bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Printing Process Variables and the Effect of Post-Heat Treatments on the Mechanical Properties of Extruded Polylactic Acid–Aluminum Composites
Authors: Ganapathy Sakthi Balan , Sakthivel Aravind Raj , Kandasamy Jayakrishna , Khan Tabrej , Aloufi Mansour
Published: December 2023

Polymer extrusions are employed in the fabrication of crucial parts for automotive, aerospace, and other mechanical applications. The use of fillers and microfibers is contributing to the advancement of material extrusion polymers. In order to enhance their mechanical characteristics, printed materials undergo a post-heating process utilizing microwaves. Specimens were fabricated using polylactic acid filaments containing 2 wt% aluminum. Two sets of specimens were fabricated and subjected to testing in order to evaluate the features of extruded specimens and specimens that underwent post-heating. In terms of mechanical performance, specimens subjected to post-heating exhibited superior results compared to specimens merely subjected to extrusion. The tensile, flexural, and Shore D hardness properties of the specimens exhibited improvements of 5.07, 6.16, and 1.32%, respectively, after being subjected to heating. Furthermore, the wear rate decreased by 13.58 percent. The results of the regression analysis indicate that the print angle and the air gap exhibit the greatest influence on the observed responses. The validation test outcomes exhibit a high level of concordance with the predicted findings. The mechanical and surface properties of components extruded with filler-added material are enhanced by subsequent heating.
Characterization of Nanoprecipitated PET Nanoplastics by 1H NMR and Impact of Residual Ionic Surfactant on Viability of Human Primary Mononuclear Cells and Hemolysis of Erythrocytes
Authors: Djapovic Milica , Apostolovic Danijela , Postic Vojislava , Lujic Tamara , Jovanovic Vesna , Stanic-Vucinic Dragana , van Hage Marianne , Maslak Veselin , Cirkovic Velickovic Tanja
Published: December 2023

Manufactured nanoplastic particles (NPs) are indispensable for in vitro and in vivo testing and a health risk assessment of this emerging environmental contaminant is needed. The high surface area and inherent hydrophobicity of plastic materials makes the production of NPs devoid of any contaminants very challenging. In this study, we produced nanoprecipitated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) NPs (300 nm hydrodynamic diameter) with an overall yield of 0.76%. The presence of the ionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was characterized by 1H NMR, where the relative ratio of NP/surfactant was monitored on the basis of the chemical shifts characteristic of PET and SDS. For a wide range of surfactant/NP ratios (17:100 to 1.2:100), the measured zeta potential changed from −42.10 to −34.93 mV, but with an NP concentration up to 100 μg/mL, no clear differences were observed in the cellular assays performed in protein-rich media on primary human cells. The remaining impurities contributed to the outcome of the biological assays applied in protein-free buffers, such as human red blood cell hemolysis. The presence of SDS increased the NP-induced hemolysis by 1.5% in protein-rich buffer and by 7.5% in protein-free buffer. As the size, shape, zeta potential, and contaminants of NPs may all be relevant parameters for the biological effects of NPs, the relative quantification of impurities exemplified in our work by the application of 1H NMR for PET NPs and the ionic surfactant SDS could be a valuable auxiliary method in the quality control of manufactured NPs.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Flow Force Acting on the Spool of Proportional Directional Valve
Authors: Ledvoň Marian , Hružík Lumír , Bureček Adam , Polášek Tomáš , Dýrr Filip , Kolář David
Published: December 2023

This paper deals with the experimental and numerical analysis of the flow force acting on the spool of a proportional directional valve. The flow force arises due to the fluid flow through the flow path of the proportional directional valve and significantly influences the dynamics of the valve spool. The valve under investigation is a three-position four-way proportional directional valve with zero spool lap and feedback from the spool position. The dependence of the valve spool flow force on the volumetric flow rate is measured as part of the experiment. The measurements are performed for different spool displacements. The measured data will be used to verify the numerical simulations. The proportional directional valve was modified so that a force sensor could be included on the spool axis to realize the experiment. Firstly, the flow force is measured as the fluid passes through the two flow paths of the valve (PB and AT). Subsequently, the experimental setup is modified to determine the flow force when the fluid passes through each flow path separately. The measurements are compared. Simulations of the flow through the proportional directional valve are performed using Ansys Fluent 2022 R2 software to determine the flow forces acting on the valve spool. Simulations are performed for the selected spool positions of the proportional directional valve. Finally, the results of the simulation and the experiment are compared. The contribution of this study is a CFD model of the flow paths of the proportional directional valve verified by experiment. The CFD model will allow the flow force analysis for different flow path geometries of the investigated valve. Experimental analysis of flow force is performed over the entire spool stroke at different volumetric flow rates. The flow forces are measured for each flow path separately and for both flow paths simultaneously.
The Intersection of Bernard Lonergan’s Critical Realism, the Common Good, and Artificial Intelligence in Modern Religious Practices
Authors: Umbrello Steven
Published: December 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) profoundly influences a number of societal structures today, including religious dynamics. Using Bernard Lonergan’s critical realism as a lens, this article investigates the intersections of AI and religious traditions in their shared pursuit of the common good. Beginning with Lonergan’s principle that humans construct their understanding through cognitive processes, we examine how AI-mediated realities align with or challenge traditional religious tenets. By delving into specific cases, we spotlight AI’s role in reshaping religious symbols, rituals, and even creating novel spiritual meanings. Using Lonergan’s insights on the balance between subjectivity and objectivity, I analyze AI’s potential to both create new sacred spaces and challenge religious orthodoxy. The crux of the discussion centers on the negotiation between religious values and technological innovation, assessing how AI can bolster religious life while maintaining its core essence. Ultimately, this article underscores the importance of the common good in the age of AI-driven religious evolution.
Option Pricing and Portfolio Optimization under a Multi-Asset Jump-Diffusion Model with Systemic Risk
Authors: Makarov Roman N.
Published: December 2023

We explore a multi-asset jump-diffusion pricing model, combining a systemic risk asset with several conditionally independent ordinary assets. Our approach allows for analyzing and modeling a portfolio that integrates high-activity security, such as an exchange trading fund (ETF) tracking a major market index (e.g., S&P500), along with several low-activity securities infrequently traded on financial markets. The model retains tractability even as the number of securities increases. The proposed framework allows for constructing models with common and asset-specific jumps with normally or exponentially distributed sizes. One of the main features of the model is the possibility of estimating parameters for each asset price process individually. We present the conditional maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method for fitting asset price processes to empirical data. For the case with common jumps only, we derive a closed-form solution to the conditional MLE method for ordinary assets that works even if the data are incomplete and asynchronous. Alternatively, to find risk-neutral parameters, the least-square method calibrates the model to option values. The number of parameters grows linearly in the number of assets compared to the quadratic growth through the correlation matrix, which is typical for many other multi-asset models. We delve into the properties of the proposed model, its parameter estimation using the MLE method and least-squares technique, the evaluation of VaR and CVaR metrics, the identification of optimal portfolios, and the pricing of European-style basket options. We propose a Laplace-transform-based approach to computing Value at Risk (VaR) and conditional VaR (also known as the expected shortfall) of portfolio returns. Additionally, European-style basket options written on the extreme and average stock prices or returns can be evaluated semi-analytically. For numerical demonstration, we examine a combination of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (as a systemic risk asset) with eight ordinary assets representing diverse industries. Using historical assets and options prices, we estimate the real-world and risk-neutral parameters of the model with common jumps, construct several optimal portfolios, and evaluate various basket options with the eight assets. The results affirm the robustness and efficiency of the estimation and evaluation methodologies. Computational results are compared with Monte Carlo estimates.
Noisy Remote Sensing Scene Classification via Progressive Learning Based on Multiscale Information Exploration
Authors: Tang Xu , Du Ruiqi , Ma Jingjing , Zhang Xiangrong
Published: December 2023

Remote sensing (RS) scene classification has always attracted much attention as an elemental and hot topic in the RS community. In recent years, many methods using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and other advanced machine-learning techniques have been proposed. Their performance is excellent; however, they are disabled when there are noisy labels (i.e., RS scenes with incorrect labels), which is inevitable and common in practice. To address this problem, some specific RS classification models have been developed. Although feasible, their behavior is still limited by the complex contents of RS scenes, excessive noise filtering schemes, and intricate noise-tolerant learning strategies. To further enhance the RS classification results under the noisy scenario and overcome the above limitations, in this paper we propose a multiscale information exploration network (MIEN) and a progressive learning algorithm (PLA). MIEN involves two identical sub-networks whose goals are completing the classification and recognizing possible noisy RS scenes. In addition, we develop a transformer-assistive multiscale fusion module (TAMSFM) to enhance MIEN’s behavior in exploring the local, global, and multiscale contents within RS scenes. PLA encompasses a dual-view negative-learning (DNL) stage, an adaptively positive-learning (APL) stage, and an exhaustive soft-label-learning (ESL) stage. Their aim is to learn the relationships between RS scenes and irrelevant semantics, model the links between clean RS scenes and their labels, and generate reliable pseudo-labels. This way, MIEN can be thoroughly trained under the noisy scenario. We simulate noisy scenarios and conduct extensive experiments using three public RS scene data sets. The positive experimental results demonstrate that our MIEN and PLA can fully understand RS scenes and resist the negative influence of noisy samples.
Remote Sensing Estimation of CDOM and DOC with the Environmental Implications for Lake Khanka
Authors: Qiang Sining , Song Kaishan , Shang Yingxin , Lai Fengfa , Wen Zhidan , Liu Ge , Tao Hui , Lyu Yunfeng
Published: December 2023

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is a significant contributor to the biogeochemical cycle and energy dynamics within aquatic ecosystems. Hence, the implementation of a systematic and comprehensive monitoring and governance framework for the CDOM in inland waters holds significant importance. This study conducted the retrieval of CDOM in Lake Khanka. Specifically, we use the GBDT (R2 = 0.84) algorithm which performed best in retrieving CDOM levels and an empirical relationship based on the situ data between CDOM and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to indicate the distribution of DOC indirectly. The performance of the CDOM-DOC retrieval scheme was reasonably good, achieving an R2 value of 0.69. The empirical algorithms were utilized for the analysis of Sentinel-3 datasets from the period 2016 to 2020 in Lake Khanka. The potential factors that contributed to the sources of DOM were also analyzed with the humification index (HIX). The significant relationship between CDOM and DOC (HIX and chemical oxygen demand (COD)) indicated the potential remote sensing application of water quality monitoring for water management. An analysis of our findings suggests that the water quality of the Great Khanka is superior to that of the Small Khanka. Moreover, the distribution of diverse organic matter exhibits a pattern where concentrations are generally higher along the shoreline compared to the center of the lake. Efficient measures should be promptly implemented to safeguard the water resources in international boundary lakes such as Lake Khanka and comprehensive monitoring systems including DOM distribution, DOM sources, and water quality management would be essential for water resource protection and government management.
Single-Image Simultaneous Destriping and Denoising: Double Low-Rank Property
Authors: Wu Xiaobin , Zheng Liangliang , Liu Chunyu , Gao Tan , Zhang Ziyu , Yang Biao
Published: December 2023

When a remote sensing camera work in push-broom mode, the obtained image usually contains significant stripe noise and random noise due to differences in detector response and environmental factors. Traditional approaches typically treat them as two independent problems and process the image sequentially, which not only increases the risk of information loss and structural damage, but also faces the situation of noise mutual influence. To overcome the drawbacks of traditional methods, this paper leverages the double low-rank characteristics in the underlying prior of degraded images and presents a novel approach for addressing both destriping and denoising tasks simultaneously. We utilize the commonality that both can be treated as inverse problems and place them in the same optimization framework, while designing an alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) strategy for solving them, achieving the synchronous removal of both stripe noise and random noise. Compared with traditional approaches, synchronous denoising technology can more accurately evaluate the distribution characteristics of noise, better utilize the original information of the image, and achieve better destriping and denoising results. To assess the efficacy of the proposed algorithm, extensive simulations and experiments were conducted in this paper. The results show that compared with state-of-the-art algorithms, the proposed method can more effectively suppress random noise, achieve better synchronous denoising results, and it exhibits a stronger robustness.
A 20-Year Analysis of the Dynamics and Driving Factors of Grassland Desertification in Xilingol, China
Authors: Li Jingbo , Cao Chunxiang , Xu Min , Yang Xinwei , Gao Xiaotong , Wang Kaimin , Guo Heyi , Yang Yujie
Published: December 2023

Grassland desertification stands as an ecological concern globally. It is crucial for desertification prevention and control to comprehend the variation in area and severity of desertified grassland (DGL), clarify the intensities of conversion among DGLs of different desertification levels, and explore the spatial and temporal driving factors of desertification. In this study, a Desertification Difference Index (DDI) model was constructed based on albedo-EVI to extract desertification information. Subsequently, intensity analysis, the Geo-detector model, and correlation analysis were applied to analyze the dynamics and driving factors of desertification. The results showed the following: (1) Spatially, the DGL in Xilingol exhibited a zonal distribution. Temporally, the degree of DGL decreased, with the proportion of severely and moderately desertified areas decreasing from 51.77% in 2000 to 37.23% in 2020, while the proportion of nondesertified and healthy areas increased from 17.85% in 2000 to 37.40% in 2020; (2) Transition intensities among different desertification levels were more intense during 2000–2012, stabilizing during 2012–2020; (3) Meteorological factors and soil conditions primarily drive the spatial distribution of DDI, with evapotranspiration exhibiting the most significant influence (q-value of 0.83), while human activities dominate interannual DDI variations. This study provides insights into the conversion patterns among different desertification levels and the divergent driving forces shaping desertification in both spatial and temporal dimensions in Xilingol.
Improving Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) Retrievals by Sentinel2-MSI Data through a Total Suspended Matter (TSM)-Driven Classification: The Case of Pertusillo Lake (Southern Italy)
Authors: Ciancia Emanuele , Campanelli Alessandra , Colonna Roberto , Palombo Angelo , Pascucci Simone , Pignatti Stefano , Pergola Nicola
Published: December 2023

Colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is a significant constituent of aquatic systems and biogeochemical cycles. Satellite CDOM retrievals are challenging in inland waters, due to overlapped absorption properties of bio-optical parameters, like Total Suspended Matter (TSM). In this framework, we defined an accurate CDOM model using Sentinel2-MSI (S2-MSI) data in Pertusillo Lake (Southern Italy) adopting a classification scheme based on satellite TSM data. Empirical relationships were established between the CDOM absorption coefficient, aCDOM (440), and reflectance band ratios using ground-based measurements. The Green-to-Red (B3/B4 and B3/B5) and Red-to-Blue (B4/B2 and B5/B2) band ratios showed good relationships (R2 ≥ 0.75), which were further improved according to sub-region division (R2 up to 0.93). The best accuracy of B3/B4 in the match-ups between S2-MSI-derived and in situ band ratios proved the exportability on S2-MSI data of two B3/B4-based aCDOM (440) models, namely the fixed (for the whole PL) and the switching one (according to sub-region division). Although they both exhibited good agreements in aCDOM (440) retrievals (R2 ≥ 0.69), the switching model showed the highest accuracy (RMSE of 0.0155 m−1). Finally, the identification of areas exposed to different TSM patterns can assist with refining the calibration/validation procedures to achieve more accurate aCDOM (440) retrievals.
Adaptive Delay-Free Filtering Based on IMU for Improving Ship Heave Measurement
Authors: Lu Daohua , Zhang Yong , Wang Jia
Published: December 2023

Ship heave motion measurement is crucial for ensuring vessel stability, navigation precision, and maritime engineering safety. In order to achieve accurate heave motion measurement, a method based on an adaptive digital high–pass filter is proposed. The approach involves constructing a ship heave motion model, conducting an analysis of heave motion, determining the optimal cutoff frequency for the adaptive filter based on an analysis of filtering and sensor errors, and designing an adaptive delay–free digital high–pass filter. Through simulation experiments in various sea conditions and platform tests, the method demonstrates superior performance. In comparison to fixed–parameter complementary filters, it exhibits a reduction of over 50% in maximum error and mean square error.
Design of a 0.5 V Chopper-Stabilized Differential Difference Amplifier for Analog Signal Processing Applications
Authors: Fan Xinlan , Gao Feifan , Chan Pak Kwong
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a low-voltage low-power chopper-stabilized differential difference amplifier (DDA) realized using 40 nm CMOS technology. Operating with a supply voltage of 0.5 V, a three-stage DDA has been employed to achieve an open-loop gain of 89 dB, while consuming just 0.74 μW of power. The proposed DDA incorporates feed-forward frequency compensation and a Type II compensator to achieve pole-zero cancellation and damping factor control. The DDA has a unity-gain bandwidth (UGB) of 170 kHz, a phase margin (PM) of 63.98°, and a common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) of up to 100 dB. This circuit can effectively drive a 50 pF capacitor in parallel with a 300 kΩ resistor. The use of the chopper stabilization technique effectively mitigates the offset and 1/f noise. The chopping frequency of the chopper modulator is 5 kHz. The input noise is 245 nV/sqrt (Hz) at 1 kHz, and the input-referred offset under Monte Carlo cases is only 0.26 mV. Such a low-voltage chopper-stabilized DDA will be very useful for analog signal processing applications. Compared to the reported chopper DDA counterparts, the proposed DDA is regarded as that with one of the lowest supply voltages. The proposed DDA has demonstrated its effectiveness in tradeoff design when dealing with multiple parameters pertaining to power consumption, noise, and bandwidth.
Radon Hazard of the Zhurinsky Fault for the Population in the Kuznetsk Coal Basin: Primary Results
Authors: Leshukov Timofey , Legoshchin Konstantin , Larionov Aleksey
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study is the primary assessment of radon hazard of the Zhurinsky fault of the Kuznetsk coal basin, in the territory of the Salair–Altai–Irtysh fold. Soil radon content, radon flux densities, their spatial characteristics and correlations with each other and with other factors were evaluated. We found that soil radon concentration varies within the range of 3599 to 14,413 Bq/m3 (mean value 8766 ± 569.8 Bq/m3), and radon flux density ranges from 23 to 147 mBq·m−2·s−1 with a mean value of 67.19 ± 1.31 mBq·m−2·s−1. A correlation with air temperature, pressure and humidity was found, which decreases with the depth of the measurements. All studied parameters in space are clustered (p ≤ 0.1). At the same time, the whole studied area in the vicinity of the tectonic disturbance should be classified as radon-hazardous, and residential structures located within its boundaries as potentially hazardous. Our study contributes to understanding the radon hazard of crustal faults.
Assessment of Ecosystem Services at Different Scales
Authors: Tormáné Kovács Eszter , Centeri Csaba
Published: December 2023

Natural and semi-natural ecosystems are under large anthropogenic pressure and degrading at an alarming speed [...]
Chinese Agriculture for “Green and Grain” Productivity Growth: Evidence from Jiangsu Province
Authors: Zhao Lijiu , Jin Tao , Qin Lintao , Li Zaijun
Published: December 2023

China is striving to leverage the power of science and technology to green its agriculture and simultaneously enhance grain productivity. To assess the performance dynamics of the dual agricultural mission, this study presents the green growth rate of agriculture using the DEA-based Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) indicator, together with the growth rate of grain yields, and applies it to the case of Jiangsu, a major grain-producing province with a well-developed economy. It is found that Jiangsu’s agriculture has generally performed well during the implementation of the two major national strategies addressing green development and grain security, especially in northern Jiangsu, which is a major grain-producing area. In contrast, the phased fluctuations in green growth in agriculture in southern Jiangsu are more pronounced, with negative green growth even occurring during the green agriculture movement. Much of the volatility in agricultural green growth at the provincial, subregional and municipal levels is generated by the effects of the movement of the green technology frontier, which is led by the best practitioners. Accordingly, the possibility of improving the weak state of the catch-up effect on green growth is explored from the perspective of the Chinese government-led agricultural science and innovation system; it also traces the green agricultural initiatives in the main grain-marketing areas that have failed to deliver the expected green growth, and recommends a review of such policies and a refinement of the GTFP Index tool for assessing sustainable green growth.
Supporting Environment Sustainability: Purchasing Intentions Relating to Battery Electric Vehicles in Taiwan
Authors: Pai Fan-Yun , Shih Yi-Ju , Chuang Yi-Chieh , Yeh Tsu-Ming
Published: December 2023

Global warming remains a prominent topic of discussion in numerous countries, with transportation being a key contributor to significant greenhouse gas emissions. To address this issue, governments and the automotive industry in advanced nations are actively promoting a shift from traditional gasoline cars to a variety of electric vehicles. This study adopts the Technology Acceptance Model and perceived value model as its theoretical framework, focusing on environmental awareness and customer experience to analyze the decisive factors influencing consumers’ decisions to purchase battery electric vehicles. By employing a questionnaire survey design, a total of 322 valid responses were collected, and the findings indicate that environmental awareness and customer experience significantly impact perceived quality. Moreover, the study reveals that purchase intention is positively influenced by an enhanced user attitude towards battery electric vehicles. Consumers view these vehicles as valuable, influencing their willingness to purchase and shaping their post-use perceptions, whether positive or negative. To encourage greater adoption, automakers can focus on promoting environmental awareness and organizing more customer-centric experiential activities.
The Effects of Message Specificity on Outcomes of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Communication: Testing Perceived Social Distance as a Mediator
Authors: Kim Jeesun , Lee Sun Young , Oh Hyun Jee
Published: December 2023

Despite growing scholarly attention to what determines effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication, consumers’ limited awareness of and attention to CSR messages remain critical challenges for organizations. This study aims to examine the effects of message specificity on an organization’s intended outcomes of CSR communication and to explore the mediating role of perceived social distance in these relationships by applying construal level theory (CLT). We conducted an online experiment (n = 293), and the results revealed that message specificity had a positive impact on consumer-company identification, word-of-mouth intention, and CSR participation intention. Moreover, perceived social distance significantly mediated the relationships between message specificity and the outcomes of CSR communication. Applying CLT, this study offers theoretical implications for the psychological mechanism of how message specificity generates desired outcomes in CSR communication. In addition, we tested these mediation effects in the context of the geographic proximity (close vs. remote) of the CSR communication to participants; the practical implication is that reducing perceived social distance through message specificity is even more effective for geographically distant CSR campaigns.
Occurrences, Possible Sources, and Risk Impacts of Organochlorine Pesticides in Soil of Changchun Central Urban Area, Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Wei , Lu Jilong , Lai Yawen , Hou Yaru , Zhao Xinyun , Wei Qiaoqiao , Zou Xiaoxiao , Gou Zhiyi
Published: December 2023

Eighteen organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soil samples from the Changchun central urban area, Northeast China were analyzed using accelerated solvent extraction combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (ASE-GC/MS) for the purpose of elucidating their contamination status, distribution characteristics, influencing factors, and feasible dangers in this city region. The complete concentrations of OCPs ranged from 15.63 to 92.79 ng/g, with a geomean of 36.46 ng/g. Hexachlorocyclohexane(HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichoroethane (DDTs), and chlordanes were the most dominant OCPs, with γ-HCH and p,p′-DDT being the predominant isomers. Higher concentrations of OCPs often centered to the northeast and southwest of the Changchun metropolis, and these artificial influences contributed to the destiny of OCPs in the soils. The residues of OCPs were derived from the historic utility of the technological DDT, dicofol, and lindane. A Pearson’s correlation evaluation indicated that TOC was once a key factor controlling OCP accumulation. The ecological risk evaluation based on the soil quality guidelines (SQGs) advises that the presence of DDTs, lindane, and heptachlor may additionally pose a poisonous ecological danger to soil organisms. The contrast outcomes of the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) confirmed that the highest cancer risk of OCPs to the posed populace was once low, whilst some unique areas with excessive OCP residues ought to be given attention. The research results provide basic information for evaluating the extent of OCP pollution in the soil of major cities in Northeast China and can help authorities establish environmental protection regulations and soil remediation techniques.
The Contributions of Philosophy and the Social Sciences to Landscape Conflict Research—A Critical Comparison
Authors: Berr Karsten , Lohmann Petra , Kühne Olaf
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the study of ‘landscape’ has gained importance in both the public and in the sciences. In philosophy and the social sciences, different traditions for dealing with ‘landscape’ have developed—not least based on a common reference point of Georg Simmel’s “Philosophy of Landscape” published in 1913. In this paper, these traditions are examined with regard to their suitability for contributing to the analysis and regulation of landscape conflicts and for providing answers to the landscape-related challenges of the present—both in terms of science and society—exemplified by the challenges of the energy transition. The central points of criticism are, besides an insufficient amount of conceptual work and a ‘forgetting of the individual’ of philosophy and the social sciences, the reduction of the concept of landscape to the concept of nature in philosophical landscape research.
A Hybrid Renewable Energy (Solar/Wind/Biomass) and Multi-Use System Principles, Types, and Applications: A Review
Authors: Alhijazi Ayman Abdul Karim , Almasri Radwan A. , Alloush Ahmad Firas
Published: December 2023

Benefiting from renewable energy (RE) sources is an economic and environmental necessity, given that the use of traditional energy sources is one of the most important factors affecting the economy and the environment. This paper aims to provide a review of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs) in terms of principles, types, sources, hybridization methods, cost of unit energy produced, and applications. The works were reviewed for HRESs with and without energy storage. The results can be summarized as follows: It is noted from the studies that Greenius, SAM, HOMER, and TRNSYS were often used in simulating, designing, evaluating, and optimizing these systems. There is often a difference in the economic and environmental indicators between different projects due to the type, fraction, price of energy and components, and efficiency of RE sources. All the studies showed that there are environmental benefits from hybrid systems, not only compared with conventional energy systems but also with RE systems with a single source. All of the related studies showed that hybridization between biomass and concentrated solar energy (biomass-CSP) presents a promising option for producing thermal energy and electricity, and this option also provides a solution for environmental problems related to waste biomass, such as municipal solid waste and wastewater and many industrial wastes, and provides high-quality fertilizers for agriculture. In addition, the multi-use of HRESs increases the economic and environmental benefits, which makes these systems more sustainable. There are various options available for hybridizing RE sources, particularly in the context of energy source integration. The selection of the appropriate options depends on several factors: system type, size of the system, type of energy needed, availability and prices of RE sources, technical knowledge, and experience in operation and maintenance. Several parameters play a crucial role in evaluating HRESs: system makeup and capacity, the fractions of RE in the overall energy produced, efficiency, investment, and energy costs, technical knowledge requirements, and environmental effects.
Sustainable Development and Tourism: A Review of the Literature in WoS from 2001 to 2020
Authors: García-García Alma Rocío , Jacobo-Hernández Carlos Armando , Ochoa-Jiménez Sergio , Valdez-del Río Sacnicté
Published: December 2023

The concept of sustainable development has been applied and studied across various domains, including the tourism sector. This article endeavors to uncover the key contributions from the scientific literature regarding sustainable tourism development in the present century. To achieve this, a comprehensive bibliographic search was conducted, focusing on the themes of sustainable development and tourism, utilizing the Web of Science (WoS) database. This search yielded a list of 496 documents, which were subsequently subjected to analysis using the VOSviewer software, including diverse analytical methods and units of analysis. The primary findings of this study reveal the predominance of Australia in terms of the highest number of citations and China in the number of published documents. Finnish researcher Jarkko Saarinen emerges as the most frequently cited author, while Colin Michael Hall from New Zealand is the most co-cited author. In the context of keyword analysis, three thematic groups were identified: (1) rural tourism, reflecting a tourism sector closely linked to environmental aspects; (2) management, with a heightened emphasis on tourism as a business activity; and (3) sustainable tourism development, advocating for a balance among economic, social, and environmental dimensions. These findings are further complemented by the emergence of three prominent themes: governance, innovation, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The article suggests a more in-depth exploration of these thematic areas, particularly in terms of how sustainability can be incorporated as a focal point for development, thus alleviating the adverse impacts of tourism on destinations.
RETRACTED: Evaluating the Benefits and Potential of “Plastic Reduction”: A Case Study of College Students in Western China
Authors: He Guoqiang , Yu Tao
Published: December 2023

The persistent increase in plastic consumption poses a formidable challenge to attaining climate objectives and mitigating plastic pollution, prompting a global movement towards “plastic reduction”. Given the large number and scale of colleges, it is crucial to analyze the potential for “plastic reduction” on campuses to integrate green and low-carbon practices. This study constructed a source–emission–grave (SEG) plastic waste evaluation framework, which chose Xi’an Shiyou University in Western China as the research object. Furthermore, a tailored plastic-reduction scheme is designed based on students’ daily consumption patterns. The evaluation effectively measures the university’s potential for reducing plastic usage and its direct environmental benefits. Results indicate that by promoting green consumption practices, there could be a potential 45% reduction in plastic usage among students in their daily routines, resulting in an annual per capita decrease of 4.4 kg of plastic consumption and utilization. The aforementioned leads to four environmental benefits, namely raw materials, savings in energy consumption, reduction in carbon emissions, and a decrease in plastic waste, resulting in a total value of CNY 45. If this program were implemented nationwide across colleges and universities, students could collectively reduce their annual plastic consumption by 162,000 tons within their daily lives while simultaneously generating direct economic benefits worth CNY 1.8 billion. These findings can serve as valuable references for other universities in devising effective initiatives to mitigate plastic consumption.
Optimizing Operational Conditions of Pilot-Scale Membrane Capacitive Deionization System
Authors: Lee Bokjin , Oh Changseog , An Jusuk , Yeon Seungjae , Oh Hyun Je
Published: December 2023

In this study, we developed a pilot-scale membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) system for treating mildly brackish water and examined various operational parameters, including module arrangements, adsorption/desorption times, and flow rates. As we aimed to optimize these parameters to increase total dissolved solids (TDS) removal efficiency, the results revealed that the dual-series mode module arrangement and an adsorption time of 120 s with a flow rate of 10 L/min achieved the highest TDS removal efficiency of 99%. Energy consumption analysis showed that lower flow rates were associated with higher TDS removal efficiencies, highlighting the balance between energy consumption and water quality. This study provides insights into optimizing a pilot-scale MCDI for efficient water supply solutions, offering promise for sustainable and eco-friendly water treatment.
Hazard Identification of Hydrogen-Based Alternative Fuels Onboard Ships
Authors: van Rheenen Erin , Scheffers Evelien , Zwaginga Jesper , Visser Klaas
Published: December 2023

It is essential to use alternative fuels if we are to reach the emission reduction targets set by the IMO. Hydrogen carriers are classified as zero-emission, while having a higher energy density (including packing factor) than pure hydrogen. They are often considered as safe alternative fuels. The exact definition of what safety entails is often lacking, both for hydrogen carriers as well as for ship safety. The aim of this study is to review the safety of hydrogen carriers from two perspectives, investigating potential connections between the chemical and maritime approaches to safety. This enables a reasoned consideration between safety aspects and other design drivers in ship design and operation. The hydrogen carriers AB, NaBH4, KBH4 and two LOHCs (NEC and DBT) are taken into consideration, together with a couple reference fuels (ammonia, methanol and MDO). After the evaluation of chemical properties related to safety and the scope of the current IMO safety framework, it can be concluded that safety remains a vague and non-explicit concept from both perspectives. Therefore, further research is required to prove the safe application of hydrogen carriers onboard ships.
Operational Efficiency and Environmental Impacts of Food Service Establishments in Phuket, Thailand
Authors: Nguyen Hong Anh Thi , Gheewala Shabbir H. , Prueksakorn Kritana , Khunsri Supatsara , Thaweechot Jutarat , Raksa Pornpimol
Published: December 2023

The expansion of global tourism development has led to an increase in environmental burdens. This study aimed to assess the operational performance and the environmental impacts associated with food service establishments in Phuket, an international tourist island in Thailand. A joint application of life cycle assessment and data envelopment analysis was employed to evaluate environmental burdens and calculate the efficiency scores encompassing several inputs and outputs of each food service establishment. There are several characteristics of food service establishments that affect their operational and environmental performance. The results showed that location, opening hours, and surrounding conditions are key factors driving the performance of air-conditioned food service establishments, while the performance of non-air-conditioned ones is mainly decided by opening hours. However, these factors are not significant for the performance of street food service establishments. It is advised to carefully consider the characteristics of the included food service establishments based on their products and services to enhance their performance. As an effort to achieve a balanced connection between environmental quality and economic growth, it is essential to evaluate both operational and environmental performance. Attaining maximum operational efficiency does not necessarily ensure the same for eco-efficiency.
Correction: Tamadon et al. Influence of WC-Based Pin Tool Profile on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AA1100 FSW Welds. Technologies 2020, 8, 34
Authors: Tamadon Abbas , Baghestani Arvand , Bajgholi Mohammad Ebrahim
Published: December 2023

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [...]
Enhancing Multiple Properties of a Multicomponent Mg-Based Alloy Using a Sinterless Turning-Induced Deformation Technique
Authors: Johanes Michael , Bin Gombari Amirin Adli , Gupta Manoj
Published: December 2023

A magnesium-based multi-component alloy (MCA), Mg70Al18Zn6Ca4Y2, was successfully synthesized using the Turning-Induced Deformation (TID) method, with promising improvements in multiple properties such as damping capabilities, hardness (11% to 34% increase), and strength (5% to 15% increase) over its conventional cast and extruded equivalent which has already been established as a high-performance MCA exhibiting superior mechanical properties over other Mg-based materials while retaining acceptable ductility. This new TID-based MCA comes only at a slight compromise in the aspects of ductility, ignition resistance, and corrosion resistance, which was previously observed in other TID-based materials. In addition, the general microstructure and secondary phases of this MCA were retained even when using the TID method, with only minimal porosity (<1%) incurred during the process. Furthermore, the ignition temperature of the TID Mg70Al18Zn6Ca4Y2 remained very high at 915 °C, positioning it as a potential Mg-based material suitable for aerospace applications with a high ignition resistance. This is tantamount to a successful application of TID to yet another class of Mg-based materials and opening the door to future explorations of such materials.
MSTAC: A Multi-Stage Automated Classification of COVID-19 Chest X-ray Images Using Stacked CNN Models
Authors: Phumkuea Thanakorn , Wongsirichot Thakerng , Damkliang Kasikrit , Navasakulpong Asma , Andritsch Jarutas
Published: December 2023

This study introduces a Multi-Stage Automated Classification (MSTAC) system for COVID-19 chest X-ray (CXR) images, utilizing stacked Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models. Suspected COVID-19 patients often undergo CXR imaging, making it valuable for disease classification. The study collected CXR images from public datasets and aimed to differentiate between COVID-19, non-COVID-19, and healthy cases. MSTAC employs two classification stages: the first distinguishes healthy from unhealthy cases, and the second further classifies COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cases. Compared to a single CNN-Multiclass model, MSTAC demonstrated superior classification performance, achieving 97.30% accuracy and sensitivity. In contrast, the CNN-Multiclass model showed 94.76% accuracy and sensitivity. MSTAC’s effectiveness is highlighted in its promising results over the CNN-Multiclass model, suggesting its potential to assist healthcare professionals in efficiently diagnosing COVID-19 cases. The system outperformed similar techniques, emphasizing its accuracy and efficiency in COVID-19 diagnosis. This research underscores MSTAC as a valuable tool in medical image analysis for enhanced disease classification.
Degradation of Ciprofloxacin in Water by Magnetic-Graphene-Oxide-Activated Peroxymonosulfate
Authors: Wang Xiaoping , Li Yulan , Qin Jiayuan , Pan Ping , Shao Tianqing , Long Xue , Jiang Debin
Published: December 2023

Antibiotics are extensively applied in the pharmaceutical industry, while posing a tremendous hazard to the ecosystem and human health. In this study, the degradation performance of ciprofloxacin (CIP), one of the typical contaminants of antibiotics, in an oxidation system of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activated by magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) was investigated. The effects of the MGO dosage, PMS concentration and pH on the degradation of CIP were evaluated, and under the optimal treatment conditions, the CIP degradation rate was up to 96.5% with a TOC removal rate of 63.4%. A kinetic model of pseudo-secondary adsorption indicated that it involves an adsorption process with progressively intensified chemical reactions. Furthermore, the MGO exhibited excellent recyclability and stability, maintaining strong catalytic activity after three regenerative cycles, with a CIP removal rate of 87.0%. EPR and LC-MS experiments suggested that •OH and SO4−• generated in the MGO/PMS system served as the main reactants contributing to the decomposition of the CIP, whereby the CIP molecule was effectively destroyed to produce other organic intermediates. Results of this study indicate that organic pollutants in the aqueous environment can be effectively removed in the MGO/PMS system, in which MGO has excellent catalytic activity and stabilization for being recycled to avoid secondary pollution, with definite research value and application prospects in the field of water treatment.
Hosts and Heterologous Expression Strategies of Recombinant Toxins for Therapeutic Purposes
Authors: di Leandro Luana , Colasante Martina , Pitari Giuseppina , Ippoliti Rodolfo
Published: December 2023

The production of therapeutic recombinant toxins requires careful host cell selection. Bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells are common choices, but no universal solution exists. Achieving the delicate balance in toxin production is crucial due to potential self-intoxication. Recombinant toxins from various sources find applications in antimicrobials, biotechnology, cancer drugs, and vaccines. “Toxin-based therapy” targets diseased cells using three strategies. Targeted cancer therapy, like antibody–toxin conjugates, fusion toxins, or “suicide gene therapy”, can selectively eliminate cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed. Notable toxins from various biological sources may be used as full-length toxins, as plant (saporin) or animal (melittin) toxins, or as isolated domains that are typical of bacterial toxins, including Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE) and diphtheria toxin (DT). This paper outlines toxin expression methods and system advantages and disadvantages, emphasizing host cell selection’s critical role.
Viral–Bacterial Interactions That Impact Viral Thermostability and Transmission
Authors: Robledo Gonzalez Lorimar , Tat Rachel P. , Greaves Justin C. , Robinson Christopher M.
Published: December 2023

Enteric viruses are significant human pathogens that commonly cause foodborne illnesses worldwide. These viruses initiate infection in the gastrointestinal tract, home to a diverse population of intestinal bacteria. In a novel paradigm, data indicate that enteric viruses utilize intestinal bacteria to promote viral replication and pathogenesis. While mechanisms underlying these observations are not fully understood, data suggest that some enteric viruses bind directly to bacteria, stabilizing the virion to retain infectivity. Here, we discuss the current knowledge of these viral–bacterial interactions and examine the impact of these interactions on viral transmission.