bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition of Noisy Digital Images Using the Asymmetric Coupling Semiconductor Chaotic Lasers Network
Authors: Zhong Dongzhou , Deng Wanan , Hou Peng , Zhang Jinbo , Chen Yujun , Wu Qingfan , Wang Tiankai
Published: October 2023

In this work, we construct a model of an asymmetrically coupled network of semiconductor chaotic lasers in order to recognize noisy digital images of digits 0–9, derived from different samples in the digital image sets 0–9 found within the MNIST dataset. Here, the lasers network consists of eight asymmetrically coupled semiconductor lasers. The chaotic lasers network is driven by the external inputs, which encode one noise digital image to be recognized. The outputs of the chaotic lasers network driven by a total of 40 samples from the digital image sets 0–9 are utilized as ten sets of reference signals. The output of the chaotic lasers network induced by one noisy digital image is used as a test signal. By judging the maximum of the correlations of the test signal with the ten sets of reference signals, all noisy digital images 0–9 can be recognized well under different noises. Moreover, we further explore the recognition rate for each noisy digital image under different noises and a fixed injection strength. It is found that all noisy digital images can be recognized well under a certain low injection strength. The recognition-rates of all noisy digital images can further decrease to a certain extent under higher noise and a fixed the injection strength. The injection strength has little influence on the recognition rate of one noise digital image target with lower noise. The recognition rate under higher noise maintains a higher value (more than 0.9) when the injection strength is smaller than a certain value, but for the larger injection strength, the recognition rate exhibits further decrease. The modeled chaotic lasers network can play the role of photonic accelerators for the recognition of the noisy digital images.
Design of Dual-Focal-Plane AR-HUD Optical System Based on a Single Picture Generation Unit and Two Freeform Mirrors
Authors: Fan Chengxiang , Kong Lingbao , Yang Bo , Wan Xinjun
Published: October 2023

Augmented reality heads-up displays (AR-HUDs) have a much richer display than traditional heads-up displays. An ideal AR-HUD requires two or more focal planes to display basic and interactive driving information to the car driver separately. We present an off-axis reflective optical structure for dual-focal-plane displays using a single projection-type picture generation unit (PGU) and two freeform mirrors. The dual-focal-plane AR-HUD system designed in this paper can simultaneously generate high-quality far-field image (13° × 4°, 10 m) and near-field images (13° × 1.4°, 3.5 m) in a 130 mm × 60 mm eyebox. A fully automated analysis program is written to analyze the modulation transfer function (MTF) and distortion values of the optical system over the entire eyebox range. The analysis results show that the maximum distortion values of the far-field image and near-field image in the eyebox range are 3.15% and 3.58%, respectively. The MTF was greater than 0.3 at 7.2 lp/mm for both near-field images and far-field images. We also designed a projection lens for the projection-type PGU used in this system. The projection lens uses three plane mirrors to fold the image plane of the projection system into different positions to serve as the image source for the AR-HUD. This research provides a new solution for realizing the dual-focal-plane AR-HUD, which not only satisfies the need for simultaneous display of near-field basic information and far-field interactive information, but also has a larger display screen.
The Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Bioactivities of the Corymbia Genus (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Perry Matthew J. , Wangchuk Phurpa
Published: October 2023

Plants have been vital to human survival for aeons, especially for their unique medicinal properties. Trees of the Eucalyptus genus are well known for their medicinal properties; however, little is known of the ethnopharmacology and bioactivities of their close relatives in the Corymbia genus. Given the current lack of widespread knowledge of the Corymbia genus, this review aims to provide the first summary of the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and bioactivities of this genus. The Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify research articles on the biological activities, phytochemistry and ethnomedical uses of Corymbia species. Of the 115 Corymbia species known, 14 species were found to have ethnomedical uses for the leaves, kino and/or bark. Analysis of the references obtained for these 14 Corymbia spp. revealed that the essential oils, crude extracts and compounds isolated from these species possess an array of biological activities including anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-protozoal, anti-viral, larvicidal, insecticidal, acaricidal, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic activities, highlighting the potential for this under-studied genus to provide lead compounds and treatments for a host of medical conditions.
Genome-Wide Characterization of bHLH Family Genes and Expression Analysis in Response to Osmotic Stress in Betula platyphylla
Authors: Zhao Leifei , Bi Weiyi , Jia Yaqi , Shi Jingjing , Chi Yao , Yu Mingyu , Wang Chao
Published: October 2023

The bHLH family, as a superfamily of transcription factors (TFs), has special functional characteristics in plants and plays a crucial role in a plant’s growth and development and helping the plant cope with various stresses. In this study, 128 bHLH family genes were screened in the birch (B. platyphylla) genome using conservative domain scan and blast analysis. These genes are clustered into 21 subfamilies based on the phylogenetic tree construction and are unevenly distributed among the 14 birch chromosomes. In all, 22 segmental duplication pairs with 27 BpbHLH genes were identified. The duplications were distributed on eight chromosomes. Analysis of gene structures and protein motifs revealed intra-group conservation of BpbHLHs. Of the BpbHLH family genes, 16 contain only one intron each. The BPChr14G06667 gene contains the most introns, that is, 19. The cis-elements, which respond to plant hormones, light, defense, and stress, were found on the promoter of BHLH family genes. As per RNA-seq data analysis, under PEG osmotic stress, most BpbHLH genes were differentially expressed, and eight were highly differentially expressed. The qRT-PCR analysis results further indicated that BPChr06G09475 was the gene with the highest expression level in leaves, roots, and stems, and that the expression of these eight genes was higher in leaves than in roots and stems and upregulated in all three tissues under osmotic stress compared to the controls. The above analysis suggests that the BpbHLH family genes have a certain biological effect under drought stress that provides a basis for molecular breeding for stress resistance in birch.
Context-Dependent Ant-Pollinator Mutualism Impacts Fruit Set in a Hummingbird-Pollinated Plant
Authors: Cardoso Priscila Bruno , Calixto Eduardo Soares , Torezan-Silingardi Helena Maura , Del-Claro Kleber
Published: October 2023

Context-dependence in mutualisms is a fundamental aspect of ecological interactions. Within plant-ant mutualisms, particularly in terms of biotic protection and pollination, research has predominantly focused on elucidating the benefits while largely overlooking potential costs. This notable gap underscores the need for investigations into the drawbacks and trade-offs associated with such mutualistic relationships. Here, we evaluated the role of pericarpial nectaries (PNs) in shaping the dynamics of ant-pollinator mutualisms. Specifically, we investigated whether ants visiting the PN of Palicourea rigida (Rubiaceae) could deter hummingbirds and disrupt pollination, ultimately influencing fruit production. Our research involved manipulative experiments and observation of ant-pollinator interactions on P. rigida plants in the Brazilian savannah. We found that visiting ants can deter hummingbirds and/or disrupt pollination in P. rigida, directly influencing fruit set. However, these results are species-specific. The presence of very aggressive, large predatory ants, such as E. tuberculatum, had a negative impact on hummingbird behavior, whereas aggressive mid-sized ants, such as C. crassus, showed no effects. Our study illuminates the multifaceted aspects of ant-plant mutualisms and underscores the importance of evaluating costs and unexpected outcomes within these ecological relationships.
Potential of Biochar as a Peat Substitute in Growth Media for Lavandula angustifolia, Salvia rosmarinus and Fragaria × ananassa
Authors: Iacomino Giuseppina , Cozzolino Alessia , Idbella Mohamed , Amoroso Giandomenico , Bertoli Tomaso , Bonanomi Giuliano , Motti Riccardo
Published: October 2023

Peat has long been the primary substrate for the production of ornamental and horticultural plants in pots. Today, peat is no longer considered a renewable resource due to its very lengthy regeneration time. Biochar, a solid by-product of biomass pyrolysis, has been proposed as an agricultural soil amendment. We investigated the effects of two types of biochar, namely biochar from pruning wood waste and biochar activated with wood vinegar (“smoked biochar”), on two ornamental plants (Lavandula angustifolia and Salvia rosmarinus) and on strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa). For both types of biochar, we measured the following parameters: the pH, density, electrical conductivity, humidity, calcium carbonate, total carbon, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and water retention. For peat, we measured the following parameters: the pH, electrical conductivity, total carbon, and total nitrogen. Our results showed an overall increase in plant growth, particularly in L. angustifolia when using 10% and 50% biochar concentrations and a 10% concentration of biochar activated with wood vinegar. In S. rosmarinus, we observed a slight increase in the total plant weight with the application of 10% smoked biochar (biochar activated with wood vinegar). Finally, in F. × ananassa, we observed an increase in the plant weight and fruit production when 10% biochar was applied. On the other hand, when high concentrations of biochar (50% and 100%) and especially smoked biochar were applied, we observed a significant reduction in the growth of all plants. We concluded that biochar and biochar activated with wood vinegar showed remarkable biological activity with marked phytotoxicity at high concentrations. They promoted plant growth when applied diluted and their use as partial peat substitutes could help support more sustainable horticultural practices.
Ethnobotanical Documentation of the Uses of Wild and Cultivated Plants in the Ansanto Valley (Avellino Province, Southern Italy)
Authors: Motti Riccardo , Marotta Marco , Bonanomi Giuliano , Cozzolino Stefania , Di Palma Anna
Published: October 2023

With approximately 2800 species, the Campania region has the richest vascular flora in southern Italy and the highest number of medicinal species reported in the Italian folk traditions. The study area is inserted in a wide rural landscape, still retaining a high degree of naturalness and is studied for the first time from an ethnobotanical point of view. By analyzing local traditional uses of wild plants in the Ansanto Valley area, the present study aims to contribute to the implementation of ethnobotanical knowledge concerning southern Italy. To gather ethnobotanical knowledge related to the Ansanto Valley, 69 semi-structured interviews were carried out through a snowball sampling approach, starting from locals with experience in traditional plant uses (key informants). A number of 117 plant species (96 genera and 46 families) were documented for traditional use from a total of 928 reports, of which 544 were about medicinal plants. New use reports on the utilization of plants for medicinal (5) and veterinary applications (8) in the Campania region and the whole Italian territory were outlined from our investigations. Sedum cepaea is reported as a medicinal plant for the first time in Italy and in the whole Mediterranean basin.
A Multi-Model Based Stability Analysis Employing Multi-Environmental Trials (METs) Data for Discerning Heat Tolerance in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Landraces
Authors: Danakumara Thippeswamy , Kumar Tapan , Kumar Neeraj , Patil Basavanagouda Siddanagouda , Bharadwaj Chellapilla , Patel Umashankar , Joshi Nilesh , Bindra Shayla , Tripathi Shailesh , Varshney Rajeev Kumar , Chaturvedi Sushil Kumar
Published: October 2023

Identifying a congenially targeted production environment and understanding the effects of genotype by environmental interactions on the adaption of chickpea genotypes is essential for achieving an optimal yield stability. Different models like additive main effect and multiplicative interactions (AMMI 1, AMM2), weighted average absolute scores of BLUPs (WAASB), and genotype plus genotype–environment (GGE) interactions were used to understand their suitability in the precise estimation of variance and their interaction. Our experiment used genotypes that represent the West Asia–North Africa (WANA) region. This trial involved two different sowing dates, two distinct seasons, and three different locations, resulting in a total of 12 environments. Genotype IG 5871(G1) showed a lower heat susceptibility index (HSI) across environments under study. The first four interactions principal component axis (IPCA) explain 93.2% of variations with significant genotype–environment interactions. Considering the AMMI stability value (ASV), the genotypes IG5862(G7), IG5861(G6), ILC239(G40), IG6002(G26), and ILC1932(G39), showing ASV scores of 1.66, 1.80, 2.20, 2.60, and 2.84, respectively, were ranked as the most stable and are comparable to the weighted average absolute scores of BLUPs (WAASB) ranking of genotypes. The which–won–where pattern of genotype plus genotype–environment (GGE) interactions suggested that the target environment consists of one mega environment. IG5866(G10), IG5865(G9), IG5884(G14), and IG5862(G7) displayed higher stability, as they were nearer to the origin. The genotypes that exhibited a superior performance in the tested environments can serve as ideal parental lines for heat-stress tolerance breeding programs. The weighted average absolute scores of BLUPs (WAASB) serve as an ideal tool to discern the variations and identify the stable genotype among all methods.
Apple CRISPR-Cas9—A Recipe for Successful Targeting of AGAMOUS-like Genes in Domestic Apple
Authors: Jacobson Seth , Bondarchuk Natalie , Nguyen Thy Anh , Canada Allison , McCord Logan , Artlip Timothy S. , Welser Philipp , Klocko Amy L.
Published: October 2023

Fruit trees and other fruiting hardwood perennials are economically valuable, and there is interest in developing improved varieties. Both conventional breeding and biotechnology approaches are being utilized towards the goal of developing advanced cultivars. Increased knowledge of the effectiveness and efficiency of biotechnology approaches can help guide use of the CRISPR gene-editing technology. Here, we examined CRISPR-Cas9-directed genome editing in the valuable commodity fruit tree Malus x domestica (domestic apple). We transformed two cultivars with dual CRISPR-Cas9 constructs designed to target two AGAMOUS-like genes simultaneously. The main goal was to determine the effectiveness of this approach for achieving target gene changes. We obtained 6 Cas9 control and 38 independent CRISPR-Cas9 events. Of the 38 CRISPR-Cas9 events, 34 (89%) had gene edits and 14 (37%) showed changes to all alleles of both target genes. The most common change was large deletions, which were present in 59% of all changed alleles, followed by small deletions (21%), small insertions (12%), and a combination of small insertions and deletions (8%). Overall, a high rate of successful gene alterations was found. Many of these changes are predicted to cause frameshifts and alterations to the predicted peptides. Future work will include monitoring the floral development and floral form.
Genome-Wide Investigation and Expression Analysis of the Catalase Gene Family in Oat Plants (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Ghorbel Mouna , Zribi Ikram , Chihaoui Mejda , Alghamidi Ahmad , Mseddi Khalil , Brini Faiçal
Published: October 2023

Through the degradation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), different antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), defend organisms against oxidative stress. These enzymes are crucial to numerous biological functions, like plant development and defense against several biotic and abiotic stresses. However, despite the major economic importance of Avena sativa around the globe, little is known about the CAT gene’s structure and organization in this crop. Thus, a genome-wide investigation of the CAT gene family in oat plants has been carried out to characterize the potential roles of those genes under different stressors. Bioinformatic approaches were used in this study to predict the AvCAT gene’s structure, secondary and tertiary protein structures, physicochemical properties, phylogenetic tree, and expression profiling under diverse developmental and biological conditions. A local Saudi oat variety (AlShinen) was used in this work. Here, ten AvCAT genes that belong to three groups (Groups I–III) were identified. All identified CATs harbor the two conserved domains (pfam00199 and pfam06628), a heme-binding domain, and a catalase activity motif. Moreover, identified AvCAT proteins were located in different compartments in the cell, such as the peroxisome, mitochondrion, and cytoplasm. By analyzing their promoters, different cis-elements were identified as being related to plant development, maturation, and response to different environmental stresses. Gene expression analysis revealed that three different AvCAT genes belonging to three different subgroups showed noticeable modifications in response to various stresses, such as mannitol, salt, and ABA. As far as we know, this is the first report describing the genome-wide analysis of the oat catalase gene family, and these data will help further study the roles of catalase genes during stress responses, leading to crop improvement.
Decoding the Multifaceted Potential of Artemisia monosperma: Comprehensive Insights into Allelopathy, Antimicrobial Activity, and Phytochemical Profile for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: El-Sheikh Mohamed A. , Alsharekh Anfal , Alatar Abdulrahman A. , Rizwana Humaira
Published: October 2023

Weeds present a significant hazard to crop production, necessitating the development of effective and sustainable strategies for weed management. Although synthetic herbicides are effective, concerns about their environmental and health impact have been raised. This study investigates the allelopathic potential, antimicrobial activity, and phytochemical profile of Artemisia monosperma. Extracts from A. monosperma proficiently impede the growth of Chenopodium murale and Amaranthus viridis, while exhibiting varying effects on crops Solanum lycopersicum and Cucumis sativus. Leaf and seed extracts demonstrate the most significant inhibition of weed growth. Interestingly, the leaf extract at a concentration of 50% inhibited weed growth in pot experiments without affecting crop growth. Moreover, extracts from A. monosperma exhibit noteworthy antifungal and antibacterial activity, with the root extract demonstrating the strongest inhibition. The root extract inhibited the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum musae by 63% as compared to control. The leaf extract exhibited the highest levels of phenolic acids, in particular gallic acid, amounting to 116.30 ppm. This study emphasizes the multifaceted potential of A. monosperma as a sustainable solution for weed management and proposes its use in crop protection. Further investigation of its practical applications and optimization of extraction methods can aid in its integration into contemporary agricultural systems, promoting both crop yield and environmental sustainability.
Correction: Edorh Tossa et al. Flowers and Inflorescences of Selected Medicinal Plants as a Source of Triterpenoids and Phytosterols. Plants 2023, 12, 1838
Authors: Edorh Tossa Pauline , Belorgey Morgan , Dashbaldan Soyol , Pączkowski Cezary , Szakiel Anna
Published: October 2023

In the original publication [...]
Flow Control in Multiphase Pumps Based on Separated Trailing Edge Flap
Authors: Zhou Juping , Han Wei , Li Rennian , Ma Xiaoning , Wang Haojie , Li Wangxu
Published: October 2023

In developing and transporting significant oil fields in deep-sea environments, multiphase pumps are considered crucial energy conversion equipment. Ensuring their safe, efficient, and stable operation is currently a primary focus of research. The intermittent aggregation of the gas phase at the trailing edge flap of the impeller blades in multiphase pumps can lead to periodic and significant fluctuations in flow rate and outlet pressure, posing a threat to the overall operational safety of the pump system. Based on aerodynamic principles, this paper presents the design of a separate trailing edge flap for the impeller blades. The inner nodal method is applied to determine the design scheme of the trailing edge flap for the multiphase pump. A numerical approach is employed to analyze the impact of the flap deflection angle on the internal flow characteristics to provide theoretical guidance for the structural optimization of multiphase pumps. The results indicate that the influence of the deflection angle on the pump efficiency is complex and affected by a critical angle value. When the deflection angle is below the critical value, the trailing edge flap can effectively reduce the formation of energy dissipation vortices and radial pressure gradients within the impeller channel, enabling a significant improvement in the gas-phase aggregation phenomenon caused by gas–liquid separation. However, additional energy losses occur at the connection between the trailing edge flap and the main blade body for deflection angles exceeding the critical value. When the trailing edge flap length is 0.25 l and the deflection angle is 5°, the efficiency is improved by 3.4% compared to the original model. Consequently, the pressurization capacity of the pump is compromised. In the design and application of trailing edge flaps, a careful balance between various factors is required to ensure both the stability and high efficiency of the pump system.
Deep Neural Network Model for Determination of Coal Cutting Resistance and Performance of Bucket-Wheel Excavator Based on the Environmental Properties and Excavation Parameters
Authors: Kostić Srđan , Stojković Milan , Ilić Velibor , Trivan Jelena
Published: October 2023

In the present paper, we develop a new model, based on the implementation of deep neural networks, for the estimation of a series of excavation parameters, depending on the main environmental and excavation properties. The developed model, with high statistical accuracy (R > 0.79) and small RMSE (<17% of the actual output values), enables the simultaneous assessment of the following excavation parameters: effective capacity Qef, maximum current consumption Imax, maximum power consumption Nmax, maximum force consumption Pmax, maximum energy consumption Emax, and maximum linear and areal cutting resistance, KLmax and KFmax, respectively, based on the impact of the following environmental properties and excavation parameters: coal unit weight, coal compression strength, coal cohesion, friction angle, excavator movement angle in the left and right direction, slice height and thickness, and wheel velocity. The data analyzed in the present paper were previously collected from three neighboring open-pit coal mines in Serbia: Tamnava Western Field, Tamnava Eastern Field, and Field D. These mines have similar geological conditions and coal properties. Additionally, for each output factor, a complex analysis is provided on the impact of the examined input factors, by applying the multiple linear regression method. As far as we are aware, this is the first time such a comprehensive estimation model has been suggested for the operation of a bucket-wheel excavator in the Neogene coal basins. The deep neural network (DNN) model, trained over 300 epochs, shows an MSE range of 6.7–16.5% across various input factors, with distinct evaluations for Imax due to its unique values (4.8–12.5%).
Tight Reservoir Characteristics and Controlling Factors of Permian Lucaogou Formation in Yongfeng Sub-Sag, Chaiwopu Sag
Authors: Wu Peng , Zhao Peihua , Chen Yi , Yang Haixing , Yang Yun , Dong Qiu , Chang Yihang , Wen Lei , Yuan Kun , Du Yukun , Sun Xiangcan
Published: October 2023

On the basis of the observation of rock cores and cuttings, combining the information from thin section identification, physical properties analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, etc., the characteristics and controlling factors of the tight reservoir in the Permian Lucaogou Formation of the Yongfeng sub-sag of the Chaiwopu sag have been studied. Based on the analysis, the Lucaogou Formation in the study area can be divided into two lithological sections. The tight sandstone reservoir, characterized by low porosity and low permeability, is mainly developed in the upper section of the Lucaogou Formation. The lithology of the tight reservoirs is mainly lithic sandstone with low compositional and structural maturity. The reservoir space types mainly consist of secondary pores, including intergranular dissolution pores, intragranular dissolution pores and fractures, and the primary pores are severely destroyed. The main controlling factors of reservoirs include sedimentary facies, lithology, diagenesis, later tectonic movements and fractures, and the latter two factors have a significant impact on improving reservoir physical properties and seepage capacity. The tight reservoir has high brittleness and low water sensitivity, which is very conducive to large-scale hydraulic fracturing to transform the reservoir and improve oil and gas production capacity.
Fracture Process and Failure Characteristics of Sandstone with Different Height-to-Diameter Ratios
Authors: Zhang Chengliang , Li Mingjian , Yan Xiang , Deng Tao , Zhang Jinrui
Published: October 2023

The mechanical properties of rock materials significantly depend on their size due to their heterogeneity and the spatial randomness of joint development—a factor often neglected in pillar design and stability analyses within mining engineering. The rock samples examined herein were 100 mm in diameter and 100 mm, 200 mm, or 300 mm in height. This research analyzed the respective mechanical phenomena and failure patterns of rock specimens with varying height-to-diameter ratios under uniaxial compression. The experiment showed that the greater the height-to-diameter ratio, the smaller the elastic modulus and compressive strength. Remarkably, as the height-to-diameter ratio grew, the failure forms of the samples transitioned from splitting to shearing, while their peak strength gradually diminished. Specifically, a hike from 1:1 to 3:1 in the height-to-diameter ratio led to a roughly 20% decrease in peak strength. Utilizing the real rock fracture process analysis system (RFPA3D), the fracture processes and failure characteristics of rock specimens with dissimilar aspect ratios were comparatively explored from a microscopic viewpoint, with acoustic emissions revealing the entire process from crack initialization to penetration. The failure analysis affirmed that the simulation results corresponded closely with the experimental findings. The resultant research can offer theoretical support for the multiscale mechanical properties, fracture processes, and prediction of rock failure in mining engineering.
Optimal Scheduling Strategy of Wind Farm Active Power Based on Distributed Model Predictive Control
Authors: Zhao Jiangyan , Zhang Tianyi , Tang Siwei , Zhang Jinhua , Zhu Yuerong , Yan Jie
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the development and utilization of China’s wind energy resources have been greatly developed, but the large-scale wind power grid connection has brought threats to the safe and stable operation of the power grid. In order to ensure the stability of the power grid, it is necessary to reduce wind power output fluctuation and improve the tracking accuracy of dispatch instructions. Therefore, based on the distributed model predictive control of wind farm active power distribution strategy, an ultra-short-term wind power hybrid deep learning predictive model is proposed. The prediction results of a wind farm in North China show that the hybrid neural network model can achieve high ultra-short-term wind power prediction accuracy and is suitable for active power control prediction models. A two-layer distributed model is proposed to predict the active power control architecture of wind farms by implementing the clustering process with the Crow Search Algorithm. The distributed model predictive control strategy is proposed in the upper layer, and the centralized model predictive control algorithm is adopted in the lower control structure and optimized. The results show that the dual-layer distributed model predictive control strategy can better track the active power distribution instructions, reduce output fluctuation and scheduling value changes, and enhance the robustness of active power regulation, which is suitable for active power online control in wind farms.
Scheduling Optimization of Printed Circuit Board Micro-Hole Drilling Production Line Based on Complex Events
Authors: Zhou Qian , Hu Xupeng , Peng Siyuan , Li Yonghui , Zhu Tao , Shi Hongyan
Published: October 2023

The interdependence between the scheduling method and the production efficiency of a micro-hole drilling production line for printed circuit boards (PCBs) holds significant importance, necessitating the optimization of such a production line’s scheduling. Consequently, this research paper presents a scheduling optimization approach for the micro-hole drilling production line of a PCB, utilizing complex events as its foundation. Initially, a complex event model was constructed to establish correlations among extensive production line data. Subsequently, the typical complex events associated with the micro-hole drilling production line of a PCB were defined, thereby enabling the all-around monitoring of the operation state of such a production line. Furthermore, this study presents the establishment of a production scheduling model for PCB micro-hole drilling. With the goal of minimizing the maximum completion time, the catastrophe genetic algorithm was used to solve the initial scheduling scheme of the printed circuit board micro-hole drilling production line. The reliability and effectiveness of the catastrophe genetic algorithm in solving the hybrid-driven production scheduling problem of complex events were verified. Dynamic scheduling was performed when three complex events occurred in the production line: emergency order insertion, abnormal equipment operation, and tool failure. The scheduling optimization rate after identifying the emergency insertion event could reach 25.1%. The scheduling optimization rate of the production equipment operation event was related to the specific failure time of the equipment. The scheduling optimization rate after identifying the tool failure event could reach 25%. Rescheduling immediately after identifying the tool failure event could exert no effect on the initial scheduling process. It was proven that the identification and rescheduling of complex events can improve the production efficiency of a PCB micro-hole drilling production line.
Research on the Preparation of Kaolin from Coal Gangue by Flotation Decarburization with Different Collectors
Authors: Ren Xiaoling , Shu Xinqian , Xu Hongxiang , Huang Gen , Yuan Ning , Wen Baofeng , Cui Mingyu , Zhou Huixin , Liu Xiaozhen , Li Jingjing
Published: October 2023

In order to find a better collector for the separation of carbon and kaolin from coal gangue flotation, and to explore the action mechanism of collectors, this paper selected 12 kinds of collectors for systematic comparison, including five non-polar organics with different carbon chain lengths, and polar organic matters with double bonds, triple bonds, benzene, as well as cycloalkyl, ester, carboxyl, and aldehyde groups. The flotation results show that the longer carbon chain (with a carbon atom number of 13~15), the better the flotation effect, the better the effect of the collector with the phenyl group (among the four hydrocarbon groups), and the better the effect of the collector with the ester group (among the three functional groups). In order to explore the flotation mechanism at the microscopic level, the molecular structure of carbon in coal gangue was detected using a solid nuclear magnetic test. Afterwards, the organic macromolecule model of carbon was simulated. Finally, the interaction energy values between carbon and collectors were calculated in accordance with the density functional theory, and the order of the acting force of collectors was obtained, which was consistent with that of the collectors in the macro experiment.
Performance Optimization of a Spoon Precision Seed Metering Device Based on a Maize Seed Assembly Model and Discrete Element Method
Authors: Chen Zeren , Xue Duomei , Guan Wei , Guo Jianbo , Liu Zhengbin
Published: October 2023

To improve the sowing performance of the spoon wheel maize seeding machinery, in this paper, two varieties of maize seed are selected as examples. The maize spoon precision seed metering device, a core component of the spoon wheel seeding machinery, is used as the research object. The maize seed assembly model is first established based on the maize seed assembly modeling method. Its validity is verified by the sowing experiment and corresponding DEM simulation under the different revolving speeds of the seed metering wheel. Secondly, the performance of the spoon precision seed metering device is optimized by integrating the maize seed assembly model and multivariate nonlinear regression method. Therefore, the number of sub-spheres of the horse tooth, spherical cone, and spheroid maize seed model are 10–14, 18, and 6, respectively. The results show that the performance of the seed metering device improved when the revolving speed of the seed metering wheel, handing angle, and seed spoon radius are 25 r/min, 40°, and 7 mm, respectively. There is good agreement between the expected results and experimental ones with relative errors of less than 5%, and the optimized seed metering device facilitates the process of seed guiding and seed delivery during the sowing process.
The Effect of Sugar Replacement with Different Proportions of Khalas Date Powder and Molasses on the Nutritional and Sensory Properties of Kleicha
Authors: Almuziree Raya S. A. , Alhomaid Raghad M.
Published: October 2023

Evidence from the scientific community suggests that high levels of added sugar consumption contribute to the global epidemics of glucose intolerance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The study aims to develop a local traditional food product (Kleicha) with healthy ingredients and to take advantage of the most productive crops in Saudi Arabia, namely dates, where Khalas date powder and molasses will be manufactured as an alternative to sugar in the Kleicha product. Six Kleicha samples with different fillings were manufactured as follows: Kleicha filled with sugar filling (KS), Kleicha with Khalas date powder filling (KD), Kleicha filled with Khalas date molasses filling (KM), Kleicha filled with sugar and Khalas date powder (1:1) filling (KSD), Kleicha filled with sugar and Khalas date molasses (1:1) filling (KSM), and Kleicha filled with Khalas date powder and Khalas date molasses (1:1) filling (KDM). In order to evaluate the prepared Kleicha samples, the proximate chemical composition, mineral content, phytochemical content and their antioxidant activities, sugar profiles using HPLC, in vitro glycemic index, glycemic load, and sensory evaluation were investigated. The results indicated that KM had the highest moisture content, while the KS sample had the lowest content. KD and KM had significantly higher ash contents compared with the other Kleicha samples. The protein and fat contents did not differ significantly. KD, KSD, and KDM demonstrated a significantly higher dietary fiber content than the other Kleicha samples. KS had the highest value of available carbohydrates. Regarding mineral content, the KDM sample had the highest K, Na, Ca, and P contents, while KD and KM had the highest Mg, Fe, and Mn contents. The Cu content indicated that KM had the highest content, representing a 25% increase compared with KS. Similarly, the Zn content in KM and KSD was significantly higher than in the other Kleicha samples. Replacing sucrose with Khalas date or molasses significantly changed the sucrose, glucose, and fructose contents. The phenolic content in KD, KM, and KDM was higher compared with KS, KSM, and KSD. Furthermore, the oxidative activity increased associatively with the addition of Khalas date powder and molasses. The percentage of sucrose decreased in KD and KDM. There was no significant difference in the general acceptance rate between the control sample and the other samples containing Khalas date powder, Khalas date molasses, and sugar or their mixture. In conclusion, it is possible to replace the sugar in the filling of the Kleicha with Khalas date powder and molasses or their mixture as it increases the health benefits; scaling up is recommended.
Chemical Delamination Applicable to a Low-Energy Recycling Process of Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Vaněk Jiří , Jandova Kristyna , Vanýsek Petr , Maule Petr
Published: October 2023

This work follows the current trend and need to ensure the best recyclability of retired materials. This paper focuses on experiments with chemical delamination of polymer layers on crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. The aim of the study is to separate individual components of a PV module so that the components can be subsequently recycled with low energy demand. The ultimate goal is to separate whole silicon cells for reuse rather than for recycling. Several solvents (e.g., toluene, cyclohexane, tetrahydrofuran, and the commercial solvent U 6002 (a mixture of xylene and 2-ethoxyethylacetate)) were used to disrupt the polymer layers. The results showed toluene to be the most effective solvent, which acted the fastest and was able to disrupt the EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) film structure the most. The main problem of the investigated chemical delamination was the concurrent solvent absorption by the EVA film. This phenomenon was observed for all solvents. The absorption prevented the dissolution of the EVA film and changed its dimension, causing the adhering silicon cells to crack. While, as the final experiment shows, chemical delamination is, as done, a more energy-intensive process in terms of total energy consumption than the current chemical mechanical processes, we propose in the next development the recapture of toluene from the swollen EVA.
Towards an ‘Interfaith Nationalism’? Christians and Their Relations to Muslims in the History Textbooks of the Syrian Arab Republic
Authors: Kourgiotis Panos
Published: October 2023

This study examines how Christian–Muslim relations are presented in Syrian history textbooks and deployed by the embattled regime of Bashar al-Asad in its quest for legitimacy both at home and abroad since the eruption of the war that displaced half the country’s population. To that end, Critical Discourse Analysis is applied to selected texts from the school curricula stressing the harmonious coexistence between the country’s only two officially recognized faiths (Islam and Christianity), in addition to the Syrian Christians’ commitment to national unity from time immemorial, as nationalist discourses retrospectively assert. The historical narratives in question are juxtaposed with the ideological inconsistencies of the Arab nationalist Ba’th party that has ruled Syria since 1963 vis-à-vis religious sects and minorities, while being discussed against the backdrop of the recent geopolitical developments.
The Effects of Disaggregate Oil Shocks on the Aggregate Expected Skewness of the United States
Authors: Sheng Xin , Gupta Rangan , Ji Qiang
Published: October 2023

We examine the impact of the global economic activity, oil supply, oil-specific consumption demand, and oil inventory demand shocks on the expected aggregate skewness of the United States (US) economy, obtained based on a data-rich environment involving 211 macroeconomic and financial variables in the quarterly period of 1975:Q1 to 2022:Q2. We find that positive oil supply and global economic activity shocks increase the expected macroeconomic skewness in a statistically significant way, with the effects being relatively more pronounced in the lower regime of the aggregate skewness factor, i.e., when the US is witnessing downside risks. Interestingly, oil-specific consumption demand and oil inventory demand shocks contain no predictive ability for the overall expected skewness. With skewness being a metric for policymakers to communicate their beliefs about the path of future risks, our results have important implications for policy decisions.
2OC: A General Automated Orientation and Orthorectification Method for Corona KH-4B Panoramic Imagery
Authors: Hou Zhuolu , Liu Yuxuan , Zhang Li , Ai Haibin , Sun Yushan , Han Xiaoxia , Zhu Chenming
Published: October 2023

Due to a lack of geographical reference information, complex panoramic camera models, and intricate distortions, including radiation, geometric, and land cover changes, it can be challenging to effectively apply the large number (800,000+) of high-resolution Corona KH-4B panoramic images from the 1960s and 1970s for surveying-related tasks. This limitation hampers their significant potential in the remote sensing of the environment, urban planning, and other applications. This study proposes a method called 2OC for the automatic and accurate orientation and orthorectification of Corona KH-4B images, which is based on generalized control information from reference images such as Google Earth orthophoto. (1) For the Corona KH-4B panoramic camera, we propose an adaptive focal length variation model that ensures accuracy and consistency. (2) We introduce a robust multi-source remote sensing image matching algorithm, which includes an accurate primary orientation estimation method, a multi-threshold matching enhancement strategy based on scale, orientation, and texture (MTE), and a model-guided matching strategy. These techniques are employed to extract high-accuracy generalized control information for Corona images with significant geometric distortions and numerous weak texture areas. (3) A time-iterative Corona panoramic digital differential correction method is proposed. The orientation and orthorectification results of KH-4B images from multiple regions, including the United States, Russia, Austria, Burkina Faso, Beijing, Chongqing, Gansu, and the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China, demonstrate that 2OC not only achieves automation but also attains a state-of-the-art level of generality and accuracy. Specifically, the standard deviation of the orientation is less than 2 pixels, the mosaic error of orthorectified images is approximately 1 pixel, and the standard deviation of ground checkpoints is better than 4 m. In addition, 2OC can provide a longer time series analysis of data from 1962 to 1972, benefiting various fields such as environmental remote sensing and archaeology.
A Modified Version of the Direct Sampling Method for Filling Gaps in Landsat 7 and Sentinel 2 Satellite Imagery in the Coastal Area of Rhone River
Authors: Farhat Lokmen , Manakos Ioannis , Sylaios Georgios , Kalaitzidis Chariton
Published: October 2023

Earth Observation (EO) data, such as Landsat 7 (L7) and Sentinel 2 (S2) imagery, are often used to monitor the state of natural resources all over the world. However, this type of data tends to suffer from high cloud cover percentages during rainfall/snow seasons. This has led researchers to focus on developing algorithms for filling gaps in optical satellite imagery. The present work proposes two modifications to an existing gap-filling approach known as the Direct Sampling (DS) method. These modifications refer to ensuring the algorithm starts filling unknown pixels (UPs) that have a specified minimum number of known neighbors (Nx) and to reducing the search area to pixels that share similar reflectance as the Nx of the selected UP. Experiments were performed on images acquired from coastal water bodies in France. The validation of the modified gap-filling approach was performed by imposing artificial gaps on originally gap-free images and comparing the simulated images with the real ones. Results indicate that satisfactory performance can be achieved for most spectral bands. Moreover, it appears that the bi-layer (BL) version of the algorithm tends to outperform the uni-layer (UL) version in terms of overall accuracy. For instance, in the case of B04 of an L7 image with a cloud percentage of 27.26%, accuracy values for UL and BL simulations are, respectively, 64.05 and 79.61%. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the introduced modifications have indeed helped in improving the overall accuracy and in reducing the processing time. As a matter of fact, the implementation of a conditional filling path (minNx = 4) and a targeted search (n2 = 200) when filling cloud gaps in L7 imagery has contributed to an average increase in accuracy of around 35.06% and an average gain in processing time by around 78.18%, respectively.
An Assessment Model for Sustainable Cities Using Crowdsourced Data Based on General System Theory: A Design Science Methodology Approach
Authors: Ependi Usman , Rochim Adian Fatchur , Wibowo Adi
Published: October 2023

In the quest to understand urban ecosystems, traditional evaluation techniques often fall short due to incompatible data sources and the absence of comprehensive, real-time data. However, with the recent surge in the availability of crowdsourced data, a dynamic view of urban systems has emerged. Recognizing the value of these data, this study illustrates how these data can bridge gaps in understanding urban interactions. Furthermore, the role of urban planners is crucial in harnessing these data effectively, ensuring that derived insights align with the practical needs of urban development. Employing the Design Science Methodology, the research study presents an assessment model grounded in the principles of the city ecosystem, drawing from the General System Theory for Smart Cities. The model is structured across three dimensions and incorporates twelve indicators. By leveraging crowdsourced data, the study offers invaluable insights for urban planners, researchers, and other professionals. This comprehensive approach holds the potential to revolutionize city sustainability assessments, deepening the grasp of intricate urban ecosystems and paving the way for more resilient future cities.