bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FAUNet: Frequency Attention U-Net for Parcel Boundary Delineation in Satellite Images
Authors: Awad Bahaa , Erer Isin
Published: October 2023

Parcel detection and boundary delineation play an important role in numerous remote sensing applications, such as yield estimation, crop type classification, and farmland management systems. Consequently, achieving accurate boundary delineation remains a prominent research area within remote sensing literature. In this study, we propose a straightforward yet highly effective method for boundary delineation that leverages frequency attention to enhance the precision of boundary detection. Our approach, named Frequency Attention U-Net (FAUNet), builds upon the foundational and successful U-Net architecture by incorporating a frequency-based attention gate to enhance edge detection performance. Unlike many similar boundary delineation methods that employ three segmentation masks, our network employs only two, resulting in a more streamlined post-processing workflow. The essence of frequency attention lies in the integration of a frequency gate utilizing a high-pass filter. This high-pass filter output accentuates the critical high-frequency components within feature maps, thereby significantly improves edge detection performance. Comparative evaluation of FAUNet against alternative models demonstrates its superiority across various pixel-based and object-based metrics. Notably, FAUNet achieves a pixel-based precision, F1 score, and IoU of 0.9047, 0.8692, and 0.7739, respectively. In terms of object-based metrics, FAUNet demonstrates minimal over-segmentation (OS) and under-segmentation (US) errors, with values of 0.0341 and 0.1390, respectively.
Data Collection for Target Localization in Ocean Monitoring Radar-Communication Networks
Authors: Liu Yuan , Zhao Shengjie , Han Fengxia , Chai Mengqiu , Jiang Hao , Zhang Hongming
Published: October 2023

With the ongoing changes in global climate, ocean data play a crucial role in understanding the complex variations in the earth system. These variations pose significant challenges to human efforts in addressing the changes. As a data hub for the satellite geodetic technique, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) instill new vitality into ocean data collection due to their flexibility and mobility. At the same time, the dual-functional radar-communication (DFRC) system is considered a promising technology to empower ubiquitous communication and high-accuracy localization. In this paper, we explore a new fusion of UAV and DFRC to assist data acquisition in the ocean surveillance scenario. The floating buoys transmit uplink data transmission to the UAV with non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and attempt to localize the target cooperatively. With the mobility of the UAV and power control at the buoys, the system throughput and the target localization performance can be improved simultaneously. To balance the communication and sensing performance, a two-objective optimization problem is formulated by jointly optimizing the UAV’s location and buoy’s transmit power to maximize the system throughput and minimize the attainable localization mean-square error. We propose a joint communication and radar-sensing many-objective optimization (CRMOP) algorithm to meliorate the communication and radar-sensing performance simultaneously. Simulation results demonstrate that compared with the baseline, the proposed algorithm achieves superior performance in balancing the system throughput and target localization.
Semi-Supervised Urban Change Detection Using Multi-Modal Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 MSI Data
Authors: Hafner Sebastian , Ban Yifang , Nascetti Andrea
Published: October 2023

Urbanization is progressing at an unprecedented rate in many places around the world. The Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and Sentinel-2 MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) missions, combined with deep learning, offer new opportunities to accurately monitor urbanization at a global scale. Although the joint use of SAR and optical data has recently been investigated for urban change detection, existing data fusion methods rely heavily on the availability of sufficient training labels. Meanwhile, change detection methods addressing label scarcity are typically designed for single-sensor optical data. To overcome these limitations, we propose a semi-supervised urban change detection method that exploits unlabeled Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 MSI data. Using bitemporal SAR and optical image pairs as inputs, the proposed multi-modal Siamese network predicts urban changes and performs built-up area segmentation for both timestamps. Additionally, we introduce a consistency loss, which penalizes inconsistent built-up area segmentation across sensor modalities on unlabeled data, leading to more robust features. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the SpaceNet 7 dataset, comprising multi-temporal building annotations from rapidly urbanizing areas across the globe, was enriched with Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 MSI data. Subsequently, network performance was analyzed under label-scarce conditions by training the network on different fractions of the labeled training set. The proposed method achieved an F1 score of 0.555 when using all available training labels, and produced reasonable change detection results (F1 score of 0.491) even with as little as 10% of the labeled training data. In contrast, multi-modal supervised methods and semi-supervised methods using optical data failed to exceed an F1 score of 0.402 under this condition. Code and data are made publicly available.
Inventory of Glacial Lake in the Southeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Derived from Sentinel-1 SAR Image and Sentinel-2 MSI Image
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhao Jun , Yao Xiaojun , Duan Hongyu , Yang Jianxia , Pang Wenlong
Published: October 2023

The glacial lakes in the Southeastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (SEQTP) have undergone dramatic expansion in the context of global warming, leading to several glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) disasters. However, there is a gap and incompleteness in glacial lake inventories across this area due to the heavy cloud cover. In this study, an updated and comprehensive glacial lake inventory was produced by object-based image analysis (OBIA) and manual vectorization based on the Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 MSI images acquired in 2022. Detailed steps regarding the OBIA were provided, and the feature set of Sentinel-1 SAR images suitable for extracting glacial lakes was also determined in this paper. We found that the mean combination of ascending-orbit and descending-orbit images is appropriate for mapping glacial lakes. VV-polarized backscattering coefficients from ascending-orbit achieved a better performance for delineating glacial lakes within the study area. Moreover, the distribution of glacial lakes was characterized in terms of four aspects: size, type, elevation, and space. There were 3731 glacial lakes with a total area of 1664.22 ± 0.06 km2 in the study area; most of them were less than 0.07 km2. Ice-contacted lakes were primarily located in the Palongzangbo basin (13.24 ± 0.08 km2). Nyang Qu basin had the most abundant glacial lake resources (2456 and 93.32 ± 0.18 km2). A comparison with previously published glacial lake datasets demonstrated that our dataset is more complete. This inventory is useful for evaluating water resources, studying glacier–glacial lake interactions, and assessing GLOFs’ susceptibility in the SEQTP.
The Novel Copernicus Global Dataset of Atmospheric Total Water Vapour Content with Related Uncertainties from GNSS Observations
Authors: Rannat Kalev , Keernik Hannes , Madonna Fabio
Published: October 2023

A novel algorithm has been designed and implemented in the Climate Data Store (CDS) frame of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) with the main goal of providing high-quality GNSS-based integrated water vapour (IWV) datasets for climate research and applications. For this purpose, the related CDS GNSS datasets were primarily obtained from GNSS reprocessing campaigns, given their highest quality in adjusting systematic effects due to changes in instrumentation and data processing. The algorithm is currently applied to the International GNSS Service (IGS) tropospheric products, which are consistently extended in near real-time and date back to 2000, and to the results of a reprocessing campaign conducted by the EUREF Permanent GNSS Network (EPN repro2), covering the period from 1996 to 2014. The GNSS IWV retrieval employs ancillary meteorological data sourced from ERA5. Moreover, IWV estimates are provided with associated uncertainty, using an approach similar to that used for the Global Climate Observing System Reference Upper-Air Network (GRUAN) GNSS data product. To assess the quality of the newly introduced GNSS IWV datasets, a comparison is made against the radiosonde data from GRUAN and the Radiosounding HARMonization (RHARM) dataset as well as with the IGS repro3, which will be the next GNSS-based extension of IWV time series at CDS. The comparison indicates that the average difference in IWV among the reprocessed GNSS datasets is less than 0.1 mm. Compared to RHARM and GRUAN IWV values, a small dry bias of less than 1 mm for the GNSS IWV is detected. Additionally, the study compares GNSS IWV trends with the corresponding values derived from RHARM at selected radiosonde sites with more than ten years of data. The trends are mostly statistically significant and in good agreement.
The Utilization of Seed Priming as a Tool to Overcome Salt and Drought Stresses: Is Still a Long Way to Go?
Authors: Forni Cinzia , Borromeo Ilaria
Published: October 2023

Abiotic stresses, sometimes due to dramatic environmental changes, such as sudden and heavy rainfalls, or drought, increasing temperatures or soil salinization, deeply affect the growth and yield of plants. Progress in terms of improving the abiotic stress tolerance of plants can be obtained via classical breeding and genetic engineering, which can be slow, or by practice, such as acclimation and seed priming. The latter can improve seedling performance, and it can be considered a short-term approach. Seed priming with different agents and biopriming may offer the possibility to improve stress tolerance, even though its beneficial effect depends on crop species, dose, and time of application. The aim of this review is to highlight some of the current research trends that may ultimately lead to strategies for stress-proofing crop species. The focus is on those abiotic stresses, e.g., drought and soil salinity, that are most often associated with climate change and poor agricultural practices and those crops that are most important for human nutrition. Comments are provided on the challenges and pros and cons of this methodology.
Orthostasis Is Impaired Due to Fatiguing Intensive Acute Concentric Exercise Succeeded by Isometric Weight-Loaded Wall-Sit in Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sonkodi Balázs , Radovits Tamás , Csulak Emese , Kopper Bence , Sydó Nóra , Merkely Béla
Published: October 2023

The aim of the study was to investigate any indication of diminished orthostatic tolerance as a result of fatiguing intensive acute concentric exercise with a successive isometric wall-sit followed by an orthostatic stress test, with a special focus on any distinguishable alterations due to a delayed-onset muscle soreness effect. The exercise protocol was carried out among nineteen (10 female, 9 male) junior swimmers from the Hungarian National Swim Team. All athletes showed a positive orthostatic stress test right after our exercise protocol. The diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower due to the delayed-onset muscle soreness effect in the standing position after the supine position of the orthostatic stress test, in contrast to the athletes who did not experience delayed-onset muscle soreness. Furthermore, the heart rate was dysregulated in athletes with a delayed-onset muscle soreness effect when they assumed a supine position after the sustained standing position during the orthostatic stress test, in contrast to the athletes without delayed-onset muscle soreness. Interesting to note is that, in three subjects, the sustained standing position decreased the heart rate below the level of the initial supine position and six athletes experienced dizziness in the standing position, and all of these athletes were from the group that experienced delayed-onset muscle soreness. Accordingly, this study, for the first time, demonstrated that delayed-onset muscle soreness impairs orthostasis after unaccustomed fatiguing intensive acute concentric exercise with a successive isometric weight-loaded wall-sit; however, validation of this association should be investigated in a larger sample size.
Bioaccumulation and Mobility of Heavy Metals in the Soil-Plant System and Health Risk Assessment of Vegetables Irrigated by Wastewater
Authors: Abbas Muhammad Tansar , Wadaan Mohammad Ahmad , Ullah Hidayat , Farooq Muhammad , Fozia Fozia , Ahmad Ijaz , Khan Muhammad Farooq , Baabbad Almohannad , Ullah Zia
Published: October 2023

Accumulation of heavy metals in soil and vegetables is presently a challenging environmental concern worldwide. The present study was designed to elucidate heavy metals contamination of vegetables irrigated with domestic wastewater and associated health risks. The study area comprises three zones: Kot Addu, Alipur, and Muzaffargarh. A total of 153 samples of wastewater, topsoil, and vegetables were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and concentration levels of eight metal elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr) determined through analytical procedures. The outcome of the present investigation reveals that heavy metal concentrations in wastewater, soil, and vegetables irrigated with wastewater were slightly higher than the WHO-suggested limit. The heavy metals concentration observed in vegetables irrigated with wastewater can be ranked in order of Ni > Mn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Fe > Zn > Cd. Transfer factor (TF), daily ingestion of metals (DIM), and health risk index (HRI) were calculated. Spinach exhibited higher values of transfer factor than cabbage, cauliflower, and radish, which were followed by tinda and carrot. Minimum values of HRI were observed for Cr (0.0109) in almost all of the vegetables ingested by adults and children. Cabbage exhibited higher values of HRI for Pb (4.0656) in adults, followed by cadmium (HRI = 2.993). Minimum values of HRI were calculated for Cd (0.0115; child). Cauliflower exhibited higher values of HRI (5.2768) for Pb in children. Pb, HRI values (4.5902) were observed in adults living in Kot Addu. The results exhibited similar trends of HRI in adults and children living in Muzaffargarh and Alipur.
Potential Industrial Synergies in the Steelmaking and Metal-Processing Industry: By-Products Valorization and Associated Technological Processes
Authors: Henriques Juan , Castro Pedro M. , Dias Rui , Magalhães Bruno , Estrela Marco
Published: October 2023

Steelmaking and ferrous metal processing companies are suppliers of great importance to a wide array of industries, thus being quintessential for the social and financial growth of regions and countries. Most used processes (i.e., blast furnace, basic oxygen furnace, and electric arc furnace-based) are, however, highly pollutant, generating hazardous wastes that were usually landfilled. Generated wastes are important sources of secondary raw materials such as zinc and iron, presenting interesting market value. Hence, aiming to develop green procedures, industries have been using diverse approaches to treat and detoxify hazardous wastes, extract and reuse added value components, or even use their existing infrastructures to convert the wastes generated by other industries into secondary raw materials for steel manufacturing. This paper reviews the main industrial processes, focusing on the waste-generating steps, and discloses the most recent and relevant industrial synergies toward a circular economy. The final contribution of this study consists of the compilation of industrial synergies and recovery technologies for the steelmaking and metal processes.
Linking Supply Chain Collaboration, Collaborative Advantage, and Firm Performance in China: The Moderating Role of Government Subsidies
Authors: Liu Zhe , Jiao Chenghao , Zhang Yudong , Wang Jiaji
Published: October 2023

Supply chain collaboration is acknowledged for its benefits, but realizing these advantages can be challenging. The role of government subsidies in supply chain collaboration, collaborative advantage, and firm performance remains unclear. In this study, we explored how supply chain collaboration can enhance firm performance and the roles of collaborative advantage and government subsidies in that process. Firstly, we reviewed the related literature and proposed our hypotheses. Secondly, we formulated an innovative theoretical framework and issued our questionnaire after a pilot study. After collecting and evaluating the sample data, we utilized structural equation modeling to comprehensively examine those relationships in a supply chain, unlike the previous studies on trust, firm size, etc. Lastly, in the context of government interventions, this study addresses the question: “To what extent do government subsidies influence the relationships among supply chain collaboration, collaborative advantage, and firm performance?” Our findings indicate that supply chain collaboration is fundamental in shaping collaborative advantage and firm performance, while collaborative advantage is crucial in enhancing firm performance. Additionally, government support in the form of subsidies acts as a catalyst, further enhancing the positive outcomes of supply chain collaboration and ultimately benefiting firm performance. This research underscores the strategic significance of supply chain collaboration and government subsidies in promoting overall business success. By illuminating the roles of collaborative advantage and government subsidies in this context, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic capability involved in achieving improved firm performance through effective supply chain collaboration.
Oradea’s Cultural Event Management: The Impact of the ‘Night of the Museums’ on Tourist Perception and Destination Brand Identity
Authors: Elhosiny Said Mohamed , Hassan Thowayeb H. , Josan Ioana , Salem Amany E. , Abdelmoaty Mostafa A. , Herman Grigore Vasile , Wendt Jan Andrzej , Janzakov Bekzot , Mahmoud Hassan Marzok Elsayed , Abuelnasr Magdy Sayed
Published: October 2023

Understanding how event quality influences destination identity and tourist satisfaction is crucial for creating memorable experiences and fostering positive perceptions of a destination. The ‘Night of the Museums’ event in Oradea, Romania, offers a unique cultural experience, but little research has been conducted to understand its impact on destination perception and tourist satisfaction. This study examines the relationship between event quality, destination identity, tourist satisfaction, and behavioral intentions within the context of Oradea’s Night of the Museums event. Four domains of event quality (visit quality, interaction quality, outcome quality, and physical environment quality) are assessed for their impact on destination identity and tourist satisfaction. Results indicated that visit quality, interaction quality, and outcome quality significantly predicted destination identity, whereas interaction quality and the quality of the physical environment significantly influenced tourist satisfaction. Furthermore, positive event experiences increased the likelihood of tourists recommending the destination to others, which in turn significantly predicted the intention to revisit. These findings have implications for event organizers, destination management organizations, and policymakers seeking to enhance event quality, promote positive destination identity, and cultivate tourist satisfaction, ultimately leading to increased recommendations and revisitation.
Examining the Effects of “Small Private Online Course and Flipped-Classroom”-Based Blended Teaching Strategy on First-Year English-Major Students’ Achievements
Authors: Zheng Luyan , Lee Keok Cheong
Published: October 2023

Blended teaching, characterized as a combination of online instruction and face-to-face teaching is effective in maintaining high student retention, promoting learners’ motivation and saving costs in EFL teaching. However, as low learning efficiency can lead to a reduced performance related to students’ blended learning, it is necessary to study the effectiveness of blended teaching. This study aims to examine the effects of the “SPOC and Flipped classroom”-based blended teaching strategy on first-year English-major students’ achievements in five English language skills compared with those of the traditional face-to-face classroom teaching strategy. For this research, a quasi-experiment was conducted for one semester, employing an “SPOC and Flipped classroom”-based blended teaching strategy in two undergraduate classes for first-year English-major students. A total of 64 students majoring in English at a Chinese university in Shandong province participated in the quasi-experiment and were divided into the control class (N = 32, (intact group), with 6 men and 26 women) and the experimental class (N = 32, (intact group), with 4 men and 28 women). Intervention was performed in the experimental class, while a typical face-to-face classroom teaching strategy was employed in the control class. Findings of students’ overall achievements showed that the blended teaching strategy based on the SPOC and flipped-classroom approach was more effective in improving students’ achievements than face-to-face classroom teaching. Findings of students’ achievements in each of the five English language skills showed that the “SPOC and Flipped”-based blended teaching strategy was effective in enhancing students’ listening, reading, translating, and writing, but was not effective in speaking. Furthermore, students’ genders and regional backgrounds were considered as moderating variables of students’ achievements, and findings indicated that gender had no significantly positive effect on students’ achievements in the blended teaching intervention. However, a significant difference in achievements between the students from urban and rural areas was observed, which indicated that regional background had significantly positive effect on students’ achievements in blended teaching. The findings of the research implied that the implementation of well-designed blended learning that uses effective strategies could significantly improve students’ achievements in English language skills, but that there would be different results among students of different skill levels and regional backgrounds. Moreover, as the quality of EFL blended teaching improves, students’ academic performance will be enhanced.
Identifying Coastal Cities from the Perspective of “Identity-Structure-Meaning”: A Study of Urban Tourism Imagery in Sanya, China
Authors: Hu Tao , Chen Huimin
Published: October 2023

Urban tourism imagery is an essential factor affecting the competitiveness of cities. However, most existing studies use small data methods such as interviews and questionnaires to explore tourists’ perceptions of cities without combining big data for analysis. In addition, there is relatively little research on the tourism imagery of coastal cities. Therefore, this study analyzes the data from 523 travelogues from a three-dimensional perspective of identity, structure, and meaning, using methods such as BERTopic, aiming to explore the tourism imagery of coastal cities perceived by tourists. The results show the following: (1) In terms of identity, Sanya’s urban tourism imagery has the attribute of “external explicit-internal implicit”, which satisfies tourists’ visual and spiritual experiences. (2) Regarding structure, Sanya has a clear regional division of imagery and a core–edge diffusion distribution among regions. (3) Regarding meaning, tourists’ attitudes toward Sanya are polarized. Positive emotions predominate in the overall perception of meaning, but 25% of the negative emotions require urgent attention. This study provides a reference for the sustainable development of tourism cities and the marketing management of destinations.
Green Supplier Assessment and Selection for Sea Cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) Processing Enterprise: Case Study in China
Authors: Ren Anqi , Zhao Xintao , Liu Qi , Yu Lixingbo , Han Fengfan , Jia Fei , Hou Haochen , Liu Ying
Published: October 2023

Green supply chain management is a crucial way to balance economic benefits and environmental impacts. As an important economic aquatic product in China, sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) is facing the dual challenges of economic benefits (profit) and environmental sustainability (material input and emission output). Currently, the sea cucumber industry in China lacks a green supplier screening system, resulting in a fragmented pattern of cooperation among enterprises. Core enterprises in the supply chain cannot assume social responsibility to help and guide upstream and downstream enterprises to jointly improve environmental performance. This study focuses on the selection and evaluation of green suppliers for sea cucumber processing enterprises. Firstly, a green supplier assessment indicator system for sea cucumber processing enterprises was established, and the indicator weights were determined by the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. Next taking a large sea cucumber processing enterprise in Dalian, China, as an example, the importance level of each index was evaluated by fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE), and the score and ranking of existing suppliers were determined. The validity and practicality of the method were verified. The results show that Supplier 1 (S1) has the highest score, and the price of sea cucumber farming, the cleaner production level of sea cucumber farming, environmental awareness, and long-term cooperation willingness were the most important factors in the selection of green suppliers for sea cucumber processing enterprises, which provides useful clues on the best practice of making sustainable development decisions. With an in-depth understanding of the key factors, suppliers can formulate different prices according to the differences in sales channels to improve the economic deficiencies. Environmental pollution can also be reduced by using clean energy, establishing a recirculating aquaculture system, and using micro-ecological preparations. The conclusions of this study can provide technical support and decision-making suggestions for the application of green supply chain management in China’s aquaculture industry.
Study on the Innovation-Driven Effect of Digital Economy on Real Economy—A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis from an R&D Perspective
Authors: Xu Guoteng , Shan Jingtong , Li Chengjiang , Chen Xia , Zhou Na
Published: October 2023

The rising integration of China’s digital economy with its real economy is propelling the global economy toward a new stage of system reconstruction, profoundly affecting the economic and social development, national governance, and lives of various countries. Formulating and implementing a development strategy for the digital economy is crucial for China. However, there is a lack of research on the innovation-driven relationship between the digital economy and the real economy using authoritative statistics. This paper addresses this gap by adopting Romer’s R&D model and theories from other scholars, thereby constructing an innovation-driven analysis model. Leveraging over 10,000 authoritative statistics and econometric regression, it quantitatively assesses the innovation-driven effect of China’s digital economy on the real economy at both national and regional levels. The study concludes with empirical-based development suggestions to promote the profound integration and innovation within China’s digital and real economies, thereby offering an objective and valuable reference.
Simulation Study on Gas Leakage Law and Early Warning in a Utility Tunnel
Authors: Wang Ru , Zhang Zhenji , Gong Daqing
Published: October 2023

The large-scale construction of utility tunnels improves people’s daily life, but also increases the probability of gas leakage events. Gas is a flammable and explosive substance, and once a leakage and explosion accident occurs it will seriously affect the safety of personal property and disturb the urban order. Although the application of utility tunnels is becoming more and more widespread, the research on its operation and maintenance management is not sufficient. How to effectively and safely implement the operation and maintenance management of utility tunnels has become an important issue of concern for scholars at home and abroad. This paper takes the Beijing Winter Olympic Games utility tunnels as the research object, uses ANSYS Fluent R18.0, establishes the simulation model through the relevant fluid mechanics theory, and theoretically demonstrates the physical relationships of the relevant parameters. Through the simulation analysis of various leakage scenarios, the gas diffusion law is obtained when a small hole leaks, so as to determine the most economical and safest gas sensor deployment mode. The research results can provide theoretical support for the construction of utility tunnels in the future, provide ideas for the preparation of relevant system documents for utility tunnels, and ensure the orderly and scientific construction of utility tunnel projects.
The Dynamic Path Planning of Autonomous Vehicles on Icy and Snowy Roads Based on an Improved Artificial Potential Field
Authors: Zhai Shuangzhu , Pei Yulong
Published: October 2023

The crucial dynamic path planning of autonomous vehicles is achieved via obstacle avoidance path planning technology. The reduction of the tire adhesion coefficient on icy and snowy roads (ISRs) increases the difficulty of autonomous vehicles’ control. In this paper, the driving characteristics of vehicles on ISRs are established, and the artificial potential field function is introduced to avoid collision risk when planning a path. A dynamic path planning algorithm for autonomous vehicles based on the artificial potential field (APF) is established. The adjustment factor is added to the gravitational potential field, and a judgment coefficient is added to the repulsive potential field to improve the artificial potential field function, based on the low adhesion of vehicles on ISRs. Moreover, a path with a continuous curvature is generated to achieve the driving comfort and driving safety of the planned path via trajectory smoothing. By establishing the Carsim/Simulink co-simulation platform, the effectiveness of dynamic path planning for autonomous vehicles under different algorithms and different obstacle models is compared. The results show that the improved APF algorithm has an obvious effect on the smoothness of the path and the reduction of the curvature mutation and can generate a safe and efficient path on icy and snowy roads. The dynamic obstacle avoidance of the improved APF algorithm improves the pre-judgment accuracy of the collision risk assessment of autonomous vehicles and shows the superiority of the improved algorithm.
Digital Communication of Conscientious Brands: Case Studies
Authors: Bertolini Alessandra , Conte Francesca , Siano Alfonso , Marongiu Fabiola
Published: October 2023

In the actual context, it is increasingly crucial for brands to act with a conscience and communicate their environmental and social commitments to gain social legitimacy from stakeholders. Despite the relevance of this issue, limited studies provide insight into conscientious communication. Specifically, there is a dearth of research in the conscientious brand literature on how conscience-driven brands can communicate in digital environments. Indeed, brands may benefit from digital touchpoints by increasing social acceptance. The proposed paper aims to provide a conscientious communication definition and explore requirements that conscientious brands can fulfil to communicate their conscientiousness to stakeholders in the online context. The findings emerging from secondary data-based case studies offer a preliminary definition of conscientious communication and initial answers to what conscientious brands communicate (main contents), to whom (main audience), for what objectives (functions), how (main principles) and where (main digital means and channels) they communicate. Furthermore, the paper provides a compass to orient managers and practitioners toward conscientious communication strategies and practices to achieve environmental, social, and governance goals. This study broadens the debate on conscientious brands and offers theoretical insights into social legitimacy. Finally, it paves the way for future research in this emerging field.
The Addition of Anthocyanin as a Sensitizer for TiO2 Nanotubes in a Combined Process of Electrocoagulation and Photocatalysis for Methylene Blue Removal
Authors: Kustiningsih Indar , Pujiastuti Hendrini , Sari Denni Kartika , Rochmat Agus , Slamet
Published: October 2023

Photocatalysis with TiO2 semiconductors is one of several potential methods for removing Methylene Blue (MB) that is environmentally friendly, relatively cheap, and effective. The capability of TiO2 photocatalysts for degrading MB can be improved by modifying the morphology of TiO2 into nanotubes and adding anthocyanin sensitizers. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of anthocyanin sensitizer addition for TiO2 nanotubes on MB removal using a combined process of electrocoagulation and photocatalysis. TiO2 nanotubes were prepared through an anodization method with a glycerol electrolyte containing NH4F of 0.5% w/v and water of 25% v/v. The cathode and anode used in the electrocoagulation process were 316 stainless steel and aluminum, respectively. The characteristics of the resulting TiO2 nanotubes were analyzed using SEM-EDX, UV–Vis DRS, and XRD analyses. The results showed that the electrocoagulation at a pH of 10 and a voltage of 50 volts resulted in an MB removal efficiency of 57.88%. In the photocatalysis process, sensitizer addition can increase the MB removal efficiency from 19.71% to 29.06%. Furthermore, a combined process of electrocoagulation and photocatalysis without and with sensitizer addition resulted in MB removal efficiencies of 59.66% and 64.30%, respectively.
Improvement of β-SiC Synthesis Technology on Silicon Substrate
Authors: Suchikova Yana , Kovachov Sergii , Bohdanov Ihor , Kozlovskiy Artem L. , Zdorovets Maxim V. , Popov Anatoli I.
Published: October 2023

This article presents an enhanced method for synthesizing β-SiC on a silicon substrate, utilizing porous silicon as a buffer layer, followed by thermal carbide formation. This approach ensured strong adhesion of the SiC film to the substrate, facilitating the creation of a hybrid hetero-structure of SiC/por-Si/mono-Si. The surface morphology of the SiC film revealed islands measuring 2–6 μm in diameter, with detected micropores that were 70–80 nm in size. An XRD analysis confirmed the presence of spectra from crystalline silicon and crystalline silicon carbide in cubic symmetry. The observed shift in spectra to the low-frequency zone indicated the formation of nanostructures, correlating with our SEM analysis results. These research outcomes present prospects for the further utilization and optimization of β-SiC synthesis technology for electronic device development.
Safety and Toxicology Study of Hu7691, a Novel AKT Inhibitor, following Oral Administration in Rats
Authors: Gai Renhua , Chen Chao , Zhang Wei , Ma Jian , Wang Xiaomeng , Chi Xiaoqing , Li Guangxing
Published: October 2023

Hu7691 represents a novel Pan-Akt kinase inhibitor, demonstrating excellent selectivity towards non-AGC kinase families and pronounced inhibitory effects on the proliferation of multiple tumor cell lines. However, there is currently a notable absence of in vivo toxicological research evidence concerning Hu7691. This study represents the first investigation into the 14-day repeated-dose toxicity of Hu7691 in male and female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Male rats were administered daily doses of 12.5, 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg/day, while female rats received doses of 12.5, 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg/day for 14 consecutive days. Hematological assessments, organ weights, and histopathological examinations revealed corresponding alterations, suggesting potential target organs for toxicity including the spleen, thymus, and gastrointestinal tract. It is worth noting that the test substance may also impact the liver, kidneys, heart, and ovaries. The No Observed Effect Level (NOAEL) was determined to be no greater than 12.5 mg/kg/day. Based on the observed gender-related toxicity differences in preliminary trials, it is recommended that the high dose reference dose for male animals in formal experiments should not be less than 100 mg/kg/day, while for female animals, it should be less than 50 mg/kg/day.
Microplastic-Assisted Removal of Phosphorus and Ammonium Using Date Palm Waste Derived Biochar
Authors: Ahmad Munir , Rafique Muhammad Imran , Akanji Mutair A. , Al-Swadi Hamed Ahmed , Usama Muhammad , Mousa Mohammed Awad , Al-Wabel Mohammad I. , Al-Farraj Abdullah S. F.
Published: October 2023

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental pollutants worldwide, posing potential health risks. Moreover, MPs may act as vectors for other contaminants and affect their fate, transport, and deposition in the environment. Therefore, efficient and economical techniques are needed for the removal of contemporary MPs and contaminants from the environment. The present research study investigated the sorption of phosphorus (P) and ammonium (NH4+) onto date palm waste-derived biochar (BC) from an aqueous solution in the presence of polyamide (PA) and polyethylene (PE) MPs. The BC was prepared at 600 °C, characterized for physio-chemical properties, and applied for P and NH4+ removal via isotherm and kinetic sorption trials. The results of the sorption trials demonstrated the highest removal of NH4+ and P was obtained at neutral pH 7. The highest P sorption (93.23 mg g−1) by BC was recorded in the presence of PA, while the highest NH4+ sorption (103.76 mg g−1) was found with co-occurring PE in an aqueous solution. Sorption isotherm and kinetics models revealed that P and NH4+ removal by MP-amended BC followed chemisorption, electrostatic interaction, precipitation, diffusion, and ion exchange mechanisms. Overall, co-existing PA enhanced the removal of P and NH4+ by 66% and 7.7%, respectively, while co-existing PE increased the removal of P and NH4+ by 55% and 30%, respectively, through the tested BC. Our findings suggested that converting date palm waste into BC could be used as a competent and economical approach to removing P and NH4+ from contaminated water. Furthermore, microplastics such as PE and PA could assist in the removal of P and NH4+ from contaminated water using BC.
Associations of Long-Term Exposure to PM2.5 and Its Constituents with Erythrocytosis and Thrombocytosis in Rural Populations
Authors: Zheng Yiquan , He Yaling , Kang Ning , Zhang Caiyun , Liao Wei , Yuchi Yinghao , Liu Xiaotian , Hou Jian , Mao Zhenxing , Huo Wenqian , Zhang Kai , Tian Hezhong , Lin Hualiang , Wang Chongjian
Published: October 2023

Evidence on the effect of long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on erythrocytosis and thrombocytosis prevalence was limited. We aimed to investigate the association of PM2.5 and its constituents with the risks of erythrocytosis and thrombocytosis. The present study included a total of 33,585 participants from the Henan Rural Cohort at baseline between 2015 and 2017. A hybrid satellite-based model was employed to estimate the concentrations of PM2.5 mass and its constituents (including black carbon [BC], nitrate [NO3−], ammonium [NH4+], inorganic sulfate [SO42−], organic matter [OM], and soil particles [SOIL]). The logistic regression model was used to assess the associations of single exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents with the risks of erythrocytosis and thrombocytosis, and the quantile G-computation method was applied to evaluate their joint exposure risk. For the independent association, the odds ratios for erythrocytosis/thrombocytosis with 1 μg/m3 increase was 1.049/1.043 for PM2.5 mass, 1.596/1.610 for BC, 1.410/1.231 for NH4+, 1.205/1.139 for NO3−, 1.221/1.359 for OM, 1.300/1.143 for SO42−, and 1.197/1.313 for SOIL. Joint exposure to PM2.5 and its components was also positively associated with erythrocytosis and thrombocytosis. The estimated weight of NH4+ was found to be the largest for erythrocytosis, while OM had the largest weight for thrombocytosis. PM2.5 mass and its constituents were positively linked to prevalent erythrocytosis and thrombocytosis, both in single-exposure and joint-exposure models. Additionally, NH4+/OM was identified as a potentially responsible component for the association between PM2.5 and erythrocytosis/thrombocytosis.
Efficacy of Two Commercially Available Adsorbents to Reduce the Combined Toxic Effects of Dietary Aflatoxins, Fumonisins, and Zearalenone and Their Residues in the Tissues of Weaned Pigs
Authors: Aoyanagi Micheli Midori de Cerqueira Costa , Budiño Fábio Enrique Lemos , Raj Jog , Vasiljević Marko , Ali Sher , Ramalho Leandra Naira Zambelli , Ramalho Fernando Silva , Corassin Carlos Humberto , Ghantous Giovana Fumes , Oliveira Carlos Augusto Fernandes de
Published: October 2023

Mycotoxins present a significant health concern within the animal-feed industry, with profound implications for the pig-farming sector. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two commercial adsorbents, an organically modified clinoptilolite (OMC) and a multicomponent mycotoxin detoxifying agent (MMDA), to ameliorate the combined adverse effects of dietary aflatoxins (AFs: sum of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2), fumonisins (FBs), and zearalenone (ZEN) at levels of nearly 0.5, 1.0, and 1.0 mg/kg, on a cohort of cross-bred female pigs (N = 24). Pigs were randomly allocated into six experimental groups (control, mycotoxins (MTX) alone, MTX + OMC 1.5 kg/ton, MTX + OMC 3.0 kg/ton, MTX + MMDA 1.5 kg/ton, and MTX + MMDA 3.0 kg/ton), each consisting of four individuals, and subjected to a dietary regimen spanning 42 days. The administration of combined AFs, FBs, and ZEN reduced the body-weight gain and increased the relative weight of the liver, while there was no negative influence observed on the serum biochemistry of animals. The supplementation of OMC and MMDA ameliorated the toxic effects, as observed in organ histology, and provided a notable reduction in residual AFs, FBs, and ZEN levels in the liver and kidneys. Moreover, the OMC supplementation was able to reduce the initiation of liver carcinogenesis without any hepatotoxic side effects. These findings demonstrate that the use of OMC and MMDA effectively mitigated the adverse effects of dietary AFs, FBs, and ZEN in piglets. Further studies should explore the long-term protective effects of the studied adsorbent supplementation to optimize mycotoxin management strategies in pig-farming operations.
A 15-Year Retrospective Review of Ciguatera in the Madeira Islands (North-East Atlantic, Portugal)
Authors: Costa Pedro Reis , Churro Catarina , Rodrigues Susana Margarida , Frazão Bárbara , Barbosa Miguel , Godinho Lia , Soliño Lucía , Timóteo Viriato , Gouveia Neide
Published: October 2023

The first ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) in Portugal dates from 2008 when 11 people reported CFP symptoms after consuming a 30 kg amberjack caught around the Selvagens Islands (Madeira Archipelago). Since then, 49 human poisonings have been reported. The emergence of a new threat challenged scientists and regulators, as methods for toxic microalgae analyses and ciguatoxin (CTX) detection were not implemented. To minimise the risk of ciguatera, the Madeira Archipelago authorities interdicted fisheries in Selvagens Islands and banned the capture of amberjacks weighing more than 10 kg in the entire region of Madeira Archipelago. The accurate identification and quantification of the benthic toxin-producing algae species spreading to new areas require efforts in terms of both microscopy and molecular techniques. Two ciguatera-causing dinoflagellates, Gambierdiscus excentricus and Gambierdiscus australes, were identified in the Madeira Island and Selvagens sub-archipelago, respectively. Regarding the CTX analysis (N2a cell-based assay and LC-MS) in fish, the results indicate that the Selvagens Islands are a ciguatera risk area and that fish vectoring CTX are not limited to top predator species. Nevertheless, advances and improvements in screening methods for the fast detection of toxicity in seafood along with certified reference material and sensitive and selective targeted analytical methods for the determination of CTX content are still pending. This study aims to revise the occurrence of ciguatera cases in the Madeira Archipelago since its first detection in 2008, to discuss the risk management strategy that was implemented, and to provide a summary of the available data on the bioaccumulation of CTX in marine fish throughout the marine food web, taking into consideration their ecological significance, ecosystem dynamics, and fisheries relevance.
Rapid Orbit-to-Orbit Transfer to Asteroid 4660 Nereus Using Solar Electric Propulsion
Authors: Quarta Alessandro A. , Mengali Giovanni , Bassetto Marco
Published: October 2023

This paper analyzes the rapid rendezvous trajectory of a spacecraft equipped with an advanced solar electric propulsion system towards asteroid 4660 Nereus. In this context, a set of possible minimum-time orbit-to-orbit transfer trajectories is calculated by modeling the propulsion system performance characteristics on those of NASA’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster-Commercial (NEXT-C). In particular, the actual NEXT-C ion engine throttle table is used to calculate the optimal thrust control law that ensures the flight time is minimized for an assigned value for the spacecraft’s initial mass and the reference (electric) power at the beginning of the transfer. A baseline scenario that considers the actual inertial characteristics of the NASA’s DART spacecraft is analyzed in detail, and a parametric study is proposed to evaluate the transfer performance as a function of the main design parameters as, for example, the spacecraft’s initial mass and the reference power.
Chemoprophylactic Assessment of Combined Intranasal SARS-CoV-2 Polymerase and Exonuclease Inhibition in Syrian Golden Hamsters
Authors: Gallardo-Toledo Eduardo , Neary Megan , Sharp Joanne , Herriott Joanne , Kijak Edyta , Bramwell Chloe , Curley Paul , Arshad Usman , Pertinez Henry , Rajoli Rajith K. R. , Valentijn Anthony , Cox Helen , Tatham Lee , Kipar Anja , Stewart James P. , Owen Andrew
Published: October 2023

Pibrentasvir (PIB) has been demonstrated to block exonuclease activity of the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase, protecting favipiravir (FVP) and remdesivir (RDV) from post-incorporation excision and eliciting antiviral synergy in vitro. The present study investigated the chemoprophylactic efficacy of PIB, FVP, RDV, FVP with PIB, or RDV with PIB dosed intranasally twice a day, using a Syrian golden hamster contact transmission model. Compared to the saline control, viral RNA levels were significantly lower in throat swabs in FVP (day 7), RDV (day 3, 5, 7), and RDV+PIB (day 3, 5) treatment groups. Similarly, findings were evident for nasal turbinate after PIB and RDV treatment, and lungs after PIB, FVP, and FVP+PIB treatment at day 7. Lung viral RNA levels after RDV and RDV+PIB treatment were only detectable in two animals per group, but the overall difference was not statistically significant. In situ examination of the lungs confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in all animals, except for one in each of the RDV and RDV+PIB treatment groups, which tested negative in all virus detection approaches. Overall, prevention of transmission was observed in most animals treated with RDV, while other agents reduced the viral load following contact transmission. No benefit of combining FVP or RDV with PIB was observed.