bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Scholarship Motivators and Barriers for Non-Tenure-Track Faculty in a Department of Pharmacy Practice
Authors: Farias-Ruiz Cecilia , Byrd Theresa , MacLaughlin Eric J. , Hall 2nd Ronald G.
Published: February 2023

The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Standards 2016 set explicit expectations for faculty scholarship. However, many non-tenure-track faculty have struggled with the scholarship portion of the academic tripart mission of clinical practice, teaching, and scholarship. Therefore, we sought to identify themes regarding the barriers, motivators, and potential solutions associated with non-tenure-track faculty scholarship. Four focus group interviews were held via videoconference during July 2021, which consisted of non-tenure-track faculty within the TTUHSC Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy. Each focus group answered a standard script of questions that were evaluated for face validity over a 30–60 min session. Twenty-two non-tenure-track faculty members (47% response) participated in one of the four focus group interviews. The four common barriers were insufficient time, lack of acknowledgment, obscurity of scholarship expectations, and a lack of resources and support. Scholarship’s lasting impact on academia, students, and clinical practice was the one common motivator identified by the groups. The barriers identified were not unique to our faculty, despite the unique four-city structure of our program. Actions have continued to be taken to help address the barriers and potential solutions identified by the focus groups. In summary, our results echo that non-tenure-track faculty need more time and training to help them feel like they can meet institutional scholarship requirements.
Screening and Verification of Reference Genes for Analysis of Gene Expression in Garlic (Allium sativum L.) under Cold and Drought Stress
Authors: Wang Qizhang , Guo Chunqian , Yang Shipeng , Zhong Qiwen , Tian Jie
Published: February 2023

The principal objective of this study was to screen and verify reference genes appropriate for gene expression evaluation during plant growth and development under distinct growth conditions. Nine candidate reference genes were screened based on garlic transcriptome sequence data. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of the aforementioned reference genes in specific tissues under drought and cold stress. Then, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and ReFinder were used to consider the consistency of the expression levels of candidate reference genes. Finally, the stress-responsive gene expression of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) was quantitatively evaluated to confirm the chosen reference genes. Our results indicated that there were variations in the abundance and stability of nine reference gene transcripts underneath cold and drought stress, among which ACT and UBC-E2 had the highest transcript abundance, and 18S rRNA and HIS3 had the lowest transcript abundance. UBC and UBC-E2 were the most stably expressed genes throughout all samples; UBC and UBC-E2 were the most stably expressed genes during cold stress, and ACT and UBC were the most stably expressed genes under drought stress. The most stably expressed genes in roots, pseudostems, leaves, and cloves were EF1, ACT, HIS3, UBC, and UBC-E2, respectively, while GAPDH was the most unstable gene during drought and cold stress conditions and in exclusive tissues. Taking the steady reference genes UBC-E2, UBC, and ACT as references during drought and cold stress, the reliability of the expression levels was further demonstrated by detecting the expression of AsAPX. Our work thereby offers a theoretical reference for the evaluation of gene expression in garlic in various tissues and under stress conditions.
Climate Refuges in Nigeria for Oil Palm in Response to Future Climate and Fusarium Wilt Stresses
Authors: Paterson Robert Russell Monteith , Chidi Nnamdi Ifechukwude
Published: February 2023

The detrimental stresses of future climate change are well known and decisions are required to reduce their effects. Climate and disease stresses cause severe damage to plants and it is essential to understand how they will respond. Oil palm (OP) is an Fusarium important crop for many countries. The palm originated in Africa, where palm oil is produced in the largest amount within the continent by Nigeria. OP becomes stressed by climate change and wilt, a devastating disease of OP in Africa. Previous methods to determine the suitability of future climate on OP in continents and whole countries were applied to Nigeria, which is the first time an individual country has been assessed in this manner. Climate maps of Nigeria were divided equally into 16 regions from north to south and east to west to determine the future suitable climate for growing OP. CLIMEX and narrative modelling were used to determine suitability for growing OP and Fusarium wilt incidence for current time and 2050. Maps from published papers were employed directly thereby facilitating the procedure. A distinct latitudinal increasing trend from north to south in suitable climate was observed, which was unexpected. A decreasing longitudinal trend from west to east was also observed. These differences in suitable climates may allow refuges for OP in the future. The growth of OP in the south of Nigeria may be largely unaffected by climate change by 2050, unlike the north. The procedures allow policy decisions at state and national levels to be made from empirical data, which do not otherwise exist. States with low amounts of OP and where the climate deteriorates greatly, could usefully be abandoned. Other low palm oil producers, where the climate does not deteriorate greatly, could be encouraged to develop OP. Little requires to be done in the high producing states where the climate does not deteriorate. In all cases, the environmental impacts require thorough assessment. Climate change requires reduction as indicated in recent Conference of the Parties meetings.
Metabolite Profiling Reveals the Effect of Cold Storage on Primary Metabolism in Nectarine Varieties with Contrasting Mealiness
Authors: Olmedo Patricio , Zepeda Baltasar , Delgado-Rioseco Joaquín , Leiva Carol , Moreno Adrián A. , Sagredo Karen , Blanco-Herrera Francisca , Pedreschi Romina , Infante Rodrigo , Meneses Claudio , Campos-Vargas Reinaldo
Published: February 2023

Chilling injury is a physiological disorder caused by cold storage in peaches and nectarines. The main symptom of chilling injury is mealiness/wooliness, described as a lack of juice in fruit flesh. In this work, we studied two nectarine varieties (Andes Nec-2 and Andes Nec-3) with contrasting susceptibility to mealiness after cold storage. A non-targeted metabolomic analysis was conducted by GC-MS to understand if changes in metabolite abundance are associated with nectarine mealiness induced by cold storage. Multivariate analyses indicated that in unripe nectarines, cold storage promoted a higher accumulation of amino acids in both varieties. Interestingly, for ripe nectarines, cold storage induced an accumulation of fewer amino acids in both varieties and showed an increased abundance of sugars and organic acids. A pathway reconstruction of primary metabolism revealed that in ripe nectarines, cold storage disrupted metabolite abundance in sugar metabolism and the TCA cycle, leading to a differential accumulation of amino acids, organic acids, and sugars in mealy and juicy nectarines.
Cytotoxic Potential of Diospyros villosa Leaves and Stem Bark Extracts and Their Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Adu Oluwatosin Temilade , Naidoo Yougasphree , Lin Johnson , Dwarka Depika , Mellem John , Murthy Hosakatte Niranjana , Dewir Yaser Hassan
Published: February 2023

Diospyros villosa is traditionally used for an anti-bacterial property. Its cytotoxic effects have not been studied before. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the nutritional properties as well the cytotoxic effects of D. villosa. The leaves and stem barks were subjected to three different extraction methods (methanol, chloroform and hexane) and their nanoparticles were synthesized at two different temperatures (room temperature and at 80 °C). Thereafter, extracts were assessed using the associated AOCC protocols, for their nutritional content (moisture, fibre, proteins, lipid, ash and hydrolysable carbohydrates). Diospyros villosa extracts and their corresponding nanoparticles were then incubated overnight with cancerous and noncancerous cell lines to evaluate their cytotoxic potential. The nutritional analysis revealed that both young and mature leaves were rich sources of protein having values of 14.95% and 11.37% respectively. The moisture content was observed to be higher in all the leaf types (8.54 ± 0.75%, 9.67 ± 0.98% and 7.40 ± 0.80%) compared to the stem (2.13 ± 0.07%) respectively. The MTT cytotoxicity assay showed that the cell viability of MCF-7 cell lines was significantly lower when exposed to hexane and chloroform leaves extracts of D. villosa (IC50 of 26.64 and 26.07 µg mL−1) respectively, compared to camptothecin (36.54 µg mL−1). Similarly, the MCF-7 cell viability was observed to be significantly lower when exposed to hexane and chloroform stem extracts of D. villosa (IC50 of 24.57 and 3.92 µg mL−1), compared to camptothecin (36.54 µg mL−1). The cell viability of A549 cell lines was also found lower when exposed to the hexane and chloroform extracts (IC50 of 7.76 and 4.59 µg mL−1) compared to camptothecin (IC50 of 19.26 µg mL−1). Furthermore, the viability of A549 cell lines was found lower when exposed to hexane and chloroform stem extracts of D. villosa (IC50 of 10.67 and 5.35 µg mL−1) compared to camptothecin (19.26 µg mL−1). The biosynthesized nanoparticles further displayed an anticancer activity with an IC50 value of 4.08 µg mL−1 when compared to the control (36.54 µg mL−1). However, the HEK293 cell viability was observed to be significantly higher on exposure to hexane stem extracts of D. villosa (IC50 of 158.5 µg mL−1) compared to camptothecin (IC50 of 14.77 µg mL−1). Therefore, Diospyros villosa leaves, stem bark and nanoparticles synthesized showed high potential for being considered as a candidate for an anti-cancer regimen.
Research Progress of Grassland Ecosystem Structure and Stability and Inspiration for Improving Its Service Capacity in the Karst Desertification Control
Authors: He Shuyu , Xiong Kangning , Song Shuzhen , Chi Yongkuan , Fang Jinzhong , He Chen
Published: February 2023

The structure and stability of grassland ecosystems have a significant impact on biodiversity, material cycling and productivity for ecosystem services. However, the issue of the structure and stability of grassland ecosystems has not been systematically reviewed. Based on the Web of Science (WOS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, we used the systematic-review method and screened 133 papers to describe and analyze the frontiers of research into the structure and stability of grassland ecosystems. The research results showed that: (1) The number of articles about the structure and stability of grassland ecosystems is gradually increasing, and the research themes are becoming increasingly diverse. (2) There is a high degree of consistency between the study area and the spatial distribution of grassland. (3) Based on the changes in ecosystem patterns and their interrelationships with ecosystem processes, we reviewed the research progress and landmark results on the structure, stability, structure–stability relationship and their influencing factors of grassland ecosystems; among them, the study of structure is the main research focus (51.12%), followed by the study of the influencing factors of structure and stability (37.57%). (4) Key scientific questions on structural optimization, stability enhancement and harmonizing the relationship between structure and stability are explored. (5) Based on the background of karst desertification control (KDC) and its geographical characteristics, three insights are proposed to optimize the spatial allocation, enhance the stability of grassland for rocky desertification control and coordinate the regulation mechanism of grassland structure and stability. This study provided some references for grassland managers and relevant policy makers to optimize the structure and enhance the stability of grassland ecosystems. It also provided important insights to enhance the service capacity of grassland ecosystems in KDC.
Differential Effect of Heat Stress on Drought and Salt Tolerance Potential of Quinoa Genotypes: A Physiological and Biochemical Investigation
Authors: Abbas Ghulam , Areej Fiza , Asad Saeed Ahmad , Saqib Muhammad , Anwar-ul-Haq Muhammad , Afzal Saira , Murtaza Behzad , Amjad Muhammad , Naeem Muhammad Asif , Akram Muhammad , Akhtar Naseem , Aftab Muhammad , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: February 2023

Soil salinity, drought, and increasing temperatures are serious environmental issues that drastically reduce crop productivity worldwide. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is an important crop for food security under the changing climate. This study examined the physio-biochemical responses, plant growth, and grain yield of four quinoa genotypes (A7, Titicaca, Vikinga, and Puno) grown in pots containing normal (non-saline) or salt-affected soil exposed to drought and elevated-temperature treatments. Combinations of drought, salinity, and high-temperature stress decreased plant growth and yield more than the individual stresses. The combined drought, salinity, and heat stress treatment decreased the shoot biomass of A7, Puno, Titicaca, and Vikinga by 27, 36, 41, and 50%, respectively, compared to that of control plants. Similar trends were observed for grain yield, chlorophyll contents, and stomatal conductance. The combined application of these three stresses increased Na concentrations but decreased K concentrations in roots and shoots relative to control. Moreover, in the combined salinity, drought, and high-temperature treatment, A7, Puno, Titicaca, and Vikinga had 7.3-, 6.9-, 8-, and 12.6-fold higher hydrogen peroxide contents than control plants. All four quinoa genotypes increased antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, and POD) to overcome oxidative stress. Despite A7 producing the highest biomass under stress, it did not translate into increased grain production. We conclude that Puno and Titicaca are more tolerant than Vikinga for cultivation in salt-affected soils prone to drought and heat stress.
Metabolomic Analysis Reveals the Metabolic Diversity of Wild and Cultivated Stellaria Radix (Stellaria dichotoma L. var. lanceolata Bge.)
Authors: Li Zhenkai , Wang Hong , Feng Lu , Li Haishan , Li Yanqing , Tian Gege , Niu Pilian , Yang Yan , Peng Li
Published: February 2023

Stellaria Radix, called Yinchaihu in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese medicine, which is obtained from the dried roots of Stellaria dichotoma L. var. lanceolata Bge. Cultivated yinchaihu (YCH) has become a main source of production to alleviate the shortage of wild plant resources, but it is not clear whether the metabolites of YCH change with the mode of production. In this study, the contents of methanol extracts, total sterols and total flavonoids in wild and cultivated YCH are compared. The metabolites were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The content of methanol extracts of the wild and cultivated YCH all exceeded the standard content of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, the contents of total sterols and total flavonoids in the wild YCH were significantly higher than those in the cultivated YCH. In total, 1586 metabolites were identified by mass spectrometry, and 97 were significantly different between the wild and cultivated sources, including β-sitosterol, quercetin derivatives as well as many newly discovered potential active components, such as trigonelline, arctiin and loganic acid. The results confirm that there is a rich diversity of metabolites in the wild and cultivated YCH, and provide a useful theoretical guidance for the evaluation of quality in the production of YCH.
The Content of Phenolic Compounds in Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Plants Derived from Melatonin and NaCl Treated Seeds
Authors: Simlat Magdalena , Ptak Agata , Wójtowicz Tomasz , Szewczyk Agnieszka
Published: February 2023

Stevia is a plant with many beneficial properties. It contains not only steviol glycosides, which are used as non-caloric natural sweeteners, but also a number of metabolites with antioxidant properties. This study examined the content of both phenolic acids and flavonoids in stevia leaves as an effect of treating seeds with melatonin and conducting germination in NaCl conditions. The results of our research indicated higher amounts of phenolic acids compared to flavonoids in stevia leaves. Among these acids, isochlorogenic, rosmarinic, and chlorogenic acids were accumulated in the largest amounts, regardless of the germination conditions. For 5 and 100 µM of melatonin treatments, the content of both phenolic acids and flavonoids increased. However, in salinity conditions (50 mM NaCl), 500 µM of melatonin had the most favorable effect on the synthesis of phenolic acids. The phenolic acids in that case reached a level three-times higher than that in the samples with the same melatonin concentration but without NaCl. We also found that the content of phenolic compounds varied depending on the age of the leaves. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the effect of melatonin and NaCl on the synthesis on phenolic acids and flavonoids in stevia.
Application of Molecular Imprinting for Creation of Highly Selective Sorbents for Extraction and Separation of Rare-Earth Elements
Authors: Kondaurov Ruslan , Melnikov Yevgeniy , Agibayeva Laura
Published: February 2023

The aim of the work is to study the effectiveness of a molecular imprinting technique application for the creation of highly selective macromolecular sorbents for selective sorption of light and heavy rare-earth metals (for example, samarium and gadolinium, respectively) with subsequent separation from each other. These sorbents seem to be promising due to the fact that only the target rare-earth metal will be sorbed owing to the fact that complementary cavities are formed during the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers. In other words, the advantage of the proposed macromolecules is the absence of accompanying sorption of metals with close chemical properties. Two types of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) were synthetized based on methacrylic acid (MAA) and 4-vinylpyridine (4VP) functional monomers. The sorption properties (extraction degree, exchange capacity) of the MIPs were studied. The impact of template removal cycle count (from 20 to 35) on the sorption effectivity was studied. Laboratory experiments on selective sorption and separation of samarium and gadolinium from a model solution were carried out.
Flexural Performance and End Debonding Prediction of NSM Carbon FRP-Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Beams under Different Service Temperatures
Authors: Baena Marta , Jahani Younes , Torres Lluís , Barris Cristina , Perera Ricardo
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to evaluate the influence of relatively high service temperatures (near or beyond the glass transition temperature (Tg) of epoxy adhesive) on the flexural performance and end debonding phenomenon in near-surface mounted (NSM) carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP)-strengthened, reinforced concrete (RC) beams. To this end, an experimental program consisting of 24 beams (divided into four groups) was performed, where different parameters was combined (i.e., service temperature, steel reinforcement ratio, CFRP ratio, and concrete compressive strength). In addition, the effect of the testing temperature on the end debonding phenomenon was investigated with an analytical procedure according to fib Bulletin 90, and the predictions were compared to experimental results. Taking specimens tested at 20 °C as a reference, no considerable change was observed in the ultimate load of the specimens tested below 60 °C (being in the range of epoxy Tg), and all specimens failed by FRP rupture. On the other hand, the increase in testing temperature up to 70 and 85 °C was followed by a decrease in the capacity of the strengthened beams and a change in failure mode, moving from FRP rupture to end debonding and concrete crushing. The analytical procedure successfully predicted the occurrence of premature end debonding failure and demonstrated that the effect of temperature on the mechanical properties of materials can be a key factor when predicting the premature end debonding in a NSM joint.
Magnetic Bacterial Cellulose Biopolymers: Production and Potential Applications in the Electronics Sector
Authors: de Souza Thaís Cavalcante , Amorim Julia Didier Pedrosa de , Silva Junior Claudio José Galdino da , de Medeiros Alexandre D’Lamare Maia , Santana Costa Andréa Fernanda de , Vinhas Gloria Maria , Sarubbo Leonie Asfora
Published: February 2023

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer that has been widely investigated due to its useful characteristics, such as nanometric structure, simple production and biocompatibility, enabling the creation of novel materials made from additive BC in situ and/or ex situ. The literature also describes the magnetization of BC biopolymers by the addition of particles such as magnetite and ferrites. The processing of BC with these materials can be performed in different ways to adapt to the availability of materials and the objectives of a given application. There is considerable interest in the electronics field for novel materials and devices as well as non-polluting, sustainable solutions. This sector influences the development of others, including the production and optimization of new equipment, medical devices, sensors, transformers and motors. Thus, magnetic BC has considerable potential in applied research, such as the production of materials for biotechnological electronic devices. Magnetic BC also enables a reduction in the use of polluting materials commonly found in electronic devices. This review article highlights the production of this biomaterial and its applications in the field of electronics.
Investigation on the Mechanical Recycling of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers by Peripheral Down-Milling
Authors: Durante Massimo , Boccarusso Luca , De Fazio Dario , Formisano Antonio , Langella Antonio
Published: February 2023

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) are composite materials that play a significant role in the growth of many industrial fields where high performance and lightness of the structures are required. At the same time, the management at the end of their life has required the development of more and more sustainable and efficient recycling solutions. Considering this, the present research work aims to investigate a mechanical recycling method and the cutting strategies able to machine CFRP components in their entirety, using a common milling machine in a job shop scheme, making a shorter supply chain, and leading to economic and environmental benefits. In detail, laminates obtained by unidirectional carbon fiber prepregs were worked through the peripheral down-milling process, by varying the spindle speed and the feed rate. The recording of the cutting forces enabled the evaluation of features such as the cutting power and the specific cutting energy. Moreover, the chips from the milling process were classified as a function of their dimensions. Finally, specimens made of chips and epoxy resin were characterized under bending conditions, to evaluate the effectiveness of using the chips from CFRP peripheral milling as the polymer’s reinforcement and, in addition, to appreciate the goodness of this recycling strategy.
Microbial Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) Scaffold for Periodontal Tissue Engineering
Authors: Phuegyod Seubsakul , Pramual Sasivimon , Wattanavichean Nungnit , Assawajaruwan Supasuda , Amornsakchai Taweechai , Sukho Panithi , Svasti Jisnuson , Surarit Rudee , Niamsiri Nuttawee
Published: February 2023

In this study, we fabricated three dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds of poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) with 50% HV content. P(HB-50HV) was biosynthesized from bacteria Cupriavidus necator H16 and the in vitro proliferation of dental cells for tissue engineering application was evaluated. Comparisons were made with scaffolds prepared by poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-12%hydroxyvalerate) (P(HB-12HV)), and polycaprolactone (PCL). The water contact angle results indicated a hydrophobic character for all polymeric films. All fabricated scaffolds exhibited a high porosity of 90% with a sponge-like appearance. The P(HB-50HV) scaffolds were distinctively different in compressive modulus and was the material with the lowest stiffness among all scaffolds tested between the dry and wet conditions. The human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) cultured onto the P(HB-50HV) scaffold adhered to the scaffold and exhibited the highest proliferation with a healthy morphology, demonstrating excellent cell compatibility with P(HB-50HV) scaffolds. These results indicate that the P(HB-50HV) scaffold could be applied as a biomaterial for periodontal tissue engineering and stem cell applications.
Prediction of Oil Sorption Capacity on Carbonized Mixtures of Shungite Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Cristea Vasile-Mircea , Baigulbayeva Moldir , Ongarbayev Yerdos , Smailov Nurzhigit , Akkazin Yerzhan , Ubaidulayeva Nurbala
Published: February 2023

Using the mixture of carbonized rice husk and shungite from the Kazakhstan Koksu deposit and the experimentally determined oil sorption capacity from contaminated soil with oil originating in the Karazhanbas oil field, a set of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were built for sorption predictions. The ANN architecture design, training, validation and testing methodology were performed, and the sorption capacity prediction was evaluated. The ANN models were successfully trained for capturing the sorption capacity dependence on time and on a carbonized rice husk and shungite mixture ratio for the 10% and 15% oil-contaminated soil. The best trained ANNs revealed a very good prediction capability for the testing data subset, demonstrated by the high coefficient of the determination values of R2 = 0.998 and R2 = 0.981 and the mean absolute percentage errors ranging from 1.60% to 3.16%. Furthermore, the ANN sorption models proved their interpolation ability and utility for predicting the sorption capacity for any time moments in the investigated time interval of 60 days and for new values of the shungite and rice husk mixture ratios. The ANN developed models open opportunities for planning new experiments, maximizing the sorption performance and for the design of dedicated equipment.
Structural Changes of the Interface Material of Scallop Adductor under Ultra-High Pressure
Authors: Gong Xue , Chang Jiang , Zhang Yinglei , Li Danting , Xia Ning , Wang Jing , Sun Zhihui
Published: February 2023

Because of their high nutritional value, the demand for scallops is increasing year by year. In the process of improving people’s living standards, the ready-to-eat characteristics and dry sales characteristics of this product make its shelling process particularly important in the production process. However, the mechanism of ultra-high pressure shelling has not yet been clarified. Therefore, in-depth study of the structural change of the scallop connection interface is of vital importance to explore the mechanism of ultra-high pressure shelling and the development of intelligent equipment from the mechanical point of view. The obturator muscle fibers and the inner surface materials of the shell at the obturator muscle scar of the scallop at 100, 200 and 300 MPa were obtained for Raman spectrum, Fourier-transform infrared spectrum and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The results showed that under the pressure of 200 MPa, the degree of protein denaturation of scallop adductor muscle increased, the elasticity disappeared, and the fiber was stretched; The deformation of the organic plasma membrane connected by the inorganic–organic interface weakens the binding force of the interface material and increases the possibility of the composite interface failure. To sum up, ultra-high pressure can effectively weaken the interface adhesion of scallop organic-inorganic composite materials, and is one of the effective ways of shelling. The research results can provide a basis for the in-depth analysis of ultra-high pressure mechanisms and the development of intelligent equipment, and provide technical support for the realization of ultra-high-pressure industrial production.
Framework for Assessment of the Economic Vulnerability of Energy-Resource-Exporting Countries
Authors: Curtis Andrew , McLellan Benjamin
Published: February 2023

Energy security is widely examined from the perspective of energy import vulnerability, but it is less common to evaluate the vulnerability of energy exporters. This paper presents an assessment framework and quantitative scorecard for evaluating the economic vulnerability of countries with significant energy exports. The background research of various related conceptual frameworks distils useful insights from energy security, corporate risks, and general economic vulnerability. Carbon exposure, largely missing from related work, is introduced to the study in new factors to evaluate exporter vulnerability to increasing global action on climate change. A holistic view is taken of all energy resource exports as a novel approach, rather than focusing on individual fuels. The developed scorecard is used to provide case studies of five major global energy exporters with comparative analysis between countries and over time.
Human Factors Assessment of a Novel Pediatric Lower-Limb Exoskeleton
Authors: Goo Anthony C. , Wiebrecht Jason J. , Wajda Douglas A. , Sawicki Jerzy T.
Published: February 2023

While several lower-limb exoskeletons have been designed for adult patients, there remains a lack of pediatric-oriented devices. This paper presented a human factor assessment of an adjustable pediatric lower-limb exoskeleton for childhood gait assistance. The hip and knee exoskeleton uses an adjustable frame for compatibility with children 6–11 years old. This assessment evaluates the device’s comfort and ease of use through timed donning, doffing, and reconfiguration tasks. The able-bodied study participants donned the device in 6 min and 8 s, doffed it in 2 min and 29 s, and reconfigured it in 8 min and 23 s. The results of the timed trials suggest that the exoskeleton can be easily donned, doffed, and reconfigured to match the anthropometrics of pediatric users. A 6-min unpowered walking experiment was conducted while the child participant wore the exoskeletal device. Inspection of both the device and participant yielded no evidence of damage to either the device or wearer. Participant feedback on the device was positive with a system usability scale rating of 80/100. While minor improvements can be made to the adjustability indicators and padding placement, the results indicate the exoskeleton is suitable for further experimental evaluation through assistive control assessments.
Applying UAV-Based Remote Sensing Observation Products in High Arctic Catchments in SW Spitsbergen
Authors: Alphonse Abhishek Bamby , Wawrzyniak Tomasz , Osuch Marzena , Hanselmann Nicole
Published: February 2023

In the age of remote sensing, particularly with new generation Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), there is a broad spectrum of applications, especially in remote and rapidly changing areas such as the Arctic. Due to challenging conditions in this region, there is a scarcity of detailed spatial studies with data that may be used to estimate changes in glacier volume and geomorphological changes caused by permafrost freeze–thaw cycles. Drone-based Digital Elevation Models (DEM) offer a finer spatial resolution with higher accuracy than airborne and satellite-based products that can be used for acquiring, interpreting, and precisely representing spatial data in broad studies. In this study, we evaluate a UAV-based DEM of two High Arctic catchments, Fuglebekken and Ariebekken, located on Spitsbergen Island. The surveys were carried out in July 2022 using a DJI Matrice 300 RTK drone equipped with a photogrammetric Zenmuse P1 camera. A total of 371 images were taken, covering an area of 7.81 km2. The DEM was created by the Structure-from-Motion technique and achieved a centimetre-level accuracy by overlapping very high-resolution images. The final resolution of the DEM was found to be 0.06 m in Fuglebekken and 0.07 m in Ariebekken, with a horizontal and vertical RMSE of 0.09 m and 0.20 m, respectively. The DJI Matrice 300 RTK drone-based DEM is compared and correlated with the aerial mission of the Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS) conducted in July 2020 and the satellite-based ArcticDEM acquired in July 2018. This allowed the detection of elevation changes and identification of landscape evolution, such as moraine breaches and coastal erosion. We also highlight the usage of DEM in providing detailed morphometric characteristics and hydrological parameters, such as the delineation of catchments and stream channels. The final products are available at the IG PAS Data Portal.
Multi-Angle Detection of Spatial Differences in Tea Physiological Parameters
Authors: Duan Dandan , Chen Longyue , Zhao Chunjiang , Wang Fan , Cao Qiong
Published: February 2023

Chlorophyll and nitrogen contents were used as leaf physiological parameters. Based on multispectral images from multiple detection angles and the stoichiometric data of tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves in different positions on plants, the spatial differences in tea physiological parameters were explored, and the full channel difference vegetation index was established to effectively remove soil and shadow noise. Support vector machine, random forest (RF), partial least square, and back-propagation algorithms from the multispectral images of leaf and canopy scales were then used to train the tea physiological parameter detection model. Finally, the detection effects of the multispectral images obtained from different angles on the physiological parameters of the top, middle, and bottom tea leaves were analysed and compared. The results revealed distinct spatial differences in the physiological parameters of tea leaves in individual plants. Chlorophyll content was lowest at the top and relatively high at the middle and bottom; nitrogen content was the highest at the top and relatively low at the middle and bottom. The horizontal distribution of physiological parameters was similar, i.e., the values in the east and south were high, whereas those in the west and north were low. The multispectral detection accuracy of the physiological parameters at the leaf scale was better than that at the canopy scale; the model trained by the RF algorithm had the highest comprehensive accuracy. The coefficient of determination between the predicted and measured values of the spad-502 plus instrument was (R2) = 0.79, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 0.11. The predicted result for the nitrogen content and the measured value was R2 = 0.36 and RMSE = 0.03. The detection accuracy of the multispectral image taken at 60° for the physiological parameters of tea was generally superior to those taken at other shooting angles. These results can guide the high-precision remote sensing detection of tea physiological parameters.
Multipath Mitigation for BOC Signals Based on Prompt-Assisted-Offset Correlator
Authors: Tian Zhenyu , Cui Xiaowei , Lu Mingquan
Published: February 2023

Tracking ambiguity and multipath are two serious threats in processing binary offset carrier (BOC) signals that are widely used in global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). Three-loop tracking methods, such as dual binary phase-shift keying tracking (DBT), use a delay lock loop (DLL), a phase lock loop (PLL), and a subcarrier PLL (SPLL) to track the code, carrier, and subcarrier, respectively, thus solving the tracking ambiguity problem. However, the multipath remains an important factor in the ranging performance deterioration of these tracking methods. Using the offset correlator (OC) technique in the SPLL can effectively mitigate subcarrier multipath errors, but it substantially raises thermal noise errors. To solve this contradiction, this paper proposes a prompt-assisted-offset correlator (PAOC) technique that combines the prompt and offset correlators in a complementary way to mitigate multipath for BOC signals. Compared with the original OC technique, the PAOC technique has less thermal noise performance loss. Moreover, this paper discovers and quantifies the interaction between carrier and subcarrier multipath errors by analyzing the coupling effect between SPLL and PLL. Most multipath mitigation methods for BOC signals ignore the carrier multipath in the PLL, so their subcarrier multipath performance is not optimal. Thus, this paper further proposes applying the PAOC technique in both PLL and SPLL to mitigate carrier and subcarrier multipath errors simultaneously. Theoretical analysis and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can significantly improve the multipath performance with small noise performance loss.
Single Remote Sensing Image Dehazing Using Robust Light-Dark Prior
Authors: Ning Jin , Zhou Yanhong , Liao Xiaojuan , Duo Bin
Published: February 2023

Haze, generated by floaters (semitransparent clouds, fog, snow, etc.) in the atmosphere, can significantly degrade the utilization of remote sensing images (RSIs). However, the existing techniques for single image dehazing rarely consider that the haze is superimposed by floaters and shadow, and they often aggravate the degree of the haze shadow and dark region. In this paper, a single RSI dehazing method based on robust light-dark prior (RLDP) is proposed, which utilizes the proposed hybrid model and is robust to outlier pixels. In the proposed RLDP method, the haze is first removed by a robust dark channel prior (RDCP). Then, the shadow is removed with a robust light channel prior (RLCP). Further, a cube root mean enhancement (CRME)-based stable state search criterion is proposed for solving the difficult problem of patch size setting. The experiment results on benchmark and Landsat 8 RSIs demonstrate that the RLDP method could effectively remove haze.
Scientific Evidence from Space—A Review of Spaceborne Remote Sensing Applications at the Science–Policy Interface
Authors: Bell Alexandra , Klein Doris , Rieser Jakob , Kraus Tanja , Thiel Michael , Dech Stefan
Published: February 2023

On a daily basis, political decisions are made, often with their full extent of impact being unclear. Not seldom, the decisions and policy measures implemented result in direct or indirect unintended negative impacts, such as on the natural environment, which can vary in time, space, nature, and severity. To achieve a more sustainable world with equitable societies requires fundamental rethinking of our policymaking. It calls for informed decision making and a monitoring of political impact for which evidence-based knowledge is necessary. The most powerful tool to derive objective and systematic spatial information and, thus, add to transparent decisions is remote sensing (RS). This review analyses how spaceborne RS is used by the scientific community to provide evidence for the policymaking process. We reviewed 194 scientific publications from 2015 to 2020 and analysed them based on general insights (e.g., study area) and RS application-related information (e.g., RS data and products). Further, we classified the studies according to their degree of science–policy integration by determining their engagement with the political field and their potential contribution towards four stages of the policy cycle: problem identification/knowledge building, policy formulation, policy implementation, and policy monitoring and evaluation. Except for four studies, we found that studies had not directly involved or informed the policy field or policymaking process. Most studies contributed to the stage problem identification/knowledge building, followed by ex post policy impact assessment. To strengthen the use of RS for policy-relevant studies, the concept of the policy cycle is used to showcase opportunities of RS application for the policymaking process. Topics gaining importance and future requirements of RS at the science–policy interface are identified. If tackled, RS can be a powerful complement to provide policy-relevant evidence to shed light on the impact of political decisions and thus help promote sustainable development from the core.
Quick Report on the ML = 3.3 on 1 January 2023 Guidonia (Rome, Italy) Earthquake: Evidence of a Seismic Acceleration
Authors: Marchetti Dedalo , Zhu Kaiguang , Marchetti Laura , Zhang Yiqun , Chen Wenqi , Cheng Yuqi , Fan Mengxuan , Wang Siyu , Wang Ting , Wen Jiami , Zhang Donghua , Zhang Hanshuo
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates possible anomalies on the occasion of the ML = 3.3 earthquake, which occurred on 1st January 2023 close to Guidonia Montecelio (Rome, Italy). This earthquake followed another very close event recorded on 23 December 2022 with a magnitude ML = 3.1 (epicentral distance of less than 1 km). Seismological investigations clearly show an acceleration of seismicity in the preceding six months in a circular area of about a 60 km radius. Two conclusions coming from the time-to-failure power law fitting to the cumulative Benioff strain curve are the most probable: the ML3.3 of 1 January 2023 is the mainshock of the seismic sequence, or an incoming earthquake of a magnitude of about 4.1 provides a slightly better fit (higher determination coefficient) of the seismic data. Further investigations are necessary to assess whether the accumulated stress has been totally released. No atmospheric anomalies related to this seismic activity have been identified, even if some SO2 emissions seem to be induced by the tectonic and volcanic sources in the south Tyrrhenian Sea. Swarm satellite magnetic data show about 20 anomalous tracks six months before the Guidonia earthquake. In particular, on 16 December 2022, anomalous oscillations of the east component of the geomagnetic field are temporally compatible with the seismic acceleration, but other sources are also possible. Other anomalous magnetic signals are more likely to be associated with the ongoing seismic activity offshore of the Marche region in Italy (the strongest event up to now is Mw = 5.5 on 9 November 2022 close to Pesaro Urbino).
Calibration of Acoustic-Soil Discrete Element Model and Analysis of Influencing Factors on Accuracy
Authors: Huang Shenghai , Lu Caiyun , Li Hongwen , He Jin , Wang Qingjie , Yuan Panpan , Xu Jing , Jiang Shan , He Dong
Published: February 2023

To obtain accurate soil parameters and improve the accuracy of the acoustic-soil discrete element simulation model, we studied the model’s parameter calibration. The simulation test was carried out using the measured acoustic velocity and dominant frequency as the response value (index). Firstly, the Plackett—Burman test scheme was used to obtain the sensitivity ranking of soil parameters to the dominant frequency and velocity of the acoustic wave. The parameters that significantly affect the acoustic wave were obtained: Shear modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and coefficient of restitution. Then the Box—Behnken test scheme was used to establish the regression relationship between the dominant frequency and the velocity of the sound wave and Shear modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Coefficient of restitution. The results shows that the indexes that researchers focus on are different in different scenarios, and the sensitivity of soil parameters to different indicators is different, which results in different soil parameter values after calibration. This study analyzed the main factors affecting the accuracy of the acoustic-discrete element model in constructing the model, provided a method for improving the construction accuracy of the acoustic wave—soil discrete element model and provided a reference for the construction of discrete elements models in other fields.
A Potential Earthquake with Magnitude Mw 7.2 on the Northern Xiaojiang Fault Revealed by GNSS Measurement
Authors: Zhou Yun , Xu Lisheng , Pan Zhengyang , Hao Ming , Li Chunlai
Published: February 2023

We used near-field and regional GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data to quantify the deformation and locking ratio of the Xiaojiang fault (XJF) in southeastern Tibet. The inversion based on the dislocation model shows that the slip rate of the XJF is 9–11 mm/a; the locking depths of the northern, central, and southern segments are 25.5 km, 12 km, and 22.5 km, respectively. The inversion with DEFNODE program shows that the locking of the northern segment is the strongest above a depth of 20 km, while the locking between 20 km and 26 km is intermediate, and the weakest locking is found below 26 km. In the central segment, the depths of the interface are 6 km and 12 km. Additionally, a locked asperity that has the potential of generating an Mw 7.2 earthquake along the northern segment is delineated. The asperity and the shallow locking zone are basically consistent with the rupture area of the 1733 M 7.8 Dongchuan earthquake and the 1833 M 8 Songming earthquake, respectively. Both the activity of the historical strong earthquakes and the seismicity of the microearthquakes recorded over recent years seem to suggest that a potential earthquake is imminent.
Determination of the Leaf Inclination Angle (LIA) through Field and Remote Sensing Methods: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Li Sijia , Fang Hongliang , Zhang Yinghui
Published: February 2023

The leaf inclination angle (LIA), defined as the leaf or needle inclination angle to the horizontal plane, is vital in radiative transfer, precipitation interception, evapotranspiration, photosynthesis, and hydrological processes. This paper reviews the field and remote sensing methods to determine LIA. In the field, LIA is determined using direct and indirect methods. The direct methods include direct contact, photographic, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) methods, while the indirect methods are composed of the gap fraction, four-component, and polarization measurement methods. The direct methods can obtain LIA accurately at individual leaves, crown, and plot scales, whereas the indirect methods work well for crops at the plot level. The remote sensing methods to estimate LIA are mainly based on the empirical, radiative transfer model, and gap fraction methods. More advanced inversion strategies and validation studies are necessary to improve the robustness of LIA remote sensing estimation. In future studies, automated observation systems can be developed and the LIA measurement can be incorporated into existing ground observation networks to enhance spatial coverage.