bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systems Biology and Peptide Engineering to Overcome Absorption Barriers for Oral Peptide Delivery: Dosage Form Optimization Case Study Preceding Clinical Translation
Authors: Tyagi Puneet , Patel Chandresh , Gibson Kimberly , MacDougall Fiona , Pechenov Sergei Y. , Will Sarah , Revell Jefferson , Huang Yue , Rosenbaum Anton I. , Balic Kemal , Maharoof Umar , Grimsby Joseph , Subramony J. Anand
Published: October 2023

Oral delivery of peptides and biological molecules promises significant benefits to patients as an alternative to daily injections, but the development of these formulations is challenging due to their low bioavailability and high pharmacokinetic variability. Our earlier work focused on the discovery of MEDI7219, a stabilized, lipidated, glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist peptide, and the selection of sodium chenodeoxycholate (Na CDC) and propyl gallate (PG) as permeation enhancer combinations. We hereby describe the development of the MEDI7219 tablet formulations and composition optimization via in vivo studies in dogs. We designed the MEDI7219 immediate-release tablets with the permeation enhancers Na CDC and PG. Immediate-release tablets were coated with an enteric coating that dissolves at pH ≥ 5.5 to target the upper duodenal region of the gastrointestinal tract and sustained-release tablets with a Carbopol bioadhesive polymer were coated with an enteric coating that dissolves at pH ≥ 7.0 to provide a longer presence at the absorption site in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to immediate- and enteric-coated formulations, we also tested a proprietary delayed release erodible barrier layer tablet (OralogiKTM) to deliver the payload to the target site in the gastrointestinal tract. The design of tablet dosage forms based on the optimization of formulations resulted in up to 10.1% absolute oral bioavailability in dogs with variability as low as 26% for MEDI7219, paving the way for its clinical development.
Assessment of the Impact of Nanowarming on Microstructure of Cryopreserved Fibroblast-Containing 3D Tissue Models Using Mueller Polarimetry
Authors: Ivanov Deyan , Hoeppel Anika , Weigel Tobias , Ossikovski Razvigor , Dembski Sofia , Novikova Tatiana
Published: October 2023

We studied the impact of two different thawing mechanisms on the microstructure of defrosted cryopreserved 3D tissue models using transmission Mueller microscopy and a statistical analysis of polarimetric images of thin histological sections of defrosted tissue models. The cryopreserved 3D tissue models were thawed by using either a 37 °C water bath or radio-frequency inductive heating with the magnetic nanoparticles embedded into the 3D tissue model during the preparation process. Polarimetric measurements were conducted at 700 nm and the acquired Mueller matrices of the samples were post-processed using the differential decomposition and the statistical analysis of the maps of the azimuth of the optic axis. Our results indicate the sensitivity of polarimetry to the changes in thawed tissue morphology compared to that of reference non-frozen tissue. Thus, Mueller microscopy can be used as a fast complementary technique to the currently accepted gold standard methods for the assessment of the cryopreserved tissue microstructure after thawing.
Soybean-Based Polyol as a Substitute of Fossil-Based Polyol on the Synthesis of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes: The Effect of Its Content on Morphological and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Ernzen Juliano R. , Covas José A. , Marcos-Fernández Angel , Fiorio Rudinei , Bianchi Otávio
Published: October 2023

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are remarkably versatile polymers due to the wide range of raw materials available for their synthesis, resulting in physicochemical characteristics that can be tailored according to the specific requirements of their final applications. In this study, a renewable bio-based polyol obtained from soybean oil is used for the synthesis of TPU via reactive extrusion, and the influence of the bio-based polyol on the multi-phase structure and properties of the TPU is studied. As raw materials, 4,4′-diphenylmethane (MDI), 1,4-butanediol, a fossil-based polyester polyol, and a bio-based polyol are used. The fossil-based to soybean-based polyol ratios studied are 100/0, 99/1, 95/5, 90/10, 80/20, and 50/50% by weight, respectively. The TPUs were characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), gel content analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and contact angle measurements. The results reveal that incorporating the renewable polyol enhances the compatibility between the rigid and flexible segments of the TPU. However, due to its high functionality, the addition of soybean-based polyol can promote cross-linking. This phenomenon reduces the density of hydrogen bonds within the material, also reducing polarity and restricting macromolecular mobility, as corroborated by higher glass transition temperature (Tg) values. Remarkably, the addition of small amounts of the bio-based polyol (up to 5 wt.% of the total polyol content) results in high-molecular-weight TPUs with lower polarity, combined with suitable processability and mechanical properties, thus broadening the range of applications and improving their sustainability.
Aerogel-Like Material Based on PEGylated Hyperbranched Polymethylethoxysiloxane
Authors: Borisov Kirill , Kalinina Alexandra , Bystrova Aleksandra , Muzafarov Aziz
Published: October 2023

Aerogels are a class of materials that have gained increasing attention over the past several decades due to their exceptional physical and chemical properties. These materials are highly porous, with a low density and high surface area, allowing for applications such as insulation, catalysis, and energy storage. However, traditional aerogels, such as pure silica aerogels, suffer from brittleness and fragility, which limit their usefulness in many applications. Herein, we have addressed this problem by using organosilicon compounds, namely polymethylsilsesquioxane derivatives, for the synthesis of aerogel-like materials. Specifically, we have developed a novel approach involving surfactant-free synthesis of microcapsules from partially PEGylated hyperbranched polymethylethoxysiloxane. Due to the highly diphilic nature of these compounds, they readily concentrate at the oil/water interface in aqueous emulsions encapsulating oil droplets. During the subsequent condensation, the organosilicon precursor is consumed for hexane encapsulation (yielding hollow microcapsules) followed by the formation of a continuous condensed phase. Concurrently, methyl groups ensure the hydrophobicity of the resulting materials, which eliminates the need of using additional reagents for their hydrophobization.
Degradation of Structurally Modified Polylactide under the Controlled Composting of Food Waste
Authors: Trofimchuk Elena , Ostrikova Valeria , Ivanova Olga , Moskvina Marina , Plutalova Anna , Grokhovskaya Tatyana , Shchelushkina Anna , Efimov Alexander , Chernikova Elena , Zhang Shenghua , Mironov Vladimir
Published: October 2023

The degradation of polylactide (PLA) films of different structures under conditions of controlled composting has been studied. We have demonstrated that PLA underwent degradation within one month in a substrate that simulated standard industrial composting. Regardless of the initial structure of the samples, the number-average molecular weight (Mn) decreased to 4 kDa while the degree of crystallinity increased to about 70% after 21 days of composting. Addition of an inoculant to the standard substrate resulted in the accelerated degradation of the PLA samples for one week due to an abiotic hydrolysis. These findings have confirmed that industrial composting could solve the problem of plastic disposal at least for PLA.
Examining the Quasi-Static Uniaxial Compressive Behaviour of Commercial High-Performance Epoxy Matrices
Authors: Gargiuli J. F. , Quino G. , Board R. , Griffith J. C. , Shaffer M. S. P. , Trask R. S. , Hamerton I.
Published: October 2023

Four commercial high-performance aerospace aromatic epoxy matrices, CYCOM®890, CYCOM®977-2, PR520, and PRISM EP2400, were cured to a standardised 2 h, 180 °C cure cycle and evaluated in quasi-static uniaxial compression, as well as by dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermoplastic toughened CYCOM®977-2 formulation displayed an overall increase in true axial stress values across the entire stress–strain curve relative to the baseline CYCOM®890 sample. The particle-toughened PR520 sample exhibited an overall decrease in true axial stress values past the yield point of the material. The PRISM EP2400 resin, with combined toughening agents, led to true axial stress values across the entire plastic region of the stress–strain curve, which were in line with the stress values observed with the CYCOM®890 material. Interestingly, for all formulations, the dilation angles (associated with the volume change during plastic deformation), recorded at 0.3 plastic strain, were close to 0°, with the variations reflecting the polymer structure. Compression data collected for this series of commercial epoxy resins are in broad agreement with a selection of model epoxy resins based on di- and tetra-functional monomers, cured with polyamines or dicarboxylic anhydrides. However, the fully formulated resins demonstrate a significantly higher compressive modulus than the model resins, albeit at the expense of yield stress.
Effects of Modifying Agent and Conductive Hybrid Filler on Butyl Rubber Properties: Mechanical, Thermo-Mechanical, Dynamical and Re-Crosslinking Properties
Authors: Luangchuang Piyawedee , Sornanankul Tanawat , Nakaramontri Yeampon
Published: October 2023

Ionic crosslinking of bromobutyl rubber (BIIR) composites was prepared using butylimidazole (IM) and ionic liquid (IL), combined with carbon nanotubes (CNT) and conductive carbon black (CCB) to enhance the intrinsic properties and heal ability of the resulting composites. Variation in the BIIR/CNT-CCB/IM/IL ratios was investigated to determine the appropriate formulation for healing the composites. Results showed that the mechanical properties were increased until the IM:IL:CNT/CCB ratio reached 1:1:1/1.5, corresponding to the optimal concentration of 5:5:5/7.5 phr. Thermo-oxidative degradation, as indicated using temperature scanning stress relaxation (TSSR), demonstrated the decomposition of the composites at higher temperatures, highlighting the superior resistance provided by the proper formulation of BIIR composites. Additionally, the conditions for the healing procedure were examined by applying pressure, temperature, and time. It was observed that the composites exhibited good elasticity at 0 °C and 60 °C, with a high rate of re-crosslinking achieved under appropriate pressure and temperature conditions. This research aims to develop a formulation suitable for the tire tread and inner liner of commercial car tires together with artificial skin products.
Supramolecular Responsive Chitosan Microcarriers for Cell Detachment Triggered by Adamantane
Authors: Huang Lixia , Jiang Yifei , Chen Xinying , Zhang Wenqi , Luo Qiuchen , Chen Siyan , Wang Shuhan , Weng Fangqing , Xiao Lin
Published: October 2023

Supramolecular responsive microcarriers based on chitosan microspheres were prepared and applied for nonenzymatic cell detachment. Briefly, chitosan microspheres (CSMs) were first prepared by an emulsion crosslinking approach, the surface of which was then modified with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) by chemical grafting. Subsequently, gelatin was attached onto the surface of the CSMs via the host–guest interaction between β-CD groups and aromatic residues in gelatin. The resultant microspheres were denoted CSM-g-CD-Gel. Due to their superior biocompatibility and gelatin niches, CSM-g-CD-Gel microspheres can be used as effective microcarriers for cell attachment and expansion. L-02, a human fetal hepatocyte line, was used to evaluate cell attachment and expansion with these microcarriers. After incubation for 48 h, the cells attached and expanded to cover the entire surface of microcarriers. Moreover, with the addition of adamantane (AD), cells can be detached from the microcarriers together with gelatin because of the competitive binding between β-CD and AD. Overall, these supramolecular responsive microcarriers could effectively support cell expansion and achieve nonenzymatic cell detachment and may be potentially reusable with a new cycle of gelatin attachment and detachment.
Self-Lubricating and Shape-Stable Phase-Change Materials Based on Epoxy Resin and Vegetable Oils
Authors: Ilyina Svetlana O. , Gorbunova Irina Y. , Makarova Veronika V. , Kerber Michael L. , Ilyin Sergey O.
Published: October 2023

Palm or coconut oil is capable of dissolving in a mixture of bisphenol A-based epoxy resin and a high-temperature hardener (4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone) when heated and then forms a dispersed phase as a result of cross-linking and molecular weight growth of the epoxy medium. Achieving the temporary miscibility between the curing epoxy matrix and the vegetable oil allows a uniform distribution of vegetable oil droplets in the epoxy medium. This novel approach to creating a dispersed phase-change material made a cured epoxy polymer containing up to 20% oil. The miscibility of epoxy resin and oil was studied by laser interferometry, and phase state diagrams of binary mixtures were calculated according to theory and experiments. A weak effect of oil on the viscosity and kinetics of the epoxy resin curing was demonstrated by rotational rheometry. According to differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis, the oil plasticizes the epoxy matrix slightly, expanding its glass transition region towards low temperatures and reducing its elastic modulus. In the cured epoxy matrix, oil droplets have a diameter of 3–14 µm and are incapable of complete crystallization due to their multi-component chemical composition and non-disappeared limited miscibility. The obtained phase-change materials have relatively low specific energy capacity but can be used alternatively as self-lubricating low-noise materials due to dispersed oil, high stiffness, and reduced friction coefficient. Palm oil crystallizes more readily, better matching the creation of phase-change materials, whereas coconut oil crystallization is more suppressed, making it better for reducing the friction coefficient of the oil-containing material.
Evidence through Thermal Analysis of Retro Diels-Alder Reaction in Model Networks Based on Anthracene Modified Polyester Resins
Authors: Ionita Daniela , Cristea Mariana , Gaina Constantin , Silion Mihaela , Simionescu Bogdan C.
Published: October 2023

The present work is focused on polyester resins obtained from the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and anthracene modified 5-maleimidoisophthalic acid. Because the maleimide-anthracene Diels–Alder (DA) adduct is stable at high temperatures, it is considered a good option for high performance polymers. However, the information related to the retroDA reaction for this type of adduct is sometimes incoherent. A detailed thermal study (conventional TGA, HiRes TGA, MTGA, DSC, MDSC) was performed in order to establish whether the rDA reaction can be revealed for this type of anthracene modified polyester resins. The TGA method confirmed the cleavage of the anthracene–maleimide DA adduct, while the DSC demonstrated the presence of anthracene in the system. At high temperatures, unprotected maleimide homopolymerizes and/or reacts with allyl groups according to the –ene reaction. Therefore, the thermal DA reaction is not displayed anymore upon the subsequent cooling, and the glass transition region is registered at a higher temperature range during the second heating. The use of sample-controlled thermal analysis (HiRes TGA) and MTGA improved the TGA result; however, it was not possible to separate the very complex degradation processes that are interconnected.
Effect of Rice Husk and Wood Flour on the Structural, Mechanical, and Fire-Retardant Characteristics of Recycled High-Density Polyethylene
Authors: Shah Atta Ur Rehman , Jalil Abdul , Sadiq Atiya , Alzaid Meshal , Naseem Muhammad Shoaib , Alanazi Rakan , Alanazi Sultan , Alanzy Abdullatyf Obaid , Alsohaimi Ibrahim Hotan , Malik Rizwan Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Given the rising consumption of plastic products, it is becoming imperative to prioritize the recycling of plastic items as a solution to reducing plastic waste and environmental pollution. In this context, this research focuses on assessing the impact of incorporating rice husk and wood flour into recycled high-density polyethylene (rec-HDPE) to analyze its mechanical properties, flammability, and thermal stability. The combined rec-HDPE content of wood flour and rice husk varied between 0% and 20%. The rec-HDPE content of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) was fixed at 3%. Mechanical characteristics such as flexural, tensile, and impact strengths were assessed. Cone calorimetry (CC) tests, limited oxygen index (LOI) tests, and horizontal and vertical burning tests were performed to determine the flammability or fire retardancy of these composites. On the other hand, to characterize the thermal characteristics of these composites, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used. To further characterize the fluctuation in these characteristics, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies were carried out. The mechanical characteristics were found to be increased in response to adding rice husk or wood flour. An 8% increase in tensile strength and a 20% increase in elastic modulus enhancement were recorded for a 20% rice husk-added composite. SEM revealed the reason for the variation in tensile properties, based on the extent of agglomeration and the extent of uniform distribution of fillers in rec-HDPE. Following these lines, the 20% rice husk-added composite also showed a maximum increase of around 6% in its flexural strength and a maximum increase of 50% in its flexural modulus. A decrease in impact strength was recorded for rice husk and wood flour-reinforced composites, compared with unreinforced rec-HDPE. Hybrid composites displayed a lack of mechanical strength due to changes in their nature. FTIR tests were performed for a much more elaborate analysis to confirm these results. Twenty percent of rice husk-added rec-HDPE displayed the best thermal properties that were tested, based on TGA and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis. This 20% composite also displayed the best fire-retardancy characteristics according to UL 94 tests, cone calorimetry tests, and limited oxygen index tests, due to the barrier created by the silica protective layer. These tests demonstrated that the incorporation of both fillers—rice husk and wood flour—effectively enhanced the thermal, mechanical, and fire-retardant attributes of recycled HDPE.
Acoustofluidics-Assisted Coating of Microparticles
Authors: Yeh Ming-Lin , Chang Geng-Ming , Juang Yi-Je
Published: October 2023

Microparticles have been applied in many areas, ranging from drug delivery, diagnostics, cosmetics, personal care, and the food industry to chemical and catalytic reactions, sensing, and environmental remediation. Coating further provides additional functionality to the microparticles, such as controlled release, surface modification, bio-fouling resistance, stability, protection, etc. In this study, the conformal coating of microparticles with a positively charged polyelectrolyte (polyallylamine hydrochloride, PAH) by utilizing an acoustofluidic microchip was proposed and demonstrated. The multiple laminar streams, including the PAH solution, were formed inside the microchannel, and, under the traveling surface acoustic wave, the microparticles traversed through the streams, where they were coated with PAH. The results showed that the coating of microparticles can be achieved in a rapid fashion via a microfluidic approach compared to that obtained by the batch method. Moreover, the zeta potentials of the microparticles coated via the microfluidic approach were more uniform. For the unfunctionalized microparticles, the charge reversal occurred after coating, and the zeta potential increased as the width of the microchannel or the concentration of the PAH solution increased. As for the carboxylate-conjugated microparticles, the charge reversal again occurred after coating; however, the magnitudes of the zeta potentials were similar when using the microchannels with different widths or different concentrations of PAH solution.
Cu-Substituted Hydroxyapatite Powder: Mechanochemical Synthesis Using Different Copper Sources and Thermal Stability
Authors: Eremina Natalya V. , Bulina Natalia V. , Mikhailenko Mikhail A. , Vinokurova Olga B. , Prosanov Igor Y. , Chaikina Marina V.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we present results of a study on the possibilities of the mechanochemical synthesis of copper-substituted hydroxyapatite with the replacement of calcium cations by copper cations. During the synthesis, various reagents—sources of copper cations—were used. It was found that the nature of the carrier of the doping cation plays an important role in the formation of the structure of Cu-substituted apatite. It was established that a single-phase material forms most efficiently when copper (II) phosphate is employed; however, even this reagent did not allow the introduction of a large amount of copper into the hydroxyapatite crystal lattice. Out of 10 calcium cations in the unit cell of hydroxyapatite, no more than two could be replaced by copper cations. A further increase in the copper concentration led to the formation of an amorphous product. The degree of copper substitution in hydroxyapatite increases as the oxidation state of copper increases. The thermal stability of the hydroxyapatite with the highest degree of substitution was studied. It was shown that the presence of copper cations significantly decreases the stability of hydroxyapatite. In a temperature range of 550–750 °C, it is gradually decomposed to form a mixture of rhombohedral Ca2.57Cu0.43(PO4)2 and CuO. The FTIR spectrum of Ca2.57Cu0.43(PO4)2, which is a copper-substituted β-Ca3(PO4)2, was first studied.
Recovery of Graphite from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Badenhorst Charlotte , Kuzniarska-Biernacka Iwona , Guedes Alexandra , Mousa Elsayed , Ramos Violeta , Rollinson Gavin , Ye Guozhu , Valentim Bruno
Published: October 2023

Critical raw materials, such as graphite and lithium metal oxides (LMOs), with a high supply risk and high economic importance are present in spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The recovery and recycling of these critical raw materials from LIBs will contribute to the circular economy model, reduce the environmental footprint associated with the mining of these materials, and lower their high supply risk. The main aim of this paper is to present a separation process to recover graphite from black mass (BM) from spent LIB. Simultaneously, LMO and copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) foils were also recovered as by-products from the process. The process used a combination of simple and/or low environmental footprint technologies, such as sieving, sink-float, citric acid leaching, and milling through ultrasound and soft attrition, to allow separation of the LIB valuable components. Three graphite-rich products (with purities ranging between 74 and 88 wt.% total carbon and a combined yield of 14 wt.%) with three different sizes (<25 µm, <45 µm, and <75 µm), Cu and Al foil fragments, and an LMO-rich precipitate product are delivered. The developed process is simple, using low temperatures and weak acids, and using affordable and scalable equipment available in the market. Its advantage over other LIB recycling processes is that it can be implemented, so to speak, “in your backyard”.
MSFANet: Multi-Scale Strip Feature Attention Network for Cloud and Cloud Shadow Segmentation
Authors: Chen Kai , Dai Xin , Xia Min , Weng Liguo , Hu Kai , Lin Haifeng
Published: October 2023

Cloud and cloud shadow segmentation is one of the most critical challenges in remote sensing image processing. Because of susceptibility to factors such as disturbance from terrain features and noise, as well as a poor capacity to generalize, conventional deep learning networks, when directly used to cloud and cloud shade detection and division, have a tendency to lose fine features and spatial data, leading to coarse segmentation of cloud and cloud shadow borders, false detections, and omissions of targets. To address the aforementioned issues, a multi-scale strip feature attention network (MSFANet) is proposed. This approach uses Resnet18 as the backbone for obtaining semantic data at multiple levels. It incorporates a particular attention module that we name the deep-layer multi-scale pooling attention module (DMPA), aimed at extracting multi-scale contextual semantic data, deep channel feature information, and deep spatial feature information. Furthermore, a skip connection module named the boundary detail feature perception module (BDFP) is introduced to promote information interaction and fusion between adjacent layers of the backbone network. This module performs feature exploration on both the height and width dimensions of the characteristic pattern to enhance the recovery of boundary detail intelligence of the detection targets. Finally, during the decoding phase, a self-attention module named the cross-layer self-attention feature fusion module (CSFF) is employed to direct the aggregation of deeplayer semantic feature and shallow detail feature. This approach facilitates the extraction of feature information to the maximum extent while conducting image restoration. The experimental outcomes unequivocally prove the efficacy of our network in effectively addressing complex cloud-covered scenes, showcasing good performance across the cloud and cloud shadow datasets, the HRC_WHU dataset, and the SPARCS dataset. Our model outperforms existing methods in terms of segmentation accuracy, underscoring its paramount importance in the field of cloud recognition research.
Revealing the Kinematic Characteristics and Tectonic Implications of a Buried Fault through the Joint Inversion of GPS and Strong-Motion Data: The Case of the 2022 Mw7.0 Taiwan Earthquake
Authors: Huang Chuanchao , Xie Chaodi , Zhang Guohong , Wang Wan , Tsai Min-Chien , Hu Jyr-Ching
Published: October 2023

Understanding the kinematic characteristics of the Longitudinal Valley Fault Zone (LVFZ) can help us to better understand the evolution of orogens. The 2022 Mw7.0 Taitung earthquake that occurred in Taiwan provides us with a good opportunity to understand the motion characteristics of the Central Range Fault (CRF) and the strain partitioning pattern within the Longitudinal Valley Fault (LVF). We obtained the coseismic displacement and slip distribution of the 2022 Taiwan earthquake based on the strong-motion and GPS data available. The causative fault of this earthquake is the west-dipping Central Range Fault, which is buried beneath the western boundary of the LVF. The coseismic displacement field exhibits a quadrant distribution pattern, indicating a left-lateral strike-slip mechanism with a maximum displacement exceeding 1.25 m. The joint inversion results show that the size of the main asperity is 40 km × 20 km, and the maximum slip amount of 2.6 m is located at a depth of 10 km, equivalent to an earthquake of Mw7.04. The LVFZ is composed of LVF and CRF, which accommodates nearly half of the oblique convergence rate between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. There is a phenomenon of strain partitioning in the southern segment of the Longitudinal Valley Fault Zone. The Central Mountain Range Fault is primarily responsible for accommodating strike-slip motion, while the Longitudinal Valley Fault is mainly responsible for accommodating thrust motion.
Numerical Modeling of Land Surface Temperature over Complex Geologic Terrains: A Remote Sensing Approach
Authors: Asadzadeh Saeid , Souza Filho Carlos Roberto
Published: October 2023

A physically-based image processing approach, based on a single-source surface energy balance framework, is developed here to model the land surface temperature (LST) over complex/rugged geologic terrains at medium to high spatial resolution (<102 m). This approach combines atmospheric parameters with a bulk-layer soil model and remote-sensing-based parameterization schemes to simulate surface temperature over bare surfaces. The model’s inputs comprise a digital elevation model, surface temperature data, and a set of land surface parameters including albedo, emissivity, roughness length, thermal conductivity, soil porosity, and soil moisture content, which are adjusted for elevation, solar time, and moisture contents when necessary. High-quality weather data were acquired from a nearby weather station. By solving the energy balance, heat, and water flow equations per pixel and subsequently integrating the surface and subsurface energy fluxes over time, a model-simulated temperature map/dataset is generated. The resulting map can then be contrasted with concurrent remote sensing LST (typically nighttime) data aiming to remove the diurnal effects and constrain the contribution of the subsurface heating component. The model’s performance and sensitivity were assessed across two distinct test sites in China and Iran, using point-scale observational data and regional-scale ASTER imagery, respectively. The model, known as the Surface Kinetic Temperature Simulator (SkinTES), has direct applications in resource exploration and geological studies in arid to semi-arid regions of the world.
The Doppler Characteristics of Sea Echoes Acquired by Motion Radar
Authors: Du Pengbo , Wang Yunhua , Li Xin , Cui Jianbo , Zhang Yanmin , Li Qian , Zhang Yushi
Published: October 2023

The Doppler characteristics of sea surface echoes reflect the time-varying characteristics of the sea surface and can be used to retrieve ocean dynamic parameters and detect targets. On airborne, spaceborne and shipborne radar platforms, radar moves along with the platforms while illuminating the sea surface. In this case, the area of the sea surface illuminated by radar beam changes rapidly with the motion, and the coherence of the backscattered echoes at different times decreases significantly. Therefore, the Doppler characteristics of the echoes would also be affected by the radar motion. At present, the computational requirements needed to simulate the Doppler spectrum of the microwave scattering field from the sea surface based on numerical methods are huge. To overcome this problem, a new method based on the sub-scattering surface elements has been proposed to simulate the Doppler spectrum of sea echoes acquired by a moving microwave radar. A comparison with the results evaluated by the SSA demonstrate the availability and superiority of the new method proposed by us. The influences induced by radar motion, radar beamwidth, incident angle, and thermal noise on the Doppler characteristics are all considered in this new method. The simulated results demonstrate that the spectrum bandwidth of sea surface echoes acquired by radar on the dive staring motion platform becomes somewhat narrower.
Crop Water Productivity from Cloud-Based Landsat Helps Assess California’s Water Savings
Authors: Foley Daniel , Thenkabail Prasad , Oliphant Adam , Aneece Itiya , Teluguntla Pardhasaradhi
Published: October 2023

Demand for food and water are increasing while the extent of arable land and accessible fresh water are decreasing. This poses global challenges as economies continue to develop and the population grows. With agriculture as the leading consumer of water, better understanding how water is used to produce food may help support the increase of Crop Water Productivity (CWP; kg/m3), the ratio of crop output per unit of water input (or crop per drop). Previous large-scale CWP studies have been useful for broad water use modeling at coarser resolutions. However, obtaining more precise CWP, especially for specific crop types in a particular area and growing season as outlined here are important for informing farm-scale water management decision making. Therefore, this study focused on California’s Central Valley utilizing high-spatial resolution satellite imagery of 30 m (0.09 hectares per pixel) to generate more precise CWP for commonly grown and water-intensive irrigated crops. First, two products were modeled and mapped. 1. Landsat based Actual Evapotranspiration (ETa; mm/d) to determine Crop Water Use (CWU; m3/m2), and 2. Crop Productivity (CP; kg/m2) to estimate crop yield per growing season. Then, CWP was calculated by dividing CP by CWU and mapped. The amount of water that can be saved by increasing CWP of each crop was further calculated. For example, in the 434 million m2 study area, a 10% increase in CWP across the 9 crops analyzed had a potential water savings of 31.5 million m3 of water. An increase in CWP is widely considered the best approach for saving maximum quantities of water. This paper proposed, developed, and implemented a workflow of combined methods utilizing cloud computing based remote sensing data. The environmental implications of this work in assessing water savings for food and water security in the 21st century are expected to be significant.
Pre-Sowing Static Magnetic Field Treatment of Vegetable Seeds and Its Effect on Germination and Young Seedlings Development
Authors: Koukounaras Athanasios , Boursianis Achilles , Kostas Stefanos , Theopoulos Argyris , Bantis Filippos , Samaras Theodoros
Published: October 2023

The pre-sowing treatment of seeds with an α static magnetic field has been reported in the literature as a means of enhancing plant development. In this work, we have designed, characterized, and constructed a setup for exposing small vegetable seeds to a static magnetic field. In a series of experiments, we have treated the seeds of vegetables that are important for the Mediterranean diet, i.e., tomato, lettuce, and salad rocket. The results show that tomato seedlings significantly benefit from a pre-sowing treatment with a magnetic flux density of 45 mT, for both an exposure time of 60 and 90 min compared to control, while the time of treatment that leads to improved growth is 90 min. In order to improve the growth of salad rocket seedlings the magnetic field had to be 150 mT, whereas the results for lettuce seeds were a bit inconsistent, i.e., it is not clear whether a lower (45 mT) or a higher (300 mT) magnetic flux density should be applied.
Design for Optimally Routing and Scheduling a Tow Train for Just-in-Time Material Supply of Mixed-Model Assembly Lines
Authors: Xia Beixin , Zhang Mingyue , Gao Yan , Yang Jing , Peng Yunfang
Published: October 2023

With the increase in product varieties, the combination of supermarkets and tow trains is being adopted by more automobile manufacturers for part feeding, especially in mixed-flow assembly lines. This paper focuses on the routing, scheduling, and loading problems of a single towed train that transports parts from one supermarket to the workstation buffer in a mixed-flow assembly line and aims to optimize the loading of the tow train, the optimal delivery schedule and route, and the appropriate departure time to minimize shipping and line inventory costs. To enable part feeding in line with the just-in-time (JIT) principle, a new mixed-integer mathematical model from nonlinearity to linearity and a novel artificial immune genetic algorithm-based heuristic are proposed. Both methods can provide reasonable solutions compared by minimizing the route length and inventory level in terms of speed, and the genetic algorithm shows better performance on a large scale.
Social Life-Cycle Assessment in the Construction Industry: A Review of Characteristics, Limitations, and Challenges of S-LCA through Case Studies
Authors: Ayassamy Prisca , Pellerin Robert
Published: October 2023

The paper aims to examine how researchers have operationalized social impact assessment in construction projects over the last ten years. A systematic review was used to investigate case studies in the Social Life-Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) to analyze the application of the methodology. In total, 19 articles published between 2012 and 2023 were classified according to their scope, functional unit measure, S-LCA indicators used, and the main challenges. Our findings revealed limitations in both qualitative and quantitative aspects of measuring social indicators, primarily stemming from difficulties associated with scoring and assessment methodologies. Additionally, we observed deficiencies in social data within the S-LCA framework. This suggests that potential social impacts may be inadequately addressed and evaluated due to various challenges that have been highlighted in the existing literature.
Biochar Derived from Water Hyacinth Biomass Chemically Activated for Dye Removal in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Carneiro Marcelo Teixeira , Morais Alan Ícaro Sousa , de Carvalho Melo André Luiz Ferreira , Ferreira Francisco José Lustosa , Santos Francisco Eroni Paz , Viana Bartolomeu Cruz , Osajima Josy Anteveli , Bezerra Roosevelt D. S. , Del Mar Orta Cuevas Maria , Peña-Garcia Ramón Raudel , Almeida Luciano C. , Silva-Filho Edson C.
Published: October 2023

Rapid industrial development has led to the use of numerous dyes responsible for significant water pollution worldwide. Adsorbents have been developed to treat these waters, mainly in the form of activated biochar, which has several advantages, one of which is its good surface characteristics, such as high surface area and pore volume. The objective of the investigation was to analyze the efficiency of removing the methylene blue model dye in aqueous solutions through the adsorption process using biochar chemically activated from the leaf and stem of water hyacinth (Eichhornio crassipes) as a bioadsorbent. This study carbonized the stem and leaf containing zinc chloride at 600 °C. The materials were characterized by different techniques and were tested for their ability to adsorb methylene blue. The activated stem and leaf biochars removed approximately 285.71 and 322.58 mg g−1 of the dye, respectively, indicating that the adsorption is more significant in the leaf. Pseudo-second-order kinetics was the most suitable model to describe dye adsorption on biochars, and the experimental isotherm data fit the Langmuir model. It is concluded that the application of activated water hyacinth biochar is a renewable resource with the potential for effluent treatment.
Predicting and Mapping Dominant Height of Oriental Beech Stands Using Environmental Variables in Sinop, Northern Turkey
Authors: Yener Ismet , Guvendi Engin
Published: October 2023

The dominant height of forest stands (SDH) is an essential indicator of site productivity in operational forest management. It refers to the capacity of a particular site to support stand growth. Sites with taller dominant trees are typically more productive and may be more suitable for certain management practices. The present study investigated the relationship between the dominant height of oriental beech stands and numerous environmental variables, including physiographic, climatic, and edaphic attributes. We developed models and generated maps of SDH using multilinear regression (MLR) and regression tree (RT) techniques based on environmental variables. With this aim, the total height, diameter at breast height, and age of sample trees were measured on 222 sample plots. Additionally, topsoil samples (0–20 cm) were collected from each plot to analyze the physical and chemical soil properties. The statistical results showed that latitude, elevation, mean annual maximum temperature, and several soil attributes (i.e., bulk density, field capacity, organic carbon, and pH) were significantly correlated with the SDH. The RT model outperformed the MLR model, explaining 57% of the variation in the SDH with an RMSE of 2.37 m. The maps generated by both models clearly indicated an increasing trend in the SDH from north to south, suggesting that elevation above sea level is a driving factor shaping forest canopy height. The assessments, models, and maps provided by this study can be used by forest planners and land managers, as there is no reliable data on site productivity in the studied region.
A Systematic Review of Analytical and Modelling Tools to Assess Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation on Coffee Agrosystems
Authors: Faraz Muhammad , Mereu Valentina , Spano Donatella , Trabucco Antonio , Marras Serena , El Chami Daniel
Published: October 2023

Several modelling tools reported the climate change impact on the coffee agrosystems. This article has adopted a systematic approach to searching out information from the literature about different modelling approaches to assess climate change impacts or/and adaptation on coffee crops worldwide. The review included all scientific publications from the date of the first relevant article until the end of 2022 and screened 60 relevant articles. Most results report research conducted in America, followed by Africa. The models assessed in the literature generally incorporate Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission scenarios (80% of manuscripts), particularly Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) and Special Report on Emission Scenarios (SRES), with the most common projection periods until 2050 (50% of documents). The selected manuscripts contain qualitative and quantitative modelling tools to simulate climate impact on crop suitability (55% of results), crop productivity (25% of studies), and pests and diseases (20% of the results). According to the analysed literature, MaxEnt is the leading machine learning model to assess the climate suitability of coffee agrosystems. The most authentic and reliable model in pest distribution is the Insect Life Cycle Modelling Software (ILCYM) (version 4.0). Scientific evidence shows a lack of adaptation modelling, especially in shading and irrigation practices, which crop models can assess. Therefore, it is recommended to fill this scientific gap by generating modelling tools to understand better coffee crop phenology and its adaptation under different climate scenarios to support adaptation strategies in coffee-producing countries, especially for the Robusta coffee species, where a lack of studies is reported (6% of the results), even though this species represents 40% of the total coffee production.
Mechanical Behavior of a Novel Precast Concrete Beam–Column Joint Using the Mortise–Tenon Connection
Authors: Zhu Zhigang , Wu Fengqi , Hao Jing
Published: October 2023

The construction industry has been a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. Fortunately, it is well known that precast concrete structures possess the benefit of reducing carbon emission, of which the beam–column joint plays a crucial role in resisting severe loads. Nowadays, the cast-in-place joint is mostly adopted for beam–column joint The authors declare no conflict of interests of precast concrete structures, and the building industrialization degree is insufficient. In light of this, a novel precast concrete beam–column joint using the mortise–tenon (MT) connection is proposed inspired by traditional timber structures, and the contrastive analysis of mechanical behaviors of this joint and the same-sized cast-in-place joint is conducted by the finite element method. The results indicate that the proposed MT joint has a better mechanical behavior by comparing with the corresponding cast-in-place joint as the beam–column joint. Meanwhile, the MT connection mode has the characteristics of standardized construction, in line with the concept of sustainable development, which can greatly save the construction period. This research demonstrates the feasibility of MT joints in traditional timber structures as beam–column joints in precast concrete structures, and the application of MT joints may be promoted if the size and shape of that are further optimized. Furthermore, this in turn helps research and innovation of precast building construction technology and promotes the sustainable development of the construction industry in the direction of energy conservation and environmental protection.
The Effects of Low-Input (Wild and Organic Farming) Conditions on the Nutritional Profile of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Fruits from the Valencian Mediterranean
Authors: Fukalova Fukalova Tamara , García-Martínez María Dolores , Esteve Ciudad Patricia , Raigón Jiménez María Dolores
Published: October 2023

Jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) has been a food source since ancient times. In Spain, it is considered a marginal crop, and jujube fruits are of low economic importance. Its consumption is bound to local marketplaces. However, jujube is a good alternative crop due to its climatic adaptation and low-input conditions. We aimed to evaluate the morphological, physicochemical, and bioactive compounds of jujube fruits grown under low-input conditions (wild and organic farming) in the Mediterranean basin, specifically in Marjal de los Moros, Valencia, Spain. The organic system produces higher protein, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate concentrations from small-caliber fruit cultivars. Potassium and phosphorus are the major mineral elements in jujube. The fruits’ total polyphenols range from 480.83 to 630.81 mg EGA·100 g−1 fw in organic conditions and 520.71 mg EGA·100 g−1 fw in wild conditions. Low-input conditions influence the production of glucose (sweet fruits) and bioactive compounds, as well as mineral concentrations. A strong relationship exists between vitamin C levels and the potassium concentration. Jujube fruits are classified as “vitamin C-rich”. A 20 g serving of fruit can provide the regular vitamin C requirements of an adult person. The environmental and nutritional opportunities offered by jujubes are in line with different SDGs.
A Two-Stage Robust Optimization Microgrid Model Considering Carbon Trading and Demand Response
Authors: Zhang Yi , Lan Tian , Hu Wei
Published: October 2023

To enhance the low-carbon level and economic performance of microgrid systems while considering the impact of renewable energy output uncertainty on system operation stability, this paper presents a robust optimization microgrid model based on carbon-trading mechanisms and demand–response mechanisms. Regarding the carbon-trading mechanism, the baseline allocation method is utilized to provide carbon emission quotas to the system at no cost, and a ladder carbon price model is implemented to construct a carbon transaction cost model. Regarding uncertainty set construction, the correlation of distributed generation in time and space is considered, and a new uncertainty set is constructed based on historical data to reduce the conservative type of robust optimization. Based on the column constraint generation algorithm, the model is solved. The findings indicate that upon considering the carbon-trading mechanism, the microgrid tends to increase the output of low-carbon units and renewable energy units, and the carbon emissions of the microgrid can be effectively reduced. However, due to the increase in power purchase from the distribution network and the increase in carbon transaction costs, the operating costs of the microgrid increase. Secondly, through the utilization of demand–response mechanisms, the microgrid can achieve load transfer between peaks and troughs. It is imperative to establish appropriate compensation costs for demand and response that balances both economic efficiency and system stability. At the same time, due to the time-of-use electricity price, the energy storage equipment can also play a load transfer effect and improve the system’s economy. Finally, sensitivity analysis was conducted on the adjustment parameters of distributed power sources and loads that have uncertain values. A comparison was made between the deterministic scheduling model and the two-stage robust optimization model proposed in this study. It was proved that this model has great advantages in coordinating the economy, stability and low carbon level of microgrid operations.