bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Molecular Structure and Treatment Dynamics of Cellulose Fibres with Photoacoustic and Reversed Double-Beam Spectroscopy
Authors: Csóka Levente , Csoka Worakan , Tirronen Ella , Nikolskaya Ekaterina , Hiltunen Yrjö , Ohtani Bunsho
Published: December 2024

In this study, we explored the structural and chemical modifications of cellulose fibres subjected to chemical and mechanical treatments through an innovative analytical approach. We employed photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) and reversed double-beam photoacoustic spectroscopy (RDB-PAS) to examine the morphological changes and the chemical integrity of the treated fibres. The methodology provided enhanced sensitivity and specificity in detecting subtle alterations in the treated cellulose structure. Additionally, we applied Coifman wavelet transformation to the PAS signals, which facilitated a refined analysis of the spectral features indicative of chemical and mechanical modifications at a molecular level. This advanced signal processing technique allowed for a detailed decomposition of the PAS signals, revealing hidden characteristics that are typically overshadowed in raw data analyses. Further, we utilised the concept of energy trap distribution to interpret the wavelet-transformed data, providing insights into the distribution and density of energy states within the fibres. Our results indicated significant differences in the energy trap spectra between untreated and treated fibres, reflecting the impact of chemical and mechanical treatments on the fibre’s physical properties. The combination of these sophisticated analytical techniques elucidated the complex interplay between mechanical and chemical treatments and their effects on the structural integrity and chemical composition of cellulose fibres.
A Flexible Sensing Material with High Force and Thermal Sensitivity Based on GaInSn in Capillary Embedded in PDMS
Authors: Bao Fandou , Ni Fengyao , Zhai Qianqian , Sun Zhizhuang , Song Xiaolin , Lin Yu
Published: December 2024

Flexible sensing materials have become a hot topic due to their sensitive electrical response to external force or temperature and their promising applications in flexible wear and human–machine interaction. In this study, a PDMS/capillary GaInSn flexible sensing material with high force and thermal sensitivity was prepared utilizing liquid metal (LM, GaInSn), flexible silicone capillary, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The resistance (R) of the flexible sensing materials under the action of different forces and temperatures was recorded in real-time. The electrical performance results confirmed that the R of the sensing material was responsive to temperature changes and increased with the increasing temperature, indicating its ability to transmit temperature signals into electrical signals. The R was also sensitive to the external force, such as cyclic stretching, cyclic compression, cyclic bending, impact and rolling. The ΔR/R0 changed periodically and stably with the cyclic stretching, cyclic compression and cyclic bending when the conductive pathway diameter was 0.5–1.0 mm, the cyclic tensile strain ≤ 20%, the cyclic tensile rate ≤ 2.0 mm/min, the compression ratio ≤ 0.5, and the relative bending curvature ≤ 0.16. Moreover, the material exhibited sensitivity in detecting biological signals, such as the joint movements of the finger, wrist, elbow and the stand up-crouch motion. In conclusion, this work provides a method for preparing a sensing material with the capillary structure, which was confirmed to be sensitive to force and heat, and it produced different types of R signals under different deformations and different temperatures.
Influence of the Purification Degree of Cellulose from Posidonia oceanica on the Properties of Cellulose-PLA Composites
Authors: Camarena-Bononad Paula , Freitas Pedro A. V. , González-Martínez Chelo , Chiralt Amparo , Vargas Maria
Published: December 2024

PLA biocomposites, incorporating 5% wt. of lignocellulosic fibres (LF) from Posidonia oceanica waste with different degrees of cellulose purification, were obtained by melt blending and compression moulding. The LF were obtained after removing part of the non-cellulosic components by subcritical water extraction at 150 and 170 °C and after bleaching the extracted residues with hydrogen peroxide or sodium chlorite. The non-bleached LF provided the composites with a brown colour and opacity, while the bleached LF impacted the optical properties of composites to a lower extent, depending on their whiteness. The LF composition had a noticeable effect on the composites’ mechanical and barrier properties. All LF reduced the water vapour barrier capacity while promoting the oxygen barrier of the films. Bleached LF enhanced the film stiffness and reduced extensibility and resistance to break, whereas non-bleached LF had lower impacts on the tensile parameters. Considering the mechanical and barrier performance of the composites, the fibres obtained at 170 °C and bleached with sodium chlorite exhibited the best behaviour. Nevertheless, if transparency and colour are not limiting for the use of the films, untreated LF allowed for good preservation of the water vapour permeability of PLA films and enhanced the oxygen barrier capacity, with a similar mechanical response as the other non-bleached fractions.
Gender Perspective and Women Drug Users: Specific Needs in Relation to Substance Use Treatments
Authors: Molina-Fernández Antonio Jesús , Saiz-Galdos Jesús , Arribas-Tiemblo Irene María , Hansen-Rodríguez Gisela , Sánchez-Iglesias Iván , Ayllón-Alonso Elena , Mena-García Banesa
Published: December 2024

Women under treatment are a particular susceptibility group according to the classification of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). The average number of women under treatment is lower than men all across Europe, and the drop-out percentage is higher in women than men. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with drug use problems among women under treatment. Methodology: Quantitative research. Data from 2179 people receiving recovery treatment were extracted from EuropASI surveys. The dependent variables in this study were (1) the patient’s family history of addiction and psychiatric disease, (2) the main substance consumed, (3) the lifelong and last month’s substance use, (4) the lifelong and last month’s emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and (5) the lifelong and last month’s psychiatric disorders (including suicide attempts). The factor was gender, taken as a dichotomous variable (male–female). Initially, the Kolmogorov–Smirnoff normality test and Levene’s test were used to understand whether the sample met the normality and homoscedasticity statistical assumptions. For quantitative variables, the Mann–Whitney U test was used. The confidence interval used was 95%. Results: Briefly, we found that women tend to consume more alcohol, use more medication, and suffer more depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation than men, both lifelong and in the last month. In addition, women suffer more abuses (emotional, physical, and sexual) than men, during their lifetime and in the last month. Conclusions: The data showed that women have specific needs and vulnerabilities that should be accounted for when providing treatment but are currently not. This situation evidences the need for specialized drug recovery programs for women, and not only that, programs must adapt to the needs of each woman’s particular situation. Moreover, it is pressing that a multifactorial approach is used in every intervention, given the multiplicity of factors influencing consumption and the evidence that fixed treatment programs are not satisfactorily intervening in the complex reality that surrounds people with addiction.
How Do Religious Women Cope with Marital Conflict and Hardship?
Authors: Lyman Elizabeth M. , Marks Loren D. , Dollahite David C. , Leavitt Chelom E. , Wagner Kaelie N. , Gergetz Sidney M.
Published: December 2024

Frequent conflict is a significant relationship risk factor for divorce, but it has also been shown that religion strengthens marriages, specifically in ways that give direction and motivation for couples in resolving marital conflict or other marital hardships. Thus, a study of how successful religious couples resolve conflict is pertinent in helping us better understand how to strengthen marriages and families. Our qualitative study of 113 highly religious women of diverse faiths and races found that women’s perceived relationship or connection with God reportedly impacted conflict resolution and coping with marital hardship. Results suggest greater reconciliation and unity with the women’s husbands through couple and relational processes, but more often through personal and psychological processes. The main themes that emerged are: (a) God is at the center of the marriage, and (b) God changed our character (internal manifestations) enabling us to be better prepared to navigate conflict and endure hardships in marriage. Part two of this paper will examine how external manifestations of a relationship with God (i.e., prayer, scripture study, and involvement in a faith community) further help women of faith cope with marital conflict and hardship.
Constructing Local Religious Landscapes: Spatiotemporal Evolution of Tibetan Buddhist Temples in the Tibetan–Yi Corridor
Authors: Min Tianyi , Zhang Tong
Published: December 2024

Situated in the mountainous and gorge-ridden region at the junction of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Sichuan Province, and Yunnan Province, the Tibetan–Yi Corridor is home to the Kham Tibetan area, one of China’s three traditional Tibetan areas. Tibetan Buddhism and the establishment of its temples in this region have evolved and propagated from nothing to a diverse landscape since the 8th century. Existing studies, however, have paid little attention to the intricate interplay between the formation of this sacred religious landscape and the specific geographic and sociocultural contexts in which it is situated. By taking temple architecture as a research vehicle, this study begins by extracting spatial data from historical GIS network data resources and 276 local gazetteers of 45 counties in the Tibetan–Yi Corridor. Secondly, it digitalizes and quantifies the geographic information, construction dates, sectarian affiliations, and sizes of 1479 Tibetan Buddhist temples in the region, establishing a database covering four historical periods. Finally, it employs GIS technology to visualize the spatial distribution of these temples, revealing their spatial and temporal patterns and evolution. From a religious geographical perspective, this study reconstructs the historical trajectories and diffusion patterns of the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug, Jonang, and Bon sects in the Tibetan–Yi Corridor, revealing the complex interplay, succession, and ebb and flow of these sects over time. The research results show that the historical spread and development of Tibetan Buddhism in the Tibetan–Yi Corridor were influenced by a complex interplay of geographical, social, political, and economic factors, including the unique topography of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and Hengduan Mountains, the complex interplay of agriculture and pastoralism, the historical influence of dynastic changes and central government policies on border regions, and ancient pilgrimage and trade routes. At the same time, as a multi-ethnic region inhabited by over 20 minorities, including Tibetans, Yi, Qiang, Naxi, and Nu, the Tibetan–Yi Corridor has a cultural identity dominated by religion, which has become an important factor in maintaining multi-ethnic symbiosis throughout its history, highlighting the unique historical status and role of the Tibetan–Yi Corridor in the entire Tibetan Buddhist cultural circle.
Coming to a Head: Digital Contestations over Sacred Sites in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Toy Michael J. , Richards Michaela M.
Published: December 2024

The religious landscape of Aotearoa New Zealandis a dynamic and shifting field. One of the most riveting dimensions of religion is blooming via an indigenous Māori renaissance, which is displayed in a struggle over narratives, language, and tikanga (protocol) around sacred sites. In the digital age, social media platforms have become sites of negotiation, contestation, and the clarification of Māori religious authority in relation to sacred places. One of the hallmarks of digital culture is the flattening of traditional modes of hierarchical authority. In this article, we explore the discourse in an online news article’s comment section debating tikanga around nudity on the summit of Taranaki Mountain, a place widely regarded as sacred to Māori. This project follows the work of Neumaier and Klinkhammer in tracing the contours of what we identify as a form of mediatised interreligious contact between settler secularity and Indigenous Māori. Using this frame, we argue that this case study affords a deeper understanding of Māori perspectives, settler appeals to secularity, and the digital environment shaping and forming these points of contact.
Impact of Intensive Insulin Stabilisation Service in Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Teasdale Stephanie , Cannon Natasha , Griffin Alison , Nisbet Janelle , McIntyre H. David
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Adverse pregnancy outcomes correlate with blood glucose levels in women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). There is a gap between the glycaemic targets and the blood glucose control achieved in pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of an intensive weekly service on glycaemic control compared with our previous care model in pregnancies affected by T1DM. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional pre/post study comparing measures of glycaemic control in women with T1DM in each trimester of pregnancy in the 12 months before and the 8 months after the commencement of an intensive weekly insulin stabilisation service (ISS). Results: This study utilised data from Dexcom continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) reports to analyse pregnancy-specific glycaemic data (incorporating time in the range of 3.5–7.8 mmol/L). In total, 16 women provided data for 35 trimesters pre-ISS and 17 women provided data for 38 trimesters post-ISS. There was an improvement in pregnancy-specific time in range in trimester 3 following the commencement of the intensive weekly insulin stabilisation service (pre-ISS mean: 49.6%, post-ISS mean: 61.4%, p = 0.042). Similar results were seen when women using hybrid closed-loop technology were excluded, although statistical significance was not reached. It was not possible to assess the effect of the intervention during the first trimester. There were no statistically significant changes in glycaemia in trimester 2. Conclusions: In a small group of pregnant women with T1DM, a clinically significant improvement in pregnancy-specific time in range occurred in trimester 3, but not in trimester 1 or 2, following the introduction of intensive weekly clinical support.
Hybrid Denoising Algorithm for Architectural Point Clouds Acquired with SLAM Systems
Authors: Ambrosino Antonella , Di Benedetto Alessandro , Fiani Margherita
Published: December 2024

The sudden development of systems capable of rapidly acquiring dense point clouds has underscored the importance of data processing and pre-processing prior to modeling. This work presents the implementation of a denoising algorithm for point clouds acquired with LiDAR SLAM systems, aimed at optimizing data processing and the reconstruction of surveyed object geometries for graphical rendering and modeling. Implemented in a MATLAB environment, the algorithm utilizes an approximate modeling of a reference surface with Poisson’s model and a statistical analysis of the distances between the original point cloud and the reconstructed surface. Tested on point clouds from historically significant buildings with complex geometries scanned with three different SLAM systems, the results demonstrate a satisfactory reduction in point density to approximately one third of the original. The filtering process effectively removed about 50% of the points while preserving essential details, facilitating improved restitution and modeling of architectural and structural elements. This approach serves as a valuable tool for noise removal in SLAM-derived datasets, enhancing the accuracy of architectural surveying and heritage documentation.
Matching Vegetation Indices and Tree Vigor in Pyrenean Silver Fir Stands
Authors: Crespo-Antia Juan Pablo , Gazol Antonio , Pizarro Manuel , González de Andrés Ester , Valeriano Cristina , Rubio Cuadrado Álvaro , Linares Juan Carlos , Camarero Jesús Julio
Published: December 2024

Forest health monitoring is crucial for sustainable management, especially with the challenges posed by climate warming. Remote sensing data provide vegetation indices, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), that are widely used in assessing forest health. However, studies considering the validation of these data with field assessments of tree vigor are still scarce. To address this issue, we explored the relationships in declining (D) and non-declining (N) silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) stands from the Spanish Pyrenees between changes in canopy (a proxy of vigor), vegetation indices (NDVI, EVI) and climate variables. We compared trends in the NDVI and EVI for the period of 1984–2023 for D and N stands showing high and low crown defoliation levels, respectively. The EVI values allowed for the separation of stands according to their vigor earlier and more clearly than NDVI values, which did not show clear patterns throughout the time series. Significant negative correlations were found between the EVI and stand defoliation (r = −0.57) or mean radial growth (r = 0.81). Late-spring drought reduced the EVI. The EVI series reflected similar spatial patterns in terms of stand defoliation and tree growth, offering complementary information, along with the strengths of remote sensing with respect to its spatial and temporal coverage, for the early detection of forest dieback. This study also contributes to a better understanding of remote sensing indices, which is useful for forest health monitoring.
Estimation of Arctic Sea Ice Thickness Using HY-2B Altimeter Data
Authors: Pang Chunyu , Li Lele , Zhan Lili , Chen Haihua , Shi Yingni
Published: December 2024

Sea ice thickness is an important component of the Arctic environment, bearing crucial significance in investigations pertaining to global climate and environmental changes. This study employs data from the HaiYang-2B satellite altimeter (HY-2B ALT) for the estimation of Arctic Sea ice thickness from November 2021 to April 2022. The HY-2B penetration coefficient is calculated for the first time to correct the freeboard in areas with sea ice concentration greater than 90%. The estimation accuracy is improved by enhancing the data on sea ice density, seawater density, snow depth, and snow density. The research analyzed the effects of snow depth and penetration coefficient on sea ice thickness results. The results of sea ice type classification were compared with OSI-SAF ice products, and the sea ice thickness estimation results were compared with four satellite ice thickness products (CryoSat-2 and SMOS (CS-SMOS), Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling Data (CPOM), CryoSat-2 (CS-2), and Pan-Arctic Ice-Ocean Modeling and Assimilation System (PIOMAS)) as well as two validation ice thickness data sets (Operation IceBridge (OIB) and ICEBird). The accuracy of sea ice classification exceeds 92%, which is in good agreement with ice type product data. The RMSD of sea ice thickness estimation is 0.56 m for CS-SMOS, 0.68 m for CPOM, 0.47 m for CS-2, 0.69 m for PIOMAS, and 0.79 m for validation data.
A Review of Methodologies for the Rapid Analysis and Quantification of Gases in Solid Media
Authors: Zhang Chu , Jiao Leizi , Wei Yibo , Bao Feng , Guo Rui , Dong Daming
Published: December 2024

Gas sensors are essential measurement devices that have found extensive applications across various fields, including industry, agriculture, ecological and environmental monitoring, military operations, and biomedical research. Numerous sensing methods based on a diverse range of principles—including optics, electrochemistry, and semiconductors—have been used in the development and manufacture of gas sensing technologies. However, the measurement of certain gases remains challenging when using current sensing techniques and sensors; this is particularly true for the gases that are present in solid media. For example, the nitrous oxide that is emitted from soil is often trapped within soil pores, while a significant portion of the ethylene that is released from fruit dissolves within the flesh of the fruit itself. Measurement of the gases in these situations poses difficulties when using conventional gas sensing methodologies. To enable the detection of these elusive gases, scientists and engineers have devised a variety of specialized approaches over the past two decades. In this review article, we summarize several of these sensing methods—including extraction measurement techniques, in-medium scattering spectroscopy, and the use of micro-nano gas sensing probes—and discuss their respective advantages and disadvantages, along with emerging trends in the development of these techniques.
Real-Time Postural Disturbance Detection Through Sensor Fusion of EEG and Motion Data Using Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Noah Avia , Graci Valentina , Keshner Emily A. , Griffith Madeline , Seacrist Thomas , Burns John , Gal Ohad , Guez Allon
Published: December 2024

Millions of people around the globe are impacted by falls annually, making it a significant public health concern. Falls are particularly challenging to detect in real time, as they often occur suddenly and with little warning, highlighting the need for innovative detection methods. This study aimed to assist in the advancement of an accurate and efficient fall detection system using electroencephalogram (EEG) data to recognize the reaction to a postural disturbance. We employed a state-space-based system identification approach to extract features from EEG signals indicative of reactions to postural perturbations and compared its performance with those of traditional autoregressive (AR) and Shannon entropy (SE) methods. Using EEG epochs starting from 80 ms after the onset of the event yielded improved performance compared with epochs that started from the onset. The classifier trained on the EEG data achieved promising results, with a sensitivity of up to 90.9%, a specificity of up to 97.3%, and an accuracy of up to 95.2%. Additionally, a real-time algorithm was developed to integrate the EEG and accelerometer data, which enabled accurate fall detection in under 400 ms and achieved an over 99% accuracy in detecting unexpected falls. This research highlights the potential of using EEG data in conjunction with other sensors for developing more accurate and efficient fall detection systems, which can improve the safety and quality of life for elderly adults and other vulnerable individuals.
Improving Sewer Damage Inspection: Development of a Deep Learning Integration Concept for a Multi-Sensor System
Authors: Jung Jan Thomas , Reiterer Alexander
Published: December 2024

The maintenance and inspection of sewer pipes are essential to urban infrastructure but remain predominantly manual, resource-intensive, and prone to human error. Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision offer significant potential to automate sewer inspections, improving reliability and reducing costs. However, the existing vision-based inspection robots fail to provide data quality sufficient for training reliable deep learning (DL) models. To address these limitations, we propose a novel multi-sensor robotic system coupled with a DL integration concept. Following a comprehensive review of the current 2D (image) and 3D (point cloud) sewage pipe inspection methods, we identify key limitations and propose a system incorporating a camera array, front camera, and LiDAR sensor to optimise surface capture and enhance data quality. Damage types are assigned to the sensor best suited for their detection and quantification, while tailored DL models are proposed for each sensor type to maximise performance. This approach enables the optimal detection and processing of relevant damage types, achieving higher accuracy for each compared to single-sensor systems.
VBCNet: A Hybird Network for Human Activity Recognition
Authors: Ge Fei , Dai Zhenyang , Yang Zhimin , Wu Fei , Tan Liansheng
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the research on human activity recognition based on channel state information (CSI) of Wi-Fi has gradually attracted much attention in order to avoid the deployment of additional devices and reduce the risk of personal privacy leakage. In this paper, we propose a hybrid network architecture, named VBCNet, that can effectively identify human activity postures. Firstly, we extract CSI sequences from each antenna of Wi-Fi signals, and the data are preprocessed and tokenised. Then, in the encoder part of the model, we introduce a layer of long short-term memory network to further extract the temporal features in the sequences and enhance the ability of the model to capture the temporal information. Meanwhile, VBCNet employs a convolutional feed-forward network instead of the traditional feed-forward network to enhance the model’s ability to process local and multi-scale features. Finally, the model classifies the extracted features into human behaviours through a classification layer. To validate the effectiveness of VBCNet, we conducted experimental evaluations on the classical human activity recognition datasets UT-HAR and Widar3.0 and achieved an accuracy of 98.65% and 77.92%. These results show that VBCNet exhibits extremely high effectiveness and robustness in human activity recognition tasks in complex scenarios.
Power Grid Renovation: A Comprehensive Review of Technical Challenges and Innovations for Medium Voltage Cable Replacement
Authors: Rafati Amir , Mirshekali Hamid , Shaker Hamid Reza , Bayati Navid
Published: December 2024

The rapid growth of electrical energy demands raises the need for the modernization of distribution grids. Medium-voltage (MV) aged cables are infrastructures facing significant challenges that can compromise the security of supply and reduce the reliability of power grids. To address the challenges, there is a growing interest in optimizing cable replacement and management strategies. This comprehensive review focuses on the technical challenges and innovations associated with MV cable replacement, highlighting defect detection, lifetime estimation, reliability assessment, and management strategies. Various methods for detecting and monitoring cable defects and discussing their advantages and limitations are surveyed. Moreover, different models and techniques for estimating the remaining useful life of MV cables are explored, emphasizing the importance of accurate predictions for assessing cable reliability and optimizing replacement schedules. Furthermore, emerging technologies that enhance cable management strategies are also highlighted. This review provides insights and recommendations for future research and development, paving the way for the sustainable evolution of power grids.
Effect of Exogenous Jasmonates on Plant Adaptation to Cold Stress: A Comprehensive Study Based on a Systematic Review with a Focus on Sustainability
Authors: Li Pingping , Han Zhaolan , Chepkorir Delfina , Fang Wanping , Ma Yuanchun
Published: December 2024

In the context of global sustainable development, low-temperature stress is a serious impediment to sustainable agricultural production. Low-temperature stress significantly affects plant growth and development, and Jasmonates (JAs), critical endogenous plant hormones, play a crucial role in cold stress response in plants. Although studies have demonstrated the involvement of JAs in plant adaptation to cold stress, the systematic understanding of its mechanism of action and application effects still needs to be improved. This review used systematic evaluation and meta-analysis to comprehensively review the role of JAs in plant response to cold stress over the past five years. It was found that JA treatment significantly increased plant survival and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity while inhibiting primary root growth, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and catalase (CAT) activity. In particular, JA treatment significantly reduced MDA content when plants were in a solid medium, indicating its role in regulating oxidative stress in plants. In conclusion, this review provides new perspectives for understanding the role of JAs in plant cold stress acclimation and provides a scientific basis for applying JAs in agricultural production.
Marine Biotechnology for Sustainability of Ecologically Significant Resources
Authors: Lee Chang Kim Jye , Nichols Peter D.
Published: December 2024

The sustainable production of marine ingredients is increasingly important, valued by manufacturers, government, and authorities, as well as by environmentally aware consumers [...]
Numerical Assessment of the Hydrodynamic Excitation Characteristics of a Pelton Turbine
Authors: Sun Longgang , Fan Wenrui , Zhou Hengte , Wang Zhaoning , Guo Pengcheng
Published: December 2024

The Pelton turbine is an ideal choice for developing high-head hydropower resources. However, its cantilever-beam structure exposes the runner to intense alternating loads from high-velocity jets, causing localized high stresses, structural vibrations, and potential bucket fractures, all of which compromise safe operation. This study employs fluid–structure interaction analysis for the numerical investigation of a six-nozzle Pelton turbine to examine its unstable flow characteristics and hydrodynamic excitation under high-velocity jets. Our findings indicate that low-order frequencies primarily induce overall runner oscillations, while high-order frequencies result in oscillation, torsional displacement, and localized vibrations. Torsional displacement at the free end of the bucket induces stress concentrations at the root of the bucket and the splitter, the outflow edge, and the cut-out. The amplitudes of stress and displacement are correlated with the nozzle opening, with displacement typically in phase with torque, while stress fluctuations exhibit a phase lag. The stress and displacement values are higher on the bucket’s front, with maximum stress occurring at the bucket root and maximum displacement at the outflow edge, particularly in regions subjected to prolonged jet impact. The dominant frequency of the stress pulsations matches the number of nozzles. This study elucidates the dynamic response of Pelton turbines under high-velocity jets, correlating fluid load with runner dynamics, identifying maximum stress and deformation points, and providing technical support for performance evaluation.
Responsible Urban Tourism as a Tool of Natural and Cultural Heritage Protection: Poznań (Poland) Orchids’ Case
Authors: Machnik Aleksandra , Kluza-Wieloch Magdalena , Maciejewska-Rutkowska Irmina
Published: December 2024

Nowadays, the public needs to be made more aware of the benefits of sustainability for the local environment. It appears that tourism is a particularly effective tool for teaching sustainability and responsibility because it not only provides new experiences but also explains and enhances the visited area. Visitors should become more conscious of the need to preserve the ecosystem as a result of this remarkable experience, which is caused by skillfully planned activities. The authors of this study discuss the effects of tourism in the natural enclave of Poznań (Poland) while presenting the findings of interdisciplinary studies on locally threatened orchid species. The number and condition of individual orchids have not changed significantly as a result of rather strong anthropopressure, according to observations made since 1997. The study area is an ideal place to enhance environmental education and responsible tourism because it is also rich in historical values. Such tourism can be considered responsible urban tourism. According to the questionnaire study, which was based on 1000 surveys, respondents expressed a developing emotional attachment to the area and commended the educational pathways and changes in land use. They also acknowledged that they did not know enough about the location, the environment, or the cultural legacy. The current study demonstrates that, while society has grown to value the Kopanina wilderness, it has also begun to consider nature conservation from a wider perspective.
Analyzing Land Use/Land Cover Dynamics in Mountain Tourism Areas: A Case Study of the Core and Buffer Zones of Sagarmatha and Khaptad National Parks, Nepal
Authors: Gupta Ankita
Published: December 2024

Monitoring land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics facilitates effective management and mitigation measures by providing timely and accurate information on the landscape. This study investigates LULC dynamics in Sagarmatha National Park (SNP), one of the most popular destinations for mountain tourism, and Khaptad National Park (KNP), which are emerging destinations, though popular among domestic tourists. A random forest classification algorithm was employed to generate LULC dynamics using Landsat data. High-resolution Planet Scope images and Google Earth images were used for accuracy assessment. Archived tourist and climatic data were analyzed to explore the impacts on LULC change. Cellular automata–artificial neural network (CA-ANN)-based LULC predictions were employed to predict future LULC. LULC dynamics of SNP revealed an increase in bare land, grassland, shrubland, glacial lakes, agriculture, and water bodies; however, snow/glacier and forest cover experienced substantial decreases of 140.25 km2 and 15.36 km2, respectively, from 1989 to 2021. In KNP, LULC dynamics showed an increasing trend in grassland, agriculture, water bodies, and bare land; however, forest and shrubland experienced a decrease of 18.63 km2 and 10.48 km2. The forest loss (19.33 km2) in the buffer zone of KNP was greater compared to the buffer zone of SNP (13.45 km2). The increment in built-up area was 0.80 km2 in SNP and 1.11 km2 in KNP, indicating escalating tourist activities and population growth. For SNP, the mean annual precipitation and temperature data from 1994 to 2023 showed decreasing and increasing patterns, respectively. However, the mean annual precipitation and temperature trends in KNP demonstrated an increasing pattern. Under the business-as-usual scenario, the estimated forest loss will be 1.61 km2 in SNP by 2032 and 23.8 km2 in KNP by 2030. A significant decline in snow/glaciers is projected for the core zone of SNP, with a loss of 22.84 km2 expected by 2032. This study provides a baseline information on LULC changes in SNP and KNP. Further, it showcases the necessity of diversified national park policies as per the requirement.
Green Economy Advancement: Evaluating the Role of Digitalization, Technological Innovation, and Natural Resources in Shaping Environmental Quality Amid Globalizations
Authors: Liu Tong , Imran Ali
Published: December 2024

The extraction of excessive natural resources, as well as economic and social development, has created several ecological issues. Therefore, this study examines the effects of globalization (GLZN), digitalization (DGTZ), economic development (ECDV), natural resources use (NRRS), and technological innovation (TCIN) on ecological footprints (EFPR) in G10 economies from 2000 to 2021. We examined the cross-sectional dependence, lack of slope homogeneity, stationarity characteristics through the CIPS unit root test, and panel co-integration among the variables through the Westerlund test. We then used Pooled Mean Group Autoregressive Distributed Lag to examine the long-term and short-term associations, validated by the Hausman test. The empirical findings show that DGTZ and TCIN improve environmental quality by lowering EFPR. However, in G10 economies, ECDV, GLZN, and NRRS reduce environmental quality by increasing the impact of EFPR on the environment. Without sustainable practices, the extraction and consumption of natural resources lead to a higher EFPR, which indicates greater environmental strain. Moreover, the results indicate that TCIN and DGTZ are crucial for environmental protection in the G10; therefore, we should promote their use to maintain ecological sustainability in these economies.
Daily Tourism Demand Forecasting with the iTransformer Model
Authors: Huang Jiahui , Zhang Chenglong
Published: December 2024

Accurate forecasting of tourist volume is crucial for the sustainable development of the tourism industry. Deep-learning methods based on multivariate data can enhance the accuracy of tourism demand forecasting, enabling tourism management departments and enterprises to make evidence-based decisions. This study adopts an inverted transformer approach with a self-attention mechanism, which can improve the extraction of correlation features from the time series of multiple variables. Taking Zhejiang Province, a major tourist destination in China, and Hangzhou, a famous tourist city in China, as case studies, this research considers historical tourist volume, search engine data, weather data, date pattern data, and seasonal data in daily tourism volume forecasting. By comparing the forecasting results with three benchmark models, including CNN, RNN, and LSTM, the inverted transformer model’s effectiveness in forecasting the daily total visitors and overnight visitors is validated. This study’s findings can be applied to forecast the regional daily tourist arrivals, enabling decision-makers in the tourism sector to make more precise forecasts and devise more dependable plans.
Metal Content of the Yellowtail Fish (Caesio cuning) Consumed by the Community in Boedingi, North Konawe, Indonesia: An Environmental Health Risk Assessment in the Mining Area
Authors: Asyary Al , Upe Al Fauzan , Utomo Suyud Warno , Rakete Stefan , Bose-O’Reilly Stephan
Published: December 2024

The rapid development of mining activities, the shipping industry, and public transportation across the land and water areas of Boedingi Village can have both positive and negative impacts on the water quality of this area. This study aimed to determine the heavy metal content in yellowtail fish (Caesio cuning), a type of fish that is generally consumed by Boedingi villagers in North Konawe, Indonesia. A descriptive method with an environmental health risk assessment (EHRA) was employed to measure metal profiles (Pb, Cd, and Hg). The results showed that the metal levels in the water exceeded the thresholds, indicating significant heavy metal pollution. In addition, the Cd levels of the fish surpassed the food safety standard according to the USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since Indonesia began its large-scale shift from conventional to electrical transportation, global and government collaboration have become critical in managing the environmental and health impacts of the related industries. This is especially important because this area is one of the largest nickel producers (the raw material of electrical transportation) both nationally and globally.
Research on the Security of NC-Link Numerical Control Equipment Protocol Based on Colored Petri Net
Authors: Shi Jianming , Feng Tao , Zheng Lu , Wu Yi
Published: December 2024

The NC-Link protocol, as an integrated communication protocol in the Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machine tool industry, has drawn significant attention regarding its security since its inception. Although there have been studies proposing improvements to address security issues related to key management and message transmission, systematic security analysis of the protocol remains relatively weak. To better investigate and enhance the security of the NC-Link protocol, our research introduces a formal modeling and analysis method based on Colored Petri Nets (CPN). By establishing a CPN model of the protocol, we analyze the security issues present during communication and propose improvement measures for verification and analysis. First, we developed a CPN model for the NC-Link protocol and verified the model’s feasibility through simulation analysis. Subsequently, we introduced an attacker model to analyze the protocol’s authentication interaction process, revealing security issues, such as authentication vulnerabilities and key management flaws. Finally, we proposed an improved scheme addressing these issues and conducted a security validation and cost analysis of this scheme. The results show that the improved protocol reduces the computational overhead by 75% during the connection and interaction phases. This indicates that the improved protocol can achieve interactions at a faster speed while maintaining higher security and reliability. The implementation of this scheme provides new reference ideas for related research.
Complete Genomes of DNA Viruses in Fecal Samples from Small Terrestrial Mammals in Spain
Authors: Buigues Jaime , Viñals Adrià , Martínez-Recio Raquel , Monrós Juan S. , Sanjuán Rafael , Cuevas José M.
Published: December 2024

Viromics studies are allowing us to understand not only the enormous diversity of the virosphere, but also the potential threat posed by the emerging viruses. Regarding the latter, the main concern lies in monitoring the presence of RNA viruses, but the zoonotic potential of some DNA viruses, on which we have focused in the present study, should also be highlighted. For this purpose, we analyzed 160 fecal samples from 14 species of small terrestrial mammals, 9 of them belonging to the order Rodentia. This allowed us to identify a total of 25 complete or near-complete genomes belonging to the families Papillomaviridae, Polyomaviridae, Adenoviridae, Circoviridae, and Genomoviridae, 18 of which could be considered new species or types. Our results provide a significant increase in the number of complete genomes of DNA viruses of European origin with zoonotic potential in databases, which are at present under-represented compared to RNA viruses. In addition, the characterization of whole genomes is of relevance for the further study of the evolutionary forces governing virus adaptation, such as recombination, which may play an important role in cross-species transmission.
Monitoring the Impact of Floods on Water Quality Using Optical Remote Sensing Imagery: The Case of Lake Karla (Greece)
Authors: Perivolioti Triantafyllia-Maria , Zachopoulos Konstantinos , Zioga Marianthi , Tompoulidou Maria , Katsavouni Sotiria , Kemitzoglou Dimitra , Terzopoulos Dimitrios , Mouratidis Antonios , Tsiaoussi Vasiliki
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the performance of published bio-optical remote sensing indices/algorithms for monitoring water quality changes in Lake Karla, Greece, caused by Storm Daniel after the September 2023 flooding event. Commonly applied indices were utilised to estimate chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and total suspended solids (TSS) using Sentinel-2 high-resolution optical imagery. In situ measurements were undertaken and water samples were collected during the pre-flooding period, post-flooding, and one-year post-flood, providing a basis for validating the remote sensing models. Monitoring results showed that most physicochemical parameters changed considerably. Chl-a and TSS were estimated by testing five and seven indices, respectively. Regarding the Chl-a estimation, the NDCI and 2-BDA indices outperformed other models, having high correlations with in situ Chl-a measurements and effectively following the in situ Chl-a temporal trends. Among the TSS indices, NDWI and TUR-IND demonstrated better performances, effectively capturing the variations in suspended solids. Overall, this study highlights the potential of Sentinel-2 imagery in assessing water quality changes, particularly in response to flooding events. It is an exploratory approach to assess the feasibility of utilising optical satellite data for evaluating the environmental impacts of natural disasters on lake water quality and supports decision-making in environmental management. Additionally, it identifies potential challenges and considerations that must be addressed to ensure effective application.
Review of Climate Change Impacts on Water Quantity and Quality in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia
Authors: Ayele Gebiaw T.
Published: December 2024

Climate change is a global phenomenon that significantly affects water quality and quantity, with implications observed across various regions worldwide. In the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB), Australia’s largest and most vital river system, climate change is exacerbating environmental and public health challenges, particularly through its impact on water resources. This review assesses the historical, current, and potential future impacts of climate change on both water quantity and quality in the MDB. The study involved a systematic review of 126 reputable sources, including peer-reviewed journals, government reports, and relevant books. A particular focus was given to the increasing frequency of blue-green algae (BGA) and blackwater events, which are key indicators of climate change’s impact on the basin’s water systems. The findings underscore the critical importance of integrating climate adaptation measures into existing water quality management policies to mitigate these adverse effects. The review concludes that proactive adaptation measures are essential for enhancing the resilience of the MDB’s water resources against the ongoing and future impacts of climate change, with lessons that may be applicable to other regions facing similar challenges.
Avanços recentes na radioterapia e seus efeitos colaterais associados ao câncer
Authors: Neves Stephanie Araujo Brasiliense , Rodrigues Guilherme Oberto
Published: December 2024

Recentemente, a radioterapia tem se destacado como uma das principais modalidades de tratamento para o câncer, juntamente com a cirurgia e a quimioterapia. Este campo testemunhou avanços notáveis nos últimos anos, impulsionados por melhorias na tecnologia e nas estratégias de entrega do tratamento. Estes avanços permitem uma administração mais precisa da radiação, focando nas células cancerígenas e minimizando os danos aos tecidos saudáveis. No entanto, os efeitos colaterais ainda representam um desafio significativo, variando em natureza e gravidade. A fadiga, reações cutâneas, náuseas, vômitos, problemas de deglutição e danos aos tecidos saudáveis são comuns e podem impactar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. É essencial avançar na compreensão e gestão desses efeitos para oferecer tratamentos mais eficazes e toleráveis.