bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodology for Monitoring Silting and the Coastline of Small Ports Using Sentinel-2 Images: The Case of Port Cap Djinet Algeria
Authors: Dahmani Hocine , Bachari Fouzia Houma , Marin François , Bachari Nour Islam
Published: July 2024

One of the ports most affected by the phenomenon of silting in Algeria is the port of Cap Djinet. In order to consider the monitoring of this port over a period of 8 years between 2015 and 2023, the twin Sentinel-2 A/B satellites were used. After image pre-processing, the bathymetry was estimated using the algorithm developed by Stumpf and extraction of the coastline was conducted using the normalized difference water index (NWDI). As part of this work, four bathymetric surveys were conducted in situ in four different periods, the results of which then correlated with those of the Stumpf model applied to satellite images. The results of the regression analysis are consistent and show good correlation coefficients (R2) between 0.67 and 0.80 and root-mean-square error (RMSE) values between 0.87 m and 1.32 m, except for images captured under turbid water conditions. The maximum accretion surface is 2.12 ha to the north of the port, estimated for the period from 2018 to 2019, and 1.78 ha to the south for 2015 to 2016. The maximum erosion surface is 2.37 ha to the north of the port for the period from 2017 to 2018 and 1.16 ha to the south from 2017 to 2018. Therefore, the amplitude of accretion and erosion is greater to the north of the port than to the south. The present study demonstrates the ability of Sentinel-2 satellites to monitor silting and coastline changes in the vicinity of this port, which could help to address the effects of climate change and human activities in order to protect the marine ecosystem.
Remote Sensing Integration to Geohazard Management at the Castle-Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, Nisyros Island, Greece
Authors: Vassilis Marinos , Ioannis Farmakis , Themistoklis Chatzitheodosiou , Dimitra Papouli , Georgios Stoumpos , Georgios Prountzopoulos , Efstratios Karantanellis
Published: July 2024

The Holy Monastery of Panagia Spiliani is an important religious monument of the Aegean islands. The monastery is built on a steep rocky hill in the Castle of Mandraki on Nisyros island. On the slopes of the foundation area of the monastery, landslides have occurred in the past, mainly rockfalls and slides, while the risk of new similar phenomena in the future is high. To assist the geohazard assessment and mitigation design works, a combined survey using Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry was implemented. Besides capturing the detailed morphology within high-resolution 3D point clouds, the main engineering geological units were identified on the slopes, while critical structural ground elements and unstable blocks were mapped in detail. These were quantified in terms of geotechnical parameters, and the engineering geological model of the hill was finalised and presented in an engineering geological map and cross sections. The mitigation measures are targeted towards the stabilisation of the wider area of the upper slope, hence the stability of the monastery and its surroundings risk elements, as well as the support of specific, large- to small-scale unstable rock blocks on the whole slope area, securing accessibility to the main beach of the village.
Quality Assessment of Operational Sea Surface Temperature Product from FY-4B/AGRI with In Situ and OSTIA Data
Authors: He Quanjun , Cui Peng , Chen Yanwei
Published: July 2024

The Fengyun-4B (FY-4B) satellite is currently the primary operational geostationary meteorological satellite in China, replacing the previous FY-4A satellite. The advanced geostationary radiation imager (AGRI) aboard the FY-4B satellite provides an operational sea surface temperature (SST) product with a high observation frequency of 15 min. This paper conducts the first data quality assessment of operational SST products from the FY-4B/AGRI using quality-controlled measured SSTs from the in situ SST quality monitor dataset and foundation SSTs produced by the operational sea surface temperature and sea ice analysis (OSTIA) system from July 2023 to January 2024. The FY-4B/AGRI SST product provides a data quality level flag on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Accuracy evaluations are conducted on the FY-4B/AGRI SST product with different data quality levels. The results indicate that the FY-4B/AGRI operational SST generally has a negative mean bias compared to in situ SST and OSTIA SST, and that the accuracy of the FY-4B/AGRI SST, with an excellent quality level, can meet the needs of practical applications. The FY-4B/AGRI SST with an excellent quality level demonstrates a strong correlation with in situ SST and OSTIA SST, with a correlation coefficient R exceeding 0.99. Compared with in situ SST, the bias, root mean square error (RMSE), and unbiased RMSE (ubRMSE) of the FY-4B/AGRI SST with an excellent quality level are −0.19, 0.66, and 0.63 °C in daytime, and −0.15, 0.70, and 0.68 °C at night, respectively. Compared with OSTIA SST, the bias, RMSE, and ubRMSE of the FY-4B/AGRI SST with an excellent data quality level are −0.10, 0.64, and 0.63 °C in daytime, and −0.13, 0.68, and 0.67 °C at night. The FY-4B/AGRI SST tends to underestimate the sea water temperature in mid–low-latitude regions, while it tends to overestimate sea water temperature in high-latitude regions and near the edges of the full disk. The time-varying validation of FY-4B/AGRI SST accuracy shows weak fluctuations with a period of 3–4 months. Hourly accuracy verification shows that the difference between the FY-4B/AGRI SST and OSTIA SST reflects a diurnal effect. However, FY-4B/AGRI SST products need to be used with caution around midnight to avoid an abnormal accuracy. This paper also discusses the relationships between the FY-4B/AGRI SST and satellite zenith angle, water vapor content, wind speed, and in situ SST, which have an undeniable impact on the underestimation of the FY-4B/AGRI operational SST. The accuracy of the FY-4B/AGRI operational SST retrieval algorithm still needs to be further improved in the future.
Multi-Feature Cross Attention-Induced Transformer Network for Hyperspectral and LiDAR Data Classification
Authors: Li Zirui , Liu Runbang , Sun Le , Zheng Yuhui
Published: July 2024

Transformers have shown remarkable success in modeling sequential data and capturing intricate patterns over long distances. Their self-attention mechanism allows for efficient parallel processing and scalability, making them well-suited for the high-dimensional data in hyperspectral and LiDAR imagery. However, further research is needed on how to more deeply integrate the features of two modalities in attention mechanisms. In this paper, we propose a novel Multi-Feature Cross Attention-Induced Transformer Network (MCAITN) designed to enhance the classification accuracy of hyperspectral and LiDAR data. The MCAITN integrates the strengths of both data modalities by leveraging a cross-attention mechanism that effectively captures the complementary information between hyperspectral and LiDAR features. By utilizing a transformer-based architecture, the network is capable of learning complex spatial-spectral relationships and long-range dependencies. The cross-attention module facilitates the fusion of multi-source data, improving the network’s ability to discriminate between different land cover types. Extensive experiments conducted on benchmark datasets demonstrate that the MCAITN outperforms state-of-the-art methods in terms of classification accuracy and robustness.
MBT-UNet: Multi-Branch Transform Combined with UNet for Semantic Segmentation of Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Liu Bin , Li Bing , Sreeram Victor , Li Shuofeng
Published: July 2024

Remote sensing (RS) images play an indispensable role in many key fields such as environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, and urban resource management. Traditional deep convolutional neural networks have the problem of limited receptive fields. To address this problem, this paper introduces a hybrid network model that combines the advantages of CNN and Transformer, called MBT-UNet. First, a multi-branch encoder design based on the pyramid vision transformer (PVT) is proposed to effectively capture multi-scale feature information; second, an efficient feature fusion module (FFM) is proposed to optimize the collaboration and integration of features at different scales; finally, in the decoder stage, a multi-scale upsampling module (MSUM) is proposed to further refine the segmentation results and enhance segmentation accuracy. We conduct experiments on the ISPRS Vaihingen dataset, the Potsdam dataset, the LoveDA dataset, and the UAVid dataset. Experimental results show that MBT-UNet surpasses state-of-the-art algorithms in key performance indicators, confirming its superior performance in high-precision remote sensing image segmentation tasks.
Development and Investigation of a Grasping Analysis System with Two-Axis Force Sensors at Each of the 16 Points on the Object Surface for a Hardware-Based FinRay-Type Soft Gripper
Authors: Kitamura Takahide , Matsushita Kojiro , Nakatani Naoki , Tsuchiyama Shunsei
Published: July 2024

The FinRay soft gripper achieves passive enveloping grasping through its functional flexible structure, adapting to the contact configuration of the object to be grasped. However, variations in beam position and thickness lead to different behaviors, making it important to research the relationship between structure and force. Conventional research using FEM simulations has tested various virtual FinRay models but replicating phenomena such as buckling and slipping has been challenging. While hardware-based methods that involve installing sensors on the gripper and the object to analyze their states have been attempted, no studies have focused on the tangential contact force related to slipping. Therefore, we developed a 16-way object contact force measurement device incorporating two-axis force sensors into each of the 16 segmented objects and compared the normal and tangential components of the enveloping grasping force of the FinRay soft gripper under two types of contact friction conditions. In the first experiment, the proposed device was compared with a device containing a six-axis force sensor in one segmented object, confirming that the proposed device has no issues with measurement performance. In the second experiment, comparisons of the proposed device were made under various conditions: two contact friction states, three object contact positions, and two object motion states. The results demonstrated that the proposed device could decompose and analyze the grasping force into its normal and tangential components for each segmented object. Moreover, low friction conditions result in a wide contact area with lower tangential frictional force and a uniform normal pushing force, achieving effective enveloping grasping.
EFisioTrack System for Monitoring Therapeutic Exercises in Patients with Shoulder Orthopedic Injuries in a Hospital Setting: A Pilot Feasibility Study
Authors: Hernandez-Sanchez Sergio , Roses-Conde Jorge , Martinez-Llorens Neus , Ruiz Daniel , Espejo-Antúnez Luis , Tomás-Rodríguez Isabel , Toledo-Marhuenda Jose-Vicente , Albornoz-Cabello Manuel
Published: July 2024

To assess the effects of the eFisioTrack monitoring system on clinical variables in patients with prescribed physiotherapy for shoulder injuries, twenty-four adult patients with shoulder orthopaedic injuries who underwent physical therapy treatment in a hospital setting participated in the study (twelve in the experimental group and twelve as controls). Clinical outcome measures were shoulder function and pain (Constant–Murley Score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand or DASH score). Each variable was measured by a blinded physiotherapist at baseline and at one month follow-up. Patients performed the prescribed exercises either supervised by the physiotherapist (control group) or in a separate room without therapist supervision (experimental group). There were no statistically significant differences between groups before treatment or at follow-up for any outcomes (p ≥ 0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) of at least 10 points in both groups for the DASH score at follow-up. Differences in the total score and subjective components of the Constant–Murley were also evidenced within groups. The use of the eFisioTrack system showed similar results in clinical measures compared to those performed under the direct supervision of the physiotherapist. This approach might be suitable for providing an effective shoulder exercise program at home.
Revolutionizing SIEM Security: An Innovative Correlation Engine Design for Multi-Layered Attack Detection
Authors: Sheeraz Muhammad , Durad Muhammad Hanif , Paracha Muhammad Arsalan , Mohsin Syed Muhammad , Kazmi Sadia Nishat , Maple Carsten
Published: July 2024

Advances in connectivity, communication, computation, and algorithms are driving a revolution that will bring economic and social benefits through smart technologies of the Industry 4.0 era. At the same time, attackers are targeting this expanded cyberspace to exploit it. Therefore, many cyberattacks are reported each year at an increasing rate. Traditional security devices such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDSs), intrusion prevention systems (IPSs), anti-viruses, and the like, often cannot detect sophisticated cyberattacks. The security information and event management (SIEM) system has proven to be a very effective security tool for detecting and mitigating such cyberattacks. A SIEM system provides a holistic view of the security status of a corporate network by analyzing log data from various network devices. The correlation engine is the most important module of the SIEM system. In this study, we propose the optimized correlator (OC), a novel correlation engine that replaces the traditional regex matching sub-module with a novel high-performance multiple regex matching library called “Hyperscan” for parallel log data scanning to improve the performance of the SIEM system. Log files of 102 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1024 MB, generated from log data received from various devices in the network, are input into the OC and simple event correlator (SEC) for applying correlation rules. The results indicate that OC is 21 times faster than SEC in real-time response and 2.5 times more efficient in execution time. Furthermore, OC can detect multi-layered attacks successfully.
Influence of Potentiostat Hardware on Electrochemical Measurements
Authors: Krishnamurthy Abhilash , Žagar Soderžnik Kristina
Published: July 2024

We describe two operating modes for the same potentiostat, where the redox processes of hydroquinone in a hydrochloric acid medium are contrasted for cyclic voltammetry (CV) as functions of a digital/staircase scan and an analogue/linear scan. Although superficially there is not much to separate the two modes of operation as an end user, differences can be seen in the voltammograms while switching between the digital and analogue modes. The effects of quantization clearly have some impact on the measurements, with the outputs between the two modes being a function of the equivalent-circuit model of the electrochemical system under investigation. Increasing scan rates when using both modes produces higher peak redox currents, with the differences between the analogue and digital modes of operation being consistent as a function of the scan rate. Differences between the CV loops between the analogue and digital modes show key differences at certain points along the scans, which can be attributed to the nature of the electrolyte affecting the charging and discharging processes and consequently changing the peak currents of the redox processes. The faradaic processes were shown to be independent of the scan rates. Simulations of the equivalent-circuit behaviour show differences in the responses to different input signals, i.e., the step and ramp responses of the system. Both the voltage and current steps and ramp responses showed the time-domain behaviour of distinct elements of the equivalent electrochemical circuit model as an approximation of the applied digital and analogue CV input signals. Ultimately, it was concluded that similar parameters between the two modes of operation available with the potentiostat would lead to different output voltammograms and, despite advances in technology, digital systems can never fully emulate a true analogue system for electrochemical applications. These observations showcase the value of having hardware capable of true analogue characteristics over digital systems.
Enhancing UWB Indoor Positioning Accuracy through Improved Snake Search Algorithm for NLOS/LOS Signal Classification
Authors: Wang Fang , Shui Lingqiao , Tang Hai , Wei Zhe
Published: July 2024

Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) errors significantly impact the accuracy of ultra-wideband (UWB) indoor positioning, posing a major barrier to its advancement. This study addresses the challenge of effectively distinguishing line-of-sight (LOS) from NLOS signals to enhance UWB positioning accuracy. Unlike existing research that focuses on optimizing deep learning network structures, our approach emphasizes the optimization of model parameters. We introduce a chaotic map for the initialization of the population and integrate a subtraction-average-based optimizer with a dynamic exploration probability to enhance the Snake Search Algorithm (SSA). This improved SSA optimizes the initial weights and thresholds of backpropagation (BP) neural networks for signal classification. Comparative evaluations with BP, Particle Swarm Optimizer–BP (PSO-BP), and Snake Optimizer–PB (SO-BP) models—performed using three performance metrics—demonstrate that our LTSSO-BP model achieves superior stability and accuracy, with classification accuracy, recall, and F1 score values of 90%, 91.41%, and 90.25%, respectively.
Straightforward Production Methods for Diverse Porous PEDOT:PSS Structures and Their Characterization
Authors: Brendgen Rike , Grethe Thomas , Schwarz-Pfeiffer Anne
Published: July 2024

Porous conductive polymer structures, in particular Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) structures, are gaining in importance due to their versatile fields of application as sensors, hydrogels, or supercapacitors, to name just a few. Moreover, (porous) conducting polymers have become of interest for wearable and smart textile applications due to their biocompatibility, which enables applications with direct skin contact. Therefore, there is a huge need to investigate distinct, straightforward, and textile-compatible production methods for the fabrication of porous PEDOT:PSS structures. Here, we present novel and uncomplicated approaches to producing diverse porous PEDOT:PSS structures and characterize them thoroughly in terms of porosity, electrical resistance, and their overall appearance. Production methods comprise the incorporation of micro cellulose, the usage of a blowing agent, creating a sponge-like structure, and spraying onto a porous base substrate. This results in the fabrication of various porous structures, ranging from thin and slightly porous to thick and highly porous. Depending on the application, these structures can be modified and integrated into electronic components or wearables to serve as porous electrodes, sensors, or other functional devices.
Identification of Potential Trypanosoma cruzi Trans-Sialidase Inhibitors by Computational Drug Repositioning Approaches
Authors: Uc-Chuc Miguel A. , Cigarroa-Toledo Nohemi , Acosta-Viana Karla Y. , Chan-Pérez José I. , Pineda-Cortes Juan C. , Villanueva-Alonzo Hernán de J.
Published: July 2024

Chagas disease, caused by the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), represents a worldwide public health issue. To date, there is no efficient treatment to combat this pathology, and the only drugs available are usually toxic to the patient. Through the enzyme trans-salidase, the parasite invades, infects, and multiplies intracellularly in the host cell. This protein has been considered an attractive target for developing or searching for compounds with potential trypanocidal activity. In this study, an in silico analysis was performed using a Food and Drug Administration-approved computational drug repositioning approach to identify compounds with anti-Chagas potential against two trans-sialidase proteins. Those compounds with potential inhibition were analyzed and selected through a molecular docking-based virtual screening. Forty-nine compounds were identified, of which forty-five are available on the market, and the rest were evaluated in silico. Our predicted results follow that these compounds are safe for human use and could be potential anti-trans-sialidase agents.
Adsorption of Cobalt onto Zeolitic and Carbonaceous Materials: A Review
Authors: Díez Eduardo , Miranda Rubén , López Juan Manuel , Jiménez Arturo , Conte Naby , Rodríguez Araceli
Published: July 2024

At present, cobalt belongs to what are called critical raw materials due to its scarcity and its economic importance. Cobalt is a crucial element in the development of new technologies and applications for decarbonization, with around 40% of cobalt consumption being used for rechargeable battery materials. Additionally, cobalt-based catalysts are used in the production of hydrogen fuel cells, and this element is also employed in the production of superalloys for aerospace and power generation industries. For this reason, it is imperative to increase cobalt recycling by recovering from secondary sources, such as decommissioned lithium-ion batteries. Among the technologies for cobalt recovery, adsorption is a reliable alternative as it allows its recovery even at low concentrations in aqueous solutions and is relatively low in cost. Among the potential adsorbents for cobalt recovery, this paper reviews two of the most promising adsorbents for cobalt recovery from aqueous solutions: zeolitic and carbonaceous materials. Regarding zeolitic materials, the maximum adsorption capacities are reached by FAU-type zeolites. In the case of carbonaceous materials, the actual trend is to obtain activated carbons from a wide range of carbon sources, including waste, the adsorption capacities, on average, being larger than the ones reached with zeolitic materials. Additionally, activated carbons allow, in many cases, the selective separation of cobalt from other ions which are present at the same time in the aqueous solutions such as lithium.
Childhood, Education, and Citizen Participation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Álamo-Bolaños Arminda , Mulero-Henríquez Itahisa , Morata Sampaio Leticia
Published: July 2024

Citizen participation among children and adolescents is key for the development of society. According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the legal and ethical recognition of public, education, and social policies for children is vital for ensuring an active and critical society. The aim of this research paper is to analyse the characteristics and challenges of citizen participation during childhood as an educational process. The methodology employed was a systematic review carried out using the WOS, SCOPUS, and ERIC databases, taking into account the PRISMAS 2020 protocol. The results show that the incorporation of a culture of participation in children and adolescents will guarantee the persistence of democratic systems, although there are still challenges to overcome. The conclusions suggest that it is crucial that educational institutions, families, and society as a whole commit to promoting the philosophy of citizen participation at an early age in formal and non-formal educational contexts.
How Does Corporate Social Responsibility Affect Corporate Productivity? The Role of Environmental Regulation
Authors: Hou Jinyao
Published: July 2024

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays a vital role in facilitating sustainable long-term development. Despite its importance, the specific mechanisms through which CSR interacts with business productivity have not been extensively explored. This paper selects 4167 Chinese enterprises from 2011 to 2021 for study to elucidate this mechanism. The results of the study show that (i) CSR has a significant positive effect on enterprise productivity. (ii) Environmental regulation has a negative and significant moderating effect on the effect of CSR. After endogeneity and robustness tests, the findings of (i) and (ii) remain valid. (iii) There is heterogeneity in (i)–(ii) concerning corporate social responsibility, corporate shareholding structure, region, and degree of marketization. Based on these findings, sound recommendations are proposed for enterprise managers and governments.
Leader Fault Tolerance and Employees’ Green Silent Behavior: The Mediating Role of Psychological Ownership and Moral Disengagement
Authors: Cao Shihong , Zhang Hong , Chen Qi
Published: July 2024

This paper is concerned with the negative impact of leader fault tolerance and focuses on the green silent behavior of employees who remain silent on green production or environmental issues. Data from 386 valid questionnaires were analyzed through SPSS 27.0, AMOS 28 software, and the PROCESS program to explore the impact of leader fault tolerance on employees’ green silent behavior. Based on the reliability and validity analysis, correlation analysis, and validation factor analysis, the study concluded through hierarchical regression analysis that the regression coefficient values of leader fault tolerance on green silent behavior, moral disengagement, and psychological ownership were 0.362, 0.376, and 0.408, respectively, and their p-values were less than 0.01, which verified that leader fault tolerance had a significant positive effect on green silent behavior, moral disengagement, and psychological ownership. After the mediation effect test, the 95% CI of psychological ownership and moral disengagement were [0.057, 0.156] and [0.059, 0.141], respectively, and they did not include 0, which verified that psychological ownership and moral disengagement had a significant indirect effect on leader fault tolerance and employees’ green silent behavior and played a mediating role between them. Based on this, leaders should take appropriate measures to avoid employees’ green silent behavior while using leadership style appropriately. In addition, society should also strengthen the supervision of enterprises so as to encourage enterprises to assume social responsibility and continuously promote the sustainable and healthy development of enterprises and society.
Green Patents or Growth? European and the USA Firms’ Size Dynamics and Environmental Innovations Financial Gains
Authors: Semenova Anastasia , Semenov Konstantin , Storchevoy Maxim
Published: July 2024

In the context of environmental challenges and sustainable development, modern firms strive for competitive advantage through environmental innovations (EIs), yet the impact of EIs on firms’ performance remains a controversial topic in the scholarly discourse. While some authors highlight a positive influence, numerous studies reveal ambivalence or even negative effects on firms’ financial performance. This inconsistency highlights the insufficient exploration of various aspects of the financial implications of EIs. Recognizing the moderating role of firms’ size dynamics, often overlooked in existing studies, this research investigates how the changing size of firms influences the relationship between EIs and financial performance. Analyzing data from 1136 European and North American firms over the period 2012–2019, with and without green patents, the study reveals distinct correlation results between environmental innovations (EIs) and financial performance in a specific industry, differing in both the short and long run. Firms experiencing greater growth compared to industry growth tend to implement more EIs compared to their counterparts. Growing firms with EIs show superior long-term financial performance but experience poorer short-term financial results compared to their counterparts without EIs. Notably, as green firms age, the influence of firms’ size dynamics on the EI–financial performance relationship diminishes.
Geographic Information Systems (GISs) Based on WebGIS Architecture: Bibliometric Analysis of the Current Status and Research Trends
Authors: Vinueza-Martinez Jorge , Correa-Peralta Mirella , Ramirez-Anormaliza Richard , Franco Arias Omar , Vera Paredes Daniel
Published: July 2024

Geographic information systems (GISs) based on WebGIS architectures have transformed geospatial data visualization and analysis, offering rapid access to critical information and enhancing decision making across sectors. This study conducted a bibliometric review of 358 publications using the Web of Science database. The analysis utilized tools, such as Bibliometrix (version R 4.3.0) and Biblioshiny (version 1.7.5), to study authors, journals, keywords, and collaborative networks in the field of information systems. This study identified two relevant clusters in the literature: (1) voluntary geographic information (VGI) and crowdsourcing, focusing on web integration for collaborative mapping through contributions from non-professionals and (2) GIS management for decision making, highlighting web-based architectures, open sources, and service-based approaches for storing, processing, monitoring, and sharing geo-referenced information. The journals, authors, and geographical distribution of the most important publications were identified. China, Italy, the United States, Germany, and India have excelled in the application of geospatial technologies in areas such as the environment, risk, sustainable development, and renewable energy. These results demonstrate the impact of web-based GISs on forest conservation, climate change, risk management, urban planning, education, public health, and disaster management. Future research should integrate AI, mobile applications, and geospatial data security in areas aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and other global agendas.
Basalt Fibers versus Plant Fibers: The Effect of Fiber-Reinforced Red Clay on Shear Strength and Thermophysical Properties under Freeze–Thaw Conditions
Authors: Wu Tunasheng , Yuan Junhong , Wang Feng , He Qiansheng , Huang Baoyu , Kong Linghong , Huang Zhan
Published: July 2024

Freeze–thaw cycling has a significant impact on the energy utilization and stability of roadbed fill. Given the good performance of basalt fiber (BF) and plant fiber (PF), a series of indoor tests are conducted on fiber-reinforced red clay (RC) specimens to analyze the shear strength, thermophysical, and microstructural changes and damage mechanisms of the RC under the freeze–thaw cycle–BF coupling, meanwhile, comparing the improvement effect of PF. The results indicate that the RC cohesion (c) first increases and then decreases with the increasing fiber content under BF improvement, reaching the maximum value at the content of 2%, and the change in the internal friction angle (φ) is relatively small. As the number of freeze–thaw cycles increases, cohesion (c) first decreases and then gradually stabilizes. The thermal conductivity increases with increasing moisture content, and the thermal effusivity increases and then decreases with increasing moisture content and fiber content. The heat storage capacity reaches the optimum level at a moisture content of 22.5% and a fiber content of 1%. Microanalysis reveals that at 2% fiber content, a fiber network structure is initially formed, and the gripping effect is optimal. The shear strength of PF-improved soil is higher than that of BF at a fiber content of 4–6%, and the thermal conductivity is better than that of BF. At the same fiber content, the heat storage and insulation capacity of BF-improved soil is significantly higher than that of PF.
The Assessment of Green Poverty Reduction Strategies in Ecologically Fragile Areas: A Case Study of Southern Xinjiang in China
Authors: Chen Hongmei , Chao Weipeng , Xue Zhen , Wei Hanlin , Li Qing
Published: July 2024

Green poverty reduction is a strategic choice for China to bring ecological benefits as well as economic and social benefits. This study examines three typical models of green poverty reduction strategies in Southern Xinjiang, which is an ecologically fragile region. The data for calculating the comprehensive benefits of the three models were derived from satellite remote sensing data, regional forestry bureau statistics, and survey data from 2021. The economic benefits are calculated to measure the net profit of a certain type of cover such as the supply of timber, forest products, and crops. The ecological benefits are calculated to measure the improvement in water resource regulation, soil conservation, carbon sequestration, windbreak and sand fixation, biodiversity conservation, and landscape recreation. The social benefits include providing employment opportunities and government subsidy. The comprehensive benefits are a weighted average over individual benefit categories. We found that the comprehensive benefits of the composite forest model, the drought-resistant crop model, and the industrial transformation model are CNY 288 million, CNY 50 million, and CNY 545 million, respectively. The composite forest model and the industrial transformation model have greater ecological benefits, while the drought-resistant crop model has greater economic benefits.
The Impact of Immersive Technologies on Cultural Heritage: A Bibliometric Study of VR, AR, and MR Applications
Authors: Zhang Jingru , Wan Yahaya Wan Ahmad Jaafar , Sanmugam Mageswaran
Published: July 2024

This article aims to assist readers in understanding the current status of studies on the subject by providing a descriptive bibliometric analysis of publications on virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies in cultural heritage. A bibliometric analysis of 1214 publications in this discipline in the Scopus database between 2014 and the beginning of June 2024 was performed. We used VOSviewer and Bibliometrix as the analysis tools in this investigation. The outcome of this study provides a detailed overview of the descriptive bibliometric analysis based on seven categories, including the annual count of articles and citations, the most productive author, the primary affiliation, the publication source, and the subject areas. The contribution of this research lies in offering valuable insights for practitioners and researchers, helping them make informed decisions on the use of immersive technologies, for example, VR, AR, and MR, in the context of cultural heritage.
Does Sustainability Reporting Impact Financial Performance? Evidence from the Largest Portuguese Companies
Authors: Monteiro Sónia , Roque Vanda , Faria Márcia
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to assess whether the financial performance of companies that publish sustainability reports (SRs) differs from the financial performance of companies that do not publish SRs, considering a sample of 297 large Portuguese companies identified by Exame magazine. We used two methodological procedures. First, we conducted a univariate analysis to test the differences in financial performance according to the disclosure of SRs. Second, we conducted a multivariate analysis using multiple linear regression to explain financial performance in relation to the disclosure of SRs. Our findings indicate that the financial performance of companies that disclose SRs does not significantly differ from the financial performance of companies that do not disclose SRs. The results are robust to both methodological procedures, as well as to the sample split by sectors. The results highlight that few companies disclose SRs, despite existing regulations (e.g., the UN 2030 Agenda, the European Non-Financial Reporting Directive, and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive). This finding has significant practical implications for regulatory bodies, companies, and investors, indicating the need for more effective approaches to sustainability reporting. Policymakers should encourage companies to adopt SRs as part of a long-term strategy, acknowledging that financial benefits may accrue over time.
Advancing Ancient Artifact Character Image Augmentation through Styleformer-ART for Sustainable Knowledge Preservation
Authors: Suleiman Jamiu T. , Jung Im Y.
Published: July 2024

The accurate detection of ancient artifacts is very crucial in recognizing and tracking the origin of these relics. The methodologies used in engraving characters onto these objects are different from the ones used in the modern era, prompting the need to develop tools that are accurately tailored to detect these characters. The challenge encountered in developing an object character recognition model for this purpose is the lack of sufficient data needed to train these models. In this work, we propose Styleformer-ART to augment the ancient artifact character images. To show the performance of Styleformer-ART, we compared Styleformer-ART with different state-of-the-art data augmentation techniques. To make a conclusion on the best augmentation method for this special dataset, we evaluated all the augmentation methods employed in this work using the Frétchet inception distance (FID) score between the reference images and the generated images. The methods were also evaluated on the recognition accuracy of a CNN model. The Styleformer-ART model achieved the best FID score of 210.72, and Styleformer-ART-generated images achieved a recognition accuracy with the CNN model of 84%, which is better than all the other reviewed image-generation models.
Availability of an Overhead Contact Line System for the Electrification of Road Freight Transport
Authors: Wilke Jürgen K. , Schöpp Ferdinand , Linke Regina , Bremer Laurenz , Scheyltjens Maya Ada , Buggenhout Niki , Kassens-Noor Eva
Published: July 2024

The electrification of road freight transport on highways using an overhead contact line system is being tested in Germany. In this study, we investigated availability of an overhead contact line system based upon unique real-world data gathered in the ELISA field test. Based on our investigation, we anticipate a high system availability in future operations. We concluded that the newness of the system can justify the longest downtimes. To confirm our findings, we first categorized causes of the downtimes. Building upon these data, we analyzed these downtimes, specifically focusing on the longest occurrences as they posed significant barriers to future operation and market implementation. Subsequently, we illustrated how the system’s availability changed when individual causes of downtimes were reduced over time. Our research is paving the way to chart potential future operational scenarios. Our contribution aids decision-makers and all individuals who need to determine whether overhead contact line technology should be employed on highways in the future.
Biomass Resources and Emission Reduction Potential of Agricultural and Livestock Residues in Mainland China from 2013 to 2022
Authors: Luo Kaishu , Li Min , Wang Xinjie , Fan Yi , Zhao Jinhui
Published: July 2024

Controlling carbon emissions is a global goal, and China is actively implementing carbon reduction measures. As a major agricultural nation, China has considerable potential for developing agricultural residues as renewable and environmentally friendly biomass energy. In this study, we obtained data on crop yields, crop-to-grain ratios, and livestock excretion coefficients to calculate the biomass resources of agricultural and livestock residues in Chinese provinces from 2013 to 2022. Crop residue biomass resources showed a distribution pattern with higher levels in the north than in the south and the east than in the west. Henan and Heilongjiang provinces consistently had the highest resource levels, exceeding 35 million tons annually for 10 years. The biomass resources from livestock residues were relatively abundant in Sichuan, Henan, Yunnan, Shandong, Hunan, and Inner Mongolia. Inner Mongolia, Sichuan, Shandong, and Henan had the greatest potential for CO2 emission reductions, primarily located in regions abundant in biomass resources and with high traditional energy consumption levels. ArcGIS was used to apply natural break classification to categorize the potential for emission reductions from agricultural and livestock residues across China from 2013 to 2022 into five classes. Based on factors such as crop planting area and livestock numbers, the spatiotemporal distribution of factors influencing the quantity of biomass resources was examined using Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression. A tailored and integrated approach should be used for biomass, and the development of biomass energy should be promoted through policy support and technological innovation.
Measuring Variation of Crop Production Vulnerability to Climate Fluctuations over Time, Illustrated by the Case Study of Wheat from the Abruzzo Region (Italy)
Authors: Guerriero Vincenzo , Scorzini Anna Rita , Di Lena Bruno , Di Bacco Mario , Tallini Marco
Published: July 2024

Short-term climate fluctuations can have a significant impact on the stability of food resource prices, thus threatening food security, even in cases where the crop production system shows good adaptation to climate change and/or increasing average yields over time. This paper illustrates, in detail, a statistical approach aimed at verifying whether the variation of the crop production system vulnerability to climate fluctuation exhibits a trend over time. These methods were applied to the case study of wheat grown in the Abruzzo region (Italy). The results show that, although the wheat crop yield still shows ongoing growth, the correlation between climate fluctuations and yield oscillations exhibits a systematic increase over the past sixty years. Such an increase in climate-related production fluctuations may represent a disturbing element for market equilibria and be potentially harmful for the various economic subjects involved at various scales, such as producers, distributors, investors/financial traders, and final consumers. The statistical approach illustrated provides a framework for monitoring climate impacts and also provides the basis for building up statistical forecasting models to support informed decision making in agricultural management and financial planning.
Life Cycle Assessment and Cost Analysis of Mid-Rise Mass Timber vs. Concrete Buildings in Australia
Authors: Jolly Riley , Fairweather Holly , Rayburg Scott , Rodwell John
Published: July 2024

The building and construction industry is one of the largest greenhouse gas producers, accounting for 39% of global emissions, most of these coming from concrete and steel. Mass timber construction (MTC) potentially offers a sustainable alternative to these traditional building materials. However, more research is needed to establish the sustainability credentials of MTC relative to traditional concrete and steel structures, especially for mid-rise structures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the environmental and cost performance of mid-rise mass timber buildings by conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA). The LCA uses a cradle-to-cradle approach, considering the global warming potential (GWP), freshwater use (FW), and total use of non-renewable primary energy resources (PENRT). Results indicated that mid-rise mass timber buildings have significantly lower impacts than concrete buildings, with their GWP approximately 30 times lower, FW about 20 times lower, and PENRT reaching a negative value. Additionally, the cost analysis revealed that MTC buildings can be cheaper to build and thus possibly more profitable than concrete buildings. These findings establish mass timber as a viable and sustainable option for the future of Australia’s construction industry.
Investigation of Juncus and Iris Plant Potential—Two Native Serbian Species for Utilization in Nature-Based Solutions towards Improving the Quality of Water Contaminated with Zinc and Supporting Biodiversity
Authors: Greksa Amela , Mihajlović Ivana , Ljubojević Mirjana , Blagojević Boško , Vijuk Mirjana I. , Podunavac-Kuzmanović Sanja , Kovačević Strahinja , Štrbac Mirna P.
Published: July 2024

The benefits of nature-based solutions to address the climate and biodiversity challenges have become widely acknowledged. In numerous ways, nature-based solutions align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Serbia, like many other countries, faces many negative impacts of climate change crises. In order to meet sustainable development goals linked to water pollution and biodiversity, we investigated the potential of two plants, namely, Iris pseudocorus L. and Juncus effusus L., and tested for zinc reduction, previously found as an emerging contaminant of urban waters in Serbia. We focused on the investigation of native Serbian plants, that are reported as highly valuable and endangered. Results confirmed that both plant species have high accumulation capacity for Zn uptake, whereas growth and resistance were higher for Juncus effusus L. plants. While the concentration of zinc in Iris plants ranged from 45.85 mg/L to 193.05 mg/L, the concentration found in Juncus plants ranged from 36.2 mg/L to 264.59 mg/L for leaves and 53.20 mg/L for roots. This study contributes to the support for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Serbia within biodiversity conservation and sustainable water management, by providing information of plant species that can be included in future sustainable nature-based solutions projects, like bioretention systems and constructed wetlands.
The Dynamics of the Profit Margin in a Component Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) within the Aviation Industry: An Analytical Approach Using Gradient Boosting, Variable Clustering, and the Gini Index
Authors: Uslu Nur Şahver , Büyüklü Ali Hakan
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on the dynamics of the profit margin within the aviation MRO industry, using operational data from a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) MRO company between 2013 and 2021. Especially in SME MROs, profit margin analysis provides an advantage in competing with the large companies that dominate the industry. Therefore, the operational data were prepared for analysis to identify the variables related to the profit margin. This study’s data cleaning and transformation processes can serve as a guideline for similarly sized companies. The research aims to address the complex relationships among the factors influencing profit margins in this industry. The objective is to utilise these factors in making strategic decisions to increase the profit margin of an SME MRO company. Applying gradient boosting algorithms as the analytical framework should allow identifying the correct relationships between the profit margin and input variables according to time for the SME MRO company. Another important aspect of this study is to increase the accuracy of the gradient boosting model by utilising the interactive grouping methodology. The variable selection was performed by using the Gini indexes of the variables using interactive grouping as a criterion in selecting the variables to be included in the model. After the data cleaning, transformation, and selection, the input variables for the gradient boosting model were Part Description, Parts Billed Current (part cost), Labour Billed Current (labour cost), Diff Shipping Entry (turnaround time (TAT)), Diff Quote Entry (time to quotation (TTQ)), Manager, Department, and Status. In this study, the profitability model indicates that the SME MRO company should initially focus on part numbers and the departments, secondly on standardisation of and expertise in preferred workshop units, and lastly, on highly qualified and effective technical department leaders and increasing labour. The aviation industry emerges as a sector that requires such analytical studies. It is hoped that the study will serve as a foundational work for SME MRO companies in the aviation industry.