bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual-, Olfactory-, and Nectar-Taste-Based Flower Aposematism
Authors: Lev-Yadun Simcha
Published: January 2024

Florivory, i.e., flower herbivory, of various types is common and can strongly reduce plant fitness. Flowers suffer two very different types of herbivory: (1) the classic herbivory of consuming tissues and (2) nectar theft. Unlike the non-reversibility of consumed tissues, nectar theft, while potentially reducing a plant’s fitness by lowering its attraction to pollinators, can, in various cases, be fixed quickly by the production of additional nectar. Therefore, various mechanisms to avoid or reduce florivory have evolved. Here, I focus on one of the flowers’ defensive mechanisms, aposematism, i.e., warning signaling to avoid or at least reduce herbivory via the repelling of herbivores. While plant aposematism of various types was almost ignored until the year 2000, it is a common anti-herbivory defense mechanism in many plant taxa, operating visually, olfactorily, and, in the case of nectar, via a bitter taste. Flower aposematism has received only very little focused attention as such, and many of the relevant publications that actually demonstrated herbivore repellence and avoidance learning following flower signaling did not refer to repellence as aposematism. Here, I review what is known concerning visual-, olfactory-, and nectar-taste-based flower aposematism, including some relevant cases of mimicry, and suggest some lines for future research.
High-Throughput Analysis of Leaf Chlorophyll Content in Aquaponically Grown Lettuce Using Hyperspectral Reflectance and RGB Images
Authors: Taha Mohamed Farag , Mao Hanping , Wang Yafei , ElManawy Ahmed Islam , Elmasry Gamal , Wu Letian , Memon Muhammad Sohail , Niu Ziang , Huang Ting , Qiu Zhengjun
Published: January 2024

Chlorophyll content reflects plants’ photosynthetic capacity, growth stage, and nitrogen status and is, therefore, of significant importance in precision agriculture. This study aims to develop a spectral and color vegetation indices-based model to estimate the chlorophyll content in aquaponically grown lettuce. A completely open-source automated machine learning (AutoML) framework (EvalML) was employed to develop the prediction models. The performance of AutoML along with four other standard machine learning models (back-propagation neural network (BPNN), partial least squares regression (PLSR), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) was compared. The most sensitive spectral (SVIs) and color vegetation indices (CVIs) for chlorophyll content were extracted and evaluated as reliable estimators of chlorophyll content. Using an ASD FieldSpec 4 Hi-Res spectroradiometer and a portable red, green, and blue (RGB) camera, 3600 hyperspectral reflectance measurements and 800 RGB images were acquired from lettuce grown across a gradient of nutrient levels. Ground measurements of leaf chlorophyll were acquired using an SPAD-502 m calibrated via laboratory chemical analyses. The results revealed a strong relationship between chlorophyll content and SPAD-502 readings, with an R2 of 0.95 and a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.975. The developed AutoML models outperformed all traditional models, yielding the highest values of the coefficient of determination in prediction (Rp2) for all vegetation indices (VIs). The combination of SVIs and CVIs achieved the best prediction accuracy with the highest Rp2 values ranging from 0.89 to 0.98, respectively. This study demonstrated the feasibility of spectral and color vegetation indices as estimators of chlorophyll content. Furthermore, the developed AutoML models can be integrated into embedded devices to control nutrient cycles in aquaponics systems.
Chitosan and Chitosan Nanoparticles Differentially Alleviate Salinity Stress in Phaseolus vulgaris L. Plants
Authors: Alenazi Mekhled M. , El-Ebidy Aya M. , El-shehaby Omar A. , Seleiman Mahmoud F. , Aldhuwaib Khalid J. , Abdel-Aziz Heba M. M.
Published: January 2024

Salinity stress can significantly cause negative impacts on the physiological and biochemical traits of plants and, consequently, a reduction in the yield productivity of crops. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of chitosan (Cs) and chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs) to mitigate salinity stress (i.e., 25, 50, 100, and 200 mM NaCl) and improve pigment fractions, carbohydrates content, ions content, proline, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage content, and the antioxidant system of Phaseolus vulgaris L. grown in clay–sandy soil. Methacrylic acid was used to synthesize CsNPs, with an average size of 40 ± 2 nm. Salinity stress negatively affected yield traits, pigment fractions, and carbohydrate content. However, in plants grown under salt stress, the application of either Cs or CsNPs significantly improved yield, pigment fractions, carbohydrate content, proline, and the antioxidant system, while these treatments reduced hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, and electrolyte leakage. The positive effects of CsNPs were shown to be more beneficial than Cs when applied exogenously to plants grown under salt stress. In this context, it could be concluded that CsNPs could be used to mitigate salt stress effects on Phaseolus vulgaris L. plants grown in saline soils.
The Role of Climate Change and Its Sensitivity on Long-Term Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index, Vegetation and Drought Changing Trends over East Asia
Authors: Ali Shahzad , Basit Abdul , Umair Muhammad , Makanda Tyan Alice , Shaik Mohammed Rafi , Ibrahim Mohammad , Ni Jian
Published: January 2024

Droughts have become more severe and frequent due to global warming. In this context, it is widely accepted that for drought assessments, both water supply (rainfall) and demand (standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index, SPEI) should be considered. Using SPEI, we explored the spatial-temporal patterns of dry and wet annual and seasonal changes in five sub-regions of East Asia during 1902–2018. These factors are linked to excess drought frequency and severity on the regional scale, and their effect on vegetation remains an important topic for climate change studies. Our results show that the SPEI significantly improved extreme drought and mostly affected the SPEI-06 and SPEI-12 growing seasons in East Asia during 1981–2018. The dry and wet annual SPEI trends mostly affect the five sub-regions of East Asia. The annual SPEI had two extremely dry spells during 1936–1947 and 1978–2018. Japan, South Korea, and North Korea are wet in the summer compared to other regions of East Asia, with drought frequency occurring at 51.4%, respectively. The mean drought frequencies in China and Mongolia are 57.4% and 54.6%. China and Mongolia are the driest regions in East Asia due to high drought frequency and duration. The spatial seasonal analysis of solar radiation (SR), water vapor pressure (WVP), wind speed (WS), vegetation condition index (VCI), temperature condition index (TCI), and vegetation health index (VHI) have confirmed that the East Asia region suffered from maximum drought events. The seasonal variation of SPEI shows no clear drying trends during summer and autumn seasons. During the winter and spring seasons, there was a dry trend in East Asia region. During 1902–1990, a seasonal SPEI presented diverse characteristics, with clear wet trends in Japan, Mongolia, and North Korea in four different growing seasons, with dry trends in China and South Korea. During 1991–2018, seasonal SPEI presented clear dry trends in Japan, Mongolia, and North Korea in different growing seasons, while China and South Korea showed a wet trend during the spring, autumn, and winter seasons. This ecological and climatic mechanism provides a good basis for the assessment of vegetation and drought-change variations within East Asia. An understandings of long-term vegetation trends and the effects of rainfall and SPEI on droughts of varying severity is essential for water resource management and climate change adaptation. Based on the results, water resources will increase under global warming, which may alleviate the water scarcity issue in the East Asia region.
Thermodynamic Parameters of Crosslinked Elastomers (BR, SBR and NBR) and Their Blends
Authors: Leyva-Porras César , Estrada-Moreno Iván A. , Piñón-Balderrama Claudia I. , Flores-Gallardo Sergio G. , Márquez-Lucero Alfredo
Published: January 2024

Herein, a methodology is employed based on the Flory–Rehner equation for estimating the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter (χ12*) of crosslinked elastomer blends. For this purpose, binary elastomer blends containing polybutadiene rubber (BR), styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) and nitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR), were prepared in a mixing chamber at a temperature below the activation of the crosslinking agent. Swelling tests with benzene were employed to determine the crosslinked fraction, finding that after 20 min of thermal annealing, the BR and NBR were almost completely crosslinked, while the SBR only reached 60%. Additionally, the BR-SBR blend increased by 2–3 times its volume than its pure components; this could be explained based on the crosslink density. From the mechanical tests, a negative deviation from the rule of mixtures was observed, which suggested that the crosslinking was preferably carried out in the phases and not at the interface. Furthermore, tensile tests and swelling fraction (ϕsw) results were employed to determine the average molecular weight between two crosslinking points (Mc), and subsequently χ12*. Calculated χ12* values were slightly higher than those reported in the literature. The calculated thermodynamic parameters for the blends showed positive ΔGmix values and endothermic behavior, suggesting their immiscible nature.
Elastic Constants of Polymeric Fiber Composite Estimation Using Finite Element Method
Authors: Itu Calin , Scutaru Maria Luminita , Vlase Sorin
Published: January 2024

Determining the properties of composite materials (knowing the properties of the component phases) is a primary objective in the design phase. Numerous methods have been developed to determine the elastic constants of a composite material. All these methods are laborious and require significant computing time. It is possible to make experimental measurements, but these too are expensive and time-consuming. In order to have a quick estimate of the value of the engineering constants of a new composite material (in our study a polymeric matrix reinforced with carbon fibers), this paper proposes a quick method for determining the homogenized material constants, using the finite element method (FEM). For this, the eigenfrequencies of a beam specimen manufactured by the studied composite material will be computed using FEM. The model will consider both phases of the composite, with the geometry and real size. The mechanical properties of the constituent’s material phases are known. With the help of this model, the torsional, longitudinal and transverse vibrations of the beam are studied. Based on the eigenvalues obtained by this calculation, it now is possible to quickly estimate the values of homogenized material constants required in the design. An example for a fiber-reinforced polymer composite material is provided in the paper.
Synthesis of Monodisperse Mesoporous Carbon Spheres/EPDM Rubber Composites and Their Enhancement Mechanical Properties
Authors: Zheng Tong , Jia Wenjing , Meng Hongjie , Li Jiajie , Liu Xundao
Published: January 2024

Monodisperse mesoporous carbon spheres (MCS) were synthesized and their potential applications in ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) foam were evaluated. The obtained MCS exhibited a high specific surface area ranging from 621-to 735 m2/g along with large pore sizes. It was observed that the incorporation of MCS into EPDM foam rubber significantly enhances its mechanical properties. The prepared MCS-40 rubber composites exhibit the highest tear strength of 210 N/m and tensile strength of 132.72 kPa, surpassing those of other samples. The enhancement mechanism was further investigated by employing computer simulation technology. The pores within the MCS allowed for the infiltration of EPDM molecular chains, thereby strengthening the interaction forces between the filler and matrix. Moreover, a higher specific surface area resulted in greater adsorption of molecular chains onto the surface of these carbon spheres. This research offers novel insights for understanding the enhancement mechanism of monodisperse mesoporous particles/polymer composites (MCS/EPDM) and highlights their potential application in high-performance rubber composites.
Surface Modification of Flax Fibers with TMCTS-Based PECVD for Improved Thermo-Mechanical Properties of PLA/Flax Fiber Composites
Authors: Moradkhani Ghane , Profili Jacopo , Robert Mathieu , Laroche Gaétan , Elkoun Saïd , Mighri Frej
Published: January 2024

Significant progress has been made in recent years in the use of atmospheric pressure plasma techniques for surface modification. This research focused on the beneficial effects of these processes on natural by-products, specifically those involving natural fiber-based materials. The study explored the deposition of hydrophobic organosilicon-like thin films onto flax fibres through plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD), using tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (TMCTS) as the precursor. After the successful deposition of hydrophobic organosilicon-like thin films onto the flax fibres, polylactic acid (PLA) composite materials were fabricated. This fabrication process sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of the modified materials. Subsequently, these flax fabrics were subjected to meticulous characterization through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle measurements. The results demonstrated successful TMCTS deposition on the surface which led to a complete hydrophobization of the flax fibers. Mechanical tests of the PLA/flax fibre composites revealed a significant improvement in load transfer and interfacial compatibility following the surface modification of the flax fibres. This improvement was attributed to the enhanced adhesion between the modified fibres and the PLA matrix. The findings highlight the potential of TMCTS-based PECVD as a practical surface modification technique, effectively enhancing the mechanical properties of PLA/flax fibre composites. These developments open exciting possibilities for sustainable and high-performance composite materials in various industries.
Flexible Polyolefin Elastomer/Paraffin Wax/Alumina/Graphene Nanoplatelets Phase Change Materials with Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Mechanical Performance for Solar Conversion and Thermal Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Tian Jie , Wang Chouxuan , Wang Kaiyuan , Xue Rong , Liu Xinyue , Yang Qi
Published: January 2024

In this study, electrically insulating polyolefin elastomer (POE)-based phase change materials (PCMs) comprising alumina (Al2O3) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are prepared using a conventional injection moulding technique, which exhibits promising applications for solar energy storage due to the reduced interfacial thermal resistance, excellent stability, and proficient photo-thermal conversion efficiency. A synergistic interplay between Al2O3 and GNPs is observed, which facilitates the establishment of thermally conductive pathways within the POE/paraffin wax (POE/PW) matrix. The in-plane thermal conductivity of POE/PW/GNPs 5 wt%/Al2O3 40 wt% composite reaches as high as 1.82 W m−1K−1, marking a remarkable increase of ≈269.5% when compared with that of its unfilled POE/PW counterpart. The composite exhibits exceptional heat dissipation capabilities, which is critical for thermal management applications in electronics. Moreover, POE/PW/GNPs/Al2O3 composites demonstrate outstanding electrical insulation, enhanced mechanical performance, and efficient solar energy conversion and transportation. Under 80 mW cm−2 NIR light irradiation, the temperature of the POE/PW/GNPs 5 wt%/Al2O3 40 wt% composite reaches approximately 65 °C, a notable 20 °C improvement when compared with the POE/PW blend. The pragmatic and uncomplicated preparation method, coupled with the stellar performance of the composites, opens a promising avenue and broader possibility for developing flexible PCMs for solar conversion and thermal storage applications.
Vitrimer Nanocomposites for Highly Thermal Conducting Materials with Sustainability
Authors: Hong Younggi , Goh Munju
Published: January 2024

Vitrimers, as dynamic covalent network polymers, represent a groundbreaking advancement in materials science. They excel in their applications, such as advanced thermal-conductivity composite materials, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional polymers. The incorporation of vitrimers into composite fillers enhances alignment and heat passway broadly, resulting in superior thermal conductivity compared to conventional thermosetting polymers. Their dynamic exchange reactions enable straightforward reprocessing, fostering the easy reuse of damaged composite materials and opening possibilities for recycling both matrix and filler components. We review an overview of the present advancements in utilizing vitrimers for highly thermally conductive composite materials.
Advancements in Clear Aligner Fabrication: A Comprehensive Review of Direct-3D Printing Technologies
Authors: Narongdej Poom , Hassanpour Mana , Alterman Nicolas , Rawlins-Buchanan Frederick , Barjasteh Ehsan
Published: January 2024

Clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatment by offering an esthetically driven treatment modality to patients of all ages. Over the past two decades, aligners have been used to treat malocclusions in millions of patients worldwide. The inception of aligner therapy goes back to the 1940s, yet the protocols to fabricate aligners have been continuously evolved. CAD/CAM driven protocol was the latest approach which drastically changed the scalability of aligner fabrication—i.e., aligner mass production manufacturing. 3D printing technology has been adopted in various sectors including dentistry mostly because of the ability to create complex geometric structures at high accuracy while reducing labor and material costs—for the most part. The integration of 3D printing in dentistry has been across, starting in orthodontics and oral surgery and expanding in periodontics, prosthodontics, and oral implantology. Continuous progress in material development has led to improved mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and overall quality of aligners. Consequently, aligners have become less invasive, more cost-effective, and deliver outcomes comparable to existing treatment options. The promise of 3D printed aligners lies in their ability to treat malocclusions effectively while providing esthetic benefits to patients by remaining virtually invisible throughout the treatment process. Herein, this review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of studies regarding direct-3D printing of clear aligners up to the present, outlining all essential properties required in 3D-printed clear aligners and the challenges that need to be addressed. Additionally, the review proposes implementation methods to further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment outcome.
Frank–Kasper Phases of Diblock Copolymer Melts: Self-Consistent Field Results of Two Commonly Used Models
Authors: He Juntong , Wang Qiang
Published: January 2024

We constructed phase diagrams of conformationally asymmetric diblock copolymer A-B melts using the polymer self-consistent field (SCF) calculations of both the dissipative particle dynamics chain (DPDC) model (i.e., compressible melts of discrete Gaussian chains with the DPD non-bonded potential) and the “standard” model (i.e., incompressible melts of continuous Gaussian chains with the Dirac δ-function non-bonded potential) in the χN-ε plane, where χN and ε characterize, respectively, the repulsion and conformational asymmetry between the A and B blocks, at the A-block volume fraction f = 0.2 and 0.3. Consistent with previous SCF calculations of the “standard” model, σ and A15 are the only stable Frank–Kasper (FK) phases among the five FK (i.e., σ, A15, C14, C15 and Z) phases considered. The stability of σ and A15 is due to their delicate balance between the energetic and entropic contributions to the Helmholtz free energy per chain of the system, which, within our parameter range, increases in the order of σ/A15, Z, and C14/C15. While in general the SCF phase diagrams of these two models are qualitatively consistent, A15 is not stable for the DPDC model at the copolymer chain length N = 10 and f = 0.3; any differences in the SCF phase diagrams are solely due to the differences between these two models.
Modeling of Quantitative Characterization Parameters and Identification of Fluid Properties in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs of the Ordos Basin
Authors: Xu Bo , Wang Zhenhua , Song Ting , Zhang Shuxia , Peng Jiao , Wang Tong , Chen Yatong
Published: January 2024

The Ordos Basin has abundant resources in its tight sandstone reservoirs, and the use of well logging technology stands out as a critical element in the exploration and development of these reservoirs. Unlike conventional reservoirs, the commonly used interpretation models are not ideal for evaluating tight sandstone reservoirs through logging. In order to accurately evaluate parameters and identify fluid properties in the tight sandstone reservoirs of the Ordos Basin, we propose the adaption of conventional logging curves. This involves establishing an interpretation model that integrates the response characteristics of logging curves to tight sandstone reservoirs in accordance with the principles of logging. In this approach, we create interpretation models specifically for shale content, porosity, permeability, and saturation within the tight sandstone reservoir. Using the characteristics of the logging curves and their responses, we apply a mathematical relationship to link these parameters and create a template for identifying fluid properties within tight sandstone reservoirs. The average absolute errors of the new multi-parameter weighting method shale content interpretation model and porosity classification saturation interpretation model for quantitative evaluation of reservoir shale content and oil saturation are small, and the accuracy meets the production requirements. In this paper, the four-step method is used to identify the fluid properties of tight sandstone reservoirs step by step, which is to use the interrelationship between curves, eliminate the useless information, enhance the useful information, and finally solve the problem of identifying the fluid properties of tight sandstone reservoirs, which is difficult to identify, and realize the linear discrimination of the interpretation standard, which improves the accuracy of interpretation. The proven multi-information, four-step, step-by-step fluid property identification template has an accuracy of more than 90%. The interpretation model has been applied to 20 wells on the block with a compliance rate of 95.23%, providing the basis for accurately establishing the tight sandstone interpretation standard. The newly introduced log evaluation approach for tight sandstone reservoirs effectively overcomes the technical hurdles that have previously hindered the evaluation of such reservoirs in the Ordos Basin. This method is suitable for wide application and can be used for quantitative evaluation of tight sandstone reservoirs in different regions.
Experimental Research on Deep Silicon Removal in Spent SCR Catalysts
Authors: Wu Weihong , Wang Li , Zhang You , Hua Zhesheng , Song Hao , Liu Shaojun , Song Sihui , Wang Dingzhen , Gao Xiang
Published: January 2024

In this research, hydrofluoric acid (HF) was used as a leaching agent to remove silicon impurities from titanium dioxide powder regenerated from a spent SCR catalyst. Further, the effects of HF concentration, liquid–solid ratio, leaching temperature, and leaching time on the leaching rate of regenerated titanium dioxide powder were investigated. The results revealed that the leaching rate of silicon in alkali-leached samples could reach 99.47% under the following conditions: 4% HF concentration, a leaching temperature of 50 °C, and a liquid–solid ratio of 5:1. When compared under identical experimental conditions, the silicon leaching rate in the alkali leached sample using HF surpassed that of the spent SCR catalyst. This suggests that high-temperature alkali leaching led to the degradation of the catalyst and the glass fiber within it, rendering this process more favorable for silicon leaching.
Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithm Based Cascaded Control Schemes for Nonlinear Ball and Balancer System
Authors: Zafar Farhan , Malik Suheel Abdullah , Ali Tayyab , Daraz Amil , M. Alamri Atif , AlQahtani Salman A. , Bhatti Farkhunda
Published: January 2024

The ball and balancer system is a popular research platform for studying underactuated mechanical systems and developing control algorithms. It is a well-known two-dimensional balancing problem that has been addressed by a variety of controllers. This research work proposes two controllers that are proportional integral derivative-second derivative-proportional integrator (PIDD2-PI) controller and tilt integral derivative with filter (TID-F) controller in a multivariate, electromechanical, and nonlinear under-actuated ball and balancer system. Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE) is an objective function used for designing controllers because of its ability to be more sensitive to overshooting as well as reduced settling time and steady-state error. As part of the analysis, four metaheuristic optimization algorithms are compared in the optimization of proposed control strategies for cascaded control of the ball and balancer system. The algorithms are the Grey Wolf optimization algorithm (GWO), Cuckoo Search algorithm (CSA), Gradient Base Optimization (GBO), and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). The effectiveness of proposed controllers PIDD2-PI and TID-F is investigated to be better in terms of transient time response than proportional integral derivative (PID), proportional integral-derivative (PI-D), proportional integral-proportional derivative (PI-PD) and proportional integral derivative-second derivative-proportional derivative (PIDD2-PD). Moreover, these two proposed controllers have also been compared with recently published work. During the analysis, it is shown that the proposed control strategies exhibit significantly greater robustness and dynamic responsiveness compared to other structural controllers. The proposed controller WOA-PIDD2-PI reduced the 73.38% settling time and 88.16% rise time compared to classical PID. The other proposed controller GWO-TID-F reduced 58.06% the settling time and 26.96% rise time compared to classical PID. These results show that proposed controllers are particularly distinguished in terms of rise time, settling time, maximum overshoot, and set-point tracking.
Changes in Sacrifice by Burning and the Transfer of the Space Inhabited by Ghosts in China: Philological and Linguistic Perspectives
Authors: Li Cong , Zhang Yiyun
Published: January 2024

This paper analyzes changes in sacrifice by burning and the space inhabited by ghosts in ancient China from philological and linguistic perspectives. During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, rulers believed that they could convey their offerings and reverence to their ancestors in heaven by burning firewood and sacrifices (尞). From the Spring and Autumn Period to the Han dynasty, the ancient Chinese metaphors for naming the underground space inhabited by ghosts experienced a transformation from a natural space (Yellow Spring (黄泉)) to human settlements (li (里), big cities (都)) and then to government institutions for criminal penalty (government (府), prisons (狱)), which symbolized the gradual establishment of a living order in the space inhabited by ghosts based on the human society. When the new living order of the space inhabited by ghosts was established, the ancient Chinese began to reconstruct sacrifice by burning during the Wei and Jin dynasties, and the objects burnt were represented by joss paper. The use of the term “transforming (化)” to refer to sacrifice by burning suggests that people believed that burning with fire was a way to transfer objects from the real world to the world of ghosts. The act of burning joss paper not only embodied the Chinese concept of ancestor worship to “treat the dead as if they were alive” but also gave “fire (火)” rich religious connotations while greatly simplifying the process and cost of sacrificial rituals, thus gradually becoming popular.
Rhetorical Approach to the Periautology of Philippians 3:2–16
Authors: Aletti Jean-Noël
Published: January 2024

This article examines why Paul uses self-praise, or periautology, in Phil 3:2–14 to respond to Christians who boasted of their Jewish origin. It shows the importance and relevance of this type of rhetoric, clarifies its purpose, and examines the way Paul uses it. Paul does not only use periautology in Phil 3, but it is in this passage that it has the most force and originality. As, until now, very few monographs and articles have shown the existence of periautology in the Pauline letters, this article invites exegetes to be more sensitive to the existence of literary models and their importance for better interpreting the apostle’s thought.
Soybean Oil as a Green Solvent for the Recovery of Carotenoids from Banana Peel: Evaluation of the Storage and Processing on Final Product
Authors: Ishikiriyama Nara Michi de Faria , da Silveira Isabele Policarpo , Silva Joyce Viana , de Freitas Beatriz Pereira , Kunigami Claudete Norie , Jung Eliane Przytyk , Ribeiro Leilson de Oliveira
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to recover carotenoids from banana peel by employing a solid-liquid extraction using soybean oil as a green solvent. The oil with the highest total carotenoid content was evaluated for storage stability (30 °C/90 days) and thermal processing (100 and 200 °C/1–2 h). The results for changing temperature (33–67 °C), solid-liquid ratio (1:6–1:74 w/w), and agitation (132–468 rpm) were combined to evaluate the recovery of carotenoids from banana peel in extractions performed for 1 h. The highest total carotenoid concentration obtained from banana peel with 13% residual moisture was 756 µg of β-carotene/mL of oil at 50 °C with a solid-liquid ratio of 1:6 and 300 rpm agitation, resulting in a 55% recovery, which is superior to the extraction using acetone as the solvent (50%). Nutritionally, the carotenoid-rich oil can substantially increase vitamin A intake since a 13-mL serving can correspond to 63–117% of the daily intake of vitamin A for different groups. Regarding storage, no differences were observed in the fatty acid profile of the carotenoid-rich oil and the control (pure soybean oil) after 90 days (p > 0.05). The fatty acid profile also remained the same after thermal processing, regardless of temperature and exposure time, except for linolenic acid. 84% retention of total carotenoids was observed after storage. For thermal processing at 100 and 200 °C, regardless of the processing time, a 91 and 31% retention were observed, respectively. Therefore, the use of banana peel as a raw material to obtain carotenoids using soybean oil as a green solvent can add value to production chains, and it is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 12 of the UN 2030 Agenda, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, promote sustainable agriculture and ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, respectively.
Responsible Innovations as Tools for the Management of Financial Risks to Projects of High-Tech Companies for Their Sustainable Development
Authors: Popkova Elena G. , Xakimova Muxabbat F. , Troyanskaya Marija A. , Petrenko Elena S. , Fokina Olga V.
Published: January 2024

This paper is devoted to the resolution of the problem of risk management in a high-risk market environment. The goal of this paper was to study the experience of and prospects for the use of responsible innovations as tools for managing the financial risks of high-tech companies’ projects for their sustainable development (using the example of companies in Russia’s IT sphere in 2022–2023). We used the SEM method to study the daily statistics of the Moscow Exchange in 2022–2023. As a result, we quantitatively measured the financial risks of Russian companies in the IT sphere in 2022–2023. The studied case experience of the IT sphere in 2022 confirmed that Russian high-tech companies actively implement responsible innovations based on ESG projects. Our main conclusion is that the financial risks of high-tech companies are reduced in the case of the implementation of responsible innovations. Therefore, it is advisable to implement responsible innovations for the sustainable development of high-tech companies in a high-risk market environment. The theoretical significance of our conclusions lies in the substantiation of the synergetic effect of financial risk management with the help of responsible innovations. The scientific novelty and contribution of this paper to the literature consist in its clarifying the sectorial (in the IT sphere) and market (in a high-risk market environment) specifics of managing the financial risks to companies. We also disclosed a poorly studied and largely unknown unique and leading experience of managing the financial risks of Russian high-tech companies in 2022–2023. The practical significance of our recommendations is that the compiled scenario can be used as a strategic benchmark for the most complete development of the potential of the sustainable development of Russian high-tech companies in 2024.
Enhancing Sell-Type Home Reversion Products for Retirement Financing
Authors: Kwong Koon Shing , Goh Jing Rong , Chua Ting Lin Collin
Published: January 2024

Loan-type reverse mortgage plans and sell-type home reversion plans for retirement financing are two well-known equity release plans that entitle homeowners not only to release cash from their properties but also to allow them to age in place. Recently, a new hybrid equity release plan was proposed to incorporate the home reversion plan’s features with an option of staying in the property for a fixed period without being subject to survival. This additional option provides flexibility to homeowners to better meet their retirement financial and personal needs by reducing the financial uncertainty of home reversion products. In this article, we propose an enhanced home reversion plan with some new features to meet retirees’ other financial needs, such as life annuity incomes and guaranteed return of principal invested. An actuarial framework is provided to analyze the cost components of each benefit offered under the enhanced home reversion product. Numerical illustrations are presented to demonstrate and examine the actuarial values of the benefits and product risks with different parameter configurations under the recent Singapore mortality data set.
Stochastic Claims Reserve in the Healthcare System: A Methodology Applied to Italian Data
Authors: Mazzi Claudio , Damone Angelo , Vandelli Andrea , Ciuti Gastone , Vainieri Milena
Published: January 2024

One of the challenges in the healthcare sector is making accurate forecasts across insurance years for claims reserve. Healthcare claims present huge variability and heterogeneity influenced by random decisions of the courts and intrinsic characteristics of the damaged parties, which makes traditional methods for estimating reserves inadequate. We propose a new methodology to estimate claim reserves in the healthcare insurance system based on generalized linear models using the Overdispersed Poisson distribution function. In this context, we developed a method to estimate the parameters of the quasi-likelihood function using a Gauss–Newton algorithm optimized through a genetic algorithm. The genetic algorithm plays a crucial role in glimpsing the position of the global minimum to ensure a correct convergence of the Gauss–Newton method, where the choice of the initial guess is fundamental. This methodology is applied as a case study to the healthcare system of the Tuscany region. The results were validated by comparing them with state-of-the-art measurement of the confidence intervals of the Overdispersed Poisson distribution parameters with better outcomes. Hence, local healthcare authorities could use the proposed and improved methodology to allocate resources dedicated to healthcare and global management.
Foot Placement in the Basic Position on the Start Block OSB12 of Young Competitive Swimmers
Authors: Matúš Ivan , Vadašová Bibiana , Eliaš Tomáš , Rydzik Łukasz , Ambroży Tadeusz , Czarny Wojciech
Published: January 2024

Background: The basic position on the starting block can influence the performance at the start, as it is the initial phase on which the other phases depend, as well as the swimming performance in sprint events in all swimming styles. The aim of our study is to analyze the effect of the foot in the base position on the block start on performance in the 5 m distance start. Material and Methods: Fifteen performance swimmers aged 17 ± 2 years were tested in their preferred wide and narrow starting positions, performing a total of six starts during which angular, temporal, and length changes were monitored in block, flight, and underwater phases. Fisher individual tests for differences of means were used to determine differences in kinematic parameters of the kick start to the 5 m distance. Differences in the position of the feet in kinematic parameters of the kick start to the 5 m distance were determined using the two-sample t-test with equal variance and effect size by Cohen’s d. Results: Swimmers were found to have significant differences (p < 0.05) between foot widths in block time (0.02 s), time to 2 m (0.05 s), flight and glide time and distance, maximal depth, and time to 5 m (0.08) in favor of the narrow baseline position. Conclusions: We recommend marking the center of the start block on the OSB or OSB platform for the competitors, as well as the center of the backrest, for better orientation and assuming the correct basic foot position on the start block.
The Spatial Pattern and Influencing Factors of Urban Knowledge-Intensive Business Services: A Case Study of Wuhan Metropolitan Area, China
Authors: Ma Zilu , Huang Yaping
Published: January 2024

Knowledge-intensive business services (KIBSs) are key links in leading the sustainable development of cities. Studying the spatial pattern and influencing factors of urban KIBSs can help improve the utilization of KIBS resources. Taking the Wuhan metropolitan area as a case study, based on data from industrial and commercial registration enterprises, this study uses the multi-ring buffer zone analysis and kernel density estimation method to analyze the spatial pattern of KIBS, and uses a negative binomial regression model to detect the influencing factors of the spatial pattern of KIBS. The results show that: (1) KIBSs are mainly distributed in the inner suburbs, presenting a multi-center spatial pattern, exhibiting the law of agglomeration along entrepreneurial streets, headquarter bases, science and technology parks, university clusters, business centers, and industrial bases. Obvious differences exist in the spatial patterns of KIBS sub-sectors. (2) Land price, traffic conditions, office space, commercial environment, technology factors, industry diversity, incubation environment, investment environment, manufacturing foundation, agglomeration factors, and policy factors are the main factors affecting the spatial patterns of KIBSs. There are differences in the impact of influencing factors on KIBS sub-sectors. The results can provide a decision-making basis for the rational layout and planning of urban KIBSs in the post-industrial era.
The Effect of Brand Lovemark on Reusable Cups in Coffee Shops: Machine Use Intention, Willingness to Pay a Deposit, and Green Brand Loyalty
Authors: Noh Yooin , Kim Min Jung , Kim Dae-Young
Published: January 2024

Despite significant coffee shops’ efforts to promote sustainable practices, customers’ actual CSR engagement in the coffee shop industry is still low. This is because CSR practices in the hospitality industry often require customer engagement, which can sometimes be inconvenient for customers, and some customers may even be skeptical about green practices themselves. Thus, this study examines the effect of brand lovemark on three customer behavioral outcomes (i.e., green brand loyalty, willingness to pay a deposit, and machine use intention) in coffee shops’ CSR practices. We used a scenario-based experimental design on CSR practices in two coffee shop brands (i.e., Starbucks and Dunkin’). The study demonstrates that consumers with a high brand lovemark act more positively toward coffee shop CSR practices than customers with a low brand lovemark. In addition, the interactions between brand lovemark and gender appear to be important in all three behavioral outcomes. Specifically, it confirms that men and women show different levels of behavior outcomes depending on their level of brand lovemark. Theoretical and managerial implications are also suggested with the direction for future study.
Sustainability-Oriented Surface Modification of Polyester Knitted Fabrics with Chitosan
Authors: Pušić Tanja , Bušac Tea , Šimić Kristina , Čurlin Mirjana , Šaravanja Ana , Grgić Katia , Volmajer Valh Julija
Published: January 2024

The existing research deals with the process of modifying polyester knitted fabrics and polyester/cotton knitted fabrics with chitosan and the stability of functionalized surface with chitosan in the washing process according to a standard and an innovative washing procedure. The current research concept aims to evaluate the degree of progressivity and progressiveness: the modification of polyester knitted fabrics with chitosan and an innovative washing process. The polyester and polyester/cotton fabrics modified with chitosan were characterized by a staining test, microscopic analysis, zeta potential measurement, and pilling tendency of the knitted fabrics before and after five and ten washing cycles with reference detergent ECE A. The results of the zeta potential measurement of knitted fabrics functionalized with chitosan confirmed cationization of the polyester and polyester/cotton fabric with chitosan. The presence of chitosan on the washed knitted fabrics in reduced quantities is demonstrated by the staining test, the colour strength (K/S), and the zeta potential values. The staining test and surface charge of the tested knitted fabrics confirmed the research hypothesis regarding the degree of progressivity of the modification of polyester and polyester/cotton knitted fabrics with chitosan and the sustainability of the innovative washing process. The streaming potential proved to be a favorable method for monitoring the stability of chitosan in the washing process in combination with a staining test with the selected dye Remazol Red RB.
Evaluation of Service Quality in Passenger Transport with a Focus on Liner Maritime Passenger Transport—A Systematic Review
Authors: Mikuličić Jelena Žanić , Kolanović Ines , Jugović Alen , Brnos Dalibor
Published: January 2024

Every mode of passenger transport plays an important, strategic role in the lives of a country’s people, its economy, its global business, and its tourism. In today’s competitive world, passenger transport relies heavily on its performance, which in turn is determined by service quality provided to customers. The evaluation of service quality in passenger transport is crucial to ensure acceptable quality standards for users and to improve the services offered to passengers and travelers. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the methods used to evaluate service quality in passenger transport in the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection, with a particular focus on liner maritime passenger transport. The results show that a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods is most frequently used in the selected articles. However, the number of scientific articles dealing with this topic has increased in recent years. This shows the growing interest in analyzing service quality for a particular mode of transport. The majority of articles are assigned to the areas of Transportation, Business and Economics, Science and Technology, Environmental Sciences, etc. Future research should focus on evaluating service quality through the impact of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, including relevant factors, on service quality in passenger transport.
Experimental Study on Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene-Modified Binders and Fly Ash Micro-Filler Contributions for Implementation in Porous Asphalt Mixes
Authors: Lagos-Varas Manuel , Movilla-Quesada Diana , Raposeiras Aitor C. , Villarroel Melany , Ramos-Gavilán Ana B. , Castro-Fresno Daniel
Published: January 2024

Styrene–butadiene–styrene copolymer (SBS) can be used to improve the mechanical and deformation properties of the binder used in its manufacture. However, the high cost of and variability in processing limit its performance. A secondary modifier to solve these problems is nano- and micromaterials that allow for the generation of unique properties in polymeric systems. Based on this, this study experimented with fly ash micro-filler (μFA) in low proportions as a binder modifier with SBS for use in PA mixes. The FA residue is considered in 3% and 5% dosages on a base binder with 5% SBS. Rheological results show that μFA improves classical, linear viscoelastic (LVE), and progressive damage properties compared with the modified binder. The PA blends with μFA reduce binder runout, resulting in a thicker film, thus showing better abrasion resistance in dry and wet conditions. Samples with μFA increase the post-cracking energy in indirect tension due to higher ductility. However, they decrease the fracture energy due to higher cracking before failure. In addition, μFA manages to decrease the difference between dry and wet ITS.
A Spatial Visual Quality Evaluation Method for an Urban Commercial Pedestrian Street Based on Streetscape Images—Taking Tianjin Binjiang Road as an Example
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Pang Chunyu
Published: January 2024

As core public spaces in cities, urban commercial pedestrian streets are important destinations for local residents and foreign tourists, and confusion regarding the visual space of a commercial pedestrian street sends direct environmental warning signals to pedestrians, affecting their visiting decisions. In this paper, through an investigation consisting of the artificial field simulation of the visual perception of pedestrians, we collect the corresponding street images and extract visual elements using the full convolutional network. Semantic segmentation is performed to obtain the visual parameters of the street. According to the quantitative model, the visual elements are matched with geographic elements, and a geographic information database is established to evaluate the spatial visual quality of commercial pedestrian streets. (1) There is obvious spatial heterogeneity in the spatial visual quality of different streets in commercial pedestrian streets. (2) The building heights, street widths, as well as the street vegetation, facilities, and landscape vignettes are spatial elements that shape the spatial visual quality of commercial pedestrian streets. (3) The main distribution of commercial facilities and the distribution of active businesses have an important impact on the degree of crowd gathering in a street space and the visual spatial quality of a street. This paper provides comparable data collection methods and research methods for the visual spatial quality of commercial pedestrian streets. This paper can also provide valuable data for the design, planning, and sustainable renewal management and regulation of the visual perception of commercial pedestrian streets.