bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the Consistency of Pituitary Macroadenomas: The Utility of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Measurements for Surgical Planning
Authors: Hassan Rania Mostafa A. , Almalki Yassir Edrees , Basha Mohammad Abd Alkhalik , Alduraibi Sharifa Khalid , Hassan Alshehri Hanan , Aboualkheir Mervat , Almushayti Ziyad A. , Alduraibi Alaa K. , Amer Mona M. , Basha Ahmed M. Abdelkhalik , Refaat Mona Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Understanding the consistency of pituitary macroadenomas is crucial for neurosurgeons planning surgery. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the utility of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) as non-invasive imaging modalities for predicting the consistency of pituitary macroadenomas. This could contribute to appropriate surgical planning and therefore reduce the likelihood of incomplete resections. The study included 45 patients with pathologically confirmed pituitary macroadenomas. Conventional MRI sequences, DWIs, ADC maps, and pre- and post-contrast MRIs were performed. Two neuroradiologists assessed all of the images. Neurosurgeons assessed the consistency of the tumor macroscopically, and histopathologists examined it microscopically. The MRI findings were compared with postoperative data. According to the operative data, macroadenomas were divided into the two following categories based on their consistency: aspirable (n = 27) and non-aspirable tumors (n = 18). A statistically significant difference in DWI findings was found when comparing macroadenomas of different consistencies (p < 0.001). Most aspirable macroadenomas (66.7%) were hyperintense according to DWI and hypointense on ADC maps, whereas most non-aspirable macroadenomas (83.3%) were hypointense for DWI and hyperintense on ADC maps. At a cut-off value of 0.63 × 10−3 mm2/s, the ADC showed a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 75% for the detection of non-aspirable macroadenomas (AUC, 0.946). The study concluded that DWI should be routinely performed in conjunction with ADC measurements in the preoperative evaluation of pituitary macroadenomas. This approach may aid in surgical planning, ensure that appropriate techniques are utilized, and reduce the risk of incomplete resection.
Investigating the Incidence of Dyslipidemia among Brazilian Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fagundes Melo Rafael , Laurindo Lucas Fornari , Sloan Katia Portero , Sloan Lance Alan , Cressoni Araújo Adriano , Bitelli Piero , Laís Menegucci Zutin Tereza , Haber Mellen Rodrigo , Junqueira Mellen Luciano , Landgraf Guiguer Elen , Cera Albarossi João Paulo , Rocha Gabaldi Márcia , Cincotto dos S. Bueno Patricia , Francisco dos Santos Haber Jesselina , Barbalho Sandra Maria , Federighi Baisi Chagas Eduardo
Published: February 2024

The treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) has always been a challenge for health professionals in relation to glycemic control. Increased body fat has been related to a worsening of the lipid profile and increased prevalence of dyslipidemia in this population, leading to negative repercussions on the control of cardiovascular risk. We aimed to investigate the distribution of lipid levels and the presence of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents with T1DM. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 81 individuals of both sexes (4–19 years) diagnosed with T1DM. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected, in addition to data on physical activity level, sexual maturation stage, and insulin administration regimen. Lipid levels were categorized as normal, borderline, and elevated, and the presence of dyslipidemia was diagnosed by the presence of one or more altered lipid parameter. We noted a prevalence of dyslipidemia in 65.4% of the participants when considering borderline lipid values. Of those, 23.5% had one altered lipid level, and 42.0% had two or more. The main altered lipid levels were total cholesterol and triglycerides, followed by non-HDL-c. The main factor associated with the worsening of lipid levels was the increase in HbA1c. Sex had a significant effect on the levels of TC, HDL-c, and ApoA-I. The results of this study reinforce the need to monitor lipid profile in children and adolescents with T1DM, as well as the importance of early intervention in treating dyslipidemia, especially in patients with poor glycemic control.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection Is an Independent Risk Factor for Decompensation in Cirrhosis Patients
Authors: Ayoub Mark , Tomanguillo Julton , Faris Carol , Anwar Nadeem , Chela Harleen , Daglilar Ebubekir
Published: February 2024

Background: SARS-CoV-2 causes varied gastrointestinal symptoms. Cirrhosis patients face higher mortality rates from it, especially those with decompensated cirrhosis. This study examines SARS-CoV-2’s impact on decompensation in previously compensated cirrhotic patients. Methods: We analyzed the Global Collaborative Network, comprising 98 healthcare organizations across sixteen countries, using TriNetX’s deidentified research database. Compensated cirrhosis patients were split into two groups: one with SARS-CoV-2-positive patients and another testing negative. Using a 1:1 propensity score matching model based on baseline characteristics and comorbidities, we created comparable cohorts. We then assessed decompensation, mortality, and GI bleed at 1 and 3 months. Results: Out of 252,631 identified compensated cirrhosis patients, 27.3% (69,057) tested SARS-CoV-2-positive, while 72.6% (183,574) remained negative. Post PSM, 61,963 patients were in each group. SARS-CoV-2-positive patients showed significantly higher decompensation rates (4.4% vs. 1.9% at 1 month; 6% vs. 2.6% overall). Rates of complications, like ascites, SBP, HE, and HRS, increased notably. Mortality (2.5% vs. 1.7% at 1 month; 3.6% vs. 2.7% at 3 months) and GI bleed (1.3% vs. 0.9% at 1 month; 1.9% vs. 1.2% at 3 months) were also elevated in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 increases decompensation over 2-fold in compensated cirrhosis patients and raises mortality and increases rates of complications at 1 and 3 months.
Biological Effects of Orthodontic Tooth Movement on the Periodontium in Regenerated Bone Defects: A Scoping Review
Authors: Verdecchia Alessio , Suárez-Fernández Carlota , Miquel Andrea , Bardini Giulia , Spinas Enrico
Published: February 2024

The aim of this scoping review is to analyse the biological effects of the orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in areas with bone defects that are undergoing regeneration using different types of regenerative materials and techniques. The electronic research was performed on four databases as follows: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Data were extracted according to publication information, study design, sample characteristics, parameters of OTM, biological repercussions on the periodontium complex, methods of analysis, and conclusions. A total of thirty studies were included in the final review. In twenty-two studies, the most widely adopted grafting materials were alloplastics. In most studies, the orthodontic force used was 10 or 100 g, and the timing of application ranged from immediate to 6 months after grafting surgery. Twenty-four studies showed an increase in osteogenesis; in five studies, the clinical attachment level (CAL) increased; in five others, the probing pocket depth (PPD) decreased; in sixteen studies, there was root resorption of a different magnitude. Though the effects of OTM on the periodontium in the grafted areas were positive, the outcomes should be interpreted with caution as future preclinical and clinical studies are needed to extrapolate more valid conclusions.
The Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Insect Predator–Prey System Incorporating Refuge Effect
Authors: Zhang Huayong , Yuan Xiaotong , Zou Hengchao , Zhao Lei , Wang Zhongyu , Guo Fenglu , Liu Zhao
Published: February 2024

The insect predator–prey system mediates several feedback mechanisms which regulate species abundance and spatial distribution. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of such discrete systems with the refuge effect remain elusive. In this study, we analyzed a discrete Holling type II model incorporating the refuge effect using theoretical calculations and numerical simulations, and selected moths with high and low growth rates as two exemplifications. The result indicates that only the flip bifurcation opens the routes to chaos, and the system undergoes four spatiotemporally behavioral patterns (from the frozen random pattern to the defect chaotic diffusion pattern, then the competition intermittency pattern, and finally to the fully developed turbulence pattern). Furthermore, as the refuge effect increases, moths with relatively slower growth rates tend to maintain stability at relatively low densities, whereas moths with relatively faster growth rates can induce chaos and unpredictability on the population. According to the theoretical guidance of this study, the refuge effect can be adjusted to control pest populations effectively, which provides a new theoretical perspective and is a feasible tool for protecting crops.
Fixed-Time Aperiodic Intermittent Control for Quasi-Bipartite Synchronization of Competitive Neural Networks
Authors: Tang Shimiao , Li Jiarong , Jiang Haijun , Wang Jinling
Published: February 2024

This paper concerns a class of coupled competitive neural networks, subject to disturbance and discontinuous activation functions. To realize the fixed-time quasi-bipartite synchronization, an aperiodic intermittent controller is initially designed. Subsequently, by combining the fixed-time stability theory and nonsmooth analysis, several criteria are established to ensure the bipartite synchronization in fixed time. Moreover, synchronization error bounds and settling time estimates are provided. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to verify the main results.
Mesoscopic Kinetic Approach of Nonequilibrium Effects for Shock Waves
Authors: Qiu Ruofan , Yang Xinyuan , Bao Yue , You Yancheng , Jin Hua
Published: February 2024

A shock wave is a flow phenomenon that needs to be considered in the development of high-speed aircraft and engines. The traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method describes it from the perspective of macroscopic variables, such as the Mach number, pressure, density, and temperature. The thickness of the shock wave is close to the level of the molecular free path, and molecular motion has a strong influence on the shock wave. According to the analysis of the Chapman-Enskog approach, the nonequilibrium effect is the source term that causes the fluid system to deviate from the equilibrium state. The nonequilibrium effect can be used to obtain a description of the physical characteristics of shock waves that are different from the macroscopic variables. The basic idea of the nonequilibrium effect approach is to obtain the nonequilibrium moment of the molecular velocity distribution function by solving the Boltzmann–Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (Boltzmann BGK) equations or multiple relaxation times Boltzmann (MRT-Boltzmann) equations and to explore the nonequilibrium effect near the shock wave from the molecular motion level. This article introduces the theory and understanding of the nonequilibrium effect approach and reviews the research progress of nonequilibrium behavior in shock-related flow phenomena. The role of nonequilibrium moments played on the macroscopic governing equations of fluids is discussed, the physical meaning of nonequilibrium moments is given from the perspective of molecular motion, and the relationship between nonequilibrium moments and equilibrium moments is analyzed. Studies on the nonequilibrium effects of shock problems, such as the Riemann problem, shock reflection, shock wave/boundary layer interaction, and detonation wave, are introduced. It reveals the nonequilibrium behavior of the shock wave from the mesoscopic level, which is different from the traditional macro perspective and shows the application potential of the mesoscopic kinetic approach of the nonequilibrium effect in the shock problem.
Does Chinese Investment into Europe Facilitate Strategic Asset Growth in the Chinese Parent Company? The Role of Entry Mode
Authors: Anderson John , Sutherland Dylan , Severe Sean
Published: February 2024

Strategic asset seeking foreign direct investment has undergone tremendous growth over the past decade. This paper first attempts to evaluate the location choice of such investments in Europe. We find that Chinese companies target strategic assets in Europe. The paper then moves to understand the efficacy of these investments in terms of the creation of strategic assets in the Chinese parent company. Our results show the intangible assets of Chinese domestic parent firms significantly increase in the wake of their investments. For greenfield investments, there is a longer time-lag in creation of intangible strategic assets than for acquisitions. However, greenfield investments result in a larger increase in intangible asset creation than acquisition investments.
Considering the Lessons of Curriculum Studies in the Design of Science Instruction: Varieties of Meaning and Implications for Teaching and Learning
Authors: McComas William F.
Published: February 2024

This article is an introduction to the rich domain of curriculum studies with specific reference to science teaching and learning. It is designed not as a systematic review or theoretical treatise but rather as an overview for those charged with transforming science content and processes into a classroom curriculum. In other words, while written from the scholarly perspective of curriculum studies, the hope is that it will be seen by teachers as a set of possibilities rather than recommendations while reminding educators that what happens in classrooms to students and their parents is the curriculum, but it is only one of many that might have been delivered. To accomplish this, this paper explores the complex definition of curriculum including the notions of the kinds of curriculum from null, to formal, received, and learned with an emphasis on what occurs as a specific curriculum design results in effective and even faulty learning, a unique consequence proposed here. Next, we explore the common curriculum ideologies or orientations including those focused on academic advancement, tradition, student-centeredness, and social improvement. Finally, a formal recommendation for the content of science instruction in the U.S.—the Next-Generation Science Standards, is are considered as a conclusion by applying the expansive perspective of the term and nature of curriculum discussed throughout.
Comparing University Students’ Performance in the Statistical Processing and Visualization of Laboratory Data before, during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pašák Matej , Palcut Marián
Published: February 2024

The face-to-face education system around the world unexpectedly collapsed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The priority education process became remote education and activities related to self-study and self-education. This paper investigates how university students’ performance has been influenced by remote learning during the lockdown period. Academic performance is evaluated by measuring the time required to complete specific homework in statistical data processing. Comparisons of performance are made for before, during and after the pandemic period. This study examines a population of third-year university students majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. The students were asked to complete a specific homework requiring the processing and evaluation of random laboratory data using analytical software. The delivery times of the completed homework before, during and after the lockdown period are compared. It has been found that although the students had to spend more time on their task during the pandemic, their relative performance remained unchanged and was comparable to that of pre-pandemic. After the end of the lockdown period, an increase in academic performance was noted. Our results suggest that the sudden transition to remote education may have been beneficial for the long-term performance of a group of selected university students in data processing and evaluation. The findings support the idea that teachers and their institutions should be willing to use a variety of teaching methods. The inclusion of remote learning methods in university instruction is encouraged.
“Everybody Was Included in the Conversation”: Teachers’ Perceptions of Student Engagement in Transdisciplinary STEM Learning in Diverse Elementary Schools
Authors: Holincheck Nancy M. , Kraft Tammy , Galanti Terrie M. , Baker Courtney K. , Nelson Jill K.
Published: February 2024

This qualitative interview study examines STEM integration in three diverse elementary schools through the eyes of the teachers and instructional coaches (n = 9) who facilitated the transdisciplinary Box Turtle Model-eliciting Activity (MEA). Prior to implementation, participants attended a full-day professional development workshop in which they experienced the MEA in school-based triads of principals, coaches, and teachers. The educators then implemented the MEA with elementary students from across multiple grade levels. We used the guiding principles of productive disciplinary engagement in our analysis of educator interviews to interpret participants’ perceptions of how an MEA encourages elementary students to (a) problematize real-world scenarios, (b) direct their own learning, and (c) collaborate through meaningful academic discourse. Educators also identified challenges to integrating STEM in elementary classrooms. The Box Turtle MEA offered more equitable access to STEM by positioning students as authorities and providing space for them to be accountable to themselves and others in solving an authentic, real-world problem.
Automation of System Security Vulnerabilities Detection Using Open-Source Software
Authors: Seara João , Serrão Carlos
Published: February 2024

Cybersecurity failures have become increasingly detrimental to organizations worldwide, impacting their finances, operations, and reputation. This issue is worsened by the scarcity of cybersecurity professionals. Moreover, the specialization required for cybersecurity expertise is both costly and time-consuming. In light of these challenges, this study has concentrated on automating cybersecurity processes, particularly those pertaining to continuous vulnerability detection. A cybersecurity vulnerability scanner was developed, which is freely available to the community and does not necessitate any prior expertise from the operator. The effectiveness of this tool was evaluated by IT companies and systems engineers, some of whom had no background in cybersecurity. The findings indicate that the scanner proved to be efficient, precise, and easy to use. It assisted the operators in safeguarding their systems in an automated fashion, as part of their security audit strategy.
A Reduced Sparse Dictionary Reconstruction Algorithm Based on Grid Selection
Authors: Gao Zhiqi , Zhao Caimei , Huang Pingping , Xu Wei , Tan Weixian
Published: February 2024

A sparse dictionary reconstruction algorithm based on grid selection is introduced to solve the grid mismatch when using the sparse recovery space time adaptive processing (SR-STAP) algorithm. First, the atom most closely related to clutter is selected from the traditional dictionary through the spectral value dimensionality reduction method. The local mesh is divided around the selected atoms to create mesh cells, and the mesh cells that are most likely to appear in the real clutter points are judged according to the local selection iteration criteria. In this way, the mesh spacing is refined, the local mesh selection is carried out step by step, and the optimal atoms in the local region are constantly adjusted and selected to narrow the search region until the iteration termination condition is met. Finally, the space-time plane is divided using a novel meshing technique that centers around the optimal atom. By removing atoms beyond the maximum range of spatial and Doppler frequencies, the simplified sparse dictionary can overcome the mesh mismatch problem. The simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm enhances the sparse recovery accuracy of clutter space-time spectrum, mitigates the mesh mismatch effect, and boosts STAP performance.
Light Field Visualization for Training and Education: A Review
Authors: Guindy Mary , Kara Peter A.
Published: February 2024

Three-dimensional visualization technologies such as stereoscopic 3D, virtual reality, and augmented reality have already emerged in training and education; however, light field displays are yet to be introduced in such contexts. In this paper, we characterize light field visualization as a potential candidate for the future of training and education, and compare it to other state-of-the-art 3D technologies. We separately address preschool and elementary school education, middle and high school education, higher education, and specialized training, and assess the suitability of light field displays for these utilization contexts via key performance indicators. This paper exhibits various examples for education, and highlights the differences in terms of display requirements and characteristics. Additionally, our contribution analyzes the scientific-literature-related trends of the past 20 years for 3D technologies, and the past 5 years for the level of education. While the acquired data indicates that light field is still lacking in the context of education, general research on the visualization technology is steadily rising. Finally, we specify a number of future research directions that shall contribute to the emergence of light field visualization for training and education.
Neural Network-Driven Reliability Analysis in Safety Evaluation of LiDAR-Based Automated Vehicles: Considering Highway Vertical Alignments and Adverse Weather Conditions
Authors: Cai Mingmao , Mao Chengyang , Zhou Wen , Yu Bin
Published: February 2024

Complex road environments threaten the safe operation of automated vehicles. Among these, adverse weather conditions and road geometries have particularly significant impacts. This study investigates LiDAR-based automated vehicles (LAVs) driving safety on vertical curved roads in adverse weather. A key methodology involves constructing a failure function that incorporates both the available sight distance (ASD) and the required stopping sight distance (RSD). This function is analyzed using a combined approach of neural networks and Monte Carlo simulations to quantitatively evaluate and generalize the reliability of LAVs under various conditions. The results reveal that variations in weather conditions and vertical curve radii significantly impact the ASD of LAVs, while the influence of speed is relatively minor. Notably, dense fog and rainfall can substantially reduce LAVs’ ASD on vertical curves. Furthermore, the vehicle automation level and speed have a significant impact on driving safety, emphasizing the need for road and operational domain design tailored to LAVs under adverse weather conditions and vertical curve radii.
Efficient V2V Communications by Clustering-Based Collaborative Caching
Authors: Tokunaga Hiroki , Tang Suhua
Published: February 2024

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication plays an important role in enabling autonomous driving. However, when multiple vehicles request the same content, like road conditions, delivering it individually by V2V communication can significantly increase traffic volume, potentially causing congestion in the wireless channel. To address this issue, Content-Centric Network (CCN) technology is applied to V2V communication, which improves communication efficiency by exploiting content cached at vehicles. However, previous methods faced the following challenges: (i) vehicles could not use content stored in nearby vehicles outside the communication path, and (ii) redundant caching of the same content occurred at nearby vehicles. To tackle these challenges, this paper proposes a collaborative caching method in which vehicles are grouped into clusters and each cluster has a designated head responsible for managing caches across all vehicles within the cluster. In this way, this method enables vehicles to use the content cached at adjacent vehicles that are not directly on a communication path. In addition, it eliminates redundant caches, allowing a more diverse range of content storage. Extensive simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach effectively reduces content delivery latency by 33% compared to the method using clusters without cooperative caching and by 19% compared to the ECV+ method.
S2S-Sim: A Benchmark Dataset for Ship Cooperative 3D Object Detection
Authors: Yang Wenbin , Wang Xinzhi , Luo Xiangfeng , Xie Shaorong , Chen Junxi
Published: February 2024

The rapid development of vehicle cooperative 3D object-detection technology has significantly improved the perception capabilities of autonomous driving systems. However, ship cooperative perception technology has received limited research attention compared to autonomous driving, primarily due to the lack of appropriate ship cooperative perception datasets. To address this gap, this paper proposes S2S-sim, a novel ship cooperative perception dataset. Ship navigation scenarios were constructed using Unity3D, and accurate ship models were incorporated while simulating sensor parameters of real LiDAR sensors to collect data. The dataset comprises three typical ship navigation scenarios, including ports, islands, and open waters, featuring common ship classes such as container ships, bulk carriers, and cruise ships. It consists of 7000 frames with 96,881 annotated ship bounding boxes. Leveraging this dataset, we assess the performance of mainstream vehicle cooperative perception models when transferred to ship cooperative perception scenes. Furthermore, considering the characteristics of ship navigation data, we propose a regional clustering fusion-based ship cooperative 3D object-detection method. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach achieves state-of-the-art performance in 3D ship object detection, indicating its suitability for ship cooperative perception.
Cyber5Gym: An Integrated Framework for 5G Cybersecurity Training
Authors: Hamza Muhammad Ali , Ejaz Usama , Kim Hyun-chul
Published: February 2024

The rapid evolution of 5G technology, while offering substantial benefits, concurrently presents complex cybersecurity challenges. Current cybersecurity systems often fall short in addressing challenges such as the lack of realism of the 5G network, the limited scope of attack scenarios, the absence of countermeasures, the lack of reproducible, and open-sourced cybersecurity training environments. Addressing these challenges necessitates innovative cybersecurity training systems, referred to as “cyber ranges”. In response to filling these gaps, we propose the Cyber5Gym, an integrated cyber range that enhances the automation of virtualized cybersecurity training in 5G networks with cloud-based deployment. Our framework leverages open-source tools (i) Open5GS and UERANSIM for realistic emulation of 5G networks, (ii) Docker for efficient virtualization of the training infrastructure, (iii) 5Greply for emulating attack scenarios, and (iv) Shell scripts for automating complex training operations. This integration facilitates a dynamic learning environment where cybersecurity professionals can engage in real-time attack and countermeasure exercises, thus significantly improving their readiness against 5G-specific cyber threats. We evaluated it by deploying our framework on Naver Cloud with 20 trainees, each accessing an emulated 5G network and managing 100 user equipments (UEs), emulating three distinct attack scenarios (SMC-Reply, DoS, and DDoS attacks), and exercising countermeasures, to demonstrate the cybersecurity training. We assessed the effectiveness of our framework through specific metrics such as successfully establishing the 5G network for all trainees, accurate execution of attack scenarios, and their countermeasure implementation via centralized control of the master using automated shell scripts. The open-source foundation of our framework ensures replicability and adaptability, addressing a critical gap in current cybersecurity training methodologies and contributing significantly to the resilience and security of 5G infrastructures.
Discrete Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm-Based One-Off Optimization Method for Multiple Co-Existing Application Layer Multicast Routing Trees
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Ning , Zhang Wei , Liu Qing , Liu Feng
Published: February 2024

As an effective multicast application mechanism, the application layer multicast (ALM) determines the path of data transmission through a routing tree. In practical applications, multiple multicast sessions often occur simultaneously; however, few studies have considered this situation. A feasible solution is to sequentially optimize each co-existing ALM routing tree. However, this approach can lead to node congestion, and, even if the node out-degree reservation strategy is adopted, an optimal solution may not be obtained. In this study, to solve the problem of routing tree construction for multiple co-existing application layer multicast sessions, an optimization model that minimizes the overall delay and instability is constructed, and a one-off optimization method based on the discrete artificial fish swarm algorithm (DAFSA) is proposed. First, Steiner node sets corresponding to the multicast sessions are selected. Then, the routing trees for each multicast session are obtained through the improved spanning tree algorithm based on the complete graph composed of Steiner node sets. The experimental results show that the proposed method can simultaneously obtain multiple co-existing ALM routing trees with a low total delay and low instability. Even if the input is a single multicast session, it can lead to ALM routing trees with a lower delay and less instability than other algorithms, and the introduction of a penalty function can effectively avoid the problem of excessive replication and forwarding loads on some end-hosts. In addition, the proposed algorithm is insensitive to parameter changes and exhibits good stability and convergence properties for networks of different sizes.
Research on the Application of Extended Reality in the Construction and Management of Landscape Engineering
Authors: Liu Siyu , Zhao Xuefeng , Meng Xiaolin , Ji Weiyu , Liu Liang , Li Wangbing , Tao Yibing , Peng Yunfei , Yang Qiantai
Published: February 2024

Landscape engineering plays a crucial role in urban construction and the development of ecological civilization in China. It actively designs and modifies natural elements, such as water and mountains, acting as the primary living infrastructure. This field continually receives great recognition and praise. Recent academic research has prioritized the use of extended reality (XR) technology to create a real-time interactive visual environment to tackle the issues presented by the dynamic nature of landscape engineering. This paper utilizes the PRISMA method to filter out 68 research documents related to XR in landscape engineering construction and management for bibliometric analysis. A comprehensive review is conducted on the precise and efficient utilization of XR to solve various issues in the field of landscape engineering. Using Cite Space 6.2.R6 (a visual bibliometric software) to visualize knowledge structures and research topics, the analysis includes temporal and spatial examination, application scenario analysis, and technological hierarchy analysis. The paper summarizes the current challenges that XR still faces in the landscape engineering field and envisions extensible application scenarios for XR, providing a reference roadmap for the implementation of XR in landscape engineering.
Effect of Morphological Characteristics of Aggregates on Thermal Properties of Molten Salt Nanofluids
Authors: Zhang Weichao , Zhu Chaoyang , Chen Shuanjun , Wang Shixing , Jing Zhaoshuo , Cui Liu
Published: February 2024

Molten salt-based nanofluid is a thermal storage and heat transfer medium for concentrated solar thermal power plants formed by adding nanoparticles to molten salt, which can enhance the thermal performance of molten salt. However, the nanoparticles tend to aggregate in nanofluids, causing changes in thermal properties. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the effect of morphological characteristics of aggregates on the thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of molten salt-based nanofluids. The results show that the aggregated nanoparticles cause a greater increase in thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity than dispersed nanoparticles. Additionally, the increase in fractal dimension leads to thermal conductivity reduction, while there is no clear correlation between the fractal dimension and specific heat capacity. New insights into the thermal properties of aggregated nanofluids are provided by analyzing the contribution of material components, heat flux fluctuation modes, and energy compositions. It is found that the thermal conductivity of aggregated nanofluids is mainly dominated by the base liquid and collision term. However, the specific heat is not related to the variation in the contribution of different energy compositions. Moreover, compared to the dispersed nanofluid, the increased specific heat capacity of aggregated nanofluids is attributed to the thicker semi-solid layer. This study provides guidance for the design and control of the thermal properties of molten salt-based nanofluids.
Control of Dielectric Parameters of Micro- and Nanomodified Epoxy Resin Using Electrophoresis
Authors: Dąda Anna , Błaut Paweł , Mikrut Paweł , Kuniewski Maciej , Zydroń Paweł
Published: February 2024

This work presents the results of research on submicro- and nanocomposites with gradient properties, produced in a planned electrophoretic process. Epoxy-resin-based samples were filled with TiO2 particles of three different sizes (13 nm, 38 nm, and <1 µm) at four different values of average electric field Eav (0.0 Vmm−1, 125 Vmm−1, 250 Vmm−1, and 500 Vmm−1) for 1 h each. Changes in selected dielectric parameters (dielectric constant εr and dielectric loss factor tanδ) of the composites were analyzed using broadband dielectric spectroscopy (10−1 Hz to 105 Hz). The influence of the Eav and the current i(t) flowing through the sample material and the Joule heat generated in it on the resin curing process and the final gradient of dielectric parameters were investigated. The results show that the degree of modification of the εr gradient increases with increasing Eav and is more pronounced in the case of TiO2 nanoparticles. The largest modifications in the εr and tanδ were obtained for nanoparticles with a diameter of 13 nm at Eav = 500 Vmm−1, while the lowest for particles < 1 µm at Eav = 125 Vmm−1. The effect of electrophoresis on the dielectric parameters is significant, especially near the anode region. Increasing the concentration of TiO2 particles at the anode occurs at the expense of reducing their concentration in the remaining volume of the sample. The test results clearly demonstrate the importance of particle dimension and electric field strength for the gradient modification of the properties of the epoxy composite using electrophoresis. Numerical simulations of electric field stresses in the epoxy resin during the electrophoresis process, performed in the COMSOL program, revealed a significant increase in the E field strength in the areas close to the anode and cathode.
Heat Transfer through Double-Chamber Glass Unit with Low-Emission Coating
Authors: Koshlak Hanna , Basok Borys , Davydenko Borys
Published: February 2024

The numerical modeling of radiation and convective heat transfer through a double-chamber glass unit was carried out to substantiate the increase in the heat transfer resistance of this unit via the application of low-emission coatings to glass surfaces. In the space between the panes of a window without low-emission coatings, the amount of heat transferred via radiation exceeds the amount of heat transferred via thermal conductivity and convection. The question of the effect of low-emissivity coatings on reducing heat loss through a window has not yet been sufficiently studied. This problem is also not sufficiently reflected in the literature. In this regard, this paper presents the results of numerical simulation aimed at studying the effect of low-emissivity coatings on heat transfer through a double-chamber glass unit. Simulation is carried out by numerically solving a system of equations of fluid dynamics and energy for the air gap and glass. Boundary conditions of the fourth kind are set on the internal surfaces of the chambers, taking into account the radiation and conduction components of the total heat flux emanating from the glass. The results of modeling heat transfer through a glass unit with ordinary glass show that about 60% of the heat is transferred by radiation. Therefore, an effective measure to reduce heat loss through windows is to reduce the radiation component of the total heat flux by applying a low-emissivity coating to the internal surfaces of the glass unit. This allows for the reduction of the overall heat flux (and, accordingly, heat loss to the environment) by 20–34%, depending on the number of glass surfaces with such a coating.
Improving the Energy Performance of Public Buildings in the Mediterranean Climate via a Decision Support Tool
Authors: Gouveia João Pedro , Aelenei Laura , Aelenei Daniel , Ourives Raquel , Bessa Salomé
Published: February 2024

Addressing Europe’s decarbonisation challenge involves widespread deployment of nearly zero-energy buildings, deep energy renovations and renewable energy integration in the building sector. Enhancing energy efficiency in public buildings necessitates tailored solutions and strategic planning involving Local Public Administration. This work focuses on advancing insights into the application of the PrioritEE Decision Support Tool in Portuguese public buildings, highlighting the energy and financial savings and carbon dioxide emission reduction potential. Using detailed building characterisation data from energy performance certificates, we applied the tool across 22 public buildings of diverse typologies in three distinct regions of Portugal, representing various public entities. Results demonstrate the tool’s adaptability, enabling a comprehensive assessment of energy performance and facilitating the exploration of customised energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. The research emphasises the critical role of user-friendly tools in aiding policymakers and local administration technicians in meeting national renovation targets and contributing to the broader energy transition objectives.
Development of a Volkswagen Jetta MK5 Hybrid Vehicle for Optimized System Efficiency Based on a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Neamah Husam A. , Dulaimi Mohammed , Silavinia Alaa , Babangida Aminu , Szemes Péter Tamás
Published: February 2024

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have emerged as a trendy technology for reducing over-dependence on fossil fuels and a global concern of gas emissions across transportation networks. This research aims to design the hybridized drivetrain of a Volkswagen (VW) Jetta MK5 vehicle on the basis of its mathematical background description and a computer-aided simulation (MATLAB/Simulink/Simscape, MATLAB R2023b). The conventional car operates through a five-speed manual gearbox, and a 2.0 TDI internal combustion engine (ICE) is first assessed. A comparative study evaluates the optimal fuel economy between the conventional and the hybrid versions based on a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, whose optimal set-point is predicted and computed by a genetic algorithm (GA). For realistic hybridization, this research integrated a Parker electric motor and the diesel engine of a VW Crafter hybrid vehicle from the faculty of engineering to reduce fuel consumption and optimize the system performance of the proposed car. Moreover, a VCDS measurement unit is developed to collect vehicle data based on real-world driving scenarios. The simulation results are compared with experimental data to validate the model’s accuracy. The simulation results prove the effectiveness of the proposed energy management strategy (EMS), with an approximately 89.46% reduction in fuel consumption for the hybrid powertrain compared to the gas-powered traditional vehicle, and 90.05% energy efficiency is achieved.
Energy Storage in Urban Areas: The Role of Energy Storage Facilities, a Review
Authors: Anastasovski Aleksandar , Andreucci Maria Beatrice , Kádár József , Delli Paoli Marco
Published: February 2024

Positive Energy Districts can be defined as connected urban areas, or energy-efficient and flexible buildings, which emit zero greenhouse gases and manage surpluses of renewable energy production. Energy storage is crucial for providing flexibility and supporting renewable energy integration into the energy system. It can balance centralized and distributed energy generation, while contributing to energy security. Energy storage can respond to supplement demand, provide flexible generation, and complement grid development. Photovoltaics and wind turbines together with solar thermal systems and biomass are widely used to generate electricity and heating, respectively, coupled with energy system storage facilities for electricity (i.e., batteries) or heat storage using latent or sensible heat. Energy storage technologies are crucial in modern grids and able to avoid peak charges by ensuring the reliability and efficiency of energy supply, while supporting a growing transition to nondepletable power sources. This work aims to broaden the scientific and practical understanding of energy storage in urban areas in order to explore the flexibility potential in adopting feasible solutions at district scale where exploiting the space and resource-saving systems. The main objective is to present and critically discuss the available options for energy storage that can be used in urban areas to collect and distribute stored energy. The concerns regarding the installation and use of Energy Storage Systems are analyzed by referring to regulations, and technical and environmental requirements, as part of broader distribution systems, or as separate parts. Electricity, heat energy, and hydrogen are the most favorable types of storage. However, most of them need new regulations, technological improvement, and dissemination of knowledge to all people with the aim of better understanding the benefits provided.
Lead (Pb) Pollution in Soil: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Contamination Grade and Health Risk in Mexico
Authors: Briseño-Bugarín Jorge , Araujo-Padilla Xelha , Escot-Espinoza Victor Manuel , Cardoso-Ortiz Jaime , Flores de la Torre Juan Armando , López-Luna Argelia
Published: February 2024

Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal associated with several health disorders. The mining and Pb battery industry are related to Pb increase in air, water, and soil. Mexico is an important worldwide Pb producer; however, reviews on environmental Pb contamination in Mexico are insufficient. Since Pb remains stable in soil and its concentration is an indicator of Pb exposure, this systematic review focused on reports of Pb concentrations in soil from Mexico published in 2010–2023. The retrieved reports were ordered, and contamination grade and health risk were estimated for location. From 36 retrieved reports, 24 were associated with mining Pb pollution, while a unique report mentioned the battery industry. The publications evaluated mining (13), agricultural (11), and residential (16) soils. Pb concentrations in soil were higher than the allowed limits in more than half of the reports. According to the Pb concentrations in soil, the locations evaluated in Mexico presented a contamination grade from heavily contaminated to extremely contaminated and health risks results suggested severe hazards, particularly for children. This work can guide other researchers to identify potentially contaminated but understudied Mexican locations.
Screening and Expression Analysis of POD Gene in POD-H2O2 Pathway on Bud Dormancy of Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)
Authors: Xiang Xuwen , Song Keke , Li Yinyin , Zhang Chenyu , Zhou Ruiqi , Feng Yu , You Jingnan , Wu Jingdong , Zhang Yanhui , Jiang Cuicui , Li Yongyu
Published: February 2024

Bud endodormancy represents a pivotal and intricate biological process influenced by both genetic and epigenetic factors, the exact mechanism of which remains elusive. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) functions as a signalling molecule in the regulation of dormancy, with peroxidase (POD) playing a crucial role in governing H2O2 levels. Our prior transcriptomic and metabolomic investigations into diverse pear dormancy phases posited that POD predominantly oversees pear bud dormancy. In this study, we utilised qRT-PCR to screen the most significantly expressed gene, Pyrus pyrifolia POD4-like (PpPOD4-like), from seven POD genes. Subsequently, H2O2 test kits, overexpression methods, and subcellular localisation techniques were employed to assess changes in H2O2 content, POD activity, PpPOD4-like expression, and its cellular positioning during pear bud dormancy. Subcellular localisation experiments revealed that PpPOD4-like is situated on the cell membranes. Notably, H2O2 content exhibited a rapid increase during endodormancy and decreased swiftly after ecodormancy. The fluctuation pattern of POD activity aligned with that of H2O2 content. Additionally, PpPOD4-like expression was markedly upregulated, displaying an overall upward trajectory. Our findings indicate that PpPOD4-like modulates H2O2 levels by regulating POD activity, thereby actively participating in the intricate regulation of pear dormancy processes.
Adaptation Strategies of Populus euphratica to Arid Environments Based on Leaf Trait Network Analysis in the Mainstream of the Tarim River
Authors: Yao Shiyu , Wang Jie , Huang Wenjuan , Jiao Peipei , Peng Chengzhi , Li Ying , Song Shuangfei
Published: February 2024

Populus euphratica, a key tree species in the ecologically fragile area of the Tarim River Basin, plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the desert. In order to explore the response of Populus euphratica leaves to river water resources and drought climate change, the complex topological relationship between the leaf traits of Populus euphratica was comprehensively analyzed by establishing the leaf trait network of the mainstream of the Tarim River, and the central traits that play a key role in regulating the phenotype of Populus euphratica were identified. The adaptation strategies of Populus euphratica to different environments were clarified from the perspective of the overall leaf trait network. The results show that, with a decrease in river water flow, the internal coordination of the leaf traits weakened, forming a looser network structure. In the hyper-arid region, the leaf traits were more independent, the network was simpler, and it was easier for the leaf to coordinate the aggregation of specific traits. Leaf thickness and the related photosynthetic traits are the key to adaptive strategies, particularly the cuticle thickness and midvein vascular bundle area. Leaf anatomical traits are more critical than stoichiometry traits in drought resistance. Leaves tend to give priority to the relationship between structural traits. Populus euphratica leaves adjust their trait modularization through a trait substitution strategy to manage different drought conditions.