bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on a Multimodel Fusion Diagnosis Method for Evaporation Ducts in the East China Sea
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Qiu Zhijin , Fan Chen , Song Guoqing , Wang Bo , Hu Tong , Zou Jing , Li Zhiqian , Wu Sheng
Published: October 2023

Evaporation ducts are abnormal states of the atmosphere in the air–sea boundary layer that directly affect the propagation trajectory of electromagnetic (EM) waves. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis of the evaporation duct height (EDH) is important for studying the propagation trajectory of EM waves in evaporation ducts. Most evaporation duct models (EDMs) based on the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory are empirical methods. Different EDMs have different levels of environmental adaptability. Evaporation duct diagnosis methods based on machine learning methods only consider the mathematical relationship between data and do not explore the physical mechanism of evaporation ducts. To solve the above problems, this study observed the meteorological and hydrological parameters of the five layers of the low-altitude atmosphere in the East China Sea on board the research vessel Xiangyanghong 18 in April 2021 and obtained the atmospheric refractivity profile. An evaporation duct multimodel fusion diagnosis method (MMF) based on a library for support vector machines (LIBSVM) is proposed. First, based on the observed meteorological and hydrological data, the differences between the EDH diagnosis results of different EDMs and MMF were analyzed. When ASTD ≥ 0, the average errors of the diagnostic results of BYC, NPS, NWA, NRL, LKB, and MMF are 2.57 m, 2.92 m, 2.67 m, 3.27 m, 2.57 m, and 0.24 m, respectively. When ASTD < 0, the average errors are 2.95 m, 2.94 m, 2.98 m, 2.99 m, 2.97 m, and 0.41 m, respectively. Then, the EM wave path loss accuracy analysis was performed on the EDH diagnosis results of the NPS model and the MMF. When ASTD ≥ 0, the average path loss errors of the NPS model and MMF are 5.44 dB and 2.74 dB, respectively. When ASTD < 0, the average errors are 5.21 dB and 3.46 dB, respectively. The results show that the MMF is suitable for EDH diagnosis, and the diagnosis accuracy is higher than other models.
Design and Analysis of an Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot Based on Multimodal Control
Authors: Ren Hang , Liu Tongyou , Wang Jinwu
Published: October 2023

To address the rehabilitation needs of upper limb hemiplegic patients in various stages of recovery, streamline the workload of rehabilitation professionals, and provide data visualization, our research team designed a six-degree-of-freedom upper limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robot inspired by the human upper limb’s structure. We also developed an eight-channel synchronized signal acquisition system for capturing surface electromyography (sEMG) signals and elbow joint angle data. Utilizing Solidworks, we modeled the robot with a focus on modularity, and conducted structural and kinematic analyses. To predict the elbow joint angles, we employed a back propagation neural network (BPNN). We introduced three training modes: a PID control, bilateral control, and active control, each tailored to different phases of the rehabilitation process. Our experimental results demonstrated a strong linear regression relationship between the predicted reference values and the actual elbow joint angles, with an R-squared value of 94.41% and an average error of four degrees. Furthermore, these results validated the increased stability of our model and addressed issues related to the size and single-mode limitations of upper limb rehabilitation robots. This work lays the theoretical foundation for future model enhancements and further research in the field of rehabilitation.
A Thin-Film Pinned-Photodiode Imager Pixel with Fully Monolithic Fabrication and beyond 1Me- Full Well Capacity
Authors: Kim Joo Hyoung , Berghmans Francois , Siddik Abu Bakar , Sutcu Irem , Monroy Isabel Pintor , Yu Jehyeok , Weydts Tristan , Georgitzikis Epimitheas , Kang Jubin , Baines Yannick , Hermans Yannick , Chandrasekaran Naresh , De Roose Florian , Uytterhoeven Griet , Puybaret Renaud , Li Yunlong , Lieberman Itai , Karve Gauri , Cheyns David , Genoe Jan , Malinowski Paweł E. , Heremans Paul , Myny Kris , Papadopoulos Nikolas , Lee Jiwon
Published: October 2023

Thin-film photodiodes (TFPD) monolithically integrated on the Si Read-Out Integrated Circuitry (ROIC) are promising imaging platforms when beyond-silicon optoelectronic properties are required. Although TFPD device performance has improved significantly, the pixel development has been limited in terms of noise characteristics compared to the Si-based image sensors. Here, a thin-film-based pinned photodiode (TF-PPD) structure is presented, showing reduced kTC noise and dark current, accompanied with a high conversion gain (CG). Indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO) thin-film transistors and quantum dot photodiodes are integrated sequentially on the Si ROIC in a fully monolithic scheme with the introduction of photogate (PG) to achieve PPD operation. This PG brings not only a low noise performance, but also a high full well capacity (FWC) coming from the large capacitance of its metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS). Hence, the FWC of the pixel is boosted up to 1.37 Me- with a 5 μm pixel pitch, which is 8.3 times larger than the FWC that the TFPD junction capacitor can store. This large FWC, along with the inherent low noise characteristics of the TF-PPD, leads to the three-digit dynamic range (DR) of 100.2 dB. Unlike a Si-based PG pixel, dark current contribution from the depleted semiconductor interfaces is limited, thanks to the wide energy band gap of the IGZO channel material used in this work. We expect that this novel 4 T pixel architecture can accelerate the deployment of monolithic TFPD imaging technology, as it has worked for CMOS Image sensors (CIS).
Port-Based Anonymous Communication Network: An Efficient and Secure Anonymous Communication Network
Authors: Meng Xiance , Liang Mangui
Published: October 2023

With the rise of the internet, there has been an increasing focus on user anonymity. Anonymous communication networks (ACNs) aim to protect the identity privacy of users in the network. As a typical ACN, Tor achieves user anonymity by relaying user data through a series of relay nodes. However, this results in higher latency due to the transmission of network traffic between multiple nodes. This paper proposes a port-based anonymous communication network (PBACN) to address this issue. First, we propose a path construction algorithm. This algorithm describes constructing paths by partitioning the communication path information, which can reduce the probability of being discovered by adversaries. Secondly, we design a port-based source routing addressing method. During data transmission from the source to the destination, each node can directly forward the data by resolving the address into the port of each node. This method eliminates the need for table lookups, reducing the complexity of routing. Lastly, we propose an entropy-based metric to measure the anonymity of different ACNs. In terms of experimental evaluation, we quantitatively analyze the anonymity and end-to-end delay of various ACNs. The experimental results show that our proposed method reduces end-to-end delay by approximately 25% compared to Tor. When the adversary fraction is 20%, PBACN can improve the anonymity degree by approximately 4%.
Pedestrian Safety in Frontal Tram Collision, Part 1: Historical Overview and Experimental-Data-Based Biomechanical Study of Head Clashing in Frontal and Side Impacts
Authors: Lopot Frantisek , Tomsovsky Lubos , Marsik Frantisek , Masek Jan , Kubovy Petr , Jezdik Roman , Sorfova Monika , Hajkova Barbora , Hylmarova Dita , Havlicek Martin , Stocek Ondrej , Doubek Martin , Tikkanen Tommi , Svoboda Martin , Jelen Karel
Published: October 2023

This article represents the first paper in a two-part series dealing with safety during tram–pedestrian collisions. This research is dedicated to the safety of trams for pedestrians during collisions and is motivated by the increased number of lethal cases. The first part of this paper includes an overview of tram face development from the earliest designs to the current ones in use and, at the same time, provides a synopsis and explanation of the technical context, including a link to current and forthcoming legislation. The historical design development can be characterised by three steps, from an almost vertical front face, to leaned and pointed shapes, to the current inclined low-edged windshield without a protruding coupler. However, since most major manufacturers now export their products worldwide and customisation is only of a technically insignificant nature, our conclusions are generalisable (supported by the example of Berlin). The most advantageous shape of the tram’s front, minimising the effects on pedestrians in all collision phases, has evolved rather spontaneously and was unprompted, and it is now being built into the European Commission regulations. The goal of the second part of this paper is to conduct a series of tram–pedestrian collisions with a focus on the frontal and side impacts using a crash test dummy (anthropomorphic test device—ATD). Four tram types approaching the collision at four different impact speeds (5 km/h, 10 km/h, 15 km/h, and 20 km/h) were used. The primary outcome variable was the resultant head acceleration. The risk and severity of possible head injuries were assessed using the head injury criterion (HIC15) and its linkage to the injury level on the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). The results showed increasing head impacts with an increasing speed for all tram types and collision scenarios. Higher values of head acceleration were reached during the frontal impact (17–124 g) compared to the side one (2–84 g). The HIC15 values did not exceed the value of 300 for any experimental setting, and the probability of AIS4+ injuries did not exceed 10%. The outcomes of tram–pedestrian collisions can be influenced by the ATD’s position and orientation, the impact speed and front-end design of trams, and the site of initial contact.
Deep Learning for Structural Health Monitoring: Data, Algorithms, Applications, Challenges, and Trends
Authors: Jia Jing , Li Ying
Published: October 2023

Environmental effects may lead to cracking, stiffness loss, brace damage, and other damages in bridges, frame structures, buildings, etc. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) technology could prevent catastrophic events by detecting damage early. In recent years, Deep Learning (DL) has developed rapidly and has been applied to SHM to detect, localize, and evaluate diverse damages through efficient feature extraction. This paper analyzes 337 articles through a systematic literature review to investigate the application of DL for SHM in the operation and maintenance phase of facilities from three perspectives: data, DL algorithms, and applications. Firstly, the data types in SHM and the corresponding collection methods are summarized and analyzed. The most common data types are vibration signals and images, accounting for 80% of the literature studied. Secondly, the popular DL algorithm types and application areas are reviewed, of which CNN accounts for 60%. Then, this article carefully analyzes the specific functions of DL application for SHM based on the facility’s characteristics. The most scrutinized study focused on cracks, accounting for 30 percent of research papers. Finally, challenges and trends in applying DL for SHM are discussed. Among the trends, the Structural Health Monitoring Digital Twin (SHMDT) model framework is suggested in response to the trend of strong coupling between SHM technology and Digital Twin (DT), which can advance the digitalization, visualization, and intelligent management of SHM.
CERP: Cooperative and Efficient Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Atitallah Nesrine , Cheikhrouhou Omar , Mershad Khaleel , Koubaa Anis , Hajjej Fahima
Published: October 2023

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs), constrained by limited resources, demand routing strategies that prioritize energy efficiency. The tactic of cooperative routing, which leverages the broadcast nature of wireless channels, has garnered attention for its capability to amplify routing efficacy. This manuscript introduces a power-conscious routing approach, tailored for resource-restricted WSNs. By exploiting cooperative communications, we introduce an innovative relay node selection technique within clustered networks, aiming to curtail energy usage while safeguarding data dependability. This inventive methodology has been amalgamated into the Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL), giving rise to the cooperative and efficient routing protocol (CERP). The devised CERP protocol pinpoints and selects the most efficacious relay node, ensuring that packet transmission is both energy-minimal and reliable. Performance evaluations were executed to substantiate the proposed strategy, and its practicality was examined using an Arduino-based sensor node and the Contiki operating system in real-world scenarios. The outcomes affirm the efficacy of the proposed strategy, outshining the standard RPL concerning reliability and energy conservation, enhancing RPL reliability by 10% and energy savings by 18%. This paper is posited to contribute to the evolution of power-conscious routing strategies for WSNs, crucial for prolonging sensor node battery longevity while sustaining dependable communication.
Research Progress on the Application of Topological Phase Transition Materials in the Field of Memristor and Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Zhang Runqing , Su Rui , Shen Chenglin , Xiao Ruizi , Cheng Weiming , Miao Xiangshui
Published: October 2023

Topological phase transition materials have strong coupling between their charge, spin orbitals, and lattice structure, which makes them have good electrical and magnetic properties, leading to promising applications in the fields of memristive devices. The smaller Gibbs free energy difference between the topological phases, the stable oxygen vacancy ordered structure, and the reversible topological phase transition promote the memristive effect, which is more conducive to its application in information storage, information processing, information calculation, and other related fields. In particular, extracting the current resistance or conductance of the two-terminal memristor to convert to the weight of the synapse in the neural network can simulate the behavior of biological synapses in their structure and function. In addition, in order to improve the performance of memristors and better apply them to neuromorphic computing, methods such as ion doping, electrode selection, interface modulation, and preparation process control have been demonstrated in memristors based on topological phase transition materials. At present, it is considered an effective method to obtain a unique resistive switching behavior by improving the process of preparing functional layers, regulating the crystal phase of topological phase transition materials, and constructing interface barrier-dependent devices. In this review, we systematically expound the resistance switching mechanism, resistance switching performance regulation, and neuromorphic computing of topological phase transition memristors, and provide some suggestions for the challenges faced by the development of the next generation of non-volatile memory and brain-like neuromorphic devices based on topological phase transition materials.
EEDC: An Energy Efficient Data Communication Scheme Based on New Routing Approach in Wireless Sensor Networks for Future IoT Applications
Authors: Gupta Divya , Wadhwa Shivani , Rani Shalli , Khan Zahid , Boulila Wadii
Published: October 2023

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) and the Internet of Things (IoT) have emerged as transforming technologies, bringing the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, manufacturing, smart health, home automation, wildlife monitoring, and surveillance. Population expansion, changes in the climate, and resource constraints all offer problems to modern IoT applications. To solve these issues, the integration of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) and the Internet of Things (IoT) has come forth as a game-changing solution. For example, in agricultural environment, IoT-based WSN has been utilized to monitor yield conditions and automate agriculture precision through different sensors. These sensors are used in agriculture environments to boost productivity through intelligent agricultural decisions and to collect data on crop health, soil moisture, temperature monitoring, and irrigation. However, sensors have finite and non-rechargeable batteries, and memory capabilities, which might have a negative impact on network performance. When a network is distributed over a vast area, the performance of WSN-assisted IoT suffers. As a result, building a stable and energy-efficient routing infrastructure is quite challenging in order to extend network lifetime. To address energy-related issues in scalable WSN-IoT environments for future IoT applications, this research proposes EEDC: An Energy Efficient Data Communication scheme by utilizing “Region based Hierarchical Clustering for Efficient Routing (RHCER)”—a multi-tier clustering framework for energy-aware routing decisions. The sensors deployed for IoT application data collection acquire important data and select cluster heads based on a multi-criteria decision function. Further, to ensure efficient long-distance communication along with even load distribution across all network nodes, a subdivision technique was employed in each tier of the proposed framework. The proposed routing protocol aims to provide network load balancing and convert communicating over long distances into shortened multi-hop distance communications, hence enhancing network lifetime.The performance of EEDC is compared to that of some existing energy-efficient protocols for various parameters. The simulation results show that the suggested methodology reduces energy usage by almost 31% in sensor nodes and provides almost 38% improved packet drop ratio.
Privacy and Security of Blockchain in Healthcare: Applications, Challenges, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Taherdoost Hamed
Published: October 2023

Blockchain offers a cutting-edge solution for storing medical data, carrying out medical transactions, and establishing trust for medical data integration and exchange in a decentralized open healthcare network setting. While blockchain in healthcare has garnered considerable attention, privacy and security concerns remain at the center of the debate when adopting blockchain for information exchange in healthcare. This paper presents research on the subject of blockchain’s privacy and security in healthcare from 2017 to 2022. In light of the existing literature, this critical evaluation assesses the current state of affairs, with a particular emphasis on papers that deal with practical applications and difficulties. By providing a critical evaluation, this review provides insight into prospective future study directions and advances.
Automating Quality Control of Irradiance Data with a Comprehensive Analysis for Southern Africa
Authors: Daniel-Durandt Francisca Muriel , Rix Arnold Johan
Published: October 2023

A review of quality control for large irradiance datasets is applied as a case study for the Southern African Universities Radiometric Network (SAURAN) database. The quality control procedure is automated and applied to 24 stations from the database with a total of 848,189 hourly datapoints. From this, the individual station’s data quality is also analysed. The assessment validates the automated methodology without the need for a user-based review of the data. The SAURAN database can play a significant role in advancing solar and wind energy; however, the number of offline stations hinders this process. Data scarcity remains an obstacle to these goals, and therefore, recommendations are provided to address this. Recommendations regarding each site’s usability in time-series and discrete applications are made, which provides an overall indication of the SAURAN database’s irradiance measurement quality. Of the 24 measuring stations assessed, eight are recommended, 11 are recommended with cautious use, and five are recommended with extremely cautious use. These recommendations are based on multiple factors, such as whether a dataset has more than one full year of data or is missing minimal datapoints. Further, a study of the irradiance correlation between the stations was conducted. The results indicated groupings of different stations that showed highly correlated irradiance measurements and similar weather patterns. This is useful if a proposed renewable energy power plant, such as PV, falls within a cluster where the data from the SAURAN database can be used as a substitute if no data is available. SAURAN presents an opportunity for Southern Africa to increase its research outputs in solar and wind energy and lessen its dependency on fossil fuel-based energy production.
Sustainable Manufacturing Supply Chain Performance Enhancement through Technology Utilization and Process Innovation in Industry 4.0: A SEM-PLS Approach
Authors: Qureshi Karishma M. , Mewada Bhavesh G. , Kaur Sumeet , Alghamdi Saleh Yahya , Almakayeel Naif , Almuflih Ali Saeed , Qureshi Mohamed Rafik Noor Mohamed
Published: October 2023

The fourth industrial revolution brought a paradigm shift in the present manufacturing system and its supply chain management (SCM). The evolution of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) brought several disruptive technologies like cloud computing (CC), blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), cyber-physical systems (CPS), etc. These disruptive technologies have changed the face of the modern manufacturing system and its manufacturing supply chain (SC). Several changes in manufacturing in terms of lead time, cost reduction, agility, flexibility, and response to market sensitivity are seen in almost all types of manufacturing. I4.0’s disruptive technologies influence lean SC, agile SC, leagile SC, and green SC. The current study examines how I4.0 technologies affect society on such supply chains (SCs), which leads to enhanced performance of the manufacturing SC. The effect of process innovation (PI) resulting from I4.0 innovations is also investigated. SEM-PLS-based modeling is constructed based on 195 responses received from manufacturing enterprises implementing various SC practices in managing their manufacturing SCs. The findings demonstrate a favorable correlation between I4.0 technology and the enhancement of various SCs. The result also revealed that there is a positive impact of I4.0 technologies on PI, which leads to manufacturing SC performance improvements.
Investor Responses to Corporate Donation Frequency Strategies: The Mediating Roles of Bidirectional Motive Attributions
Authors: Chen Ye , Yang Naiding
Published: October 2023

Corporate donation is an important business strategy, but not all donations can yield the expected positive outcomes. Thus, it is urgent to know what donation strategies firms should use to obtain positive responses from different stakeholders. By conducting two experimental studies, we explore which donation frequency strategy, one-time or multiple-time donations, drives more positive investor responses and the difference in the mediating roles of altruistic/egoistic bidirectional motive attributions. The results show that for donation projects supporting ongoing causes, a multiple-time strategy leads to investors having more positive judgments of a firm’s future earnings prospects and higher investment desirability rather than a one-time strategy because it induces more altruistic attributions. Although investors make both altruistic and egoistic attributions for both strategies, only the mediating role of altruistic attribution exists, whereas that of egoistic attribution does not. Our research contributes to the study of corporate donation strategies and corporate social responsibility (including corporate donation) motive attribution, providing valuable insights for academic research, corporate decision makers, and stakeholders invested in responsible business practices.
Effect of P-Dipping on Growth of NERICA 4 Rice in Different Soil Types at Initial Growth Stages
Authors: Odama Emmanuel , Tsujimoto Yasuhiro , Yabuta Shin , Akagi Isao , Chepkoech Rael , Soe Ibrahim , Sakagami Jun-Ichi
Published: October 2023

Phosphorus (P) deficiency resulting from P fixation is a major constraint limiting sustainable rice cultivation in sub-Saharan Africa. Soil texture also affects P availability and use efficiency. In a factorial experiment, we evaluated the combined effect of soil texture (sand, clay loam, and clay) and P treatments P-dipping (Pdip) and two other broadcasted P fertilizer levels (Brod1 and Brod2) on the growth of NERICA 4 rice in the initial growth stages. Across all soil textures and P treatments, total plant biomass ranged from 1.06 to 4.63 g pot−1. The Pdip treatment significantly increased shoot and root biomass relative to control from 1.27 to 1.98 and 0.23 to 0.38 g pot−1, respectively. Mean photosynthetic rate values under Pdip (20.1 μmol m−2 s−1), Brod2 (19.5 μmol m−2 s−1), and Brod1 (19.3 μmol m−2 s−1) treatments showed significant 42%, 37%, and 36% increases over control, regardless of soil texture. In a striking contrast, P-dipping significantly promoted growth of root length under clay soil, but without a commensurate increase in shoot P uptake. Contrary to our hypothesis, the interactive effect of soil texture and P-dipping influenced NERICA 4 shoot and root physiological and morphological characteristics under clay loam soil texture as opposed to clay.
A Review of Current Evaluation Urban Sustainability Indicator Frameworks and a Proposal for Improvement
Authors: Gavaldà Oriol , Gibbs Christopher , Eicker Ursula
Published: October 2023

This paper addresses the link between data, metrics, and the paths from cause to effect in urban sustainability and livability frameworks. The first section thoroughly discusses the different existing frameworks for evaluating sustainability and livability goals for urban communities. In the results section, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of a comprehensive list of frameworks that evaluate sustainability and livability in cities is elaborated, with a thorough post-process of the different schemes from an epistemological perspective to analyze the subjectivities implicit in any urban-level sustainability framework. Finally, in the discussion section, two main aspects are tackled. The first is the development of a proposal for a set of indicators that incorporates the best of the different frameworks analyzed. The second aspect deals with the methodology of implementation of these frameworks. Here, the authors point out the weaknesses of current urban-level sustainability frameworks and their main components, and they propose a set of criteria to overcome the different detected gaps. All these steps have helped the authors establish a clear roadmap for developing the platform TOOLS4Cities that can help set a future reference methodology for urban sustainability evaluation.
The Influence of Winter Irrigation Amount on the Characteristics of Water and Salt Distribution and WUE in Different Saline-Alkali Farmlands in Northwest China
Authors: Chen Wenjuan , Li Mingsi , Li Qinglin
Published: October 2023

Winter irrigation is widely carried out to alleviate soil salinization in Northwest China. In recent years, the effects of irrigation amount and irrigation schedule on soil water and salt distribution and water use efficiency (WUE) during crop growth periods have been extensively studied, but the effects of winter irrigation on water use efficiency have been generally ignored. This work was conducted from November 2018 to October 2020 in two kinds of saline-alkali farmlands (mild saline-alkali farmland and moderate saline-alkali farmland) with five winter irrigation amounts (0, 150, 225, 300 and 375 mm). The results indicated that, during the winter irrigation period, the maximum moisture content layer in the soil becomes more shallow with the increase in the winter irrigation amount and the salinity of the soil. The salt return process mainly occurs during the late thawing period. After two years, for a winter irrigation amount of 150 mm to 375 mm, the change rate of soil salt in mild saline-alkali farmland decreased from −2.50% to −15.38% in the 0–100 cm profile, and that value in moderate saline-alkali farmland decreased from 12.22% to −16.85%. Compared with the non-winter irrigation treatment, the sprouting rate, survival rate, morphological index and cotton yield in the coming year are greater under the winter irrigation treatment. For mild saline-alkali farmland and moderate saline-alkali farmland, to keep soil desalinated, enhance cotton growth and save water resources, the recommended winter irrigation amounts are 225 mm and 300 mm, respectively. The research methods and results are of great significance for rationally evaluating the sustainable winter irrigation amount for cotton fields under mulched drip irrigation in different saline-alkali farmlands.
How Can Multinational Enterprises Effectively Implement Local Consumer-Oriented Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategies? A Multi-Perspective Study on the Differences in CSR Response Mechanisms between Chinese and Japanese Consumers
Authors: Shen Qiulian , Jin Tao , Zhao Dongwei , Du Yuxuan
Published: October 2023

Fully understanding the local populace’s awareness and reactions to corporate social responsibility (CSR) with a strong emphasis on sustainability is crucial for multinational enterprises (MNEs) to design and implement effective localized CSR strategies. This study centers on the home appliance industry and utilizes semi-structured interviews and questionnaire surveys as the research methods to construct and validate a model called “Attribution–Perception–Satisfaction–Loyalty (APSL)” that visualizes consumer responses to CSR information, particularly in the context of sustainability. We further explore the distinctions in the mechanism between Chinese and Japanese consumers, considering cultural, economic, and institutional aspects related to sustainability. The findings reveal that beyond the perceptions related to value-driven motivations, there are pronounced differences between Chinese and Japanese consumers in stakeholder-driven, self-interest-driven, and strategy-driven motivations, which can impact sustainability initiatives. Notably, Japanese consumers are more significantly affected by the impact of CSR on their satisfaction and loyalty. This study not only enriches and expands the theoretical framework of CSR and consumer responses to CSR but also offers insights and recommendations for MNEs in China and Japan to help overcome the self-reference criterion and implement local CSR marketing strategies with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Design and Optimization of a Coal Substitution Path Based on Cost–Benefit Analysis: Evidence from Coal Resource-Based Cities in China
Authors: Wu Jia , Wu Na , Feng Qiang , Deng Chenning , Zhang Xiaomin , Fu Zeqiang , Zhang Zeqian , Li Haisheng
Published: October 2023

Coal burning is a major contributor to air pollution. Selecting the optimal coal alternative path with economic feasibility and maximum environmental benefits is an important policy choice to mitigate air pollution. It could provide a basis for the design of energy transition policies and the green development of coal resource-based cities. This study designed a coal substitution policy based on the multi-objective optimization model, explored the optimal coal substitution path in coal resource-based cities with the goal of minimizing the costs and maximizing the benefits of coal substitution, and assessed the maximum emission reduction potential of air pollutants. The results show that: (1) by 2025, coal consumption in the study area must be reduced to 85%. The optimal coal substitution path is 90.00% coal-to-electricity and 10.00% coal-to-gas for civil emission sources and 83.94% coal-to-electricity and 16.06% coal-to-gas for industrial boiler emission sources. (2) by 2030, coal consumption must be reduced to 75%. The optimal coal substitution path is 90.00% coal-to-electricity and 10.00% coal-to-gas for civil sources and 78.80% coal-to-electricity and 21.20% coal-to-gas for industrial boiler sources. (3) by implementing the coal substitution policy, emissions of six key air pollutants such as SO2, NOX, CO, VOCs, PM10, and PM2.5 could decrease significantly.
Evaluation of Green and Low-Carbon Development Level of Chinese Provinces Based on Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Lu Zhirui , Shao Chaofeng , Wang Fang , Dong Ruiyu
Published: October 2023

Green and low-carbon development are important initiatives to promote the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this study, a systematic evaluation method for regional green and low-carbon development levels was established by referring to the evaluation methods of other literature. The evaluation method includes assessing the overall green and low-carbon development levels of the evaluation objects, as well as analyzing the coupling coordination of the two subsystems of green development and low-carbon development. The results show that China’s green low-carbon development level shows a rising trend year by year from 2012 to 2021, but there is still much space for progress. As for 2021, 2 provinces are in the Fair stage, 25 provinces are in the Accepted stage, and 4 provinces are in the Good stage. Provinces with higher levels of green and low-carbon development are characterized by spatial clustering, and the level of green and low-carbon development in the southeast coastal provinces is significantly higher than that in the northwest inland provinces. This study measures the coupling coordination degree of the two subsystems of green development and low-carbon development in each province. The average coupling coordination degree of China’s green and low-carbon development shows a rising trend year by year from 2012 to 2021. By 2021, the coupling coordination degree of China’s 29 provinces belongs to the High level type, and only two provinces belong to the Low level type. This study provides a provincial map of China’s green and low-carbon development levels and a distribution map of the coupling coordination degree of the green and low-carbon development subsystems, which provides support for an in-depth understanding of the spatial–temporal distribution of and development trends in China’s green and low-carbon development level. This study provides support for a deeper understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution and development trend of China’s green and low-carbon development level. The study also provides data to support China’s efforts to promote synergies in reducing pollution and carbon emissions.
Prediction of Leachate Characteristics via an Analysis of the Solubilized Extract of the Organic Fraction of Domestic Solid Waste from the Municipality of Belém, PA
Authors: Pereira Diogo Oliveira , da Costa Assunção Fernanda Paula , da Silva Jéssica Cristina Conte , Ferreira Jorge Fernando Hungria , Ferreira Raise Brenda Pinheiro , Lola Ádila Lima , do Nascimento Ísis Costa Pereira , Chaves Jean Pinheiro , do Nascimento Mel Safira Cruz , da Silva Gouvêa Thalia , Mendonça Neyson Martins , de Sousa Brandão Isaque Wilkson , Pereira José Almir Rodrigues , Machado Nélio Teixeira
Published: October 2023

This work aimed to predict the physical–chemical characteristics of leachate according to the analysis of the solubilized extract from urban household solid waste (UHSW), on a laboratory scale, in the city of Belém/PA, Brazil. The neighborhoods where the waste was collected were sectorized based on geographic and socioeconomic data, with family income as the main parameter. After collection, the material was sent to the segregation area, where a gravimetric analysis of the UHSW was performed and fractions (paper, cardboard, Tetra Pak, rigid plastic, malleable plastic, metals, glass, organic matter, sanitary waste, fabrics and rejects) were segregated. After the gravimetric characterization, it was found that the highest average proportions were 55.57% organic matter, 14.26% sanitary waste and 9.97% malleable plastic. The organic fraction was selected and subjected to drying, crushing, sieving and packaging pretreatment, and then the solubilized extract of this fraction was obtained according to NBR No. 10.006/2004 of the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards. In the analyses of the solubilized extract, values for total nitrogen (201.80 to 359.90 mg·L−1), ammonia nitrogen (161 to 289 mg·L−1), nitrate (10 to 40 mg·L−1) and chemical oxygen demand were obtained (28,701 mg·L−1 to 38,608 mg·L−1), indicating the similarity of the waste solubilization conditions to those of leachate from landfills, in addition to being in noncompliance with environmental and health legislation, thus making it necessary to have an efficient waste management system, which avoids the release of waste into the environment that would result in environmental impacts similar to those of leachate contact with the environment.
Kneser-Type Oscillation Criteria for Half-Linear Delay Differential Equations of Third Order
Authors: Masood Fahd , Cesarano Clemente , Moaaz Osama , Askar Sameh S. , Alshamrani Ahmad M. , El-Metwally Hamdy
Published: October 2023

This paper delves into the analysis of oscillation characteristics within third-order quasilinear delay equations, focusing on the canonical case. Novel sufficient conditions are introduced, aimed at discerning the nature of solutions—whether they exhibit oscillatory behavior or converge to zero. By expanding the literature, this study enriches the existing knowledge landscape within this field. One of the foundations on which we rely in proving the results is the symmetry between the positive and negative solutions, so that we can, using this feature, obtain criteria that guarantee the oscillation of all solutions. The paper enhances comprehension through the provision of illustrative examples that effectively showcase the outcomes and implications of the established findings.
Attomole Electrochemical Detection of MicroRNAs Based on Surface-Initiated Enzymatic Polymerization Coupled with Copper Enhancement
Authors: Zhu Wenyuan , Xu Yuzhi , Zhang Yanfei , Liu Si-Yang , Dai Zong , Zou Xiaoyong
Published: October 2023

The sensitive and effective detection of microRNAs (miRNAs) is of great significance since miRNAs have been proven to have undeniable importance in participating in many biological processes. Herein, we present a novel, sensitive, label-free electrochemical miRNA detection method. Three signal amplification techniques are incorporated in this method, including the efficient conjugate of primer-modified polystyrene spheres (PS) with magnetic beads (MBs) triggered by target miRNA, template-free surface-initiated enzymatic polymerization (SIEP) on the primers, and the use of copper ions in square wave voltammetry (SWV) for detecting acidically depurinated primers. Cooperating with the electrochemical approach, this method was able to achieve a detection limit of 120 aM. With an attomole level of sensitivity and easiness of manipulation, this novel method is suitable for miRNA routine detection in both research and clinical aspects.
The Patterns of Migration of Potentially Toxic Elements from Coal Mining Subsidence Areas and Associated Soils to Waterlogged Areas
Authors: Tan Min , Dong Jihong , Qu Junfeng , Hao Ming
Published: October 2023

It is crucial for effectively controlling potentially toxic element (PTE) pollution to understand the pollution situation, ecological risks, health risks, and migration patterns of PTEs. However, currently, no research has been conducted on the migration patterns of soil PTEs from coal mining subsidence areas to waterlogged areas under different restoration modes. In this study, a total of 15 sediment samples and 60 soil samples were collected from landscaped wetlands, aquaculture wetland, fish–photovoltaic complementary wetland, photovoltaic wetland, and waterlogged areas with untreated coal mining subsidence. The PTE pollution status, ecological risks, health risks, migration patterns, and the important factors influencing the migration were analyzed. The results indicated that the comprehensive pollution level of PTEs in waterlogged areas with coal mining subsidence can be reduced by developing them into landscaped wetlands, aquaculture wetlands, fish–photovoltaic complementary wetlands, and photovoltaic wetlands. Additionally, the closer to the waterlogged area, the higher the Cu content in the subsidence area soil is, reaching its peak in the waterlogged area. The Cd was influenced positively by SOC and pH. The research results were of great significance for formulating reclamation plans for waterlogged areas and controlling PTE pollution.
The Effects and Mechanisms of pH and Dissolved Oxygen Conditions on the Release of Arsenic at the Sediment–Water Interface in Taihu Lake
Authors: Zeng Liqing , Yan Changzhou , Yang Fan , Zhen Zhuo , Yang Jiaming , Chen Jielun , Huang Yujie , Xiao Yuhui , Zhang Wen
Published: October 2023

The pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) conditions are important environmental factors that control the migration of arsenic (As) at the sediment–water interface. This study investigates the distribution differences of reactive iron, manganese, and arsenic at the sediment–water interface under anaerobic and aerobic conditions at different pH levels. The strong buffering capacity of sediment to water pH results in a shift towards neutral pH values in the overlying water under different initial pH conditions. The level of DO becomes a key factor in the release of As from sediment, with lower DO environments exhibiting higher release quantities and rates of As compared to high DO environments. Under low DO conditions, the combined effects of ion exchange and anaerobic reduction lead to the most significant release of As, particularly under pH 9.5 conditions. The formation of amorphous ferrous sulfide compounds under low DO conditions is a significant factor contributing to increased arsenic concentration in the interstitial water. Therefore, the re-migration of endogenous arsenic in shallow lake sediments should consider the combined effects of multiple driving forces.
Exploring Neutrino Mass Orderings through Supernova Neutrino Detection
Authors: Saez Maria Manuela
Published: October 2023

Core-collapse supernovae (SNe) are one of the most powerful cosmic sources of neutrinos, with energies of several MeV. The emission of neutrinos and antineutrinos of all flavors carries away the gravitational binding energy of the compact remnant and drives its evolution from the hot initial to the cold final states. Detecting these neutrinos from Earth and analyzing the emitted signals present a unique opportunity to explore the neutrino mass ordering problem. This research outlines the detection of neutrinos from SNe and their relevance in understanding the neutrino mass ordering. The focus is on developing a model-independent analysis strategy, achieved by comparing distinct detection channels in large underground detectors. The objective is to identify potential indicators of mass ordering within the neutrino sector. Additionally, a thorough statistical analysis is performed on the anticipated neutrino signals for both mass orderings. Despite uncertainties in supernova explosion parameters, an exploration of the parameter space reveals an extensive array of models with significant sensitivity to differentiate between mass orderings. The assessment of various observables and their combinations underscores the potential of forthcoming supernova observations in addressing the neutrino mass ordering problem.
A Meteor Detection Algorithm for GWAC System
Authors: Chen Yicong , Li Guangwei , Liu Cuixiang , Qiu Bo , Shan Qianqian , Li Mengyao
Published: October 2023

Compared with the international meteor surveillance systems, the ground wide angle camera (GWAC) system exhibits characteristics such as images with the resolution of 4K × 4K and single-site observation. These characteristics present challenges for meteor detection in the GWAC system. Consequently, this paper proposes a new meteor detection algorithm for the GWAC system on the base of the solely mini-GWAC system data algorithm. The new algorithm consists of the following key steps: (1) to compare differences between adjacent frames, applying block-based image binarization thresholds, and incorporating median filtering to reduce noise; (2) to adopt the probabilistic Hough transform (PHT) to identify moving objects and cluster them based on the origin moment of the line segments, while assessing the credibility of clustering; (3) to introduce the so-called maximum disappearance frame for moving objects in the tracking algorithm, enhancing the ability to track multi-frame moving objects. The utilization of the line segment inclination angle of the moving object as the direction of movement facilitates the tracking of multiple moving objects, thereby reducing the probability of mistakenly selecting single-frame moving objects; (4) to leverage the light curves of single-frame moving objects to select meteors to enhance the accuracy of meteor detection. Comparative experiments demonstrate that our proposed algorithm processes each frame image in just 0.39 s, achieving an accuracy of 89.8% in the dataset of 5856 adjacent frames. The experimental results indicate that the algorithm achieved an accuracy of 90.27% when applied in the meteor detection of the image data captured by the GWAC system from Dec. 10th to 19th in 2019 and 2021, obtaining excellent detection results.
Patterns of Circulating Cytokines and Vascular Markers’ Response in the Presence of COVID-19 in Kidney Transplant Recipients Compared with Non-Transplanted Patients
Authors: Brunialti Milena Karina Coló , Leite Giuseppe G. F. , Eburneo Gabriela Strafolino , de Araujo Orlei Ribeiro , Peçanha-Pietrobom Paula M. , Ferreira Paulo Roberto Abrão , Bellei Nancy C. Junqueira , Arakaki Jaquelina Sonoe Ota , Medina-Pestana José , Requião-Moura Lúcio , Salomao Reinaldo
Published: October 2023

COVID-19’s severity has been associated with a possible imbalance in the cross-regulation of cytokines and vascular mediators. Since the beginning of the pandemic, kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) have been identified as patients of high vulnerability to more severe diseases. Thus, aiming to describe the patterns of cytokines and vascular mediators and to trace patients’ differences according to their KTR status, this prospective study enrolled 67 COVID-19 patients (20 KTRs) and 29 non-COVID-19 controls before vaccination. A panel comprising 17 circulating cytokines and vascular mediators was run on samples collected at different time points. The cytokine and mediator patterns were investigated via principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation-based network (CBN). In both groups, compared to their respective controls, COVID-19 was associated with higher levels of cytokines and vascular mediators. Differentiating between the KTRs and non-KTRs, the number of correlations was much higher in the non-KTRs (44 vs. 14), and the node analysis showed the highest interactions of NGAL and sVCAM-1 in the non-KTRs and KTRs (9 vs. 4), respectively. In the PCA, while the non-KTRs with COVID-19 were differentiated from their controls in their IL-10, IFN-α, and TNF-α, this pattern was marked in the NGAL, sVCAM-1, and IL-8 of the KTRs.