National Ilan University

This study investigated the influence of cold-rolling on the damping capacity of the hot-extruded AZ31 alloy plate. The damping capacity of the hot-extruded and the cold-rolled AZ31 alloy plates were measured by a dynamic mechanical analysis with a single cantilever from 0°C to 250°C at a constant heating rate. Experimental results demonstrated increased damping capacity, which is evident in both the P2 peak and the high-temperature damping background (HTDB). The activation energy of the HTDB decreased from 2.01 eV to 0.91 eV after cold-rolling. This reduction suggests that the cold-rolling process accelerates grain boundary diffusion, promoting creep deformation at elevated temperatures. While cold-rolling enhances the HTDB damping capacity of the AZ31 alloy plate, it concurrently compromises its creep resistance at moderately high temperatures (100°C to 250°C). Therefore, for engineering applications of AZ31 alloy plates within this temperature range, careful consideration of this trade-off between improved damping and diminished creep resistance is crucial.

Ping An Fang Yu Yin (PAFYY) is a traditional Chinese herbal tea formula commonly used to treat respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Previous research indicates potential antiinflammatory activities; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of PAFYY, specifically its electron-transport and bioenergetic properties, through network pharmacology, electrochemical analysis, and Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) assessments. Active compounds and their respective targets were identified via database searches. Proteinprotein interaction networks were constructed using the STRING database and further analyzed using Cytoscape and MCODE software. Molecular docking was employed to assess the binding affinity between identified key compounds and their targets. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and MFC assays evaluated the electrontransport characteristics of PAFYY water and ethanol extracts. The analysis identified 298 active compounds associated with 1,940 biological targets, highlighting key targets including EP300, CREBBP, ESR1, AKT1, MAPK3, MAPK1, and STAT3. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that PAFYY significantly influences immune system processes and neuronal signaling pathways. Molecular docking confirmed the anti-inflammatory and antiviral potential of the identified active compounds. Additionally, electrochemical studies demonstrated that PAFYY contains electroactive substances mediating electron-driven redox reactions. Recent studies have demonstrated that traditional Chinese herbal teas contain electron shuttles capable of mediating electron transfer in electrogenic bacteria. Emerging evidence further indicates that electroactive plant polyphenols can modulate microbial ecology through redox-mediated mechanisms. Our findings suggest that PAFYY may act on the microbiota-immune axis, with its electron-shuttling constituents contributing not only to direct cellular effects and antioxidant activity but also to modulation of the gut microbiome in ways that support antiviral immunity and attenuate inflammation. These results may inform future research into the mechanistic basis of medicinal herbs, while highlighting the potential of MFCs as a functional screening platform for identifying bioactive redox compounds. The anti-COVID-19 properties of PAFYY may be largely attributed to its electron-transport capabilities, mediated through electroactive compounds. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanistic basis of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, potentially enhancing their therapeutic application.

The international roughness index (IRI) is typically obtained using an inertial profiler (IP) to measure pavement elevation. However, the IP has several limitations: it can only measure wheelpaths, requires a constant speed, and displays problems with reproducibility. To overcome these constraints, we developed an image-based roughness inspection system (IPRIS), capable of capturing pavement images at 1-m intervals at speeds of up to 100 km/h. Utilizing photogrammetry, IPRIS reconstructs image positions and orientations to generate three-dimensional (3D) point clouds, producing a high-resolution digital surface model (DSM) and orthophoto. This enables flexible profile selection on the orthophoto, allowing IRI calculations directly from DSM elevation data. To assess the accuracy of the IPRIS, we established a reference elevation profile using a high-precision total station and leveling and then compared the IPRIS with a terrestrial light detection and ranging system (TLS). Results showed that the IPRIS achieved IRI Class 1 specification, with an elevation standard deviation of approximately 1.2 mm and an IRI difference of less than 0.200 m/km. By contrast, the TLS exhibited significant point cloud noise, creating a two-fold increase in elevation errors compared to the IPRIS and an IRI difference of 0.419 m/km, meeting only IRI Class 2 specification. Furthermore, repeated IPRIS data collection on a highway yielded consistent results, demonstrating its reliability for high-speed IRI inspections. However, a key limitation of the IPRIS is its reliance on clear pavement images for 3D reconstruction, making it unsuitable for nighttime or rainy conditions.

Purpose This study aims to examine the sequential dynamics between budget performance, sales performance and satisfaction of B2B service providers in sales roles. Design/methodology/approach Research target is B2B service providers working in Norwegian firms that operate within service-based B2B sectors. The sampling approach was designed to generate insights that reflect the realities of sales practices in service-oriented B2B contexts. Findings The results reported highlight that service providers’ budget performance is a significant predictor of both relative and absolute performance. It is also highlighted that services providers’ absolute performance plays a central mediating role, influencing both financial and social satisfaction, while relative performance shows no significant direct effect on satisfaction outcomes. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the development of a unified and generalizable approach to measure service providers’ sales performance in service-oriented B2B contexts by bridging the gap between practice and theory as well as practitioners and scholars. Practical implications This study provides valuable insights and implications for sales managers and service firms aiming to enhance service providers’ sales performance and their perceived satisfaction in service-oriented B2B contexts. Originality/value This study makes three key contributions: (i) it confirms the sequential relationships among budget performance, sales performance and satisfaction; (ii) it compares the results of hierarchical and non-hierarchical models; and (iii) it integrates essential measures of service provider performance from both practical and academic perspectives.

ABSTRACT The increasing prevalence of pharmaceutical pollutants, especially antibiotics like ampicillin, in aquatic environments necessitates novel treatment approaches that integrate pollutant removal with resource recovery. Traditional PFAS‐based membranes, such as Nafion, frequently used in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), present environmental concerns due to their persistence and toxicity. This study introduces a graphene oxide (GO)‐modified cellulose ether membrane, characterized by antifouling properties, as a PFAS‐free alternative, and thoroughly evaluates its dual function of ampicillin elimination and bioelectricity generation from hospital wastewater. Physicochemical characterization revealed that the incorporation of GO improved membrane hydrophilicity and mechanical stability, leading to a 2.53‐fold increase in tensile strength compared to pure cellulose ether, while concurrently reducing substrate crossing. In a MFC, the CEGO membrane facilitated increased microbial electroactivity and improved electron transfer, achieving a maximum current density of 86.6 mA c m −2 . This enhanced electrochemical performance, coupled with a columbic efficiency of 59.3%, was succeeded by a substantial ampicillin degradation of 96.2%, thereby underscoring the relationship between optimized proton transport and strengthened microbe‐electrode interactions. Furthermore, the membrane exhibited operational stability under high‐COD conditions typical of hospital wastewater, indicating considerable structural resilience and potential for extended application in sustainable wastewater treatment and energy recovery.

Purpose This study aims to examine how mountain destinations and ski resorts in Japan respond to climate change, focusing on their adaptation and mitigation strategies. Design/methodology/approach This study used website content analysis (WCA) and keyword extraction analysis to analyze 28 cases (176 Web pages) from protect our winters (POW) Japan. Semi-structured interviews with ski resort operators were conducted to validate the findings. Findings The analysis of 28 ski resorts in Japan revealed two dominant adaptation strategies, direct action (e.g. snowmaking) and product transfer (e.g. year-round operations) and two main mitigation strategies, enhancing energy efficiency (e.g. electricity conservation and renewable energy use) and carbon dioxide capture (e.g. forest maintenance). The results indicate that local ski resorts emphasize sustainable development goals initiatives and cost-effective measures, whereas corporate ski resorts focus on collaboration with local communities and forest ecosystem conservation. Practical implications This study offers practical implications for ski resorts facing climate change, particularly in Japan’s winter tourism regions. It highlights strategies such as improving energy efficiency, promoting green consumption and diversifying year-round activities. Internally, resorts can adopt sustainable operations, while externally, collaboration with governments and communities can enhance resilience. Originality/value This study offers original insights into climate change and winter tourism by examining how ski resorts in Japan communicate adaptation and mitigation strategies through their website content. The study investigates how POW Japan’s resorts reflect and support national climate policies by aligning these findings with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change policy framework. This approach provides a novel aspect for understanding how sustainability messaging aligns with broader climate goals in the winter tourism sector in Japan.