bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum steroid and thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy domestic male and female alpacas
Authors: Fecteau Kellie , Giori Luca , Eiler Hugo , Esteller-Vico Alex , Lear Andrea , Videla Ricardo
Published: December 2023

Alpacas are high quality fiber producing animals, kept for production purpose and as pets. Endocrine imbalances from adrenal glands, gonads, or thyroid gland may result in coat abnormalities in domestic animals and affect reproduction. Contrary to many domesticated animals, information on hormone concentrations in alpacas is scarce. The purpose of this study was to provide steroid and thyroid hormone values in domestic alpacas. Blood was collected from healthy male (35 intact, 2 castrated) and female (48 non-pregnant, 3 pregnant) alpacas from local farms in Tennessee. Adrenal, reproductive, and thyroid hormones were analyzed. There were no significant differences in median concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) between intact male and female non-pregnant alpacas. Median concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and cortisol were significantly higher in intact male alpacas compared to female non-pregnant alpacas. This information provides adrenal, gonadal, and thyroid hormone concentrations in alpacas to help with diagnosis of endocrine disorders.
Current detection methods of African swine fever virus
Authors: Hu Zhiqiang , Tian Xiaogang , Lai Ranran , Wang Xinglong , Li Xiaowen
Published: December 2023

African swine fever (ASF), caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), is a highly contagious and notifiable animal disease in domestic pigs and wild boars, as designated by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). The effective diagnosis of ASF holds great importance in promptly controlling its spread due to its increasing prevalence and the continuous emergence of variant strains. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the most common and up-to-date methods established for various genes/proteins associated with ASFV. The discussed methods primarily focus on the detection of viral genomes or particles, as well as the detection of ASFV associated antibodies. It is anticipated that this paper will serve as a reference for choosing appropriate diagnostic methods in diverse application scenarios, while also provide direction for the development of innovative technologies in the future.
Amplification of Supercontinuum Seed Pulses at ~1078–1355 nm by Cascade Rotational SRS in Compressed Hydrogen
Authors: Petrulėnas Augustinas , Mackonis Paulius , Černeckytė Augustė , Rodin Aleksej M.
Published: December 2023

Multiple higher-order Stokes of rotational stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in compressed hydrogen covered the wavelength range from ~1.1 µm to ~1.4 µm using ~1.2 ps pump pulses from a Yb:YAG laser. In this study, the influence of polarization, energy, and the focusing conditions of the pump pulse, as well as gas pressure, on the conversion efficiency and modification of the spectral envelope of rotational and vibrational SRS was investigated. The use of a supercontinuum seed, as well as circular polarization of pump pulses at high hydrogen pressure, made it possible to significantly reduce the threshold for rotational SRS and suppress vibrational Stokes modes. The cascade excitation of rotational SRS, corresponding to a shift of 587 cm−1, ensured a spectrum spanning four Stokes orders withs a conversion efficiency of 52% and an output energy exceeding 3 mJ. The synthesized spectrum corresponded to ~14 fs transform-limited pulses.
The Use of Sense of Presence in Studies on Human Behavior in Virtual Environments: A Systematic Review
Authors: Barranco Merino Robi , Higuera-Trujillo Juan Luis , Llinares Millán Carmen
Published: December 2023

Sense of presence is a key element of the user experience in the study of virtual environments. Understanding it is essential for disciplines, such as architecture and environmental psychology, that study human responses using simulated environments. More evidence is needed on how to optimize spatial presence in simulations of built environments. A systematic review was conducted to define the use of sense of presence in research on human behavior in virtual spaces. Conceptualized dimensions, measurement methodologies, simulation technologies and associated factors were identified. The study identified a diversity of approaches and the predominance of subjective measures over sense of presence indicators. Several studies noted that environmental variables and spatial typologies had significant effects on presence. The results showed that different user profiles responded to stimuli in different ways. The results emphasized the importance of conceiving the construct in interrelation with the built context. A more comprehensive and multidisciplinary orientation is required to identify principles that optimize the spatial experience in virtual environments. This will be important for disciplines that research the human experience using virtual environments.
Variable-Speed Operation of Micro-Hydropower Plants in Irrigation Infrastructure: An Energy and Cost Analysis
Authors: Barbón Arsenio , González-González Francisco , Bayón Luis , Georgious Ramy
Published: December 2023

Micro-hydropower plants have now become a way to decarbonise the power generation system. Older micro-hydropower plants generally operate at a fixed speed. When there is a lack of rainfall, these plants operate outside their design flow causing various problems (such as the occurrence of the phenomenon of cavitation, decreased turbine performance, and decreased operating hours), especially in micro-hydropower plants installed in irrigation infrastructure, where the priority for water use is crops. This study aims to carry out a comparative evaluation of several indicators (cavitation, investment costs, electricity production and economic benefit) of two types of control system on an asynchronous electric generator (a fixed speed control system (scenario 1) and a variable-speed control system (scenario 2)) at the same micro-hydropower plant. The Rebolluelo micro-hydropower plant (Spain) is used for this purpose as a case study. This micro-hydropower plant uses a semi-Kaplan turbine coupled to an asynchronous electric generator through a gearbox. The results show the advantages of using a variable-speed control system. The use of variable-speed technology: (i) eliminates the possibility of cavitation, (ii) increases the power output ratio (from 35.87% to 93.03%), and (iii) increases the economic benefit (from 29.31% to 108.72%). There are also, of course, disadvantages, such as an 11.96% increase in cost. This work demonstrated the superiority of variable speed technology at micro-hydropower plants for three of the four indicators evaluated. This work could be of assistance when making decisions regarding future micro-hydropower plant installations.
Dynamics of Semiconductor Laser Subject to Optical Feedback with Linewidth Enhancement Factor and Spontaneous Emission Factor
Authors: Abdulrhmann Salah , Hakami Jabir
Published: December 2023

In this article, the dependence of the operation states, dynamics, and noise of laser diodes (LD) with external optical feedback (OFB) on the linewidth enhancement factor (LEF) and spontaneous emission factor (SEF) have been investigated. We systematically studied the classification of the laser dynamics based on the bifurcation diagrams (BDs) of the photon numbers and the relative intensity noise (RIN) spectra at different levels of OFB, LEF, and SEF. The simulation results show that variations in the LEF and SEF lead to significant changes in the laser operation states and dynamics, which vary from continuous wave (CW), pulsation, and chaos states. The Hopf bifurcation (HB) point moves toward increasing/decreasing OFB intensity by increasing/decreasing the SEF/LEF. The laser state becomes more stable through a wide range of OFB by increasing/decreasing the SEF/LEF. The RIN reduces the solitary laser noise level at higher/lower values of SEF/LEF when the laser is operated under OFB. The relaxation frequency of the laser shifts toward higher values by increasing/decreasing the SEF/LEF through most laser states, and the RIN peak is higher than solitary laser noise by four orders of magnitude, especially in the pulsation regions. In the low-frequency region, the RIN is enhanced from one to two orders by reducing the LEF and SEF through laser states.
A Study on DNN-Based Practical Model for Predicting Spot Color
Authors: Moon Jaekyeong , Yang Geonhee , Tae Hyunchul
Published: December 2023

The color of product packaging plays an important role in brand awareness and consistency. Given the importance of consistent color reproduction, the use of standardized spot colors is essential. However, the reproduction of specific spot colors in offset packaging printing involves additional processes and costs. This study presents an efficient approach to predict the color result of spot color inks in the packaging printing industry, using only the amount of ink involved in the mixing process as an input. Using a neural network-based model, our approach uses the CIEDE2000 color difference formula as a loss function to accurately estimate the final color. This method provides a simplified alternative to traditional color mixing techniques, which often involve subjective judgment and can be resource-intensive. Particularly beneficial for smaller companies, our approach reduces the complexity and cost associated with achieving accurate spot colors. The significance of this work lies in its practical application, providing a simpler, more objective and cost-effective solution for consistent color reproduction in packaging printing.
Green Extraction of Valuable Compounds from Rubber Seed Trees: A Path to Sustainability
Authors: Putra Nicky Rahmana , Abdul Aziz Ahmad Hazim , Rizkiyah Dwila Nur , Che Yunus Mohd Azizi , Alwi Ratna Surya , Qomariyah Lailatul
Published: December 2023

Valorizing natural resources through sustainable and eco-friendly processes is a cornerstone in pursuing a greener and more sustainable future. This study focuses on the green extraction of valuable compounds from rubber seed trees (Hevea brasiliensis). This underutilized resource has the potential to yield bioactive compounds of economic and ecological significance. We explore the application of environmentally friendly extraction techniques, including supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), to harness the bioactive potential of rubber seeds. Our research encompasses a comprehensive analysis of the extracted compounds, including their characterization and quantification using state-of-the-art analytical techniques. Environmental and economic sustainability aspects are evaluated, shedding light on the green extraction processes’ ecological footprint and economic feasibility. The paper also delves into these extracted compounds’ diverse applications and utilization prospects, ranging from pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals to cosmetic and industrial products. We discuss the commercial potential, market opportunities, and emerging trends these sustainable endeavours may shape. In conclusion, this study paves the way for a more sustainable path in harnessing valuable compounds from rubber seed trees, exemplifying the potential for green extraction techniques to play a pivotal role in the journey toward environmental stewardship and economic prosperity.
A Systematic Decision-Making Approach for Quality Function Deployment Based on Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Sets
Authors: Chen Siji , Zhang Yueyi , Gong Jun
Published: December 2023

As a powerful tool for improving customer satisfaction, quality function deployment (QFD) can convert customer requirements (CRs) into engineering characteristics (ECs) during product development and design. Aiming to address the deficiencies of traditional QFD in expert evaluation, CRs’ weight determination and ECs’ importance ranking, this paper proposes an enhanced QFD model that integrates hesitant fuzzy binary semantic variables, the Best–Worst Method (BWM), and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The objective is to determine the prioritization of product engineering characteristics. Indeed, hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (HFLTS) have found extensive application in decision-making problems. Compared to other fuzzy language methods, HFLTS offers greater convenience and flexibility in addressing decision-makers’ hesitations and uncertainties. Initially, the combination of hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets with interval binary tuple language variables is employed to articulate the uncertainty in the assessment information provided by QFD team members. Subsequently, the improved BWM and TOPSIS methods based on HFLTS are used to improve the accuracy of the importance ranking of engineering characteristics by determining the weights of CRs and prioritizing ECs in two stages. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are validated through an illustrative example.
Enhanced Atrous Extractor and Self-Dynamic Gate Network for Superpixel Segmentation
Authors: Liu Bing , Zhong Zhaohao , Hu Tongye , Zhao Hongwei
Published: December 2023

A superpixel is a group of pixels with similar low-level and mid-level properties, which can be seen as a basic unit in the pre-processing of remote sensing images. Therefore, superpixel segmentation can reduce the computation cost largely. However, all the deep-learning-based methods still suffer from the under-segmentation and low compactness problem of remote sensing images. To fix the problem, we propose EAGNet, an enhanced atrous extractor and self-dynamic gate network. The enhanced atrous extractor is used to extract the multi-scale superpixel feature with contextual information. The multi-scale superpixel feature with contextual information can solve the low compactness effectively. The self-dynamic gate network introduces the gating and dynamic mechanisms to inject detailed information, which solves the under-segmentation effectively. Massive experiments have shown that our EAGNet can achieve the state-of-the-art performance between k-means and deep-learning-based methods. Our methods achieved 97.61 in ASA and 18.85 in CO on the BSDS500. Furthermore, we also conduct the experiment on the remote sensing dataset to show the generalization of our EAGNet in remote sensing fields.
On the Method of Transformations: Obtaining Solutions of Nonlinear Differential Equations by Means of the Solutions of Simpler Linear or Nonlinear Differential Equations
Authors: Vitanov Nikolay K.
Published: December 2023

Transformations are much used to connect complicated nonlinear differential equations to simple equations with known exact solutions. Two examples of this are the Hopf–Cole transformation and the simple equations method. In this article, we follow an idea that is opposite to the idea of Hopf and Cole: we use transformations in order to transform simpler linear or nonlinear differential equations (with known solutions) to more complicated nonlinear differential equations. In such a way, we can obtain numerous exact solutions of nonlinear differential equations. We apply this methodology to the classical parabolic differential equation (the wave equation), to the classical hyperbolic differential equation (the heat equation), and to the classical elliptic differential equation (Laplace equation). In addition, we use the methodology to obtain exact solutions of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by means of the solutions of linear differential equations and by means of the solutions of the nonlinear differential equations of Bernoulli and Riccati. Finally, we demonstrate the capacity of the methodology to lead to exact solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations on the basis of known solutions of other nonlinear partial differential equations. As an example of this, we use the Korteweg–de Vries equation and its solutions. Traveling wave solutions of nonlinear differential equations are of special interest in this article. We demonstrate the existence of the following phenomena described by some of the obtained solutions: (i) occurrence of the solitary wave–solitary antiwave from the solution, which is zero at the initial moment (analogy of an occurrence of particle and antiparticle from the vacuum); (ii) splitting of a nonlinear solitary wave into two solitary waves (analogy of splitting of a particle into two particles); (iii) soliton behavior of some of the obtained waves; (iv) existence of solitons which move with the same velocity despite the different shape and amplitude of the solitons.
Simulation and Optimization: A New Direction in Supercritical Technology Based Nanomedicine
Authors: Huang Yulan , Zheng Yating , Lu Xiaowei , Zhao Yang , Zhou Da , Zhang Yang , Liu Gang
Published: December 2023

In recent years, nanomedicines prepared using supercritical technology have garnered widespread research attention due to their inherent attributes, including structural stability, high bioavailability, and commendable safety profiles. The preparation of these nanomedicines relies upon drug solubility and mixing efficiency within supercritical fluids (SCFs). Solubility is closely intertwined with operational parameters such as temperature and pressure while mixing efficiency is influenced not only by operational conditions but also by the shape and dimensions of the nozzle. Due to the special conditions of supercriticality, these parameters are difficult to measure directly, thus presenting significant challenges for the preparation and optimization of nanomedicines. Mathematical models can, to a certain extent, prognosticate solubility, while simulation models can visualize mixing efficiency during experimental procedures, offering novel avenues for advancing supercritical nanomedicines. Consequently, within the framework of this endeavor, we embark on an extensive review encompassing the application of mathematical models, artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques within the medical domain of supercritical technology. We undertake the synthesis and discourse of methodologies for calculating drug solubility in SCFs, as well as the influence of operational conditions and experimental apparatus upon the outcomes of nanomedicine preparation using supercritical technology. Through this comprehensive review, we elucidate the implementation procedures and commonly employed models of diverse methodologies, juxtaposing the merits and demerits of these models. Furthermore, we assert the dependability of employing models to compute drug solubility in SCFs and simulate the experimental processes, with the capability to serve as valuable tools for aiding and optimizing experiments, as well as providing guidance in the selection of appropriate operational conditions. This, in turn, fosters innovative avenues for the development of supercritical pharmaceuticals.
An Untethered Soft Robotic Dog Standing and Fast Trotting with Jointless and Resilient Soft Legs
Authors: Li Yunquan , Li Yujia , Ren Tao , Xia Jiutian , Liu Hao , Wu Changchun , Lin Senyuan , Chen Yonghua
Published: December 2023

Soft robots are compliant, impact resistant, and relatively safe in comparison to hard robots. However, the development of untethered soft robots is still a major challenge because soft legs cannot effectively support the power and control systems. Most untethered soft robots apply a crawling or walking gait, which limits their locomotion speed and mobility. This paper presents an untethered soft robot that can move with a bioinspired dynamic trotting gait. The robot is driven by inflatable soft legs designed on the basis of the pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) actuation principle. Experimental results demonstrate that the developed robot can trot stably with the fastest speed of 23 cm/s (0.97 body length per second) and can trot over different terrains (slope, step, rough terrain, and natural terrains). The robotic dog can hold up to a 5.5 kg load in the static state and can carry up to 1.5 kg in the trotting state. Without any rigid components inside the legs, the developed robotic dog exhibits resistance to large impacts, i.e., after withstanding a 73 kg adult (46 times its body mass), the robotic dog can stand up and continue its trotting gait. This innovative robotic system has great potential in equipment inspection, field exploration, and disaster rescue.
Seismic Design of Large-Span, Heavy-Load Transfer Truss for Zhanjiang Bay R&D Building
Authors: Lan Tao , Li Maobei , Li Ran , Xue Chen , Liu Dongmei
Published: December 2023

The Zhanjiang Bay Laboratory R&D Building project aims to create a favorable working, research, and living environment. Zone II of the Zhanjiang Bay Laboratory R&D Building is equipped with a large-span, heavy-load transfer truss to obtain a large space on the ground floor. The overall structure adopts a steel frame-core tube structure system. In order to reduce the deflection of the large-span, heavy-load transfer truss, eight diagonal pull rods are installed between the large-span, heavy-load transfer truss and the core tube. The Q235 cross-shaped replacement section can consume construction load energy. Adopting replacement methods can reduce the stress and damage of diagonal pull rods caused by construction loads. The structure adopts a performance-based seismic design method for seismic calculation and analysis. In addition, a special analysis was conducted on the single frame structure. The major results can be summarized as follows: during small earthquakes, all structural components are in the elastic stage; during large earthquakes, frame beams yield first, but frame columns and core tubes do not yield; even without considering out-of-plane constraints, the structure can still meet the requirements.
Anisotropy Study on the Process of Soil Permeability and Consolidation in Reclamation Areas: A Case Study of Chongming East Shoal in Shanghai
Authors: Yao Meng , Wang Hanmei , Yu Qingbo , Li Hui , Xia Weitong , Wang Qing , Huang Xinlei , Lin Jinxin
Published: December 2023

Anisotropic permeability is of great significance for assessing the consolidation and drainage mode of soil layers in reclamation areas, as well as for preventing and controlling ground settlement after project construction. This paper analyzes the anisotropic permeability of the inland and nearshore soil layers in Chongming East Shoal, Shanghai, and the formation mechanism of anisotropic permeability through permeability and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests. The results highlight that compared with dredger fill and sandy silt, the horizontal permeability coefficient of underlying soft clay (USC) is significantly higher than its vertical permeability coefficient, which is more significant in nearshore USC. Interestingly, the upper clay (21.5 m) in the thickest clay layer shows greater anisotropic permeability than the lower clay (41.5 m). Due to the instability of seepage channels, the USC anisotropic permeability increases in a fluctuating manner as the hydraulic gradient increases. Microstructural parameters are used to reveal the mechanism of anisotropic permeability, which shows that a simple soil skeleton and structure, strong particle orientation, decreased particle abundance, increased particle roundness, decreased particle contact area, and increased pore area all contribute to the enhancement of permeability. Moreover, micro-parameters have been proposed to evaluate anisotropic permeability in terms of the effective seepage-pore area. This approach addresses the constraint of water films on the permeability efficiency of USC particles.
An Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Nano GGBFS in Concrete with Statistical Validation
Authors: Vincent Johnpaul , Natarajan Balasundaram , Amaladas Daniel Das , Cruze Daniel
Published: December 2023

Concrete, the most extensively utilized construction material, maintains its high demand owing to the swift urbanization and population expansion worldwide. However, cement manufacturing consumes considerable energy and emits substantial CO2 into the atmosphere. To ensure the construction industry’s sustainability, it is imperative to use eco-friendly and cost-effective products. As an additional cementitious ingredient in concrete, nano-based GGBFS (NGGBFS) is therefore employed to provide sustainable environmental impacts. The main purpose of this study is to assess the compressive strength, tensile strength, and Young’s modulus of NGGBFS, considering various replacement percentages (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, and 12%) compared to conventional cement. The maximum compressive strength (72.68 MPa) and tensile strength (6.12 MPa) were obtained at 365 days for GB4 concrete. The Taguchi optimisation technique was employed to determine the interaction between mineral admixture and curing days on the mechanical properties of concrete; it reveals that GB4 mineral admixture and 365 days of curing days have good interaction between the factors taken for the study. The ANOVA quadratic regression model provided the optimisation process response. According to principal component analysis, the compression strength and Young’s modulus significantly influence the components because their loadings are so close (0.722 and 0.68). As a result, optimal combinations with equivalent strengths can be successfully created by substituting 8% nano-based GGBFS (GB4) in cement, offering an alternative path toward sustainable development.
Lipid-Lowering Drug Gemfibrozil Protects Mice from Tay-Sachs Disease via Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α
Authors: Raha Sumita , Dutta Debashis , Paidi Ramesh , Pahan Kalipada
Published: December 2023

Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is a progressive heritable neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the deficiency of the lysosomal β-hexosaminidase enzyme (Hex−/−) and the storage of GM2 ganglioside, as well as other related glycoconjugates. Along with motor difficulties, TSD patients also manifest a gradual loss of skills and behavioral problems, followed by early death. Unfortunately, there is no cure for TSD; however, research on treatments and therapeutic approaches is ongoing. This study underlines the importance of gemfibrozil (GFB), an FDA-approved lipid-lowering drug, in inhibiting the disease process in a transgenic mouse model of Tay-Sachs. Oral administration of GFB significantly suppressed glial activation and inflammation, while also reducing the accumulation of GM2 gangliosides/glycoconjugates in the motor cortex of Tay-Sachs mice. Furthermore, oral GFB improved behavioral performance and increased the life expectancy of Tay-Sachs mice. While investigating the mechanism, we found that oral administration of GFB increased the level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) in the brain of Tay-Sachs mice, and that GFB remained unable to reduce glycoconjugates and improve behavior and survival in Tay-Sachs mice lacking PPARα. Our results indicate a beneficial function of GFB that employs a PPARα-dependent mechanism to halt the progression of TSD and increase longevity in Tay-Sachs mice.
A Social Dimension of Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change: Empowering Local Rural Communities to Confront Extreme Poverty
Authors: Amiraslani Farshad , Dragovich Deirdre
Published: December 2023

Climate change impacts occur at varying spatial scales requiring appropriately scaled responses. In impoverished rural areas, adapting to or mitigating the effects of climate change is challenging, with any short-term impairment to precarious livelihoods likely triggering negative community responses even if people are aware of long-term benefits. The paper will discuss a community-based carbon sequestration project in eastern Iran. It started in 2003 and since then has been expanded widely. It was nominated by UNDP as one of 10 transformative projects in Asia/Pacific in 2016. Over the past 20 years, the project has targeted improving the livelihood of the local communities while addressing local measures to adapt to/mitigate climate change. The paper elaborates on the formation of village development groups as pivotal drivers of success by highlighting local income-generating schemes and project documentation. Key lessons for climate change adaptation can be learnt and are applicable to other developing countries. Extreme poverty in rural areas facing climate change could be tackled through implementing bottom-up approaches in which local communities can be respected and engaged in co-leadership and planning.
A Qualitative Dataset for Coffee Bio-Aggressors Detection Based on the Ancestral Knowledge of the Cauca Coffee Farmers in Colombia
Authors: Valencia-Mosquera Juan Felipe , Griol David , Solarte-Montoya Mayra , Figueroa Cristhian , Corrales Juan Carlos , Corrales David Camilo
Published: December 2023

This paper describes a novel qualitative dataset regarding coffee pests based on the ancestral knowledge of coffee farmers in the Department of Cauca, Colombia. The dataset has been obtained from a survey applied to coffee growers with 432 records and 41 variables collected weekly from September 2020 to August 2021. The qualitative dataset includes climatic conditions, productive activities, external conditions, and coffee bio-aggressors. This dataset allows researchers to find patterns for coffee crop protection through the ancestral knowledge not detected by real-time agricultural sensors. As far as we are concerned, there are no datasets like the one presented in this paper with similar characteristics of qualitative value that express the empirical knowledge of coffee farmers used to detect triggers of causal behaviors of pests and diseases in coffee crops.
Efficient Computation of Spatial Entropy Measures
Authors: Altieri Linda , Cocchi Daniela , Roli Giulia
Published: December 2023

Entropy indices are commonly used to evaluate the heterogeneity of spatially arranged data by exploiting various approaches capable of including spatial information. Unfortunately, in practical studies, difficulties can arise regarding both the availability of computational tools for fast and easy implementation of these indices and guidelines supporting the correct interpretation of the results. The present work addresses such issues for the most known spatial entropy measures: the approach based on area partitions, the one based on distances between observations, and the decomposable spatial entropy. The newly released version of the R package SpatEntropy is introduced here and we show how it properly supports researchers in real case studies. This work also answers practical questions about the spatial distribution of nesting sites of an endangered species of gorillas in Cameroon. Such data present computational challenges, as they are marked points in continuous space over an irregularly shaped region, and covariates are available. Several aspects of the spatial heterogeneity of the nesting sites are addressed, using both the original point data and a discretised pixel dataset. We show how the diversity of the nesting habits is related to the environmental covariates, while seemingly not affected by the interpoint distances. The issue of scale dependence of the spatial measures is also discussed over these data. A motivating example shows the power of the SpatEntropy package, which allows for the derivation of results in seconds or minutes with minimum effort by users with basic programming abilities, confirming that spatial entropy indices are proper measures of diversity.
User Experience of a Mobile App in a City Tour Game for International Doctoral Students
Authors: Marques Margarida M. , Pombo Lúcia
Published: December 2023

Mobile augmented reality games (MARGs) offer exciting possibilities for enriching outdoor learning and enhancing tourism experiences. However, there is a notable gap in understanding the perspectives of doctoral students on these innovative approaches. This paper presents the results of a case study conducted during the 2023 EERA Summer School in Portugal, where PhD students in Education, from universities all around the globe, engaged in a MARG for sustainable development education. Seventy-three students embarked on a walking city tour, whilst playing an interdisciplinary game supported by the EduCITY Smart Learning City Environment. It comprises a web platform, an app, location games, and game creation training. Students experienced the EduCITY app, which guided them through a designated city path encompassing tourist sites, while promoting diverse learning opportunities. At the end, students provided feedback through a short and anonymous evaluation questionnaire, incorporating the user experience questionnaire and one open-ended question for improvement suggestions. This study revealed valuable insights into the doctoral students’ perspectives on the EduCITY app’s user experience, highlighting the strengths of “Attractiveness”, “Stimulation”, and “Novelty”. However, it also identified areas for improvement, particularly in “Dependability” and “Efficiency”. The analysis of the open-ended responses suggested that “Attractiveness” and “Perspicuity”, while not immediate priorities, should be considered in refinement phases as well. As more and more students recognize the importance of MARGs in education, there is a growing need for research in this field, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Goal 4.
Lightweight DB-YOLO Facemask Intelligent Detection and Android Application Based on Bidirectional Weighted Feature Fusion
Authors: Qin Bin , Zeng Ying , Wang Xin , Peng Junmin , Li Tao , Wang Teng , Qin Yuxin
Published: December 2023

Conventional facemask detection algorithms face challenges of insufficient accuracy, large model size, and slow computation speed, limiting their deployment in real-world scenarios, especially on edge devices. Aiming at addressing these issues, we proposed a DB-YOLO facemask intelligent detection algorithm, which is a lightweight solution that leverages bidirectional weighted feature fusion. Our method is built on the YOLOv5 algorithm model, replacing the original YOLOv5 backbone network with the lightweight ShuffleNetv2 to reduce parameters and computational requirements. Additionally, we integrated BiFPN as the feature fusion layer, enhancing the model’s detection capability for objects of various scales. Furthermore, we employed a CARAFE lightweight upsampling factor to improve the model’s perception of details and small-sized objects and the EIOU loss function to expedite model convergence. We validated the effectiveness of our proposed method through experiments conducted on the Pascal VOC2007+2012 and Face_Mask datasets. Our experimental results demonstrate that the DB-YOLO model boasts a compact size of approximately 1.92 M. It achieves average precision values of 70.1% and 93.5% on the Pascal VOC2007+2012 and Face_Mask datasets, respectively, showcasing a 2.3% improvement in average precision compared to the original YOLOv5s. Furthermore, the model’s size is reduced by 85.8%. We also successfully deployed the model on Android devices using the NCNN framework, achieving a detection speed of up to 33 frames per second. Compared to lightweight algorithm models like YOLOv5n, YOLOv4-Tiny, and YOLOv3-Tiny, DB-YOLO not only reduces the model’s size but also effectively improves detection accuracy, exhibiting excellent practicality and promotional value on edge devices.
A Novel Global Routing Algorithm for Printed Circuit Boards Based on Triangular Grid
Authors: Chen Jiarui , Zhou Yujing , Liu Qinghai , Zhang Xinhong
Published: December 2023

Global routing plays a crucial role in printed circuit board (PCB) design and affects the cost of the design significantly. Conventional methods based on rectangular grids have some limitations, whereas this paper introduces a new algorithm that employs a triangular grid model, which offers a more efficient solution to the problem. Firstly, we present a technique to sort all unconnected two-pin nets. Next, a triangular grid graph is constructed to represent the routing resources on the printed circuit board. Finally, we use the concept of maximum flow to identify the paths for global routing and apply detailed routing for the completion of wires. Results from experiments demonstrate that our algorithm is faster than two state-of-the-art routers and does not have any design rule violations for all industrial PCB instances.
RETRACTED: A Kalman Filter-Based Distributed Cyber-Attack Mitigation Strategy for Distributed Generator Units in Meshed DC Microgrids
Authors: Li Wenpei , Fu Han , Wu Shun , Yang Bin , Liu Zhixiong
Published: December 2023

To ensure fast dynamics and the stability of multiple distributed generator units (DGUs) in DC microgrids, communication links among the controllers of DGUs are generally adopted. However, those communication channels are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. To alleviate this hassle, a Kalman Filter (KF)-based distributed cyber-attack mitigation strategy, which is highly involved in both primary and secondary control, is proposed in this paper. The KF, as a robust state estimator, is utilized to accurately estimate the authentic terminal voltages and currents of the DGUs. Based on the discrepancies between the estimated and measured parameters of the systems under cyber-attacks, the proposed control can adaptively compensate the attack signals via an adaptive proportional integral (API) controller and a fractional API (FAPI) controller in cyber-attack-mitigation layers. The main advantage of using the proposed control scheme compared to conventional schemes is the fast dynamic response. The simulation results verify this merit by comparing the adopted KF and comparing it with conventional artificial neural networks (ANN), while the experimental results validate that effectiveness of the proposed control and showcase the superiority of the FAPI control in terms of its perfect compensation for different types of cyber-attacks.
Numerical Investigation of a Floating-Type Support Structure (Tri-Star Floater) for 9.5 MW Wind Turbine Generators
Authors: Heo Kyeonguk , Park Hongbae , Yuck Rae-Hyoung , Lee Daeyong
Published: December 2023

A numerical investigation of floating-type substructures for wind turbine generators was conducted by using time-domain simulation. A Tri-Star floater for 8–10 MW generators, which was developed by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), was chosen as the floating substructure. To make the anchor system, catenary mooring lines, considering redundancy, were installed on the floater. The main sources of external force on the wind turbine generator are wind, waves, and currents. To consider severe environmental conditions, Design Load Cases (DLCs) 1.6 and 6.1 of the IEC guidelines (IEC 61400-3-1) were chosen. From the measured environmental data for the installation site, the main parameters for the simulation conditions were obtained. The tilt angle and horizontal movement of the floater and the mooring tension for the different mooring systems were checked. The response of the floater during the failure of the mooring was also studied, and the critical failure of the mooring was confirmed. During the failure of the mooring, the redundancy system worked well, in which the movement of the floater was constrained within the criteria for all scenarios.
An Adaptive-Gain Sliding Mode Observer with Precise Compensation for Sensorless Control of PMSM
Authors: Liu Wenfei , Luo Bo , Yang Yong , Niu Haoming , Zhang Xujun , Zhou Yu , Zeng Chengbi
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we propose a sensorless control strategy for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) based on an adaptive-gain sliding mode observer (ASMO) with precise compensation. Firstly, the observer adopts a saturation function with a continuous boundary layer as the switching function to avoid the delay effect of the low-pass filter. In addition, the adaptive-gain method is designed based on a conventional sliding mode observer (SMO) with constant-gain and a saturation function. The adaptive-gain mathematical model is simplified by establishing a nonlinear feedback channel of an SMO. Secondly, in order to improve the practicability and facilitate debugging, the explicit stability condition of an ASMO is deduced according to Lyapunov’s second method. According to the proposed adaptive method, the chattering caused by the mismatch of the sliding-mode gain is suppressed, and the observable speed range is also improved. Thirdly, the position estimation delay problem of an SMO with a continuous switching function is analyzed in detail from the perspective of frequency characteristics. Then, a precise compensation method is proposed for the delay problem, which greatly improves the position estimation accuracy and the control performance. Finally, the correctness of the theory and the feasibility of the ASMO with precise compensation for the sensorless control of PMSMs are verified by experiments.
Biocontrol of Litchi Downy Blight Dependent on Streptomyces abikoensis TJGA-19 Fermentation Filtrate Antagonism Competition with Peronophythora litchii
Authors: Xing Mengyu , Xu Dandan , Wu Yinggu , Liu Tong , Xi Pinggen , Wang Rui , Zhao Jing , Jiang Zide
Published: December 2023

The cultivation and overall quality of Litchi, a fruit of significant commercial value in China, are hindered by the presence of the oomycetes pathogen Peronophythora litchii. This pathogen is responsible for the occurrence of litchi downy blight, resulting in substantial economic losses during the storage and transportation of the fruit, and affects nutritional growth. Effective and environmentally safe methods to control litchi downy blight are urgently needed. The application of biocontrol agents such as Streptomyces bacteria has proven effective for controlling plant diseases. Our present study isolated the Streptomyces strain TJGA-19, identified as S. abikoensis, with potent inhibitory activity against P. litchii. The antifungal active substances are mainly in the aqueous phase of TJGA-19 fermentation filtrate extraction. The fermentation filtrate of TJGA-19 not only suppressed the pathogen growth, sporulation, and sporangia germination, but also delayed the disease development of litchi downy blight. In addition, the stability of the TJGA-19 fermentation filtrate was not sensitive to the proteinase K, temperature, white-flourescence light, or ultraviolet treatment. Furthermore, the morphology and ultrastructure of P. litchii treated with fermentation filtrate was characterized by marked shrinking and deformation, with serious disruption of plasma membrane permeabilization and the organelles. Hence, S. abikoensis TJGA-19 and its metabolites demonstrated marked efficiency against the phytopathogenic pathogen P. litchii and provide a potential candidate for controlling litchi downy blight.
The Effects of Vibration Frequency on Oxidative Stress, Digestive Enzymes and ATPases of Crimson Snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus) Fry during Transport
Authors: Li Jiayang , Guo Yu , Zhao Xinye , Zhou Shengjie , Ma Zhenhua , Yu Gang , Qin Chuanxin , Wang Xingqiang
Published: December 2023

In this study, we sought to characterize the effect of water vibration frequency stress on crimson snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus) survival to determine an optimal transportation speed. To achieve this, we used a transport tank (25 cm × 17 cm × 16 cm) to simulate the transport process. After 8 h at five different vibration frequencies (D1 = 75 rpm, D2 = 105 rpm, D3 = 135 rpm, D4 = 165 rpm, and D5 = 195 rpm), the pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the tanks decreased; ammonia nitrogen levels (NH4-N) and temperature (T) increased with increasing density; and significant changes in oxidative stress biomarkers, digestive enzymes, and ATPase levels were observed in crimson snapper fry. The enzyme activity increased and reached the maximum value at 195 rpm. The experimental results suggested that during the actual transport, when using transport tanks, the length of the transport time was less than 8 h, and setting the vibration frequency for transportation at 135 rpm was more appropriate, that is, a speed of 50 km/h for transporting crimson snapper fry.
Treatment of Scaphoid Non-Unions with Custom-Made 3D-Printed Titanium Partial and Total Scaphoid Prostheses and Scaphoid Interosseous Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Cioffi Alessio , Rovere Giuseppe , Bosco Francesco , Sinno Ennio , Stramazzo Leonardo , Liuzza Francesco , Ziranu Antonio , Romeo Michele , Vigni Giulio Edoardo , Galvano Nicolò , Maccauro Giulio , Farsetti Pasquale , Rossello Mario Igor , Camarda Lawrence
Published: December 2023

Purpose: Treatment of scaphoid fracture sequelae is still an unsolved problem in hand surgery. Custom-made 3D-printed titanium partial and total scaphoid prosthesis and scaphoid interosseous ligament reconstruction (SLIL) are performed in cases of non-union and isolated aseptic necrosis of the proximal scaphoid pole and when it is impossible to save the scaphoid bone, respectively. This study aims to evaluate the clinical, functional and radiographic results after these two prosthesis implantations. Methods: Between January 2019 and July 2020, nine partial and ten total scaphoid prostheses were implanted using custom-made 3D-printed titanium implants. Evaluation criteria included carpal height ratio (CHR), radioscaphoid angle, wrist extension and flexion, radial deviation and ulnar deviation of the wrist, grip strength and pinch strength, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). Results: Clinical, functional, and radiographic improvements were found in all outcomes analyzed for both patient groups. The VAS pain scale obtained the most remarkable improvement at the one-year follow-up. The results of the DASH scores and the PRWE were good, with a great rate of patient satisfaction at the end of the follow-up. SLIL reconstruction also provided excellent stability and prevented a mid-carpal bone collapse in the short- and medium-term follow-up. Conclusions: A custom-made 3D-printed titanium partial or total scaphoid prosthesis is a viable solution for patients with scaphoid non-union and necrosis or complete scaphoid destruction in whom previous conservative or surgical treatment has failed.
Nursing Practice and Telehealth in School Health Services: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ayuso Margañon Raquel , Llistosella Maria , Ayuso Margañon Sonia , Rojano Navarro Marta , Bou Gràcia Núria , Sillero Sillero Amalia
Published: December 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has propelled the adoption of telehealth in school settings, emphasising the pivotal role of nurses. This review explores the last decade’s evidence on telehealth interventions in school nursing practice; Methods: Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, we conducted a systematic search in PubMed, CINHAL, and Web of Science in March 2023. Out of 518 articles across 21 journals, 32 satisfied the review criteria. The selection process rigorously adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews; Results: The results were categorised into three main areas: (a) the purpose of telehealth and intervention strategies, (b) the role of nursing in school-based telehealth practice, and (c) perceived benefits and limitations of school-based telehealth studies. Telehealth interventions encompass health promotion, mental health management, and early diagnosis. School nurses play a multifaceted role, including management, education, and remote monitoring. While telehealth offers advantages like improved health and cost savings, challenges include digital literacy, device access, and costs; Conclusion: This review underscores the crucial role of telehealth in schools for enhancing healthcare delivery in educational settings. However, more empirical evidence is required to specify nurses’ contributions to school-based telehealth interventions. Promoting their leadership through stakeholder collaboration is essential. Further research should address challenges and opportunities in school nursing practice, enriching healthcare in educational settings.