bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation and Microstructural Analysis of Twin-Induced Plasticity Steel Cylinder Deep Drawing
Authors: Yu Tianhang , Su Yu , Li Jun , Fu Huaqing , Si Zhouxiang , Liu Xiaopei
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the stress–strain behavior and microstructural changes of Fe-Mn-Si-C twin-induced plasticity (TWIP) steel cylindrical components at different depths of deep drawing and after deep drawing deformation at various positions. The finite element simulation yielded a limiting drawing coefficient of 0.451. Microstructure and texture were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The research revealed that the extent of grain deformation and structural defects gradually increased with increasing drawing depth. According to the orientation distribution function (ODF) plot, at the flange fillet, the predominant texture was Copper (Cu){112}<111> orientation; at the cylinder wall, the main textures were Copper Twin (CuT) and Goss (G) orientations; at the rounded bottom corner of the cylinder, the primary texture was τ-fiber (<110>//TD), with its strength increasing with deeper drawing.
Application of Artificial Intelligence for Surface Roughness Prediction of Additively Manufactured Components
Authors: Batu Temesgen , Lemu Hirpa G. , Shimels Hailu
Published: September 2023

Additive manufacturing has gained significant popularity from a manufacturing perspective due to its potential for improving production efficiency. However, ensuring consistent product quality within predetermined equipment, cost, and time constraints remains a persistent challenge. Surface roughness, a crucial quality parameter, presents difficulties in meeting the required standards, posing significant challenges in industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, energy, optics, and electronics manufacturing, where surface quality directly impacts performance and functionality. As a result, researchers have given great attention to improving the quality of manufactured parts, particularly by predicting surface roughness using different parameters related to the manufactured parts. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the methods used by researchers to predict the surface quality of additively fabricated parts. Numerous research studies have developed models utilizing AI methods, including recent deep learning and machine learning approaches, which are effective in cost reduction and saving time, and are emerging as a promising technique. This paper presents the recent advancements in machine learning and AI deep learning techniques employed by researchers. Additionally, the paper discusses the limitations, challenges, and future directions for applying AI in surface roughness prediction for additively manufactured components. Through this review paper, it becomes evident that integrating AI methodologies holds great potential to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the additive manufacturing process. This integration minimizes the need for re-processing machined components and ensures compliance with technical specifications. By leveraging AI, the industry can enhance efficiency and overcome the challenges associated with achieving consistent product quality in additive manufacturing.
Comparative Analysis between Conventional Acrylic, CAD/CAM Milled, and 3D CAD/CAM Printed Occlusal Splints
Authors: Abad-Coronel Cristian , Ruano Espinosa Carolina , Ordóñez Palacios Sofía , Paltán César A. , Fajardo Jorge I.
Published: September 2023

The development of digital technologies has allowed for the fabrication of new materials; however, it makes it difficult to choose the best methods to obtain occlusal splints with optimal properties, so it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of these materials. The aim of the study is to compare the fracture resistance of occlusal splints made of different materials after thermo-mechanical aging. Methods: A total of 32 samples were made from 4 materials (two 3D printed polymeric materials, a PMMA disc for CAD/CAM, and a conventional heat-cured acrylic resin); subsequently, the fracture test was performed using the load compression mode applied occlusally on the splint surface. Statistical analysis: Four statistical tests were used (Shapiro-Wilk, Levene’s test, ANOVA, and Tukey’s HSD test). Results: The following study showed that there are differences in fracture strength among the four materials investigated, where the highest strength was observed in the milled splint, with a mean of 3051.2 N (newton) compared to the strength of the flexible splint with 1943.4 N, the printed splint with 1489.9 N, and the conventional acrylic splint with 1303.9 N. Conclusions: The milled splints were the most resistant to fracture. Of the printed splints, the splint made with flexural rigid resin withstood the applied forces in acceptable ranges, so its clinical indication may be viable. Although the results of this research indicated differences in the mechanical properties between the CAD/CAM and conventional fabrication methods, the selection may also be influenced by processing time and cost, since with a CAD/CAM system there is a significant reduction in the production time of the splint material.
A Pulsed Current Application to the Deformation Processing of Materials
Authors: Stolyarov Vladimir , Misochenko Anna
Published: September 2023

A review of studies on the electroplastic effect on the deformation process in various conductive materials and alloys for the last decade has been carried out. Aspects, such as the mode and regimes of electric current, the practical methods of its introduction into materials with different deformation schemes, features of deformation behavior accompanied by a pulsed current of different materials, structural changes caused by the combined action of deformation and current, the influence of structural features on the electroplastic effect, changes in the physical, mechanical, and technological properties of materials subjected to plastic deformation under current, possible mechanisms and methods of physical and computer modeling of the electroplastic effect, and potential and practical applications of the electroplastic effect are considered. The growing research interest in the manifestation of the electroplastic effect in such new modern materials as shape-memory alloys and ultrafine-grained and nanostructured alloys is shown. Various methods of modeling the mechanisms of electroplasticity, especially at the microlevel, are becoming the most realistic approach for the prediction of the deformation behavior and physical and mechanical properties of various materials. Original examples of the practical application of electropulse methods in the processes of drawing, microstamping, and others are given.
The Prognostic and Therapeutic Role of Histone Acetylation Modification in LIHC Development and Progression
Authors: Gao Ji , Han Sheng , Gu Jian , Wu Chen , Mu Xiaoxin
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: The modification of histone acetylation plays a vital role in regulating tumor occurrence and development, but the interaction between histone acetylation modulator genes and the liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) microenvironment, as well as immunotherapy, has not been investigated. Materials and Methods: Analysis of all statistical data was carried out using R software (Version 4.2.0) and the online tool Sangerbox. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, including signature construction and validation, functional analyses, immune and genomic features analyses, and immunotherapy prediction analyses, were performed to explore the prognostic and therapeutic role of histone acetylation modulator genes in LIHC development and progression. Results: The LIHC cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was selected as the training cohort; the GSE76427 cohort from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and the LIRI-JP cohort from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database were selected as the validation cohorts. The histone acetylation modulator gene-based prognostic signature was constructed and validated successfully. Immune infiltration analysis showed that most immune cells and immune functions were enriched in patients with high histone acetylation risk scores (HARS). Additionally, high levels of checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) were also observed in high HARS patients. Meanwhile, TIDE algorithm analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between HARS and immunotherapy response, and submap algorithm analysis was used for the verification of the results, from which we found that high HAPS patients were more likely to respond to immunotherapy. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that the histone acetylation modulator genes, particularly for KAT21, SIRT6, and HAT1, may have the potential to function as a new prognostic marker and therapeutic target for LIHC.
Association of Vitamin D Genetic Risk Score with Noncommunicable Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Almaghrbi Heba , Al-Shafai Mashael , Al-Asmakh Maha , Bawadi Hiba
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims: The genetic risk score (GRS) is an important tool for estimating the total genetic contribution or susceptibility to a certain outcome of interest in an individual, taking into account their genetic risk alleles. This study aims to systematically review the association between the GRS of low vitamin D with different noncommunicable diseases/markers. Methods: The article was first registered in PROSPERO CRD42023406929. PubMed and Embase were searched from the time of inception until March 2023 to capture all the literature related to the vitamin D genetic risk score (vD-GRS) in association with noncommunicable diseases. This was performed using comprehensive search terms including “Genetic Risk Score” OR “Genetics risk assessment” OR “Genome-wide risk score” AND “Vitamin D” OR 25(HO)D OR “25-hydroxyvitamin D”. Results: Eleven eligible studies were included in this study. Three studies reported a significant association between vD-GRS and metabolic parameters, including body fat percentage, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, and fasting blood glucose. Moreover, colorectal cancer overall mortality and the risk of developing arterial fibrillation were also found to be associated with genetically deprived vitamin D levels. Conclusions: This systematic review highlights the genetic contribution of low-vitamin-D-risk single nucleotides polymorphisms (SNPs) as an accumulative factor associated with different non-communicable diseases/markers, including cancer mortality and the risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases such as arterial fibrillation.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides in Maternal Serum Respond to Oral Glucose Load and Are Associated with Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Weiser-Fuchs Marie-Therese , Maggauer Elena , van Poppel Mireille N. M. , Csapo Bence , Desoye Gernot , Köfeler Harald C. , Groselj-Strele Andrea , Trajanoski Slave , Fluhr Herbert , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Jantscher-Krenn Evelyn
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: Pregnancy presents a challenge to maternal glucose homeostasis; suboptimal adaptations can lead to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) circulate in maternal blood in pregnancy and are altered with GDM, suggesting influence of glucose homeostasis on HMOs. We thus assessed the HMO response to glucose load during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and investigated HMO associations with glucose tolerance/insulin sensitivity in healthy pregnant women. (2) Methods: Serum of 99 women, collected at 0 h, 1 h and 2 h during a 75 g OGTT at 24–28 gestational weeks was analyzed for HMOs (2′FL, 3′SLN, LDFT, 3′SL) by HPLC; plasma glucose, insulin and C-peptide were analyzed by standard biochemistry methods. (3) Results: Serum 3′SL concentrations significantly increased from fasting to 1 h after glucose load, while concentrations of the other HMOs were unaltered. Higher 3′SL at all OGTT time points was associated with a generally more diabetogenic profile, with higher hepatic insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lower insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index) and higher insulin secretion (C-peptide index 1). (4) Conclusions: Rapid increase in serum 3′SL post-oral glucose load (fasted-fed transition) indicates utilization of plasma glucose, potentially for sialylation of lactose. Associations of sialylated HMOs with a more diabetogenic profile suggest sustained adaptations to impaired glucose homeostasis in pregnancy. Underlying mechanisms or potential consequences of observed HMO changes remain to be elucidated.
Nature-Inspired Compounds: Synthesis and Antibacterial Susceptibility Testing of Eugenol Derivatives against H. pylori Strains
Authors: Carradori Simone , Ammazzalorso Alessandra , Niccolai Sofia , Tanini Damiano , D’Agostino Ilaria , Melfi Francesco , Capperucci Antonella , Grande Rossella , Sisto Francesca
Published: September 2023

The antimicrobial properties of one of the most important secondary metabolites, Eugenol (EU), inspired us to design and synthesize three different series of derivatives enhancing its parent compound’s anti-Helicobacter pylori activity. Thus, we prepared semisynthetic derivatives through (A) diazo aryl functionalization, (B) derivatization of the hydroxy group of EU, and (C) elongation of the allyl radical by incorporating a chalcogen atom. The antibacterial evaluation was performed on the reference NCTC 11637 strain and on three drug-resistant clinical isolates and the minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MICs and MBCs) highlight the role of chalcogens in enhancing the antimicrobial activity (less than 4 µg/mL for some compounds) of the EU scaffold (32–64 µg/mL).
Development and Optimization of a Novel Lozenge Containing a Metronidazole-Peppermint Oil-Tranexamic Acid Self-Nanoemulsified Delivery System to Be Used after Dental Extraction: In Vitro Evaluation and In Vivo Appraisal
Authors: Alissa Mohammed , Hjazi Ahmed , Abusalim Ghadah S. , Aloraini Ghfren S. , Alghamdi Suad A. , Rizg Waleed Y. , Hosny Khaled M. , Alblowi Jazia A. , Alkharobi Hanaa
Published: September 2023

In-depth studies on essential oil–based nanoemulsions (NEs) have centered on a variety of oral health issues. NEs improve the delivery of nonpolar active agents to sites and thereby boost the dissolution and distribution of the agents. Metronidazole-peppermint oil-tranexamic acid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (MZ-PO-TX-SNEDDS) were created and loaded into novel lozenges to act as antifungal, hemostatic, antimicrobial, and analgesic dosage forms after dental extractions. The design-of-experiments approach was used in creating them. To generate the NEs, different concentrations of MZ-PO (240, 180, and 120 mg), 2% TX (600, 450, and 300 mg), and Smix1:1 (600, 400, and 200 mg) were used. The ideal formulation had serum levels of 1530 U/mL of interleukin-6, a minimal inhibitory concentration against bacteria of 1.5 µg/mL, a droplet size of 96 nm, and a blood coagulation time of 16.5 min. Moreover, the produced NE offered better MZ release. The adopted design was used to produce the ideal formulation; it contained 240 mg of MZ-PO, 600 mg of 2% TX, and 600 mg of Smix1:1. It was incorporated into lozenges with acceptable characteristics and an improved capability for drug release. These lozenges had reasonable coagulation times, IL-6 serum levels, and MIC values. All of these characteristics are desirable for managing symptoms following tooth extractions. Therefore, these lozenges loaded with MZ-PO-TX-SNEDDs might be considered a beneficial paradigm for relieving complications encountered after tooth extractions.
Mechanical Properties of Bio-Based Sandwich Composites Containing Recycled Polymer Textiles
Authors: Khalili Pooria , Skrifvars Mikael , Dhakal Hom Nath , Dashatan Saeid Hosseinpour , Danielsson Mikael , Gràcia Alèxia Feiner
Published: September 2023

In this paper, sandwich composites were produced by compression moulding techniques, and they consisted of regenerated cellulose fabric (rayon) and bio-based polypropylene (PP) to form facings, while virgin and recycled polyamide (PA) textiles were used as core materials. To compare the mechanical performance between sandwich composites and typical composite designs, a control composite was produced to deliver the same weight and fiber mass fraction from rayon and PP. To evaluate the influence of recycled textile on the mechanical properties of the composites, a series of flexural, low velocity impact (LVI) and tensile tests were performed. It was found that the incorporation of thicker PA textile enhanced the bending stiffness by two times and the peak flexural force by 70% as compared to those of control. Substitution of a layer of recycled textile for two layers of rayon provided a good level of impact energy absorption capacity (~28 J) and maximum force (~4893–5229 N). The tensile strength of the four sandwich composites was reported to be in the range of 34.20 MPa and 46.80 MPa. This value was 91.90 for the control composite. The 2D cross-section slices of the composite specimens did not show any evidence of fiber tow debonding, fiber bundle splitting, or delamination.
Degradation of Poly(ε-caprolactone) Resorbable Multifilament Yarn under Physiological Conditions
Authors: Deshpande Monica V. , Girase Arjunsing , King Martin W.
Published: September 2023

Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a hydrophobic, resorbable aliphatic polymer recognized for its low tenacity and extensive elongation at break, making it a popular choice for fabricating biodegradable tissue engineering scaffolds. PCL’s slow degradation rate typically results in a complete resorption period of 2 to 3 years. While numerous studies have examined the degradation of PCL in various forms such as films and webs, no study to date has investigated its physiological degradation in multifilament yarn form. In this study, we subjected PCL multifilament yarn samples to physiological conditions in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) maintained at a consistent temperature of 37 ± 2 °C and agitated at 45 rpm for a period of 32 weeks. We retrieved samples at five different intervals to analyze the degradation profile of the multifilament yarn. This allowed us to estimate the complete resorption time and rate under these in vitro conditions. Over the 32-week period, the multifilament yarn’s mass decreased by 4.8%, its elongation at break declined by 42%, the tenacity dropped by 40%, and the peak load at break fell by 46.5%. Based on these findings, we predict that a scaffold structure incorporating PCL multifilament yarn would undergo complete resorption in approximately 14 months under physiological conditions, such as in PBS solution at a pH of approximately 7 and a temperature of 37 °C.
Assessing the Accuracy of Multi-Temporal GlobeLand30 Products in China Using a Spatiotemporal Stratified Sampling Method
Authors: Gong Yali , Xie Huan , Liao Shicheng , Lu Yao , Jin Yanmin , Wei Chao , Tong Xiaohua
Published: September 2023

The new type of multi-temporal global land use data with multiple classes is able to provide information on both the different land covers and their temporal changes; furthermore, it is able to contribute to many applications, such as those involving global climate and Earth ecosystem analyses. However, the current accuracy assessment methods have two limitations regarding multi-temporal land cover data that have multiple classes. First, multi-temporal land cover uses data from multiple phases, which is time-consuming and inefficient if evaluated one by one. Secondly, the conversion between different land cover classes increases the complexity of the sample stratification, and the assessments with different types of land cover suffer from inefficient sample stratification. In this paper, we propose a spatiotemporal stratified sampling method for stratifying the multi-temporal GlobeLand30 products for China. The changed and unchanged types of each class of data in the three periods are used to obtain a reasonable stratification. Then, the strata labels are simplified by using binary coding, i.e., a 1 or 0 representing a specified class or a nonspecified class, to improve the efficiency of the stratification. Additionally, the stratified sample size is determined by the combination of proportional allocation and empirical evaluation. The experimental results show that spatiotemporal stratified sampling is beneficial for increasing the sample size of the “change” strata for multi-temporal data and can evaluate not only the accuracy and area of the data in a single data but also the accuracy and area of the data in a multi-period change type and an unchanged type. This work also provides a good reference for the assessment of multi-temporal data with multiple classes.
Surging Glaciers in High Mountain Asia between 1986 and 2021
Authors: Yao Xiaojun , Zhou Sugang , Sun Meiping , Duan Hongyu , Zhang Yuan
Published: September 2023

High Mountain Asia (HMA) is one of the concentrated areas of surging glaciers in the world. The dynamic movement of surging glaciers not only reshapes the periglacial landscape but also has the potential to directly or indirectly trigger catastrophic events. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the distribution patterns, periodicities, and occurrence mechanisms of surging glaciers. Based on Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI remote sensing images from 1986 to 2021, a total of 244 surging glaciers were identified in HMA in this study, covering an area of 11,724 km2 and accounting for 12.01% of the total area of glaciers in this region. There are 185 surging glaciers identified within the Karakoram Range and Pamirs, which constitute the primary mountainous regions in HMA. From 1986 to 2021, these surging glaciers advanced at least 2802 times and exhibited different temporal and spatial patterns. A total of 36 glaciers in HMA experienced 2 or more surges during this period, with the highest number observed in the Pamirs (19), followed by the Karakorum (13), with the other regions having fewer occurrences. Obvious differences exist in the surge phase and the quiescent phase of glaciers in different regions of HMA. The surge phase of surging glaciers in the Karakoram Range and Pamirs is generally short, mostly in the range of 2~6 years. The quiescent phase lasts for 5~19 years and the overall surge cycle ranges from 9 to 24 years. The complex nature of glacier surges in HMA suggests that multiple mechanisms may be at play, necessitating further research.
Unexpected Expansion of Rare-Earth Element Mining Activities in the Myanmar–China Border Region
Authors: Chinkaka Emmanuel , Klinger Julie Michelle , Davis Kyle Frankel , Bianco Federica
Published: September 2023

Mining for rare earth elements is rapidly increasing, driven by current and projected demands for information and energy technologies. Following China’s Central Government’s 2012 strategy to shift away from mining in favor of value-added processing, primary extraction has increased outside of China. Accordingly, changes in mineral exploitation in China and Myanmar have garnered considerable attention in the past decade. The prevailing assumption is that mining in China has decreased while mining in Myanmar has increased, but the dynamic in border regions is more complex. Our empirical study used Google Earth Engine (GEE) to characterize changes in mining surface footprints between 2005 and 2020 in two rare earth mines located on either side of the Myanmar–China border, within Kachin State in northern Myanmar and Nujiang Prefecture in Yunnan Province in China. Our results show that the extent of the mining activities increased by 130% on China’s side and 327% on Myanmar’s side during the study period. We extracted surface reflectance images from 2005 and 2010 from Landsat 5 TM and 2015 and 2020 images from Landsat 8 OLI. The Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI) was applied to dense time-series imagery to enhance landcover categories. Random Forest was used to categorize landcover into mine and non-mine classes with an overall accuracy of 98% and a Kappa Coefficient of 0.98, revealing an increase in mining extent of 2.56 km2, covering the spatial mining footprint from 1.22 km2 to 3.78 km2 in 2005 and 2020, respectively, within the study area. We found a continuous decrease in non-mine cover, including vegetation. Both mines are located in areas important to ethnic minority groups, agrarian livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and regional watersheds. The finding that mining surface areas increased on both sides of the border is significant because it shows that national-level generalizations do not align with local realities, particularly in socially and environmentally sensitive border regions. The quantification of such changes over time can help researchers and policymakers to better understand the shifting geographies and geopolitics of rare earth mining, the environmental dynamics in mining areas, and the particularities of mineral extraction in border regions.
Can Airport and Social Waste Reduction Measures Have a Synergistic Impact on Passenger Behavior?
Authors: Guo Xinrui , Gu Yifan , Wu Yufeng , Kang Chunhua , Wang Yingjia , Zuo Tieyong
Published: September 2023

As an integral part of urban functions, waste reduction behaviors inside the airport and outside in society form a linkage mechanism that influences each other, but the coupling mechanism between the two is not clear. In this study, we constructed a model of the interaction between airport and social waste reduction behaviors and explored the effects of internal airport factors and external social factors on airport waste reduction behaviors. The results show that both internal and external factors have a significant positive effect on passengers’ behavior, with publicity and education, social norms, and laws and regulations having a greater effect. Airport internal factors (such as internal facilities, publicity and education and environmental stimulus) and social external factors (such as social norms and laws and regulations) can form a better positive feedback mechanism for waste reduction, and path coefficients for both interactions exceed 0.7. Airport publicity and education can directly improve passengers’ waste reduction behaviors, and better promote the continuation of these behaviors in society. It is recommended connecting the publicity and education activities between airports and society. The social external factors are more likely to affect the behavior of airport management, and it is recommended that the design of airport management should be made more effective in developing countries that have weaker awareness of and worse social attitudes towards for waste reduction.
Evaluation of Restoration Effect of Submerged Plant Community in Urban Rivers Replenished by Reclaimed Water
Authors: Xu Fei , Wang Xu , Wang Yonggang , Sun Changhong , Dong Jing , Li Yacui
Published: September 2023

Submerged plant community construction is extensively used in the field of urban river ecological restoration, but it is sometimes difficult to establish a large area of survival or a stable community after restoration. Therefore, there is some uncertainty in determining the restoration effect. To verify the restoration effect of urban rivers replenished by reclaimed water through the application of a submerged plant community, this paper takes the typical urban rivers with reclaimed water in Beijing, the Liangshui River and the Dalong River, as the research objects and takes the Yongding River, a river replenished by natural water, as the comparison to establish a water eco-environment quality index and carry out the restoration effect evaluation of a submerged plant community based on field monitoring. In a comparison of the water eco-environment quality index of rivers and the coverage of submerged plants, the evaluation results indicate that the Yongding River and Liangshui River have the same number of submerged plant species, yet their plant coverage is different. The ecological environment quality condition of the Yongding River is superior to that of the Liangshui River and the Dalong River. The ecological environment quality of the reclaimed water river segment with an average coverage of submerged plants greater than or equal to 50% is relatively better, with relatively more sensitive species. This suggests that for rivers replenished by reclaimed water, the construction of submerged plant communities will improve the water ecological conditions on the premise of ensuring a certain degree of submerged plant species and coverage. By calculating the correlation coefficients relating to the coverage of submerged plants by 32 environmental factors including the indicators of water quality, hydrology and sediment, the paper initially screens out water depth, ammonia nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, BOD, permanganate index, and total nitrogen and organic carbon in the sediment as the major environmental factors affecting the coverage status of submerged plants. It can provide a reference for the control of environmental factors in the construction and maintenance of submerged plants to guarantee a restoration effect in the future.
From Trash to Treasure: Unlocking the Power of Resource Conservation, Recycling, and Waste Management Practices
Authors: Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar , Hait Subrata , Priya Anshu , Bohra Varsha
Published: September 2023

“Trash to Treasure” refers to transforming discarded or unwanted items, often considered trash or waste, into valuable or desirable products [...]
The Chairman’s Rural Origin and Short-Term Expenditures in China
Authors: Zhang Weiyu , Li Xinyue , Liu Shaowei , Kwon Jong-wook
Published: September 2023

This study employs imprinting theory, cultural capital theory, and upper echelon theory to investigate the influence of the rural upbringing of board chairpersons on corporate R&D (Research and Development) and advertising expenditures, as well as the moderating impact of the chairperson’s marketing and financial experience in the competitive market environment. A binary dataset was compiled, comprising 1058 Chinese listed companies and 5434 board chairpersons as samples. Through multiple regression analysis, we established a link between board chairpersons’ rural backgrounds and short-term marketing expenditures. The findings indicate that chairpersons’ rural upbringing negatively affects R&D and advertising expenditures. Additionally, marketing experience exerts a negative moderating influence on R&D expenditure, whereas financial experience does not exhibit a significant moderating effect. Furthermore, the market growth rate positively moderates the relationship between the chairman’s rural background and R&D as well as advertising expenditures. This suggests that the external competitive environment may attenuate the conservative imprint associated with a rural upbringing. This study departs from the conventional paradigm of understanding short-term spending based solely on economic incentives, incorporating non-economic factors rooted in individual cognition and values. It introduces a fresh perspective to the examination of myopic spending and contributes to the exploration of how birthplace impacts corporate decision making. These findings offer a deeper comprehension of how the background of chairpersons influences firms’ decision-making behavior, providing valuable insights for top executives in crafting strategies and making informed decisions.
A Systematic Review of Railway Trespassing: Problems and Prevention Measures
Authors: Grabušić Silvestar , Barić Danijela
Published: September 2023

Railway trespassing is a growing problem in both rail and road transport. A high percentage of rail accidents are a result of the former. Factors that contribute to trespassing accidents range from poor decision-making by the trespasser and general ignorance of rail traffic rules to poor infrastructure (e.g., a lack of fences along tracks to prevent trespassing). The objective of this study was to provide a systematic review of the known literature on the problem of trespassing on railway tracks. The methodology implemented for literature collection was in accordance with the PRISMA method. The literature was searched using keywords: railway trespassing, railway trespassing accidents, trespassing factors, trespassing prevention, railway trespassing detection, and railway trespassing education in the Web of Science Core Collection and an additional search was conducted through other literature databases. The starting point was the collection of n = 291 studies of which a total of 72 publications were included in the literature review ranging between 1953–2023. The literature review consisted of 73.6% journal papers, 18.1% conference papers, and 8.3% expert reports. The results were the formation of: (1) Factors that influence the occurrence of trespassing accidents: (a) locations of frequent railway trespassing, (b) the temporal frequency of railway trespassing, (c) trespasser profile and behaviour, (d) motivation for and general knowledge of railway trespassing, and (e) other factors and models for railway trespassing accidents; (2) Measures for trespassing prevention: (a) education measures, (b) signalization, technological and infrastructure measures for trespassing prevention, and (c) pilot studies of railway trespassing preventive measures. The main findings were summarised and discussed with considerations for future work.
Reinventing the Urban Neighborhood Green Index in the Context of Urban Ecology as a Conceptual Framework in Northern Nicosia, Cyprus
Authors: Bolkaner Mine K. , Asilsoy Buket
Published: September 2023

Today, one in two people live in urban environments, and this number is expected to rise. Urban ecology is among the main concepts of the ecological urban planning agenda for cities where the consequences of global warming and climate change are increasing day by day. Urban open green spaces provide a variety of ecosystem services for city dwellers. It is important that green spaces are accessible, efficient, walkable and properly planned in the city. Within this framework, via the relevant theoretical evaluation, a conceptual framework was constructed to redefine the urban neighborhood green index. Regarding the existing definitions within the related literature, this developed index includes quantitative, qualitative and perceptual parameters and has been newly introduced to measure and analyze green spaces in a more comprehensive layout. There is also a need to establish an ecological approach to urban planning to increase the quantity and quality of urban green spaces in Cyprus, including in Northern Nicosia. Therefore, Northern Nicosia, with its three selected neighborhoods, was chosen as the study area. As the main methodology of the study, a thorough assessment of the quantitative component of the developed index with its four parameters of per-capita green space, proximity to green space, area percentages and type of green spaces is made. Maps from the Town Planning Department and satellite images from the Nicosia Turkish Municipality and GIS were used for this quantitative measurement. Based on the findings, it can be argued that the urban green spaces are not sufficient when assessed based on most of the parameters evaluated within the study to construct a comprehensive green space index. It was found that the green spaces in the city are accessible, being within 337 m, which is reasonable. However, there are very few active and accessible open green areas in these neighborhoods within the 300 and 500 m buffers, as a remarkable number of the green spaces, which are shown on the map, are in an abandoned condition. In addition, the amount of active green space per capita is 3.35 m2, which is well below the 9 m2 predicted by WHO. The area percentages of the neighborhoods are also below the required standards. Therefore, the findings show that Northern Nicosia can benefit by addressing these deficiencies to achieve a higher urban neighborhood green index. Furthermore, the theoretical model is efficient for the assessment of urban spaces at the neighborhood scale and can be used in other cities worldwide, especially in cities with a relatively low density. In sum, this study, which considered not only the quantitative parameters but also the qualitative and perceptual features, has the potential to expand scientific knowledge on measuring and analyzing urban neighborhood green spaces.
Ecological Environment Quality Assessment of Arid Areas Based on Improved Remote Sensing Ecological Index—A Case Study of the Loess Plateau
Authors: Shi Ming , Lin Fei , Jing Xia , Li Bingyu , Shi Yang , Hu Yimin
Published: September 2023

Ecosystems in arid and semi-arid areas are delicate and prone to different erosive effects. Monitoring and evaluating the environmental ecological condition in such areas contribute to the governance and restoration of the ecosystem. Remote sensing ecological indices (RSEIs) are widely used as a method for environmental monitoring and have been extensively applied in various regions. This study selects the arid and semi-arid Loess Plateau as the research area, in response to existing research on ecological monitoring that predominantly uses vegetation indices as monitoring indicators for greenness factors. A fluorescence remote sensing ecological index (SRSEI) is constructed by using monthly synthesized sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence data during the vegetation growth period as a new component for greenness and combining it with MODIS product data. The study generates the RSEI and SRSEI for the research area spanning from 2001 to 2021. The study compares and analyzes the differences between the two indices and explores the evolution patterns of the ecosystem quality in the Loess Plateau over a 21-year period. The results indicate consistent and positively correlated linear fitting trend changes in the RSEI and SRSEI for the research area between 2001 and 2021. The newly constructed ecological index exhibits a higher correlation with rainfall data, and it shows a more significant decrease in magnitude during drought occurrences, indicating a faster and stronger response of the new index to drought in the research area. The largest proportions are found in the research area’s regions with both substantial and minor improvements, pointing to an upward tendency in the Loess Plateau’s ecosystem development. The newly constructed environmental index can effectively evaluate the quality of the ecosystem in the research area.
Approaches for Complex and Integrated Refurbishment to Improve Energy Efficiency and Spatial Comfort of the Existing Post-War Mass Housing Stock in Serbia
Authors: Lević Bojana , Đukanović Ljiljana , Ignjatović Dušan
Published: September 2023

The research presents approaches to the complex refurbishment of multi-family buildings constructed during the mass construction period in Serbia. These buildings comprise a quarter of Serbia’s housing stock, are characterized by high energy consumption for heating, and have major spatial and organizational deficiencies: small apartments, outdated and inflexible spatial organization, and the absence of elevators. The subject of the research is the application of the methodology of complex and integrated refurbishment by adding volume to existing multi-family buildings with the goal of achieving higher energy efficiency while remodeling and modernizing residential units and improving vertical building communications. The research presents a comparative analysis of the energy performance and spatial organization of the existing building and three variants of building improvement: Case 1 (without volumetric additions), Case 2 (with volumetric additions—relocating vertical communications), and Case 3 (with volumetric additions—expanding usable living space). Based on the Knaufterm simulations, the energy savings for heating energy consumption compared to the existing state are 81% in Case 1, 89% in Case 2, and 87% in Case 3. Based on predefined parameters of spatial comfort, a comparative analysis of spatial comfort in residential units was conducted for all three improvement variants.
Relationship between Alternated Current Impedance Spectrum and Microstructure of Graphene Enhanced Concrete
Authors: Wang Shijun , Cheng Ziyun , Liu Qiong , Huang Yuwen , Liang Kui , Wang Xing
Published: September 2023

This study presented experimental research on the alternating current (AC) impedance spectrum of graphene-enhanced cement matrix composites with dosage amounts of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.6%, and 3.2%, respectively. The electrical properties were compared and analyzed with the Nyquist diagram, Bode diagram, and phase angle diagram. The microscopic pore structure was studied using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) to establish the relationship between the pore structure parameters, the equivalent circuit fitting parameters of the AC impedance spectrum, and the mechanical properties. This study found that the incorporated graphene decreases the arc diameter of the impedance spectrum and causes the slope of the straight lines of the low-frequency region to drop. For the Bode curves, within low frequencies (1 Hz and 10 Hz), the impedance gradually increases as the graphene dosage increases. However, when the frequency is between 100 KHz and 1000 KHz, the impedance drops with an increase in the amount of graphene. According to the MIP test results, the proper incorporations of graphene increase the proportion of pores below 0.1 μm, which leads to a denser micro-structure and higher strength.
Enhancing a Real-Time Flash Flood Predictive Accuracy Approach for the Development of Early Warning Systems: Hydrological Ensemble Hindcasts and Parameterizations
Authors: Trošelj Joško , Lee Han Soo , Hobohm Lena
Published: September 2023

This study marks a significant step toward the future development of river discharges forecasted in real time for flash flood early warning system (EWS) disaster prevention frameworks in the Chugoku region of Japan, and presumably worldwide. To reduce the disaster impacts with EWSs, accurate integrated hydrometeorological real-time models for predicting extreme river water levels and discharges are needed, but they are not satisfactorily accurate due to large uncertainties. This study evaluates two calibration methods with 7 and 5 parameters using the hydrological Cell Distributed Runoff Model version 3.1.1 (CDRM), calibrated by the University of Arizona’s Shuffled Complex Evolution optimization method (SCE-UA). We hypothesize that the proposed ensemble hydrological parameter calibration approach can forecast similar future events in real time. This approach was applied to seven major rivers in the region to obtain hindcasts of the river discharges during the Heavy Rainfall Event of July 2018 (HRE18). This study introduces a new historical extreme rainfall event classification selection methodology that enables ensemble-averaged validation results of all river discharges. The reproducibility metrics obtained for all rivers cumulatively are extremely high, with Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency values of 0.98. This shows that the proposed approach enables accurate predictions of the river discharges for the HRE18 and, similarly, real-time forecasts for future extreme rainfall-induced events in the Japanese region. Although our methodology can be directly reapplied only in regions where observed rainfall data are readily available, we suggest that our approach can analogously be applied worldwide, which indicates a broad scientific contribution and multidisciplinary applications.
Multi-Objective Decision-Making for an Island Microgrid in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Ghasemi Roozbeh , Wosnik Martin , Foster Diane L. , Mo Weiwei
Published: September 2023

Microgrid implementation often lacks economic and environmental efficiencies due to sub-optimal configuration and operation. The current study aims to explore the optimal configuration and operational strategies for a microgrid system with maximum life cycle economic and environmental co-benefits. This study was inspired by a real microgrid optimization need for Shoals Marine Laboratory, a seasonal marine teaching and research field station on Appledore Island, Maine. A system dynamic model was developed to simulate the microgrid operation, and a multi-criteria analysis was performed based on diesel electricity generation, equivalent annual costs, and carbon footprint under various system sizing and operation scenarios. This study found that an effective battery capacity of 120–165 kWh (400–550 kWh actual with 30% depth of discharge) and a solar capacity of 85–105 kW can effectively minimize all three objectives under an average daily demand of 265 kWh during the study period. Additionally, implementing an alternative system operation strategy can lead to a 12% reduction in diesel electricity generation.
Advancements in Phytoremediation Research for Soil and Water Resources: Harnessing Plant Power for Environmental Cleanup
Authors: Park Jae K. , Oh Kokyo
Published: September 2023

Phytoremediation, an environmentally conscious and sustainable strategy, revolves around harnessing the power of plants to counteract the harmful impacts of pollutants on our ecosystems [...]
Porous Carbon for CO2 Capture Technology: Unveiling Fundamentals and Innovations
Authors: Bari Gazi A. K. M. Rafiqul , Jeong Jae-Ho
Published: September 2023

Porous carbon is an emerging material for the capture of CO2 from point sources of emissions due to its high structural, mechanical, and chemical stability, along with reusability advantages. Currently, research efforts are mainly focused on high- or medium-pressure adsorption, rather than low-pressure or DAC (direct air capture) conditions. Highly porous and functionalized carbon, containing heteroatoms (N, O, etc.), is synthesized using different activation synthesis routes, such as hard template, soft template, and chemical activation, to achieve high CO2 capture efficiency at various temperatures and pressure ranges. Fundamental pore formation mechanisms with different activation routes have been evaluated and explored. Higher porosity alone can be ineffective without the presence of proper saturated diffusion pathways for CO2 transfer. Therefore, it is imperative to emphasize more rational multi-hierarchical macro-/meso-/micro-/super-/ultra-pore design strategies to achieve a higher utilization efficiency of these pores. Moreover, the present research primarily focuses on powder-based hierarchical porous carbon materials, which may reduce the efficiency of the capture performance when shaping the powder into pellets or fixed-bed shapes for applications considered. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a synthesis strategy for pelletized porous carbon and to explore its mechanistic synthesis route and potential for CO2 capture.
Effect of Post-Drawing Thermal Treatment on the Mechanical Behavior of Solid-State Drawn Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) Filaments
Authors: Butto Martín , Maspoch María Lluisa , Bernal Celina
Published: September 2023

In this work, two commercial extruded filaments for 3D printing obtained from different NatureWorks PLA resins (Ingeo™ Biopolymer 3D850 and Ingeo™ Biopolymer 4043D) were solid-state drawn at varying temperatures and subsequently heat treated by annealing. The aim was to analyze the effect of post-processing of industrial fibers (solid-state drawing and annealing treatment) with varied composition (PLA grades with different contents of D-isomer) on the mechanical performance and thermal stability of the obtained PLA fibers. Morphological, thermal, and mechanical characterizations were performed for the undrawn filaments and drawn fibers, both before and after heat treatment. Drawn fibers presented a fibrillar core–shell structure, and their mechanical properties were greatly improved with respect to undrawn filaments in accordance with their higher crystallinity. The resin with the higher content of D-isomer (4043D) resulted in lower crystallinities with a subsequent decrease in mechanical properties. After heat treatment, drawn fibers exhibited completely different behaviors depending on the PLA resin, with 3D850 fibers being much more stable than 4043D fibers, which underwent molecular orientation upon drawing rather than crystallization. The solid-state drawn fibers obtained herein are comparable to commercial fibers in terms of mechanical properties.