bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linezolid Adsorption on Filters during Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Nosek Krzysztof , Samiec Milena , Ziółkowski Hubert , Markowska-Buńka Paulina , Czuczwar Mirosław , Borys Michał , Onichimowski Dariusz
Published: October 2024

Background: Renal replacement therapy (RRT), widely used in the treatment of renal injury during sepsis, aims to eliminate the toxins and proinflammatory cytokines involved in the pathomechanism underlying septic shock. Dialysis filters are characterized by a high adsorption potential for cytokines in RRT in the case of septic renal injury. For the treatment of sepsis with antibiotics, it is of key importance to achieve the desired values of PK/PD indices. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) may affect antimicrobial clearance, increasing their elimination in some cases. Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the degree of adsorption for linezolid on three different types of filters used in CRRT. In our in vitro study, a continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) was conducted using three types of filters: polysulfone (PS), polyethyleneimine-treated polyacrylonitrile (PAN PEI), and non-PEI-treated polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Each type of filter was used in three CVVH cycles, involving the use of 600 mg of linezolid dissolved in 700 mL of bovine blood or in 700 mL of 0.9% NaCl. In each case, the total volume of the obtained solution was 1000 mL. Blood samples were collected at particular time points to measure their drug concentration. The differences in mean drug/NaCl adsorption and drug/blood adsorption were determined using a one-way ANOVA with multiple comparisons via Tukey’s post hoc test; a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A significant adsorption of linezolid was found for PAN PEI filters, both in samples obtained from bovine blood and 0.9% NaCl solutions, at the endpoint. In PAN PEI samples, the concentration of linezolid in 0.9% NaCl solutions decreased from 594.74 μg/mL to 310.66 μg/mL after 120 min (the difference was established at 52%). In blood samples, the initial concentration was 495.18 μg/mL, which then decreased to 359.84 μg/mL (73% of the beginning value). No significant adsorption was demonstrated on PAN or PS filters. Conclusion: There is a need for in vivo research to confirm the effect of filter type on linezolid concentration in patients undergoing CRRT.
Co-Amorphous Solid Dispersion System for Improvement in Dissolution Profile of N-(((1r,4r)-4-((6-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)amino)cyclohexyl)methyl)-2-methylpropane-2-sulfonamide as a Neuropeptide Y5 Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Tanaka Hironori , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Brick dust molecules exhibit high melting points and ultralow solubility. Overcoming this solubility issue is challenging. Previously, we formulated a co-amorphous system for a neuropeptide Y5 receptor antagonist (NP) as a brick dust drug using sodium taurocholate (ST) to improve its dissolution profile. In this study, we have designed a ternary amorphous system involving polymer addition to further improve a co-amorphous system. Methods: The amorphous samples were prepared by the ball milling. The thermal and spectroscopic analyses were performed, and the isothermal crystallization and dissolution profiles were evaluated. Results: The ball milling of NPs, ST, and each of the three types of polymers successfully converted crystalline NPs to amorphous NPs. Thermal analysis confirmed the formation of a single amorphous phase. The infrared spectra revealed a specific interaction between an NP and ST in the co-amorphous system. Moreover, the intermolecular interactions of NP-ST were maintained in the ternary amorphous systems, suggesting the miscible dispersion of the co-amorphous system into the polymer via weak interactions as co-amorphous solid dispersions. The dissolution profile of co-amorphous NP-ST was 4.1- and 6.7-fold higher than that of crystalline NPs in pH 1.2 and 6.8 buffers, respectively. The drug concentration in the ternary amorphous system in pH 1.2 and 6.8 buffers became 1.1–1.2- and 1.4–2.7-fold higher than that seen in the co-amorphous system, respectively. Conclusions: Co-amorphous solid dispersion is a promising method for enhancing the solubility of brick dust molecules.
Compact Partially End-Pumped Innoslab Laser Based on Micro-Cylindrical Lens Array Homogenizer
Authors: Sun Xinhui , Zhao Xiaonan , Chen Jinxin , Wu Yajun , Fu Yibin , Cheng Gang , Chen Xi , Liu Pan , Shang Linhao , Fan Guangqiang , Gao Huihui , Xiang Yan , Zhang Tianshu
Published: October 2024

We demonstrate a compact, partially end-pumping Innoslab laser based on a micro-cylindrical lens array homogenizer. A dimension of 12 × 0.4 mm2 flat-top pumping line with a Gaussian intensity distribution across the line was simulated by the ray tracing technique. The rate equations considering the asymmetric transverse spatial distributions are theoretically developed. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. Preliminary data shows that for a pump power of 260 W, a maximum pulse energy of 15.7 mJ was obtained with a pulse width of 8.5 ns at a repetition frequency of 1 kHz. The beam quality M2 factors in the unstable and stable directions were 1.732 and 1.485, respectively. The technology has been successfully applied to temperature and humidity profiling lidar and ozone lidar and has been productized, yielding direct economic value.
Optimizing Sugarcane Clonal Propagation In Vitro by Using Calcium Ammonium Nitrate and Ammonium Sulfate
Authors: Wu Yuanli , Mehdi Faisal , Cao Zhengying , Gan Yimei , Jiang Shuting , Zan Limei , Zhang Shuzhen , Yang Benpeng
Published: October 2024

To replace explosive nitrate-based chemicals in MS medium, this study developed a new, safer, and more cost-effective method using fertilizer-grade calcium ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate. This approach replaces ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate, ensuring both safety and cost efficiency for sugarcane propagation. Six local sugarcane varieties—Zhongtang1 (ZT1), Zhongtang3 (ZT3), Zhongtang6 (ZT6), Guitang42 (GT42), Guitang44 (GT44), and Guiliu 07150 (GT07150)—were used. In the control group (Ck), nitrate ions (NO3−) were 39.28 mM, and ammonium ions (NH4+) were 20.49 mM, with a 2:1 ratio. In the treatment groups, the concentrations of nitrate ions (NO3−) and ammonium ions (NH4+) included treatment 1 (19.69 mM NO3− and 10.3 mM NH4+), treatment 2 (29.54 mM and 15.44 mM), treatment 3 (39.38 mM and 20.59 mM), treatment 4 (49.225 mM and 25.74 mM), treatment 5 (59.07 mM and 30.89 mM), and treatment 6 (68.915 mM and 36.03 mM), respectively, all with the same 2:1 ratio. Fifty bottles per treatment, with three replicates, were used for each sugarcane plantlets treatment. After five subcultures, the optimal ratio was determined by assessing morphological and physiological parameters, nitrogen levels, and SOD enzyme activity. The results indicated that treatment 3 (39.38 mM and 20.59 mM) and treatment 4 (49.225 mM and 25.74 mM) had the best morphological and physiological indicators. The optimal doses of calcium ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate were found in treatments 3 and 4, as well as in the control, with no significant difference among them. However, treatment 3, due to its lower dose, was more cost effective. To improve cost efficiency in practical production, it is recommended to use the lower concentration ratio of treatment 3 for plant tissue culture plantlets.
Extrusion 3D Printing of Intrinsically Fluorescent Thermoplastic Polyimide: Revealing an Undisclosed Potential
Authors: Kothavade Premkumar , Kafi Abdullah , Dekiwadia Chaitali , Kumar Viksit , Sukumaran Santhosh Babu , Shanmuganathan Kadhiravan , Bateman Stuart
Published: October 2024

Thermoplastic polyimides (TPIs) are promising lightweight materials for replacing metal components in aerospace, rocketry, and automotive industries. Key TPI attributes include low density, thermal stability, mechanical strength, inherent flame retardancy, and intrinsic fluorescence under UV light. The application of advanced manufacturing techniques, especially 3D printing, could significantly broaden the use of TPIs; however, challenges in melt-processing this class of polymer represent a barrier. This study explored the processability, 3D-printing and hence mechanical, and fluorescence properties of TPI coupons, demonstrating their suitability for advanced 3D-printing applications. Moreover, the study successfully 3D-printed a functional impeller for an overhead stirrer, effectively replacing its metallic counterpart. Defects were shown to be readily detectable under UV light. A thorough analysis of TPI processing examining its rheological, morphological, and thermal properties is presented. Extruded TPI filaments were 3D-printed into test coupons with different infill geometries to examine the effect of tool path on mechanical performance. The fluorescence properties of the 3D-printed TPI coupons were evaluated to highlight their potential to produce intricately shaped thermally stable, fluorescence-based sensors.
Evaluation and Application of Wellbore Stability of Deep Oil Wells in the Southern Margin of Junggar Basin
Authors: Liu Tao , Lu Yu , Hou Pingwei , Xue Chengwen , Chi Ming , Yu Jie , Gao Han , Xu Xiaohui , Li Haitao , Qian Keming
Published: October 2024

The stability of the oil well wellbore is a prerequisite for selecting the optimal completion method. In this paper, based on experimental testing and theoretical models of rock mechanics parameters in deep oil reservoirs, the in situ stress parameters of deep oil wells are accurately predicted. On this basis, a full life cycle assessment model for wellbore and perforation casing stability was established, and the effects of pressure depletion and changes in the production pressure differential on wellbore stability and casing stability were analyzed. The research results indicate that as the formation pressure decreases, the critical collapse pressure difference around the wellbore significantly decreases. The greater the production pressure difference, the more likely the wellbore is to become unstable. Under the original formation pressure coefficient, if there is no casing, the critical failure pressure difference of the wellbore wall is 55 MPa. After cementing and perforation, when the casing is uniformly stressed and the formation pressure drops to a coefficient of 0.83, the casing will not be damaged even when the wellbore is completely emptied. At this time, there is still a certain safety production pressure difference in the perforated formation. This study can effectively guide the optimization of well completion and safe development in deep oil reservoirs.
Enhanced Transverse Dispersion in 3D-Printed Logpile Structures: A Comparative Analysis of Stacking Configurations
Authors: Rosseau Leon R. S. , van Aarle Martijn A. A. , van Laer Egbert , Roghair Ivo , van Sint Annaland Martin
Published: October 2024

Three-dimensionally printed logpile structures have demonstrated the tunability of the transverse dispersion behavior, which is relevant in the context of chemical reactor design. The current modeling study aims to further investigate the trade-offs in such structures, extending the range of geometries investigated and addressing the limitations associated with the pseudo-2D nature of previous experiments. The relative transverse dispersion coefficient and pressure drop were determined using computational fluid dynamics simulations in OpenFOAM for structures with different stacking configurations, porosities and scaling of the structures’ unit cell along the secondary transverse axis. The latter could not be varied in previous experiments, but the current results demonstrate that this limitation suppresses vortex shedding in structures with high porosity. These vortices significantly enhance the transverse dispersion. By using a staggered stacking configuration on both transverse axes, an earlier onset of this phenomenon could be realized. Importantly, operation in this regime could be achieved without an equivalent increase in pressure drop, offering a favorable operating trade-off. The findings demonstrate that at low Reynolds numbers, the studied structures consistently outperform randomly packed beds of spheres, highlighting their potential for chemical process intensification.
The Factors Affecting Substance Use and the Most Effective Mental Health Interventions in Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Deep Promethi Das , Ghosh Nitu , Gaither Catherine , Rahaman Md. Shiblur
Published: October 2024

Adolescents and young adults are particularly susceptible to substance abuse. They have yet to solidify their sense of self to the degree necessary to effectively resist temptations from negative peer pressure. It is vital for mental health counselors to understand the factors affecting substance abuse in adolescents/young adults and to comprehend the effectiveness of common intervention strategies fully. This paper produces a narrative literature review of 27 international journal publications from 2004 through June 2024 related to causal factors and interventions effective for treating substance abuse in adolescents and young adults. The results indicate that adolescents who idolize antisocial peers and lack a strong sense of self, family attachment, parental monitoring, and role models are more likely to suffer from substance abuse. Successful interventions include those that help strengthen the adolescent’s sense of self, a mental-health-friendly school environment staffed with professional mental health counselors, and interactive programs that engage students in positive behaviors. Positive family and peer role models can also assist in helping adolescents/young adults build a strong self-image and resist substance use. Positive peer influence is another critical factor, but more work must be undertaken to fully assess its effectiveness as an intervention.
Quality Assurance of Steel Slag Asphalt Mixtures for Sustainable Pavement Surface Courses
Authors: Plati Christina , Tsakoumaki Maria , Loizos Andreas
Published: October 2024

The present study investigates the use of electric arc furnace (EAF) steel slag, a by-product of the steel industry, in asphalt pavement surface courses instead of virgin aggregates (VAs). Therefore, a general performance evaluation of such mixtures compared to conventional mixtures is carried out through laboratory and in situ tests, while both mixtures are environmentally assessed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) tool. The results of the laboratory and in situ tests show that asphalt mixtures containing granulated EAF slag aggregates perform as well as mixtures containing only VA. In addition, the LCA results show that the use of EAF slag aggregates in the asphalt surface course has a lower environmental impact than the exclusive use of VA when it comes to the impact categories of acidification, climate change, marine and terrestrial eutrophication, energy consumption and photochemical pollution. In summary, these results show that replacing virgin aggregates with a proportion of EAF slag aggregate is a viable and sustainable method for road pavement construction.
Unveiling Superstition in Vieste: Popular Culture and Ecclesiastical Tribunals in the 18th-Century Kingdom of Naples
Authors: Romano Francesca Vera
Published: October 2024

This study aims to analyse two trials involving magic, superstition, exorcism, and witchcraft, which were held in 1713 in the Diocese of Vieste (present-day Apulia), Kingdom of Naples. It aims to illuminate the dynamics between the Church, magical practices, and the territorial context, providing insights into this less-explored period in inquisition history when the Catholic Church’s fight against superstition was beginning to wane. The first trial against Rita di Ruggiero is very rich in detail, giving us a clear vision of which magical practices were used during the Modern Age. Additionally, it touches, albeit only marginally, on a theme that will be crucial for the duration of these practices in the Kingdom of Naples: the complex interactions between state and ecclesiastical authorities. The second 1713 trial involving Elisabetta Del Vecchio explores accusations of bewitchment, contributing to our understanding of witchcraft paradigms.
Enhanced Blue Band Vegetation Index (The Re-Modified Anthocyanin Reflectance Index (RMARI)) for Accurate Farmland Shelterbelt Extraction
Authors: Zhang Xinle , Liu Jiming , Meng Linghua , Qin Chuan , An Zeyu , Wang Yihao , Liu Huanjun
Published: October 2024

Farmland shelterbelts are aimed at farmland protection and productivity improvement, environmental protection and ecological balance, as well as land use planning and management. Farmland shelterbelts play a vital role in determining the structural integrity and overall effectiveness of farmland, and assessing the dynamic changes within these protective forests accurately and swiftly is essential to maintaining their protective functions as well as for policy formulation and effectiveness evaluation in relevant departments. Traditional methods for extracting farmland shelterbelt information have faced significant challenges due to the large workload required and the inconsistencies in the accuracy of existing methods. For example, the existing vegetation index extraction methods often have significant errors, which remain unresolved. Therefore, developing a more efficient extraction method with greater accuracy is imperative. This study focused on Youyi Farm in Heilongjiang Province, China, utilizing satellite data with spatial resolutions ranging from 0.8 m (GF-7) to 30 m (Landsat). By taking into account the growth cycles of farmland shelterbelts and variations in crop types, the optimal temporal window for extraction is identified based on phenological analysis. The study introduced a new index—the Re-Modified Anthocyanin Reflectance Index (RMARI)—which is an improvement on existing vegetation indexes, such as the NDVI and the improved original ARI. Both the accuracy and extraction results showed significant improvements, and the feasibility of the RMARI was confirmed. The study proposed four extraction schemes for farmland shelterbelts: (1) spectral feature extraction, (2) extraction using vegetation indexes, (3) random forest extraction, and (4) RF combined with characteristic index bands. The extraction process was implemented on the GEE platform, and results from different spatial resolutions were compared. Results showed that (1) the bare soil period in May is the optimal time period for extracting farmland shelterbelts; (2) the RF method combined with characteristic index bands produces the best extraction results, effectively distinguishing shelterbelts from other land features; (3) the RMARI reduces background noise more effectively than the NDVI and ARI, resulting in more comprehensive extraction outcomes; and (4) among the satellite images analyzed—GF-7, Planet, Sentinel-2, and Landsat OLI 8—GF-7 achieves the highest extraction accuracy (with a Kappa coefficient of 0.95 and an OA of 0.97), providing the most detailed textural information. However, comprehensive analysis suggests that Sentinel-2 is more suitable for large-scale farmland shelterbelt information extraction. This study provides new approaches and technical support for periodic dynamic forestry surveys, providing valuable reference points for agricultural ecological research.
Coastal Storm-Induced Sinkholes: Insights from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Monitoring
Authors: Busetti Alice , Leone Christian , Corradetti Amerigo , Fracaros Saverio , Spadotto Sebastian , Rai Pietro , Zini Luca , Calligaris Chiara
Published: October 2024

In recent decades, the scientific community has increasingly focused on extreme events linked to climate change, which are leading to more intense and frequent natural disasters. The Mediterranean can be considered a hotspot where the effects of these changes are expected to be more intense compared to other regions of the planet. Italy is not exempt; in fact, with its extensive shoreline, it is particularly vulnerable, especially to high sea levels and coastal erosions. In this framework, from late October to early November 2023, six storm surges occurred in the Gulf of Trieste (NE Italy). These events, characterized by winds from 190°N to 220°N and the significant wave height, which reached up to 1.81 m nearshore—an uncommon meteorological condition in the northern Adriatic Sea—caused the occurrence of eight coastal sinkholes and substantial damages to man-made structures. Thanks to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their derived products (high-resolution orthomosaics, Digital Elevation Models—DEMs, and point clouds), it was possible to study these features over time, enabling long-term coastal dynamics monitoring, which can be crucial for timely and effective response and restoration efforts.
Phase Error Correction in Sparse Linear MIMO Radar Based on the Equivalent Phase Center Principle
Authors: Shao Wenyuan , Hu Jianmin , Ji Yicai , Pan Jun , Fang Guangyou
Published: October 2024

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology is widely used in the field of radar imaging. Array sparse optimization reduces the hardware cost of MIMO radar, while virtual aperture and the equivalent phase center (EPC) principle simplify the radar signal model and reduce the computation and complexity of imaging algorithms. However, the application of sparse array structure and the EPC principle produces a non-negligible phase error, which affects the imaging quality. This paper simplifies the MIMO radar signal model based on the phase center approximation, analyzes the phase error generated by this method, and proposes an improved phase error correction method to solve the problem that the target cannot be well-focused at non-reference distance during imaging. In addition, this paper designs a sparse linear MIMO array with a periodic structure, which reduces the number of transmitting and receiving units, system complexity, and hardware costs. The proposed phase correction method was combined with the wavenumber domain algorithm to simulate and experiment on the designed antenna array, and good experimental results were obtained to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Respiratory Rate Estimation from Thermal Video Data Using Spatio-Temporal Deep Learning
Authors: Mozafari Mohsen , Law Andrew J. , Goubran Rafik A. , Green James R.
Published: October 2024

Thermal videos provide a privacy-preserving yet information-rich data source for remote health monitoring, especially for respiration rate (RR) estimation. This paper introduces an end-to-end deep learning approach to RR measurement using thermal video data. A detection transformer (DeTr) first finds the subject’s facial region of interest in each thermal frame. A respiratory signal is estimated from a dynamically cropped thermal video using 3D convolutional neural networks and bi-directional long short-term memory stages. To account for the expected phase shift between the respiration measured using a respiratory effort belt vs. a facial video, a novel loss function based on negative maximum cross-correlation and absolute frequency peak difference was introduced. Thermal recordings from 22 subjects, with simultaneous gold standard respiratory effort measurements, were studied while sitting or standing, both with and without a face mask. The RR estimation results showed that our proposed method outperformed existing models, achieving an error of only 1.6 breaths per minute across the four conditions. The proposed method sets a new State-of-the-Art for RR estimation accuracy, while still permitting real-time RR estimation.
Long-Term Radiometric Stability of Uncooled and Shutterless Microbolometer-Based Infrared Cameras
Authors: Gazzano Olivier , Chambon Mathieu , Ferrec Yann , Druart Guillaume
Published: October 2024

Uncooled and shutterless microbolometer cameras are good candidates for infrared imaging systems installed on small satellites or small unmanned aerial vehicles: they are light and passive since no cooling system or mechanical shutter is required and they can be operated at ambient temperatures. However, the radiometric compensation has to be carefully performed to make the system compatible with applications where the radiometric accuracy of the images is mandatory. In this paper, we study the impact of the camera environment to the radiometric accuracy of the images. We propose and test hardware and software solutions to improve this accuracy and the quality of the radiometric images. We show that the radiometric calibration of the camera with our model is valid over a long time period— about 3 years—using in-door experiments.
Cross-Domain Human Activity Recognition Using Low-Resolution Infrared Sensors
Authors: Diaz Guillermo , Tan Bo , Sobron Iker , Eizmendi Iñaki , Landa Iratxe , Velez Manuel
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the feasibility of cross-domain recognition for human activities captured using low-resolution 8 × 8 infrared sensors in indoor environments. To achieve this, a novel prototype recurrent convolutional network (PRCN) was evaluated using a few-shot learning strategy, classifying up to eleven activity classes in scenarios where one or two individuals engaged in daily tasks. The model was tested on two independent datasets, with real-world measurements. Initially, three different networks were compared as feature extractors within the prototype network. Following this, a cross-domain evaluation was conducted between the real datasets. The results demonstrated the model’s effectiveness, showing that it performed well regardless of the diversity of samples in the training dataset.
A Piezoresistive-Sensor Nonlinearity Correction on-Chip Method with Highly Robust Class-AB Driving Capability
Authors: Jing Kai , Han Yuhang , Yuan Shaoxiong , Zhao Rong , Cao Jiabo
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a thorough robust Class-AB power amplifier design and its application in pressure-mode sensor-on-chip nonlinearity correction. Considering its use in piezoresistive sensing applications, a gain-boosting-aided folded cascode structure is utilized to increase the amplifier’s gain by a large amount as well as enhancing the power rejection ability, and a push–pull structure with miller compensation, a floating gate technique, and an adaptive output driving limiting structures are adopted to achieve high-efficiency current driving capability, high stability, and electronic environmental compatibility. This amplifier is applied in a real sensor nonlinearity correction on-chip system. With the help of a self-designed 7-bit + sign DAC and a self-designed two-stage operational amplifier, this system is compatible with nonlinear correction at different signal conditioning output values. It can also drive resistive sensors as small as 300 ohms and as high as tens of thousands of ohms. The designed two-stage operational amplifier utilizes the TSMC 0.18 um process, resulting in a final circuit power consumption of 0.183 mW. The amplifier exhibits a gain greater than 140 dB, a phase margin of 68°, and a unit gain bandwidth exceeding 199.76 kHz. The output voltage range spans from 0 to 4.6 V. The final simulation results indicate that the nonlinear correction system designed in this paper can correct piezoresistive sensors with a nonlinearity of up to ±2.5% under various PVT (Process–Voltage–Temperature) conditions. After calibration by this system, the maximum error in the output voltage is 4 mV, effectively reducing the nonlinearity to 4% of its original value in the worst-case scenario.
Acoustoelectric Effect due to an In-Depth Inhomogeneous Conductivity Change in ZnO/Fused Silica Substrates
Authors: Caliendo Cinzia , Benetti Massimiliano , Cannatà Domenico , Laidoudi Farouk
Published: October 2024

The acoustoelectric (AE) effect induced by the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) light at 365 nm in piezoelectric ZnO films was theoretically and experimentally studied. c-ZnO films 4.0 µm thick were grown by the RF reactive magnetron sputtering technique onto fused silica substrates at 200 °C. A surface acoustic wave (SAW) delay line was fabricated with two split-finger Al interdigital transducers (IDTs) photolithographically implemented onto the ZnO-free surface to excite and reveal the propagation of the fundamental Rayleigh wave and its third harmonic at about 39 and 104 MHz. A small area of a few square millimeters on the surface of the ZnO layer, in between the two IDTs, was illuminated by UV light at different light power values (from about 10 mW up to 1.2 W) through the back surface of the SiO2 substrate, which is optically transparent. The UV absorption caused a change of the ZnO electrical conductivity, which in turn affected the velocity and insertion loss (IL) of the two waves. It was experimentally observed that the phase velocity of the fundamental and third harmonic waves decreased with an increase in the UV power, while the IL vs. UV power behavior differed at large UV power values: the Rayleigh wave underwent a single peak in attenuation, while its third harmonic underwent a further peak. A two-dimensional finite element study was performed to simulate the waves IL and phase velocity vs. the ZnO electrical conductivity, under the assumption that the ZnO layer conductivity undergoes an in-depth inhomogeneous change according to an exponential decay law, with a penetration depth of 325 nm. The theoretical results predicted single- and double-peak IL behavior for the fundamental and harmonic wave due to volume conductivity changes, as opposed to the AE effect induced by surface conductivity changes for which a single-peak IL behavior is expected. The phenomena predicted by the theoretical models were confirmed by the experimental results.
Autonomous Lunar Rover Localization while Fully Scanning a Bounded Obstacle-Rich Workspace
Authors: Kim Jonghoek
Published: October 2024

This article addresses the scanning path plan strategy of a rover team composed of three rovers, such that the team explores unknown dark outer space environments. This research considers a dark outer space, where a rover needs to turn on its light and camera simultaneously to measure a limited space in front of the rover. The rover team is deployed from a symmetric base station, and the rover team’s mission is to scan a bounded obstacle-rich workspace, such that there exists no remaining detection hole. In the team, only one rover, the hauler, can locate itself utilizing stereo cameras and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Every other rover follows the hauler, while not locating itself. Since Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is not available in outer space, the localization error of the hauler increases as time goes on. For rover’s location estimate fix, one occasionally makes the rover home to the base station, whose shape and global position are known in advance. Once a rover is near the station, it uses its Lidar to measure the relative position of the base station. In this way, the rover fixes its localization error whenever it homes to the base station. In this research, one makes the rover team fully scan a bounded obstacle-rich workspace without detection holes, such that a rover’s localization error is bounded by letting the rover home to the base station occasionally. To the best of our knowledge, this article is novel in addressing the scanning path plan strategy, so that a rover team fully scans a bounded obstacle-rich workspace without detection holes, while fixing the accumulated localization error occasionally. The efficacy of the proposed scanning and localization strategy is demonstrated utilizing MATLAB-based simulations.
Extraction of Features for Time Series Classification Using Noise Injection
Authors: Kim Gyu Il , Chung Kyungyong
Published: October 2024

Time series data often display complex, time-varying patterns, which pose significant challenges for effective classification due to data variability, noise, and imbalance. Traditional time series classification techniques frequently fall short in addressing these issues, leading to reduced generalization performance. Therefore, there is a need for innovative methodologies to enhance data diversity and quality. In this paper, we introduce a method for the extraction of features for time series classification using noise injection to address these challenges. By employing noise injection techniques for data augmentation, we enhance the diversity of the training data. Utilizing digital signal processing (DSP), we extract key frequency features from time series data through sampling, quantization, and Fourier transformation. This process enhances the quality of the training data, thereby maximizing the model’s generalization performance. We demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method by comparing it with existing time series classification models. Additionally, we validate the effectiveness of our approach through various experimental results, confirming that data augmentation and DSP techniques are potent tools in time series data classification. Ultimately, this research presents a robust methodology for time series data analysis and classification, with potential applications across a broad spectrum of data analysis problems.
Performance Evaluation of Real-Time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System with Survey-Grade Receivers and Short Observation Times in Forested Areas
Authors: Cățeanu Mihnea , Moroianu Maria Alexandra
Published: October 2024

The Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) method is currently the most widely used method for positioning using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) due to its accuracy, efficiency and ease of use. In forestry, position is a critical factor for numerous applications, with GNSS currently being the preferred solution for obtaining such data. However, the decreased performance of GNSS observations in challenging environments, such as under the forest canopy, must be considered. This paper analyzes the performance of a survey-grade GNSS receiver under coniferous/deciduous tree cover. Unlike most previous research concerning this topic, the focus here is on employing a methodology that is as close as possible to real working conditions in the field of forestry. To achieve this, short observation times of 30 s were used, with corrections received directly in the field from a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) of the national RTK network in Romania. In total, 84 test points were determined, randomly distributed under the canopy, with reference data collected by topographical surveys using total station equipment. In terms of the overall horizontal accuracy, an RMSE of 2.03 m and MAE of 1.63 m are found. Meanwhile, the overall vertical accuracy is lower, as expected, with an RMSE of 4.85 m and MAE of 4.01 m. The variation in GNSS performance under the different forest compositions was found to be statistically significant, while GNSS-specific factors such as DOP values only influenced the precision and not the accuracy of observations. We established that this methodology offers sufficient accuracy, which is application-dependent, even if the majority of GNSS solutions were code-based, rather than carrier-phase-based, due to strong interference from the vegetation.
Process Intensification of Gas–Liquid Separations Using Packed Beds: A Review
Authors: Zhang Yafang , Du Chencan , Zhang Zhibo , Du Jiawei , Tu Yuming , Ren Zhongqi
Published: October 2024

The gas–liquid multiphase process plays a crucial role in the chemical industry, and the utilization of packed beds enhances separation efficiency by increasing the contact area and promoting effective gas–liquid interaction during the separation process. This paper primarily reviews the progress from fundamental research to practical application of gas–liquid multiphase processes in packed bed reactors, focusing on advancements in fluid mechanics (flow patterns, liquid holdup, and pressure drop) and the mechanisms governing gas–liquid interactions within these reactors. Firstly, we present an overview of recent developments in understanding gas–liquid flow patterns; subsequently we summarize liquid holdup and pressure drop characteristics within packed beds. Furthermore, we analyze the underlying mechanisms involved in bubble breakup and coalescence phenomena occurring during continuous flow of gas–liquid dispersions, providing insights for reactor design and operation strategies. Finally, we summarize applications of packed bed reactors in carbon dioxide absorption, chemical reactions, and wastewater treatment while offering future perspectives. These findings serve as valuable references for optimizing gas–liquid separation processes.
Adaptive Filtering for Multi-Track Audio Based on Time–Frequency Masking Detection
Authors: Zhao Wenhan , Pérez-Cota Fernando
Published: October 2024

There is a growing need to facilitate the production of recorded music as independent musicians are now key in preserving the broader cultural roles of music. A critical component of the production of music is multitrack mixing, a time-consuming task aimed at, among other things, reducing spectral masking and enhancing clarity. Traditionally, this is achieved by skilled mixing engineers relying on their judgment. In this work, we present an adaptive filtering method based on a novel masking detection scheme capable of identifying masking contributions, including temporal interchangeability between the masker and maskee. This information is then systematically used to design and apply filters. We implement our methods on multitrack music to improve the quality of the raw mix.
Gender, Work and Family in Turbulent Times: Varied Responses to COVID-19 and Future Directions for Research
Authors: Jacobs Jerry A.
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives and social routines world-wide, with enduring implications that are continuing to unfold [...]
Ergosterol Biosynthesis and Regulation Impact the Antifungal Resistance and Virulence of Candida spp.
Authors: Eliaš Daniel , Tóth Hervay Nora , Gbelská Yvetta
Published: October 2024

Ergosterol is a key fungal sterol that is mainly found in the plasma membrane and is responsible for the proper membrane structure, rigidity, permeability and activity of membrane proteins. Ergosterol plays a crucial role in the ability of fungi to adapt to environmental stresses. The biosynthesis of ergosterol is also intimately connected with the antifungal resistance and virulence of pathogenic fungi. The most common etiological agents of life-threatening fungal infections are yeasts belonging to the genus Candida. The antifungal agents mostly used to treat Candida spp. infections are azoles, which act as competitive inhibitors of sterol demethylase, a key enzyme in the fungal ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. Although most studies on ergosterol biosynthesis, its regulation and the uptake of sterols are from the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the study of ergosterol biosynthesis and its relationship to antifungal drug resistance and virulence in pathogenic fungi is of utmost importance. The increasing antifungal drug resistance of Candida spp. and the limited armamentarium of antimycotics pose a challenge in the development of new therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the available data on ergosterol biosynthesis and related phenomena in Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species (Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis and Candida auris) with special emphasis on C. albicans and C. glabrata as the most common etiological agents of systemic candidiasis.
Impact of Green Technology Innovation on Green Economy: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Chenggang , Du Danli , Liu Tiansen , Zhu Yue , Yang Dongxue , Huang Yuan , Meng Fan
Published: October 2024

The impact of green technology innovation and the digital economy on the sustainability of the green economy is increasing. To delve deeper into this subject, this paper utilizes fixed- effect models and threshold effect models. It examines data from 34 provincial administrative regions of China. The aim is to uncover the patterns of influence the green technology innovation and the digital economy have on the sustainability of the green economy. The research findings are as follows: (1) The green technology innovation, digital economy, and their interaction contribute to promoting the high-quality sustainability of the green economy. The sustainability of the green economy relies on the support of green technology innovation and the digital economy. By optimizing the capabilities of green technology innovation and the level of digital economy, managers could enhance the high-quality sustainability of the green economy. (2) The digital economy exhibits a dual threshold effect in driving the sustainability of the green economy through green technology innovation. When the digital economy surpasses the first threshold, the influence of green technology innovation on the green economy experiences a notable increase. However, once the digital economy surpasses the second threshold, the impact of green technology innovation on the green economy begins to diminish significantly. (3) There are notable regional variations in the impact of green technology innovation and digital economy on the sustainability of the green economy across different regions of China. Considering these findings, it is vital for stakeholders in China to implement customized measures. These measures should aim to actively promote the sustainability of China’s green economy. The relevant stakeholders include businesses and the government.
Exploring the Relationship between Top Management Team Characteristics and Corporate Social Responsibility: A Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Hąbek Patrycja , Saeed Fizza
Published: October 2024

In the evolving landscape of corporate governance, the role of Top Management Teams (TMTs) has transcended traditional decision-making paradigms, becoming integral to the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). While the existing literature has identified general trends in TMT diversity, stability, and leadership styles, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis focusing on the interplay of these characteristics and their direct implications for CSR strategies. This study employs a literature review and bibliometric analysis of the existing literature up to 2023, utilizing the Scopus database to discern trends and patterns in the TMT–CSR relationship. Findings reveal that TMT characteristics, including diversity in gender, age, and professional background, significantly influence CSR strategies, enhancing organizations’ responsiveness to stakeholder needs. Notably, diverse TMTs demonstrate a greater capacity for developing comprehensive CSR initiatives, particularly when led by executives committed to sustainability and ethical practices. The analysis indicates a growing scholarly interest in this intersection, with a marked increase in publications over the past decade, highlighting the strategic importance of TMTs in shaping CSR outcomes. However, the identified research gaps suggest a need for further exploration of context-specific approaches, particularly in varying regional and industry settings, as well as longitudinal studies to capture the dynamic nature of TMT–CSR relationships over time.
Functional and Aesthetic Factors for Well-Being in Age-Friendly Residential Areas (AFRA) in Poland: An International Comparative Perspective
Authors: Senetra Adam , Czaplicka Marta , Dudzińska Małgorzata , Dawidowicz Agnieszka
Published: October 2024

(1) Background: A precise and comprehensive diagnosis of the needs of older adults is the basis for developing concepts of aesthetic functional and spatial arrangements of public open spaces in residential areas that meet their expectations, termed “age-friendly residential areas” (AFRAs). The primary objective of the research was to determine the needs of older people concerning their preferences for the development of AFRAs. (2) Methods: This research was conducted on the basis of a survey conducted from October 2021 to April 2022, involving 1815 older citizens from Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Croatia, Italy, Lithuania, and Slovakia. The research aimed to determine the needs of older people regarding their preferences for the development of AFRA public open spaces. The developed research approach made it possible to answer the following research questions: (1) What are the needs of different generations of older adults, differentiated by gender and lifestyle, in terms of spatio-functional and landscape aspects with regard to the open spaces of residential estates? (2) Do older citizens from different countries living in various estates (single-family, multi-family) have the same expectations towards AFRAs? (3) Results: The research results showed a high convergence of preferences among older people regardless of gender, age group, or type of residential estate they live in (multi-family/single-family). Slight differences in AFRA preferences were noticed between Polish and non-Polish older adults, most often due to cultural habits. A correlation between the landscape attractiveness and aesthetics of the estate and the comfort of life for the older population, as well as their impact on the final assessment of the estate, was confirmed. As a result of the research, 33 spatio-functional and 16 landscape factors of AFRAs were identified and ranked.
A Survey of Beachgoers to Estimate Sunscreen Coastal Water Input and Potential Eco-Label Consumption: Contributions to Sustainable Tourism
Authors: Pallero-Flores Cristina , Oviedo José L. , Tovar-Sánchez Antonio , Moreno Carlos , Rodríguez-Romero Araceli
Published: October 2024

The rise of sun and beach tourism has led to concerns about the environmental impact of sunscreens on marine ecosystems. Although the contaminants included in sunscreens are being studied from various perspectives, there are still gaps in the understanding of beachgoers’ habits and sunscreen use, and their awareness of the problems these products can cause. But do we even know how much sunscreen ends up in the ocean when beachgoers apply it? To estimate the amount of sunscreen entering coastal waters during a summer season, a survey (n = 429) was conducted at two urban beaches in southern Spain (La Caleta and La Bajadilla). It was estimated that 76.3 to 109.3 mL of sunscreen per beachgoer enters the water during the season. For this estimation, it was crucial that we the analyze beachgoers’ behavior statistically. Additionally, our study calculated their willingness to pay (WTP) for eco-labeled sunscreen alternatives. The results showed significant differences between the two sites, with La Bajadilla reporting higher sunscreen usage (11.9 mL vs. 7.9 mL per application) and a greater WTP for eco-labeled sunscreen (€14.2 vs. €11.5). These findings highlight the need for more field studies to better understand the input of sunscreen into coastal waters, which is closely linked to beach use and its social factors. This approach, which considers specific sunscreen input and characterizes beachgoers’ habits, behaviors, and preferences for alternatives, provides valuable insights for decision-makers and may guide future research on the potential impact of sunscreens on marine ecosystems using behavioral data as well as alternative approaches to solving the problem.