in water conditions and vegetation configurations influence the water utilization patterns of the vegetation. This study offers a scientific basis and theoretical support for understanding ecological water use, the rationale behind vegetation establishment, and an assessment of plantation community stability in sandy regions.
Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Validation for a 50 kW Alkaline Water Electrolyzer
Authors: Liu Min , Zheng Xinyu , Jia Yansong , Shao Guining , Shi Jianfeng , Zeng Sheng , Wang Kun , Li Yang , Gu Chaohua
Published: November 2024

Due to its high maturity and low cost, alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) technology has been widely integrated with large-scale renewable energy systems (RESs) for green hydrogen (H2) production. Here, to evaluate the operational performance of a 50 kW AWE electrolyzer under different operation conditions, we developed an empirical modeling and experimental validation approach. The model particularly focuses on the polarization curve and the hydrogen to oxygen ratio (HTO). The relevant parameters of the empirical model were obtained by fitting the experimental data with MATLAB. The validity and accuracy of the established model and parameters were verified by comparing the fitted values with experimental values, and a good correlation was found. Since the experiments were performed in the sub-cell of 5 MW scale AWE electrolyzers, this model can also predict the performance of industrial MW-scale AWE electrolyzers and serve as a tool for the optimal design and control of industrial AWE electrolyzers. The results demonstrated that the models can achieve an accuracy with an R2 value exceeding 0.95 across a range of operational conditions.
Hydroclimatic Changes Revealed by Multiple Proxies Since the Last Glacial Maximum from the Core Monsoon Zone of India
Authors: Quamar Mohammad Firoze , Dubey Jyotsna , Tiwari Pooja , Das Prasanta Kumar , Thakur Biswajeet , Javed Mohammad , Prasad Nagendra , Maneesha M. E. T. , Sangode Satish J.
Published: November 2024

We present multiproxy records from a 2.25-m-long lake sediment profile from central India, which suggested that between ~22,200 and 18,658 cal yr BP, the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) was weak, supporting open vegetation in a cool and dry climate, which is globally correlated with the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The grain size data of this phase suggest low-energy conditions, indicating a weak ISM. Environmental magnetic concentration-dependent parameters also confirm this weakened ISM. Between ~18,658 and 7340 cal yr BP, the ISM underwent a notable increase, and open mixed tropical deciduous forests replaced the existing vegetation under a warm and moderately humid climate. Environmental magnetic parameters and the grain size data signal a shift toward higher energy levels, in harmony with the warm and moderately humid climate during this time span. Between ~7340 and 1960 cal yr BP, the ISM intensity further increased, which supported open mixed tropical deciduous forests with a rise in prominent tree species under a warm and a relatively more humid climate, correlated with the global Holocene Climatic Optimum (HCO). The trends in environmental magnetic parameters and grain size data mirror this phase of climatic amelioration. From ~1961 cal yr BP to the present, the ISM has intensified, giving rise to dense mixed tropical deciduous forests under a warm and relatively more humid climate. Environmental magnetic parameters and the grain size data are in tandem with the palynogical findings from this phase of the ISM variability.
Impacts of Storm “Zyprian” on Middle and Upper Atmosphere Observed from Central European Stations
Authors: Koucká Knížová Petra , Potužníková Kateřina , Podolská Kateřina , Šindelářová Tereza , Bozóki Tamás , Setvák Martin , Pásztor Marcell , Szárnya Csilla , Mošna Zbyšek , Kouba Daniel , Chum Jaroslav , Zacharov Petr , Buzás Attila , Hanzlíková Hana , Kozubek Michal , Burešová Dalia , Bozsó István , Berényi Kitti A. , Barta Veronika
Published: November 2024

Mesoscale convective systems are effective sources of atmospheric disturbances that can reach ionospheric heights and significantly alter atmospheric and ionospheric conditions. Convective systems can affect the Earth’s atmosphere on a continental scale and up to F-layer heights. Extratropical cyclone “Zyprian” occurred at the beginning of July, 2021 and dominated weather over the whole of Europe. An extensive cold front associated with “Zyprian” moved from the western part to the eastern part of Europe, followed by ground-level convergence and the formation of organized convective thunderstorm systems. Torrential rains in the Czech Republic have caused a great deal of damage and casualties. Storm-related signatures were developed in ground microbarograph measurements of infrasound and gravity waves. Within the stratosphere, a shift of the polar jet stream and increase in specific humidity related to the storm system were observed. At the ionospheric heights, irregular stratification and radio wave reflection plane undulation were observed. An increase in wave-like activity was detected based on ionograms and narrowband very-low-frequency (VLF) data. On directograms and SKYmaps (both products of digisonde measurements), strong and rapid changes in the horizontal plasma motion were recorded. However, no prevailing plasma motion direction was identified within the F-layer. Increased variability within the ionosphere is attributed mainly to the “Zyprian” cyclone as it developed during low geomagnetic activity and stable solar forcing.
High-Fidelity Infrared Remote Sensing Image Generation Method Coupled with the Global Radiation Scattering Mechanism and Pix2PixGAN
Authors: Li Yue , Wang Xiaorui , Zhang Chao , Zhang Zhonggen , Ren Fafa
Published: November 2024

To overcome the problems in existing infrared remote sensing image generation methods, which make it difficult to combine high fidelity and high efficiency, we propose a High-Fidelity Infrared Remote Sensing Image Generation Method Coupled with the Global Radiation Scattering Mechanism and Pix2PixGAN (HFIRSIGM_GRSMP) in this paper. Firstly, based on the global radiation scattering mechanism, the HFIRSIGM_GRSMP model is constructed to address the problem of accurately characterizing factors that affect fidelity—such as the random distribution of the radiation field, multipath scattering, and nonlinear changes—through the innovative fusion of physical models and deep learning. This model accurately characterizes the complex radiation field distribution and the image detail-feature mapping relationship from visible-to-infrared remote sensing. Then, 8000 pairs of image datasets were constructed based on Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 satellite data. Finally, the experiment demonstrates that the average SSIM of images generated using HFIRSIGM_GRSMP reaches 89.16%, and all evaluation metrics show significant improvement compared to the contrast models. More importantly, this method demonstrates high accuracy and strong adaptability in generating short-wave, mid-wave, and long-wave infrared remote sensing images. This method provides a more comprehensive solution for generating high-fidelity infrared remote sensing images.
Construction of Flexible Deterministic Sparse Measurement Matrix in Compressed Sensing Using Legendre Sequences
Authors: Liu Haiqiang , Li Ming , Hu Caiping
Published: November 2024

Compressed sensing (CS) is an innovative signal acquisition and reconstruction technology that has broken through the limit of the Nyquist sampling theory. It is widely employed to optimize the measurement processes in various applications. One of the core challenges of CS is the construction of a measurement matrix. However, traditional random measurement matrices are often impractical. Additionally, many existing deterministic binary measurement matrices fail to provide the required flexibility for practical applications. In this study, inspired by the observation that pseudo-random sequences share similar properties with random sequences, we constructed a deterministic sparse measurement matrix with a flexible measurement number based on an pseudo-random sequence—the Legendre sequence. Empirical analysis of the phase transition and an assessment of the practical features of the proposed measurement matrix were conducted. We validated the effectiveness of the proposed measurement matrix on randomly synthesized signals and images. The results of our simulations reveal that our proposed measurement matrix performs better than several other measurement matrices, particularly in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
Leveraging Sensor Technology to Characterize the Postural Control Spectrum
Authors: Aliperti Christopher , Steckenrider Josiah , Sattari Darius , Peterson James , Bell Caspian , Zifchock Rebecca
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this paper is to describe ongoing research on appropriate instrumentation and analysis techniques to characterize postural stability, postural agility, and dynamic stability, which collectively comprise the postural control spectrum. This study had a specific focus on using emerging sensors to develop protocols suitable for use outside laboratory or clinical settings. First, we examined the optimal number and placement of wearable accelerometers for assessing postural stability. Next, we proposed metrics and protocols for assessing postural agility with the use of a custom force plate-controlled video game. Finally, we proposed a method to quantify dynamic stability during walking tasks using novel frequency-domain metrics extracted from acceleration data obtained with a single body-worn IMU. In each of the three studies, a surrogate for instability was introduced, and the sensors and metrics discussed in this paper show promise for differentiating these trials from stable condition trials. Next steps for this work include expanding the tested population size and refining the methods to even more reliably and unobtrusively characterize postural control status in a variety of scenarios.
Use of Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) to Analyze the Impact of Safety Nets on the Accelerations Occurring in the Human Body During a Collision
Authors: Gołkowski Mariusz , Kwaśniewski Jerzy , Roskosz Maciej , Mazurek Paweł , Molski Szymon , Grzybowski Józef
Published: November 2024

The article presents accelerations occurring in the human body when falling onto a safety net. An attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) consists of sensors on three axes that provide attitude information for objects, including pitch, roll, and yaw. These sensors are made of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers. Usually, they are used in aircraft flight instruments due to their high precision. In the present article, these sensors were used to test safety nets, protecting people or objects falling from heights. The measurement was made for two heights: 6 m and 3.5 m. During the research, a type of mannequin that is a representative model of the human body for the largest segment of the adult population was used. The measurement was carried out using two independent measurement systems. One recorded the accelerations at the chest of the tested object, while the sensors of the second system were placed at the head, arms, and legs. The compiled measurement results were related to the permissible acceleration values that do not threaten human health and life.
Automated Pipeline for Robust Cat Activity Detection Based on Deep Learning and Wearable Sensor Data
Authors: Mozumder Md Ariful Islam , Theodore Armand Tagne Poupi , Sumon Rashadul Islam , Imtiyaj Uddin Shah Muhammad , Kim Hee-Cheol
Published: November 2024

The health, safety, and well-being of household pets such as cats has become a challenging task in previous years. To estimate a cat’s behavior, objective observations of both the frequency and variability of specific behavior traits are required, which might be difficult to come by in a cat’s ordinary life. There is very little research on cat activity and cat disease analysis based on real-time data. Although previous studies have made progress, several key questions still need addressing: What types of data are best suited for accurately detecting activity patterns? Where should sensors be strategically placed to ensure precise data collection, and how can the system be effectively automated for seamless operation? This study addresses these questions by pointing out whether the cat should be equipped with a sensor, and how the activity detection system can be automated. Magnetic, motion, vision, audio, and location sensors are among the sensors used in the machine learning experiment. In this study, we collect data using three types of differentiable and realistic wearable sensors, namely, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. Therefore, this study aims to employ cat activity detection techniques to combine data from acceleration, motion, and magnetic sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, respectively, to recognize routine cat activity. Data collecting, data processing, data fusion, and artificial intelligence approaches are all part of the system established in this study. We focus on One-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Networks (1D-CNNs) in our research, to recognize cat activity modeling for detection and classification. Such 1D-CNNs have recently emerged as a cutting-edge approach for signal processing-based systems such as sensor-based pet and human health monitoring systems, anomaly identification in manufacturing, and in other areas. Our study culminates in the development of an automated system for robust pet (cat) activity analysis using artificial intelligence techniques, featuring a 1D-CNN-based approach. In this experimental research, the 1D-CNN approach is evaluated using training and validation sets. The approach achieved a satisfactory accuracy of 98.9% while detecting the activity useful for cat well-being.
A Secure IIoT Environment That Integrates AI-Driven Real-Time Short-Term Active and Reactive Load Forecasting with Anomaly Detection: A Real-World Application
Authors: Joha Md. Ibne , Rahman Md Minhazur , Nazim Md Shahriar , Jang Yeong Min
Published: November 2024

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) revolutionizes both industrial and residential operations by integrating AI (artificial intelligence)-driven analytics with real-time monitoring, optimizing energy usage, and significantly enhancing energy efficiency. This study proposes a secure IIoT framework that simultaneously predicts both active and reactive loads while also incorporating anomaly detection. The system is optimized for real-time deployment on an edge server, such as a single-board computer (SBC), as well as on a cloud or centralized server. It ensures secure and reliable industrial operations by integrating smart data acquisition systems with real-time monitoring, control, and protective measures. We propose a Temporal Convolutional Networks-Gated Recurrent Unit-Attention (TCN-GRU-Attention) model to predict both active and reactive loads, which demonstrates superior performance compared to other conventional models. The performance metrics for active load forecasting are 0.0183 Mean Squared Error (MSE), 0.1022 Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and 0.1354 Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), while for reactive load forecasting, the metrics are 0.0202 (MSE), 0.1077 (MAE), and 0.1422 (RMSE). Furthermore, we introduce an optimized Isolation Forest model for anomaly detection that considers the transient conditions of appliances when identifying irregular behavior. The model demonstrates very promising performance, with the average performance metrics for all appliances using this Isolation Forest model being 95% for Precision, 98% for Recall, 96% for F1 Score, and nearly 100% for Accuracy. To secure the entire system, Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) security protocols are employed, along with hash-encoded encrypted credentials for enhanced protection.
Estimation of Bubble Size and Gas Dispersion Property in Column Flotation
Authors: Kim HyunSoo , Park Chul-Hyun
Published: November 2024

This study investigates bubble size measurements, bubble characteristics, and the relationship between key operating variables and gas dispersion properties in column flotation. As the frother concentration increased to 120 ppm, the bubble size distribution (BSD) transformed from bimodal to unimodal and achieved a minimum bubble size of 0.62 mm. The critical coalescence concentration (CCC) was identified as 120 ppm. Gas velocity and wash water velocity significantly influenced bubble size, with gas holdup peaking at 27% at 1.08 cm/s a gas velocity. The bubble-rising velocity increased as the bubble size increased, indicating that the bubble size and bubble-rising velocity were proportional. The bubble surface area flux decreased linearly with increasing bubble size and was significantly affected by the gas velocity. A strong correlation (R2 = 0.86) between measured and calculated bubble sizes was achieved, with an average size of 0.64 mm and an estimation error of ±13%. The study demonstrated that bubble size and distribution could be effectively controlled under specific operational conditions (Jg = 0.65–1.3 cm/s, JW = 0.13–0.52 cm/s, frother = 30–120 ppm). These findings highlight the importance of optimizing key variables to enhance column stability, regime maintenance, and flotation performance.
Useful Extracts from Coffee By-Products: A Brief Review
Authors: Pyrzynska Krystyna
Published: November 2024

The waste materials generated from the processing of coffee cherries are still rich in several bioactive compounds. Several studies highlight coffee by-products as a valuable source for diverse applications, such as biofuels, biopolymers, biocomposites, and natural antioxidants in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The development of prospective strategies for the valorization of coffee wastes is a goal of a sustainable and circular bioeconomy, increasing the added value of these wastes and reducing environmental pollution. This brief overview describes the recently proposed procedures for the extraction and recovery of functional ingredients from the diversity of coffee by-products. The comparison between conventional and alternative extraction methods enables one to choose the most suitable techniques for valorizing a given coffee by-product.
The Participatory Processes in Public Policy-Making: A Scoping Review
Authors: Moysan Teddy , Ródenas-Rigla Francisco
Published: November 2024

The topic of participatory processes in public policy-making is becoming increasingly common, yet their quality remains disputed. There is as yet no reproducible quantitative assessment method that can be generalized to all such processes. This article proposes a scoping review, guided by the PRISMA research protocol, to identify key concepts linked with the democratic quality of participatory processes. The key concepts which appear are accountability, comprehensiveness, influence, results, deliberation, inclusiveness, representativeness, transparency and context. We conclude that this scoping review provides a rigorous basis upon which a generalizable quantitative evaluation framework can be developed.
The Effects of the Long-Term Application of Different Nitrogen Fertilizers on Brown Earth Fertility Indices and Fungal Communities
Authors: Li Hui , Cai Zishu , Pei Jiubo , Wang Mengmeng , Wang Siyin , Zhang Yao , Liu Yuwei
Published: November 2024

Soil fungi play a crucial role in soil microbes, the composition and variety of whose communities can be altered due to nitrogen constraints, thereby affecting the plant’s development. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the composition of soil fungi communities, fertility index, and the structure of soil fungal communities under varying nitrogen fertilizer conditions, using a long-term positioning test on the brown earth of Northeast China. It examined the impact of 31 years of applying of no fertilizer (CK, 0 kg N hm−2 a−1), the single application of inorganic fertilizer (N2, urea 135 kg N hm−2 a−1; N4, urea 270 kg N hm−2·a−1), the single application of organic fertilizer (M4, pig housing fertilizer 270 kg N hm−2 a−1), and mixed nitrogen fertilizer (M2N2, urea 135 N hm−2 a−1 + pig housing fertilizer 135 kg N hm−2 a−1) on the fertility index and fungal community structure of brown earth. The findings indicated the following: Long-term non-fertilization and the single application of chemical nitrogen fertilizer reduced the soil pH value and increased the soil bulk density. The application of organic fertilizer reduced soil bulk density and slowed down the reduction of soil fungal richness caused by nitrogen fertilizer application. The long-term application of different nitrogen fertilizers did not alter the dominant fungal phylum, showing that the dominant phylum in all treatments was Ascomycota. The pH, organic matter, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, alkaline nitrogen, and available potassium were the main soil factors affecting the structural diversity of soil fungal communities. Total phosphorus explained the greatest differences in soil fungal communities.
Quantitative Determination of Nitrogen Fixed by Soybean and Its Uptake by Winter Wheat as Aftercrops Within Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Authors: Ratajczak Karolina , Becher Marcin , Kalembasa Stanisław , Faligowska Agnieszka , Kalembasa Dorota , Symanowicz Barbara , Panasiewicz Katarzyna , Szymańska Grażyna , Sulewska Hanna
Published: November 2024

The future of agricultural production involves sustainable production systems with a balance between nutrients in soil–plant systems. These production systems are based on limiting the use of mineral fertilizers while introducing natural sources that increase soil fertility. The best example of such a system is plant rotation, including legumes as a forecrop for cereal plants. For this reason, the goal of the present study was to determine the possibility of obtaining nitrogen from the air using 15N isotopes and to determine the quantity of nitrogen biologically fixed and taken up by winter wheat cultivated as a succeeding plant. In field experiments, we investigated the cycle of nitrogen fixed by legume plants in rotation under sustainable conditions, as follows: soybean–winter wheat–winter wheat. After soybean seedling emergence, a mineral fertilizer (15NH4)2SO4 containing 20.1 at% 15N (a dose of 30 kg∙ha−1) was applied, with summer wheat as a reference plant. The yield of soybean reached 2.48 t∙ha−1 for seeds and 8.73 t∙ha−1 for crop residue (CR), providing a total yield of 11.21 t∙ha−1. The total biomass of soybean contained 149.1 kg∙ha−1 of total nitrogen, with 108.1 kg∙ha−1 in the seeds and 41.0 kg∙ha−1 in the residue, of which 34.0 kg∙ha−1 in the seeds and 11.4 kg∙ha−1 in the residue was biologically fixed. CR was ploughed into the soil. Plots with winter wheat cultivated after soybean (2017) were divided into two sub-plots for the application of 0 and 100 kg∙ha−1 of mineral N. The scheme was repeated in 2018. Overall, winter wheat cultivated for two subsequent years took up 8.12 kg∙ha−1 of the total nitrogen from the CR from the control sub-plot and 15.51 kg∙ha−1 from the fertilized sub-plot, of which 2.61 and 2.98 kg∙ha−1 was biologically fixed by soybean plants, respectively. The dose of fertilizer contained 5.920 kg∙ha−1 of 15N, of which 3.024 kg∙ha−1 was accumulated in soybean. In wheat cultivated as the first subsequent crop, the accumulation of 15N was as follows: 0 kg N (control)—0.088 kg∙ha−1; 100 kg N—0.158 kg∙ha−1. Meanwhile, in winter wheat cultivated as the second aftercrop, 0.052 and 0.163 kg∙ha−1 of 15N was accumulated, respectively. This study demonstrates that biological nitrogen fixation in soybeans is an underappreciated solution for enhancing crop productivity within sustainable agricultural systems. It holds significant implications for planning rational fertilizer management, reducing the application of chemical fertilizers, and improving nitrogen use efficiency within crop rotation systems.
Multidimensional Measurement and Temporal and Spatial Interaction Characteristics of Rural E-Commerce Development Capacity in the Context of Rural Revitalization
Authors: Wang Ling , Su Jianjun , Yang Hailan , Xie Can
Published: November 2024

With the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, rural e-commerce has become an essential means of promoting rural economic development and increasing farmers’ income. However, the development of rural e-commerce varies significantly among different regions. Based on the perspective of “three rural areas”, this study constructs a rural e-commerce development capability measurement system centered on readiness, utilization, and influence. It adopts a panel vector autoregressive model to identify key influencing factors. Through the exploratory spatiotemporal data analysis (ESTDA) method, the spatiotemporal dynamic characteristics of rural e-commerce development capacity and the interaction relationship between provinces and regions are revealed. The study shows that (1) China’s rural e-commerce development capacity gained significant improvement from 2011 to 2022, but provincial polarization is evident, with eastern and central provinces leading and western and marginal provinces lagging; the rural e-commerce development capacity shows a decreasing dynamic pattern from the east to the central and western to the northeastern regions. (2) The eastern region has active rural e-commerce development, stable spatial structure, and provincial solid correlation, which creates a significant linkage effect. The western region shows strong internal spatial dependence, the district cross-regional interaction and linkage effect are beginning to emerge, and the northeastern low-development provinces are challenging to leap to a higher level in the short term; (3) the spatiotemporal interaction network of rural e-commerce development among several provinces and regions shows a positive synergistic relationship, and it is an essential consideration for the high-quality development of rural e-commerce to strengthen regional cooperation and realize complementary advantages. The study results provide a theoretical basis for formulating differentiated regional e-commerce development policies, which can help enhance regional synergy and narrow the regional development gap.
Perennial Forage Systems Enhance Ecosystem Quality Variables Compared with Annual Forage Systems
Authors: Igboke Ogechukwu , Bortolon Elisandra S. O. , Ashworth Amanda J. , Tallaksen Joel , Picasso Valentin D. , Berti Marisol T.
Published: November 2024

There is an intense argument about the environmental impact of annual vs. perennial forage production systems. In this study, a systematic review was employed to obtain 47 empirical studies from 13 published papers between the years 2017–2023 to help clarify the issue. The objective of this study was to determine how perennial and annual forage (business-as-usual, BAU) production systems affect dry matter yield (DM) and energy of production including specific environmental impact variables. Impact variables were classified into three main groups: human health, ecosystem quality, and resource consumption. Net energy of lactation (NEL) was considered as a functional unit. Overall, perennial forage production systems varied less in DM yield and energy production than annual monocrop systems, indicating stability in perennial production. There was no statistically significant difference in human health and resource consumption variables between perennial and annual forage production systems, except for ozone layer depletion potential. However, perennial forage systems significantly lowered variables within the ecosystem quality category. Ecotoxicity potential decreased by two and 18 times compared with BAU—control (only annual monoculture forages), and BAU—improved (any annual cropping system other than BAU—control), respectively. Perennial forage systems showed a significant effect size of −8.16, which was slightly less than the effect size of the BAU—improved system but two times less than BAU—control in terms of terrestrial acidification potential. While BAU—control showed an insignificant effect size in relation to eutrophication potential (EUP), perennial forage systems reduced EUP by approximately five and two times compared with BAU—control and BAU—improved, respectively. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of promoting perennial forage production system to foster resilience and stability in DM yield and energy production, with improvements in environmental human health (ozone layer depletion potential) and ecosystem quality variables.
On the Approaches to Enhance the Sustainability of Basic College Mathematics Course Teaching via Innovative Ability Training: A Fuzzy Set Perspective
Authors: Yang Yafeng , Li Lihong , Wang Hongrui
Published: November 2024

In the Basic College Mathematics Course (BCMC) teaching, the contents are generally based on two-valued logic; however, fuzziness is commonly presented in real life. This leads to the insufficient cultivation of students’ innovative abilities, which constrains the expansion of students’ scientific thinking boundaries and, furthermore, the sustainability of course teaching. First, from the perspective of continuous effectiveness of course content in students’ subsequent learning and research, the connotation of sustainability of BCMC teaching was discussed. Then, based on the analysis of the basic methods of fuzzy sets, their role in cultivating students’ innovative abilities was explored. Next, focused on the three common BCMCs, namely, advanced mathematics, probability theory and mathematical statistics, and linear algebra, the specific teaching concepts and ideas were designed by integrating the fuzzy set methods. Finally, the exploratory teaching mode and approaches of integrating fuzzy set ideas into BCMCs were proposed. The proposed teaching approach helps to extend learners’ thinking boundaries, thereby providing support for cultivating students’ innovation ability and enhancing the sustained effects of course teaching. This study can also provide references for other course teaching.
Differences in Water-Saving Behaviors Among College Students: Research Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Wang Xiaosheng , Liu Zhaoxing , Zhang Yanping
Published: November 2024

The implementation of water-saving methods has become imperative in college water management to facilitate the promotion of the sustainable growth of water resources within educational institutions. This research aimed to identify differences in water-saving behaviors (WSBs) among college students due to different environmental education in their schools and to determine the corresponding driving factors. The specific steps were as follows: Firstly, specific factors based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and specific WSBs were selected for conducting a questionnaire. Then, 347 college students from HUE’s School of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric Power (S1) and School of Mathematics and Physics (S2) were surveyed. Finally, factor analysis and gray relational analysis were utilized to analyze the data. The results show that the college students from S1 scored better in regard to three WSBs than the students from S2. This can be attributed to the better environmental education offered by S1, which improved the students’ understanding of the importance of water saving. This paper highlights the differences in WSBs among college students and suggests ways for college administrators in departments concerned with course offerings, such as the Ministry of Education and the Office of Academic Affairs, to improve these behaviors.
Energy–Economy–Carbon Emissions: Impacts of Energy Infrastructure Investments in Pakistan Under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor
Authors: Li Xiue , Liu Zhirao , Ali Tariq
Published: November 2024

Energy–economy–environment sustainability is critical in shaping energy policies, especially in developing countries facing energy shortages. Investment in energy infrastructure, such as under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), provides an opportunity to explore how such investments impact economic growth, environmental quality, and energy security. This study examines the energy, economic, and environmental effects of CPEC’s energy investments in Pakistan, covering a range of power sources, including coal, hydro, solar, wind, and nuclear energy. Utilizing data from 31 CPEC energy projects and employing the GTAP-E-Power model, this research assesses these impacts through seven scenarios, comprehensively analyzing the heterogeneity of different power sources. Our findings reveal that while all types of CPEC energy infrastructure investments contribute to increasing the share of zero-emissions electricity to 49.1% and reducing CO2 emissions by 18.61 million tons, the economic impacts vary significantly by energy source. The study suggests that it is crucial to prioritize renewable energy investments while addressing immediate power shortages to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Policymakers should also consider the potential inter-sectoral substitution effects when applying significant shocks to specific sectors. This analysis informs future energy investment decisions under CPEC and offers insights for other Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries aiming to optimize their energy strategies for sustainable development.
The Impact of Student Evaluation of Teaching Staff on Enhancing the Quality of Teaching in Higher Education in Romania
Authors: Ciuchi Oana Mariana , Șerbănescu Laura Emilia , Dobre Ciprian Mihai , Georgescu Bogdan Gabriel , Țigănoaia Bogdan Dumitru , Țucă Petrișor Laurențiu
Published: November 2024

This paper presents the methodological approach adopted by a team of researchers from the Politehnica Bucharest National University of Science and Technology (UNSTPB) to revise and reconstruct the Feedback Form used in the university’s teaching staff evaluation process. (1) Background: Because of the imperative need to involve students, as active actors in the academic community, in this process, a Questionnaire on the identification of the students’ perception regarding the Feedback Form used by the institution was prepared and distributed online to 559 students enrolled in bachelor’s/master’s/doctoral programs in our higher education institution; (2) Methods: Taking into account the legal provisions in force, the scientific guidelines in the literature, and the recommendations/suggestions and observations made by our students, two instruments were developed for the evaluation of the teaching staff, i.e., the Feedback Questionnaire for students enrolled in bachelor’s/master’s degree programs and the Feedback Questionnaire for students enrolled in doctoral programs. By creating this tool to assess the university’s social reality, we aimed to identify the strengths/weaknesses of the Feedback Form used until this study was conducted; (3) Results: Centralizing and interpreting the data collected allowed us to gather complex and detailed insights on the way in which the beneficiaries of the educational services provided by the university want the feedback they provide to be formulated, collected, and interpreted, as well as a set of explicit student recommendations in this regard; (4) Conclusions: the need to start an ample revision process on the feedback questionnaire used to conduct the university’s teaching staff performance evaluation, based on the students’ unequivocal involvement, was justified by these fundamental premises.