bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canthin-6-One Inhibits Developmental and Tumour-Associated Angiogenesis in Zebrafish
Authors: Ng Mei Fong , Da Silva Viana Juliana , Tan Pei Jean , Britto Denver D. , Choi Sy Bing , Kobayashi Sakurako , Samat Norazwana , Song Dedrick Soon Seng , Ogawa Satoshi , Parhar Ishwar S. , Astin Jonathan W. , Hogan Benjamin M. , Patel Vyomesh , Okuda Kazuhide S.
Published: January 2024

Tumour-associated angiogenesis play key roles in tumour growth and cancer metastasis. Consequently, several anti-angiogenic drugs such as sunitinib and axitinib have been approved for use as anti-cancer therapies. However, the majority of these drugs target the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)/VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) pathway and have shown mixed outcome, largely due to development of resistances and increased tumour aggressiveness. In this study, we used the zebrafish model to screen for novel anti-angiogenic molecules from a library of compounds derived from natural products. From this, we identified canthin-6-one, an indole alkaloid, which inhibited zebrafish intersegmental vessel (ISV) and sub-intestinal vessel development. Further characterisation revealed that treatment of canthin-6-one reduced ISV endothelial cell number and inhibited proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), suggesting that canthin-6-one inhibits endothelial cell proliferation. Of note, canthin-6-one did not inhibit VEGFA-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2 in HUVECs and downstream phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) in leading ISV endothelial cells in zebrafish, suggesting that canthin-6-one inhibits angiogenesis independent of the VEGFA/VEGFR2 pathway. Importantly, we found that canthin-6-one impairs tumour-associated angiogenesis in a zebrafish B16F10 melanoma cell xenograft model and synergises with VEGFR inhibitor sunitinib malate to inhibit developmental angiogenesis. In summary, we showed that canthin-6-one exhibits anti-angiogenic properties in both developmental and pathological contexts in zebrafish, independent of the VEGFA/VEGFR2 pathway and demonstrate that canthin-6-one may hold value for further development as a novel anti-angiogenic drug.
Engineering Neurotoxin-Functionalized Exosomes for Targeted Delivery to the Peripheral Nervous System
Authors: Krishnan Mena Asha , Alimi Olawale A. , Pan Tianshu , Kuss Mitchell , Korade Zeljka , Hu Guoku , Liu Bo , Duan Bin
Published: January 2024

The administration of therapeutics to peripheral nerve tissue is challenging due to the complexities of peripheral neuroanatomy and the limitations imposed by the blood–nerve barrier (BNB). Therefore, there is a pressing need to enhance delivery effectiveness and implement targeted delivery methods. Recently, erythrocyte-derived exosomes (Exos) have gained widespread attention as biocompatible vehicles for therapeutics in clinical applications. However, engineering targeted Exos for the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is still challenging. This study aims to develop a targeted Exo delivery system specifically designed for presynaptic terminals of peripheral nerve tissue. The clostridium neurotoxin, tetanus toxin-C fragment (TTC), was tethered to the surface of red blood cell (RBC)-derived Exos via a facile and efficient bio-orthogonal click chemistry method without a catalyst. Additionally, Cyanine5 (Cy5), a reactive fluorescent tag, was also conjugated to track Exo movement in both in vitro and in vivo models. Subsequently, Neuro-2a, a mouse neuronal cell line, was treated with dye-labeled Exos with/without TTC in vitro, and the results indicated that TTC-Exos exhibited more efficient accumulation along the soma and axonal circumference, compared to their unmodified counterparts. Further investigation, using a mouse model, revealed that within 72 h of intramuscular administration, engineered TTC-Exos were successfully transported into the neuromuscular junction and sciatic nerve tissues. These results indicated that TTC played a crucial role in the Exo delivery system, improving the affinity to peripheral nerves. These promising results underscore the potential of using targeted Exo carriers to deliver therapeutics for treating peripheral neuropathies.
Towards Precision Medicine in Clinical Practice: Alinity C vs. UHPLC-MS/MS in Plasma Aripiprazole Determination
Authors: Toja-Camba Francisco José , Bandín-Vilar Enrique , Hermelo-Vidal Gonzalo , Feitosa-Medeiros Carolina , Cañizo-Outeiriño Antonio , Castro-Balado Ana , Varela-Rey Iria , Zarra-Ferro Irene , Fernández-Ferreiro Anxo , Mondelo-García Cristina
Published: January 2024

Therapeutic drug monitoring improves the benefit–risk balance of antipsychotic therapy. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) is considered the gold-standard method for measuring plasma drug concentrations; however, the Alinity C system has emerged as a promising alternative. This is the first study aimed at comparing UHPLC-MS/MS versus Alinity C in measuring plasma concentrations of aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole. A total of 86 plasma samples were analyzed. The active moiety of aripiprazole was measured in 60 samples using both systems and 26 samples were analyzed twice using Alinity C with an intermediate period of 6 months to assess its reproducibility. Spearman’s correlation revealed a good association between the two assays (rs = 0.96) and no significance differences were found by McNemar’s test when classifying samples between infra-, supra- and therapeutic ranges. Passing–Bablock regression showed a good correlation among methods (rs = 0.93) and a slope of 1.12 indicating a slight tendency of Alinity C to measure higher values than UHPLC-MS/MS. In addition, a good intra-method correlation across the two sequential analyses with Alinity C was obtained (rs = 0.99). Nonetheless, clinical decisions could be different in 15% of the cases depending on the chosen method. No differences were found in active moiety determination by Alinity C depending on the concentration of aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole of the samples.
Platforms Enhancing Proximity in the Digital Era
Authors: Panori Anastasia
Published: January 2024

Platforms have the ability to create connected digital spaces where different actors co-exist and work together. The paper explores the power of platforms as enablers of a new channel of proximity, called digital proximity. It argues that platforms enable interactions, information flows, and network formation through digital proximity, which can effectively reinforce externalities complementing existing proximity forms or bypassing physical space barriers. Firms and industries adopting platform-based tools can create meaningful channels for increasing their proximity at an intra- and inter-firm level. The study uses data from the Digital Economy and Society database covering 25 EU countries for the years 2019 and 2021. It calculates the degree of adoption by EU firms at the national level for a set of selected platform-based technologies closely related to different proximity forms. It investigates the relationship between digital proximity, firm size, and industry, also introducing a geographical dimension. The evidence suggests that large firms have managed to integrate platform-based technologies to a greater extent, whereas small and medium firms still lack leveraging the full power of platforms. Increased adoption at the country level is also related to increased productivity, indicating the geographical dimension of platforms. The paper argues that platforms can be seen as a new means for balancing uneven spatial capabilities for producing proximity, indicating a high potential for fostering territorial cohesion. It concludes by suggesting that future research should measure the effects of digital proximity on development and their causal relationship to better elaborate on the implications of platforms on development.
Comprehensive Development of a Cellulose Acetate and Soy Protein-Based Scaffold for Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Gutiérrez Brandon , González-Quijón María Eugenia , Martínez-Rodríguez Paulina , Alarcón-Apablaza Josefa , Godoy Karina , Cury Diego Pulzatto , Lezcano María Florencia , Vargas-Chávez Daniel , Dias Fernando José
Published: January 2024

Background: The elaboration of biocompatible nerve guide conduits (NGCs) has been studied in recent years as a treatment for total nerve rupture lesions (axonotmesis). Different natural polymers have been used in these studies, including cellulose associated with soy protein. The purpose of this report was to describe manufacturing NGCs suitable for nerve regeneration using the method of dip coating and evaporation of solvent with cellulose acetate (CA) functionalized with soy protein acid hydrolysate (SPAH). Methods: The manufacturing method and bacterial control precautions for the CA/SPAH NGCs were described. The structure of the NGCs was analyzed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM); porosity was analyzed with a degassing method using a porosimeter. Schwann cell (SCL 4.1/F7) biocompatibility of cell-seeded nerve guide conduits was evaluated with the MTT assay. Results: The method employed allowed an easy elaboration and customization of NGCs, free of bacteria, with pores in the internal surface, and the uniform wall thickness allowed manipulation, which showed flexibility; additionally, the sample was suturable. The NGCs showed initial biocompatibility with Schwann cells, revealing cells adhered to the NGC structure after 5 days. Conclusions: The fabricated CA/SPAH NGCs showed adequate features to be used for peripheral nerve regeneration studies. Future reports are necessary to discuss the ideal concentration of CA and SPAH and the mechanical and physicochemical properties of this biomaterial.
Effects of Process Parameters in Thermoforming of Unidirectional Fibre-Reinforced Thermoplastics
Authors: Winhard Johannes , Nestler Daisy , Kroll Lothar
Published: January 2024

Process-induced defects during thermoforming are widespread problems in laminate manufacturing. The aim of this study is to describe the effects of holding time and pressure on several properties of the manufactured laminate. A design of experiments is performed, followed by an analysis of variance to examine significant effects. Subsequently, a regression model is created to predict the laminate’s properties, which is also validated. A significant interaction between holding time and pressure is determined for the resulting tensile strength and elongation at break with a p-value of 1.52·10−16 and 0.02, respectively. The highest values of tensile strength and elongation at break are found for low settings of holding time and pressure. The fibre volume fraction is not affected by the process parameters. As holding time and pressure increase, significant fibre misalignment takes place, leading to a decrease of the mechanical properties. The regression model corresponds well with the validation and a tensile strength of 1049 MPa with an elongation at break of 2.3% is reached.
Shaka Goichidaiki Zue: Vernacularization and Visualization of Buddha’s Biography in Nineteenth-Century Japan
Authors: Xiang Wei
Published: January 2024

Since the appearance of Buddha, texts and images depicting his life have circulated across Eurasia, serving as significant mediums for disseminating Buddhist ideology. Japan has historically been influenced by the canon of Chinese Buddhism while concurrently striving to promote the indigenization of Buddhism. This endeavor reached its peak during the Edo period, notably exemplified in the Shaka goichidaiki zue, illustrated by the world-renowned artist Hokusai Katsushika. Originating from Buddhist believers, it presents an adaptation based on the socio-historical context of pre-modern Japan, particularly manifesting evident shifts in emphasizing royal authority, the salvation of females, and ethical relationships. Entering the Meiji era, this pre-modern illustrated manuscript underwent repeated printing, playing an important role in the modernization of Buddhism.
Exploring Cultural Hybridity Branded by Convergence and Syncretism in the Characteristic Features of the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches in Zimbabwe: Implications for Spiritual and Material Well-Being
Authors: Marimbe Francis
Published: January 2024

When applied to Pentecostalism in Zimbabwe, the concept of cultural hybridity provides a framework for understanding how global religious movements can adapt to and incorporate local cultural elements. This process results in a unique form of religious expression characterised by convergence and syncretism, reflecting cultural and religious identity’s dynamic and fluid nature. This hybridity in religious practice is a testament to the ongoing, interactive cultural exchange and adaptation process. This article delves into the intricate cultural hybridity, convergence, glocalisation and syncretic tendencies within the characteristic features of New Religious Movements (NRMs) in Harare, Zimbabwe, illuminating their multifaceted role in addressing spiritual and material needs. Through a comprehensive exploration of selected NRMs that emerged from the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe, including Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries and Grace Oasis Ministries, this article unravels the central role of prophets and pastors in shaping the fundamental ethos of these religious entities. A striking and thought-provoking parallel emerges between the hallmark features of these NRMs and the tenets of African Traditional Religion and many other religious traditions. This parallel extends to practices such as exorcism, worship, healing, and deliverance, thus manifesting a profound form of religious expression informed by cultural hybridity, convergence, syncretism, and glocalisation. While there are ambiguities around scholarly debates on the definition of these terms, the article delves deep into the intricate religious elements embedded within the NRMs’ characteristic features, such as hymns, modes of worship, healing rituals, and deliverance ceremonies. These elements are tangible manifestations of their unique position at the crossroads of diverse belief systems. The cultural hybridity, convergence, syncretism, and glocalisation tendencies within NRMs offer gateways to invaluable networks, fostering social cohesion and the sharing of critical information. Consequently, these characteristics have become instrumental in the holistic development of individuals and communities within the vibrant religious landscape of Harare. Thus, this article provides profound insights into the nuanced dynamics of NRMs in Zimbabwe, shedding light on their various dimensions. It contributes substantially to our comprehension of the intricate interplay between spirituality, material prosperity, and the rich tapestry of religious traditions in Harare and the broader context of religious studies.
Reconceptualizing the Study of Christian Universities in the Republican Era in Today’s China
Authors: Ng Peter Tze Ming
Published: January 2024

Why study China’s Christian universities in the Republican era today? Christian universities were brought by Western missionaries and evolved as an educational system in China at the beginning of the 20th century. They were eliminated during the restructuring of the Chinese higher education system in the early 1950s; however, Deng Xiaoping’s reform policies in the 1980s brought profound changes in China, encouraging Chinese scholars to bring back pre-1949 Christian higher education in China. Since then, new approaches and reconceptualizations have been developed, such as in the fields of Eastern–Western cultural exchange, interdisciplinary studies (from xixue to guoxue), and the adaptation of global and local perspectives. This paper is an attempt to report how the reconceptualizations of China’s Christian universities in the Republican era were brought about in the various processes of indigenization, contextualization, internationalization, Asianization, and Sinicization, with the subsequent development of a new legacy moving toward the Sinicization of Christian universities.
Assessment of Radio Frequency Compatibility for New Radio Navigation Satellite Service Signal Design in the L6-Band
Authors: Lee Subin , Han Kahee , Won Jong-Hoon
Published: January 2024

The L- and S-bands are becoming increasingly congested with the modernization of radio navigation satellite service (RNSS) systems and the development of a new satellite navigation system. In order to solve the problem of frequency band congestion, compatibility performance assessment is essential when designing a new RNSS signal. This paper proposes a three-step compatibility assessment methodology for the design of new RNSS signals and evaluates the compatibility performance of L6-band signals based on the proposed methodology. The open signals of Galileo, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), and the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), as well as the three candidate signals of the new RNSS, are considered for the compatibility assessment. Based on the assessment results, this paper shows that the interference caused by the introduction of a new RNSS signal in the L6-band is tolerable.
Flood Susceptibility Assessment with Random Sampling Strategy in Ensemble Learning (RF and XGBoost)
Authors: Ren Hancheng , Pang Bo , Bai Ping , Zhao Gang , Liu Shu , Liu Yuanyuan , Li Min
Published: January 2024

Due to the complex interaction of urban and mountainous floods, assessing flood susceptibility in mountainous urban areas presents a challenging task in environmental research and risk analysis. Data-driven machine learning methods can evaluate flood susceptibility in mountainous urban areas lacking essential hydrological data, utilizing remote sensing data and limited historical inundation records. In this study, two ensemble learning algorithms, Random Forest (RF) and XGBoost, were adopted to assess the flood susceptibility of Kunming, a typical mountainous urban area prone to severe flood disasters. A flood inventory was created using flood observations from 2018 to 2022. The spatial database included 10 explanatory factors, encompassing climatic, geomorphic, and anthropogenic factors. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) were selected for model comparison. To minimize the influence of expert opinions on model training, this study employed a strategy of uniformly random sampling in historically non-flooded areas for negative sample selection. The results demonstrated that (1) ensemble learning algorithms offer higher accuracy than other machine learning methods, with RF achieving the highest accuracy, evidenced by an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87, followed by XGBoost at 0.84, surpassing both ANN (0.83) and SVM (0.82); (2) the interpretability of ensemble learning highlighted the differences in the potential distribution of the training data’s positive and negative samples. Feature importance in ensemble learning can be utilized to minimize human bias in the collection of flooded-site samples, more targeted flood susceptibility maps of the study area’s road network were obtained; and (3) ensemble learning algorithms exhibited greater stability and robustness in datasets with varied negative samples, as evidenced by their performance in F1-Score, Kappa, and AUC metrics. This paper further substantiates the superiority of ensemble learning in flood susceptibility assessment tasks from the perspectives of accuracy, interpretability, and robustness, enhances the understanding of the impact of negative samples on such assessments, and optimizes the specific process for urban flood susceptibility assessment using data-driven methods.
End-to-End Convolutional Network and Spectral-Spatial Transformer Architecture for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Li Shiping , Liang Lianhui , Zhang Shaoquan , Zhang Ying , Plaza Antonio , Wang Xuehua
Published: January 2024

Although convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have proven successful for hyperspectral image classification (HSIC), it is difficult to characterize the global dependencies between HSI pixels at long-distance ranges and spectral bands due to their limited receptive domain. The transformer can compensate well for this shortcoming, but it suffers from a lack of image-specific inductive biases (i.e., localization and translation equivariance) and contextual position information compared with CNNs. To overcome the aforementioned challenges, we introduce a simply structured, end-to-end convolutional network and spectral–spatial transformer (CNSST) architecture for HSIC. Our CNSST architecture consists of two essential components: a simple 3D-CNN-based hierarchical feature fusion network and a spectral–spatial transformer that introduces inductive bias information. The former employs a 3D-CNN-based hierarchical feature fusion structure to establish the correlation between spectral and spatial (SAS) information while capturing richer inductive bias and more discriminative local spectral-spatial hierarchical feature information, while the latter aims to establish the global dependency among HSI pixels while enhancing the acquisition of local information by introducing inductive bias information. Specifically, the spectral and inductive bias information is incorporated into the transformer’s multi-head self-attention mechanism (MHSA), thus making the attention spectrally aware and location-aware. Furthermore, a Lion optimizer is exploited to boost the classification performance of our newly developed CNSST. Substantial experiments conducted on three publicly accessible hyperspectral datasets unequivocally showcase that our proposed CNSST outperforms other state-of-the-art approaches.
A FEM Flow Impact Acoustic Model Applied to Rapid Computation of Ocean-Acoustic Remote Sensing in Mesoscale Eddy Seas
Authors: Liu Yi , Xu Jian , Jin Kangkang , Feng Rui , Xu Luochuan , Chen Linglong , Chen Dan , Qiao Jiyao
Published: January 2024

Mesoscale eddies have an impact on the marine environment mainly in two areas, namely, currents and changes in the sound velocity gradient due to temperature and salt stirring. The traditional underwater-related remote sensing acoustic remote sensing model is capable of analyzing the acoustic field under the change in sound velocity gradient, but it is not capable of analyzing the acoustic field under the influence of ocean currents. In order to more effectively analyze the changes in the acoustic field caused by mesoscale eddies, this paper proposes a FEM flow impact model applied to the rapid computation of acoustic remote sensing of mesoscale eddies in the sea area. The algorithm first performs a grid optimization of the sea area model based on vertical sound velocity variations and completes the classification of sound velocity layer junctions. At the same time, we construct the sound velocity gradient environment affected by the mesoscale eddy and then simplify the fluid flow in the mesoscale eddy into a non-viscous and non-rotating velocity potential, and then participate in the solution of the three-dimensional spatial fluctuation equations in the form of time-harmonic in the frequency domain, from which we can obtain the truncated sound pressure as well as the propagation loss, and quickly and completely characterize the acoustic remote sensing of the sea area of the mesoscale eddy. The paper verifies the effectiveness of the algorithm through SW06-contained flow experiments and further proposes an optimization formula for sound velocity inversion. We analyze this using measured data of mesoscale eddy fields in the Bering Sea waters during 2022 and find that eddies have a greater effect on the propagation of the acoustic field along their flow direction.
A Fusion Strategy for Vehicle Positioning at Intersections Utilizing UWB and Onboard Sensors
Authors: Gao Huaikun , Li Xu , Song Xiang
Published: January 2024

For vehicle positioning applications in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), lane-level or even more precise localization is desired in some typical urban scenarios. With the rapid development of wireless positioning technologies, ultrawide bandwidth (UWB) has stood out and become a prominent approach for high-precision positioning. However, in traffic scenarios, the UWB-based positioning method may deteriorate because of not-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation, multipath effect and other external interference. To overcome these problems, in this paper, a fusion strategy utilizing UWB and onboard sensors is developed to achieve reliable and precise vehicle positioning. It is a two-step approach, which includes the preprocessing of UWB raw measurements and the global estimation of vehicle position. Firstly, an ARIMA–GARCH model to address the NLOS problem of UWB at vehicular traffic scenarios is developed, and then the NLOS of UWB can be detected and corrected efficiently. Further, an adaptive IMM algorithm is developed to realize global fusion. Compared with traditional IMM, the proposed AIMM is capable of adjusting the model probabilities to make them better matching for current driving conditions, then positioning accuracy can be improved. Finally, the method is validated through experiments. Field test results verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed strategy.
Investigation of Slagging Condition in a Zhundong Coal-Fired Boiler via In Situ Optical Measurement of Gaseous Sodium
Authors: Guo Li , Wang Haofan , Li Xian , Wang Xiangxi , Bie Nanxi , Yao Bin , Zhen Weijun , Li Jian , Lou Chun , Yao Hong
Published: January 2024

In this study, a portable spectral analysis instrument based on spontaneous emission spectroscopy (SES) was developed for the in situ, non-intrusive, and quantitative measurement of gaseous Na inside ZD coal-fired boilers, which is mainly applied for predicting slagging in furnaces. This technology is needed urgently because the problem of fouling and slagging caused by high alkali metals in ZD coal restricts the rational utilization of this coal. The relative extended uncertainty for the measurement of gaseous Na concentration is Urel = 10%, k = 2, which indicates that measurement data are reliable under working conditions. It was found that there is a clear linear relationship between the concentration of gaseous Na and fouling in high-alkali coal boilers. Therefore, a fast and efficient method for predicting the slagging and fouling of high-alkali coal boilers can be established by using this in situ online real-time optical measurement.
Adaptive-Robust Controller for Smart Exoskeleton Robot
Authors: Brahmi Brahim , Dahani Hicham , Bououden Soraya , Farah Raouf , Rahman Mohamed Habibur
Published: January 2024

Rehabilitation robotics has seen growing popularity in recent years due to its immense potential for improving the lives of people with disabilities. However, the complex, uncertain dynamics of these systems present significant control challenges, requiring advanced techniques. This paper introduces a novel adaptive control framework integrating modified function approximation (MFAT) and double-integral non-singular terminal sliding mode control (DINTSMC). The goal is to achieve precise tracking performance, high robustness, a fast response, a finite convergence time, reduced chattering, and effective handling of unknown system dynamics. A key feature is the incorporation of a higher-order sliding mode observer, eliminating the need for velocity feedback. This provides a new solution for overcoming the inherent variations and uncertainties in robot manipulators, enabling improved accuracy within fixed convergence times. The efficacy of the proposed approach was validated through simulations and experiments on an exoskeleton robot. The results successfully demonstrated the controller’s effectiveness. Stability analysis using Lyapunov theory proved the closed-loop system’s uniform ultimate boundedness. This contribution is expected to enable enhanced control for rehabilitation robots and improved patient outcomes.
Preparation and Application of Si@Al Adsorbents for Different Pollutants Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Liu Jiahua , Cao Yuang , Wang Han , Zhang Keqiang , Chang Chein-Chi , Zhi Suli
Published: January 2024

This study tried to use electroflocculating precipitated waste to prepare a Si@Al adsorbent by simply mixing sodium silicate at a mass ratio of 4:1 and calcining at 200 °C for 2 h. The adsorbent was low cost, high efficiency, and could remove a variety of contaminants (organic pollutants, antibiotics, and metal ions) from water. In this study, adsorbent characterization and pollutant adsorption experiments were carried out. The results showed that: Si@Al adsorbent had uniform particles, distinct layers, a loose porous appearance, and the internal structure was scattered without a crystal structure. The optimal adsorption conditions for tetracycline were as follows: dosage of adsorbent 2.0 g/L, reaction time 10 min, pH = 4.5, and tetracycline removal rate of 97.13%. The optimal adsorption conditions for MB (MB stands for methylene blue) were an adsorption dosage of 4.0 g/L, a reaction time of 15 min, pH = 4.5–8.5, and a removal rate of 96.39%. The optimal adsorption conditions for Cu were a 2.0 g/L dosage of adsorbent, a reaction time of 30 min, a pH of 8.5, and a highest removal rate of 97.47%. It was worth noting that the effect of temperature on TC, MB and Cu was not significant. At the same time, the kinetic fitting results showed that the adsorption of MB was more consistent with the quasi-second-order kinetic model, with R2 ranging from 0.9788 to 1.0000. The adsorption of TC and Cu was more consistent with the quasi-first-order kinetic model, with R2 ranging from 0.9598 to 0.9999 and 0.9844 to 0.9988, respectively. According to the results of thermodynamics, kinetics and zero potential point, the adsorption of tetracycline and methylene blue was mainly a physical adsorption, multilayer heterogeneous or single-layer homogeneous adsorption process. The adsorption of Cu was categorized as multi-layer heterogeneous chemical adsorption. The co-existing substances had little effect on the properties of the adsorbent, and the adsorbent could be recycled 5 times. Compared with other adsorbents, the results showed that the adsorbents had obvious advantages in terms of the raw material source, preparation method, time cost and removal effect. This study provided a “waste into treasure, green and efficient” multi-pollutant adsorption method.
Properties of Sustainable Earth Construction Materials: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Zhang Youchao , Jiang Shuangli , Quan Dengzhou , Fang Kun , Wang Bo , Ma Zhiming
Published: January 2024

As a significant symbol of human civilization advancement, earth construction not only inherits traditional architectural culture but also enjoys worldwide popularity and widespread usage throughout China due to its economic and environmentally friendly nature, as well as its moisture absorption and heat storage advantages. Consequently, earth construction has garnered considerable attention from international scholars. This paper compiles relevant data to review the developmental trajectory of earth construction, while conducting an in-depth analysis of the performance characteristics of earthen materials. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of three modification methods on the mechanical and durability properties of earthen materials, along with a discussion on the research concerning the thermal and moisture performance of these materials. Simultaneously, discussions were held on the relevant research findings and potential directions for the development of earthen materials. Finally, conclusions were drawn, suggesting a comprehensive utilization of their thermal and moisture performance, emphasizing the enhancement of their mechanical and durability performance. Additionally, attention was urged towards the economic and ecological aspects during the construction and maintenance phases of earth construction. These recommendations aim to facilitate the sustainable development and widespread application of earthen materials in the future.
An Environmental Participatory Governance (EPG) Model for the Ecological Transition: The Case of the Basilicata Region
Authors: Loperte Simona
Published: January 2024

In the current poly-crisis scenario, in which we face the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and unstable geopolitical conditions, a just ecological transition increasingly plays a pivotal role in determining our visions for the future. Communities must be adequately prepared and made protagonists in order to ethically orient and support this transition. This article shows an experience from the Basilicata region (southern Italy) that is intended to engage the community in the just ecological transition process. To that end, an Environmental Participatory Governance model was implemented, exploiting both the synod of the churches for existing community networks and scientific expertise to support multi-actor knowledge integration and learning. The developed model allowed us to obtain an in-depth knowledge of the main players who carry out environmental education, the strengths and weaknesses of their environmental strategies, and the synergy among them. Bottom–up outcomes, in terms of perceived environmental risks and suggested priority actions, represent a challenge for stakeholders, but confronting these has led to significant alignment of visions for the implementation of a shared action plan. The most significant result of this work is the learnings concerning the implementation of a participatory experience, which should be replicable at different scales and for any environmental problem. Such an experience allows for the possibility of forming consolidated networks, which make environmental governance more effective at the regional level.
The Impact of Rural Industrial Integration on Agricultural Carbon Emissions Evidence from China Provinces Data
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Yikang
Published: January 2024

Based on the data from China’s provincial panel from 2008 to 2019, this paper explores the impact of rural industrial integration (RII) on agriculture carbon emissions (ACE). It is found that RII has significantly inhibited ACE. The 1% increase in RII led to a 2.133% reduction in ACE; the RII can realize the goal of green agriculture by accelerating urbanization, thus inhibiting ACE. The labor structure has a significant positive moderating effect on agricultural carbon emission reduction in the process of RII. In the threshold analysis, it is found that the rural labor structure has a single threshold nonlinear effect, and the effect of RII on inhibited ACE is more pronounced when the level of labor structure is more than the threshold of 0.829. This conclusion not only contributes to understanding the relationship between the RII, urbanization, labor structure, and carbon emissions, but also provides substantial support for further promoting the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy and achieving the dual-carbon goal.
Architectural Heritage Preservation for Rural Revitalization: Typical Case of Traditional Village Retrofitting in China
Authors: Xie Kai , Zhang Yin , Han Wenyang
Published: January 2024

With the massive urbanization and industrialization in China, the paradox between fast modernization and cultural preservation arouses challenges on new insight into green construction and sustainable development strategies throughout the nation. Particularly, how to strike a balanced cultural–modern rural revitalization has become a research priority, especially for cultural and historical villages in relatively under developed western regions. In this paper, taking Gaotunzi Village, a traditional ethnic village in western high-altitude plateau as an illustrative example, the typical green design manner and optimization strategy are proposed for cultural and architectural heritage preservation. The detailed architecture and structure design is conducted for both old temple retrofitting and new museum construction, with consideration for retaining traditional building colors, styles, and materials. Moreover, land use planning is demonstrated for local public space and services upgrading. The overall design strategy has been taken into practice for the local renovation construction program. The preliminary results indicate that this green retrofitting idea and approach are quite locally feasible for sustainable rural revitalization with local heritage conservation, including traditional wooden buildings, Buddhism belief, Tibetan icons, and ethnic symbolic culture preservation and promotion. This work can provide a typical design reference and application prototype for rural construction and modernization with local heritage preservation considerations, especially for those traditional villages in developing countries.
Saltwater Intrusion in the Changjiang River Estuary in Response to the East Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project in the New Period after 2003
Authors: Huang Huiming , Wang Yan , Wang Sheng , Lan Yinyu , Huang Xiantao
Published: January 2024

The continuous operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir since 2003 has altered the annual runoff into the Changjiang River Estuary, significantly affecting patterns of saltwater intrusion. This has become more pronounced with the development of the East Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project, which has changed the runoff distribution and saltwater dynamics once again. Recognizing the critical need to understand these changes, this study employs numerical simulations to investigate the impact of the East Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project’s water abstraction on saltwater intrusion in the Changjiang River Estuary post-2003. It assesses intrusion distances, freshwater availability, and periods when water intake might be compromised due to high salinity. Our findings indicate that the East Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project markedly influences intrusion patterns. By modeling various runoff scenarios, the study delineates the correlation between average monthly runoff at the Datong Hydrological Survey Station and estuary salinity. It then suggests optimal ecological discharge levels to manage saltwater intrusion effectively. This research provides insights which are necessary for informed water management and ecological protection in the region.
Modeling the Strategic Enablers of Financial Sustainability in Saudi Higher Education Institutions Using an Integrated Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory–Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach
Authors: Makki Anas A. , Al-Filali Isam Y.
Published: January 2024

Ensuring financial sustainability is paramount for higher education institutions (HEIs) to maintain financial viability and accomplish their strategic objectives by efficiently managing and utilizing resources. Studying strategic enablers’ interconnections and influences on each other is essential to forming a profound understanding and guiding the execution of initiatives linked to achieving financial sustainability plans. The main objective of this research study is to construct a model and analyze the strategic enablers of financial sustainability in HEIs and their associated dimensions. An integrated modeling approach was followed based on the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) methods. Input data collected from experts with specialist experience in financial sustainability in HEIs were used in the modeling. The overarching finding is that starting with the development of regulations and legislation-related systems leads to good governance practices, enabling the achievement of financial sustainability in HEIs. The developed model unpacks the complex relationships among the enablers and their dimensions. It reveals their cause-and-effect relationship classifications, ranks based on relative importance weights, dependence and driving powers classifications, relationship directions, and interpretive structure. It provides an overarching view of the interconnected network that acts as a roadmap to achieving financial sustainability in HEIs.
Integration of LiFi, BPL, and Fiber Optic Technologies in Smart Grid Backbone Networks: A Proposal for Exploiting the LiFi LED Street Lighting Networks of Power Utilities and Smart Cities
Authors: Lazaropoulos Athanasios G. , Leligou Helen C.
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a proposal for extending an existing terabit-class backbone network architecture to enable the use of LiFi technology by power utilities and smart cities. The proposed architecture provides a practical means of integrating three smart grid communication technologies—fiber optics, BPL networks and LiFi LED street lighting networks—across the transmission and distribution power grids of smart cities. In addition to expanding the backbone communications network architecture, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of LiFi technology and analyzes the concept of LiFi LED street lighting networks in a smart city. The analytical investigation of the operation and performance of LiFi LED street lighting networks focuses on the following aspects: (i) typical LED street lighting configurations and default configuration parameter values encountered in smart sustainable cities; (ii) the applied LiFi channel model and corresponding default model parameters; (iii) SNR computations and LiFi channel classifications for a variety of scenarios; and (iv) available LiFi LED street lighting network architectures for integrating LiFi LED street lighting networks with the backbone network. The paper also discusses the potential benefits of LiFi LED street lighting networks for power utilities, smart cities and individuals.
Blue Gold, Game-Based Learning to Encourage Sustainable Consumption: The Case of Mobile Phones
Authors: Rodríguez Noemí , Yebra Francisco , Dopico Aida , Garcia-Vazquez Eva , Dopico Eduardo
Published: January 2024

The concept of sustainability is different in industry and in nature. In the case of mobile phones, the constant replacement by new models increases waste to ecologically unbearable limits. To encourage responsible and sustainable consumption, we designed an educational game in a role-play format, called Blue Gold. The objective was to make known the use of cobalt in the production of mobile phones and the methods and people involved in its extraction. We present three characters that each participant could become during the game: a Congolese girl, a Congolese boy, or an American boy. Through socio-educational dynamics of experiential learning, 308 undergraduate students and 31 of their teachers participated in the game. We set out to investigate whether knowing the reality of child labor and violence against women happening in cobalt mines could have any impact on consumer behavior, if the effect of the game could delay the desire to purchase a mobile phone or refuse to buy a new one. The results obtained revealed the influence of the role assumed in the game and the gender of the participants. They also revealed that this online role-playing game is effective in encouraging a more sustainable consumption behavior.
Evaluating the Influence of Urban Blocks on Air Pollution Concentration Levels: The Case Study of Golden Lane Estate in London
Authors: Borna Mehrdad , Turci Giulia , Marchetti Marco , Schiano-Phan Rosa
Published: January 2024

Numerous studies have examined the impact of urban form on microclimate and thermal comfort at street level. However, the relationship between air pollution concentration and urban form, particularly vegetation and building arrangement, is less considered among planners and designers, and not many case study examples are available in the literature. To address this gap, this paper provides additional evidence and a case study example, illustrating the impact of the built environment on air pollution in urban areas. The Golden Lane Estate, a residential development that has valuable and repeatable urban design and architectural features and is located near a highly congested and polluted area in central London, was selected as the study site. The analysis involved a combination of fieldwork spot measurements and computational modelling (ENVI-met), considering physical features of urban blocks, levels of air pollution, and meteorological parameters (using data from local meteorological stations). The site modelling simulated current conditions and a condition without vegetation to better understand the impact of vegetation on pollutant concentration. The results indicate that urban form and vegetation arrangements significantly affect wind speed and direction, exacerbating air pollution within street canyons of varying aspect ratios. Such findings contribute to the expanding field of hyperlocal scale measurement and underscore the need for guidelines regarding the optimal placement, scale, type, and distribution of vegetation within street canyons.
Impacts of Crop Production and Value Chains on Household Food Insecurity in Kwazulu-Natal: An Ordered Probit Analysis
Authors: Cele Thobani , Mudhara Maxwell
Published: January 2024

Household food insecurity persists in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, despite the significant contribution of agriculture to the country’s economy. The role that the combination of crop production systems and value chains can play in improving household food security has yet to be addressed. This paper examines the combined effects of crop production systems and value chains on household food insecurity. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) transformed the correlated variables into three distinct domains, namely, modern agro-production practices, sustainable market integration, and traditional knowledge. An Ordered Probit Analysis was used to determine the factors that influence household food insecurity. Household food insecurity was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) using 300 randomly selected smallholder farmers. The results showed that sustainable market integration, traditional knowledge focus, education, and livestock ownership significantly and negatively impact a household’s food insecurity. A household’s size, food expenditure, and cash credit, as well as floods, significantly and positively affect its food insecurity. Policymakers and stakeholders should prioritise the integration of a sustainable market and the preservation of traditional knowledge, while reducing the food costs, in order to combat household food insecurity.
Substrate Doping and Defect Influence on P-Rich InP(001):H Surface Properties
Authors: Sciotto Rachele , Ruiz Alvarado Isaac Azahel , Schmidt Wolf Gero
Published: January 2024

Density-functional theory calculations on P-rich InP(001):H surfaces are presented. Depending on temperature, pressure and substrate doping, hydrogen desorption or adsorption will occur and influence the surface electronic properties. For p-doped samples, the charge transition levels of the P dangling bond defects resulting from H desorption will lead to Fermi level pinning in the lower half of the band gap. This explains recent experimental data. For n-doped substrates, H-deficient surfaces are the ground-state structure. This will lead to Fermi level pinning below the bulk conduction band minimum. Surface defects resulting from the adsorption of additional hydrogen can be expected as well, but affect the surface electronic properties less than H desorption.