bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sea Ice Detection from GNSS-R Data Based on Residual Network
Authors: Hu Yuan , Hua Xifan , Liu Wei , Wickert Jens
Published: September 2023

Sea ice is an important component of the polar circle and influences atmospheric change. Global navigation satellite system reflectometry (GNSS-R) not only realizes time-continuous and wide-area sea ice detection, but also greatly reduces the cost of sea ice remote sensing research, which has been a hot topic in recent years. To tackle the challenges of noise interference and the reduced accuracy of sea ice detection during the melting period, this paper proposes a sea ice detection method based on a residual neural network (ResNet). ResNet addresses the issue of vanishing gradients in deep neural networks and introduces residual connections, which allows the network to reuse learned features from previous layers. Delay-Doppler maps (DDMs) collected from TechDemoSat-1 (TDS-1) are used as input, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) surface-type data above 60°N are selected as the true values. Based on ResNet, the sea ice detection achieved an accuracy of 98.61%, demonstrating high robustness to noise and strong stability during the sea ice melting period (June to September). In comparison to other sea ice detection algorithms, it stands out with its advantages of high accuracy, stability, and insensitivity to noise.
Aircraft Detection from Low SCNR SAR Imagery Using Coherent Scattering Enhancement and Fused Attention Pyramid
Authors: Zhang Xinzheng , Hu Dong , Li Sheng , Luo Yuqing , Li Jinlin , Zhang Ce
Published: September 2023

Recently, methods based on deep learning have been applied to target detection using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. However, due to the SAR imaging mechanism and low signal-clutter-noise-ratio (SCNR), it is still a challenging task to perform aircraft detection using SAR imagery. To address this issue, a novel aircraft detection method is proposed for low SCNR SAR images that is based on coherent scattering enhancement and a fusion attention mechanism. Considering the scattering characteristics discrepancy between human-made targets and natural background, a coherent scattering enhancement technique is introduced to heighten the aircraft scatter information and suppress the clutter and speckle noise. This is beneficial for the later ability of the deep neural network to extract accurate and discriminative semantic information about the aircraft. Further, an improved Faster R-CNN is developed with a novel pyramid network constructed by fusing local and contextual attention. The local attention adaptively highlights the significant objects by enhancing their distinguishable features, and the contextual attention facilitates the network to extract distinct contextual information of the image. Fusing the local and contextual attention can guarantee that the aircraft is detected as completely as possible. Extensive experiments are performed on TerraSAR-X SAR datasets for benchmark comparison. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed aircraft detection approach could achieve up to 91.7% of average precision in low SCNR, showing effectiveness and superiority over a number of benchmarks.
A Straightforward Bifurcation Pattern-Based Fundus Image Registration Method
Authors: Ochoa-Astorga Jesús Eduardo , Wang Linni , Du Weiwei , Peng Yahui
Published: September 2023

Fundus image registration is crucial in eye disease examination, as it enables the alignment of overlapping fundus images, facilitating a comprehensive assessment of conditions like diabetic retinopathy, where a single image’s limited field of view might be insufficient. By combining multiple images, the field of view for retinal analysis is extended, and resolution is enhanced through super-resolution imaging. Moreover, this method facilitates patient follow-up through longitudinal studies. This paper proposes a straightforward method for fundus image registration based on bifurcations, which serve as prominent landmarks. The approach aims to establish a baseline for fundus image registration using these landmarks as feature points, addressing the current challenge of validation in this field. The proposed approach involves the use of a robust vascular tree segmentation method to detect feature points within a specified range. The method involves coarse vessel segmentation to analyze patterns in the skeleton of the segmentation foreground, followed by feature description based on the generation of a histogram of oriented gradients and determination of image relation through a transformation matrix. Image blending produces a seamless registered image. Evaluation on the FIRE dataset using registration error as the key parameter for accuracy demonstrates the method’s effectiveness. The results show the superior performance of the proposed method compared to other techniques using vessel-based feature extraction or partially based on SURF, achieving an area under the curve of 0.526 for the entire FIRE dataset.
Understanding the Role of Sensor Optimisation in Complex Systems
Authors: Suslu Burak , Ali Fakhre , Jennions Ian K.
Published: September 2023

Complex systems involve monitoring, assessing, and predicting the health of various systems within an integrated vehicle health management (IVHM) system or a larger system. Health management applications rely on sensors that generate useful information about the health condition of the assets; thus, optimising the sensor network quality while considering specific constraints is the first step in assessing the condition of assets. The optimisation problem in sensor networks involves considering trade-offs between different performance metrics. This review paper provides a comprehensive guideline for practitioners in the field of sensor optimisation for complex systems. It introduces versatile multi-perspective cost functions for different aspects of sensor optimisation, including selection, placement, data processing and operation. A taxonomy and concept map of the field are defined as valuable navigation tools in this vast field. Optimisation techniques and quantification approaches of the cost functions are discussed, emphasising their adaptability to tailor to specific application requirements. As a pioneering contribution, all the relevant literature is gathered and classified here to further improve the understanding of optimal sensor networks from an information-gain perspective.
Can Land Transfer Promote Agricultural Green Transformation? The Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Ma Guoqun , Lv Danyang , Jiang Tuanbiao , Luo Yuxi
Published: September 2023

As an important means of farmland policy, whether land transfer can promote agricultural green transformation is worthy of further study; however, related research is relatively rare. Based on the inter-provincial panel data from 2005 to 2020, this paper examines the influence of land transfer on agricultural green transformation and its underlying mechanism by using a two-way fixed effect model and an intermediary effect model. This study reveals significant findings as follows: (1) Land transfer substantially promotes agricultural green transformation. (2) Energy consumption is a major contributor to the growth of agricultural carbon emissions; however, land transfer can mitigate this by reducing energy consumption. (3) Land transfer can promote agricultural green transformation by fostering agricultural technology progress. (4) Further analysis reveals that land transfer in economically developed areas and the southeastern side of the “Hu-Huanyong Line” significantly enhances agricultural green transformation. Based on these findings, this paper suggests promoting land transfer while considering regional differences. Additionally, attention should be directed towards reducing energy consumption and encouraging agricultural technology’s progress.
Study on the Relationship between the Spatial Distribution of Shared Bicycle Travel Demand and Urban Built Environment
Authors: Yang Lili , Fei Simeng , Jia Hongfei , Qi Jingdong , Wang Luyao , Hu Xinning
Published: September 2023

As a green and sustainable trip mode, shared bicycles play an essential role in completing short-distance trips in cities. This paper proposes a method to analyze the impact of the urban built environment on the distribution of shared bicycles in a small-scale space. First, the Fishnet function of ArcGIS is utilized to divide the study area into grids of 500 m × 500 m. Then, three indicators are proposed to describe the characteristics of the urban built environment, including point of information (POI) comprehensive index, the intensity of public transportation coverage, spatial accessibility, providing them the ways to be assigned to the grids. Finally, the multivariable linear regression model and support vector regression (SVR) models are applied to reveal the impacts of built environment factors on the spatial distribution of shared bicycles. Results show that SVR models based on linear kernel function, Gaussian radial basis kernel function, and Polynomial kernel function can achieve better analysis results. The SVR model based on the Gaussian radial basis function shows higher explanatory power (adjusted R2 = 0.978) than the multivariable linear regression model (adjusted R2 = 0.847). This paper can aid in understanding the demand and supply of shared bicycles and help operators or governments to improve service quality.
The Nexus between Climate Change and Geopolitical Risk Index in Saudi Arabia Based on the Fourier-Domain Transfer Entropy Spectrum Method
Authors: Dhifaoui Zouhaier , Ncibi Kaies , Gasmi Faicel , Alqarni Abulmajeed Abdallah
Published: September 2023

Geopolitical risks have recently escalated due to increased disputes and tensions between nations worldwide. Additionally, “climate change” describes the prolonged alteration of regular weather patterns, mainly due to human activities on Earth, leading to disastrous consequences for human livelihoods, the economy, and natural ecology. This study employs a novel transfer entropy spectrum-based Fourier domain to dynamically analyze the geopolitical risk index and specific climate change factors in Saudi Arabia. Our comprehensive investigation reveals a robust bidirectional causal relationship between the geopolitical risk index and key climate change variables, including total precipitation, relative humidity, temperature, and wind speed and direction. These findings provide compelling evidence of the intricate and complex links between geopolitical concerns and climate change in the region. The study offers policymakers and scholars crucial new insights into addressing the challenges posed by geopolitical instability and climate change by uncovering these causal relationships.
A Lasso and Ridge-Cox Proportional Hazard Model Analysis of Thai Tourism Businesses’ Resilience and Survival in the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Tarapituxwong Supareuk , Chimprang Namchok , Yamaka Woraphon , Polard Piangtawan
Published: September 2023

This study aims to investigate the factors contributing to the survivability of Thai tourism businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2021, a comprehensive survey was conducted among 400 tourism businesses across Thailand, coinciding with the heightening impact of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The study explores the perceptions of tourism businesses regarding the impact of COVID-19 and its influence on their chances of survival. To address this issue, the study employs the Lasso and Ridge Cox proportional hazards models. The findings reveal several significant factors. Firstly, businesses located in the Southern region, operating without physical premises and generating a substantial annual net income, face a lower risk of failure. Secondly, implementing strategies that prioritize consistent working hours and regular schedules, and reducing reliance on part-time employees, positively contribute to survival chances. Additionally, governments can effectively monitor high-risk businesses based on entrepreneurs’ perception of failure risk and offer targeted assistance. Moreover, businesses targeting domestic tourists and engaging in import and export activities within their supply chains demonstrate higher survivability rates. The availability of raw materials and entrepreneurs’ anticipation of a longer recovery time also play crucial roles in business survival. Government relief measures, such as tax relief and reduced Social Security Fund contributions, effectively increase the probability of business survival. Finally, timely adaptations and support within the initial period of from six months to a year are essential for building resilience in the face of challenges.
Digital Economy, Clean Energy Consumption, and High-Quality Economic Development: The Case of China
Authors: Ren Zhong , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2023

The digital economy has become an important force driving China’s socio-economic development. From the perspective of sustainable energy development and based on China’s provincial panel data from 2011 to 2020, this paper probes into the relationship and transmission mechanism of digital economy, clean energy consumption, and high-quality economic development and utilizes the spatial Durbin model and intermediary effect model to carry out empirical tests on the paths of their influence. The results indicate that (1) the digital economy has a significant promoting effect and a positive spatial spillover effect on high-quality economic development, and its influence has obvious spatial heterogeneity; (2) the intermediary effect model validates that clean energy consumption is a mediating variable of digital economy and high-quality economy development, and its conduction effect also has obvious spatial heterogeneity. The research conclusions provide a new perspective and empirical evidence for understanding the relationship between digital economy and high-quality economic development as well as policy implications for the realization of digital transformation and low-carbon development goals.
Oil Demand Forecasting in Importing and Exporting Countries: AI-Based Analysis of Endogenous and Exogenous Factors
Authors: Zhu Hui
Published: September 2023

Given the prevalence of the digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as one of the most prominent technologies for demand prediction. Although numerous studies have explored energy demand forecasting using machine learning models, previous research has been limited to incorporating either a country’s macroeconomic characteristics or exogenous elements as input variables. The simultaneous consideration of both endogenous and exogenous economic elements in demand forecasting has been disregarded. Furthermore, the stability of machine learning models for energy exporters and importers facing varying uncertainties has not been adequately examined. Therefore, this study aims to address these gaps by investigating these issues comprehensively. To accomplish this objective, data from 30 countries spanning the period from 2000 to 2020 was selected. In predicting oil demand, endogenous economic variables, such as carbon emissions, income level, energy price, gross domestic product (GDP), population growth, urbanization, trade liberalization, inflation, foreign direct investment (FDI), and financial development, were considered alongside exogenous factors, including energy sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings indicate that among the input variables examined in demand forecasting, oil sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic have had the most significant impact on reducing oil demand, while trade liberalization has proven to be the most influential factor in increasing oil demand. Furthermore, the support vector regression (SVR) model outperforms other models in terms of lower prediction error, as revealed by the error assessment of statistical models and AI in forecasting oil demand. Additionally, when comparing the stability of models in oil exporting and importing countries facing different levels of demand uncertainty, the SVR model demonstrates higher stability compared to other models.
Effect of the Slit on the Mechanical Tearing Behavior of High-Density Polyethylene and Polyester Geocell Strips
Authors: Zuo Zheng , Hao Xiuqiang , Li Huiqiang , Wang Wei , Yang Guangqing , Liu Ying
Published: September 2023

Geocells are widely applied in numerous infrastructure constructions, like heavy-haul railways and ports. The mechanical tearing behavior of a geocell strip is crucial to the stability of the geocell-reinforced soil structures. At present, extensive studies have been conducted on the tensile characteristics of geocell strips, while limited research has been performed to investigate the post-damage mechanical tearing behavior of geocell strips. Meanwhile, there is also a lack of research on the comparison of performance of strips before and after damage. In this paper, a series of trapezoidal tearing tests were performed on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyester (PET) geocell strips. The tearing test results and failure mode of trapezoidal specimens with a slit were investigated, and the effect of the slit on the strength and deformation characteristics of the specimen were discussed by introducing the “damage ratio of tearing force (RTF)” and “damage ratio of tearing displacement (RTD)”. In addition, the mechanical tearing behavior of HDPE and PET trapezoidal specimens was also compared. The test results indicated that the failure mode of HDPE and PET specimens subjected to tearing force was ductile and brittle failure. The strength and deformation characteristics of post-damage HDPE and PET trapezoidal specimens decreased. The slit had a significant impact on the tearing displacement of HDPE and PET specimens, especially the post-peak tearing displacement. The post-peak tearing displacement of HDPE was 10.99 times that of PET. The peak tearing force of the HDPE specimen without the slit was about 1.61 times that of specimen with the slit. Before local tearing, the peak tearing force of the PET specimen without the slit was about 3.27 times that of the specimen with the slit. The strength damage to the HDPE and PET geocell strips caused by the slit was 38.0%, and 69.46%. The impact of the slit on the tearing force of the PET specimen was greater than that of the HDPE, and was 1.82 times for the HDPE. This study can enhance our understanding of the mechanical tearing behavior of the geocell strip after damage and develop effective mitigation measures.
Comparative Analysis of Undersown Cover Crops and Bio-Preparations on Weed Spread and Organically Grown Spring Oilseed Rape Yield
Authors: Marcinkevičienė Aušra , Čmukas Arūnas , Velička Rimantas , Kosteckas Robertas , Skinulienė Lina
Published: September 2023

Undersown cover crops are an important tool for weed control in organic farming. The hypothesis of this research was that undersown crimson (incarnate) clover (Trifolium incarnatum Broth.), hairy (winter) vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and winter rye (Secale cereale L.) in combination with bio-preparations inhibit the spread of weeds and influence the seed yield of spring oilseed rape in organic farming. The dry biomass of undersown cover crops, as well as the number and dry biomass of weeds, were determined before harvesting spring oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. spp. oleifera biennis Metzg.) (main crop) to identify the underlying influences on seed yield. We summarized that hairy vetch was distinguished by its rapid growth and by the fact that it produced an aboveground dry biomass that was significantly higher (1.9 to 12.4 times) compared with other cover crops, while crimson clover grown as a cover crop had a significantly higher aboveground dry biomass (by a factor of 3.2 to 4.9) compared with that of perennial ryegrass and winter rye. During the spring oilseed growing season, undersown cover crops did not suppress early emerging weeds that had not been controlled by inter-row loosening. During the spring growing season, weeds were best suppressed using bio-preparation-treated perennial ryegrass. The highest oilseed rape seed yield was obtained in 2020 after the application of bio-preparations in plots without any cover crops. Perennial ryegrass as a cover crop in combination with bio-preparations produced the highest reduction in oilseed rape seed yield. Further research should be directed toward determining the long-term effects of cover crops and bio-preparations on plant community formation in organic farming.
Fostering AI Literacy in Elementary Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) Education in the Age of Generative AI
Authors: Relmasira Stefanus Christian , Lai Yiu Chi , Donaldson Jonan Phillip
Published: September 2023

The advancement of generative AI technologies underscores the need for AI literacy, particularly in Southeast Asia’s elementary Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) education. This study explores the development of AI literacy principles for elementary students. Utilizing existing AI literacy models, a three-session classroom intervention was implemented in an Indonesian school, grounded in constructivist, constructionist, and transformative learning theories. Through design-based research (DBR) and network analysis of reflection papers (n = 77), the intervention was evaluated and redesigned. Findings revealed clusters of interdependent elements of learner experiences, categorized into successes, struggles, and alignments with learning theories. These were translated into design moves for future intervention iterations, forming design principles for AI literacy development. The study contributes insights into optimizing the positive effects and minimizing the negative impacts of AI in education.
The Role of Creative Development and Perceived Need for Change in Encouraging Organizational Capacity for Change: A Case Study
Authors: Carvajal-Castrillón Diego Fernando , Valencia-Arias Alejandro , Gómez-Bayona Ledy , Vásquez-Coronado Manuel Humberto , Ore-León Aaron José Alberto
Published: September 2023

In the current globalized context, organizational capacity for change is a critical factor for companies to remain competitive. The purpose of this study was to conduct a quantitative analysis to measure the factors associated with Organizational Capacity for Change (OCC) in entities promoting business development in Antioquia, Colombia. To achieve this objective, a structural model comprising five dimensions was developed and validated, using confirmatory factor analysis through SPSS 28.0 software. The research instrument collected 250 survey responses from employees of three participating organizations in the study. The results obtained confirm that the proposed model is significant in explaining the studied phenomenon, as validation tests showed that the standardized factor loadings of all constructs were above 0.6, indicating their reliability. The study suggests that promoting creative development, organizational change, the perception of the need for change, participation, and commitment are essential elements for fostering OCC within companies. Optimizing communication spaces, conducting workshops to stimulate creativity, and encouraging employee involvement in initiatives can help mobilize organizations toward change. These findings provide evidence in favor of the proposed OCC model, which can serve as a reference for future studies, especially in adapting constructs and variables in specific contexts.
Optimizing Solar Energy Harvesting through Integrated Organic Rankine Cycle–Reverse Osmosis Systems: A Techno–Economic Analysis
Authors: Wang Lina , Zhou Chunyu , Rahbari Hamid Reza
Published: September 2023

When it comes to seawater desalination in the small- to medium-electricity ranges, the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) powered by solar energy stands out as the most energy-efficient technology currently available. Various solar techniques have been developed to capture and absorb solar energy. Among them, the parabolic trough collector (PTC) has gained recognition as a low-cost solar thermal collector with a long operating life. This study investigates the thermodynamic performance and economic parameters of a PTC-powered ORC using Dowtherm A and toluene as working fluids for the solar cycle and ORC cycle, respectively. Thermo-economic multi-objective optimization and decision-making techniques are applied to assess the system’s performance. Four key parameters are analyzed for their impact on exergy efficiency and total hourly cost. Using TOPSIS decision-making, the best solution from the Pareto frontier is identified, featuring an ORC exergy efficiency of 30.39% and a total hourly cost of 39.38 US$/h. The system parameters include a mass flow rate of fresh water at 137.7 m3/h, a total output net power of 577.9 kJ/kg, and a district heating supply of 1074 kJ/kg. The cost analysis reveals that the solar collector represents approximately 68% of the total hourly cost at 26.77 US$/h, followed by the turbine, thermoelectric generator, and reverse osmosis (RO) unit.
Gas Leakage Identification and Prevention by Pressure Profiling for Sustainable Supply of Natural Gas
Authors: Butt Tahir Javed , Amjad Muhammad , Raza Syed Farhan , Riaz Fahid , Ahmad Shafiq , Abdollahian Mali
Published: September 2023

In the strive for an environmentally conscious energy sector, a sustainable supply of natural gas necessitates comprehensive strategies that prioritise the prevention of gas leakages, ensuring minimal ecological harm while harnessing the benefits of this valuable resource. Though all sectors are putting their efforts into coping with the problems associated with the energy crisis, one of the many ways is to reduce distribution losses, particularly in the gas sector. The loss impacts include methane escaping to the environment to affect ozone, direct financial loss, non-availability of gas to the domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, public safety hazards and indirect environmental impacts. There is a dire need to improve the natural gas distribution system, which has its own insight problems to be addressed. This work aims to investigate leakages in domestic, commercial and industrial gas distribution lines with different times, volumes and pressures using a pressure profiling technique. As a result of this investigation, around 293 million cubic feet (MMCF) of natural gas is saved, which is enough volume to feed approximately 16,000 domestic consumers for 365 days. The same energy content is equivalent to 21 million pounds of coal, which emits 64 million pounds of carbon dioxide, whereas natural gas would have 50% less CO2 emissions, and that is apart from the tangible pollution and waste associated with the use of coal.
Mutations of Nucleic Acids via Matroidal Structures
Authors: Badr M. , Abu-Gdairi Radwan , Nasef A. A.
Published: September 2023

The matroid concept is an important model in real life applications. Determining the existence of mutations of DNA and RNA plays an essential role in biological studies. The matroidal structures of matrices are used for determining the existence of mutations of DNA; graph theory and matroid theory can be used to identify important mutations in genetic data. We construct an algorithm to determine the existence of a mutation. Finally, we study the similarity and dissimilarity between genes using matroids.
Optimizing the Monotonic Properties of Fourth-Order Neutral Differential Equations and Their Applications
Authors: Salah Hend , Moaaz Osama , Askar Sameh S. , Alshamrani Ahmad M. , Elabbasy Elmetwally M.
Published: September 2023

We investigate the oscillation of the fourth-order differential equation for a class of functional differential equations of the neutral type. We obtain a new single-oscillation criterion for the oscillation of all the solutions of our equation. We establish new monotonic properties for some cases of positive solutions of the studied equation. Moreover, we improve these properties by using an iterative method. This development of monotonic properties contributes to obtaining new and more efficient criteria for verifying the oscillation of the equation. The results obtained extend and improve previous findings in the literature by using an Euler-type equation as an example. The importance of the results was clarified by applying them to some special cases of the studied equation. The fourth-order delay differential equations have great practical importance due to their wide applications in civil, mechanical, and aeronautical engineering. Research on this type of equation is still ongoing due to its remarkable importance in many fields.
On the Effects of Tokamak Plasma Edge Symmetries on Turbulence Relaxation
Authors: Carlevaro Nakia , Montani Giovanni , Moretti Fabio
Published: September 2023

The plasma edge of a tokamak configuration is characterized by turbulent dynamics leading to enhanced transport. We construct a simplified 3D Hasegawa–Wakatani model reducing to a single partial differential equation for the turbulent electric potential dynamics. Simulations demonstrate how the 3D turbulence relaxes on a 2D axisymmetric profile, corresponding to the so-called interchange turbulence. The spectral features of this regime are found to be strongly dependent on the initialization pattern. We outline that the emergence of axisymmetric turbulence is also achieved when the corresponding mode amplitude is not initialized. Then, we introduce the symmetries of the magnetic X-point of a tokamak configuration. We linearize the governing equation by treating the poloidal field as a small correction. We show that it is not always possible to solve the electric potential dynamics following a perturbative approach. This finding, which is due to resonance between the modes of the background and the poloidal perturbation, confirms that the X-point symmetries can alter the properties of turbulent transport in the edge region.
Measurement and Modeling of Ship-Related Ultrafine Particles and Secondary Organic Aerosols in a Mediterranean Port City
Authors: Karl Matthias , Ramacher Martin Otto Paul , Oppo Sonia , Lanzi Ludovic , Majamäki Elisa , Jalkanen Jukka-Pekka , Lanzafame Grazia Maria , Temime-Roussel Brice , Le Berre Lise , D’Anna Barbara
Published: September 2023

Maritime transport emerges as a major source of ultrafine particle (UFP) pollution in coastal regions with consequences for the health of people living in port cities. Inhalation of UFPs can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which are starting points for further diseases. In addition to primary particles, secondary organic aerosol (SOA) may form through the photo-oxidation of volatile organic compounds emitted in ship exhaust. The characterization of size-segregated and chemical properties of particles is essential for assessing the health implications related to shipping. We applied a coupled regional–local chemistry transport modeling system to study the effects of ship emissions on atmospheric concentrations of UFP and SOA in the Mediterranean port city Marseille (France), which is characterized by the combination of high port activity, industrialized emissions, and active photochemistry in summer. Our results show that the average potential impact from local shipping in the port area was 6–9% for SOA and 27–51% for total particle number concentration in July 2020. The estimated oxidative potential of daily mean particulate organic matter related to shipping was lower than the oxidative potential reported for heavy fuel oil (HFO). The lower oxidative potential in this study is very likely due to the low share of ships using HFO during stopover.
Incidence of Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A in Wheat and Corn from Albania
Authors: Topi Dritan , Babič Janja , Jakovac-Strajn Breda , Tavčar-Kalcher Gabrijela
Published: September 2023

In this study, aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) were analyzed in grains, specifically wheat and corn, from Albania. To summarize, 71 wheat and 45 corn samples from different growing areas were collected. The multi-toxin analytical procedure involved sample extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The incidence of AF was 18% in the analyzed wheat and 71% in the corn samples. The concentration of AFs was much higher in the corn samples than in the wheat samples. The maximum permitted levels for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and total AFs were not exceeded in the wheat samples, while they were exceeded in 36% of the corn samples. In the wheat samples, the AFB1 concentration varied between 0.2 and 0.4 µg kg−1. However, the highest concentrations in the corn samples were 2057, 2944, and 3550 µg kg−1. OTA was present in only three corn samples and one wheat sample. However, all contaminated samples exceeded the maximum permitted levels. This report reveals the presence of AFs and OTA in grain commodities, specifically wheat and corn, grown in Albania.
Different Outcomes of Chicken Infection with UK-Origin H5N1-2020 and H5N8-2020 High-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses (Clade 2.3.4.4b)
Authors: Seekings Amanda H. , Warren Caroline J. , Thomas Saumya S. , Lean Fabian Z. X. , Selden David , Mollett Benjamin C. , van Diemen Pauline M. , Banyard Ashley C. , Slomka Marek J.
Published: September 2023

Clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the “goose/Guangdong” lineage have caused a series of European epizootics since 2014. During autumn/winter 2020–2021, several H5Nx subtypes were detected in the UK, with H5N8 being the dominant subtype in wild birds and poultry. Despite the greater subtype diversity (due to viral neuraminidase gene reassortment) reported in wild birds, only H5N8 and H5N1 subtypes caused clade 2.3.4.4 UK HPAIV poultry outbreaks during this period. The direct inoculation of layer chickens showed that H5N8-2020 was more infectious than H5N1-2020, which supported the European H5N8 dominance during that season. However, the mean death time was longer for H5N8-2020 (3.42 days) than for H5N1-2020 (2.17 days). Transmission from directly infected to naive in-contact chickens was inefficient for both subtypes. Histological lesions, the tissue dissemination of viral antigen, and nucleic acid were more extensive and abundant and accumulated more rapidly for H5N1-2020 compared with H5N8-2020. Although inefficient, H5N1-2020 transmission was faster, with its greater virulence indicating that this subtype posed a major concern, as subsequently shown during H5N1 dominance of the clade 2.3.4.4 epizootic since autumn 2021. An evaluation of these in vivo viral characteristics is key to understanding the continuing poultry threats posed by clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx HPAIVs.
Personalized Driving Styles in Safety-Critical Scenarios for Autonomous Vehicles: An Approach Using Driver-in-the-Loop Simulations
Authors: Buzdugan Ioana-Diana , Butnariu Silviu , Roșu Ioana-Alexandra , Pridie Andrei-Cristian , Antonya Csaba
Published: September 2023

This paper explores the use of driver-in-the-loop simulations to detect personalized driving styles in autonomous vehicles. The driving simulator used in this study is modular and adaptable, allowing for the testing and validation of control and data-collecting systems, as well as the incorporation and proof of car models. The selected scenario is a double lane change maneuver to overtake a stationary obstacle at a relatively high speed. The user’s behavior was recorded, and lateral accelerations during the maneuver were used as criteria to compare the user-driven vehicle and the autonomous one. The tuning parameters of the lateral and longitudinal controllers were modified to obtain different lateral accelerations of the autonomous vehicle. A neural network was developed to find the combination of the two controllers’ tuning parameters to match the driver’s lateral accelerations in the same double lane change overtaking action. The results are promising, and this study suggests that driver-in-the-loop simulations can help increase autonomous vehicles’ safety while preserving individual driving styles. This could result in creating more individualized and secure autonomous driving systems that consider the preferences and behavior of the driver.
Water Management Adaptation to Climate Change in Mediterranean Semiarid Regions by Desalination and Photovoltaic Solar Energy, Spain
Authors: Gómez Martínez Gabriel , Pérez Martín Miguel Ángel
Published: September 2023

Integration of renewable energy sources and water production technologies is a must when facing water scarcity problems in semiarid regions, such as Mediterranean regions. The use of additional water resources and production methods, such as reclaimed water and, more specifically, desalinated water, means present and necessary water resources to introduce in the water balances to attend to water demands within a global warming and droughting scenario. These solutions have the inconvenience of energy/power needs and costs. However, the development of renewable energies like photovoltaic solar energy, with lower and lower costs and greater efficiency, makes these economically feasible facilities, reaching competitive production costs for marine or sea desalinated water by around 50% of reduction in energy costs and 20–30% of savings in final water production cost. This paper presents a practical project or action focused on the integration of renewable energies and new water resources by introducing a Photovoltaic Energy Plant (PVEP) as an energy source to feed a Seawater Desalination Treatment Plant (SWDTP). The PV facility is designed to cover all the energy demanded using the SWDTP during the day, and even studying the possibility of selling the energy production exceeds and injecting them into the energy supply network, covering the needs of buying energy needed during the high period where there is no photovoltaic energy production. Thus, savings related to energy costs and even incomes coming from energy sales mean an important reduction in operation costs or expenditures (OPEX), which makes economically feasible and sustainable the investment and the final price of water produced within the Mutxamel SWDTP. The final reduction cost in water desalination reaches 25% on average.
A Preliminary Sorption Study of Uranium on MnO2 (Pyrolusite) in the Presence of Siderophore Desferrioxamine B—The Mechanism of a Ternary System
Authors: Snyder Morgan , Hunley Lucy , Stanberry Jordan , Szlamkowicz Ilana , Jones Brandon , Anagnostopoulos Vasileios
Published: September 2023

Manganese oxides have influential sorptive properties to efficiently sequester metals, such as uranium. Sorption can become complicated by metal chelating siderophores, which create a ternary system that is capable of multiple feasible mechanisms. This study analyzes the sorption behavior of desferrioxamine B (DFOB) and desferrioxamine D (DFOD) onto pyrolusite, β-MnO2, in the presence of U(VI) at pHs 6 and 8. The electrostatic adsorption performance is shown to have a 23% difference between the DFOB and DFOD surface sorption at pH 6. Inner-sphere coordination was identified through hydrolysis products of succinate and acetate. Together, these behaviors indicate a ternary complex system where both metals and ligands interact with the surface. Therefore, uranium in the environment can be attenuated by the conditions of a complex configuration involving multiple species and functional groups. This mechanism needs to be considered for any future modeling or strategies involving radionuclide remediation.
Hotel cost planning: general approaches and problems
Authors:   Graduate School of Management Russian Economic University G. V. Plekhanov, Moscow, Grivina A. S.
Published: September 2023

Planning the cost of hotel services is an important part of the accounting system. To date, various cost planning methods have been developed. This article discusses the main approaches to determining the cost of hotel services.
Presence of spatial ambiguity of labor productivity in the context of regions in modern Russia: problems, actions
Authors:   Department of Building Materials and Technologies of N.P. Ogarev Mordovian State University, Saransk, Savina S.V.
Published: September 2023

In modern socio-economic conditions, there is a significant interregional inequality in the field of changing labor productivity. In the regions, leaders have an increase in labor productivity, in the regions of antileaders there is a drop. Labor productivity is one of the key conditions for improving the efficiency of the regional economy. The innovative development of existing production facilities, an increase in the technical and technological level, the creation of new highly efficient jobs is one of the key conditions for the growth of labor productivity. A significant factor in the positive dynamics of labor productivity growth is the activation of human resources, the development of human capital and the human potential of workers, which will lead to an increase in the productivity of their work.
Mentoring is a new vector for the development of organizations
Authors:   Vladimir State University named after A.G. and N.G. Stoletov, Pogodina I.V. , Kislina A.A. ,   Vladimir State University named after A.G. and N.G. Stoletov
Published: September 2023

Nowadays, mentoring is becoming an increasingly popular and in-demand way of training employees, creating a favorable environment for joint growth, organizational success, adaptation of a new employee, and further career advancement. The article analyzes the content of the concept of «mentoring», indicates the reasons for its popularization in corporate culture, notes the importance of the role of a mentor. The conclusions of the authors are confirmed by domestic and foreign studies. The techniques and forms of mentoring, the stages of development of mentoring relationships, the characteristics inherent in the image of a mentor, the practice of introducing such training, its positive aspects are revealed, and the reasons why mentoring may “not work” are indicated. In conclusion, it is concluded that the effectiveness of mentoring depends both on the involvement of the mentor and the mentee in the common cause, their willingness to cooperate, and on the policy of the organization and the support of the leadership.
Formalization of calculations of the basing error when installing a shaft-type workpiece in a prism
Authors:   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Savelieva, L. V. , Cuishan L. ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Yao P. ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow
Published: September 2023

The error of the position of the axis of the cylindrical workpiece in height is considered, depending on the tolerance for the angular size of the prism. The relationship between the manufacturing error of the angle of the prismatic support for basing cylindrical workpieces for technological impact and the position of the workpiece axis in the direction of the prism axis is revealed. Nomograms are constructed to determine the position of the workpiece in a standard prism depending on the diameter of the workpiece and the error of its diametrical size. Practical recommendations for working with the nomogram are given and the scope of application of the results of the work is determined.
Application of protective coatings on metal parts
Authors:   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Istomin A. B. , Struk A. S. ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow
Published: September 2023

Methods of coating metal parts are considered, advantages and disadvantages are compared. Great importance is given to the Molykote Metalform technological coating based on synthetic wax. Due to the low coefficient of friction, it is widely used as a non-polluting lubricant in the pulp and paper industry, for the lubrication of selftapping screws, cutting blades and guides.
Corioamnionite: desafios atuais e perspectivas futuras
Authors: De Souza Diogo Lima Machado , Almeida Gabriel Martins Soares de Lima , Fernandes Julia Coelho , Costa Juliana Barbosa , Werneck Lory Arantes , Tostes Mâncio Brandão Padilha , Martins Marcelo , Ichikawa Marina Carelli Araújo , Freire Paulo Eduardo de Jesus , Peruzzo Yasmin Luiza
Published: September 2023

A corioamnionite é caracterizada pela infecção e/ou inflamação de estruturas intrauterinas, tais como placenta, córion e âmnio, sendo um termo que abrange uma grande quantidade de doenças durante a gestação. Em sua forma clínica, o diagnóstico da corioamnionite possui muitas variações na literatura, sendo classicamente diagnosticada pela presença de febre materna associada a pelo menos 2 dos 5 achados seguintes: leucocitose, taquicardia materna, taquicardia fetal, sensibilidade uterina e líquido amniótico fétido. Não há ainda um consenso sobre a melhor combinação de antibióticos, mas a mais utilizada na prática clínica é a combinação de Ampicilina e Gentamicina. Se trata de uma das patologias que mais geram graves repercussões na gestação, onde quase metade dos casos apresentam invasão de mais de 1 microrganismo, envolvendo principalmente a microbiota vaginal ou intestinal. Está frequentemente associada a complicações maternas, tais como endometrite, hemorragia pós-parto e sepse materna, bem como complicações neonatais graves como meningite, hemorragia intraventricular, sepse neonatal e óbito. O diagnóstico de corioamnionite de forma clínica ainda permanece como uma tarefa complicada para os profissionais obstetras, sendo que os marcadores inflamatórios e os critérios diagnósticos utilizados na atualidade possuem valores preditivos fracos, predispondo a mãe e o feto a complicações geralmente evitáveis. Dessa forma, novos meios de aumentar a acurácia do diagnóstico da corioamnionite se tornam fundamentais e um alvo de estudos para o futuro da especialidade.
A Mass Transfer-Enhanced Pyrolysis-Free Bifunctional Catalyst to Boost Ultralong Lifespan Zinc-Air Batteries
Authors: Chen Tengge , Liu Di , Li Xueli , Shi Mengqing , Xiang Zhonghua
Published: September 2023

The development of efficient and low-cost bifunctional oxygen catalysts is essential yet a challenge for zinc-air batteries (ZABs). Here, we prepared a pyrolysis-free 3-dimensional hybrid catalyst (COP-Fe@3D-LDH) with bifunctional oxygen-catalytic activity by integrating layered double hydroxides (3D-LDH) and a fully conjugated iron phthalocyanine-based covalent organic polymer (COP-Fe). More hierarchically porous and larger specific surface area (170.4 m
2
g
−1
) can effectively enhance the mass transfer process and active site exposure of cathode, allowing COP-Fe@3D-LDH to exhibit an outstanding peak power density (148.5 mW cm
−2
) and an ultralong lifespan (over 400 h at 10 mA cm
−2
) in ZABs. Accordingly, this work provides a new perspective to enhance the performance of pyrolysis-free catalysts in ZABs.