Hyperspectral(HS)image classification plays a crucial role in numerous areas including remote sensing(RS),agriculture,and the monitoring of the environment.Optimal band selection in HS images is crucial for improving ...Hyperspectral(HS)image classification plays a crucial role in numerous areas including remote sensing(RS),agriculture,and the monitoring of the environment.Optimal band selection in HS images is crucial for improving the efficiency and accuracy of image classification.This process involves selecting the most informative spectral bands,which leads to a reduction in data volume.Focusing on these key bands also enhances the accuracy of classification algorithms,as redundant or irrelevant bands,which can introduce noise and lower model performance,are excluded.In this paper,we propose an approach for HS image classification using deep Q learning(DQL)and a novel multi-objective binary grey wolf optimizer(MOBGWO).We investigate the MOBGWO for optimal band selection to further enhance the accuracy of HS image classification.In the suggested MOBGWO,a new sigmoid function is introduced as a transfer function to modify the wolves’position.The primary objective of this classification is to reduce the number of bands while maximizing classification accuracy.To evaluate the effectiveness of our approach,we conducted experiments on publicly available HS image datasets,including Pavia University,Washington Mall,and Indian Pines datasets.We compared the performance of our proposed method with several state-of-the-art deep learning(DL)and machine learning(ML)algorithms,including long short-term memory(LSTM),deep neural network(DNN),recurrent neural network(RNN),support vector machine(SVM),and random forest(RF).Our experimental results demonstrate that the Hybrid MOBGWO-DQL significantly improves classification accuracy compared to traditional optimization and DL techniques.MOBGWO-DQL shows greater accuracy in classifying most categories in both datasets used.For the Indian Pine dataset,the MOBGWO-DQL architecture achieved a kappa coefficient(KC)of 97.68%and an overall accuracy(OA)of 94.32%.This was accompanied by the lowest root mean square error(RMSE)of 0.94,indicating very precise predictions with minimal error.In the case of the Pavia University dataset,the MOBGWO-DQL model demonstrated outstanding performance with the highest KC of 98.72%and an impressive OA of 96.01%.It also recorded the lowest RMSE at 0.63,reinforcing its accuracy in predictions.The results clearly demonstrate that the proposed MOBGWO-DQL architecture not only reaches a highly accurate model more quickly but also maintains superior performance throughout the training process.展开更多
Current methods for predicting missing values in datasets often rely on simplistic approaches such as taking median value of attributes, limiting their applicability. Real-world observations can be diverse, taking sto...Current methods for predicting missing values in datasets often rely on simplistic approaches such as taking median value of attributes, limiting their applicability. Real-world observations can be diverse, taking stock price as example, ranging from prices post-IPO to values before a company’s collapse, or instances where certain data points are missing due to stock suspension. In this paper, we propose a novel approach using Nonlinear Matrix Completion (NIMC) and Deep Matrix Completion (DIMC) to predict associations, and conduct experiment on financial data between dates and stocks. Our method leverages various types of stock observations to capture latent factors explaining the observed date-stock associations. Notably, our approach is nonlinear, making it suitable for datasets with nonlinear structures, such as the Russell 3000. Unlike traditional methods that may suffer from information loss, NIMC and DIMC maintain nearly complete information, especially in high-dimensional parameters. We compared our approach with state-of-the-art linear methods, including Inductive Matrix Completion, Nonlinear Inductive Matrix Completion, and Deep Inductive Matrix Completion. Our findings show that the nonlinear matrix completion method is particularly effective for handling nonlinear structured data, as exemplified by the Russell 3000. Additionally, we validate the information loss of the three methods across different dimensionalities.展开更多
In a local context, sustainable development entails utilizing the current resources—material and immaterial, measurable and immeasurable, popular and unpopular—of the community in a manner that avoids overexploitati...In a local context, sustainable development entails utilizing the current resources—material and immaterial, measurable and immeasurable, popular and unpopular—of the community in a manner that avoids overexploitation and ensures intergenerational equity. This approach prioritizes the safety and health of local citizens, placing communal productivity above corporate profitability. This research aims to assess air quality surrounding 28 chemical industry sites in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to understand the environmental and health impacts of industrial pollutants, with a focus on environmental justice. Air quality pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, CO, and SO2, were monitored for 75 days during the Summer, using the BreezoMeter app. Python, Mapize, and QGIS software technologies were utilized for data analysis and visualization. Findings indicate a reduction in NO2 and CO levels, compared to existing literature. However, the persistent challenge of particulate matter suggests areas for further environmental management efforts. Additionally, the research suggests a significant disparity in air pollution exposure, probably affecting marginalized communities. Although the nature of the study might not fully capture annual pollution trends, the findings highlight the urgent need for the chemical industry to adopt efficient production methods and for policymakers to enhance air quality standards and enforcement, particularly in pollution-sensitive areas. The disproportionate impact of air pollution on vulnerable communities calls for a more inclusive approach to environmental justice, ensuring equitable distribution of clean air benefits and community involvement in pollution management decisions.展开更多
Motivated by the fast evolvement of blockchain technology,cloud-edge platforms,intelligent transportation systems,smart grid,vehicular networks,location based services,and other IoT applications have achieved signific...Motivated by the fast evolvement of blockchain technology,cloud-edge platforms,intelligent transportation systems,smart grid,vehicular networks,location based services,and other IoT applications have achieved significant breakthrough during recent years.Nowadays,blockchain based researches and projects are super-hot topics and focuses for both research and industrial communities.However,most of the current blockchain projects still suffer from insufficient security concerns.The defects of the underlying protocol make the node communication vulnerable to be hijacked,and further exacerbate the fork problem;smart contracts can hardly be fully tested before deployment because of the evolving blockchain platforms,while the smart contracts updating is impossible(or very complicated);current data privacy protection techniques are either inefficient or inaccurate;sharing and cross-chain schemes brought new security problems together with its TPS promotion.The intrinsic security vulnerabilities make the current blockchain based systems and architectures prone to be assaulted,and further do harm to the confidence of the investment on the blockchain industrial.Worse still,blockchain turns out to play a critical role in a lot of existing security solutions,which would be useless if the blockchain is insecure.展开更多
The C-F bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry. It is responsible for the great stability of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as “PFAS”, a group of man-made chemicals th...The C-F bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry. It is responsible for the great stability of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as “PFAS”, a group of man-made chemicals that include perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Thermal stability, surface activity, dielectric characteristics, chemical resistance, and inertness are just a few of the technical advantages that this group has over hydrocarbons, and since the 1950s, these chemicals have been largely utilized in a variety of domestic and industrial endeavors. The hydrophilic and lipophilic nature of this class of chemicals accounts for its uniqueness. Up until today, the chemistry and ecotoxicology of these chemicals continue to emerge. Issues concerning the destructive power of ignorance expedited by an ineffective regulatory institution continue to show that manufacturing chemicals are insufficient without giving serious thought to issues of openness and humanity’s awareness of its own safety. When discussing the nature of humanity and how it can be defined or redefined, it is important to allude to the significance of integrating business with ethics in its various forms. This paper highlights the importance of holding polluters accountable for PFAS contamination cleanup costs while emphasizing the need for chemical manufacturers to test and disclose the health and environmental effects of PFAS compounds. In addition, the sources, types, properties, applications, distribution, toxicological implications, regulations, and analytical methods associated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are explored. The effectiveness of the remedial methods described in this paper needs to be progressively tested while exploring other sustainable approaches.展开更多
Following the advent of the Industrial Revolution, plastic pollution has been a serious environmental issue while micro- and nano-plastics have been a cynosure of researchers’ attention in the twenty-first century. T...Following the advent of the Industrial Revolution, plastic pollution has been a serious environmental issue while micro- and nano-plastics have been a cynosure of researchers’ attention in the twenty-first century. This is due to the improved knowledge of its ecotoxicological effects and the global pushforward towards sustainability. There is a growing concern that the increasing presence of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in aquatic habitats poses a threat to marine life, and it is predicted that nanoplastics will be just as ubiquitous as macro- and micro-plastics, but far more destructive to living organisms due to their ability to infiltrate cells. Recent research has shown that marine and freshwater biota become entangled with plastic litter, which disrupts the ecosystem. Aquatic creatures are known to absorb and deposit these new pollutants in their digestive systems, as has been documented in several studies. More recent research has also examined their co-occurrence and toxicity with other emerging contaminants, including their prevalence and effects in food, air, and soil. Using articles extracted from a six-year period from Scopus, ACS Publications and Google Scholar, this review explores the origins, fates, occurrence in the food chain, exposure routes, cellular interactions of microplastics and nano-plastics, in addition to the ecotoxicological impacts, analytical methods, and the potential remedies for combating pollution and toxicity. Ultimately, this review is a comprehensive, updated addendum to available reviews on micro- and nano-plastics.展开更多
The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore and gain an understanding of Louisiana homeowners’ perceptions and practices in preparing for hurricanes;contribute to academic research and student learning, while...The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore and gain an understanding of Louisiana homeowners’ perceptions and practices in preparing for hurricanes;contribute to academic research and student learning, while guiding the development of future projects. We focused specifically on how homeowners in Louisiana would protect their important documents and possessions. These documents and possessions include but are not limited to photographs, social security cards, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork. We collected the data throughout the fall semester of 2022 at Louisiana State University (LSU) by conducting a focus group and in-depth interviews. We collected a variety of answers, but most participants expressed a strong need to have their important documents and possessions protected and gave different strategies for how this was carried out, such as digitizing or protective storage. Participants also expressed a strong need for more information to be delivered to residents to talk more about ways they can protect their own documents and possessions. Emphases were also made on the need for: leaders of large institutions to be especially concerned with preparedness for vulnerable populations;outreach programs to be put in place to spread awareness of the importance of protecting important documents and possessions during a disaster;news outlets to switch their focus from normal survival tips to discussions on the importance of protecting documents and possessions;government and non-profit agencies to work together to share tips and information through social media and other forms of handouts.展开更多
The C-F bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry. It is responsible for the great stability of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as “PFAS”, a group of man-made chemicals th...The C-F bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry. It is responsible for the great stability of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as “PFAS”, a group of man-made chemicals that include perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Thermal stability, surface activity, dielectric characteristics, chemical resistance, and inertness are just a few of the technical advantages that this group has over hydrocarbons, and since the 1950s, these chemicals have been largely utilized in a variety of domestic and industrial endeavors. The hydrophilic and lipophilic nature of this class of chemicals accounts for its uniqueness. Up until today, the chemistry and ecotoxicology of these chemicals continue to emerge. Issues concerning the destructive power of ignorance expedited by an ineffective regulatory institution continue to show that manufacturing chemicals are insufficient without giving serious thought to issues of openness and humanity’s awareness of its own safety. When discussing the nature of humanity and how it can be defined or redefined, it is important to allude to the significance of integrating business with ethics in its various forms. This paper highlights the importance of holding polluters accountable for PFAS contamination cleanup costs while emphasizing the need for chemical manufacturers to test and disclose the health and environmental effects of PFAS compounds. In addition, the sources, types, properties, applications, distribution, toxicological implications, regulations, and analytical methods associated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are explored. The effectiveness of the remedial methods described in this paper needs to be progressively tested while exploring other sustainable approaches.展开更多
The pervasive presence of microplastics in marine environments has raised significant concerns. This review addresses the pressing issue of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems and its potential implications fo...The pervasive presence of microplastics in marine environments has raised significant concerns. This review addresses the pressing issue of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems and its potential implications for both the environment and human health. It outlines the current state of microplastic occurrence, distribution, and extraction methods within marine organisms. Microplastics have emerged as a significant environmental concern due to their harmful effects on ecosystems and their potential human health risks. These particles infiltrate marine environments through runoff and atmospheric deposition, ultimately contaminating beaches and posing threats to marine life. Despite the gravity of this issue, there has been limited research on the presence and distribution of microplastics in marine organisms. This review aims to bridge this knowledge gap by comprehensively examining the occurrence, distribution, and various extraction methods used to detect microplastics in marine organisms. It emphasizes the urgent need for targeted measures to manage microplastic pollution, highlights the significant role of human activities in contributing to this problem, and underscores the importance of reducing human-induced pollution to safeguard marine ecosystems. While this paper contributes to the understanding of microplastic pollution in marine environments and underscores the critical importance of taking action to protect marine organisms and preserve our oceans for future generations, it also emphasizes that, in effectively tackling the microplastic problem, a well-coordinated approach is essential, involving research initiatives, policy adjustments, public involvement, and innovative technologies. Crucially, prompt and resolute responses must exist to counteract the escalating peril posed by microplastics to the oceans and the global environment.展开更多
Iron oxide nanoparticles are the most popular magnetic nanoparticles used in biomedical applications due to their low cost, low toxicity, and unique magnetic property. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, including magn...Iron oxide nanoparticles are the most popular magnetic nanoparticles used in biomedical applications due to their low cost, low toxicity, and unique magnetic property. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, including magnetite （Fe304） and maghemite （γ-Fe203）, usually exhibit a superparamagnetic property as their size goes smaller than 20 nm, which are often denoted as superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles （SPIONs） and utilized for drug delivery, diagnosis, therapy, and etc. This review article gives a brief introduction on magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in terms of their fundamentals of magnetism, magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）, and drug delivery, as well as the synthesis approaches, surface coating, and application examples from recent key literatures. Because the quality and surface chemistry play important roles in biomedical applications, our review focuses on the synthesis approaches and surface modifications of iron oxide nanopar- ticles. We aim to provide a detailed introduction to readers who are new to this field, helping them to choose suitable synthesis methods and to optimize the surface chemistry of iron oxide nanoparticles for their interests.展开更多
Understanding cardiac blood flow behaviors is of importance for cardiovascular research and clinical assessment of ventricle functions.Patient-specific Echo-based left ventricle(LV)fluid-structure interaction(FSI)mode...Understanding cardiac blood flow behaviors is of importance for cardiovascular research and clinical assessment of ventricle functions.Patient-specific Echo-based left ventricle(LV)fluid-structure interaction(FSI)models were introduced to perform ventricle mechanical analysis,investigate flow behaviors,and evaluate the impact of myocardial infarction(MI)and hypertension on blood flow in the LV.Echo image data were acquired from 3 patients with consent obtained:one healthy volunteer(P1),one hypertension patient(P2),and one patient who had an inferior and posterior myocardial infarction(P3).The nonlinear Mooney-Rivlin model was used for ventricle tissue with material parameter values chosen to match echo-measure LV volume data.Using the healthy case as baseline,LV with MI had lower peak flow velocity(30%lower at beginejection)and hypertension LV had higher peak flow velocity(16%higher at begin-filling).The vortex area(defined as the area with vorticity>0)for P3 was 19%smaller than that of P1.The vortex area for P2 was 12%smaller than that of P1.At peak of filling,the maximum flow shear stress(FSS)for P2 and P3 were 390%higher and 63%lower than that of P1,respectively.Meanwhile,LV stress and strain of P2 were 41%and 15%higher than those of P1,respectively.LV stress and strain of P3 were 36%and 42%lower than those of P1,respectively.In conclusion,FSI models could provide both flow and structural stress/strain information which would serve as the base for further cardiovascular investigations related to disease initiation,progression,and treatment strategy selections.Large-scale studies are needed to validate our findings.展开更多
文摘Hyperspectral(HS)image classification plays a crucial role in numerous areas including remote sensing(RS),agriculture,and the monitoring of the environment.Optimal band selection in HS images is crucial for improving the efficiency and accuracy of image classification.This process involves selecting the most informative spectral bands,which leads to a reduction in data volume.Focusing on these key bands also enhances the accuracy of classification algorithms,as redundant or irrelevant bands,which can introduce noise and lower model performance,are excluded.In this paper,we propose an approach for HS image classification using deep Q learning(DQL)and a novel multi-objective binary grey wolf optimizer(MOBGWO).We investigate the MOBGWO for optimal band selection to further enhance the accuracy of HS image classification.In the suggested MOBGWO,a new sigmoid function is introduced as a transfer function to modify the wolves’position.The primary objective of this classification is to reduce the number of bands while maximizing classification accuracy.To evaluate the effectiveness of our approach,we conducted experiments on publicly available HS image datasets,including Pavia University,Washington Mall,and Indian Pines datasets.We compared the performance of our proposed method with several state-of-the-art deep learning(DL)and machine learning(ML)algorithms,including long short-term memory(LSTM),deep neural network(DNN),recurrent neural network(RNN),support vector machine(SVM),and random forest(RF).Our experimental results demonstrate that the Hybrid MOBGWO-DQL significantly improves classification accuracy compared to traditional optimization and DL techniques.MOBGWO-DQL shows greater accuracy in classifying most categories in both datasets used.For the Indian Pine dataset,the MOBGWO-DQL architecture achieved a kappa coefficient(KC)of 97.68%and an overall accuracy(OA)of 94.32%.This was accompanied by the lowest root mean square error(RMSE)of 0.94,indicating very precise predictions with minimal error.In the case of the Pavia University dataset,the MOBGWO-DQL model demonstrated outstanding performance with the highest KC of 98.72%and an impressive OA of 96.01%.It also recorded the lowest RMSE at 0.63,reinforcing its accuracy in predictions.The results clearly demonstrate that the proposed MOBGWO-DQL architecture not only reaches a highly accurate model more quickly but also maintains superior performance throughout the training process.
文摘Current methods for predicting missing values in datasets often rely on simplistic approaches such as taking median value of attributes, limiting their applicability. Real-world observations can be diverse, taking stock price as example, ranging from prices post-IPO to values before a company’s collapse, or instances where certain data points are missing due to stock suspension. In this paper, we propose a novel approach using Nonlinear Matrix Completion (NIMC) and Deep Matrix Completion (DIMC) to predict associations, and conduct experiment on financial data between dates and stocks. Our method leverages various types of stock observations to capture latent factors explaining the observed date-stock associations. Notably, our approach is nonlinear, making it suitable for datasets with nonlinear structures, such as the Russell 3000. Unlike traditional methods that may suffer from information loss, NIMC and DIMC maintain nearly complete information, especially in high-dimensional parameters. We compared our approach with state-of-the-art linear methods, including Inductive Matrix Completion, Nonlinear Inductive Matrix Completion, and Deep Inductive Matrix Completion. Our findings show that the nonlinear matrix completion method is particularly effective for handling nonlinear structured data, as exemplified by the Russell 3000. Additionally, we validate the information loss of the three methods across different dimensionalities.
文摘In a local context, sustainable development entails utilizing the current resources—material and immaterial, measurable and immeasurable, popular and unpopular—of the community in a manner that avoids overexploitation and ensures intergenerational equity. This approach prioritizes the safety and health of local citizens, placing communal productivity above corporate profitability. This research aims to assess air quality surrounding 28 chemical industry sites in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to understand the environmental and health impacts of industrial pollutants, with a focus on environmental justice. Air quality pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, CO, and SO2, were monitored for 75 days during the Summer, using the BreezoMeter app. Python, Mapize, and QGIS software technologies were utilized for data analysis and visualization. Findings indicate a reduction in NO2 and CO levels, compared to existing literature. However, the persistent challenge of particulate matter suggests areas for further environmental management efforts. Additionally, the research suggests a significant disparity in air pollution exposure, probably affecting marginalized communities. Although the nature of the study might not fully capture annual pollution trends, the findings highlight the urgent need for the chemical industry to adopt efficient production methods and for policymakers to enhance air quality standards and enforcement, particularly in pollution-sensitive areas. The disproportionate impact of air pollution on vulnerable communities calls for a more inclusive approach to environmental justice, ensuring equitable distribution of clean air benefits and community involvement in pollution management decisions.
基金supported by Key-Area Research and Develop-ment Program of Guangdong Province 2020B0101090003。
文摘Motivated by the fast evolvement of blockchain technology,cloud-edge platforms,intelligent transportation systems,smart grid,vehicular networks,location based services,and other IoT applications have achieved significant breakthrough during recent years.Nowadays,blockchain based researches and projects are super-hot topics and focuses for both research and industrial communities.However,most of the current blockchain projects still suffer from insufficient security concerns.The defects of the underlying protocol make the node communication vulnerable to be hijacked,and further exacerbate the fork problem;smart contracts can hardly be fully tested before deployment because of the evolving blockchain platforms,while the smart contracts updating is impossible(or very complicated);current data privacy protection techniques are either inefficient or inaccurate;sharing and cross-chain schemes brought new security problems together with its TPS promotion.The intrinsic security vulnerabilities make the current blockchain based systems and architectures prone to be assaulted,and further do harm to the confidence of the investment on the blockchain industrial.Worse still,blockchain turns out to play a critical role in a lot of existing security solutions,which would be useless if the blockchain is insecure.
文摘The C-F bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry. It is responsible for the great stability of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as “PFAS”, a group of man-made chemicals that include perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Thermal stability, surface activity, dielectric characteristics, chemical resistance, and inertness are just a few of the technical advantages that this group has over hydrocarbons, and since the 1950s, these chemicals have been largely utilized in a variety of domestic and industrial endeavors. The hydrophilic and lipophilic nature of this class of chemicals accounts for its uniqueness. Up until today, the chemistry and ecotoxicology of these chemicals continue to emerge. Issues concerning the destructive power of ignorance expedited by an ineffective regulatory institution continue to show that manufacturing chemicals are insufficient without giving serious thought to issues of openness and humanity’s awareness of its own safety. When discussing the nature of humanity and how it can be defined or redefined, it is important to allude to the significance of integrating business with ethics in its various forms. This paper highlights the importance of holding polluters accountable for PFAS contamination cleanup costs while emphasizing the need for chemical manufacturers to test and disclose the health and environmental effects of PFAS compounds. In addition, the sources, types, properties, applications, distribution, toxicological implications, regulations, and analytical methods associated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are explored. The effectiveness of the remedial methods described in this paper needs to be progressively tested while exploring other sustainable approaches.
文摘Following the advent of the Industrial Revolution, plastic pollution has been a serious environmental issue while micro- and nano-plastics have been a cynosure of researchers’ attention in the twenty-first century. This is due to the improved knowledge of its ecotoxicological effects and the global pushforward towards sustainability. There is a growing concern that the increasing presence of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in aquatic habitats poses a threat to marine life, and it is predicted that nanoplastics will be just as ubiquitous as macro- and micro-plastics, but far more destructive to living organisms due to their ability to infiltrate cells. Recent research has shown that marine and freshwater biota become entangled with plastic litter, which disrupts the ecosystem. Aquatic creatures are known to absorb and deposit these new pollutants in their digestive systems, as has been documented in several studies. More recent research has also examined their co-occurrence and toxicity with other emerging contaminants, including their prevalence and effects in food, air, and soil. Using articles extracted from a six-year period from Scopus, ACS Publications and Google Scholar, this review explores the origins, fates, occurrence in the food chain, exposure routes, cellular interactions of microplastics and nano-plastics, in addition to the ecotoxicological impacts, analytical methods, and the potential remedies for combating pollution and toxicity. Ultimately, this review is a comprehensive, updated addendum to available reviews on micro- and nano-plastics.
文摘The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore and gain an understanding of Louisiana homeowners’ perceptions and practices in preparing for hurricanes;contribute to academic research and student learning, while guiding the development of future projects. We focused specifically on how homeowners in Louisiana would protect their important documents and possessions. These documents and possessions include but are not limited to photographs, social security cards, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork. We collected the data throughout the fall semester of 2022 at Louisiana State University (LSU) by conducting a focus group and in-depth interviews. We collected a variety of answers, but most participants expressed a strong need to have their important documents and possessions protected and gave different strategies for how this was carried out, such as digitizing or protective storage. Participants also expressed a strong need for more information to be delivered to residents to talk more about ways they can protect their own documents and possessions. Emphases were also made on the need for: leaders of large institutions to be especially concerned with preparedness for vulnerable populations;outreach programs to be put in place to spread awareness of the importance of protecting important documents and possessions during a disaster;news outlets to switch their focus from normal survival tips to discussions on the importance of protecting documents and possessions;government and non-profit agencies to work together to share tips and information through social media and other forms of handouts.
文摘The C-F bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry. It is responsible for the great stability of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as “PFAS”, a group of man-made chemicals that include perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Thermal stability, surface activity, dielectric characteristics, chemical resistance, and inertness are just a few of the technical advantages that this group has over hydrocarbons, and since the 1950s, these chemicals have been largely utilized in a variety of domestic and industrial endeavors. The hydrophilic and lipophilic nature of this class of chemicals accounts for its uniqueness. Up until today, the chemistry and ecotoxicology of these chemicals continue to emerge. Issues concerning the destructive power of ignorance expedited by an ineffective regulatory institution continue to show that manufacturing chemicals are insufficient without giving serious thought to issues of openness and humanity’s awareness of its own safety. When discussing the nature of humanity and how it can be defined or redefined, it is important to allude to the significance of integrating business with ethics in its various forms. This paper highlights the importance of holding polluters accountable for PFAS contamination cleanup costs while emphasizing the need for chemical manufacturers to test and disclose the health and environmental effects of PFAS compounds. In addition, the sources, types, properties, applications, distribution, toxicological implications, regulations, and analytical methods associated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are explored. The effectiveness of the remedial methods described in this paper needs to be progressively tested while exploring other sustainable approaches.
文摘The pervasive presence of microplastics in marine environments has raised significant concerns. This review addresses the pressing issue of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems and its potential implications for both the environment and human health. It outlines the current state of microplastic occurrence, distribution, and extraction methods within marine organisms. Microplastics have emerged as a significant environmental concern due to their harmful effects on ecosystems and their potential human health risks. These particles infiltrate marine environments through runoff and atmospheric deposition, ultimately contaminating beaches and posing threats to marine life. Despite the gravity of this issue, there has been limited research on the presence and distribution of microplastics in marine organisms. This review aims to bridge this knowledge gap by comprehensively examining the occurrence, distribution, and various extraction methods used to detect microplastics in marine organisms. It emphasizes the urgent need for targeted measures to manage microplastic pollution, highlights the significant role of human activities in contributing to this problem, and underscores the importance of reducing human-induced pollution to safeguard marine ecosystems. While this paper contributes to the understanding of microplastic pollution in marine environments and underscores the critical importance of taking action to protect marine organisms and preserve our oceans for future generations, it also emphasizes that, in effectively tackling the microplastic problem, a well-coordinated approach is essential, involving research initiatives, policy adjustments, public involvement, and innovative technologies. Crucially, prompt and resolute responses must exist to counteract the escalating peril posed by microplastics to the oceans and the global environment.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 11302131, No. 11372194, No. 11572202)+4 种基金
the Doctoral Fund of Ministry of Education of China (No. 20123156120003)
the Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (No. 14YZ125)
the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (No. 14DZ1103500)
基金Project supported by Start-up Grant of Nanyang Technological UniversityTier 1 Grant of Ministry of Education,Singapore(RGT8/13)
文摘Iron oxide nanoparticles are the most popular magnetic nanoparticles used in biomedical applications due to their low cost, low toxicity, and unique magnetic property. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, including magnetite （Fe304） and maghemite （γ-Fe203）, usually exhibit a superparamagnetic property as their size goes smaller than 20 nm, which are often denoted as superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles （SPIONs） and utilized for drug delivery, diagnosis, therapy, and etc. This review article gives a brief introduction on magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in terms of their fundamentals of magnetism, magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）, and drug delivery, as well as the synthesis approaches, surface coating, and application examples from recent key literatures. Because the quality and surface chemistry play important roles in biomedical applications, our review focuses on the synthesis approaches and surface modifications of iron oxide nanopar- ticles. We aim to provide a detailed introduction to readers who are new to this field, helping them to choose suitable synthesis methods and to optimize the surface chemistry of iron oxide nanoparticles for their interests.
文摘Understanding cardiac blood flow behaviors is of importance for cardiovascular research and clinical assessment of ventricle functions.Patient-specific Echo-based left ventricle(LV)fluid-structure interaction(FSI)models were introduced to perform ventricle mechanical analysis,investigate flow behaviors,and evaluate the impact of myocardial infarction(MI)and hypertension on blood flow in the LV.Echo image data were acquired from 3 patients with consent obtained:one healthy volunteer(P1),one hypertension patient(P2),and one patient who had an inferior and posterior myocardial infarction(P3).The nonlinear Mooney-Rivlin model was used for ventricle tissue with material parameter values chosen to match echo-measure LV volume data.Using the healthy case as baseline,LV with MI had lower peak flow velocity(30%lower at beginejection)and hypertension LV had higher peak flow velocity(16%higher at begin-filling).The vortex area(defined as the area with vorticity>0)for P3 was 19%smaller than that of P1.The vortex area for P2 was 12%smaller than that of P1.At peak of filling,the maximum flow shear stress(FSS)for P2 and P3 were 390%higher and 63%lower than that of P1,respectively.Meanwhile,LV stress and strain of P2 were 41%and 15%higher than those of P1,respectively.LV stress and strain of P3 were 36%and 42%lower than those of P1,respectively.In conclusion,FSI models could provide both flow and structural stress/strain information which would serve as the base for further cardiovascular investigations related to disease initiation,progression,and treatment strategy selections.Large-scale studies are needed to validate our findings.
