bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Polymeric Nanobiocomposites for Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery Therapeutics: A Recent Update
Authors: Mondal Arijit , Nayak Amit , Chakraborty Prithviraj , Banerjee Sabyasachi , Nandy Bankim
Published: August 2023

Cancer is one of the most common lethal diseases and the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Effective cancer treatment is a global problem, and subsequent advancements in nanomedicine are useful as substitute management for anti-cancer agents. Nanotechnology, which is gaining popularity, enables fast-expanding delivery methods in science for curing diseases in a site-specific approach, utilizing natural bioactive substances because several studies have established that natural plant-based bioactive compounds can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Bioactive, in combination with nanotechnology, is an exceptionally alluring and recent development in the fight against cancer. Along with their nutritional advantages, natural bioactive chemicals may be used as chemotherapeutic medications to manage cancer. Alginate, starch, xanthan gum, pectin, guar gum, hyaluronic acid, gelatin, albumin, collagen, cellulose, chitosan, and other biopolymers have been employed successfully in the delivery of medicinal products to particular sites. Due to their biodegradability, natural polymeric nanobiocomposites have garnered much interest in developing novel anti-cancer drug delivery methods. There are several techniques to create biopolymer-based nanoparticle systems. However, these systems must be created in an affordable and environmentally sustainable way to be more readily available, selective, and less hazardous to increase treatment effectiveness. Thus, an extensive comprehension of the various facets and recent developments in natural polymeric nanobiocomposites utilized to deliver anti-cancer drugs is imperative. The present article provides an overview of the latest research and developments in natural polymeric nanobiocomposites, particularly emphasizing their applications in the controlled and targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs.
Application of Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy to Study the Microheterogeneities of Solutions: A Case Study of Aqueous Sugar Solutions
Authors: Penkov Nikita V.
Published: August 2023

The phenomenon of the formation of microheterogeneities (MHs) in solutions, which, according to chemical handbooks, are considered true solutions, has been known for a long time. MHs have been found in more than 100 binary solutions, many of which are used both in various scientific studies and in life. However, the nature of this phenomenon is largely unclear. It is only well-known that MHs are stable areas of increased concentration of one of the components of the solution. The main reason for the poor knowledge of MHs is the use of very few experimental methods, mainly light scattering methods. In this paper, the terahertz time-domain spectroscopy method was used for the first time to study MHs using the example of aqueous solutions of three sugars: glucose, fructose, and sucrose. This method gives the spectra of complex permittivity in the terahertz range, which are very informative when studying the hydrate shells of molecules in solutions. The idea of this study was that structuring sugar molecules with the formation of MHs changes their hydration. The characteristics of sugar hydration in solutions before and after filtration through a 20 nm filter, leading to the destruction of MHs, were compared. It has been shown that the water binding in the MHs of all three solutions is increased compared with the hydrate shells of individual sugar molecules. Also, for MHs’ fructose solution, a decrease in the number of hydrogen bonds between water molecules and an increase in the number of free water molecules was shown, which is not observed in MH glucose and sucrose solutions. This is explained by mutarotations of fructose molecules, leading to permanent significant rearrangements of the water structure in MHs. Thus, terahertz time-domain spectroscopy provides fundamentally new information about the MHs of aqueous solutions at the level of their hydration characteristics. The presence of MHs in solutions is a significant factor that has never been taken into account when studying the hydrate shells of various molecules in solutions using THz spectroscopy.
Antioxidative Defense, Suppressed Nitric Oxide Accumulation, and Synthesis of Protective Proteins in Roots and Leaves Contribute to the Desiccation Tolerance of the Resurrection Plant Haberlea rhodopensis
Authors: Georgieva Katya , Mihailova Gergana , Gigova Liliana , Popova Antoaneta V. , Velitchkova Maya , Simova-Stoilova Lyudmila , Sági-Kazár Máté , Zelenyánszki Helga , Solymosi Katalin , Solti Ádám
Published: August 2023

The desiccation tolerance of plants relies on defense mechanisms that enable the protection of macromolecules, biological structures, and metabolism. Although the defense of leaf tissues exposed to solar irradiation is challenging, mechanisms that protect the viability of the roots, yet largely unexplored, are equally important for survival. Although the photosynthetic apparatus in leaves contributes to the generation of oxidative stress under drought stress, we hypothesized that oxidative stress and thus antioxidative defense is also predominant in the roots. Thus, we aimed for a comparative analysis of the protective mechanisms in leaves and roots during the desiccation of Haberlea rhodopensis. Consequently, a high content of non-enzymatic antioxidants and high activity of antioxidant enzymes together with the activation of specific isoenzymes were found in both leaves and roots during the final stages of desiccation of H. rhodopensis. Among others, catalase and glutathione reductase activity showed a similar tendency of changes in roots and leaves, whereas, unlike that in the leaves, superoxide dismutase activity was enhanced under severe but not under medium desiccation in roots. Nitric oxide accumulation in the root tips was found to be sensitive to water restriction but suppressed under severe desiccation. In addition to the antioxidative defense, desiccation induced an enhanced abundance of dehydrins, ELIPs, and sHSP 17.7 in leaves, but this was significantly better in roots. In contrast to leaf cells, starch remained in the cells of the central cylinder of desiccated roots. Taken together, protective compounds and antioxidative defense mechanisms are equally important in protecting the roots to survive desiccation. Since drought-induced damage to the root system fundamentally affects the survival of plants, a better understanding of root desiccation tolerance mechanisms is essential to compensate for the challenges of prolonged dry periods.
Long-Distance Movement of Solanum tuberosum Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (StTCTP) mRNA
Authors: Xoconostle-Morán Brenda Beatriz , Xoconostle-Cázares Beatriz , Vargas-Hernández Brenda Yazmín , Núñez-Muñoz Leandro Alberto , Calderón-Pérez Berenice , Ruiz-Medrano Roberto
Published: August 2023

Long-distance signaling molecules in plants, including different RNA species, play a crucial role in the development and environmental responses. Among these mobile signals, the Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) mRNA is one of the most abundant. TCTP regulates cell-cycle progression and programmed cell death and is involved in responses to abiotic and biotic stress as well as plant regeneration, among other functions. Considering that the ability to induce plant regeneration is linked to a possible role of TCTP in vegetative propagation and asexual reproduction, we analyzed TCTP overexpression in a solanaceous plant model that can reproduce asexually by regeneration from stolons and tubers. Therefore, in this study, the effect of transient expression of Solanum tuberosum TCTP (StTCTP) on tuber development and vegetative propagation was described. StTCTP mRNA was shown to be transported long-distance. Additionally, transient overexpression of StTCTP resulted in sprouts with a greater diameter compared to control plants. Furthermore, the early stages of tuberization were induced compared to control plants, in which only mature tubers were observed. These results suggest a role of TCTP in vegetative propagation and asexual reproduction.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ebractenoid F, a Major Active Compound of Euphorbia ebracteolata Hayata, through Inhibition of Nuclear Factor-κB Activation
Authors: Chun Jaemoo , Mah Sang Yeon , Kim Yeong Shik
Published: August 2023

Euphorbia ebracteolata Hayata (Euphorbiaceae family) is a perennial plant that is widely distributed in Korea, Japan, and China. Its roots contain bioactive diterpenes that have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to identify the most active anti-inflammatory compound from the roots of E. ebracteolata Hayata, using bioassay-guided fractionation and a combinative method of high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Then, we investigated its anti-inflammatory mechanism in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Ebractenoid F was identified as the most potent bioactive compound of E. ebracteolata Hayata. Ebractenoid F significantly decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation induced by LPS in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, ebractenoid F decreased the degradation of inhibitory κB-α, the nuclear translocation of the p65 and p50 subunits of NF-κB, and the expression of NF-κB downstream genes. Furthermore, ebractenoid F inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK), in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In conclusion, ebractenoid F exerts the most potent anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing NF-κB-mediated NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Ebractenoid F may be a useful therapeutic compound for the prevention or treatment of inflammation-associated diseases.
Nano-Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals from Soil: A Critical Review
Authors: Prakash Priyanka , S Smitha Chandran
Published: August 2023

Heavy metal pollution is one of the major global issues arising from various anthropogenic activities. The natural habitat and human health may be at peril from heavy metal exposure since they are tenacious, bio-accumulative, and non-biodegradable. Therefore, eradicating heavy metals from the soil ecosystem is a crucial responsibility to create a secure, viable, and zero-waste ecosystem. There are numerous techniques for eliminating heavy metals from the environment, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks. When a biological agent is used to degrade pollutants, this process is called bioremediation. Nano-phytoremediation, an emerging bioremediation approach in the field of nanotechnology, uses biosynthesized nanoparticles and plant species for the removal of toxic heavy metals from the environment. It is an efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly technique. The adverse consequences of metal exposure on different plant species have been discovered to be greatly reduced by engineered nanomaterials. Because of their tiny dimensions and huge surface area, nanomaterials have an attraction towards metals and can thus quickly enter the contaminated zone of ecosystems that are metal-challenged. The current review provides an overview of various aspects of nano-phytoremediation for heavy metal remediation.
Improving the Autofluorescence of Lophira alata Woody Cells via the Removal of Extractives
Authors: Yu Zhaoyang , Xu Dongnian , Hu Jinbo , Chang Shanshan , Liu Gonggang , Huang Qiongtao , Han Jin , Li Ting , Liu Yuan , Wang Xiaodong (Alice)
Published: August 2023

The autofluorescence phenomenon is an inherent characteristic of lignified cells. However, in the case of Lophira alata (L. alata), the autofluorescence is nearly imperceptible during occasional fluorescence observations. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism behind the quenching of lignin’s autofluorescence in L. alata by conducting associated experiments. Notably, the autofluorescence image of L. alata observed using optical microscopy appears to be quite indistinct. Abundant extractives are found in the longitudinal parenchyma, fibers, and vessels of L. alata. Remarkably, when subjected to a benzene–alcohol extraction treatment, the autofluorescence of L. alata becomes progressively enhanced under a fluorescence microscope. Additionally, UV–Vis absorption spectra demonstrate that the extractives derived from L. alata exhibit strong light absorption within the wavelength range of 200–500 nm. This suggests that the abundant extractives in L. alata are probably responsible for the autofluorescence quenching observed in the cell walls. Moreover, the presence and quantity of these extractives have a significant impact on the fluorescence intensity of lignin in wood, resulting in a significant decrease therein. In future studies, it would be interesting to explore the role of complex compounds such as polyphenols or terpenoids, which are present in the abundant extractives, in interfering with the fluorescence quenching of lignin in L. alata.
The Impact of the Molecular Weight of Degradation Products with Silicon from Porous Chitosan–Siloxane Hybrids on Neuronal Cell Behavior
Authors: Shirosaki Yuki , Fregnan Federica , Muratori Luisa , Yasutomi Saki , Geuna Stefano , Raimondo Stefania
Published: August 2023

Silicon (Si) is an essential trace element in the human body and it exists in connective tissue as aqueous orthosilicic acid. Porous chitosan–3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) hybrids can regenerate nerve tissue and recover sensor and motor functions. However, the structures and roles of the degradation products with Si extracted from the hybrids in nerve regeneration are not clear. In this study, we prepared porous chitosan–GPTMS hybrids with different amounts of GPTMS to amino groups of chitosan (chitosan:GPTMS = 1:0.5 and 1:1 molar ratios). The structures of the degradation products with Si from the hybrids were examined using time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and biological assessments were conducted in order to evaluate their potential use in the preparation of devices for nerve repair. Glial and motor cell lines and ex vivo explants of dorsal root ganglia were used in this study for evaluating their behavior in the presence of the different degradation products with Si. The structure of the degradation products with Si depended on the starting composition. The results showed that glial cell proliferation was lower in the medium with the higher-molecular-weight degradation products with Si. Moreover, motor cell line differentiation and the neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion explants were improved with the lower-molecular-weight degradation products with Si. The results obtained could be useful for designing a new nerve regeneration scaffold including silicon components.
Deformation Characteristics of Asymmetric Gradient Extrusion in Preparing Ultra-Fine-Grained Bulk Materials
Authors: Fan Junkai , Li Jikang , Liu Wei , Wang Chengpeng
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a novel method for the preparation of ultra-fine-grained bulk materials called asymmetric gradient extrusion (AGE) is proposed. In AGE, the cross-section of the extrusion channel is a rectangle, and two inclined planes are staggered along the extrusion direction. To realize repetitive extrusion, the thickness of the workpiece is limited to be equal to the width of the channel outlet. In order to study the mechanism of ultra-fine grain formation in AGE, the deformation characteristics of AGE were investigated. First, the slip line field method was used to theoretically analyze the deformation characteristics and grain splitting in AGE. Then, the plastic deformation behavior of bulk samples in AGE and traditional extrusion was investigated and compared with the finite element method. In addition, the deformation characteristic and microstructure variation of pure copper bulk samples in AGE were experimentally investigated. The results showed that the deformation characteristics of workpieces were highly related to the two inclined planes within the die channel. Two independent deformation zones can be formed with increasing distance between the two inclined planes. The shear effects in each deformation zone lead to grain splitting during extrusion. Compared with traditional extrusion, the advantage of AGE is its amazing ability to form high and uniform strain during extrusion, which leads to the formation of small and uniform grains in the workpiece. After six passes of AGE, an average grain size of 0.6 μm can be achieved. The enhancement and accumulation of dislocations within grains was the dominating mechanism of grain fragmentation. AGE shows impressive potential in the preparation of ultra-fine-grained bulk materials.
Techno-Economic Considerations on Nanocellulose’s Future Progress: A Short Review
Authors: Penloglou Giannis , Basna Aikaterini , Pavlou Alexandros , Kiparissides Costas
Published: August 2023

Nanocellulose (NC) is an emerging natural material that offers great potential for various applications due to its unique properties and renewable character. Nowadays, as NC production technologies are advancing, it is essential to evaluate their economic feasibility, technological maturity and commercialization potential using systematic techno-economic analysis (TEA). The present study considers both technical and economic aspects of NC production and analyzes them in two ways: first, by developing a new concept based on the production of different types of NC through the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass by chemical and mechanical technologies, and second, by a comparative review of existing TEA studies in the open literature. Three specific scenarios and two case studies are evaluated by comparing specific key performance indicators (KPIs), such as the production cost (PC) and minimum product selling price (MPSP) of NC. As a result, a short though comprehensive overview of the current state of NC production is provided, highlighting the main technical and economic challenges associated with it. Key areas for future research and innovation (R&I) are also identified to optimize the production processes and reduce relevant costs, in order to make NC competitive with existing materials and realize its full potential.
Beyond the Metal Flesh: Understanding the Intersection between Bio- and AI Ethics for Robotics in Healthcare
Authors: Boch Auxane , Ryan Seamus , Kriebitz Alexander , Amugongo Lameck Mbangula , Lütge Christoph
Published: August 2023

As we look towards the future of healthcare, integrating Care Robots (CRs) into health systems is a practical approach to address challenges such as an ageing population and caregiver shortages. However, ethical discussions about the impact of CRs on patients, caregivers, healthcare systems, and society are crucial. This normative research seeks to define an integrative and comprehensive ethical framework for CRs, encompassing a wide range of AI-related issues in healthcare. To build the framework, we combine principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, and explainability by integrating the AI4People framework for a Good AI Society and the traditional bioethics perspective. Using the integrated framework, we conduct an ethical assessment of CRs. Next, we identify three key ethical trade-offs and propose remediation strategies for the technology. Finally, we offer design recommendations for responsible development and usage of CRs. In conclusion, our research highlights the critical need for sector-specific ethical discussions in healthcare to fully grasp the potential implications of integrating AI technology.
A Multifactor Eigenvector Spatial Filtering-Based Method for Resolution-Enhanced Snow Water Equivalent Estimation in the Western United States
Authors: Chen Yuejun , Chen Yumin , Wilson John P. , Yang Jiaxin , Su Heng , Xu Rui
Published: August 2023

Accurate snow water equivalent (SWE) products are vital for monitoring hydrological processes and managing water resources effectively. However, the coarse spatial resolution (typically at 25 km from passive microwave remote sensing images) of the existing SWE products cannot meet the needs of explicit hydrological modeling. Linear regression ignores the spatial autocorrelation (SA) in the variables, and the measure of SA in the data assimilation algorithm is not explicit. This study develops a Resolution-enhanced Multifactor Eigenvector Spatial Filtering (RM-ESF) method to estimate daily SWE in the western United States based on a 6.25 km enhanced-resolution passive microwave record. The RM-ESF method is based on a brightness temperature gradience algorithm, incorporating not only factors including geolocation, environmental, topographical, and snow features but also eigenvectors generated from a spatial weights matrix to take SA into account. The results indicate that the SWE estimation from the RM-ESF method obviously outperforms other SWE products given its overall highest correlation coefficient (0.72) and lowest RMSE (56.70 mm) and MAE (43.88 mm), compared with the AMSR2 (0.33, 131.38 mm, and 115.45 mm), GlobSnow3 (0.50, 100.03 mm, and 83.58 mm), NCA-LDAS (0.48, 98.80 mm, and 81.94 mm), and ERA5 (0.65, 67.33 mm, and 51.82 mm), respectively. The RM-ESF model considers SA effectively and estimates SWE at a resolution of 6.25 km, which provides a feasible and efficient approach for SWE estimation with higher precision and finer spatial resolution.
Modeling the Effects of Drivers on PM2.5 in the Yangtze River Delta with Geographically Weighted Random Forest
Authors: Su Zhangwen , Lin Lin , Xu Zhenhui , Chen Yimin , Yang Liming , Hu Honghao , Lin Zipeng , Wei Shujing , Luo Sisheng
Published: August 2023

Establishing an efficient PM2.5 prediction model and in-depth knowledge of the relationship between the predictors and PM2.5 in the model are of great significance for preventing and controlling PM2.5 pollution and policy formulation in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) where there is serious air pollution. In this study, the spatial pattern of PM2.5 concentration in the YRD during 2003–2019 was analyzed by Hot Spot Analysis. We employed five algorithms to train, verify, and test 17 years of data in the YRD, and we explored the drivers of PM2.5 exposure. Our key results demonstrated: (1) High PM2.5 pollution in the YRD was concentrated in the western and northwestern regions and remained stable for 17 years. Compared to 2003, PM2.5 increased by 10–20% in the southeast, southwest, and western regions in 2019. The hot spot for percentage change of PM2.5 was mostly located in the southwest and southeast regions in 2019, while the interannual change showed a changeable spatial distribution pattern. (2) Geographically Weighted Random Forest (GWRF) has great advantages in predicting the presence of PM2.5 in comparison with other models. GWRF not only improves the performance of RF, but also spatializes the interpretation of variables. (3) Climate and human activities are the most important drivers of PM2.5 concentration. Drought, temperature, and temperature difference are the most critical and potentially threatening climatic factors for the increase and expansion of PM2.5 in the YRD. With the warming and drying trend worldwide, this finding can help policymakers better consider these factors for PM2.5 prediction. Moreover, the effect of interference from humans on ecosystems will increase again after COVID-19, leading to a rise in PM2.5 concentration. The strong explanatory power of comprehensive ecological indicators for the distribution of PM2.5 will be a crucial indicator worthy of consideration by decision-making departments.
Phase Transition Field Effect Transistor Observed in an α-(BEDT-TTF)2I3 Single Crystal
Authors: Ando Ryosuke , Watanuki Ryo , Kudo Kazuhiro , Masu Hyuma , Sakai Masatoshi
Published: August 2023

The metal–insulator transition induced by the gate electric field in the charge order phase of the α-(BEDT-TTF)2I3 single-crystal field-effect transistor (FET) structure was clearly observed near the phase transition temperature. An abrupt increase in the electrical conductance induced by the applied gate electric field was evident, which corresponds to the partial dissolution of the charge order phase triggered by the gate electric field. The estimated nominal dissolved charge order region (i.e., the gate-induced metallic region) was overestimated in 130–150 K, suggesting additional effects such as Joule heating. On the other hand, in the lower temperature region below 120 K, the corresponding dissolved charge order was several monolayers of BEDT-TTF, suggesting that it is possible to dissolve the charge order phase within the bistable temperature region.
Muscle Damage, Inflammation, and Muscular Performance following the Physical Ability Test in Professional Firefighters
Authors: Sokoloski Matthew L. , Rigby Brandon R. , King George A. , Biggerstaff Kyle D. , Irvine Christopher J. , Bosak Andrew M. , Gordon Ryan A. , Zumbro Emily L. , Clark Cayla E. , Varone Nicole L. , Crossland Brett W.
Published: August 2023

Proper monitoring of fatigue and muscular damage may be used to decrease the high levels of cardiovascular disease, overuse musculoskeletal injuries, and workers compensation claims within the profession of firefighting. The purpose of this study was to examine muscle damage, muscular fatigue, and inflammation responses following a typical firefighting shift. Twenty-four professional firefighters completed two Physical Ability Tests to standardize the tasks typically performed in a day of work, and to elicit similar physiological responses. Participants were then monitored for 48 h. Prior to, and 48 h following the Physical Ability Tests, participants were evaluated for changes in strength, power, range-of-motion, as well as blood markers including myoglobin and c-reactive protein. Following the Physical Ability Tests, significant differences in myoglobin (p < 0.05), grip strength (p < 0.05), vertical jump (p < 0.05), and sit-and-reach (p < 0.05) were observed. No difference in c-reactive protein was observed (p > 0.05). After 24 hours following a shift, firefighters exhibited decreased strength, power, and range-of-motion. This may lead to decreases in performance and an increased risk of injury.
Career Sustainability: Framing the Past to Adapt in the Present for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Schweitzer Linda , Lyons Sean , Smith Chelsie J.
Published: August 2023

The emerging literature concerning sustainable careers posits that career development is an adaptive and dynamic process of creating person–career fit, in pursuit of a career that is happy, healthy, and productive. Our goal is to advance this literature by delving deeper into the intrapersonal processes involved in constructing career sustainability—which involves meeting one’s needs in the present without sacrificing one’s needs in the future—and clarifying the role of time in this process. We articulate a fundamentally subjective, intrapersonal process of enacting career sustainability that draws upon career construction theory, prospective and adaptive sensemaking, conservation of resources theory, and career adaptability to articulate how individuals reflect, frame, envision, re-frame, and ultimately, adapt to effect and maintain their career sustainability over time. This expansion brings added conceptual depth to earlier sustainable careers models by situating the career firmly within the agency of the career actor and articulating how this process unfolds with specific recognition of the past, present, and future. Educators, career counselors, HR representatives, and community organizations are called upon to promote and support career sustainability and support individuals through this dynamic and adaptive process.
Spatial, Functional, and Landscape Changes in a Medium-Sized Post-Industrial City Based on Aerial Photo Analysis: The Case of Gorlice (Poland)
Authors: Wantuch-Matla Dorota , Dorocki Sławomir , Kroczak Rafał
Published: August 2023

The article presents the spatial-functional transformations of a medium-sized post-industrial city in the context of the decline in the industrial function which used to occupy a prominent position in the city. The research attempts to answer the following questions: (1) What has been reflected in the spatial and functional development of the city and its landscape by the dynamic transformations in the industrial sector that have taken place since the 1970s, playing out in the broad context of the specific political and socio-economic conditions? and (2) how is the city dealing with post-industrial sites—are we dealing with a ‘post-industrial scar’ or a process of their adaptation to the needs of the present? Analyses were initiated to identify differences in spatial and landscape structure from 1966 to the present. To this end, a land cover analysis was carried out based on available sets of aerial photographs taken in four selected years within the study period, as well as a calculation of the index of variation. Graphical and GIS software (QGIS 3.28.4 version) and methods of statistical data analysis were used. To come up with a full picture of transformations in the second half of the 20th century, an outline of the historical spatial development of Gorlice and the local oil and engineering industry was presented. The results of the research confirm the relationship between the functional and spatial development of the city and the transformation and condition of its industrial function.
Kinshasa Province (Democratic Republic of Congo): Typology of Peri-Urban Ecosystems Providing Edible Insects
Authors: Adeito Mavunda Célestin , Kanda Madjouma , Folega Fousséni , Bawa Demirel Maza-esso , Badjare Bilouktime , Katembo Mukirania John , Dourma Marra , Akpagana Koffi
Published: August 2023

Tropical peri-urban ecosystems are essential for the urban population’s well-being through the goods and services they provide. Unfortunately, these ecosystems are subjected to anthropogenic pressures for various reasons. This study aims to assess the diversity and structure of the peri-urban ecosystems that provide the most edible insects in Kinshasa. A total of 360 people were interviewed to identify the two insect species most frequently consumed. The tree inventory was carried out in 50 plots (2500 m2 each), of which 25 were in Acacia plantations, 10 were planted Milletia forests, and 15 were natural Millettia forests. The diameters of each tree, dbh ≥ 10 cm, were measured. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to distinguish the forest communities. Diversity indices were used to assess floristic variability and structural parameters were used to characterize forest stands. Two insects were identified as being the most commonly consumed in Kinshasa: Gonimbrasia jamesoni (28%) and Cirina forda (27%), found the in Acacia plantation, and in the planted Milletia forests and natural Milletti forest, respectively. The results indicate floristic (higher in the Acacia plantation) and structural variability between stands. The structure of the stands indicates good news for all forests, except the planted forest. The high frequency/dominance of A. auriculiformis and M. laurentii in the peri-urban ecosystems of Kinshasa would therefore be optimal conditions (under natural conditions) for good production of these two caterpillar species.
Influence Mechanism of Green Supply Chain Interest Linkage of Grassland Livestock Products: A Study from the Perspective of Pastoral Modernization
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Wang Yali , Zhang Xiaomeng , Baoyindureng Baoyindureng
Published: August 2023

Building a reasonable and stable interest linkage mechanism is key to ensuring the efficient operation of the green supply chain of grassland livestock products, and it is also an inherent requirement to promote the income of herders. Firstly, according to the stakeholder theory and the green supply chain theory, a conceptual model of interest linkage-influencing factors of the green supply chain of grassland livestock products was constructed on the basis of public policy effect, green business status, willingness to cooperate, characteristics of decision-making behavior, and circulation characteristics. Secondly, on the basis of 358 research data samples from participants in the green supply chain of grassland livestock products in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the structural equation model was used to empirically study the action law of each influencing factor and the mechanism of influence on the interest linkage. The results showed that willingness to cooperate had a significant positive influence on interest linkage; circulation characteristics did not have a significant direct influence on interest linkage but had an indirect positive influence on it through willingness to cooperate; characteristics of decision-making behavior not only had a direct positive influence on interest linkage but also enhanced the willingness to cooperate through the circulation characteristics of livestock products, which had an indirect positive influence on interest linkage; and green business status did not directly influence interest linkage. The public policy effect did not directly influence interest linkage but indirectly influenced the interest linkage through green business status, willingness to cooperate, characteristics of decision-making behavior, and circulation characteristics. Finally, managerial implications for constructing a reasonable interest linkage mechanism were proposed, including enhancing the willingness of subjects to cooperate, stabilizing the distribution channels of livestock products, cultivating market awareness of the interested subjects, strengthening the main body’s awareness of green development and expanding the scale of green operation, increasing government input and policy publicity to highlight the public policy effect, and improving relevant laws and regulations to effectively safeguard the interest of market entities.
Green and Low-Carbon Efficiency Assessment of Urban Agglomeration Logistics Industry: Evidence from China’s Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Metropolitan Area (2008–2020)
Authors: Wang Bangjun , Tian Yu
Published: August 2023

With the advent of the post-industrial era, the rapid development of e-commerce has propelled the logistics industry to become the lifeline of the national economy, supporting the orderly flow of resource elements between cities. However, the concerning issues of excessive energy consumption and low logistics efficiency in the transportation process have come to the forefront. The introduction of China’s dual-carbon policy goals indicates that enhancing regional logistics’ green and low-carbon efficiency is key to solving the global logistic sustainability problem. Nowadays, the logistics sector’s efficiency in producing green and low-carbon emissions has been quantified using an input-output measurement index. Using data from 2008 to 2020 from the dynamic panel of the logistics sector in the urban agglomerations of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, the three-stage SBM-DEA and Malmquist index quantitative evaluation models are selected to estimate the logistic green and low-carbon development efficiency comprehensively. The analysis discovered that green and low-carbon logistics in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei metropolitan agglomeration are relatively efficient overall, and the urban siphon effect of Beijing and Tianjin is noticeable. Once the impact of environmental variables and random errors is eliminated, it becomes evident that these factors tend to inflate the overall technical efficiency. Technical efficiency levels are the primary factor leading to regional logistics inefficiencies. Additionally, it is essential to note that scale efficiency positively affects urban development, leading to a rebound effect, summarizing the existing problems combined with the visualization map, and putting forward corresponding policy suggestions, which is of great practical significance.
Long-Term Forecast of Sierra Leone’s Energy Supply and Demand (2019–2040): A LEAP Model Application for Sustainable Power Generation System
Authors: Conteh Foday , Furukakoi Masahiro , Rangarajan Shriram Srinivasarangan , Collins Edward Randolph , Conteh Michael A. , Rashwan Ahmed , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: August 2023

Sierra Leone is suffering from a persistent electricity gap that has crippled its economic growth and prevented it from attaining several health and education development goals. This persistent electricity gap has generated significant interest in tackling the country’s long-lasting energy deficiency. Providing electricity in a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective manner in Sierra Leone requires adopting robust integrated energy planning and appropriate technologies. Despite various interventions by the government, a balance between electricity demand and supply has yet to be achieved. Using the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP), this work assesses Sierra Leone’s energy supply and demand for 2019–2040. We developed three case scenarios (Base, Middle, and High) based on forecasted demand, resource potential, techno-economic parameters, and CO2 emissions. The Base case considers the electricity sector as business as usual, the Middle case examines the electricity sector reform roadmap and the prospect of integrating renewable energy into the power system, and the High case examines the sustainable development of the power generation system considering the electricity sector roadmap. As part of this study, we analyze potential alternatives to conventional electricity generation systems aimed at providing electricity in a sustainable, reliable, and affordable manner, including the use of renewable energy sources and technologies with less CO2 emissions. Model results estimate an increase in electricity demand of 1812.5 GWh, 1936 GWh, and 2635.8 GWh for Base, Middle, and High cases respectively. Also, there is a reduction in production, fuel cost, and CO2 emission in the High case to the Base case by 67.15%, 35.79%, and 51.8%, respectively. This paper concludes with recommendations devised from the study results for the power system of Sierra Leone.
Museums without Visitors? Crisis of the Polish Museums during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Revival under the Digital Experience Offer
Authors: Gaweł Łukasz
Published: August 2023

Museums, as many other organisations, froze during the lockdown. Museums offer insights into varying cultures and since no forms of culture can sustain without the engagement of audiences, participants, or visitors, the lockdown forced by the pandemic compelled museum authorities to look for new ways to reach audiences and establish relationships with them, thereby facilitating previously untapped forms of cultural participation. This worldwide experience of the pandemic undoubtedly accelerated the digital transformation of the entire cultural sector. To what extent these new opportunities have changed the forms of participation in the cultural realm remains an open question. This current research carried out in some of the largest Polish museums allowed us to conclude that the pandemic period saw a significant leap forward in terms of the involvement of digital technologies in popularising museum collections, as well as in seeking contact with audiences at various levels. At the same time, the reopening of museums resulted in increased attendances on an unprecedented scale. It could be said that the pandemic made us realise how global threats can, in a short span of time, take away the possibility of enjoying traditional forms of cultural participation, but at the same time enable the development of digital technologies that can significantly contribute to the popularisation of museum collections or exhibitions. This research was designed to find out whether museum audiences wanted a change in the way they experience the collections and exhibitions held in museums, and whether the digital experience created during the pandemic was attractive enough to compete with a personal visit to an art gallery. The results of the research clearly indicated that despite the rich digital experience offered in Polish museums, viewers still stated a desire to return to a “real museum”. The pandemic allowed the museum authorities to learn novel administration techniques and numerous technological solutions that were previously never used have now become a permanent feature of regular museum operations. However, the reaction of the audiences after the lockdown was clear: they still wanted to enjoy traditional forms of cultural participation, valuing above all the possibility of personal contact with an original work of art in a museum gallery.
Edge Intelligence-Assisted Asymmetrical Network Control and Video Decoding in the Industrial IoT with Speculative Parallelization
Authors: Yang Shuangye , Zhang Zhiwei , Xia Hui , Li Yahui , Liu Zheng
Published: August 2023

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoTs) has drawn significant attention in the industry. Among its rich applications, the field’s video surveillance deserves particular interest due to its advantage in better understanding network control. However, existing decoding methods are limited by the video coding order, which cannot be decoded in parallel, resulting in low decoding efficiency and the inability to process the massive amount of video data in real time. In this work, a parallel decoding framework based on the speculative technique is proposed. In particular, the video is first speculatively decomposed into data blocks, and then a verification method is designed to ensure the correctness of the decomposition. After verification, the data blocks having passed the validation can be decoded concurrently in the parallel computing platform. Finally, the concurrent decoding results are concatenated in line with the original encoding order to form the output. Experiments show that compared with traditional serial decoding ones, the proposed method can improve the performance by 9 times on average in the parallel computing environment with NVIDIA Tegra 4 chips, thus significantly enhancing the real-time video data’s decoding efficiency with guaranteed accuracy. Furthermore, proposed and traditional serial methods obtain almost the same peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and mean square error (MSE) metrics at different bit rates and resolutions, showing that the introduction of the speculative technique does not degrade the decoding accuracy.
Some Results for Ćirić–Prešić Type Contractions in F-Metric Spaces
Authors: Ozturk Vildan
Published: August 2023

In this study, first, we introduce Ćirić–Prešić type contraction in F-metric spaces and prove a fixed point theorem for self mappings. We apply the fixed point results for a second-order differential equation. Therefore, we define Prešić type almost contraction and F-contraction, and we prove some fixed point theorems. In the last section, we prove the best proximity point theorems for Ćirić–Prešić type proximal contraction in F-metric spaces. Our results generalize the existing results in the literature.
Enhancing DSS Exploitation Based on VGI Quality Assessment: Conceptual Framework and Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Sboui Tarek , Aissi Saida
Published: August 2023

The latest advances in spatial information technology have led to the emergence of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) as enrichment to existing spatial data sources. Additionally, Decision Support Systems (DSS) are among the fields that have seen major advances. Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) has great potential as a valuable data source to decision support systems. Several studies have been proposed to integrate VGI data into DSS. However, as VGI data may have different levels of quality, integrating VGI data with poor quality may affect the decision-making process. In fact, VGI data with poor quality. that are obsolete or incomplete, could, if integrated into a spatial DSS, lead to inappropriate analysis results. This paper presents an approach that aims to enhance spatial DSS analysis and exploitation by integrating high quality VGI data that are appropriate to the user requirements, and that have a good indicator completeness and time relevance. The approach introduces a conceptual framework that evaluates VGI data quality and integrates only high quality VGI data into spatial DSS. The proposed approach is experimented on a road maintenance project in Grand-Tunis. We develop the Map-Report prototype, and we evaluate the efficiency of our approach in enhancing data analysis and exploitation in spatial DSS by reducing the error rate and providing accurate and precise analysis results.
Modern DC–DC Power Converter Topologies and Hybrid Control Strategies for Maximum Power Output in Sustainable Nanogrids and Picogrids—A Comprehensive Survey
Authors: Ganguly Anupama , Biswas Pabitra Kumar , Sain Chiranjit , Ustun Taha Selim
Published: August 2023

Sustainable energy exhibited immense growth in the last few years. As compared to other sustainable sources, solar power is proved to be the most feasible source due to some unanticipated characteristics, such as being clean, noiseless, ecofriendly, etc. The output from the solar power is entirely unpredictable since solar power generation is dependent on the intensity of solar irradiation and solar panel temperature. Further, these parameters are weather dependent and thus intermittent in nature. To conquer intermittency, power converters play an important role in solar power generation. Generally, photovoltaic systems will eventually suffer from a decrease in energy conversion efficiency along with improper stability and intermittent properties. As a result, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm must be incorporated to cultivate maximum power from solar power. To make solar power generation reliable, a proper control technique must be added to the DC–DC power converter topologies. Furthermore, this study reviewed the progress of the maximum power point tracking algorithm and included an in-depth discussion on modern and both unidirectional and bidirectional DC–DC power converter topologies for harvesting electric power. Lastly, for the reliability and continuity of the power demand and to allow for distributed generation, this article also established the possibility of integrating solar PV systems into nanogrids and picogrids in a sustainable environment. The outcome of this comprehensive survey would be of strong interest to the researchers, technologists, and the industry in the relevant field to carry out future research.
A Review on the Use of Metal Oxide-Based Nanocomposites for the Remediation of Organics-Contaminated Water via Photocatalysis: Fundamentals, Bibliometric Study and Recent Advances
Authors: Araújo Evando S. , Pereira Michel F. G. , da Silva Georgenes M. G. , Tavares Ginetton F. , Oliveira Carlos Y. B. , Faia Pedro M.
Published: August 2023

The improper disposal of toxic and carcinogenic organic substances resulting from the manufacture of dyes, drugs and pesticides can contaminate aquatic environments and potable water resources and cause serious damage to animal and human health and to the ecosystem. In this sense, heterogeneous photocatalysis stand out as one effective and cost-effective water depollution technique. The use of metal oxide nanocomposites (MON), from the mixture of two or more oxides or between these oxides and other functional semiconductor materials, have gained increasing attention from researchers and industrial developers as a potential alternative to produce efficient and environmentally friendly photocatalysts for the remediation of water contamination by organic compounds. Thus, this work presents an updated review of the main advances in the use of metal oxide nanocomposites-based photocatalysts for decontamination of water polluted by these substances. A bibliometric analysis allowed to show the evolution of the importance of this research topic in the literature over the last decade. The results of the study also showed that hierarchical and heterogeneous nanostructures of metal oxides, as well as conducting polymers and carbon materials, currently stand out as the main materials for the synthesis of MON, with better photocatalysis performance in the degradation of dyes, pharmaceuticals and pesticides.