bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Objective Optimization of Laser Cladding Parameters for Remanufacturing Repair of Hydraulic Support Cylinders
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Qiu Yuan , Li Zhijun , Tian Jun , Li Anjun , Li Jiahao , Zhang Junfeng
Published: July 2024

In order to obtain the optimal cladding process parameters for repairing the inner wall of the cylinder, 316L stainless steel powder was laser clad onto 27SiMn steel, which is the base material of the inner wall of the cylinder. The CCD (Central Combination Design) experiment scheme was designed by the response surface method. A surrogate model between input variables (laser power, scanning speed, and powder-feeding speed) and response values (intactness, dilution rate, and the micro-hardness of the cladding layer) was established. The adaptive chaotic differential evolution algorithm (ACDE) was used to optimize the process parameters and the optimization results were verified by experiments. The results show that the optimum parameters are a laser power of 1350 w, a scanning speed of 11.7 mm/s, and a powder-feeding rate of 2.5 g/min. After cladding, the macroscopic quality of the cladding layer was increased by 11.1%, the micro-hardness was increased by 7.1%, and the dilution rate was reduced by 24.7%. During the friction wear experiments, it was found that the maximum wear depth of the optimal specimen was 149.72 μm, which was smaller and more wear-resistant than the specimen in the control group. The results provide theoretical data for the repair and strengthening of the inner wall of the hydraulic support cylinder.
Magnetron Sputtered Low-Platinum Loading Electrode as HER Catalyst for PEM Electrolysis
Authors: Villamayor Antía , Alba Alonso , Barrio Laura V. , Rojas Sergio , Gutierrez-Berasategui Eva
Published: July 2024

The development of cost-effective components for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers plays a crucial role in the transformation of renewable energy into hydrogen. To achieve this goal, two main issues should be addressed: reducing the Platinum Group Metal (PGM) content present on the electrodes and finding a large-scale electrode manufacturing method. Magnetron sputtering could solve these hurdles since it allows the production of highly pure thin films in a single-step process and is a well-established industrial and automated technique for thin film deposition. In this work, we have developed an ultra-low 0.1 mg cm−2 Pt loading electrode using magnetron sputtering gas aggregation method (MSGA), directly depositing the Pt nanoparticles on top of the carbon substrate, followed by a complete evaluation of the electrochemical properties of the sputtered electrode. These ultra-low Pt content electrodes have been thoroughly characterized and tested in a real electrolyzer cell. They demonstrate similar efficiency to commercial electrodes with a Pt content of 0.3 mg/cm2, achieving a 67% reduction in Pt loading. Additionally, durability tests indicate that these electrodes offer greater stability compared to their commercial counterparts. Thus, magnetron sputtering has been proven as a promising technology for manufacturing optimum high-performance electrodes at an industrial scale.
Composite Paints with High Content of Metallic Microparticles for Electromagnetic Shielding Purposes
Authors: Ciobanu Romeo Cristian , Aradoaei Mihaela , Caramitu Alina Ruxandra , Lungu Magdalena Valentina , Schreiner Oliver Daniel , Ion Ioana
Published: July 2024

This paper describes the technological process used to manufacture composite paints with a high content of metallic microparticles (Al and Fe) for automotive electromagnetic compatibility applications. The thickness of the deposited paint layer was larger for paints with a greater metal content, regardless of the plastic support used for paint deposition. The roughness of paint layers with a greater content of metal particles was about 30%–35% higher than that of layers with a lower metal particle content, regardless of the metal type. The surface roughness of paint layers containing Al was at least 2.5-times higher than that of paint layers containing Fe, an aspect that could be explained by the better formulation of the paint containing Fe. The dielectric loss and conductivity values crucially depend on the plastic substrate used, meaning that the dipolar polarization of the substrate enhances the effect of conductive paints. Based on the dielectric properties measured at 10 kHz, the optimal recipe for efficient electromagnetic compatibility was found to be 20 wt.% Fe powder, deposited on a sandblasted polycarbonate (PC) substrate. It is expected that formulations of paints with a high percentage of metallic particles will effectively compete with traditional plastic metallization technologies.
Mechanisms of La2Ce2O7/YSZ Double-Ceramic-Layer Thermal Barrier Coatings against Volcanic Ash Corrosion
Authors: Xia Jie , Du Xuelin , Xiao Yiqi , Zhang Ling , Wu Rudder Tse , Matsushita Yoshitaka
Published: July 2024

To tackle the ever-increasing operating temperature of aero-engines, a La2Ce2O7 (LCO)/yttria partially stabilized zirconia (YSZ) double-layer thermal barrier coating (TBC) was investigated. The LCO/YSZ double-layer samples were annealed with volcanic ash (VA) at 1250 °C to assess their stability in comparison with that of standard single-layer YSZ. The findings showed that the double-layer system exhibited greater resistance to VA damage than the single-layer YSZ coating. The corrosion mechanism was characterized by a rapid crystallization reaction between LCO and VA, where the kinetics of the solution’s reprecipitation reaction outpaced the penetration rate into the coating’s open pores.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Melting of the DNA Duplex with Silver-Mediated Cytosine–Cytosine Base Pair
Authors: Gusarova Elena B. , Kovaleva Natalya A.
Published: July 2024

Metal-mediated base pairs in DNA double helix molecules open up broad opportunities for biosensors based on DNA clusters with silver due to their low toxicity and applicability in drug design. Despite intensive experimental and computational research, molecular mechanisms of stabilization of a double helix by silver-mediated base pairs are mainly unknown. We conducted all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of a dodecameric DNA double helix (sequence 5′-TAGGTCAATACT-3′-3′ATCCACTTATGA-5′) with either cytosine–cytosine or cytosine–Ag+–cytosine mismatch in the center of the duplex. We extended the previously proposed set of interaction parameters for a silver ion in the silver-mediated pair in order to allow for its dissociation. With this new potential, we studied how the addition of a silver ion could stabilize a DNA double helix containing a single cytosine–cytosine mismatch. In particular, we found out that the helix with cytosine–Ag+–cytosine mismatch has a greater melting temperature than the helix with cytosine–cytosine one. This stabilization effect of the silver ion is in qualitative agreement with experimental data. The central region of the duplex with cytosine–Ag+–cytosine mismatch (unlike with cytosine–cytosine mismatch) is stable enough to prevent bubble formation at moderate temperatures during melting. The results of this simulation can be used to devise novel metal-mediated DNA structures.
Adoption Pattern of Direct-Seeded Rice Systems in Three South Asian Countries during COVID-19 and Thereafter
Authors: Kaur Simerjeet , Ahmed Sharif , Awan Tahir Hussain , Ali Hafiz Haider , Singh Rajbir , Mahajan Gulshan , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh
Published: July 2024

COVID-19 has caused a deep economic impact on the lives of small and marginal farmers due to travel restrictions, market closures, and social distancing requirements. Due to COVID-induced labor scarcity and water shortage in India, direct-seeded rice (DSR) has emerged as a viable alternative to puddled transplanted rice (PTR). However, there was plenty of labor available in Pakistan and Bangladesh for rice cultivation during COVID-19 times. Therefore, both countries did not observe the shift from PTR to DSR. The cost of inputs, such as seed, fertilizer, pesticide, and fuel, was high due to a supply–demand conflict during the COVID-19 pandemic in three countries. Farmers faced weed problems and physical and/or economical non-availability of suitable machinery for DSR cultivation during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the later years of 2022 and 2023 (post-COVID), the area under DSR decreased by 88% in India, while it remained stagnant in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Estimating Sugarcane Maturity Using High Spatial Resolution Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Leandro Esteban Rodriguez , Heenkenda Muditha K. , Romero Kerin F.
Published: July 2024

Sugarcane suffers from the increased frequency and severity of droughts and floods, negatively affecting growing conditions. Climate change has affected cultivation, and the growth dynamics have changed over the years. The identification of the development stages of sugarcane is necessary to reduce its vulnerability. Traditional methods are inefficient when detecting those changes, especially when estimating sugarcane maturity—a critical step in sugarcane production. Hence, the study aimed to develop a cost- and time-effective method to estimate sugarcane maturity using high spatial-resolution remote sensing data. Images were acquired using a drone. Field samples were collected and measured in the laboratory for brix and pol values. Normalized Difference Water Index, Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and green band were chosen (highest correlation with field samples) for further analysis. Random forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and multi-linear regression models were used to predict sugarcane maturity using the brix and pol variables. The best performance was obtained from the RF model. Hence, the maturity index of the study area was calculated based on the RF model results. It was found that the field plot has not yet reached maturity for harvesting. The developed cost- and time-effective method allows temporal crop monitoring and optimizes the harvest time.
Archaeological Areas as Habitat Islands: Plant Diversity of Epidaurus UNESCO World Heritage Site (Greece)
Authors: Panitsa Maria , Tsakiri Maria , Kampiti Dimitra , Skotadi Maria
Published: July 2024

The Epidaurus UNESCO World Heritage site (EPD) is a famous archaeological area that is located in a small valley in the Peloponnese and receives more than 250,000 visitors annually. The study of the plant diversity of the site is in the framework of a continuous research project concerning archaeological areas of the Peloponnese and in the context of a project by the Ministry of Culture, Education and Religious Affairs of Greece that started during 2023 to study the biodiversity of the archaeological areas of Greece. The main aim of this study is the exploration and analysis of the plant species composition and diversity of the Epidaurus archaeological area, with an emphasis on endemic plants, on ruderal and alien taxa as well as on environmental and disturbance indicators and the cultural ecosystem services they provide. This study revealed a high species richness consisting of 446 plant taxa. Most of them are Mediterranean and widespread, ruderals and medium disturbance indicators, but there are also 12 Greek endemic taxa. The richest in the taxa families are Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae. Therophytes predominate in the total flora registered and hemicryptophytes predominate in the endemics. Comparisons of the EPD’s plant diversity with other archaeological areas of Greece and the Mediterranean revealed its richness and unique character. Management and protection in archaeological areas such as the Epidaurus must focus on the sustainable conservation of their relationship with their natural environment.
Computational Investigation of the Fluidic Properties of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) Structures in Tissue Engineering
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Noman , Shahid Muhammad Usman , Rasheed Shummaila , Irfan Muhammad , Obeidi Muhannad Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Tissue engineering, a rapidly advancing field in medicine, has made significant strides with the development of artificial tissue substitutes to meet the growing need for organ transplants. Three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds are widely utilized in tissue engineering, especially in orthopedic surgery. This study investigated the fluidic properties of diamond and gyroid structures with varying porosity levels (50–80%) using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. The pressure and velocity distributions were analyzed, and it was observed that the pressure decreased gradually, whereas the velocity increased in the central area of the surface structures. Specifically, the pressure drop ranged from 2.079 to 0.984 Pa for the diamond structure and from 1.669 to 0.943 Pa for the gyroid structure as the porosity increased from 50% to 80%. It was also found that the permeability increased as the porosity level increased, with values ranging from 2.424×10−9 to 5.122×10−9 m2 for the diamond structure and from 2.966×10−9 to 5.344×10−9 m2 for the gyroid structure. The wall shear stress (WSS) was also analyzed, showing a consistent decrease with increased porosity for both types of structures, with WSS values ranging from 9.903×10−2 to 9.840×10−1 Pa for the diamond structure and from 1.150×10−1 to 7.717×10−2 Pa for the gyroid structure. Overall, this study provides insights into the fluidic properties of diamond and gyroid structures, which can be useful in various applications such as tissue engineering.
Investigating Efficiency and Innovation: An Exploratory and Predictive Analysis of Smart Airport Systems
Authors: Williady Angellie , Handani Narariya Dita , Kim Hak-Seon
Published: July 2024

By exploring the top three airports in Asia, this study explores the area of smart airport systems. With the goal of analyzing the significant elements of airport services that captivate travelers’ attention through online reviews and establishing a correlation between sentiment in reviews and numerical ratings given by travelers, the study analyzes what captivates travelers’ attention. Data mining, frequency analysis, sentiment analysis, and linear regression are employed in this study in order to analyze a dataset of 10,202 online reviews. The results indicate that the most common attributes of airport services significantly impact customer satisfaction, as well as how the sentiment expressed in online reviews correlates with the numerical ratings. A significant contribution of this study lies in its contribution to understanding the dynamics of customer satisfaction in the field of airport services as well as in identifying areas for improvement that could enhance the overall traveler experience in the burgeoning field of smart airports. In the context of smart airport systems, the analysis of exploratory and predictive data provides valuable insights into the optimization of airport operations, thus enriching the body of knowledge in this rapidly evolving area and providing the foundation for future research.
In Silico Identification of Dysregulated miRNAs Targeting KRAS Gene in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Garibaldi-Ríos Asbiel Felipe , Figuera Luis E. , Zúñiga-González Guillermo Moisés , Gómez-Meda Belinda Claudia , García-Verdín Patricia Montserrat , Carrillo-Dávila Irving Alejandro , Gutiérrez-Hurtado Itzae Adonai , Torres-Mendoza Blanca Miriam , Gallegos-Arreola Martha Patricia
Published: July 2024

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is highly lethal, with KRAS mutations in up to 95% of cases. miRNAs inversely correlate with KRAS expression, indicating potential as biomarkers. This study identified miRNAs targeting KRAS and their impact on PC characteristics using in silico methods. dbDEMC identified dysregulated miRNAs in PC; TargetScan, miRDB, and PolymiRTS 3.0 identified miRNAs specific for the KRAS gene; and OncomiR evaluated the association of miRNAs with clinical characteristics and survival in PC. The correlation between miRNAs and KRAS was analysed using ENCORI/starBase. A total of 210 deregulated miRNAs were identified in PC (116 overexpressed and 94 underexpressed). In total, 16 of them were involved in the regulation of KRAS expression and 9 of these (hsa-miR-222-3p, hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-miR-30b-5p, hsa-miR-30e-5p, hsa-miR-377-3p, hsa-miR-495-3p, hsa-miR-654-3p, hsa-miR-877-5p and hsa-miR-885-5p) were associated with the clinical characteristics of the PC. Specifically, the overexpression of hsa-miR-30a-5p was associated with PC mortality, and hsa-miR-30b-5p, hsa-miR-377-3p, hsa-miR-495-3p, and hsa-miR-885-5p were associated with survival. Correlation analysis revealed that the expression of 10 miRNAs is correlated with KRAS expression. The dysregulated miRNAs identified in PC may regulate KRAS and some are associated with clinically relevant features, highlighting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in PC treatment. However, experimental validation is required for confirmation.
STRILL: Phase I Trial Evaluating Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) Dose Escalation for Re-Irradiation of Inoperable Peripheral Lung Lesions
Authors: Franceschini Davide , Loi Mauro , Marzo Antonio Marco , Dominici Luca , Spoto Ruggero , Bertolini Anna , Lo Faro Lorenzo , La Fauci Francesco , Marini Beatrice , Di Cristina Luciana , Scorsetti Marta
Published: July 2024

Few data are available on the role of SBRT re-irradiation for isolated recurrences. We designed a prospective phase I study to evaluate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of SBRT for thoracic re-irradiation, for peripheral lung lesions. RT was delivered with a dose escalation design from 30 Gy in five fractions up to 50 Gy in five fractions. The primary end point was the definition of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of SBRT for thoracic re-irradiation. The dose-limiting toxicity was pneumonia ≥G3. Fifteen patients were enrolled. No cases of pneumonia ≥G3 occurred in any of our cohorts. Only one patient developed pneumonia G1 during treatment. Three patients developed acute toxicities that included dyspnea G1, cardiac failure G3, and chest wall pain. One patient developed G3 late toxicity with acute coronary syndrome. After a median follow-up of 21 months (range 3.6–29.1 months), six patients (40%) had a local relapse. Distant relapse occurred in five patients (33.3%). At the last follow-up, six patients died, all but two due to progressive disease. SBRT dose escalation for thoracic re-irradiation is an effective and well-tolerated option for patients with inoperable lung lesions after a first thoracic RT with acceptable acute and late toxicities.
Learning to Read in Hebrew and Arabic: Challenges and Pedagogical Approaches
Authors: Chan Martin Luther
Published: July 2024

Hebrew and Arabic are Semitic languages that use abjad alphabets, a consonant-primary writing system in which vowels are featured as optional diacritics. The relatively predictable morphology of Semitic language renders abjad writing feasible, with literate native speakers relying on grammatical and lexical familiarity to infer vowel sounds from consonantal texts. However, in the context of foreign language acquisition, abjads present unique difficulties in the attainment of literacy. Due to the absence of written vowels, learners of Hebrew and Arabic face manifold challenges, such as phonetic ambiguity, extensive homography, and morphological unpredictability. Therefore, the inherent complexities of abjad alphabets necessitate targeted pedagogical intervention to increase metalinguistic awareness to strengthen learners’ reading skills—specifically, by recreating elements of literacy education for native speakers in the second language context. This article explores the linguistic challenges of abjads for foreign language students and how pedagogical methodologies can be optimized to ameliorate long-term learning outcomes.
Incremental Placement Technology Based on Front-End Design
Authors: Zhang Zihang , Chen Gang
Published: July 2024

As the scale and complexity of chips continue to increase, chip design becomes increasingly challenging. Designers typically need multiple iterations to achieve satisfactory results, but the substantial time required for each modification exacerbates the time pressure in the chip design process. Incremental methods are an effective technique to shorten the development iteration time. Therefore, this paper proposes a module-based incremental layout technique utilizing the hierarchical structure of the unflattened netlist. We have developed an incremental EDA tool for mid-version evaluation, covering the process from RTL to placement DEF. This tool enables faster synthesis and layout, assisting designers in assessing the feasibility of the current RTL design, thereby accelerating the estimation of the PPA (Power, Performance, and Area) during version iterations. It aids in making better choices for RTL design and logic synthesis, consequently shortening the chip development iteration time.
A Review on Surface Functionalization and Characterization of Silicon Oxide Nanoparticle: Implications for Enhanced Hydrocarbon Recovery
Authors: Zhou Yuhang , Jiang Yiran , Lin Junzhang , Aidarova Saule , Gabdullin Maratbek , Issakhov Miras , Fan Huifang
Published: July 2024

Silicon Oxide nanoparticle (SiO2-NP) with appropriate surface functionalization has tremendous potential in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) via wettability alternation, interfacial tension reduction, disjoining pressure enhancement, electric charge modification, etc. Prior to the application of SiO2 to EOR, an effective functionalization and an accurate characterization of the surface properties are indispensable. Though many experimental works have been performed in this area, a systematic review is still lacking. Therefore, a review of the above content is presented. Current research gaps are identified, and future outlooks are indicated. This review provides guidance for SiO2-NP surface functionalization, characterization, and evaluation.
Removal of Nitrogen Pollutants in the Chemical Looping Process: A Review
Authors: Zhou Yuchao , Chen Xinfei , Lin Yan , Song Da , Mao Min , Wang Xuemei , Mo Shengwang , Li Yang , Huang Zhen , He Fang
Published: July 2024

In the process of fuel utilization, traditional combustion technologies result in the conversion of nitrogen elements in fuels into nitrogen oxides, which are released into the atmosphere, posing serious threats to the environment and human health. The chemical looping process (CLP) is an effective technology for reducing nitrogen-containing (N-containing) pollutants during fuel utilization. During the CLP, the oxygen carrier (OC) can oxidize nitrogen oxide precursors (NH3 and HCN) released from the fuel to N2, while the reduced OC can reduce nitrogen oxides to N2. The achievement of efficient nitrogen pollutant removal relies on the development of highly active oxygen carriers (OCs). This review summarizes the recent progress in the removal of nitrogen pollutants within chemical looping processes (CLPs). It delineates the formation pathways of N-containing pollutants (NH3, HCN, NO, NO2 and N2O) and highlights the performance of various OCs. The influence of reaction conditions and feedstock characteristics is also discussed. Ni-based OCs have demonstrated superior performance in the removal of N-containing pollutants, exhibiting strong oxidation capabilities and excellent catalytic properties. Moreover, iron ore, as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly feedstock, holds promise for wide-scale application. Future research should focus on further optimizing OCs strategies and refining reaction conditions to achieve more efficient and economical N-containing pollutant removal, thereby fostering the widespread application of chemical looping technology in the energy sector.
Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Control of Linear Stages in Feedback-Error-Learning Structure Using Laser Interferometer
Authors: Khanesar Mojtaba A. , Yan Minrui , Karaca Aslihan , Isa Mohammed , Piano Samanta , Branson David
Published: July 2024

The output processer of interval type-2 fuzzy logic systems (IT2FLSs) is a complex operator which performs type-reduction plus defuzzification (TR+D) tasks. In this paper, a complexity-reduced yet high-performance TR+D for IT2FLSs based on Maclaurin series approximation is utilized within a feedback-error-learning (FEL) control structure for controlling linear move stages. IT2FLSs are widely used for control purposes, as they provide extra degrees of freedom to increase control accuracies. FEL benefits from a classical controller, which is responsible for providing overall system stability, as well as a guideline for the training mechanism for IT2FLSs. The Kalman filter approach is utilized to tune IT2FLS parameters in this FEL structure. The proposed control method is applied to a linear stage in real time. Using an identification process, a model of the real-time linear stage is developed. Simulation results indicate that the proposed FEL approach using the Kalman filter as an estimator is an effective approach that outperforms the gradient descent-based FEL method and the proportional derivative (PD) classical controller. Motivated by the performance of the proposed Kalman filter-based FEL approach, it is used to control a linear move stage in real time. The position feedback of the move stage is provided by a precision laser interferometer capable of performing measurements with an accuracy of less than 1 μm. Using this measurement system in a feedback loop with the proposed control algorithm, the overall steady state of the system is less than 20 μm. The results illustrate the high-precision control capability of the proposed controller in real-time.
Analysis of the Temperature Reached by the Traction Battery of an Electric Vehicle during the Drying Phase in the Paint Booth
Authors: Olona Ana , Castejón Luis
Published: July 2024

Lithium-ion battery pack performance, safety, and lifespan are significantly influenced by temperature, yet little research has focused on the specific effects of temperature during the drying phase in paint booths. This study aims to analyse how drying temperatures affect battery modules compared to operational conditions (e.g., driving, charging) and to analyse the influence of the battery state of charge on the temperature reached by the traction battery during the drying phase. Various temperature measurement methods, including diagnostic equipment and thermocouples, were employed to conduct tests. Results indicate that the battery pack temperature during the drying phase remains below 60 °C. Comparisons with temperature measurements in other scenarios (e.g., charging, high-temperature parking) show significantly higher temperatures, highlighting the relatively low impact of paint booth drying temperatures on battery thermal management.
Uninterruptible Power Supply Topology Based on Single-Phase Matrix Converter with Active Power Filter Functionality
Authors: Mohamad Rawi Muhammad Shawwal , Baharom Rahimi , Mohd Radzi Mohd Amran
Published: July 2024

This study introduces a novel uninterruptible power supply (UPS) configuration that integrates active power filter (APF) capabilities within a single-phase matrix converter (SPMC) framework. Power disruptions, particularly affecting critical loads, can lead to substantial economic damages. Historically, conventional UPS systems utilized dual separate converters to function as a rectifier and an inverter, without incorporating any power factor correction (PFC) mechanisms. Such configurations suffered from diminished power density, compromised reliability, and spatial limitations. To address these issues, this research proposes an enhanced UPS design that incorporates APF features into the SPMC. The focus of this investigation is on the efficiency of alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) conversion and the reverse process utilizing this advanced UPS model. The SPMC is selected to supplant the rectifier and inverter units traditionally employed in UPS architectures. A novel integrated switching strategy is formulated to facilitate the operation of the UPS in either rectifier (charging) or inverter (discharging) modes, contingent upon the operational state. The performance and efficacy of the devised circuit design and switching technique are substantiated through simulations conducted in MATLAB/Simulink 2019 and empirical evaluations using a test rig. The findings demonstrate that the voltage generated is sinusoidal and synchronized with the supply current, thereby minimizing the total harmonic distortion (THD) and enhancing both the power factor and the transition efficiency of the UPS system between its charging and discharging states.
Towards a Consensus Method for the Isolation of Microplastics from Freshwater Sediments
Authors: Enenche Daniel E. , Davidson Christine M. , Liggat John J.
Published: July 2024

Environmental pollution caused by plastic waste is of global concern. There is growing interest in the study of microplastics in freshwater systems. However, the lack of harmonized analytical methodology makes it difficult to compare results obtained by different laboratories. This work compared methods for the recovery of microplastics from freshwater sediments based on density separation by flotation followed by digestion of organic matter. Simulated sediment was spiked with virgin polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) pellets, and post-consumer polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fragments. Density separation was carried out using distilled water and NaCl, CaCl2, ZnCl2, and NaI solutions, both for intact pellets/fragments and following grinding and sieving to three size fractions (<1 mm, 1–2 mm, and >2 mm). Digestions with HNO3, NaOH, and Fenton’s reagent were compared. Only NaI quantitatively recovered all types of polymers. However, CaCl2 and ZnCl2 recovered all but PVF and PTFE. Different flotation patterns were observed for different size fractions of the same polymer, highlighting the fact that density is not the only factor affecting recovery. Digestion efficiencies were 6–78% in HNO3, 4–45% in NaOH, and 49–80% in Fenton’s reagent. Overall, CaCl2 is recommended for density separation and Fenton’s reagent for organic matter removal.
The Novel Applications of Bionic Design Based on the Natural Structural Characteristics of Bamboo
Authors: Ji Siyang , Mou Qunying , Li Ting , Li Xiazhen , Cai Zhiyong , Li Xianjun
Published: July 2024

The unique composite gradient structure of bamboo has made it widely recognized as an extremely efficient natural structure and material, endowing it with exceptional flexibility and resilience. This enabled bamboo to withstand the forces of wind and snow without fracturing. In this paper, the inherent structural characteristics of bamboo were examined in order to extract its biological advantages through experimental methods. Then, the structural characteristics of bamboo in its vertical and radial directions served as the respective inspiration for two bionic applications, which were further analyzed and optimized using finite element analysis to accurately evaluate their bearing capacities. It can be found that the density of vascular bundles increased proportionally with the height of the bamboo stem, while the circumference exhibited a linear decrease. The wall thickness of the bamboo decreased and stabilized after reaching a height of 10 m. The distribution of nodes exhibited a nearly symmetrical pattern from the base to the top of the bamboo stem. The tapering of the bamboo culm exhibited a non-linear pattern with height, characterized by an initial decrease followed by a slight increase ranging from 0.004 to 0.010. The vascular bundles in bamboo exhibited a functional gradient distribution, which had a 6:3:2 distribution ratio of vascular bundles in the wall’s dense, transition, and sparse areas, respectively. The bionic cantilever beam incorporated characteristics of a hollow structure, a non-uniform distribution of nodes, and a certain amount of tapering, which effectively enhanced its flexural performance compared to the traditional ones. The thin-wall tube, featuring a “dendritic” partial pressure structure, demonstrated exceptional lateral compressive performance in transverse compression, particularly when the tube incorporated a gradient distribution of partition numbers and layer spacing.
Quantitative Analysis of Vegetation Dynamics and Driving Factors in the Shendong Mining Area under the Background of Coal Mining
Authors: Zhang Xufei , Chen Zhichao , Jiao Yiheng , Cheng Yiqiang , Zhu Zhenyao , Wang Shidong , Zhang Hebing
Published: July 2024

Elucidating the response mechanism of vegetation change trends is of great value for environmental resource management, especially in coal mining areas where climate fluctuations and human activities are intense. Taking the Shendong mining area as an example, based on the Google Earth Engine cloud platform, this study used the kernel Normalized Vegetation Index (kNDVI) to study the spatiotemporal change characteristics of vegetation cover during 1994–2022. Then, it carried out an attribution analysis through the partial derivative analysis method to explore the driving mechanism behind vegetation greening. The results showed that (1) the growth rate of vegetation cover change from 1994 to 2022 was 0.0052/a. The area with an upward trend of kNDVI accounted for 94.11% of the total area of the study area. The greening effect was obvious, and the kNDVI change would continue to rise. (2) Under the scenario of regional climate warming and humidifying, kNDVI responds slightly differently to different climatic factors, and kNDVI is positively correlated with temperature and precipitation in 85.20% of the mining area. The average contribution of precipitation, temperature, and human activities to kNDVI change in the Shendong mining area were 0.00094/a, 0.00066/a, and 0.0036/a, respectively. The relative contribution rates of human activities and climate change were 69.23% and 30.77%, respectively. Thus, human activities are the main driving factor for the changing of vegetation cover in this mining area, and climate change is the secondary driving factor. (3) The dynamic change in land use presents an increase in forest area under the ecological restoration project. The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for the future ecological construction of the Shendong mining area and help in the realization of regional green sustainable development goals.
Guardians of the Forest: The Impact of Indigenous Peoples on Forest Loss in Chile
Authors: Vocht Robin , Dias Eduardo
Published: July 2024

The objective of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of forest cover loss patterns and the protection role of Indigenous peoples in the forests of Araucanía, Chile. Previous research indicated lower rates of forest cover loss in land managed by Indigenous peoples; however, this was primarily focused on tropical forests. This paper focuses on the temperate forests in the region of Araucanía and hypothesizes that there will be a similar trend, with lower rates of deforestation in areas owned by Indigenous peoples. A logistic regression model was used which included multiple underlying drivers that have shown to impact deforestation rates. The results of this study corroborated the hypothesis that lands owned by Indigenous peoples have lower rates of deforestation, and that protection status, agricultural function, and railway proximity have a strong influence on forest clearing, while slope, elevation, and proximity to urban areas demonstrated a minimal impact.
Simulation of Potential Geographical Distribution and Migration Pattern with Climate Change of Ormosia microphylla Merr. & H. Y. Chen
Authors: Liu Bao , Weng Huiying , Ye Xingzhuang , Zhao Zixin , Zhan Chaoyu , Ahmad Sagheer , Xu Qingli , Ding Hongfeng , Xiao Zhi , Zhang Guofang , Chen Shipin
Published: July 2024

Conservation and management of endangered species are crucial to reveal the restriction mechanisms of climate change on the distribution change pattern of endangered species. Due to human interference and a limited natural capacity for regeneration, the wild resources of Ormosia microphylla Merr. & H. Y. Chen have progressively dwindled. Therefore, this study reconstructed the historical migration dynamics of the geographical distribution of O. microphylla since the last interglacial period and analyzed its adaptation to climatic conditions, aiming to provide an important reference for the protection of O. microphylla. Using data from 40 distribution resources of O. microphylla and nine climate factors, an optimized MaxEnt model, in conjunction with ArcGIS 10.4.1 software, was used for predicting and visualizing the distribution ranges and the associated changes under historical, current, and future climate scenarios. This analysis was also used to determine the dominant climate factors constraining the distribution of species. The results show that contemporary suitable habitats of O. microphylla are primarily concentrated in the mountainous regions of southern China, including Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Guizhou. The precipitation of driest quarter (bio17), the temperature seasonality (bio4), the min temperature of coldest month (bio6), and the elevation (elev) were the key limiting factors in the current geographical distribution pattern of O. microphylla. In the SSP126 and SSP585 climate scenarios, the total suitable area of O. microphylla showed a downward trend. The change in the spatial pattern of O. microphylla shows that the increase area is less than the loss area under different climate scenarios in the future. Climate warming may cause fragmentation risk to the suitable area of O. microphylla. Therefore, the corresponding protection suggestions bear significant importance for the conservation and sustainable development of O. microphylla resources.
Quantitative Analysis of Physiological and Psychological Impacts of Visual and Auditory Elements in Wuyishan National Park Using Eye-Tracking
Authors: Weng Yuxi , Zhu Yujie , Ma Songying , Li Kai , Chen Qimei , Wang Minghua , Dong Jianwen
Published: July 2024

Amidst rapid societal changes and increasing urbanization, human connectivity with nature has declined, exacerbating public health concerns. This study assesses the efficacy of Shinrin-yoku, or ‘forest bathing’, in Wuyishan National Park as a simple and effective method to counteract the adverse health effects of contemporary lifestyles. Employing repeated-measures analysis of variance, forty-one participants were observed over three days across eight distinct forest settings. Techniques included eye-tracking for visual attention and soundscape perception assessments via questionnaires. Physiological responses were gauged through heart rate variability and skin conductance, while psychological evaluations utilized the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Findings revealed that (1) natural soundscapes—especially birdsong, flowing water, wind, and bamboo raft sounds—and visual elements, such as distant mountains, streams, trees, Danxia landforms, tea gardens, and bamboo views, play pivotal roles in regulating heart rate variability, reducing arousal, and enhancing stress adaptation. Additionally, cultural landscapes, such as classical music and ancient structures, bolster parasympathetic activity. (2) Natural and cultural auditory stimuli, including flowing water and classical music, coupled with visual features, such as Danxia landforms, streams, distant mountains, lawns, and guide signs, effectively induce positive mood states, regulate mood disturbances, and enhance psychological well-being across diverse forest settings. These findings underscore the significant health benefits of immersive natural experiences and advocate for integrating forest-based wellness programs into public health strategies, offering compelling evidence for enriching life quality through nature engagement.
Regional Scale Inversion of Chlorophyll Content of Dendrocalamus giganteus by Multi-Source Remote Sensing
Authors: Xia Cuifen , Zhou Wenwu , Shu Qingtai , Wu Zaikun , Xu Li , Yang Huanfen , Qin Zhen , Wang Mingxing , Duan Dandan
Published: July 2024

The spectrophotometer method is costly, time-consuming, laborious, and destructive to the plant. Samples will be lost during the transportation process, and the method can only obtain sample point data. This poses a challenge to the estimation of chlorophyll content at the regional level. In this study, in order to improve the estimation accuracy, a new method of collaborative inversion of chlorophyll using Landsat 8 and Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) is proposed. Specifically, the chlorophyll content data set is combined with the preprocessed two remote-sensing (RS) factors to construct three regression models using a support vector machine (SVM), BP neural network (BP) and random forest (RF), and the better model is selected for inversion. In addition, the ordinary Kriging (OK) method is used to interpolate the GEDI point attribute data into the surface attribute data for modeling. The results showed the following: (1) The chlorophyll model of a single plant was y = 0.1373x1.7654. (2) The optimal semi-variance function models of pai, pgap_theta and pgap_theta_a3 are exponential models. (3) The top three correlations between the two RS data and the chlorophyll content were B2_3_SM, B2_3_HO, B2_5_EN and pai, pgap_theta, pgap_theta_a3. (4) The combination of the Landsat 8 imagery and GEDI resulted in the highest modeling accuracy, and RF had the best performance, with R2, RMSE and P values of 0.94, 0.18 g/m2 and 83.32%, respectively. This study shows that it is reliable to use Landsat 8 images and GEDI to retrieve the chlorophyll content of Dendrocalamus giganteus (D. giganteus), revealing the potential of multi-source RS data in the inversion of forest ecological parameters.
Geoforms and Biogeography Defining Mangrove Primary Productivity: A Meta-Analysis for the American Pacific
Authors: Velázquez-Pérez Carolina , Romero-Berny Emilio I. , Miceli-Méndez Clara Luz , Moreno-Casasola Patricia , López Sergio
Published: July 2024

We present a meta-analysis of mangrove litterfall across 58 sites in the American Pacific, exploring its variability among geoforms, ecoregions, and provinces. This study contributes to filling the information gap on litter-based primary productivity in American mangroves at the ecoregional level and directly examines the effects of geomorphological and biogeographic factors on mangrove productivity. The objective was to evaluate how geoform, ecoregion, and province factors, along with eight environmental variables, influence litterfall-based primary productivity. Each site was categorized according to its landform through the analysis of satellite images obtained from various sensors on the Google Earth Pro v. 7.3.6 platform. Additionally, it was categorized according to its ecoregion and province by analyzing the occurrence of the sites on biogeographic unit coverage in ArcMap 10.4.1. We then analyzed the effect of each factor and the efficiency of categorization using multivariate methods. Our results showed significant differences in litterfall among the geoforms, with estuaries exhibiting higher litterfall production (11.90 Mg ha−1 year−1) compared to lagoons (7.49 ± 4.13 Mg ha−1 year−1). Differences were also observed among provinces, with the highest average in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (11.19 ± 3.63 Mg ha−1 year−1) and the lowest in the Warm Temperate Northeast Pacific (7.34 ± 4.28 Mg ha−1 year−1). Allocation success analyses indicated that sites classified by dominant species and province were more predictable (>60.34%) for litterfall production. Additionally, the maximum temperature and the precipitation of the wettest month and the driest month explained 34.13% of the variability in mangrove litter-based primary productivity. We conclude that mangrove litterfall production is influenced by coastal geomorphic characteristics and biogeography, which are, in turn, affected by latitude-induced climate variation.
Starter Cultures for the Production of Fermented Table Olives: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Giavalisco Marilisa , Lavanga Emanuela , Ricciardi Annamaria , Zotta Teresa
Published: July 2024

Table olives are widely produced and consumed in the Mediterranean area. The production of table olives is mainly based on spontaneous fermentations, which may have several drawbacks (e.g., the development of undesirable microorganisms; organoleptic defects) compared to fermentative processes driven by starter cultures (typically lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, or their combinations). Studies on the effect of starter cultures have been mainly focused on some technological traits (e.g., acidifying capability, the degradation of phenolic compounds, metabolite production) and, to a lesser extent, on the dynamics of olive microbiota during fermentation. Recently, the application of Amplicon Targeted—High-Throughput Sequencing (AT–HTS) has enabled improvement of the knowledge on the composition and evolution of microbial communities during fermentations, including the role of starter cultures. The AT–HTS approaches used so far, however, have several constraints (e.g., poor investigation of mycobiota and metabolically active microorganisms) that do not allow a full understanding of the complex microbial interactions occurring in fermented olives. The aim of this review is to provide insights into the role of starter cultures in fermented olives and highlight the need to apply, as for other fermented foods, integrated “omics” approaches to predict and exploit their metabolic potential to improve the final properties of products.
Kinetics Investigation of Copper Ore Oxygen Carrier for Chemical Looping Combustion
Authors: Tian Xin , Su Mingze , Zhao Haibo
Published: July 2024

Chemical looping combustion (CLC) has been validated as one of the most promising technologies for fossil fuel combustion, which can produce high-purity CO2 streams ready for capture and sequestration in power production. The selection of an appropriate oxygen carrier is one of the most important issues for the CLC process, and the reduction kinetics investigation of the oxygen carrier with fuel gas can provide the basis for CLC reactor design and simulation optimization. In this study, copper ore was chosen as an oxygen carrier, and the oxygen release property of copper ore under a nitrogen environment at various temperatures (1073–1193 K) was first investigated in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Subsequently, the reduction kinetics of copper ore with CO and H2 were evaluated by the TGA at temperatures ranging from 773 K to 1073 K, using a continuous stream of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 vol. % of CO or H2 balanced by CO2 or N2. It was found that the reaction rates of these reactions accelerated with the increase in temperature and fuel gas concentration in inlet gas. Both the oxygen release process of copper ore and the reduction process of copper ore with reducing gases can be described by the unreacted shrinking core model (USCM). The reaction mechanism function for the oxygen-releasing and reduction process of copper ore oxygen carrier was varied. The activation energy of the oxygen-releasing process, reduction process with CO, and reduction process with H2 were calculated as 99.35, 5.08, and 4.28 kJ/mol, respectively. The pre-exponential factor ranged from 1.96 × 10−1 to 1.84 × 103. The reaction order depended on the fuel gas, which was 1 and 0.86, respectively, for reaction with CO and H2.