bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Flexural Bearing Capacity of Reinforced Hollow Slab Beams Based on Polyurethane Composite Material Positive and Negative Pouring Method
Authors: Li Jin , Zhou Tiancheng , Li Xiang , Xiong Dalu , Chang De , Lu Zhongmei , Li Guanghua
Published: December 2022

In order to explore the construction technology of prestressed steel strand–polyurethane cement composites for strengthening hollow slab beams, two reinforced test beams (L1, L2) and one unreinforced test beam (L0) were subjected to flexural static load tests. The deflection, ductility, stiffness, strain, and bearing capacity of each test beam were used to summarize the influence of different reinforcement techniques on the flexural performance of hollow slab beams. Research shows the prestressed steel strand–polyurethane composite material was well-bonded to the hollow slab beam, which effectively inhibits the development of concrete cracks and delays the damage process of hollow slab beams, that the reinforcement effect of the test beam L1 under the reverse pouring process was remarkable, and the bending performance of the test beam L2 under the forward pouring process of the simulated real bridge was good, which was much better than that of the unreinforced beam L0. The use of tensile prestressed steel strands and forward casting of polyurethane–cement composite materials effectively improved the flexural bearing capacity of the test beams, and this reinforcement process can be further extended to engineering applications.
An Interactive Visualization Tool for Collaborative Construction Logistics Planning—Creating a Sustainable Project Vicinity
Authors: Fredriksson Anna , Eriksson Linnea , Löwgren Jonas , Lemon Nina , Eriksson Daniel
Published: December 2022

The intensity of urban development is presently high, creating a construction boom. The number of transports per project is a major consideration in urban goods transport and emissions from a project. Presently, the stakeholders take part in a “blame game” in assigning fault for the emissions from construction transport and the disturbances to society in the vicinity of construction sites. Incorporation of logistics into urban planning requires an increased understanding of the interaction between construction transport flows and urban land use, and the inclusion of different stakeholders. The purpose of the study is to support collaborative planning of construction transport in urban planning, and specifically to explore how a planning tool based on interactive visualization could be designed. An action research process has generated two prototypes of an interactive visualization tool for collaborative planning of construction transport. The prototype facilitates a “shared deliberation space” by identifying alternatives and assessing predicted consequences, which supports a collaborative urban planning process. Based on the research conducted, we claim that the responsibility of construction transport planning should be taken by the municipality, i.e., the urban planning and traffic planning functions.
Why Are You Turning a Blind Eye to Fair Trade Coffee?—Focused on the Comparison between Korea and Africa
Authors: Jo Mina , Ochieng Haggai Kennedy , Kim Jisong
Published: December 2022

This study examines the reasons why people turn a blind eye to fair trade coffee (FTC) and the way to revitalize the FTC market. In-depth interviews with eight Koreans and eight Africans living in Korea were conducted and analyzed qualitatively. Our thematic analysis employed NVivo Word Cloud analysis and Text Search to analyze the relationship among words. The study reveals that Koreans do not purchase FTC due to low awareness, low priority among coffee selection attributes, low accessibility and low product competitiveness. As producers, Africans do not produce FTC because of a lack of information, low returns, cultural factors, lack of interest from political leaders and corruption. African consumers do not purchase FTC due to low accessibility, low priority among coffee selection attributes, doubts about FTC and its high price. To revitalize the FTC market on the demand side, it is important to improve accessibility, promote and market the brand and pay attention to cultural constraints.
SEeD for Change: The Systemic Event Design Project Applied to Terra Madre Salone del Gusto for the Development of Food Communities
Authors: Fassio Franco , Bogetti Marcello , Cortese Damiano , Savina Alessandra
Published: December 2022

In the contemporary era, food plays a key role in balancing environmental, social, and economic balances, not only due to its primary identity as a resource that nourishes living beings and the planet but also through the processes triggered by stakeholders who act at the internal local food systems. In the latter, an orientation towards sustainability is increasingly urgently required, capable of achieving a widespread creation of shared value. In this scenario, the International Slow Food Association operates, which also, through the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto initiative, coordinates communities and events located throughout the world on the theme of “good, clean and fair” food. This article aims to analyze, through the lens of the systemic approach, the interesting and multifaceted impacts of this event, as an opportunity to disseminate and contagion of ideas, attitudes, and behaviors around the themes of sustainability and biodiversity, but also as a moment of consolidation and creation of relationships between and within local food systems and local communities. The research project presented, entitled “SEeD for Change”, was coordinated by the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo with the University of Turin and helped to focus on the actors, relationships and contexts that actually and virtually hosted the event: places in which through a common and shared language, change has been generated.
Widespread Use of Antibiotics, Pesticides, and Other Aqua-Chemicals in Finfish Aquaculture in Rajshahi District of Bangladesh
Authors: Salma Umma , Shafiujjaman Md. , Al Zahid Md. , Faruque Md. Hasan , Habibullah-Al-Mamun Md. , Hossain Anwar
Published: December 2022

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing, most dynamic, and vital food-producing sector compared to other food-producing industries. However, aquaculture production is hampered by a variety of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic diseases. Fish farmers routinely apply various types of aqua-chemicals, particularly antibiotics and pesticides, to reduce the disease burden. Antibiotics and pesticides are widely used to increase fish production around the world, including Bangladesh. Between March 2020 and February 2021, a survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews with fish farmers in the Rajshahi district, Bangladesh, to determine the current status of the use of antibiotics, pesticides, and other aqua-chemicals in the rearing of freshwater finfishes. Nine active antibiotics ingredients belonging to 11 trade names of antibiotics, various pesticides, numerous disinfectants, and aqua-chemicals were found to be used in finfish rearing. The renamycin (active ingredient: oxytetracycline) was most commonly used antibiotics by freshwater finfish farmers in the study areas. In case of pesticides, sumithion and timsen were found to be used mostly by fish farmers. In addition, four distinct probiotics were found to be used in aquaculture in the study areas. The present study revealed several issues related to the use of aqua-drugs in the study areas. For instance, the majority of fish farmers (88%) lacked knowledge in the use of aqua-chemicals and antibiotics, and 81% of fish farmers were unaware about the effective dosages of chemicals in fish farming. Thirty seven percent of fish farmers in the study areas reported the indiscriminate use of chemicals. Furthermore, a considerable proportion of fish farmers (72%) reported ignorance about the residual effects of the aqua-chemicals on the aquatic environment and human health. As a result, this preliminary study suggests that the use of antibiotics, pesticides, and other aqua-chemicals in aquaculture should be strictly monitored and controlled by the responsible authorities of Bangladesh. Moreover, further research needs to be expanded on the detection of residues from aqua-drugs and antibiotics in the aquaculture system, and their consequences on the ecosystem and human health.
Enhancing the Energy Efficiency of Buildings by Shading with PV Panels in Semi-Arid Climate Zone
Authors: Albatayneh Aiman , Albadaineh Renad , Juaidi Adel , Abdallah Ramez , Zabalo Alberto , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco
Published: December 2022

Solar energy is one of the most abundant and available forms of renewable energy. Reliance on the electricity network can be decreased and net-zero energy achieved by mounting photovoltaic power on the tops of houses. Photovoltaic arrays can also change how the roof’s surface reacts to its environment. The influence of the structural system of a roof and weather on the energy consumption of a building is important. This research is concerned with focusing on the indirect effect of solar photovoltaic rooftop panels (shading effect) on the roof surface to see whether this effect is worth studying and calculating the total electrical load in the residential sector. Photovoltaic panels were modeled as a shading device, and the Integrated Environmental Solution-Virtual Environment Software was used to anticipate the monthly decline and growth in heating and cooling loads associated with the roof level. The influence of a photovoltaic system on a building’s roof-related energy load was measured concerning low-rise residential buildings in Mafraq city, which belongs to a mild dry-warm temperature zone. The findings indicated that a solar roof structure decreased heat loss by 4.85% in the summer and boosted heat transfer by 5.54% in the winter. The results highlight that renewable energy is very important in our times due to climate change and the increased demand for electricity by the residential sector, which is stimulated to find multiple ways to decrease and adapt to this change, and the aim of this paper helps to encourage to use solar energy by identifying the indirect effect of solar panels on building’s rooftops. This investigation also focuses on the value of offering essential instructions to who is concerned to the utilization of alternative energy to heat and cool structures, also will educate the public on a building’s total energy requirements, which is critical for future green structure design.
Development and Testing of a New UWB Positioning Measurement Tool to Assist in Forest Surveys
Authors: Zhao Ziyu , Feng Zhongke , Liu Jiali , Wang Yuan
Published: December 2022

Forest resource inventory is a significant part of the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Finding methods to accurately estimate the diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height and tree position is a significant part of forest resource inventory. The traditional methods of forest resource inventory are expensive, difficult, laborious and time-consuming; the existing systems are not convenient to carry, resulting in low working efficiency. In addition, it is usually necessary to rely on a forest compass, DBH taper and RTK or handheld GPS to set up the plot. These instruments each have a single function and cannot achieve accurate positioning under the forest canopy. Therefore, it is necessary to update the existing equipment and technology. This study aimed to design. a multi-functional, high-precision, real-time. positioning intelligent tree-measuring instrument that integrates plot the set-up, DBH measurement, tree height measurement and tree position measurement. The instrument is based on the ultra-wideband positioning principle, sensor technology, image processing technology, trigonometric functions, tree surveying and other related theories and realizes the functions of plot set-up, tree position measurement, DBH measurement, tree height measurement and other functions. The device was tested in four square plots. The results showed that the root mean squared. error (RMSE). of the tree position estimates ranged from 0.07 m to 0.16 m, while the relative root mean squared error (rRMSE) of the DBH estimates of individual trees ranged from 3.01 to 6.43%, which is acceptable for practical applications in traditional forest inventory. The rRMSE of the tree height estimates ranged from 3.47 to 5.21%. Furthermore, the cost of this instrument is only about one-third that of traditional forestry survey tools, while the work efficiency is three times that of the traditional measurement methods. Overall, the results confirmed that the tree measuring instrument is a practical tool for obtaining. accurate measurements of the tree position, DBH and tree height for forest inventories.
Theoretical Analysis of Ultimate Main Span Length for Arch Bridge
Authors: Zhang Xianxiong , Deng Zhuozhang , Fang Genshen , Ge Yaojun
Published: December 2022

The advancement of construction techniques and high-performance sustainable materials enables the increase of span length for arch bridge. It is of great importance to study the theoretical ultimate span length of arch bridge. Based on the parabolic and catenary arch axes, the analytical solutions of ultimate span length of arch bridge are solved using theoretical derivation accounting for the strength, in-plane stability and out-plane stability conditions, respectively. Then, the use of high-performance concrete, reactive powder concrete and high-strength steel is considered to study the relationship between theoretical ultimate span length and rise-span ratio as well as material strength for concrete and steel arch bridges. The results show that the theoretical ultimate span length derived by catenary arch axis is smaller by about 2–6% than that obtained by parabolic arch axis, but the difference is insignificant. When the rise-span ratio is 1/5, the theoretical ultimate span length for concrete arch bridge using R200 reactive powder concrete can reach 2000 m (2161 m for catenary arch axis and 2099 m for parabolic arch axis) while the main span of steel arch bridge using Q690 high-strength steel can be longer than 2500 m (2948 m for catenary arch axis and 2865 m for parabolic arch axis).
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Literature on Postgraduate Teaching
Authors: Fan Shuai , Jiang Jianfeng , Li Fei , Zeng Guoqiang , Gu Yi , Guo Wentai
Published: December 2022

The sustainable development of human society and economy needs the support of senior talents. Postgraduate teaching is one of the crucial components of higher education, and the priority method to cultivate senior talents. The 7th United Nations STI Forum in 2022 will focus on open science and postgraduate teaching; the theme of the forum is “While comprehensively implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, strengthen science, technology, and innovation, and promote the world’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic”. Therefore, the analysis of the field of postgraduate teaching is of great theoretical and practical significance to the cultivation of postgraduate students, the research of researchers, and the management of postgraduate teaching by the education sector. This research has carried out a bibliometric analysis to better obtain the knowledge structure in the field of postgraduate teaching and research, and help other researchers obtain the characteristics of the field of postgraduate teaching and research. VOSviewer and CiteSpace are used to analyze 4816 scientific core collection articles related to postgraduate teaching. These publications are from the Web of Science database. The dates of the articles range from 1995–2022. This research intuitively introduces a systematic overview of postgraduate teaching literature research, covering a number of publications, major categories, the most significant nations, groups, publications, writers, significant literature, and academic trends. The goal of this article is to create a map of the postgraduate teaching knowledge structure, while also examining the research collaboration across organizations, authors, nations, and areas. For scholars and practitioners in the field of graduate education, objective advice and helpful ideas are given through the analysis and discussion of the data acquired.
Biochar-Assisted Bioengineered Strategies for Metal Removal: Mechanisms, Key Considerations, and Perspectives for the Treatment of Solid and Liquid Matrixes
Authors: Amabilis-Sosa Leonel E. , Valenzuela Edgardo I. , Quezada-Renteria Javier A. , Pat-Espadas Aurora M.
Published: December 2022

Biochar has drawn the scientific community’s attention during the last few years due to its low production value and unique physicochemical properties, which are helpful for numerous applications. The development of biotechnological processes for the remediation of heavy metal environmental pollution is one central research avenue in which biochar application has shown promising results, due to its positive effect on the bacteria that catalyze these activities. Biochar stimulates bacterial activity through adsorption, adhesion, electron transport, and ion exchange. However, before biochar implementation, a complete understanding of its potential effects is necessary, considering that those interactions between biochar and bacteria may help improve the performance of biological processes designed for the remediation of environmental pollution by metals, which has been historically characterized by limitations related to the recalcitrance and toxicity of these pollutants. In this review, the key biochar–microorganism interactions and properties of unmodified biochar with the potential to improve metal bioremediation in both solid (mine tailings, polluted soils) and liquid matrixes (metal-laden wastewaters) are summarized. Knowledge gaps regarding the mechanisms involved in remediation strategies, the effect of long-term biochar use and the development of improved biochar technologies and their combination with existent remediation technologies is summarized. Additionally, an up-to-date summary of the development of biochar-assisted bioengineered strategies for metal passivation or removal from solid and liquid matrixes is presented, along with key perspectives for the application of biochar-based biotechnologies at full scale during the treatment of mining effluents in the real scale.
Large-Scale Wind Turbine’s Load Characteristics Excited by the Wind and Grid in Complex Terrain: A Review
Authors: Li Wei , Xu Shinai , Qian Baiyun , Gao Xiaoxia , Zhu Xiaoxun , Shi Zeqi , Liu Wei , Hu Qiaoliang
Published: December 2022

With the development of wind resources under flat terrain, wind farms in extreme wind conditions are developed, and the size of the WT’s rigid-flexible coupling components increases. Therefore, accurately understanding the load characteristics and transmission mechanism of each component plays an important scientific role in improving the reliability of WT (WT) design and operation. Through the collation and analysis of the literature, this review summarizes the research results of large-scale WT load under source–grid coupling. According to the classification of sources, the variation characteristics of different loads are analyzed, and different research methods for different loads are summarized. In addition, the relative merits of the existing improvement schemes are analyzed, and the existing problems are pointed out. Finally, a new research idea of ‘comprehensively considering the coupling effects of source and network factors, revealing WT load characteristics and transmission mechanism’ is summarized. This paper provides important implications for the safety design and reliable operation research of large WTs with complex terrain.
Simultaneous Confidence Intervals for All Pairwise Differences between the Coefficients of Variation of Multiple Birnbaum–Saunders Distributions
Authors: Puggard Wisunee , Niwitpong Sa-Aat , Niwitpong Suparat
Published: December 2022

In situations where several positive random variables cannot be described using symmetrical distributions, a positively asymmetric distribution which has garnered much attention for studying them is the Birnbaum-Saunders (BS) distribution. This distribution was originally proposed to study fatigue over time in materials and has become widely employed for reliability and fatigue studies. In statistics, the coefficient of variation (CV) is employed to measure relative variation. Furthermore, comparing the CVs of several samples from BS distributions is an important approach to assess the variation among them. Herein, we propose estimation methods for the simultaneous confidence intervals (SCIs) for all pairwise differences between the CVs of multiple BS distributions based on the percentile bootstrap, the generalized confidence interval (GCI), the method of variance estimates recovery (MOVER) based on the asymptotic confidence interval (ACI) and GCI, Bayesian credible interval, and the highest posterior density (HPD) interval. The coverage probabilities and average lengths of the proposed methods were examined via a simulation study to determine their performance. The results demonstrate that GCI and the MOVER based on the GCI method provided satisfactory performances in almost every case studied. Particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) concentration datasets from three areas in northern Thailand were used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
New Stability Results of an ABC Fractional Differential Equation in the Symmetric Matrix-Valued FBS
Authors: Eidinejad Zahra , Saadati Reza , Mesiar Radko , Li Chenkuan
Published: December 2022

By using a class of aggregation control functions, we introduce the concept of multiple-HU-OS1-stability and get an optimum approximation for a nonlinear single fractional differential equation (NS-ABC-FDE) with a Mittag–Leffler kernel. We apply an alternative fixed-point theorem to prove the existence of a unique solution and the multiple-HU-OS1-stability for the NS-ABC-FDE in the symmetric matrix-valued FBS. Finally, with an example, we show the application of the obtained results.
Modular Version of Edge Irregularity Strength for Fan and Wheel Graphs
Authors: Haryeni Debi Oktia , Awanis Zata Yumni , Bača Martin , Semaničová-Feňovčíková Andrea
Published: December 2022

A k-labeling from the vertex set of a simple graph G=(V,E) to a set of integers {1,2,…,k} is defined to be a modular edge irregular if, for every couple of distinct edges, their modular edge weights are distinct. The modular edge weight is the remainder of the division of the sum of end vertex labels by modulo |E(G)|. The modular edge irregularity strength of a graph is known as the maximal vertex label k, minimized over all modular edge irregular k-labelings of the graph. In this paper we describe labeling schemes with symmetrical distribution of even and odd edge weights and investigate the existence of (modular) edge irregular labelings of joins of paths and cycles with isolated vertices. We estimate the bounds of the (modular) edge irregularity strength for the join graphs Pn+Km¯ and Cn+Km¯ and determine the corresponding exact value of the (modular) edge irregularity strength for some fan graphs and wheel graphs in order to prove the sharpness of the presented bounds.
Photonic Topological Insulator Based on Frustrated Total Internal Reflection in Array of Coupled Prism Resonators
Authors: Fedchenko Dmitry P. , Kim Petr N. , Timofeev Ivan V.
Published: December 2022

Total internal reflection occurs at the interface between two media with different refractive indices during propagation of light rays from a medium with a higher refractive index to a medium with a lower refractive index. If the thickness of the second medium is comparable to a specific light wavelength, then total internal reflection is violated partially or completely. Based on the frustrated total internal reflection, herein we discuss a two-dimensional photonic topological insulator in an array consisting of triangular, quadrangular, or hexagonal transparent prism resonators with a narrow gap between them. An array of prism resonators allows topologically stable edge solutions (eigenwaves) similar to those studied in ring resonators. Moreover, total internal reflection occurs at different angles of incidence of light. This makes it possible to obtain a set of fundamentally new edge solutions. The light is presumably concentrated at the surface; however, in the new solutions it penetrates relatively deep into the photonic topological insulator and excites several layers of prisms positioned beyond the surface. Remarkably, the direction of light propagation is precisely biased, and therefore new solutions exhibit lower symmetry than the resonator array symmetry.
Dynamic Inequalities of Two-Dimensional Hardy Type via Alpha-Conformable Derivatives on Time Scales
Authors: El-Deeb Ahmed A. , El-Bary Alaa A. , Awrejcewicz Jan , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: December 2022

We established some new α-conformable dynamic inequalities of Hardy–Knopp type. Some new generalizations of dynamic inequalities of α-conformable Hardy type in two variables on time scales are established. Furthermore, we investigated Hardy’s inequality for several functions of α-conformable calculus. Our results are proved by using two-dimensional dynamic Jensen’s inequality and Fubini’s theorem on time scales. When α=1, then we obtain some well-known time-scale inequalities due to Hardy. As special cases, we derived Hardy’s inequality for T=R,T=Z and T=hZ. Symmetry plays an essential role in determining the correct methods to solve dynamic inequalities.
Percolative, Multifractal, and Symmetry Properties of the Surface at Nanoscale of Cu-Ni Bimetallic Thin Films Deposited by RF-PECVD
Authors: Matos Robert , Ferreira Nilson , Ţălu Ştefan , Ghaderi Atefeh , Solaymani Shahram , Pires Marcelo , Sanches Edgar , da Fonseca Filho Henrique
Published: December 2022

We explored the morphological and 3D spatial properties of Cu/Ni thin films obtained by a co-deposition process. The 3D AFM topographic maps analysis indicated that the films displayed different morphologies and rough profiles dictated by their singular directional inhomogeneities. Moreover, Minkowski’s volume showed that the Cu/Ni films deposited after 15 and 20 min had a similar relative distribution of matter as a function of height, which is different from the individual Cu films. The Minkowski boundary and connectivity point out that the percolative properties of the Cu/Ni samples were similar to each other. However, they were distinct from the percolative features of the Cu sample. It was also observed that the surface microtexture of the films showed similar spatial complexity, dominant spatial frequencies, and topographical uniformity. For the Cu/Ni thin films, the Minkowski functionals morphological analysis showed that the type of film dictated the surface percolation. In contrast, clear fingerprints of multifractal behavior in all the samples were also observed, indicating that the multifractality degree increased with the sputtering time, supporting the significant vertical growth of the Cu/Ni thin film deposited after 20 min. Aside from that, the results from a symmetry-based approach indicated that the vertical growth dynamics of individual Cu and Cu/Ni thin films were different in terms of scaling symmetry, where we observed that the sputtering induced the formation of less asymmetric topographies regarding their multiscaling behavior. Finally, our findings suggested that the sputtering process can be employed to tune the percolative properties, multifractality, and scaling symmetry of the films, inducing different vertical growth dynamics, which can be useful in the optimization of the fabrication of bimetallic surfaces for technological purposes.
Effect of Thermal Treatment of Symmetric TiO2 Nanotube Arrays in Argon on Photocatalytic CO2 Conversion
Authors: Savchuk Timofey , Gavrilin Ilya , Savitskiy Andrey , Dronov Alexey , Dronova Daria , Pereverzeva Svetlana , Tarhanov Andrey , Maniecki Tomasz , Gavrilov Sergey , Konstantinova Elizaveta
Published: December 2022

Symmetric titania nanotube arrays (TiO2 NTs) are a well-known photocatalyst with a large surface area and band edge potentials suitable for redox reactions. Thermal treatment of symmetrical arrays of TiO2 nanotubes in argon was used to change the carbon content of the samples. The influence of the carbon content in the structure of symmetrical TiO2 NTs on their photoelectrochemical properties and photocatalytic activity in the conversion of CO2 into organic fuel precursors has been studied. The structure, chemical, and phase composition of obtained samples were studied by X-ray analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM with energy dispersive analysis. It is established that carbon-related defects in the samples accumulate electrons on the surface required for the CO2 conversion reaction. It has been shown for the first time that varying the carbon content in symmetric TiO2 NTs arrays by annealing at different temperatures in argon makes it possible to control the yield of methane and methanol in CO2 conversion. It is revealed that too high a concentration of carbon dangling bonds promotes the growth of CO2 conversion efficiency but causes instability in this process. The obtained results show a high promise of symmetric carbon-doped TiO2 NTs arrays for the photocatalytic conversion of CO2.
Overview of Seniority Isomers
Authors: Maheshwari Bhoomika , Nomura Kosuke
Published: December 2022

Nuclear isomers are the metastable excited states of nuclei. The isomers can be categorized into a few classes including spin, seniority, K, shape and fission isomers depending upon the hindrance mechanisms. In this paper, we aim to present an overview of seniority isomers, which is a category related to the seniority quantum number. The discussion is mainly based on the concepts of seniority and generalized seniority. Various aspects of seniority isomers and their whereabouts have been covered along with the situations where seniority mixing prevents the isomerism.
Generating Image Captions Using Bahdanau Attention Mechanism and Transfer Learning
Authors: Ayoub Shahnawaz , Gulzar Yonis , Reegu Faheem Ahmad , Turaev Sherzod
Published: December 2022

Automatic image caption prediction is a challenging task in natural language processing. Most of the researchers have used the convolutional neural network as an encoder and decoder. However, an accurate image caption prediction requires a model to understand the semantic relationship that exists between the various objects present in an image. The attention mechanism performs a linear combination of encoder and decoder states. It emphasizes the semantic information present in the caption with the visual information present in an image. In this paper, we incorporated the Bahdanau attention mechanism with two pre-trained convolutional neural networks—Vector Geometry Group and InceptionV3—to predict the captions of a given image. The two pre-trained models are used as encoders and the Recurrent neural network is used as a decoder. With the help of the attention mechanism, the two encoders are able to provide semantic context information to the decoder and achieve a bilingual evaluation understudy score of 62.5. Our main goal is to compare the performance of the two pre-trained models incorporated with the Bahdanau attention mechanism on the same dataset.
A Study on the Modified Form of Riemann-Type Fractional Inequalities via Convex Functions and Related Applications
Authors: Samraiz Muhammad , Malik Maria , Saeed Kanwal , Naheed Saima , Etemad Sina , De la Sen Manuel , Rezapour Shahram
Published: December 2022

In this article, we provide constraints for the sum by employing a generalized modified form of fractional integrals of Riemann-type via convex functions. The mean fractional inequalities for functions with convex absolute value derivatives are discovered. Hermite–Hadamard-type fractional inequalities for a symmetric convex function are explored. These results are achieved using a fresh and innovative methodology for the modified form of generalized fractional integrals. Some applications for the results explored in the paper are briefly reviewed.
A Simplification and Generalization of Elsayed and Ibrahim’s Two-Dimensional System of Third-Order Difference Equations
Authors: Folly-Gbetoula Mensah , Nyirenda Darlison
Published: December 2022

A full Lie analysis of a system of third-order difference equations is performed. Explicit solutions, expressed in terms of the initial values, are derived. Furthermore, we give sufficient conditions for the existence of two-periodic and four-periodic solutions in certain cases. Our results generalize and simplify some work in the literature.
Soft Expert Symmetric Group and Its Application in MCDM Problem
Authors: Kalaiselvan Shanmugam , Vijayabalaji Srinivasan
Published: December 2022

Researchers are always inspired to broaden their explorations towards uncertainty theories, owing to their great interest and importance. Soft set theory plays a primary role among all recent uncertainty tools. Though this theory sounds good in all aspects, it has its own limitations due to a lack of experts. The novel idea of a soft expert set was brought up recently to address this issue. This strategy is innovative and inventive in the sense that it utilizes the expertise of numerous specialists. This novel idea inspired us a lot for the development of the present study. This paper introduces the notion of a soft expert symmetric group as a natural generalization of the symmetric group and soft expert set. Several interesting properties of soft expert symmetric groups are studied. Internal and external products of two soft expert symmetric groups and the homomorphism of soft expert symmetric groups are also presented. The application of a soft expert symmetric group in multi-criteria decision-making situations is also given in a lucid manner.
A Sparsified Densely Connected Network with Separable Convolution for Finger-Vein Recognition
Authors: Yao Qiong , Xu Xiang , Li Wensheng
Published: December 2022

At present, ResNet and DenseNet have achieved significant performance gains in the field of finger-vein biometric recognition, which is partially attributed to the dominant design of cross-layer skip connection. In this manner, features from multiple layers can be effectively aggregated to provide sufficient discriminant representation. Nevertheless, an over-dense connection pattern may induce channel expansion of feature maps and excessive memory consumption. To address these issues, we proposed a low memory overhead and fairly lightweight network architecture for finger-vein recognition. The core components of the proposed network are a sequence of sparsified densely connected blocks with symmetric structure. In each block, a novel connection cropping strategy is adopted to balance the channel ratio of input/output feature maps. Beyond this, to facilitate smaller model volume and faster convergence, we substitute the standard convolutional kernels with separable convolutional kernels and introduce a robust loss metric that is defined on the geodesic distance of angular space. Our proposed sparsified densely connected network with separable convolution (hereinafter dubbed ‘SC-SDCN’) has been tested on two benchmark finger-vein datasets, including the Multimedia Lab of Chonbuk National University (MMCBNU)and Finger Vein of Universiti Sains Malaysia (FV-USM), and the advantages of our SC-SDCN can be evident from the experimental results. Specifically, an equal error rate (EER) of 0.01% and an accuracy of 99.98% are obtained on the MMCBNU dataset, and an EER of 0.45% and an accuracy of 99.74% are obtained on the FV-USM dataset.
A Truncated Spline and Local Linear Mixed Estimator in Nonparametric Regression for Longitudinal Data and Its Application
Authors: Sriliana Idhia , Budiantara I Nyoman , Ratnasari Vita
Published: December 2022

Longitudinal data modeling is widely carried out using parametric methods. However, when the parametric model is misspecified, the obtained estimator might be severely biased and lead to erroneous conclusions. In this study, we propose a new estimation method for longitudinal data modeling using a mixed estimator in nonparametric regression. The objective of this study was to estimate the nonparametric regression curve for longitudinal data using two combined estimators: truncated spline and local linear. The weighted least square method with a two-stage estimation procedure was used to obtain the regression curve estimation of the proposed model. To account for within-subject correlations in the longitudinal data, a symmetric weight matrix was given in the regression curve estimation. The best model was determined by minimizing the generalized cross-validation value. Furthermore, an application to a longitudinal dataset of the poverty gap index in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia, was conducted to illustrate the performance of the proposed mixed estimator. Compared to the single estimator, the truncated spline and local linear mixed estimator had better performance in longitudinal data modeling based on the GCV value. Additionally, the empirical results of the best model indicated that the proposed model could explain the data variation exceptionally well.
Human–Artificial Intelligence Systems: How Human Survival First Principles Influence Machine Learning World Models
Authors: Fox Stephen
Published: December 2022

World models is a construct that is used to represent internal models of the world. It is an important construct for human-artificial intelligence systems, because both natural and artificial agents can have world models. The term, natural agents, encompasses individual people and human organizations. Many human organizations apply artificial agents that include machine learning. In this paper, it is explained how human survival first principles of interactions between energy and entropy influence organization’s world models, and hence their implementations of machine learning. First, the world models construct is related to human organizations. This is done in terms of the construct’s origins in psychology theory-building during the 1930s through its applications in systems science during the 1970s to its recent applications in computational neuroscience. Second, it is explained how human survival first principles of interactions between energy and entropy influence organizational world models. Third, a practical example is provided of how survival first principles lead to opposing organizational world models. Fourth, it is explained how opposing organizational world models can constrain applications of machine learning. Overall, the paper highlights the influence of interactions between energy and entropy on organizations’ applications of machine learning. In doing so, profound challenges are revealed for human-artificial intelligence systems.
System “Person-State-Society” in Period of Social Turbulence and Big Challenges (Case Study: Tomsk City, the Russian Federation)
Authors: Sidorov Anatoly , Pokrovskaya Elena , Raitina Margarita
Published: December 2022

The article reflects the role of society in an era of uncertainty and people’s behavior in response to big challenges. The aim is to consider the responsibility for resolving crisis situations by state power. Comprehending is possible on the theory formed by the concepts of social turbulence and aggravated regimes, which are based on such characteristics of processes as nonlinearity, spontaneity, uncertainty, and high speeds. This study offers the hypothesis about the shift in the value orientations of the population from the rational to the irrational area in the face of growing uncertainty and turbulence in the environment, which should become the subject of managerial influence when forming a corrective or anti-crisis policy, and about the formation public demand for “strong” state intervention, protecting the population from the negative consequences of regimes with escalations. The article concludes the practical significance and applicability of the research, but also as a theoretical basis for the development of methods and technologies for diagnostics of public demand within the framework of information and analytical support of public administration.
Tool Wear Characteristics and Strengthening Method of the Disc Cutter for Nomex Honeycomb Composites Machining with Ultrasonic Assistance
Authors: Zha Huiting , Shang Wenjun , Xu Jie , Feng Feng , Kong Hongyun , Jiang Enlai , Ma Yuan , Xu Chao , Feng Pingfa
Published: December 2022

Nomex honeycomb composites are used extensively in aerospace, automotive, and other industries due to their superior material properties. However, the tool wear during their machining can compromise the processing accuracy and the stability of the whole machining process, thus studies on the tool wear and strengthening method are urgently needed. This study presents a radial difference calculation method (RDC) to evaluate the tool wear of the disc cutter quantitatively in both conventional cutting and ultrasonic assisted cutting. The morphology of the tool wear process and its characteristics were analyzed. Two different heat treatments (salt bath quenching and vacuum quenching) were carried out to strengthen the tool performance. The research results demonstrated that ultrasonic vibration could significantly reduce the tool wear of the disc cutter, by up to 36%, after the same machining time. Salt bath quenching and vacuum quenching can both strengthen the tool performance. Particularly, after vacuum quenching treatment, the disc cutter’s metallographic grains were refined, and the tool wear could be reduced by 64%, compared to the as-received disc cutter. The findings in this study could be instructive to obtain further understanding of the machining mechanism and to improve methods in ultrasonic assisted cutting of Nomex honeycomb composites.
Intense FDG Uptake in the Common Bile Duct Post-ERCP Mimics Acute Infectious Cholangitis
Authors: Mistry Neel P. , Zeng Wanzhen
Published: December 2022

In patients with obstructive pancreatitis due to choledocholithiasis, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the standard of care. ERCP-induced inflammation or infection of the common bile duct (i.e., cholangitis) is a rare complication with a high mortality rate in severe cases. We report an unusual case of incidental findings of intense FDG uptake in the common bile duct one month post-ERCP without clinical features of acute cholangitis, indicative of inflammation of CBD associated with or exaggerated by ERCP.
Assessment of Lead (Pb) Toxicity in Juvenile Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus—Growth, Behaviour, Erythrocytes Abnormalities, and Histological Alterations in Vital Organs
Authors: Mahi Tayeeba Ferdous , Chowdhury Gourab , Hossain Mohammad Amzad , Baishnab Asim Kumar , Schneider Petra , Iqbal Mohammed Mahbub
Published: December 2022

Lead (Pb) is one of the toxins responsible for the deterioration of ecological health in aquatic environments. The present study investigated the effects of Pb(NO3)2 toxicity on growth, blood cell morphology, and the histopathology of gills, liver, and intestine of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. A 30-day long aquarium trial was conducted by assigning three treatment groups T1 5.20 mg L−1, T2 10.40 mg L−1, and T3 20.80 mg L−1, and a control 0 mg L−1 following the 96 h LC50 of 51.96 mg L−1 from acute toxicity test. Overall growth performance significantly declined in all the Pb(NO3)2 treated groups and the highest mortality was recorded in T3. Behavioural abnormalities were intense in all the treatment groups compared to the control. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) values were reported as higher in treatment groups. Reduced nucleus diameter and nuclei size in erythrocytes were reported for T2 and T3 groups. Dose-dependent histological alterations were visible in the gills, liver, and intestine of all the Pb(NO3)2 treated groups. The width of the intestinal villi was highly extended in T3 showing signs of severe histological alterations. In conclusion, Pb toxicity causes a negative effect on growth performance, erythrocyte morphology, and affected the vital organs histomorphology of juvenile O. niloticus.
Ecotoxicity Study of Additives Composed of Zinc and Boron
Authors: Petrová Šárka , Soudek Petr
Published: December 2022

The high use of additives containing zinc borate and their limited solubility in water both lead to its persistence and accumulation in biological systems. On the other hand, soluble forms of boron are easily available to plant roots and are taken up by plants. There are no ecotoxicological data available for zinc borate, the industrial utilization of which is widespread. Therefore, the potential toxicity of zinc borate and its dissociated compounds was evaluated. Based on two different ecotoxicology tests, their effect on plant growth was studied. Firstly, the impact on Lemna minor growth was investigated, including the effect on pigment content. Secondly, the inhibition of the root growth of higher plant species Sinapis alba (mustard), Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Trifolium pretense (clover) was measured. The growth inhibition test on L. minor was more complex and sensitive compared to the plant seed germination test. Already low concentrations (10 mg/L) of ZnO, B2O3 and Zn3BO6 led to a decrease in frond growth and to an inhibition of the conversion of chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b. These results suggested that the stress caused by these additives caused damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. The highest inhibition of frond growth was detected in fronds treated with B2O3 (92–100%). In ZnO and Zn3BO6, the inhibition of frond growth was between 38 and 77%, with Zn3BO6 being slightly more toxic. In the seed germination test, the most sensitive species was lettuce, the growth of which was inhibited by 57, 83 and 53% in ZnO, B2O3 and Zn3BO6 treatments, respectively. However, the inhibitory effect on each plant was different. In lettuce and clover, the seed germination and root elongation decreased with increasing element concentrations. In contrast, in mustard, low concentrations of ZnO and Zn3BO6 supported the growth of roots. For that reason, more complex tests are essential to evaluate the additive toxicity in the environment.
Perfluoroalkyl Substance Serum Concentrations and Cholesterol Absorption-Inhibiting Medication Ezetimibe
Authors: Ma Ge , Ducatman Alan
Published: December 2022

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made compounds with a widespread presence in human blood and other organs. PFAS have been associated with multiple health effects, including higher serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Objective: Potential population differences in serum PFAS attributable to ezetimibe, a medication that inhibits cholesterol absorption, are of interest for several reasons. The “C8” Health Project survey data from six contaminated water districts in the mid-Ohio Valley of the United States provide a wide enough range of serum PFAS and a sufficient number of ezetimibe takers to explore this topic. Methods: A total of 44,126 adult participants of the C8 Health Survey were included in the community-based study. The status of taking (1075) or non-taking of ezetimibe, alone or in combination with another lipid-lowering agent, was acquired. The geometric mean serum concentrations of the four most commonly detected serum PFAS were compared based on the status of ezetimibe use. Results: There is no significant difference in serum concentrations of perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) between ezetimibe users and non-users after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), cigarette smoking, education, and average household income. Conclusion: The sterol absorption-inhibiting medication ezetimibe does not appear to affect serum PFAS concentrations. We sought but did not find direct evidence that ezetimibe could inhibit PFAS uptake nor inferential evidence that inter-individual differences in sterol absorption could provide a confounding factor explanation for the association of serum total- and LDL-cholesterol with serum PFAS.