bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Custom-Developed Device for Testing Tensile Strength and Elasticity of Vascular and Intestinal Tissue Samples for Anastomosis Regeneration Research
Authors: Godo Zoltan Attila , Fazekas Laszlo Adam , Fritsch Gergo , Szabo Balazs , Nemeth Norbert
Published: September 2024

Optimizing the regeneration process of surgically created anastomoses (blood vessels, intestines, nerves) is an important topic in surgical research. One of the most interesting parameter groups is related to the biomechanical properties of the anastomoses. Depending on the regeneration process and its influencing factors, tensile strength and other biomechanical features may change during the healing process. Related to the optimal specimen size, the range and accuracy of measurements, and applicability, we have developed a custom-tailored microcontroller-based device. In this paper, we describe the hardware and software configuration of the latest version of the device, including experiences and comparative measurements of tensile strength and elasticity of artificial materials and biopreparate tissue samples. The machine we developed was made up of easily obtainable parts and can be easily reproduced on a low budget. The basic device can apply a force of up to 40 newtons, and can grasp a 0.05–1 cm wide, 0.05–1 cm thick tissue. The length of the test piece on the rail should be between 0.3 and 5 cm. Low production cost, ease of use, and detailed data recording make it a useful tool for experimental surgical research.
Time-Synchronized Convergence Control for n-DOF Robotic Manipulators with System Uncertainties
Authors: Wang Duansong , Zhang Gang , Zhang Tan , Zhang Jinzhong , Chen Rui
Published: September 2024

A time-synchronized (TS) convergence control method for robotic manipulators is proposed. Adversely to finite-time control, a notion of time-synchronization convergence is introduced based on the ratio persistence property, which can ensure that all system components converge simultaneously in a finite time. Firstly, a robust disturbance observer is constructed to be compatible with the time-synchronized control framework and precisely estimate system uncertainties. Furthermore, we design a (finite) time-synchronized controller to ensure that all states of the robotic manipulator simultaneously converge to an equilibrium point, irrespective of initial conditions. Stability analysis shows the feasibility of the proposed TS control method. At last, simulations are performed with a two-link rehabilitation robotic system, and the comparison results indicate its superiority.
A Spatio-Temporal Capsule Neural Network with Self-Correlation Routing for EEG Decoding of Semantic Concepts of Imagination and Perception Tasks
Authors: Huang Jianxi , Chang Yinghui , Li Wenyu , Tong Jigang , Du Shengzhi
Published: September 2024

Decoding semantic concepts for imagination and perception tasks (SCIP) is important for rehabilitation medicine as well as cognitive neuroscience. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is commonly used in the relevant fields, because it is a low-cost noninvasive technique with high temporal resolution. However, as EEG signals contain a high noise level resulting in a low signal-to-noise ratio, it makes decoding EEG-based semantic concepts for imagination and perception tasks (SCIP-EEG) challenging. Currently, neural network algorithms such as CNN, RNN, and LSTM have almost reached their limits in EEG signal decoding due to their own short-comings. The emergence of transformer methods has improved the classification performance of neural networks for EEG signals. However, the transformer model has a large parameter set and high complexity, which is not conducive to the application of BCI. EEG signals have high spatial correlation. The relationship between signals from different electrodes is more complex. Capsule neural networks can effectively model the spatial relationship between electrodes through vector representation and a dynamic routing mechanism. Therefore, it achieves more accurate feature extraction and classification. This paper proposes a spatio-temporal capsule network with a self-correlation routing mechaninsm for the classification of semantic conceptual EEG signals. By improving the feature extraction and routing mechanism, the model is able to more effectively capture the highly variable spatio-temporal features from EEG signals and establish connections between capsules, thereby enhancing classification accuracy and model efficiency. The performance of the proposed model was validated using the publicly accessible semantic concept dataset for imagined and perceived tasks from Bath University. Our model achieved average accuracies of 94.9%, 93.3%, and 78.4% in the three sensory modalities (pictorial, orthographic, and audio), respectively. The overall average accuracy across the three sensory modalities is 88.9%. Compared to existing advanced algorithms, the proposed model achieved state-of-the-art performance, significantly improving classification accuracy. Additionally, the proposed model is more stable and efficient, making it a better decoding solution for SCIP-EEG decoding.
A Method for the Pattern Recognition of Acoustic Emission Signals Using Blind Source Separation and a CNN for Online Corrosion Monitoring in Pipelines with Interference from Flow-Induced Noise
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Xu Shilin , Zhang Ying , Tu Yun , Peng Mingguo
Published: September 2024

As a critical component in industrial production, pipelines face the risk of failure due to long-term corrosion. In recent years, acoustic emission (AE) technology has demonstrated significant potential in online pipeline monitoring. However, the interference of flow-induced noise seriously hinders the application of acoustic emission technology in pipeline corrosion monitoring. Therefore, a pattern-recognition model for online pipeline AE monitoring signals based on blind source separation (BSS) and a convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed. First, the singular spectrum analysis (SSA) was employed to transform the original AE signal into multiple observed signals. An independent component analysis (ICA) was then utilized to separate the source signals from the mixed signals. Subsequently, the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) was applied to each source signal to obtain a joint time–frequency domain map and to construct and compress it. Finally, the mapping relationship between the pipeline sources and AE signals was established based on the CNN for the precise identification of corrosion signals. The experimental data indicate that when the average amplitude of flow-induced noise signals is within three times that of corrosion signals, the separation of mixed signals is effective, and the overall recognition accuracy of the model exceeds 90%.
Error Analysis and Modeling of a Large Component Assembly Monitoring System Based on Multi-Sensor Fusion
Authors: Guo Zhenggang , Lu Feng , Jiao Tizhao , Yu Jingqi , Chang Fu
Published: September 2024

Large components are crucial in modern industrial applications, especially for internal gap monitoring and specific assembly methods. This paper examines the assembly of hydroelectric generator rotors and stators, introducing a spatial relative position monitoring system using multiple sensors. A dedicated position monitoring program is designed, and error sources within the system are thoroughly explored. Detailed error analysis and modeling reveal that verticality and angular errors significantly impact monitoring accuracy. To address this, two error control methods are proposed to effectively mitigate these issues, ensuring precise assembly of large components.
Study of Ion-to-Electron Transducing Layers for the Detection of Nitrate Ions Using FPSX(TDDAN)-Based Ion-Sensitive Electrodes
Authors: Bene Camille , Laborde Adrian , Légnani Morgan , Flahaut Emmanuel , Launay Jérôme , Temple-Boyer Pierre
Published: September 2024

The development of ISE-based sensors for the analysis of nitrates in liquid phase is described in this work. Focusing on the tetradodecylammonium nitrate (TDDAN) ion exchanger as well as on fluoropolysiloxane (FPSX) polymer-based layers, electrodeposited matrixes containing double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs), embedded in either polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) or polypyrrole (PPy) polymers, ensured improved ion-to-electron transducing layers for NO3− detection. Thus, FPSX-based pNO3-ElecCell microsensors exhibited good detection properties (sensitivity up to 55 mV/pX for NO3 values ranging from 1 to 5) and acceptable selectivity in the presence of the main interferent anions (Cl−, HCO3−, and SO42−). Focusing on the temporal drift bottleneck, mixed results were obtained. On the one hand, relatively stable measurements and low temporal drifts (~1.5 mV/day) were evidenced on several days. On the other hand, the pNO3 sensor properties were degraded in the long term, being finally characterized by high response times, low detection sensitivities, and important measurement instabilities. These phenomena were related to the formation of some thin water-based layers at the polymer–metal interface, as well as the physicochemical properties of the TDDAN ion exchanger in the FPSX matrix. However, the improvements obtained thanks to DWCNT-based ion-to-electron transducing layers pave the way for the long-term analysis of NO3− ions in real water-based solutions.
A Quasi-Isotropic Probe for High-Power Microwave Field Measurement
Authors: Kubacki Roman , Laskowski Dariusz , Białek Rafał , Kuchta Marek
Published: September 2024

In the paper, a new design of a quasi-isotropic antenna for high-power electromagnetic (EM) field measurement is presented, along with its investigation into suitability. The measuring probe is intended for assessing pulsed microwaves, which cannot be measured by available meters due to the high value of electric field strength and short pulse duration. The measurement of such a strong field is required according to guidelines for protecting people against microwave fields, especially those emitted by radars. The proposed probe is based on the concept of dipole–diode detection. To enable high-power measurement, the receiving antenna is electrically “small,” allowing diode detection within the diode square-law characteristics range. Additionally, the shortened dipole length minimizes the spatial integration error, which can be significant in the case of microwave measurement. To obtain the desired antenna polarization, a new dipole geometry was proposed. Fulfilling the requirement of measuring all incident EM field polarizations, the receiving antenna was based on three dipoles arranged within a specific “magic” angular arrangement, ensuring a suitable quasi-isotropic radiation pattern. The proposed probe can operate in a frequency range from 1 GHz to 12 GHz.
Targeted Gene Delivery to Muscle Cells In Vitro and In Vivo Using Electrostatically Stabilized DNA—Peptide Complexes
Authors: Egorova Anna , Chepanov Sergei , Selkov Sergei , Kogan Igor , Kiselev Anton
Published: September 2024

Genetic constructs must be delivered selectively to target tissues and intracellular compartments at the necessary concentrations in order to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect in gene therapy. Development of targeted carriers for non-viral delivery of nucleic acids into cells, including those in muscle, which is one of the most challenging tissues to transfect in vivo, remains a topical issue. We have studied ternary complexes of plasmid DNA and an arginine–histidine-rich peptide-based carrier coated with a glutamate–histidine-rich polymer bearing skeletal muscle targeting peptide (SMTP) for the gene delivery to muscle tissue. The relaxation of the ternary complexes after polyanion treatment was assessed using the ethidium bromide displacement assay. The developed polyplexes were used to transfect C2C12 myoblasts in full-media conditions, followed by analysis of their toxic properties using the Alamar Blue assay and expression analysis of lacZ and GFP reporter genes. After delivering plasmids containing the GFP and lacZ genes into the femoral muscles of mdx mice, which are model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, GFP fluorescence and β-galactosidase activity were detected. We observed that the modification of ternary polyplexes with 10 mol% of SMTP ligand resulted in a 2.3-fold increase in lacZ gene expression when compared to unmodified control polyplexes in vivo. Thus, we have demonstrated that the developed DNA/carrier complexes and SMTP-modified coating are nontoxic, are stable against polyanion-induced relaxation, and can provide targeted gene delivery to muscle cells and tissues. The results of this study are useful for a range of therapeutic applications, from immunization to amelioration of inherited neuromuscular diseases.
Environmental and Economic Analysis of the Production of Oregano Oil Microparticles
Authors: Carvalho Hugo José Martins , Sosa Filipe Hobi Bordon , Quinteiro Paula , Dias Ana Cláudia , Torres-Acosta Mario Antonio , Santos João Henrique Picado Madalena , da Costa Joyce Maria Gomes
Published: September 2024

The interest in using essential oils for biotechnological and biomedical applications has been increasing because of their unique properties, such as their roles as preservatives, antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, and therapeutic agents, with oregano oil being a notable example. However, the bioactivity and stability of oregano oil can be compromised because of its volatile nature and external factors like exposure to light, heat, or oxygen. To protect oregano oil from these adverse effects and enhance its potential, microencapsulation has been employed. Nevertheless, studies evaluating the economic feasibility of this process are still limited. In this context, this study combines an environmental impact assessment by applying the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology and an economic evaluation of three different scenarios (A, B, and C) for the production of oregano oil microparticles by a spray dryer. In Scenario A, only modified starch was used to prepare the emulsion; in Scenario B, the modified starch was replaced with gum arabic; and in Scenario C, the gum arabic, maltodextrin, and modified starch were combined. The results indicated that Scenario B presents the best environmental performance for all impact categories analyzed (global warming, fossil resource scarcity, mineral resource scarcity, terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, and marine eutrophication). However, the composting of bio-waste end-of-life presents better environmental performance for the other scenarios (A and C). In Scenario B, the process with the lowest production cost per gram of microcapsules is the most promising for meeting the demands of the aspects analyzed.
The Role of Disaster Memorial Facilities in Disaster Risk Reduction: Experiences from the Tohoku Region in Japan
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Izumi Takako
Published: September 2024

Disaster memorials have emerged as pivotal approaches for not only commemorating disasters but also imparting lessons to future generations. However, despite discussions on preservation, little involvement has been reflected in the impacts of different memorial patterns in disaster risk reduction (DRR). This study examines the roles of disaster-related memorial facilities in DRR, exploring how distinct memorial patterns transfer disaster experiences to future generations. This research is based on a quantitative strategy, applying an online questionnaire with 538 respondents who visited the three selected sites under the background of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (GEJET) to identify their triggers and purpose for visiting, the impact of facilities on raising disaster awareness, the practical contents, and the important roles of DRR. The findings reveal that while all three facilities contribute to DRR with the same most important role as disseminating the lessons of the GEJET, their impact on visitors’ disaster awareness varies. Sendai Arahama Elementary School particularly raises awareness of disaster threats, while the Higashi-Matsushima Memorial Museums and the 3.11 Memorial Community Center enhance visitors’ disaster-related knowledge. Visually stimulating exhibits in the facilities, such as remains, photos, and videos, underscore the importance of disaster preparedness, while panels and science exhibits offer comprehensive insights into disaster-related knowledge. However, none of the three sites have significant roles in deepening regional exchange.
The Effect of the National Specially Monitored Firms Program on Water-Polluting Firms’ Green Total Factor Productivity
Authors: Xu Kefan , Yuan Peng , Wang Guangjie , Yu Renjie
Published: September 2024

Since 2007, the National Specially Monitored Firms (NSMF) program has been a key instrument in the Chinese government’s environmental regulation efforts and a crucial approach for achieving sustainable development in China. There is limited literature examining its effect on green total factor productivity (GTFP). This study investigates the effect of this policy on water-polluting firms’ GTFP using pollution discharge data from Chinese industrial firms and employing a time-varying difference-in-differences model. The findings illustrate that (1) the NSMF program significantly enhances the GTFP of water-polluting firms, primarily by promoting technological progress; (2) the NSMF program advances water-polluting firms’ GTFP through three channels: alleviating financing constraints, improving human capital, enhancing pollution treatment technologies. This study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of the NSMF program, offering valuable insights for the formulation of command-and-control environmental regulations and the pursuit of sustainable social development in the future.
Does Green Finance Development Enhance the Sustainability Performance of China’s Energy Companies?
Authors: Guo Li , Chen Fangxia , Chen Linhao
Published: September 2024

The achievement of China’s “dual-carbon” standard has been devoted to the green transformation and the sustainable growth of energy firms, both of which can be financed by the growth of green financing. This study aims to investigate how the development level of green finance influences the sustainable development performance of listed energy companies in China. It seeks to delve into the underlying mechanisms connecting green finance with financing constraints and, subsequently, with sustainability performance, as well as exploring the relationship between green finance and green total factor productivity in relation to sustainability performance. Additionally, this study will provide strategies and recommendations to enhance the sustainable development capabilities of energy enterprises. This study empirically evaluates the four aspects of sustainable development performance: economic, social, environmental, and innovative performance—as well as its mechanism of action using the fixed-effects pattern with two ways and the mediated-effects pattern using unbalanced panel data from Chinese-listed energy firms spanning from 2011 to 2020. The study discovered that (1) energy firms’ performance in sustainable development is greatly enhanced by the progression of green finance; (2) the advancement of green finance effectively boosts the sustainable development performance of energy companies by reducing financing constraints and enhancing green total factor productivity; (3) a more distinct relationship is evident between the extent of green financing development and the performance of sustainable development within state-owned enterprises. While green finance development has a stronger role in innovative performance for larger energy firms, it has a noticeable proactive impact on the economic, social, and environmental performance of smaller energy enterprises. Based on the study’s findings, this paper presents recommendations for the enhancement of green financing policies and the sustainable enhancement of energy enterprises in China.
Exploring a Self-Sufficiency Approach within a Sustainable Integrated Pisciculture Farming System
Authors: Voicea Iulian , Nenciu Florin , Vlăduț Nicolae-Valentin , Matache Mihai-Gabriel , Persu Catalin , Cujbescu Dan
Published: September 2024

The pandemic crisis has created significant challenges for small farms, leading to increased energy costs, higher prices for feed and nutrients, unreliable supplies of chemical fertilizers, and disruptions in product sales markets. These factors have collectively compromised the operational viability and economic sustainability of small-scale agricultural enterprises. To address these challenges, this paper explores the concept of a self-sufficient farming system, focusing on locally producing most of the resources needed to sustain operations and reduce dependence on external sources. A self-sufficient integrated pisciculture farming system is proposed and evaluated, promoting an autonomous circular model that prioritizes environmental sustainability. This system incorporates the integration of local livestock into fish diets, production of renewable energy sources, and efficient water and sludge management to reduce reliance on external resources. The detailed methodology used to evaluate sustainability indicators objectively demonstrates that the proposed system can be self-sustainable and autonomous; however, it requires considerable initial investments that can be recovered within at least six years. Optimizing the energy management plan can reduce daily power consumption by up to 25%. However, local conditions may challenge the efficiency of photovoltaic–hybrid energy production, requiring slight oversizing of the system. The research indicated that rearing carp with cereal-based feed mixtures produces growth results comparable to those achieved with commercially purchased feed. The indicators of resource efficiency, reliability, flexibility, productivity, environmental impact, and social impact were met as expected. The weakest indicator was the technology’s potential for scalability, due to its strong dependence on various regional factors.
One-Step-Modified Biochar by Natural Anatase for Eco-Friendly Cr (VI) Removal
Authors: Zhao Yinxin , Wang Ye , Xie Wenqing , Li Zitong , Zhou Yunzhu , Qin Runjie , Wang Lei , Zhou Jiqiang , Ren Guiping
Published: September 2024

The global serious pollution situation urgently needs green, efficient, and sustainable development methods to achieve heavy metal pollution control. The photocatalytic properties of anatase are sufficient to achieve pollution control by providing photoelectrons to harmful heavy metals. However, since natural anatase particles tend to agglomerate and deactivate in water, most studies have been conducted to prepare TiO2–biochar nanocomposites using chemical synthesis methods. In the present study, we utilized pyrolytic sintering to load natural anatase onto biochar to obtain natural anatase–biochar (TBC) composites. Characterization tests, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), showed that anatase was uniformly partitioned into the surface and pores of biochar without destroying the lattice structure. Due to its photocatalytic properties, TBC degraded Cr (VI) by 99.63% under light conditions. This is 1.58 times higher than the dark condition. Zeta potential showed that the surface of the TBC was positively charged under acidic conditions. The charge attraction between TBC and chromium salt was involved in the efficient degradation of Cr (VI). Different sacrificial agents as well as gas purge experiments demonstrated that photoelectrons (e−) and superoxide radicals (O2−) dominated the degradation of Cr (VI). TBC has the characteristics of high efficiency, stability, and sustainability. This may provide a new idea for the preparation of photocatalytic materials and the realization of environmental protection and sustainable development through heavy metal pollution control.
Sustainable Decarbonization of Road Transport: Policies, Current Status, and Challenges of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Patil Gautam , Pode Gayatri , Diouf Boucar , Pode Ramchandra
Published: September 2024

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the primary causes behind the current rise in global temperatures and climate change. CO2, which is present in the atmosphere in significant quantities, is contributing more to the warming effect than other gases that are present at smaller levels. The transportation sector is contributing significantly to the total global CO2 emissions (21.7%), with road transport accounting for 74%. Switching from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) is the most practical way to decarbonize land transportation. We have gathered information on EVs from the USA, China, India, and a few EU members for the current review. The collected data regarding government policies, subsidies, and other rules and laws, the present status of EV technology and performance, market scenarios and future projections of EVs, EV regulations in the regions with the highest penetration rates, consumer perspectives and barriers, and the decarbonization of land transportation were analyzed. The adoption of electric vehicles has advanced significantly in some parts of the world, primarily as a result of government policies that include subsidies, other regulations, and laws that globally lower the cost of acquisition and ownership for owners of electric vehicles (EVs) relative to those of internal combustion engines (ICEs). Favorable government policies have been associated with the success of EV adoption in Norway, China, the United States of America (USA), the European Union (EU), and India. With more advantages than any other country, China is currently the world’s largest EV market. In addition, it has the highest number of EVs in use and the highest manufacturing capacity. Norway leads the world in the percentage of newly registered EVs at over 90%. China is competing with the USA for leadership in manufacturing and technology, especially in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and batteries. Favorable perceptions of consumers regarding EVs are vital in increasing the EV adoption rate. In order to achieve the goal of decarbonizing road transportation, we proposed that a number of factors—including government energy policies and regulatory standard development, necessary infrastructure investments and developments, AI incorporation in EVs, innovation in EV and battery technologies, and consumer perspectives in particular—play a crucial role.
Speed Limits in São Paulo and the Actions for Road Safety and Air Quality
Authors: Gonçalves Douglas , de Miranda Regina Maura , Daroncho Celio , de Oliveira Dias da Silva Janini , Rodrigues Teixeira Fabrício , Dunck Dalosto João Augusto , Pérez-Martínez Pedro José
Published: September 2024

Studies carried out have revealed that every day around three thousand people lose their lives in the world due to traffic accidents and poor air quality. Large cities, with their millions of inhabitants and vehicles, face many problems relating to vehicular traffic. In 2015, the speed limit was modified on several roads in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. However, in 2017, the speed limits were increased again, but not on all previous routes. This study analyzed the impact of this change on the number of accidents and pollutant concentrations, over a period of ten years, comparing the periods before and after the implementation of the measure, using real data collected and provided by the authorities of the city and the state transit and environmental companies, on more than forty routes and two nearby air-quality stations. The results showed a clear reduction in the number of accidents without victims on the roads of the city of São Paulo, starting in 2010. Although the restrictive measures imposed by government officials may have contributed to the decrease in the number of accidents, the number of fatalities has not changed so much. Air pollution has not improved substantially with speed changes, as new speed increases have been linked to new episodes of congestion. The average number of fatalities due to accidents has been increasing since 2010 and accidents are becoming more serious. The application of a general linear statistical model (GLM) estimated the impact of the speed reduction policy in terms of the number of injuries avoided per month: 43.4 and 14.1 on other roads and on the Pinheiros highways, respectively. The results highlight the need for a constant data collection by the authorities in cities with high vehicle traffic. The important temporal time trend in terms of reduction of injuries, but not in terms of fatalities and air quality, shows the need to apply joint public policies, not only speed reduction, but also the use of new technologies and raising drivers’ awareness of the problem.
Cost-Sensitive Rainfall Intensity Prediction with High-Noise Commercial Microwave Link Data
Authors: Zheng Liankai , Lin Jiaxiang , Huang Zhixin , Lin Yu , Zheng Qin , Chen Qianqian , Lin Lizheng , Chen Jianyun
Published: September 2024

Rainfall intensity prediction based on commercial microwave link data has received significant attention in recent years due to the higher spatial resolution and lower energy consumption. However, the predictive performance is inferior to the model based on meteorological data by reason of the high noise in commercial microwave link data, further exacerbated by the imbalance in the number of samples across different rainfall intensities. Hence, a cost-sensitive rainfall intensity prediction model (CSRFP) is proposed to achieve better predictive performance in high-noise commercial microwave link data. First, the spatiotemporal scene information is encoded, and its weights are trained to provide the model with correlations between signal data from different stations, which helps the model to better capture potential patterns between the data and thus reduce the effect of noise. Next, the rainfall cross-entropy loss based on the rainfall distribution provides the model with the probability of different rainfall intensities occurring and back-calculates the signal attenuation at a specific rainfall intensity, assigning more reasonable weights to different samples considering signal attenuation, which makes the model cost-sensitive and can address the class imbalance problem. Extensive experiments are carried out on high-noise communication data and imbalanced rainfall data in Fuzhou. Compared to typical prediction methods such as RNN applied to rainfall and communication data, CSRFP improves Recall, Precision, AUCROC, AUCPR and F1 and Accuracy by approximately 19%, 37%, 8%, 22%, 30%, and 17%, respectively. Significantly, the model’s prediction accuracy for heavy rain with the smallest number of samples improves by about 13%.
The Influence of Policy Investment on the Sustainable Development of Universities in Underdeveloped Regions: An Empirical Analysis of China’s Higher Education Landscape
Authors: Liang Pan
Published: September 2024

The regional disparity in higher education development is critical for the sustainable advancement of the national education system. To address this issue, the Chinese government has implemented targeted support policies for higher education in underdeveloped regions, with the “Ministry-Province Co-construction Policy” serving as a notable example. This study investigates the impact of such policies on the development of universities in China’s underdeveloped central and western regions. First, the study analyzes policy documents to identify six primary policy pathways through high-frequency word extraction, social semantic analysis, and path integration. These policy pathways are quantified using representative indicators, which constitute the independent variables of the study. Second, by employing the framework of modern university functions, the study develops a sustainable development indicator system for higher education institutions. The performance scores for the sustainable development of 14 universities, derived using the entropy method, serve as the dependent variables. The study subsequently measures the effects of individual and combined policy pathways through two equations. The results indicate that some pathways are more effective than others. While all combined policy pathways yield positive effects, an excessive number of combinations can lead to diminishing returns. Finally, the study elucidates the measurement results, emphasizing that effective pathways highlight the essential roles of faculty, research, and teaching. Conversely, less effective pathways stem from inadequate inputs or slow responses. Although combined policy pathways generally exert positive impacts, an overabundance of combinations can dilute these benefits. The study suggests that administrative support for higher education in underdeveloped regions is advantageous. It underscores the necessity of distinguishing between more and less effective input methods, concentrating on resource allocation, and ensuring universities’ autonomy in utilizing support resources to achieve sustainable development in higher education within these regions.
Exploring the Formation of Sustainable Entrepreneurial Intentions among Chinese University Students: A Dual Path Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: He Jinjin , Wang Zhongming , Hu Honghao , Fan Zengguang
Published: September 2024

As Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) gain traction in Chinese society, fostering sustainable entrepreneurship among university students has emerged as a key priority for universities and governments. Methods for increasing students’ sustainable entrepreneurship skills and knowledge for the creation of sustainable startups have attracted substantial attention. This study constructs a moderated mediation model based on entrepreneurial cognition theory to investigate the mediating roles of opportunity identification and attitude in the relationship between sustainable entrepreneurship education and sustainable entrepreneurial intention among university students, in addition to the moderating effect of empathy. The study surveyed 307 students from universities in the Yangtze River Delta region and employed hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that sustainable entrepreneurship education enhances students’ sustainable entrepreneurial intention by fostering their opportunity identification and attitude, and this enhancement effect is stronger when their level of empathy is higher. These findings enrich entrepreneurial cognition and empathy theories within the context of sustainable entrepreneurship and offer valuable insights for universities and policymakers in developing strategies to support sustainable entrepreneurship among university students.
The Technical and Economic Aspects of Integrating Energy Sectors for Climate Neutrality
Authors: Stoica Dorel , Mihăescu Lucian , Lăzăroiu Gheorghe , Lăzăroiu George Cristian
Published: September 2024

With the development of an energy sector based on renewable primary sources, structural changes are emerging for the entire national energy system. Initially, it was estimated that energy generation based on fossil fuels would decrease until its disappearance. However, the evolution of CO2 capture capacity leads to a possible coexistence for a certain period with the renewable energy sector. The paper develops this concept of the coexistence of the two systems, with the positioning of green hydrogen not only within the renewable energy sector but also as a transformation vector for carbon dioxide captured in the form of synthetic fuels, such as CH4 and CH3OH. The authors conducted pilot-scale research on CO2 capture with green H2, both for pure (captured) CO2 and for CO2 found in combustion gases. The positive results led to the respective recommendation. The research conducted by the authors meets the strict requirements of the current energy phase, with the authors considering that wind and solar energy alone are not sufficient to meet current energy demand. The paper also analyzes the economic aspects related to price differences for energy produced in the two sectors, as well as their interconnection. The technical aspect, as well as the economic aspect, of storage through various other solutions besides hydrogen has been highlighted. The development of the renewable energy sector and its demarcation from the fossil fuel energy sector, even with the transcendent vector represented by green hydrogen, leads to the deepening of dispersion aspects between the electricity sector and the thermal energy sector, a less commonly mentioned aspect in current works, but of great importance. The purpose of this paper is to highlight energy challenges during the current transition period towards climate neutrality, along with solutions proposed by the authors to be implemented in this phase. The current stage of combustion of the CH4−H2 mixture imposes requirements for the capture of the resulting CO2.
Integrating Technological Environmental Design and Energy Interventions in the Residential Building Stock: The Pilot Case of the Small Island Procida
Authors: Romano Giada , Baiani Serena , Mancini Francesco
Published: September 2024

The next decade will see severe environmental and technological risks, pushing our adaptive capacity to its limits. The EPBD Case Green directive, to counter this phenomenon, emphasizes accelerating building renovations, reducing GHG emissions and energy consumption, and promoting renewable energy installations. Additionally, it calls for deadlines to phase out fossil fuels and mandates solar system installations. This research provides a comprehensive perspective on the opportunities for and challenges of incorporating renewable energy into the built environment. It focuses on the 2961 residential buildings on Procida, a small island located south of Italy, to efficiently utilize energy resources and lay the groundwork for sustainability. Beginning with an analysis of the territorial, urban, historical–conservation, structural, and geological context, in addition to environmental assessments, the research develops a classification and archetypalization system using in-house software. This system aggregates data on the island’s residential buildings, analyzes their current state, and formulates various intervention scenarios. These scenarios demonstrate how integrating technological–environmental design interventions, such as upgrading the building envelope and enhancing bioclimatic behavior, with energy retrofitting measures, such as replacing mechanical systems and installing solar panels, can improve the overall performance of the existing building stock and achieve energy self-sufficiency.
Measurement and Evaluation of the Development Level of Health and Wellness Tourism from the Perspective of High-Quality Development
Authors: Pan Huali , Mi Huanhuan , Chen Yanhua , Chen Ziyan , Zhou Weizhong
Published: September 2024

In recent years, with the dramatic surge in the demand for health and elderly care services, the emergence of the health dividend has presented good development opportunities for health and wellness tourism. However, as a sector of the economy, health and wellness tourism still faces numerous challenges in achieving high-quality development. Therefore, this paper focuses on 31 provinces in China and constructs a multidimensional evaluation index system for the high-quality development of health and wellness tourism. The global entropy-weighted TOPSIS method and cluster analysis are used to conduct in-depth measurements, regional comparisons, and classification evaluations of the high-quality development of health and wellness tourism in each province. The research results indicate that: (1) From a quality perspective, the level of health and wellness tourism development in 11 provinces in China has exceeded the national average, while the remaining 20 provinces are below the national average. (2) From a regional perspective, the current level of high-quality development in health and wellness tourism decreases sequentially from the eastern to the central to the western regions, with significant regional differences. (3) Overall, the development in the 31 provinces can be categorized into five types: the High-Quality Benchmark Type, the High-Quality Stable Type, the High-Quality Progressive Type, the General-Quality Potential Type, and the General-Quality Lagging Type. (4) From a single-dimension analysis perspective, there are significant differences in the rankings of each province across different dimensions. Finally, this paper enriches and expands the theoretical foundation on the high-quality development of health and wellness tourism; on the other hand, it puts forward targeted countermeasures and suggestions to help promote the comprehensive enhancement of health and wellness tourism.
Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Green Total Factor Productivity: New Evidence from Yangtze River Delta in China
Authors: Chen Shuai , Yang Jiameng , Chen Xue
Published: September 2024

China has entered a period of high-quality development. As an important feature of high-quality development, green total factor productivity (GTFP) has attracted much attention. With the opening-up and economic globalization, the Yangtze River Delta, one of the strongest and most technological regions in China, has been attracting an increasing amount of foreign direct investment (FDI). This study investigates if FDI is conducive to GTFP under the constraints of specific resources and a specific environment, which has important practical significance for the utilization of FDI in the Yangtze River Delta and China. Through a literature review and sorting the current FDI in the Yangtze River Delta, the GTFP and its decomposition indicators of 27 cities from 2004 to 2019 are calculated based on their energy consumption and pollution. Using the fixed-effects model and threshold model of panel data, this study tests whether FDI promotes GTFP and whether a nonlinear impact of FDI on GTFP exists. It finds that (1) the GTFP of most cities in the Yangtze River Delta improved during the sample period, but their annual growth declined. Technology is the dominant factor affecting the growth of GTFP. (2) FDI in the Yangtze River Delta has increased, and the investment structure has improved, but the distribution among cities is uneven. (3) The scale and quality of FDI have a positive impact on GTFP, which supports the “Pollution Halo” hypothesis. Economics, education, networks, and trade openness can promote the growth of GTFP, while environmental regulation, government intervention, and industrialization have a negative impact. (4) The quality of FDI, economics, the industrial structure, the environmental regulation, and the internet are each a significant single threshold characteristic for the impact of FDI on GTFP. When one of these factors is lower than a certain threshold, FDI has less impact on GTFP. When one exceeds a certain threshold, FDI’s positive promotion effect on GTFP significantly improves. Based on the analysis, this study offers some suggestions. The government should improve the FDI selection mechanism based on realities, make appropriate environmental regulatory policies, strengthen the construction of networks, and improve the “Internet+” effect on productivity.
Open-Source Hardware Design of Modular Solar DC Nanogrid
Authors: Rahman Md Motakabbir , Khan Sara , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: September 2024

The technical feasibility of solar photovoltaic (PV) direct current (DC) nanogrids is well established, but the components of nanogrids are primarily commercially focused on alternating current (AC)-based systems. Thus, DC converter-based designs at the system level require personnel with high degree of technical knowledge, which results in high costs. To enable a democratization of the technology by reducing the costs, this study provides a novel modular plug-and-play open-source DC nanogrid. The system can be customized according to consumer requirements, enabling the supply of various voltage levels to accommodate different device voltage needs. The step-by-step design process of the converter, controller, data logger, and assembly of the complete system is provided. A time-domain simulation and stability analysis of the designed system were conducted in MATLAB/Simulink (version 2024b) as well as experimental validation. The results show that transforming the nanogrid from a distribution network to a device makes it suitable for various user-specific applications, such as remotely supplying power to campsites, emergency vehicles like ambulances, and small houses lacking grid electricity. The modular DC nanogrid includes all the features available in a DC distribution network, as well as data logging, which enhances the user experience and promotes the use of solar-powered DC grid systems.
A Critical Review of the Crucial Role of the Yellow River’s Sediment in the Interfacial Migration and Fate of Pollutants and Prospects for the Application of Environmental Sediment Restoration
Authors: Sun Xiaojuan , Yu Zhenzhen , Zuo Qiting , Cui Quantao , Song Ziyu , Gong Lin , Liu Shoushu , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2024

Considering the increasing sediment content and increasing sediment flux of the Yellow River over the years, it is of significance to investigate the potential interfacial force mechanism between pollutants and Yellow River sediment. This article has reviewed the current research on the Yellow River sediments’ mineral structures while investigating the potential interaction force between sediment and pollutants in the water environment. This article has conducted a comprehensive analysis of the influence of sediment on the migration of pollutants in the water environment. What is more, the authors have provided an outlook on the future applications of sediment in ecological environmental systems. Yellow River sediment mainly included minerals and some clay phases, while its irregular surface provided sites for the interface adsorption of pollutants. The interface force between the sediment and pollutants is mainly attributed to promoting bacterial growth on the surface of sediments, physisorption, and chemisorption forces. The sediments carry and transport pollutants during the long-distance water flow migration process. The sediment should be effectively utilized and better integrated into ecological or environmental restoration systems. This article provides a reference for studying the behavior of Yellow River sediment and the direction of future efficient utilization.