bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cloud Detection Algorithm Based on FY-4A/GIIRS Infrared Hyperspectral Observations
Authors: Ma Jieying , Liao Yi , Guan Li
Published: January 2024

Cloud detection is an essential preprocessing step when using satellite-borne infrared hyperspectral sounders for data assimilation and atmospheric retrieval. In this study, we propose a cloud detection algorithm based solely on the sensitivity and detection characteristics of the FY-4A Geostationary Interferometric Infrared Sounder (GIIRS), rather than relying on other instruments. The algorithm consists of four steps: (1) combining observed radiation and clear radiance data simulated by the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) to identify clear fields of view (FOVs); (2) determining the number of clouds within adjacent 2 × 2 FOVs via a principal component analysis of observed radiation; (3) identifying whether there are large observed radiance differences between adjacent 2 × 2 FOVs to determine the mixture of clear skies and clouds; and (4) assigning adjacent 2 × 2 FOVs as a cloud cluster following the three steps above to select an appropriate classification threshold. The classification results within each cloud detection cluster were divided into the following categories: clear, partly cloudy, or overcast. The proposed cloud detection algorithm was tested using one month of GIIRS observations from May 2022 in this study. The cloud detection and classification results were compared with the FY-4A Advanced Geostationary Radiation Imager (AGRI)’s operational cloud mask products to evaluate their performance. The results showed that the algorithm’s performance is significantly influenced by the surface type. Among all-day observations, the highest recognition performance was achieved over the ocean, followed by land surfaces, with the lowest performance observed over deep inland water. The proposed algorithm demonstrated better clear sky recognition during the nighttime for ocean and land surfaces, while its performance was higher for partly cloudy and overcast conditions during the day. However, for inland water surfaces, the algorithm consistently exhibited a lower cloud recognition performance during both the day and night. Moreover, in contrast to the GIIRS’s Level 2 cloud mask (CLM) product, the proposed algorithm was able to identify partly cloudy conditions. The algorithm’s classification results departed slightly from those of the AGRI’s cloud mask product in areas with clear sky/cloud boundaries and minimal convective cloud coverage; this was attributed to the misclassification of clear sky as partly cloudy under a low-resolution situation. AGRI’s CLM products, temporally and spatially collocated to the GIIRS FOV, served as the reference value. The proportion of FOVs consistently classified as partly cloudy to the total number of partly cloudy FOVs was 40.6%. In comparison with the GIIRS’s L2 product, the proposed algorithm improved the identification performance by around 10%.
LPST-Det: Local-Perception-Enhanced Swin Transformer for SAR Ship Detection
Authors: Yang Zhigang , Xia Xiangyu , Liu Yiming , Wen Guiwei , Zhang Wei Emma , Guo Limin
Published: January 2024

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformers have boosted the rapid growth of object detection in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. However, it is still a challenging task because SAR images usually have the characteristics of unclear contour, sidelobe interference, speckle noise, multiple scales, complex inshore background, etc. More effective feature extraction by the backbone and augmentation in the neck will bring a promising performance increment. In response, we make full use of the advantage of CNNs in extracting local features and the advantage of transformers in capturing long-range dependencies to propose a Swin Transformer-based detector for arbitrary-oriented SAR ship detection. Firstly, we incorporate a convolution-based local perception unit (CLPU) into the transformer structure to establish a powerful backbone. The local-perception-enhanced Swin Transformer (LP-Swin) backbone combines the local information perception ability of CNNs and the global feature extraction ability of transformers to enhance representation learning, which can extract object features more effectively and boost the detection performance. Then, we devise a cross-scale bidirectional feature pyramid network (CS-BiFPN) by strengthening the propagation and integration of both location and semantic information. It allows for more effective utilization of the feature extracted by the backbone and mitigates the problem of multi-scale ships. Moreover, we design a one-stage framework integrated with LP-Swin, CS-BiFPN, and the detection head of R3Det for arbitrary-oriented object detection, which can provide more precise locations for inclined objects and introduce less background information. On the SAR Ship Detection Dataset (SSDD), ablation studies are implemented to verify the effectiveness of each component, and competing experiments illustrate that our detector attains 93.31% in mean average precision (mAP), which is a comparable detection performance with other advanced detectors.
Disparity Refinement for Stereo Matching of High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images Based on GIS Data
Authors: Wang Xuanqi , Jiang Liting , Wang Feng , You Hongjian , Xiang Yuming
Published: January 2024

With the emergence of the Smart City concept, the rapid advancement of urban three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction becomes imperative. While current developments in the field of 3D reconstruction have enabled the generation of 3D products such as Digital Surface Models (DSM), challenges persist in accurately reconstructing shadows, handling occlusions, and addressing low-texture areas in very-high-resolution remote sensing images. These challenges often lead to difficulties in calculating satisfactory disparity maps using existing stereo matching methods, thereby reducing the accuracy of 3D reconstruction. This issue is particularly pronounced in urban scenes, which contain numerous super high-rise and densely distributed buildings, resulting in large disparity values and occluded regions in stereo image pairs, and further leading to a large number of mismatched points in the obtained disparity map. In response to these challenges, this paper proposes a method to refine the disparity in urban scenes based on open-source GIS data. First, we register the GIS data with the epipolar-rectified images since there always exists unignorable geolocation errors between them. Specifically, buildings with different heights present different offsets in GIS data registering; thus, we perform multi-modal matching for each building and merge them into the final building mask. Subsequently, a two-layer optimization process is applied to the initial disparity map based on the building mask, encompassing both global and local optimization. Finally, we perform a post-correction on the building facades to obtain the final refined disparity map that can be employed for high-precision 3D reconstruction. Experimental results on SuperView-1, GaoFen-7, and GeoEye satellite images show that the proposed method has the ability to correct the occluded and mismatched areas in the initial disparity map generated by both hand-crafted and deep-learning stereo matching methods. The DSM generated by the refined disparity reduces the average height error from 2.2 m to 1.6 m, which demonstrates superior performance compared with other disparity refinement methods. Furthermore, the proposed method is able to improve the integrity of the target structure and present steeper building facades and complete roofs, which are conducive to subsequent 3D model generation.
An Open Benchmark Dataset for Forest Characterization from Sentinel-1 and -2 Time Series
Authors: Hauser Sarah , Ruhhammer Michael , Schmitt Andreas , Krzystek Peter
Published: January 2024

Earth observation satellites offer vast opportunities for quantifying landscapes and regional land cover composition and changes. The integration of artificial intelligence in remote sensing is essential for monitoring significant land cover types like forests, demanding a substantial volume of labeled data for effective AI model development and validation. The Wald5Dplus project introduces a distinctive open benchmark dataset for mid-European forests, labeling Sentinel-1/2 time series using data from airborne laser scanning and multi-spectral imagery. The freely accessible satellite images are fused in polarimetric, spectral, and temporal domains, resulting in analysis-ready data cubes with 512 channels per year on a 10 m UTM grid. The dataset encompasses labels, including tree count, crown area, tree types (deciduous, coniferous, dead), mean crown volume, base height, tree height, and forested area proportion per pixel. The labels are based on an individual tree characterization from high-resolution airborne LiDAR data using a specialized segmentation algorithm. Covering three test sites (Bavarian Forest National Park, Steigerwald, and Kranzberg Forest) and encompassing around six million trees, it generates over two million labeled samples. Comprehensive validation, including metrics like mean absolute error, median deviation, and standard deviation, in the random forest regression confirms the high quality of this dataset, which is made freely available.
A Hydrothermal Synthesis Process of ZSM-5 Zeolite for VOCs Adsorption Using Desilication Solution
Authors: Sun Zhenhua , Shu Qingxiang , Zhang Qikun , Li Shaopeng , Zhu Ganyu , Wang Chenye , Zhang Jianbo , Li Huiquan , Huang Zhaohui
Published: January 2024

ZSM-5 zeolite is a kind of high-value-added porous aluminosilicate zeolite. The use of the coal gasification slag utilization process by-product desilication liquid as a silicon raw material to replace the current raw materials such as water glass will help reduce production costs and achieve high-value utilization of solid waste. ZSM-5 zeolites for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) adsorption were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method using the desilication solution prepared from coal gasification slag as the main silicon source and sodium source. The effects of crystallization reaction time, the crystallization temperature, the Na2O/SiO2 molar ratio, and the SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio on the relative crystallinity and the specific surface area of the ZSM-5 zeolite were investigated and optimized. The optical reaction conditions were as follows: a crystallization time of 12 h, a crystallization temperature of 170 °C, a Na2O/SiO2 molar ratio of 0.2, and a SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 200. The optimal ZSM-5 zeolite synthesized is hexagonal, with regular grains, a relative crystallinity of 101.48%, a specific surface area of 337.48 m2·g−1, and a pore volume of 0.190 cm3·g−1. And the optimal ZSM-5 zeolite was composed of SiO2 content of 97.52 wt%, Al2O3 content of 1.58 wt%, Na2O content of 0.33 wt%, and SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 104.93. Na2O/SiO2 molar ratio is 0.0033. The results of static adsorption experiments show that the static adsorption capacities of ZSM-5 zeolite for p-xylene, benzene, toluene, and butyl acetate were 118.85, 69.98, 68.74, and 95.85 mg·g−1, respectively, which can effectively adsorb VOCs. The synthetic process of the ZSM-5 zeolite is a simple preparation process and short in synthesis time. The results of this study not only help to realize the high-value utilization of silicon components in solid waste, but also provide an economical and effective way to synthesize VOCs adsorption materials.
Exploring the Combined Effects of Different Nitrogen Sources and Chabazite Zeolite-Tuff on Nitrogen Dynamics in an Acidic Sandy-Loam Soil
Authors: Ferretti Giacomo , Alberghini Matteo , Galamini Giulio , Medoro Valeria , Faccini Barbara , Balzan Silvia , Coltorti Massimo
Published: January 2024

Volcanic tuffs rich in chabazite zeolites have been extensively examined for their potential to enhance soil properties and increase fertilizer efficiency, both in their natural state and when enriched with nitrogen (N). However, there is a scarcity of data regarding their utilization in acidic sandy soil, particularly when used alongside organic fertilizers. This paper presents the findings of a 50-day laboratory incubation study that investigated the dynamics of N pools in an acidic sandy-loam agricultural soil treated with various N sources. These sources included urea, N-enriched chabazite zeolite tuff, and pelleted composted manure applied at a rate of 170 kg N/ha. Additionally, the N sources were tested in combination with chabazite zeolite tuff mixed into the soil to assess its role as a soil conditioner. The results revealed distinct behaviours among the tested N sources, primarily impacting soil pH and N dynamics. Soil fertilized with manure exhibited slow N mineralization, whereas N-enriched zeolite displayed a more balanced behaviour concerning net NO3−-N production and NH4+-N consumption. Both N-enriched zeolite and urea temporarily altered the soil pH, resembling a “liming” effect, while pelleted manure facilitated a prolonged shift towards neutral pH values. Considering the water adsorption capacity of zeolite minerals, caution is advised when adjusting water content and employing combustion methods to measure soil organic matter in zeolite-treated soil to avoid potential inaccuracies. In summary, N-enriched chabazite zeolite tuff emerged as a valuable N source in acidic sandy-loam soil, offering a promising alternative to synthetic fertilizers and showcasing a sustainable means of N recycling.
The Green Infrastructure of Sandy Coastlines: A Nature-Based Solution for Mitigation of Climate Change Risks
Authors: Knight Jasper
Published: January 2024

Natural coastal landforms such as sand dunes and sandy beaches have been proposed as green infrastructure that can reduce climate change risks along coastlines. As such, they can offer a nature-based solution to rising sea levels, increased storminess and wave erosion associated with climate change. However, these proposed advantages are not always based on a sound understanding of coastal sediment system dynamics or tested against field evidence of coastal morphodynamic behavior. This study critically examines the basis of the claim for coastal landforms as green infrastructure, by considering how and in what ways these landforms provide resilience against ongoing climate change along sandy coasts, and proposes a theoretical framework for understanding this relationship. The analysis highlights that natural coastal landforms do not always have properties that provide resilience against future climate change. They can only be considered as offering nature-based solutions against climate change when their pre-existing morphodynamic behavior is fully understood. Thus, not all coastal landforms can be considered as ‘green infrastructure’ and the resilience offered by them against climate change forcing may vary from one place or context to another. This should be considered when using landforms such as sandy beaches and sand dunes as nature-based solutions for coastal management purposes. A 10-step framework is proposed, guiding coastal managers on how such green infrastructure can be used to mitigate climate change risks along coasts.
The Impacts of Land-Use Changes on Ecosystem Service Value in the Yunnan–Kweichow Plateau, China
Authors: Yang Chaolei , Li Jingyuan , Jiang Shuwen , Tian Yufeng , Li Canfeng , Yang Wantao , Duan Haichuan , Wei Zong , Huang Yong
Published: January 2024

The Yunnan–Kweichow Plateau serves as a critical ecological security barrier in southwest China. The region has witnessed substantial transformations in land use patterns due to rapid urban expansion, economic development, and population growth. These changes have significantly impacted the structure and services of regional ecosystems. Conducting a quantitative analysis of the influence of land-use changes on ecosystem service value (ESV) proves to be invaluable for guiding regional land planning and environmental conservation efforts. Utilizing land use data, we calculated ESV variations linked to dynamic land-use changes spanning the period from 1980 to 2020. This comprehensive study delved into the spatiotemporal fluctuations and regional disparities in ESV. To enhance the reliability of our evaluation, we applied a regional coefficient to adjust the equivalent factor of ecosystem service value. Over the 40 years, the total ESV exhibited a decrease from USD 122,215.03 million to USD 121,838.82 million. Notably, water supply experienced the most significant decline, while hydrological regulation witnessed the largest increase. The continuous decline in water supply service capacity raises concerns about exacerbating water resource shortages in the region. Spatially, the ESVs in the study region primarily concentrated within the medium-low to medium-high value range. However, except for regions with medium values, the area of other level regions is expanding, and is particularly evident in the increase in low-value regions. The reduction of forestland, grassland, and cultivated land, coupled with the expansion of built-up land, emerged as the primary contributors to the overall ESV decrease. In particular, the negative ecological contribution rate of built-up land reached 37.97%, and the ESV decreased by USD 866.64 million, underscoring that the expansion of water bodies could not compensate for this loss. The study highlights the increasing sensitivity of ESV to land-use changes in the region. As a response, there is a pressing need for managers to reinforce the implementation of ecological engineering and engage in rational planning for production, living, and ecological spaces. This research serves as a crucial reference for establishing an ecological security pattern system and fostering the sustainable development and utilization of land resources in the region.
The Accessible Design of Pedestrian Bridges
Authors: Štimac Grandić Ivana , Šćulac Paulo , Grandić Davor , Vodopija Iva
Published: January 2024

Pedestrian bridges are an important component of an active transportation system. As part of digital and green transformation, active travel is recognized as an essential strategy for reducing vehicle fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, but also for improving public health. Pedestrian bridges and other active travel infrastructure must be designed to be accessible to all users. Bridges that do not meet the conditions for comfortable use can force detours that discourage walking and bicycling. Adapting bridges that are not universally accessible requires challenging and expensive construction work. When accessibility issues are considered in the planning and design of new bridges, cost-effective, and often cost-neutral solutions, can be found. Some countries ensure the accessible design of pedestrian bridges through national regulations, but it is important to educate and raise awareness among all bridge designers about the importance of accessible design to achieve sustainable structures. Therefore, this paper provides an overview, comparison and commentary on the most comprehensive current standards, guidelines and manuals for pedestrian bridges that contain information on accessible design. Special attention is given to the design of stairs and ramps as critical elements of bridge accessibility.
A Modified Particle Swarm Algorithm for the Multi-Objective Optimization of Wind/Photovoltaic/Diesel/Storage Microgrids
Authors: Wu Xueyang , Shan Yinghao , Fan Kexin
Published: January 2024

Microgrids have been widely used due to their advantages, such as flexibility and cleanliness. This study adopts the hierarchical control method for microgrids containing multiple energy sources, i.e., photovoltaic (PV), wind, diesel, and storage, and carries out multi-objective optimization in the tertiary control, i.e., optimizing the economic cost, environmental cost, and the degree of energy utilization of microgrids. As the traditional multi-objective particle swarm algorithm is prone to local convergence, this study introduces variable inertia weight and learning factors to obtain a modified particle swarm algorithm, which is more advantageous in multi-objective optimization. Compared to the traditional particle swarm algorithm, the modified particle swarm algorithm increased the photovoltaic absorbed rate from 0.7724 to 0.8683 and the wind energy absorbed rate from 0.6064 to 0.7158 in one day, which resulted in an increase in energy utilization by 14.89%, and a reduction in financial environmental costs from RMB 135,870 to RMB 132,230. The simulation of the optimization effect of the conventional particle swarm algorithm and the modified particle swarm algorithm on the microgrid were carried out, respectively, in MATLAB, which verifies the advantage of the modified particle swarm algorithm on the optimization of microgrids. Then, the optimization results, i.e., the data of the power scheduling process of the four power sources, were made into a table and imported into the microgrid model in Simulink. The simulation results indicated that the microgrid was able to output stable voltage, current, and frequency. Finally, the changes in microgrids affected by the external environment were further investigated from the aspects of the market environment and natural environment. Moreover, we verified the presence of a contradiction between the optimization of the microgrid economy and environmental protection. Thus, microgrids need to adjust their optimization focus according to the natural conditions in which they are located.
Advances in the Sustainable Development of Biobased Materials Using Plant and Animal Waste as Raw Materials: A Review
Authors: Salazar Sandoval Sebastián , Amenábar Alejandra , Toledo Ignacio , Silva Nataly , Contreras Paulina
Published: January 2024

There is substantial concern about critical environmental problems related to waste in production sectors such as textile, construction, and packaging. The materials ascribed to the sector’s unsustainability are primarily fabrics, plastic, and hazardous solvents, making developing new biobased materials imperative. As such, various strategies have been investigated to convert and recycle waste and give them commercial value via the manufacture of biobased materials. This review discusses the various types of raw materials as sources to develop new biobased materials that could promote the transition toward sustainability. According to the literature, the functional qualities of biobased materials are comparable to those of synthetic materials. Raw material sources such as biomass, derived from plant and animal-based waste, are attractive due to their low cost, abundance, and biodegradability. The manufacture of biomaterials, as well as their characterization and performance, are also discussed. Further, this review will offer a comprehensive view of the potential applicability and current commercial applications of the developed biobased materials in relevant areas such as packaging, construction, textile, and wastewater remediation. This could be a potential field of research to address the environmental challenges posed by the continuous growth of the global population.
Vertical Integration in Healthcare and Patient Satisfaction: An Exploratory Analysis of Portuguese Reforms
Authors: Nunes Alexandre
Published: January 2024

The performances of public corporate hospital units are being influenced by user behaviour, delayed service responses, and sustainability risks. Consequently, there is a need for these units to adopt a different approach to user care in order to attain overall success and mitigate discontent arising from delays and waiting lists. The faults within the public system are becoming increasingly apparent as a result of the growing emphasis on the transparency and authenticity of information. The reform of the Portuguese health system aims to enhance coordination among public, private, and social services. Additionally, it prioritises the integration of various levels of care within the Portuguese National Health Service, specifically by promoting the amalgamation of hospital business entities with primary care under single organisations known as Local Health Units. The objective of this study was to utilise the SWOT framework to examine the reform from the standpoint of citizens, as they are the focal point of the system and its long-term sustainability. The study revealed several benefits associated with the reform. However, it is crucial to address potential risks and opportunities in order to achieve the intended outcomes. If health managers and policy-makers effectively utilise the available opportunities, it can be inferred that there exists a favourable circumstance to implement a Local Health Unit model that seeks to integrate comprehensive care. This approach, by addressing the health issues of citizens, will create a larger scope for improvement and enhance citizen contentment. Moreover, it will ensure the long-term viability, ethical conduct, transparency, and genuineness of health outcomes.
Recovery of Materials from Refrigerator: A Study Focused on Product Distribution, Recyclability and LCA Evaluation
Authors: Paz Felipe Alejandro Garcia , Heibeck Magdalena , Parvez Ashak Mahmud , Torrubia Jorge , van den Boogaart Karl Gerald , Raatz Simone
Published: January 2024

This study outlines a recycling initiative conducted at Rekular GmbH, focusing on the recycling of 100 refrigerators. The recycling process employed a combination of manual dismantling, depollution, and mechanical processing techniques. Manual dismantling followed a predefined protocol to extract various materials, while the mechanical and physical processes involved shredding, zigzag, magnetic, and eddy current separation (ECS) to liberate and separate different materials. The resulting ferrous, non-ferrous and polymer product fractions were analyzed and categorized, providing valuable insights into the quality of interim products in the refrigerator recycling process. Simulations were then performed using FactSageTM version 8.2 and HSC Chemistry 10 version 10.3.7.1 software to simulate the recovery of metals from the ferrous and non-ferrous fractions using pyro metallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. An electric arc furnace (EAF) was utilized for iron (Fe), while a re-smelter process for aluminium (Al), and the black copper route was simulated for copper (Cu) recovery. The recovery rates including metallurgical, mechanical, and physical processes are as follows: Fe (78%), Al (68.4%), and Cu (52.4%). In contrast, the recovery rates through metallurgical processes are as follows: Al (99%), Fe (79%), and Cu (88%). This discrepancy is attributed to losses of these elements resulting from incomplete liberation in mechanical processing. Additionally, a product/centric approach was applied and the recycling index reached 76% for recovery the Al, Cu, and Fe metals in a refrigerator recycling process. Turning to the environmental impact evaluation within the life cycle assessment (LCA), the process unit with the highest emissions per refrigerator in the recycling process was the use of nitrogen during the shredding process, accounting for 3.7 kg CO2 eq/refrigerator. Subsequently, the consumption of medium voltage electricity from the German grid during mechanical and physical separations contributed to 0.6 kg CO2 eq/refrigerator. The EAF, and electrolytic refining stages in the metallurgical recovery process also had a notable impact, generating 10.7 kg CO2 eq/refrigerator.
Utilising Phosphogypsum and Biomass Fly Ash By-Products in Alkali-Activated Materials
Authors: Zhu Chengjie , Pranckevičienė Jolanta , Pundienė Ina , Kizinievič Olga
Published: January 2024

Significant environmental issues are raised by the phosphogypsum (PG) waste that is being produced. In Lithuania, about 1,500,000 tons of PG waste is generated yearly, and about 300 Mt is generated yearly worldwide. A by-product of burning wood biomass in thermal power plants is biomass fly ash (BFA). By 2035, compared to 2008 levels, industrial biomass incineration for combined heat and power and, as a consequence, BFA, is expected to triple. This study revealed the possibility of using these difficult-to-utilise waste products, such as BFA and PG, in efficient alkali-activated materials (AAM). As the alkaline activator solution (AAS), less alkaline Na2CO3 solution and Na2SiO3 solution were used. The study compared the physical–mechanical properties of BFA-PG specimens mixed with water and the AAS. After 28 days of curing, the compressive strength of the BFA-PG-based, water-mixed samples increased from 3.02 to 6.38 MPa when the PG content was increased from 0 to 30 wt.%. In contrast, the compressive strength of the BFA-PG-based samples with AAS increased from 8.03 to 16.67 MPa when the PG content was increased from 0 to 30 wt.%. According to XRD analysis, gypsum crystallisation increased when the PG content in the BFA-PG-based samples with water increased. The presence of AAS in the BFA-PG-based samples significantly reduced gypsum crystallisation, but increased the crystallisation of the new phases kottenheimite and sodium aluminium silicate hydrate, which, due to the sodium ions’ participation in the reactions, created denser reaction products and improved the mechanical properties. The outcome of this investigation aids in producing sustainable AAM and applying high volume of hardly usable waste materials, such as BFA and PG.
Assessing the Community Perception in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, of Proper Waste Disposal: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Jou Yung-Tsan , Mariñas Klint Allen , Saflor Charmine Sheena , Bernabe Don Adonis , Casuncad Jhon Raymond , Geronimo Karen , Mabbagu Jerson , Sales Felicitty , Verceles Kim Aaron
Published: January 2024

This study explores the factors affecting proper garbage disposal in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines, where approximately 49 tons of solid garbage are produced each day. This research was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to evaluate the variables affecting proper waste disposal in the community. The concept of this study follows the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which refers to the idea that human beings act rationally depending on their behavioral aspects. A total of 300 respondents from the community of San Jose were acquired through an online questionnaire. The findings revealed that environmental knowledge significantly influences environmental concerns while it affects personal values and environmental attitudes. Intention was affected by personal attitudes and convenience, which also had an impact on waste management behavior. The result of the study could aid government institutions and households in incorporating effective solid waste management practices within the community. It is crucial to implement proper waste disposal procedures, as inadequate municipal waste management can lead to detrimental impacts on the environment, human health, and urban living standards. The study highlights the importance of community participation in developing effective strategies and improving waste management behavior in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
Does Independent Directors’ Interlocking Network Position Affect Green Innovation?
Authors: Hu Yun , Li Zhuohang , Guo Jiajia
Published: January 2024

Green innovation is a potent driver of sustainability. Drawing on social network theory, this paper used data from Chinese listed companies from 2010 to 2020 as a sample and found that independent directors’ interlocking network position significantly enhanced corporate green innovation. Additionally, digital transformation positively moderated this impact, while environmental regulations exhibited a U-shaped influence on this relationship. Further analysis revealed that independent directors’ interlocking network position can enhance green innovation through leveraging information, resource advantages, and environmental responsibilities. The network position of companies with lower pollution levels and diligent independent directors notably amplified green innovation. This study clarifies the boundary conditions and mechanisms of corporate green innovation, offering new ideas and evidence for sustainability.
Public Transport Infrastructure with Electromobility Elements at the Smart City Level to Support Sustainability
Authors: Koman Gabriel , Toman Dominika , Jankal Radoslav , Krúpová Silvia
Published: January 2024

When implementing smart city elements, there are challenges in cities that need to be overcome. An analysis of global public transport infrastructure has indicated an upward trend in the integration of electric mobility solutions since 2022. The following research question characterises the problem on which the research was focused. RQ: What role do the smart city strategy and its overall planning play in promoting city sustainability via elements of electromobility in public transport? Cities are increasingly committed to promoting more sustainable urban mobility. This article discusses three areas of study: electromobility in public transport, the smart city concept, and sustainability. The novelty of this article has three parts, namely the intersection of the described areas; comparison and summarisation of best practice; and in-depth analysis of the selected city. The methodological approach includes the analysis of case studies, analysis of the selected city, sociological interviews, synthesis, and modelling. One of the main findings reveals that electromobility impacts the city’s sustainability. It was also revealed that not all cities have already prepared their strategies focusing on this issue, which is unfavourable because careful planning supports the achieving sustainability in public transport. The findings were included in the design of solutions in the field of public transport infrastructure with elements of electromobility at the smart city level. Additionally, requirements for cities and recommendations for policy makers in selected areas were identified.
Symmetry Breaking and Dynamic Transition in the Negative Mass Term Klein–Gordon Equations
Authors: Márkus Ferenc , Gambár Katalin
Published: January 2024

Through the discussion of three physical processes, we show that the Klein–Gordon equations with a negative mass term describe special dynamics. In the case of two classical disciplines—mechanics and thermodynamics—the Lagrangian-based mathematical description is the same, even though the nature of the investigated processes seems completely different. The unique feature of this type of equation is that it contains wave propagation and dissipative behavior in one framework. The dissipative behavior appears through a repulsive potential. The transition between the two types of dynamics can be specified precisely, and its physical meaning is clear. The success of the two descriptions inspires extension to the case of electrodynamics. We reverse the suggestion here. We create a Klein–Gordon equation with a negative mass term, but first, we modify Maxwell’s equations. The repulsive interaction that appears here results in a charge spike. However, the Coulomb interaction limits this. The charge separation is also associated with the high-speed movement of the charged particle localized in a small space domain. As a result, we arrive at a picture of a fast vibrating phenomenon with an electromagnetism-related Klein–Gordon equation with a negative mass term. The calculated maximal frequency value ω=1.74×1021 1/s.
Analysis of Vibration Responses Induced by Metro Operations Using a Probabilistic Method
Authors: Wu Zongzhen , Li Chunyang , Liu Weifeng , Li Donghai , Wang Wenbin , Zhu Bin
Published: January 2024

The environmental vibrations of tunnels and soil caused by metro operations is one of the most important issues in the field of environmental geotechnical engineering. Recent studies in metro-induced vibrations have revealed significant uncertainties in the vibration responses of tunnels and the surrounding soil. A two-step method of obtaining train loads considering uncertainty was introduced. The first step was to obtain the train loads via an inverse model based on measurements, and the second step was to quantify the uncertainty of train loads based on complex principal component analysis. A portion of a tunnel of the Beijing metro was selected as the object of study, where the vertical accelerations on the rail and on the tunnel wall were measured under different train speeds of 35, 45 and 55 km/h. Inputting the train loads based on the measured rail accelerations into an axisymmetric numerical model, established using ANSYS, the vibration responses of the tunnel wall in a probabilistic framework were calculated and were compared with the measured results. By using an accuracy index that considers both calculation bias and uncertainty, the accuracy of the calculated vibration response was quantitatively evaluated. It can be concluded that the calculated vibration response can reflect the actual vibration level and uncertainty of the tunnel wall. The accuracies of the calculated results under different speeds were generally high while showing a slight difference in amplitude.
Symmetry in Blockchain-Powered Secure Decentralized Data Storage: Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Confidentiality
Authors: Lin Iuon-Chang , Kuo Yi-Hsuan , Chang Ching-Chun , Liu Jui-Chuan , Chang Chin-Chen
Published: January 2024

In today’s digital landscape, the exponential growth of data heightens security risks associated with traditional centralized storage systems. Utilizing blockchain technology, a shift towards decentralized data storage provides a more secure and private alternative. Central to our work is the exploration of symmetry in data management, a concept woven into the fabric of our proposed solution to challenge the inherency in InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) technology. Through the strategic utilization of smart contract-invoked random functions, our blockchain-based solution fragments and securely stores data in order to ensure a symmetrical balance between confidentiality and integrity. Our research endeavors are to contribute a robust, ethically grounded data storage framework fostering advancements in secure data sharing. The implications of this paper are significant in addressing contemporary challenges of data management within the expansive realm of big data.
How the Magnetization Angle of a Linear Halbach Array Influences Particle Steering in Magnetic Drug Targeting—A Systematic Evaluation and Optimization
Authors: Thalmayer Angelika S. , Götz Kilian , Fischer Georg
Published: January 2024

The main challenge in magnetic drug targeting lies in steering the magnetic particles, especially in deeper body layers. For this purpose, linear Halbach arrays are currently in focus. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the impact of the magnetization angle between two neighboring magnets in Halbach arrays has not been investigated for particle steering so far. Therefore, in this paper, a systematic numerical parameter study of varying the magnetization angle of linear Halbach arrays is conducted. This is completed by undertaking a typical magnetic drug targeting scenario, where magnetic particles have to be steered in an optimized manner. This includes the calculation of the magnetic flux density, its gradient, the total magnetic energy, and the resulting magnetic force based on a fitting function for the different Halbach constellations in the context of examining their potential for predicting the particle distribution. In general, increased magnetization angles result in an increased effective range of the magnetic force. However, as there is a trade-off between a weak force on the weak side of the array and a simple manufacturing process, a magnetization angle of 90∘ is recommended. For evaluating the steering performance, a numerical or experimental evaluation of the particle distribution is mandatory.
The Impact of Shareholder and Director Networks on Corporate Technological Innovation: A Multilayer Networks Analysis
Authors: Liu Tingli , Wang Qianying , Yang Songling , Shi Qianqian
Published: January 2024

We adopt a multilayer networks approach to assess how network structural embeddedness affects corporate technological innovation. Our findings indicate an annual increase in both single-layer and multilayer networks, although adoption of the latter by Chinese listed companies is comparatively low. We found that structural embeddedness of multilayer networks positively impacts corporate technological innovation. By reducing uncertainty within the internal environment, these networks bolster technological innovation. Moreover, such embeddedness notably spurs innovation in non-state-owned companies and those with greater internal transparency and robust external oversight. Our analysis reveals an intermediate effect where structural embeddedness in multilayer networks influences innovation. Our work provides new insights into enhancing innovation capacity via network embeddedness and supplies empirical data on utilizing network resources for innovation. We also offer actionable guidance and policy advice for managers, investors, and policymakers, especially relevant amidst economic transformation and pursuit of technological self-reliance of China.
Association between Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Follicular Fluid and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Infertile Women
Authors: Li Sen , Li Guojing , Lin Yu , Sun Feng , Zheng Liqiang , Yu Yingying , Xu Hong
Published: January 2024

In recent years, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a family of fluorinated organic com pounds, have garnered much attention due to their reproductive and developmental toxicity in humans. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disease that affects women of reproductive age and is a significant contributor to female infertility. A previous study suggested that PFASs play a possible role in PCOS. We conducted a clinical study investigating the relationship between PCOS and PFAS in follicular fluid. A total of 73 infertile patients with PCOS and 218 controls were recruited from the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The concentrations of 12 PFASs in follicular fluid samples and sex hormones in serum were measured. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression revealed a positive relationship between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and testosterone (T) concentrations. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each PFAS were estimated using multivariable logistic regression and quantile-based g-computation (QGC). The PFOA concentrations in follicular fluid were correlated with increased odds of PCOS (second vs. first quartile: OR = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.47–9.05, p = 0.005; third vs. first quartile: OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.17–7.26, p = 0.022; fourth vs. first quartile: OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.21–8.09, p = 0.019; P for trend = 0.032). This association was confirmed with QGC. Mediation analysis suggested that the mediation effect of T in association with PFOA and PCOS was not statistically significant. Our study suggests that PFOA may be a risk factor for PCOS.
N-Glycan Profiles of Neuraminidase from Avian Influenza Viruses
Authors: Chen Wentian , Ma Tianran , Liu Sinuo , Zhong Yaogang , Yu Hanjie , Shu Jian , Wang Xiurong , Li Zheng
Published: January 2024

The cleavage of sialic acids by neuraminidase (NA) facilitates the spread of influenza A virus (IV) descendants. Understanding the enzymatic activity of NA aids research into the transmission of IVs. An effective method for purifying NA was developed using p-aminophenyloxamic acid-modified functionalized hydroxylated magnetic particles (AAMPs), and from 0.299 to 0.401 mg of NA from eight IV strains was isolated by 1 mg AAMP. A combination of lectin microarrays and MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS was employed to investigate the N-glycans of isolated NAs. We found that more than 20 N-glycans were identified, and 16 glycan peaks were identical in the strains derived from chicken embryo cultivation. Multi-antennae, bisected, or core-fucosylated N-glycans are common in all the NAs. The terminal residues of N-glycans are predominantly composed of galactose and N-acetylglucosamine residues. Meanwhile, sialic acid residue was uncommon in these N-glycans. Further computational docking analysis predicted the interaction mechanism between NA and p-aminophenyloxamic acid.
Parvovirus B19 and Human Parvovirus 4 Encode Similar Proteins in a Reading Frame Overlapping the VP1 Capsid Gene
Authors: Karlin David G.
Published: January 2024

Viruses frequently contain overlapping genes, which encode functionally unrelated proteins from the same DNA or RNA region but in different reading frames. Yet, overlapping genes are often overlooked during genome annotation, in particular in DNA viruses. Here we looked for the presence of overlapping genes likely to encode a functional protein in human parvovirus B19 (genus Erythroparvovirus), using an experimentally validated software, Synplot2. Synplot2 detected an open reading frame, X, conserved in all erythroparvoviruses, which overlaps the VP1 capsid gene and is under highly significant selection pressure. In a related virus, human parvovirus 4 (genus Tetraparvovirus), Synplot2 also detected an open reading frame under highly significant selection pressure, ARF1, which overlaps the VP1 gene and is conserved in all tetraparvoviruses. These findings provide compelling evidence that the X and ARF1 proteins must be expressed and functional. X and ARF1 have the exact same location (they overlap the region of the VP1 gene encoding the phospholipase A2 domain), are both in the same frame (+1) with respect to the VP1 frame, and encode proteins with similar predicted properties, including a central transmembrane region. Further studies will be needed to determine whether they have a common origin and similar function. X and ARF1 are probably translated either from a polycistronic mRNA by a non-canonical mechanism, or from an unmapped monocistronic mRNA. Finally, we also discovered proteins predicted to be expressed from a frame overlapping VP1 in other species related to parvovirus B19: porcine parvovirus 2 (Z protein) and bovine parvovirus 3 (X-like protein).
HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Expression in HPV16-Infected Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells Alters E6 Expression and Cellular Metabolism, and Induces a Hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal Cell Phenotype
Authors: Zhitkevich Alla , Bayurova Ekaterina , Avdoshina Darya , Zakirova Natalia , Frolova Galina , Chowdhury Sona , Ivanov Alexander , Gordeychuk Ilya , Palefsky Joel , Isaguliants Maria
Published: January 2024

The high incidence of epithelial malignancies in HIV-1 infected individuals is associated with co-infection with oncogenic viruses, such as high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR HPVs), mostly HPV16. The molecular mechanisms underlying the HIV-1-associated increase in epithelial malignancies are not fully understood. A collaboration between HIV-1 and HR HPVs in the malignant transformation of epithelial cells has long been anticipated. Here, we delineated the effects of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase on the in vitro and in vivo properties of HPV16-infected cervical cancer cells. A human cervical carcinoma cell line infected with HPV16 (Ca Ski) was made to express HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) by lentiviral transduction. The levels of the mRNA of the E6 isoforms and of the factors characteristic to the epithelial/mesenchymal transition were assessed by real-time RT-PCR. The parameters of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration were determined using Seahorse technology. RT expressing Ca Ski subclones were assessed for the capacity to form tumors in nude mice. RT expression increased the expression of the E6*I isoform, modulated the expression of E-CADHERIN and VIMENTIN, indicating the presence of a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype, enhanced glycolysis, and inhibited mitochondrial respiration. In addition, the expression of RT induced phenotypic alterations impacting cell motility, clonogenic activity, and the capacity of Ca Ski cells to form tumors in nude mice. These findings suggest that HIV-RT, a multifunctional protein, affects HPV16-induced oncogenesis, which is achieved through modulation of the expression of the E6 oncoprotein. These results highlight a complex interplay between HIV antigens and HPV oncoproteins potentiating the malignant transformation of epithelial cells.