bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-sensor data fusion and bidirectional-temporal attention convolutional network for remaining useful life prediction of rolling bearing
Authors: Liang Haopeng , Cao Jie , Zhao Xiaoqiang
Published: July 2023

Remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is crucial in the field of engineering, which can reduce the frequency of accidents and the maintenance cost of machinery. With the increasing complexity of rotating machinery, the data analysis methods based on deep learning have become the mainstream methods of prediction work. However, most of the current RUL prediction methods only use single-sensor data as input, which cannot effectively use multi-sensor data. In addition, as an advanced deep learning prediction method, temporal convolutional network (TCN) only uses the past time information of vibration data to determine the current health status of bearings, while ignoring the importance of future time information of vibration data. To solve the above problems, a bearing RUL prediction method based on multi-sensor data fusion and bidirectional-temporal attention convolutional network (Bi-TACN) is proposed in this paper. In multi-sensor data fusion, multi-sensor data are combined into multi-channel data, and a channel-weighted attention is designed to emphasize the importance of each sensor data. Compared with traditional multi-sensor data fusion, the proposed fusion method allows deep prediction networks to learn more useful feature information from multi-sensor data. Then, Bi-TACN is developed to predict the RUL of bearings. Bi-TACN is mainly composed of the forward TCN block and the backward TCN block, both of which can learn the past and future time information of multi-sensor data simultaneously. Moreover, a temporal attention mechanism is embedded in Bi-TACN to adaptively calibrate the weights of the two TCN blocks, so as to achieve dynamic feature fusion of past and future time information. RUL prediction experiments are carried out through Xi’an Jiao tong University bearing dataset and PHM 2012 bearing dataset respectively. Compared with the advanced prediction methods, the proposed method can accurately predict the RUL of more types of bearings and has low prediction errors.
pH regulated desiccation crack network: a versatile template for Transparent Conducting Sheet fabrication
Authors: Haque Samiul , Haque Ruhul A I , Dutta Tapati
Published: July 2023

A novel technique of designing network templates for Transparent Conducting Sheet (TCS) has been achieved by careful modulation of pH of a desiccating colloidal suspension. The pH of aqueous Laponite suspension was changed from 7.8 to 12.7 to obtain vivid changes in the geometry and connectivity of the resultant crack network. Micron sized graphite powder compacted by slow uniform evaporation forms the conducting network on glass after the dry clay is removed completely. The resistance, transmittance, reflectance and figure of Merit of the TCSs have been calibrated as functions of colloidal pH. The electrical and optical properties of the TCSs have been correlated to the topological measure Euler Characteristic and tortuosity of the network. The graphite on glass TCS show selective transmittance at certain pH values. The work demonstrates a cheap versatile option of TCS fabrication that shall find useful applications.
Study on Effect of Heat Treatment on C/C-SiC Brake Performance
Authors: Luan Chenghua , Guo Min , Lin Guangqing , Li Zhipeng , Sun Mengyong , Han Han , Fang Shijie
Published: July 2023

After powder metallurgy and carbon/carbon brake materials, carbon-ceramic brake material (C/C-SiC) is a new generation of braking material. There are currently some batches of brake materials whose friction performance could be better: slightly higher than the standard. SiC was introduced into the C/C-SiC brake disc through Polymer Impregnation and Pyrolysis (PIP), and the composition and friction-wear performance C/C-SiC-SiCp were investigated. The findings indicate that the SiC introduced by PIP is amorphous, existing in the material’s pores, and the porosity is reduced to 7%. With the increase in speed, The C/C-SiC-SiCp braking curve demonstrates a transition from inverted trapezoidal to saddle-shaped. The line wear rate is reduced by 0.6 μm/cycle at medium and high speeds compared with C/C-SiC.
Influence of glass fiber on mechanical properties of UV-cured lining materials
Authors: Zhou Chulu , Chen Wei , Wang Lijie , Zhang Guangzhao
Published: July 2023

Glass fiber is an important component of resin composites and greatly affects the properties of materials. UV-cured pipe rehabilitation lining materials prepared by hand lay-up process using glass fibers with different areal densities and weaving types were studied in this paper. Their thermal stability and mechanical properties, such as flexural strength, flexural modulus, and tensile strength, were studied. The results show that the glass fiber-reinforced UV-cured lining material has good thermal stability at 300°C. With the glass fiber areal density increase, the lining material’s flexural strength, and modulus increase. Compared with the plaid stitch-bonded felt and the plaid lapped felt, the higher degree of bonding between warp-knitted stitch-bonded felt and resin can significantly improve the flexural strength and tensile strength of the lining material.
Study on the Influence of Early Strength Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer on Early Performance of Concrete
Authors: Zhu Shaohong , Lin Yanmei , Ke Yuliang , Fang Yunhui
Published: July 2023

A series of polycarboxylate ether (PCE) based superplasticizers with early-strength functional monomers were prepared to study the influence of early-strength PCE on the hydration heat of cement, early strength properties, and setting time of concrete. It was found that PCE containing DAC and UP-152 had the most obvious improvement in the early strength performance of concrete, greatly improved the dispersibility of cement particles, accelerated the formation of C-S-H gel, enhanced the early hydration performance, and early advanced the setting time of concrete. It can also reduce the pores and gaps in the cement concrete and improve its compactness. Finally, it had the most prominent effect on the early strength of concrete.
Analysis of unqualified 12MnNiVR steel plate for crude oil storage tank
Authors: Ouyang Xin , Hu Xinming , Liu Chenxi , Wang Chu , Jia Chuntang , Xing Mengnan
Published: July 2023

As an important energy application material, 12MnNiVR steel plate is widely used in the manufacture of crude oil storage tanks. In this paper, in order to explore the causes of unqualified 12MnNiVR steel plate, the samples of unqualified steel plate and continuous casting slab in the same furnace were analyzed by means of metallographic microscope, scanning electron microscope and energy spectrum analysis. There is serious alloy element segregation in the continuous casting slab and steel plate, and the abnormal structure enriched in the segregation zone leads to internal microcracks, which further expand in the subsequent rolling process. The segregation of large sulfide inclusions in the micro cracks and porosity of the continuous casting slab seriously. There are also high-grade looseness in the continuous casting slab, which is not fully welded in the rolling process. As a crack source, it expands and cracks in the cooling process of the steel plate heat treatment, which is also the main reason for the unqualified steel plate flaw detection.
Experimental Investigation on Single Channel Forming of PLA/Stainless Steel Composite based on Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: Li Bin , Gu Hai , Jiang Jie , Zhang Jie , Zong Yu , Sun Jianhua , Gu Yan , Xu Yuanyuan
Published: July 2023

Polylactic acid (PLA) has good biocompatibility and biodegradability, which is widely used in fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. But its disadvantages are also very prominent, such as low strength, and high brittleness. Stainless steel material has high mechanical properties and good biocompatibility, so PLA/stainless steel composite material has the advantages of both materials. In this paper, the effects of FDM forming parameters, such as nozzle temperature, extrusion speed, printing speed, nozzle height from the substrate, layer thickness and nozzle diameter, on the single-channel direct writing forming quality were studied from the angle of line height and line width of PLA/stainless steel composites. The results show that selecting appropriate FDM process parameters can effectively improve the quality of single-channel molding, and the printed lines have certain shrinkage. The ratio of line height to line width exceeds 100%. It provides a theoretical reference for the subsequent forming of PLA/stainless steel composite parts based on FDM.
A Numerical Simulation of the Hot Isostatic Pressing of Ti-6Al-4V powder considering the uneven powder distribution
Authors: Meng Fandi , Lang Lihui
Published: July 2023

In the process of powder hot isostatic pressing (HIP), there is always an error between the actual shrinkage of powder and the predicted value of numerical simulation. To explore the cause of this error, a numerical model is established to simulate the HIP process. The initial relative density of the powder is usually set to 0.65, which we think is the main reason for the error. So in this simulation, the initial relative density is subdivided into 4 gradients to simulate the uneven distribution in the capsule. By comparing the simulation and experiment results, we find that different relative densities have a great influence on the final powder densification. The maximum error of the simulation with the usual initial relative density setting of 0.65 is 4.2%. However, considering the uneven distribution of initial powder, the maximum error is reduced to 3.16%, and the average error is also less than 2%
Preliminary Study of Urgency to Monitor Indoor Air Quality at Telkom Education Area in the Post-Pandemic
Authors: Jalasena Andhika , Rachmawati Lulu Millatina , Syahputra Muhammad Fajri Hadi , Hasmul Nabil Ananta , Suwandi  , Utami Amaliyah Rohsari Indah , Nugroho Bambang Setia , Chandra Indra
Published: July 2023

Indoor air pollution is found to be twice more dangerous as air pollution in the environment, especially 80-90% of people when they are indoors. Children are more susceptible to diseases caused by poor indoor air quality. Typically, students spend 60-90% of their time indoors, with most of the time at school. The targeted study areas are Telkom Education Areas such as VHS, SHS, JHS, and Tourism-VHS. The assessment procedure used a standard protocol developed by the US EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency). The measuring parameters are CO2, CO, PM2.5, RH, and T. There are four systems at potential points with a height of 1-1.5 meters above the floor surface (human breathing zone). The indoor air quality assessment results show that almost all rooms have CO2 concentrations exceeding the standard (>1000 ppm). All rooms in Tourism-VHS exceed the PM2.5 concentration standard (>35 μg/m3), and each room has open ventilation, except for room type C (kitchen). Only three rooms exceed the CO concentration standard (>9 ppm), Tourism-VHS type A to C. It is necessary to conduct further research with normal daily conditions, and the measurements also need to be conducted for approximately three days for more data.
Energy transition to photovoltaic system at UNAD as an instrument of environmental management system
Authors: Ramos Gómez Edna Vanessa , Vargas Carlos Eduardo Bohórquez , Devia Karen Lorena Arias , Rubio Daniel Rodríguez
Published: July 2023

The National Open and Distance University, UNAD, is an institution with experience in environmental management and is known to participate in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. This article shows the sustainable practices implemented within the institution achieved through the Participatory Action methodology, which facilitates integrated knowledge and actions to transform the mindset of the institutional community. In doing so, specific objectives, strategies, technologies, and ICT were established to strengthen the environmental management of the institution.

The projects and goals stipulated in the university’s 2019-2023 development plan unified with the agenda for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are to train the community in values such as solidarity, assertive and true communication, effective collaboration, and attitudes to dialogue comprehensively, for the benefit of current and future generations. The university is currently working on seven environmental programs in which solar tables are gradually installed in different centers nationwide to promote the efficient use and saving of energy. In the José Celestino Mutis National Headquarters, installing solar panels will allow for considerable savings in electricity. Together, these environmental friendly practices, in addition to environmental legal compliance and expansion in new centers within the scope of ISO 14001:2015 certification, have allowed the University to be recognized at a national level.
Impacts of anthropogenic activities & climate change resulting from increasing concentration of Carbon dioxide on environment in 21st Century; A Critical Review
Authors: Kabir M , Habiba U , Iqbal M Z , Shafiq M , Farooqi Z R , Shah A , Khan W
Published: July 2023

The human population explosion and rapidly increasing urbanization are two major problems of the current century. According to an estimate world human population is about 8 billion, while in the previous century, it was about 2.0 billion. These figures and facts shows that the future impacts of anthropogenic activities will be more harsh and comprise a more complex nature. Carbon emission induced in environment by anthropogenic activities is major cause for global warming. Climate change, different types of environmental pollution, wastage of raw materials, and ecosystem degradation are major important ecological challenges which are being faced by humanity. These problems are increasing every year due to increasing human population. Forests represent one of most frequent types of green area in cities. Their environmental settlement include perfection in air, water and soil quality, conservation of energy, carbon sequestration, low air temperatures, reduction in ultraviolet radiation and reduction in environmental pollution especially air pollution. The political ecology approach is based on interactions between humans and nature, talking about climate change mitigation and adaptation and technologies that are used for these purposes. Many environmental experts have initiated concept of green revolution to achieve mitigation and adaptation strategies. If human population explosion and establishment of new industrial structures go on increasing without considering the importance of trees then certainly there would be more critical changes for living organisms on surface of the earth in near future. So, “green revolution is the best solution to arrest the environmental pollution” in this changing climate of the world.
Univali’s Biguaçu Campus: The first Campus in Brazil to generate 100% of its energy
Authors: Santos Camila Monteiro , Dadam James , Rosa Angelica Pattel da
Published: July 2023

Univali is a communitarian higher education institution located in the south of Brazil. It has seven campuses spread along the coast of Santa Catarina. One of those campuses is located in the city of Biguaçu, and was the first university campus in Brazil to be 100% energy-autonomous. Since 2018, the Biguaçu campus operates with 596 solar panels which occupy an area of 1.000m2. Such structure produces 196MWh per year, and is responsible for the campus’s energy full autonomy. This institutional concern meets the values foreseen in Sustainable Development Goal number 7 from the United Nations 2030 Agenda, which aims to ensure access to clean sources of energy. The major part of Brazilian electricity production is obtained from hydroelectrical plants, and, regardless of the fact that it is considered a clean source of energy, the impacts for the plants’ implementation are usually large. In this sense, the use of solar panels is cleaner and less damaging to the environment. For that, it is believed that Univali’s experience in solar energy generation represents best practices in the energy indicator of UI GreenMetric. The article aims to demonstrate Univali’s experience in having the first campus in Brazil to be completely energy efficient. In order to achieve its goals, the article is written based on literature review and the analysis of institutional and governmental data.
Water Management to Cope with the Effects of Climate Change Best practices in Water Management at Wageningen University & Research
Authors: Luttik Joke , Maters* Erna
Published: July 2023

Wageningen University & Research studies the causes of heavy rainfall and droughts and is looking for solutions to these phenomena [1]. For example, green spaces in the urban environment ensure that water can be drained into the ground. Storage of water is also important, because not only the number of heavy rains is increasing, also there are longer periods of drought. On WUR Campus, these principles of coping with flooding and drought are applied. There is a sizeable area of green space which serves as a groundwater discharge area. The large ponds on campus are used to collect and store excess surface water. During droughts the ponds retain water on campus. In two campus buildings, rain is harvested for flushing toilets and watering inner gardens. The rainwater is harvested from rooftops and stored in underground water tanks. A natural garden was laid out in 1998, and four years ago a natural wetland garden was added to the campus.

The effects of climate change, such as droughts and rising sea water levels affect freshwater supplies, which makes efficient use of water increasingly important. WUR aims to reduce consumption of tap water every year, by increasing water use efficiency and switching to sources other than tap water.
Climate actions at Häme University of Applied Science (HAMK), Finland
Authors: Friman Mervi , Salminen Janne
Published: July 2023

Sustainable development (SD) strategy of HAMK has directed e.g. developing energy efficient solutions among other sustainability efforts in the university. Participating in GreenMetric rankings gives us useful data to improve comprehensively SD operations of the university. HAMK has long tradition to reduce its ecological footprint: for example, today half of the energy demand is fulfilled by green energy sources bought from the markets. During recent years, less emitting fuel sources and smart energy technologies had implemented on campus. In Finland, national Covid-pandemic actions were closed entire campuses for months, and hence energy consumption (heating and electricity) reduced even during cold winter-spring season. Evidently, above responsible actions have positive impact to the energy budget of the university. However, the university continuously developing pandemic-independent smart energy solutions for possible forthcoming energy crises as well as demands for the carbon neutrality (e.g. EU’s Green Deal). Multidiciplinary research (an ecological handprint) for the energy industry sector for climate-wise solutions are in the focus of many RDI-projects and are included in the HAMK’s strategic research agenda. Multiple energy sources (fuels) and balance in energy costs increase university’s resilience in uncertain future.
Assessment of Carbon Footprint and Possible Interventions to Reduce its Impact at University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan: The First Attempt
Authors: Sajjad A , Bazai ZA , Ismail T , Kamran K
Published: July 2023

Environmental sustainability does not mean living without luxuries but rather being aware of consumption of resources in a way that is environment friendly. Carbon footprint is one of the many environmental traces that has come to prominence because of its connection with global warming and subsequently climate change as the most renowned environmental indices. In 2018, prior to pandemic period, the University of Balochistan (UoB) participated for the first time in the UI Green Metrics world universities ranking and stood 346 globally and fourth position in Pakistan. It was recorded before the pandemic period that 19.12 Metric Ton (MT) per year of carbon footprint was produced within the premises of the UoB. Multiple interventions were carried out after post pandemic period such as to develop policies to (a) reduce carbon footprints, (b) increase the use of energy saving appliances, (b) recycling of wastewater, (c) regular plantation, and (d) conservation strategies for existing 400 pine trees, greenbelts and ornamental plants. It is suggested that universities may adopt the energy efficient criteria of UI GreenMetric with a focus of public awareness towards reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP), Climate Change by sustainable universities model.
Sustainable mobility in Ibero Puebla, México. Initiatives and challenges
Authors: Campos Cabral V
Published: July 2023

Within the framework of strengthening a sustainable, healthy, affordable, supportive, safe and diversified mobility system for the university community, the Ibero Puebla in Mexico works on the consolidation of cycling routes, pedestrianization and collective transport. In this context, the dialogue with municipal and state authorities has been essential to materialize the Comprehensive mobility project of the Boulevard del Niño Poblano and the Inter-university digital electromobility pilot program, both developed with a gender perspective. The first one consists of improving the conditions of public space to connect different types of transport, pacify traffic, create safe paths, bike lanes, while the second one, offers students from three universities the possibility of sharing an electric digital minibus, routes oriented to user demand, maximizing connectivity, continuous feedback and access to low coverage areas for public transportation. The intervention of the university has been fundamental so that different secretariats at the state level coordinate for the projection and budgeting of the project, as well as articulate with the municipal authorities, on the one hand, as well as to offer a possibility of interuniversity collective transport, which decreases the use of electrical fossil, the emission of greenhouse gases, as a real option.
Best Practice Towards Sustainability Development in Politeknik Sultan Idris Shah
Authors: Chia SL , Kamaruddin Z , Mohammed S S , Shahadan Z
Published: July 2023

Sustainability balances environmental, economic, and social issues. It’s the concept that humans can live and flourish in nature. To put it another way, it’s the idea that everything humans need to survive and thrive is provided by the natural world in some ways. To ensure peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were created as a reference. Because of this, the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education, Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia has initiated to introduce the Blueprint SmartGreen Polytechnic & Community College 2021-2026 (BSGPC), which is provides for a more all-encompassing coverage by placing special emphasis on the 17 SDGs. By encouraging eco-friendly practices at universities and colleges, it may help the country achieve its sustainable development goals. Towards the empowerment of green culture, Politeknik Sultan Idris Shah (PSIS) has embraced numerous best practices such as organizing the PSIS Green Campus Programme, Green Studio Project, and the latest Aquaponic with Solar System project. Therefore, the PSIS SmartGreen Committee leads to the involvement of PSIS in UI GreenMetric where there is a rise in success in the global university ranking.
Achieving a green university in the post pandemic era: Edo State University Uzairue experience
Authors: Balogun Vincent A. , Aluyor Emmanuel O. , Ehis-Eriakha Chioma B.
Published: July 2023

The complexity and dynamicity of our world calls for institutions to be more creative and research-driven to surmount global challenges in the education system. Institutions now need to be innovative and creative to be successful, but while the idea of success has changed, the education system especially in Africa has not always adjusted to its methods or goals to meet the ever changing world. In the pre COVID-19 era, many tertiary institutions within Africa did not perceive the need to adopt and invest in ICT education for teaching, learning and research. This unprecedented situation has shined a harsh light on the vulnerabilities, challenges, weaknesses of the Education system and our unpreparedness for a paradigm shift from the conventional teaching classroom methods to digital and then distance learning. In recent times, the campaign for adoption of sustainable practices within universities has been critically championed to prevent future occurrences of education disruption. In the post pandemic era, African universities should encourage the utilization of ICT technology to transform teaching and learning in order to improve on research and education to prepare students for unexpected occurrences like the COVID-19 pandemic, acquire settings and infrastructure to enhance teaching and learning, adopt a proper waste management policy to reduce climate change and promote all round sustainability as well as energy conservation. This work presents the institutional values and activities of Edo State University Uzairue (EDSU), Nigeria during the pre and post-covid 19 era with a strong understanding of the role of sustainability in achieving our goal. EDSU success story was also explored and presented in line with the role of ICT and learning management system for resource optimization and development of a green system through the adoption of energy conservation protocols, developing waste management policies, conservation of biodiversity and aligning with the global net zero emission initiative.
The role of social networks in the development of rural community-based eco-industry
Authors: Tridakusumah Ahmad Choibar , Yusuf Asep , Pardian Pandi
Published: July 2023

The lack of eco-industrial development in rural areas demonstrates how isolated these people are from outside networks and resources. The ecological industrial management of clove leaf essential oil run by rural communities within the network is further revealed and analyzed in this study using the social network analysis approach. The findings of this study show how networks are crucial to understanding interactions between subgroups, density, and centralization. This study also implies that strengthening internal social networks inside rural communities, particularly subgroup interactions, must go hand in hand with initiatives to broaden external social networks. While preserving the sustainability of rural ecosystems, strengthening the social networks of rural eco-industries will also create new employment opportunities.
Social acceptance of stingless bee honey cultivation for sustainable bioproduction system
Authors: Noorahya F , Withaningsih S , Parikesit
Published: July 2023

Stingless bee honey cultivation is one of the bioproduction systems that is predicted to have a high sustainability value. There are 3 indicators in assessing the sustainability of a system taken from the 3 main pillars of sustainability, namely economic, environmental, and social indicators. This study discusses the social sustainability of stingless bee honey cultivation through one of its elements, namely social acceptance. The research was conducted through a case study in one of the stingless bee honey cultivation sites in Sumedang Regency. The data collected is data on community characteristics and data on social acceptance regarding stingless bee honey cultivation. Community characteristics data shows that based on economic conditions, availability of human resources, and social status of the community, the practice of stingless bee cultivation has the potential to be carried out sustainably. Meanwhile, data on social acceptance related to cultivation show that public perceptions and attitudes generally support the sustainability of stingless bee cultivation, although on the other hand knowledge about the benefits of cultivation and community involvement behavior is still low. Therefore, to strengthen the social sustainability of this bioproduction system, it is necessary to introduce and provide assistance regarding cultivation practices to the community around the location.
Cabai Rawit (Capsicum frutescens L.) Value Chain: Agricultural Commodities Driving Inflation in Lombok Island
Authors: Pardian Pandi , Renaldi Eddy , Bustaman Arief , Santoso Teguh , Hardiawan Donny
Published: July 2023

Cabai rawit (capsicum frutescent) commodity is one of the agricultural commodities driving inflation on Lombok island. Lombok has the highest productivity cabai rawit in Indonesia. However, prices in the local market are lower than off Lombok island, so big traders prefer to sell cabai rawit outside the island than in the local market. In addition, almost in all the food dishes of the population, there are elements of cabe rawit, so the existence of cabai rawit has vital in the community. This research does conduct in East Lombok Regency, the largest cabai rawit (capsicum frutescent) production center in West Nusa Tenggara Province. This study uses a value chain analysis approach to understand various elements with the survey method. Value added in every actor analyzed by Hayami calculation that tailored. The results showed that farmers got the highest percentage of value additions, namely 60.6%, compared to collectors at 16.1%, big traders at 18.8%, and retailers at 4.5%. That is comparable to the farmer’s activity cultivating cabe rawit (capsicum frutescent) from the plant until harvest. Value-added in percent, the highest is farmer, but when viewed from the value added in income, big traders and collectors are the highest because income is affected by each actor’s number of sales.
Abundance of Microplastics and Hazard to the Environment in Estuary Water in Pemalang, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Rifandi Raditya Ahmad , Ratnasari Ardiana Vita
Published: July 2023

Microplastics are plastic particles measuring ±5 mm. The accumulation of microplastics will be a hazard and threat to the environment because of its persistent nature and difficult to degrade. Human activities and pollutant sources greatly affect the function of microplastics. This study aims to determine the types and types of microplastics in the waters at 5 locations of the Pemalang River estuary. Water sampling represents different activities, namely ponds, tourist attractions, mangrove areas, fish auction sites and river estuaries. The total result found was 19.10 x 102 particles/m3. The types of microplastics found were fibres, fragments and films. The highest abundance of microplastics was found on Widuri Beach with a total of 5.45 x 102 particles/m3. The most common type of microplastic found in Pemalang waters is film. This is presumably because Widuri beach is a beach that is dense with tourist visits. Meanwhile, the types of microplastics in mangrove areas, ship port, fish market and fishponds have a range of values that are not much different, namely 2.33 − 4.53 x 102 particles/m3. This is presumably because waste is more easily trapped in the mangrove roots and accumulates more.
Performance of slow sand filter reactor using geotextile for reducing total n and phosphate
Authors: Hamidah L N , Afkar K , Rahmayanti A , Fitrianah L
Published: July 2023

Water pollution that occurs is mostly caused by industrial and domestic waste. One of the consequences of polluted water is the increase in total N and Phosphate which causes malfunction of animals and humans. This is a problem that needs attention to protect our life from the dangers of environmental pollution. Slow Sand Filter is an easy and inexpensive raw water treatment solution. The raw water used in this research is the Dungus Sidoarjo river. The acclimatization process was carried out for 14 days. Sand and gravel were used as filter media with a geotextile thickness of 0.2 and 4 cm. The sample is taken on the first, sixth, and twelfth days. The best reactor for reducing Total N and Phosphate is a reactor with a geotextile thickness of 0.2 cm (D2) on the first day of effluent taking, which is 84.5%, and a reactor with a thickness of 4 cm on the sixth day of effluent taking, which is 77%. The results of the One Way ANOVA test with a standard error (α) of 0.05 stated that there was no significant difference in the treatment of each reactor in reducing total N and Phosphate.
Synthesis and characterization of Ti0.9Ir0.1O2-activated carbon composite as a promising support for catalysts in electrochemical energy conversion
Authors: Pham Hien T Q , Pham Hau Quoc , Huynh Quyen , Nguyen Thao Ngoc , Huynh Ngoc-Han T , Nguyen Thanh-Quang , Huynh Tai Thien
Published: July 2023

Constructing robust support plays a key role in governing the overall catalytic efficiency of metal-based catalysts for electrochemical reactions in sustainable energy-related conversion systems. We herein use a solvothermal method to assemble Ti0.9Ir0.1O2-Activated C composites, exhibiting high surface area and electrical conductivity compared to the pure TiO2 material. The material characterisations and electrochemical behaviours of the as-obtained composites are systemically studied by XRD, FE-SEM-EDX mapping, FT-IR, XPS, BET, four-point technique, cyclic voltammetry, etc Notably, the effect of composition on the physical and electrochemical properties of the as-made composites is also explored, which indicated the significant improvement in surface area and electrical conductivity with increasing carbon content, while a reverse trend is observed in the electrochemical durability. Among all studied composites, the Ti0.9Ir0.1O2-Activated C (50:50 wt%) composite can be a suitable support for metal-based catalysts due to its balance in physical properties (electrical conductivity of 1.5 S cm−1 and surface area of 152.12 m2 g−1) and electrochemical corrosion resistance (high durability after 2000-cycling ADT). This study can open up an efficient strategy to enhance the catalytic performance of electrochemical processes.
Thermal pattern at kueishantao (KST) volcano of Taiwan from satellite-observed temperatures and its implication
Authors: Chan Hai-Po , Chan Yu-Chang
Published: July 2023

Kueishantao (KST) is an active volcanic island off the northeastern coast of Taiwan. Tectonically, it lies in the south of the Okinawa Trough and opposite to the Ilan plain, in which is the southwestern end of the trough. KST provides a convenient observation site for the subsurface geological and geothermal activity and mechanism at its proximity. Land surface temperature (LST) of volcanoes detected from satellite sensors reflects the thermal status of heat sources in the subsurface. LST thus is a key parameter to the understanding of the volcanic process and geothermal resources. This research utilizes the satellite-observed multi-temporal land surface temperature imagery in 1999–2022 on the Kueishantao volcano of Taiwan to explore its geothermal state. The U.S. NASA Earth-observing satellites onboard three thermal sensors (i.e., Landsat ETM+, Terra ASTER, and Aqua/Terra MODIS) derived time series of land surface temperature from 1999 are employed to define the past and current pattern of geothermal activity plus the future trend of the KST. The spatiotemporal LST distribution of KST volcano is explored and analyzed. The spatial LST distribution of the KST volcano indicates that LST anomaly areas are mainly located on the southeast island, which is well correlated with the possible magma reservoir location from previous geophysical and geological surveys. An increasing trend of two-decade LST time series is revealed from all three thermal sensors. The retrieved surface thermal pattern shows non-linear temperature variations that imply the non-steady-state nature of the subsurface thermal sources at this volcano. In summary, satellite LST observations facilitate the understanding on the subsurface magmatic processes of active volcanoes for further management of geothermal resources.
The interactive relationship between ecological well-being performance and tourism economic development in major tourism cities in China
Authors: Lin Feiyang , Huang Chengkun , Zhang Xuan , Chu Deping
Published: July 2023

With the advent of mass tourism, the tourism industry has experienced unprecedented expansion in scale. The relationship between the tourism industry and ecology and society is a key issue in promoting sustainable development of tourist destinations. However, existing research has focused more on the relationship between ecological environment protection and tourism economic development, while neglecting the impact on human well-being in this process. Therefore, based on the concept of ecological welfare, this study explored the coupling coordination degree (CCD) and interaction relationship between the tourism economy development (TED) and ecological wel-being performance (EWP) of 58 major tourism cities in China, providing a more inclusive theoretical perspective and enriching the theory of sustainable tourism and ecological tourism. The results show that: (1) from 2004 to 2019, the EWP and TED of major tourism cities in China showed a steady upward trend. The improvement level of TED was more significant than that of EWP. (2) The CCD between EWP and TED of most tourism cities in China has been improved to varying degrees during the period from 2004 to 2019, especially in many inland tourism cities. (3) There is a dynamic interaction relationship between EWP and TED in major tourism cities in China during the research period, but a virtuous interaction has not yet been formed between the two. The results of this study can also provide practical insights for the sustainable development of urban tourism industry.
Specialized Pro-resolving Mediator Improves Vascular Relaxation via Formyl Peptide Receptor-2
Authors: Edwards-Glenn Jonnelle M , Fontes Milene T , Waigi Emily W , Costa Tiago J , Maiseyeu Andrei , Webb R Clinton , McCarthy Cameron G , Wenceslau Camilla F
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

The resolution of inflammation is an active phenomenon important for switching off inflammatory processes once the harmful stimuli are removed and facilitate the return to homeostasis. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), such as lipoxin A4, resolvin D1, and resolvin E1, derived from ω-3 or ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, are crucial for the resolution of inflammation. We hypothesized that SPMs are decreased in hypertension which contributes to the acetylcholine-induced contraction in resistance arteries, which are well known to be mediated by leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Moreover, treatment with SPMs will decrease this contraction via formyl peptide receptor-2 (FPR-2) in resistance arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a comprehensive eicosanoid lipid panel analysis, and our data showed for the first time that precursors of SPMs are decreased in SHR, limiting the production of SPMs and resolution of inflammation in vivo. This phenomenon was associated with an increase in lipid peroxidation in resistance arteries. Although SPMs did not abolish acetylcholine-induced contraction, these lipid mediators improved endothelial function in arteries from SHR via FPR-2 activation at nanomolar concentrations. SPMs also buffered TNF-α-induced reactive oxygen species generation in endothelial cells from C57Bl/6 mice.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that FPR-2 and SPMs could be revealed as a new target or therapeutic agent to improve vascular function in arteries from hypertensive rats.
A comprehensive genus-level phylogeny and biogeographical history of the Lythraceae based on whole plastome sequences
Authors: Inglis Peter W , Cavalcanti Taciana B , Facco Marlon G , Bakker Freek T , Graham Shirley A
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

The Lythraceae are a mainly subtropical to tropical family of the order Myrtales with 28 currently accepted genera and approximately 600 species. There is currently no well-supported phylogenetic and biogeographical hypothesis of the Lythraceae incorporating all currently accepted genera, which we sought to provide.

Methods

Plastomes of representative species of 18 distinct Lythraceae genera were sequenced and annotated. Together with existing sequences, plastomes of all 28 currently accepted genera in the Lythraceae were brought together for the first time. The plastomes were aligned and a Bayesian phylogenetic hypothesis was produced. We then conducted a time-calibrated Bayesian analysis and a biogeographical analysis.

Key Results

Plastome-based Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic trees are generally congruent with recent nuclear phylogenomic data and resolve two deeply branching major clades in the Lythraceae. One major clade concentrates shrubby and arboreal South American and African genera that inhabit seasonally dry environments, with larger, often winged seeds, adapted to dispersal by the wind. The second major clade concentrates North American, Asian, African and several near-cosmopolitan herbaceous, shrubby and arboreal genera, often inhabiting humid or aquatic environments, with smaller seeds possessing structures that facilitate dispersal by water.

Conclusions

We hypothesize that the Lythraceae dispersed early in the Late Cretaceous from South American to North American continents, with subsequent expansion in the Late Cretaceous of a North American lineage through Laurasia to Africa via a boreotropical route. Two later expansions of South American clades to Africa in the Palaeocene and Eocene, respectively, are also hypothesized. Transoceanic dispersal in the family is possibly facilitated by adaptations to aquatic environments that are common to many extant genera of the Lythraceae, where long-distance dispersal and vicariance may be invoked to explain several remarkable disjunct distributions in Lythraceae clades.
The Training and Application of Silicone Products in Eyebrow Transplantation Simulation
Authors: Xiong Tingfeng , Ou Yangze , Guo Lei , Zhan Taiguo
Published: July 2023

Background

Because the structure of eyebrows is complicated, students need a lot of practice to become familiar with the distribution pattern of eyebrow hair.

Objectives

The current study was designed to investigate training methods for eyebrow design and planting practice before eyebrow hair transplantation to improve planting quality.

Methods

Twelve surgical students were selected. The 6 students in the experimental group had never performed eyebrow transplantation surgery, whereas the 6 in the control group had experience of the procedure. Students in both groups received theoretical and simulated eyebrow hair transplantation instruction. Students were required to master standard eyebrow transplantation. The results of the experimental group and the control group were compared before and after training.

Results

The results revealed that the overall results of the experimental and control groups significantly improved compared with before training (P < .05). After theoretical training, 2-dimensional simulation training, and 3-dimensional simulation training, eyebrow shape, symmetry, hair angle, and density after the 3-dimensional simulation training were statistically significantly improved (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference, and the students in the control group did not demonstrate any improvement in their capacity to arrange the eyebrows or shape them symmetrically. After training, however, the angle and density of the hair substantially improved.

Conclusions

The experimental group's technical ability in simulated eyebrow planting significantly improved. The present study demonstrated that the students could develop their skills and get closer to the level of surgeons with experience in eyebrow transplant surgery by integrating theoretical lectures with practiced procedures.
O2L-001, an innovative thrombolytic to evacuate intracerebral haematoma
Authors: Thiebaut Audrey M , Louet Estelle R , Ianszen Mélina , Guichard Marie-Julie , Hanley Daniel F , Gaudin Christophe , Parcq Jérôme
Published: July 2023

Intracerebral haemorrhage is an unmet medical need affecting more than 3 million people worldwide every year and leading to the formation of an intracerebral haematoma. Updated guidelines (2022) for the management of intracerebral haemorrhage patients recognize that minimally invasive approaches for the evacuation of supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage have demonstrated reductions in mortality compared with medical management alone. However, improvement of functional outcome with a procedure involving thrombolytic therapy was neutral in the last large phase 3 clinical trial and requires a more effective and safer thrombolytic agent than those currently available. Here, we demonstrate that O2L-001 allows for the extended release of W253R/R275S recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA). A new rtPA variant, called optimized tPA (OptPA), offers improved efficacy for haematoma evacuation as well as improved safety.

OptPA was produced in a Chinese hamster ovary cell line before purification, nanoprecipitation using the NANOp2Lysis® technological platform followed by suspension in a solution of 17% poloxamer 407 to obtain O2L-001. Plasmin generation assays were performed to demonstrate O2L-001 safety. Ex vivo haematoma models using human blood were used to demonstrate O2L-001 thrombolysis properties and efficacy. For the best translational significance, a clinical sized haematoma was used to ensure catheter placement and to allow administration of the thrombolytic agent into the core of the haematoma via a minimally invasive procedure.

The capacity of OptPA to convert plasminogen into plasmin is strongly decreased compared to rtPA, thereby reducing potential bleeding events. However, a clot lysis assay showed that OptPA had the same fibrinolytic activity as rtPA. We demonstrated that long-term exposure to a thrombolytic agent was essential to achieve high thrombolysis efficacy. Indeed, 24 h continuous exposure to 0.1 µg/ml rtPA had similar efficacy than repeated short exposure to 30 µg/ml rtPA.

This finding led to the development of O2L-001, allowing the extended release of OptPA in the first 6 h following injection. An ex vivo model using human blood was used to demonstrate O2L-001 efficacy. Interestingly, unlike rtPA, O2L-001 was able to induce the complete lysis of the 5 ml haematoma. In clinical sized haematomas (obtained from 30 ml of human blood), a single injection of O2L-001 at 1 mg/ml into the core of the haematoma led to a 44% increase in thrombolysis compared to rtPA.

Taken together, these results demonstrate that O2L-001 provides new hope for haematoma evacuation and the treatment of patients with intracerebral haemorrhage.
The Teflon hypothesis
Authors: Castellani Rudy J , Perry George
Published: July 2023

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Key questions for the evaluation of anti-amyloid immunotherapies for Alzheimer's disease', by Liu et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcad175).