bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Temperature Control Method of Lysozyme Fermentation Based on LRWOA-LSTM-PID
Authors: Ding Chenhua , Li Xungen , Zhou Hanlin , Yu Jianming , Du Juling , Zhao Shixiang
Published: April 2024

In order to overcome the difficulty of parameter tuning caused by the large lag and time-varying nonlinearity of the tank for lysozyme fermentation, a temperature control method based on LRWOA-LSTM-PID is proposed in this paper. Firstly, according to the intrinsic mechanism of the fermenter, a temperature mechanism model based on a dynamic equation is designed, which can better reflect the temperature changes in the fermenter. Secondly, a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) parameter tuning method based on a Long-Short Term Memory Network (LSTM) is proposed, which takes advantage of the ability of LSTM to learn time sequence information and obtains the variation trend between error sequences under continuous time sampling, thereby adjusting network weights more reasonably and accelerating PID parameter tuning. Finally, a Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) based on the Lévy flight and random walk strategy (LRWOA) is proposed for the initialization of LSTM parameters; this algorithm has excellent optimization capabilities and overcomes the problem of LSTM falling into local optimal solutions prematurely during parameter randomization. The results show that the method proposed in this paper can achieve rapid tuning of PID parameters, thereby improving the convergence speed of the system and reducing system overshoot.
Impact of Combined Electrolysis and Activated Sludge Process on Municipal Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Hutňan Miroslav , Jankovičová Barbora , Zakhar Ronald , Šoltýsová Nikola
Published: April 2024

Electrochemical methods for the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater are used either independently or in conjunction with biological methods for pretreatment or posttreatment of biologically treated wastewater. In our work, the combination of these processes was studied, where pre-electrolysis was used to produce dissolved iron before the activation process. Electrolysis was also directly introduced into the activation using either iron or carbon electrodes. The surface of one iron electrode was 32.2 cm2, voltage at the electrodes was 21 V, and current was 270 mA. The surface of one carbon electrode was 7.54 cm2, current was 82.5 mA, and voltage at the electrodes was 21 V. Laboratory research on synthetic municipal wastewater treatment using a combination of electrolysis and activation processes showed that the use of iron electrodes increases the efficiency of phosphorus removal compared to its precipitation with iron salts. Electrolysis has shown a positive effect on the sedimentation properties of sludge and the destruction of filamentous microorganisms. Even though it negatively affected the respiration rates of activated sludge and the denitrification efficiency, it did not have a negative impact on the nitrification activity of sludge.
Trajectory Tracking Control of Mobile Manipulator Based on Improved Sliding Mode Control Algorithm
Authors: Cui Shuwan , Song Huzhe , Zheng Te , Dai Penghui
Published: April 2024

Research on trajectory tracking control for climbing welding robots holds significant importance in the field of automated welding. However, existing trajectory tracking methods suffer from issues such as jitter and slow speed. In this paper, an improved sliding mode control strategy is proposed based on the self-designed wall-climbing welding mobile manipulator. Firstly, a new adaptive sliding mode control strategy is proposed for the mobile platform based on the kinematic model. By introducing a new approach law, the controller is designed when the distance between the center of mass is unknown. Secondly, regarding the manipulator, we analyze simplified dynamic equations, extract uncertain components, and utilize a CNN for compensation. This compensation strategy is integrated into the sliding mode control law, achieving precise control over the manipulator and effectively resolving issues like slow tracking speeds, large errors, and chattering. The stability of the robot control system is proved by the Lyapunov function. Through simulation analysis and experimental validation, the proposed control method is confirmed to be feasible and superior.
Evaluation of Thermoplastic Starch Contamination in the Mechanical Recycling of High-Density Polyethylene
Authors: Cascales Antonio , Pavon Cristina , Ferrandiz Santiago , López-Martínez Juan
Published: April 2024

This research highlights the importance of addressing bioplastic contamination in recycling processes to ensure the quality of recycled material and move towards a more sustainable circular economy. Polyethylene (PE) is a conventional plastic commonly used in packaging for which large amounts of waste are produced; therefore, PE is generally recycled and has an established recycling process. However, the contamination of biodegradable polymers in the PE waste stream could impact recycling. This study, therefore, focuses on polyethylene (PE) that has been polluted with a commercial thermoplastic starch polymer (TPS), as both materials are used to produce plastic films and bags, so cross-contamination is very likely to occur in waste separation. To achieve this, recycled PE was blended with small quantities of the commercial TPS and processed through melt extrusion and injection molding, and it was further characterized. The results indicate that the PE-TPS blend lacks miscibility, evidenced by deteriorated microstructure and mechanical properties. In addition, the presence of the commercial TPS affects the thermal stability, oxidation, and color of the recycled PE.
Paganism as a Political Problem: Levinas’s Understanding of Judaism in the 1930s
Authors: Fagenblat Michael
Published: April 2024

In response to the rise of neopagan fascist political theologies in Europe in the 1930s, the young Emmanuel Levinas developed a novel conception of the theopolitical role of Judaism. The existing scholarly consensus maintains that (1) Levinas responded to the rise of pagan Hitlerism by opposing it to a Jewish conception of transcendence and (2) this putative contrast involved a critique of Heidegger’s thought, which Levinas identified with pagan Hitlerism. By focusing on under-examined occasional pieces Levinas wrote in the 1930s, I offer a significantly revised understanding of Levinas’s position in the 1930s. The argument shows how Levinas describes Judaism as a way of ‘being riveted’ that does not resort to transcendence, as does the Greco-Christian West, but rather affirms the immanence of existence while breaking with its disposition to paganism. This places Levinas’s conception of Judaism on the same plane as paganism and within the terms of Heidegger’s philosophy. From this perspective, a new way of understanding Levinas’s theopolitical view of Judaism as “the anti-paganism par excellence” takes shape.
Llamas, Barter and Travel Rituals: An Ethnographic Study on the Esquela Tusuy Dance of the Uchumiri Peasant Community, Condesuyos, Peru
Authors: Duche-Pérez Aleixandre Brian , Mamani-Daza Lolo Juan
Published: April 2024

The “Esquela Tusuy” dance is a cultural manifestation deeply rooted in the Uchumiri Peasant Community (Condesuyos, Peru), reflecting the intersection between traditional cultural practices and community identity. This ethnographic study reveals how the dance, beyond being a mere artistic expression, is a complex system of meanings that articulates social relations, economic practices of barter, and Andean spirituality, through the veneration of Pachamama and Apu Coropuna. The dance is organized around rituals that include the preparation, journey, and return of the llama herders, being a living expression of collective memory and a mechanism of social cohesion. The adopted methodology was based on participant observation and semi-structured interviews, allowing a detailed understanding of Uchumiri’s cultural dynamics. Despite contemporary challenges, “Esquela Tusuy” remains a central pillar for the affirmation of cultural identity and community resistance, underlining the importance of dance in the conservation of cultural heritage and in the articulation of local identities against national narratives.
An Organic System Open to an Intelligible Reality: The Concept of Method in Antonio Rosmini
Authors: Bissoli Lucia
Published: April 2024

Oftentimes, reality seems to us a chaos that we try to control with our theories. This article starts from the antithetic standpoint, inspired by Antonio Rosmini’s works: reality is intelligible, and originates our thinking. From this perspective, any research that tries to reach the truth is determined by the real, not the contrary. Moreover, interdisciplinarity, far from being a solipsistic enterprise, aims at achieving truth and guaranteeing scientific advancement. Here, we analyze the distinctive character of Rosminian encyclopedism and his principles for preventing human errors. We then clarify why it is impossible to achieve perfection, and why such an impossibility is not problematic for the interdisciplinary dialogue.
An Advanced Scheme for Radar Clutter Suppression Scheme Based on Blind Source Separation
Authors: Wang Dahu , Liu Chang , Wang Chao
Published: April 2024

In cluttered electromagnetic environments, radar is often disturbed by varied clutter, making target detection challenging. Therefore, achieving effective clutter suppression is crucial for radar target detection. However, traditional clutter suppression methods face three key challenges: (1) significant degradation in target signal detection performance when the clutter’s Doppler spectrum completely masks the target signal; (2) heavy reliance on prior knowledge for optimal performance; and (3) inherent signal energy loss during clutter suppression. To address these challenges, we propose a clutter suppression scheme based on blind source separation (BSS). Initially, the scheme utilizes parallel principal skewness analysis (PPSA) to process the echo signals in the range domain, which helps in identifying the position of moving targets. Subsequently, PPSA is applied once more to process the moving targets in the Doppler domain, allowing for the precise determination of their relative velocities. Subsequently, we evaluate the scheme’s performance with simulated and real data, comparing it with traditional clutter suppression methods and other BSS techniques. The results confirm the effectiveness of the scheme in clutter suppression.
Carrier-Free Ultra-Wideband Sensor Target Recognition in the Jungle Environment
Authors: Li Jianchao , Zhang Shuning , Zhu Lingzhi , Chen Si , Hou Linsheng , Li Xiaoxiong , Chen Kuiyu
Published: April 2024

Carrier-free ultra-wideband sensors have high penetrability anti-jamming solid ability, which is not easily affected by the external environment, such as weather. Also, it has good performance in the complex jungle environment. In this paper, we propose a jungle vehicle identification system based on a carrier-free ultra-wideband sensor. Firstly, a composite jungle environment with the target vehicle is modeled. From this model, the simulation obtains time-domain echoes under the excitation of carrier-free ultra-wideband sensor signals in different orientations. Secondly, the time-domain signals are transformed into MTF images through the Markov transfer field to show the statistical characteristics of the time-domain echoes. At the same time, we propose an improved RepVGG network. The structure of the RepVGG network contains five stages, which consist of several RepVGG Blocks. Each RepVGG Block is created by combining convolutional kernels of different sizes using a weighted sum. We add the self-attention module to the output of stage 0 to improve the ability to extract the features of the MTF map and better capture the complex relationship between characteristics during training. In addition, a self-attention module is added before the linear layer classification output in stage 4 to improve the classification accuracy of the network. Moreover, a combined cross-entropy loss and sparsity penalty loss function helps enhance the performance and accuracy of the network. The experimental results show that the system can recognize jungle vehicle targets well.
Temporal–Spatial Characteristics and Trade-off–Synergy Relationships of Water-Related Ecosystem Services in the Yangtze River Basin from 2001 to 2021
Authors: Du Hongbo , Wu Jianping , Li Wenjie , Wan Yu , Yang Ming , Feng Peng
Published: April 2024

The Yangtze River Basin serves as an essential ecological shelter in China, yet it has encountered escalating aquatic ecological challenges. Exploring the spatial–temporal changes and the trade-off–synergy relationships of water-related ecosystem services (WESs) is necessary for formulating management and planning policies targeting the sustainable development of watersheds. In this study, the InVEST model is utilized to evaluate the spatial–temporal variations in water yield (WY), water purification (WP), and soil conservation (SC) in the Yangtze River Basin using remote-sensed data from 2001 to 2021. The spatial overlay method and a correlation analysis were adopted to reveal the trade-off–synergy relationship among the three WESs. Additionally, we performed a comparative analysis across the grid and sub-basin scales. The results showed that the multi-year average WY, WP, and SC were 536.10 mm, 1.32 kg/ha, and 250.08 t/ha, representing increasing rates of 4.74 mm/a, −0.001 kg/ha/a, and 1.88 t/ha/a, respectively. Moreover, the trade-off–synergy relationships of WESs exhibited spatial variability; specifically, the WY-WP, WP-SC, and WY-SC pairs demonstrated reduced synergy magnitude over time. The WES interactions were stable across the scales of interest, while synergy strength showed noticeable variability. The findings may contribute to the sustainable development of the Yangtze River Basin and enhance the comprehensive management of WESs.
Preferences of Adults for Synanthropic Flora in the Sustainable Development of Polish Cities’ Green Areas
Authors: Fornal-Pieniak Beata , Stangierska-Mazurkiewicz Dagmara , Kamionowski Filip , Widera Katarzyna , Żarska Barbara , Latocha Piotr
Published: April 2024

Synanthropic flora (weeds, i.e., spontaneously developed plants) are plants that accompany humans, appearing as a result of anthropopressure as well as after its cessation. The potential of synanthropic flora in shaping green areas usually brings many measurable benefits that depend on land management in cities. This study aimed to determine the preferences and attitudes of adults towards synanthropic flora in settlement units. This article presents survey results from 447 city residents. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using the k-means clustering method to identify segments of respondents with similar attitudes and preferences toward synanthropic flora. Mann–Whitney U tests were employed to determine statistical differences in the demographic variables among the analyzed clusters of respondents. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the opinions and attitudes towards synanthropic flora that may influence their greater acceptance in the vicinity of residential areas. The results obtained in the multiple regression analysis indicate that the respondent’s evaluation of the level of support for the introduction of more synanthropic vegetation into urban greenery (Yw) grows with the increase in the acceptance of synanthropic plants’ occurrence in the surroundings. Residents’ acceptance of synanthropic flora in green areas is at a relatively high level.
Study of the Demand for Ecological Means of Transport in Micromobility: A Case of Bikesharing in Szczecin, Poland
Authors: Wolnowska Anna Eliza , Kasyk Lech
Published: April 2024

The need for urban societies to move continues to grow with the intensity of their various activities. One of the challenges in micromobility in cities based on bike, scooter, or public scooter systems is determining the potential yet realistic demand for such services. This article aims to present the level of demand for eco-friendly non-motorized transport systems and identify the motivations driving users of public transport to choose these eco-friendly Personal Mobility Devices (PMD). The authors propose a methodology based on the integration of four components: a case study, an analysis of participatory budget projects, a metadata analysis of bikesharing (BSS) in Szczecin, and a meta plan. They utilized a case study method and conducted a survey based on a custom questionnaire. An analysis of participatory budget projects and data from the operation of bikesharing in Szczecin was performed using statistical methods. Applying the heuristic tool meta plan, they outlined the directions for the development and support of bikesharing as an example of micromobility in Szczecin. The research identified connections between the socio-demographic structure of respondents and attributes of bike communication. This study highlighted periods of intensive system use and locations with the highest exploitation. It showed that the demand for BSS depends on weather conditions, traveler convenience, the density and coherence of bike infrastructure with important locations for residents, transfer connections, and safety. The presented research results can assist planners and authorities in Szczecin and other cities in expanding bikesharing.
Closing the Gap: The Tripartite Structure of Sustainability as a Tool for Sustainable Education—A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Meyer Barbara E. , Gaertner Elena , Elting Christian
Published: April 2024

(1) In an era where sustainable behavior is increasingly crucial, understanding the discrepancy between individuals’ sustainability-oriented values and their actual behaviors, known as the inner–outer gap, is vital. This systematic literature review explores the potential of the Tripartite Structure of Sustainability (TSS) framework to address this gap within the context of sustainable education. By reviewing the literature from the APA, ERIC, and Web of Science databases, searched on 25 October 2020, the factors influencing sustainable actions were systematically examined. Articles had to be relevant to the topic (sustainability, morality in relation to sustainability, or morality in general) and report on empirically validated factors that have an impact on the inner-outer gap. (2) By employing a qualitative content analysis approach, 56 articles over a 15-year period were analyzed, identifying 83 factors that either bridged or reinforced the inner–outer gap. These factors were categorized within the TSS framework, which segments sustainability-oriented actions into individual, social, and self-transcendent domains, alongside their activation points: stable, situational, or automated. (3) The analysis revealed that self-focused factors often reinforce the gap, suggesting they are a hindrance to sustainable behavior. Conversely, self-transcendent factors consistently bridged the gap, promoting sustainability. Social factors showed variable impacts based on the ethical and sustainable context they were placed in, suggesting that the social environment’s orientation significantly influences sustainable behavior. (4) This study concludes that the TSS framework offers a promising approach to advancing education for sustainable development (ESD) and contributes insights into how to promote the required paradigm shift towards holistic and interconnected perspectives.
Resource Scheduling Optimization of Fresh Food Delivery Porters Considering Ambient Temperature Variations
Authors: Shan Ziyu , Yao Jianming
Published: April 2024

In the context of an evolving socio-economic landscape and rising living standards, the online market for fresh products, encompassing fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and eggs, has seen substantial growth, necessitating sophisticated logistics for e-commerce home delivery. This study tackles the distinct challenges of fresh product delivery, which demand rigorous adherence to climate conditions and product mix during transport, significantly influencing the operational strategies and scheduling of delivery platforms. To address these challenges, a comprehensive mathematical model was developed to optimize fresh food home delivery scheduling, focusing on reducing spoilage rates and accommodating the dynamic impact of environmental temperature changes. The model posits assumptions of a consistent and ample supply of fresh goods, standard initial quality loss, and efficient porter assignment for multi-category order combinations. It introduces three objective functions, targeting the minimization of fresh food loss, maximization of customer satisfaction, and reduction of distributor costs. The efficacy of the model and its genetic-algorithm-based solution method was assessed through numerical analysis and case studies, illustrating that the model enhances delivery efficiency and service quality across varying temperature conditions. This substantiates the critical role of environmental temperature management in optimizing fresh food delivery, offering a robust framework for advancing logistical operations in the perishable goods sector and ensuring quality and efficiency in fresh food e-commerce delivery.
Decentralized Composting Analysis Model—The Qualitative Analysis Path
Authors: Asi Omar , Daskal Shira , Sabbah Isam , Ayalon Ofira , Baransi-Karkaby Katie
Published: April 2024

The organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is a significant environmental threat, and an economic and social challenge to manage. As such, the efficient treatment of OFMSW is a significant key factor in achieving sustainable waste management. Decentralized composting (DC) offers a new framework of waste management. The DC analysis model (DCAM) proposed in our previous study provides a powerful tool for decision makers, based on the quantification of the DC project characteristics. In this paper, we focus on qualitative analysis as a complementary tool to support decision making in cases where the quantitative analysis is equivocal. The qualitative analysis identifies the main players in the field, the critical stakeholders, and the potential conflicts between them. It also reveals the root problems and the core competencies for the project’s implementation. The DCAM qualitative analysis in the Shefa-Amr case study indicates that unresolved root problems, such as “lack of national regulation”, “clear ownership of the project”, and “lack of ongoing budget” can result in an unsustainable composting system. Countering that, “commitment of the municipality” together with “economic viability” and securing “suitable areas for placing composters” are among the most important core competencies for the effective implementation of DC projects.
A Systematic Review on the Use of AI for Energy Efficiency and Indoor Environmental Quality in Buildings
Authors: Ogundiran James , Asadi Ehsan , Gameiro da Silva Manuel
Published: April 2024

Global warming, climate change and the energy crisis are trending topics around the world, especially within the energy sector. The rising cost of energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global temperatures stem from the over-reliance on fossil fuel as the major energy resource. These challenges have highlighted the need for alternative energy resources and urgent intervention strategies like energy consumption reduction and improving energy efficiency. The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system in a building accounts for about 70% of energy consumption, and a decision to reduce energy consumption may impact the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of the building. It is important to adequately balance the tradeoff between IEQ and energy management. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions are being explored for improving building energy performance without compromising IEQ. This paper systematically reviews recent studies on AI and machine learning (ML) for building energy management and IEQ by exploring common use areas, the methods or algorithms applied and the results obtained. The overall purpose of this research is to add to the existing body of work and to highlight energy-related AI applications in buildings and the related gaps. The result shows five common application areas: thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) control; energy management and energy consumption prediction; indoor temperature prediction; anomaly detection; and HVAC controls. Gaps involving policy, real-life scenario applications, and insufficient study of the visual and acoustic comfort areas are also identified. Very few studies take into consideration the need to follow IEQ standards in the selection process and positioning of sensors in AI applications for IEQ in buildings. This study reveals a need for more systematically summarized research.
Linking the Evolution of the Andalién River Morphology (Central–Southern Chile) to Anthropogenic Interventions by Using a New QGIS Tool
Authors: Nardini Andrea Gianni Cristoforo , Gonzalez Constanza , Contreras Angela , Velásquez Germán , Vargas-Baecheler José , Piégay Hervé , Espinoza Joaquin , Yépez Santiago
Published: April 2024

In recent decades, the interplay of several factors, including land use change (particularly urbanization) and global warming, has resulted in harsher flooding, often associated with geomorphic disruption. These events in Latin America are predominantly driven by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. The Andalién River basin is no exception, with a notable incident occurring in July 2006. This reality points out the need to study the geomorphological behavior of rivers. Geomatic tools can contribute to address this issue, thereby improving the planning and management of water courses. This paper presents the assessment of the morphological evolution of the Andalién River, downstream to the city of Concepción in a period of 75 years (1945–2020), in response to changes in land use and anthropogenic interventions on the river itself. Based on temporal satellite imagery and historical aerial images (from 1945 to 2020) combined with digital elevation models (LiDAR and TamDEM-X data), morphological alterations are revealed, which were caused by urbanization and anthropogenic activities. We demonstrate how the South River Toolbox (SRT), an original GIS tool developing in QGIS (in-house), enables the extraction of key geomorphological features of a river and their analysis, including their time evolution. This retrospective analysis includes an innovative method and tool to measure the lateral migration rate of the active channel. Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights for future management strategies, offering a comprehensive basin-level analysis of the Andalién River and a cartographic framework to aid decision-making, planning, and management of the fluvial corridor.
Distribution and Stabilization Mechanisms of Stable Landslide Dams
Authors: Song Liang , Wang Yunsheng , Zhao Yuchao , Xiao Zhuolin , Feng Zhuo , Liu Shicheng , Tang Tao
Published: April 2024

Landslide dams, especially stable landslide dams, have been recognised as important contributors to regional geomorphological evolution. The eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau provides good conditions for the formation of stable landslide dams. To identify stable landslide dams on the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, the Google Earth Engine (GEE) was first used to map water surfaces in the study area. Then, stable landslide dams were identified using high-precision remote sensing images provided by Google Earth. A field investigation and a sampling of typical stable landslide dams were also adopted to characterise the landslide dams. The results show that 101 stable landslide dams are present in the study area, covering an area of 27.75 × 104 km2. There are four types of stable landslide dams, as follows: (1) landslides, (2) rock avalanches, (3) moraines, and (4) debris flows. The morphological parameters of a dam, which include dam height, dam width, dam volume, and catchment area, can be fitted with different relationship curves, with respect to the number of landslide dams. The source areas of landslide dams are generally located in the upper-middle and upper sections of adjacent mountains. The stability of a landslide dam is mainly controlled by the structure of the dam and the relationship between the dam volume and catchment area. Structurally, large rocks with large particle sizes are difficult to activate using river water and the large gaps between the rocks provide sufficient channels for the flow of river water. In regard to the relationship between the dam volume and catchment area, a river with a small catchment area in the study area is commonly blocked by a large dam volume. This study provides a unique opportunity to study the spatial distribution and clarify the factors influencing the stability of stable landslide dams.
Optimization Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics and Machine Learning for the Performance of Diffuser-Augmented Wind Turbines with Inlet Shrouds
Authors: Hwang Po-Wen , Wu Jia-Heng , Chang Yuan-Jen
Published: April 2024

A methodology that could reduce computational cost and time, combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, neural networks, and genetic algorithms to determine a diffuser-augmented wind turbine (DAWT) design is proposed. The specific approach used implements a CFD simulation validated with experimental data, and key parameters are analyzed to generate datasets for the relevant mathematical model established with the backpropagation neural network algorithm. Then, the mathematical model is used with the non-dominant sorting genetic algorithm II to optimize the design and improve the DAWT design to overcome negative constraints such as noise and low energy density. The key parameters adopted are the diffuser’s flange height/angle, the diffuser’s length, and the rotor’s axial position. It was found that the impact of the rotor’s axial position on the power output of the DAWT is the most significant parameter, and a well-designed diffuser requires accelerating the airflow while maintaining high-pressure recovery. Introducing a diffuser can suppress the wind turbine’s noise, but if the induced tip vortex is too strong, it will have the opposite effect on the noise reduction.
Developmental Characteristics and Genesis of Ground Fissures in Wangjiacun, Emei Plateau, Yuncheng Basin, China
Authors: Li Feida , Wang Feiyong , Wang Fujiang , Li Guoqing
Published: April 2024

The Yuncheng Basin is part of the Fenwei Graben System, which has developed ground fissure hazards that have caused serious damage to farmland, houses, and roads and have brought about huge economic losses. Located in Wanrong County on the Emei Plateau in the northwestern part of the Yuncheng Basin in China, the Wangjiacun ground fissure is a typical and special ground fissure developed in loess areas, and its formation is closely related to tectonic joints and the collapsibility of loess. In order to reveal the formation and genesis of the Wangjiacun ground fissure, the geological background, developmental characteristics, and genesis pattern of the Wangjiacun ground fissures were studied in detail. A total of three ground fissures have developed in this area: a linear fissure (f1) is distributed in an NNE-SSW direction, with a total length of 334 m; a circular fissure (f2) is located near the pool, with a total length of 720 m; f2-1, a linear fissure near f2, has a fissure length of 110 m and an NE orientation. This study shows that tectonic joints in loess areas are the main controlling factors of the linear fissure (f1); differential subsidence in the pool caused by collapsible loess is the main source of motivation for the formation of the circular fissures (f2, f2-1), and tensile stresses produced by the edges of subsidence funnels lead to the cracking of shallow rock and soil bodies to form ground fissures (f2, f2-1). This study enriches the theory of ground fissure genesis and is of great significance for disaster prevention and the mitigation of ground fissures in loess areas.
Quantitative Assessment of the Impact of the Three-North Shelter Forest Program on Vegetation Net Primary Productivity over the Past Two Decades and Its Environmental Benefits in China
Authors: Zhang Junling , Zhang Yifei
Published: April 2024

Vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) is a crucial indicator for assessing the carbon balance in terrestrial ecosystems. Qualitative and comparative research on the NPP influenced by human activities, climate change, and their interactions remains insufficient. The Three-North Shelter Forest Program (TNSFP), initiated in 1978, provides a valuable reference for such investigations. This study employs an improved residual trend method to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns, trends, and driving factors of vegetation NPP during the second phase of the Three-North Shelter Forest Program (2001–2020), as well as TNSFP’s contribution to vegetation NPP. The results indicate that (1) from 2001 to 2020, overall vegetation NPP exhibited a significant fluctuating upward trend at a rate of 3.69 g C/m−2 annually; and (2) precipitation, accounting for 1.527 g C/m−2, had a more significant impact on vegetation net productivity compared to temperature (0.002 g C/m−2). Climate factors (76%) significantly influenced vegetation NPP in the Three-North Shelter Forest region more than human activities (24%). In the last decade (2011–2020), the climate contribution rate decreased to 67%, while the human activity contribution rate increased by seven percentage points compared to the previous decade (2001–2010); (3) during 2001–2020, TNSFP contributed 10.9% to the total human activity contribution to vegetation net primary productivity, approximately 2.6% of the overall contribution; (4) After the second phase of TNSFP was enacted, PM2.5 levels decreased by an average of −0.57 μg/m−3/a−1. Concurrently, soil conservation improved from 6.57 t/km2 in 2001 to 14.37 t/km2 in 2020.
Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Communications and Mobility: Perspectives from the Kolyma Road, Northeast Russia
Authors: Burnasheva Daria , Filippova Viktoria , Kuklina Mariia , Kuklina Vera , Savvinova Antonina
Published: April 2024

In northeast Russia, the famous historic Kolyma Road spans two thousand kilometers across two federal subjects of the Russian Federation: the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) and Magadan Oblast. Thousands of people live along and in close proximity to the road, depending on it for communication, mobility, goods, and life support. As the major transportation infrastructure in the entire region, it should be reliable and stable for local communities’ well-being. One strategic approach to ensure its reliability is to acknowledge the role of Indigenous knowledge, which has been neglected despite being established long before the emergence of existing formal systems of communication. Based on data collected through fieldwork, personal observations, and conversations, this paper aims to demonstrate that Indigenous knowledge regarding ways of living, moving, and communicating along and on the road is the key to sustainability in the region. As a result, we claim that this realization should be manifested in designing and implementing communication and mobility systems based on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In the long term, it is necessary to develop a sustainable road management system for the Kolyma Road to ensure the security and well-being of local communities and for everyone visiting and working on the road.
Shanghai Tianma Radio Telescope and Its Role in Pulsar Astronomy
Authors: Yan Zhen , Shen Zhiqiang , Wu Yajun , Zhao Rongbing , Liu Jie , Huang Zhipeng , Wang Rui , Wang Xiaowei , Liu Qinghui , Li Bin , Wang Jinqing , Zhong Weiye , Jiang Wu , Xia Bo
Published: April 2024

After two phases of on-site construction and testing (2010–2013 and 2013–2017), the Shanghai Tianma Radio Telescope (TMRT) can work well, with efficiencies better than 50% from 1.3 to 50.0 GHz, mainly benefiting from its low-noise cryogenic receivers and active surface system. Pulsars were chosen as important targets of research at the TMRT because of their important scientific and applied values. To meet the demands of pulsar-related observations, TMRT is equipped with some necessary backends, including a digital backend system (DIBAS) supporting normal pulsar observation modes, a real-time fast-radio-burst-monitoring backend, and baseband backends for very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations. Utilizing its high sensitivity and simultaneous dual-frequency observation capacity, a sequence of pulsar research endeavors has been undertaken, such as long-term pulsar timing, magnetar monitoring, multi-frequency (or high-frequency) observations, interstellar scintillation, pulsar VLBI, etc. In this paper, we give a short introduction about pulsar observation systems at the TMRT and briefly review the results obtained by these pulsar research projects.
An Investigation on the Distribution of Martian Ionospheric Particles, Based on the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN)
Authors: Qiu Shican , Li Ruichao , Soon Willie
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we use the key parameters data set of the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission. The particle density profiles of electrons, CO2+/N2+, CO+, O2+, O+, NO+, O2 and O from 90 to 500 km have been deduced by adopting the Chapman modeling methodology. The correlation of the peak density/altitude with the solar zenith angle, the changes in the profile of the Martian ionosphere during solar flares, and the effects of Martian dust storms are analyzed. The results exhibit a positive/negative correlation between the peak density/altitude of the M2 layer and the solar zenith angle. Within the MAVEN observational record available, only three C-Class flares occurred on 26 August 2016, 29 November 2020, and 26 August 2021. The analysis reveals during these solar flare events, the electron density of the M2 layer above 200 km increases obviously. The peak density of M1 increases by 33.4%, 13.2% and 7.4%, while the peak height decreases by 0.1%, 10.2% and 4.4%, respectively. The Martian dust storm causes the peak height of the M2 layer to increase by 19.5 km, and the peak density to decrease by 4.2 × 109 m−3. Our study shows that the Martian ionosphere is similar to the Earth’s, which is of great significance for understanding the planetary ionosphere.
Caboxamycin Inhibits Heart Inflammation in a Coxsackievirus B3-Induced Myocarditis Mouse Model
Authors: Kim Hong-Gi , Hillman Prima F. , Lee You-Jeung , Jeon Ha-Eun , Lim Byung-Kwan , Nam Sang-Jip
Published: April 2024

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a positive single-strand RNA genome virus which belongs to the enterovirus genus in the picornavirus family, like poliovirus. It is one of the most prevalent pathogens that cause myocarditis and pancreatitis in humans. However, a suitable therapeutic medication and vaccination have yet to be discovered. Caboxamycin, a benzoxazole antibiotic isolated from the culture broth of the marine strain Streptomyces sp., SC0774, showed an antiviral effect in CVB3-infected HeLa cells and a CVB3-induced myocarditis mouse model. Caboxamycin substantially decreased CVB3 VP1 production and cleavage of translation factor eIF4G1 from CVB3 infection. Virus-positive and -negative strand RNA was dramatically reduced by caboxamycin treatment. In addition, the cleavage of the pro-apoptotic molecules BAD, BAX, and caspase3 was significantly inhibited by caboxamycin treatment. In animal experiments, the survival rate of mice was improved following caboxamycin treatment. Moreover, caboxamycin treatment significantly decreased myocardial damage and inflammatory cell infiltration. Our study showed that caboxamycin dramatically suppressed cardiac inflammation and mouse death. This result suggests that caboxamycin may be suitable as a potential antiviral drug for CVB3.
Reduction of the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma over Time Using Direct-Acting Antivirals: A Propensity Score Analysis of a Real-Life Cohort (PITER HCV)
Authors: Quaranta Maria Giovanna , Cavalletto Luisa , Russo Francesco Paolo , Calvaruso Vincenza , Ferrigno Luigina , Zanetto Alberto , Mattioli Benedetta , D’Ambrosio Roberta , Panetta Valentina , Brancaccio Giuseppina , Raimondo Giovanni , Brunetto Maurizia Rossana , Zignego Anna Linda , Coppola Carmine , Iannone Andrea , Biliotti Elisa , Rosselli Del Turco Elena , Massari Marco , Licata Anna , Barbaro Francesco , Persico Marcello , Morisco Filomena , Pompili Maurizio , Cerini Federica , Puoti Massimo , Santantonio Teresa , Craxì Antonio , Kondili Loreta A. , Chemello Liliana ,   on behalf of PITER Collaborating Investigators
Published: April 2024

The treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) leads to high sustained virological response (SVR) rates, but hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk persists in people with advanced liver disease even after SVR. We weighted the HCC risk in people with cirrhosis achieving HCV eradication through DAA treatment and compared it with untreated participants in the multicenter prospective Italian Platform for the Study of Viral Hepatitis Therapies (PITER) cohort. Propensity matching with inverse probability weighting was used to compare DAA-treated and untreated HCV-infected participants with liver cirrhosis. Kaplan–Meier analysis and competing risk regression analysis were performed. Within the first 36 months, 30 de novo HCC cases occurred in the untreated group (n = 307), with a weighted incidence rate of 0.34% (95%CI: 0.23–0.52%), compared to 63 cases among SVR patients (n = 1111), with an incidence rate of 0.20% (95%CI: 0.16–0.26%). The 12-, 24-, and 36-month HCC weighted cumulative incidence rates were 6.7%, 8.4%, and 10.0% in untreated cases and 2.3%, 4.5%, and 7.0% in the SVR group. Considering death or liver transplantation as competing events, the untreated group showed a 64% higher risk of HCC incidence compared to SVR patients (SubHR 1.64, 95%CI: 1.02–2.62). Other variables independently associated with the HCC occurrence were male sex, increasing age, current alcohol use, HCV genotype 3, platelet count ≤ 120,000/µL, and albumin ≤ 3.5 g/dL. In real-life practice, the high efficacy of DAA in achieving SVR is translated into high effectiveness in reducing the HCC incidence risk.
In Vitro Anti-Rotaviral Activity of Bavachin Isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L. (Fabaceae)
Authors: Jung Jinseok , Bae Jaehoon , Park Ji Sun , Lee Seung Woong , Jeong Jae-Ho , Park Su-Jin
Published: April 2024

Rotavirus is the main causative agent of viral gastroenteritis among young animals worldwide. Currently, no clinically approved or effective antiviral drugs are available to combat rotavirus infections. Herein, we evaluated the anti-rotaviral activities of extracts and bavachin isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L. (Fabaceae) (P. corylifolia) against the bovine rotavirus G8P[7] and porcine rotavirus G5P[7] in vitro. Two assay strategies were performed: (1) a virucidal assay to reduce viral infectivity by virus neutralization and (2) a post-treatment assay to assess viral replication suppression. The results from the virucidal assay showed that the extracts and bavachin did not exert anti-rotaviral activities. In the follow-up analysis after treatment, bavachin exhibited robust antiviral efficacy, with 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of 10.6 μM (selectivity index [SI] = 2.38) against bovine rotavirus G8P[7] and 13.0 μM (SI = 1.94) against porcine rotavirus G5P[7]. Bavachin strongly suppressed viral RNA synthesis in the early (6 h) and late stages (18 h) after rotaviral infection. These findings strongly suggest that bavachin may have hindered the virions by effectively inhibiting the early stages of the virus replication cycle after rotaviral infection. Furthermore, confocal imaging showed that bavachin suppressed viral protein synthesis, notably that of the rotaviral protein (VP6). These results suggest that bavachin has strong antiviral activity against rotaviruses, inhibits viral replication, and is a candidate natural therapeutic drug targeting rotaviral infection. The utilization of bavachin isolated from P. corylifolia may contribute to decreased mortality rates, lower medication expenses, and enhanced economic viability in domestic farms.
Equine Musculoskeletal Pathologies: Clinical Approaches and Therapeutical Perspectives—A Review
Authors: Reis Inês L. , Lopes Bruna , Sousa Patrícia , Sousa Ana C. , Caseiro Ana R. , Mendonça Carla M. , Santos Jorge M. , Atayde Luís M. , Alvites Rui D. , Maurício Ana C.
Published: April 2024

Musculoskeletal injuries such as equine osteoarthritis, osteoarticular defects, tendonitis/desmitis, and muscular disorders are prevalent among sport horses, with a fair prognosis for returning to exercise or previous performance levels. The field of equine medicine has witnessed rapid and fruitful development, resulting in a diverse range of therapeutic options for musculoskeletal problems. Staying abreast of these advancements can be challenging, prompting the need for a comprehensive review of commonly used and recent treatments. The aim is to compile current therapeutic options for managing these injuries, spanning from simple to complex physiotherapy techniques, conservative treatments including steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hyaluronic acid, polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, pentosan polysulfate, and polyacrylamides, to promising regenerative therapies such as hemoderivatives and stem cell-based therapies. Each therapeutic modality is scrutinized for its benefits, limitations, and potential synergistic actions to facilitate their most effective application for the intended healing/regeneration of the injured tissue/organ and subsequent patient recovery. While stem cell-based therapies have emerged as particularly promising for equine musculoskeletal injuries, a multidisciplinary approach is underscored throughout the discussion, emphasizing the importance of considering various therapeutic modalities in tandem.
Study on Properties of Micro-Nano Magnetic Composite Prepared by Mechanochemical Method of NdFeB Secondary Waste and Removal of As (V) from Mine Water
Authors: Feng Xiujuan , Rao Yicheng
Published: April 2024

The secondary waste produced by NdFeB waste after rare earth recycling, with an annual output of more than tens of thousands of tons, is the largest solid waste emission source in the rare earth industry, and long-term storage causes land resource occupation and environmental pollution. Arsenic-containing mine wastewater has serious harm, wide distribution, and long duration of pollution. In this study, the mechanical ball milling method was used to activate NdFeB secondary waste to prepare micro-nano magnetic composite materials, the main components of which are Fe2O3, Fe3O4, and C. Under mechanical mechanochemical action, the particles are more dispersed, the particle size decreases, the specific surface area increases significantly, the crystal structure changes to amorphous structure, the degree of amorphous shape increases, and the content of Fe-OH increases. Applied to the treatment of As (V) in simulated mine water, it was found that the removal of As (V) by this material was mainly based on chemisorption and monolayer adsorption, and the maximum adsorption amount reached 10.477 mg/g. Zeta, FT-IT, and XPS characterization confirmed that the removal of As (V) was a coordination exchange reaction between the material and As (V) to form an inner sphere complex. The removal rate of As (V) decreased from 94.33% to 73.56% when the initial concentration of solution was 10 mg/L, pH value was 3.0, and material dosage was 1 g/L after 5 times of regrowth. This study provides a new way for the application of NdFeB secondary waste, which has low cost, green environmental protection, and wide application prospects.