bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF Pt-Sn/γ-Al2O3, Pt-Pb/γ-Al2O3 AND Pt/γ-Al2O3 CATALYSTS IN DEHYDROCYCLIZATION OF n-HEPTANE AT ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
Authors: Loc Luu Cam , Phuong Phan Hong
Published: June 2024

Twelve catalysts on the basis of Pt/γ-Al2O3 without and with Sn and Pb additives have been obtained and investigated. The content of Pt varied in the range of 0.15 ÷ 0.46 wt.% and the weight ratio of Pt:Sn (Pb) was changed in intervals of 0.75÷2.33 (weight ratio). Physicochemical characteristics of the catalysts were determined by several techniques, including nitrogen physisorption measurements, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), hydrogen temperatureprogrammed reduction (H2-TPR), hydrogen pulse chemisorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ammonia thermodesorption). Activity of the catalysts in the dehydrocyclization of n-heptane was studied at the temperature range of 400 ÷ 550oC. Addition of Sn and Pb led to changes in physico-chemical properties of the catalysts that increased the activity of platinum catalysts. It was found that optimal contents of Pt was 0.35 wt.%. and optimal weight ratio Pt: Sn(Pb) was 2.33. The activity of the sample 0.35 wt.%Pt-0.15 wt.%Sn/γ-Al2O3 and 0.35 wt.%Pt-0.15 wt.%Pb/γ-Al2O3 was found to be higher than that of the non-promoted catalyst more than 1.5 times.
SWAT MODEL FOR ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND LAND USE/LAND COVER CHANGE IMPACT ON PHILIPPINE SOIL LOSS AND EXPLORATION OF LAND COVER-BASED MITIGATION MEASURES: CASE OF CAGAYAN RIVER BASIN
Authors: Principe Jeark , Blanco Ariel
Published: June 2024

As a climate hotspot, the Philippines is vulnerable to worst manifestations of climate change (CC) including severe soil loss rates, which are prevalent in the mountainous areas. Deforestation and land use/land cover (LULC) conversions may also aggravate the ill-effects of CC as forest areas are converted to built-up and vegetation types other than forest. This paper presents the application of Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model integrated with Remote Sensing (RS), and Geographic Information System (GIS) to quantify the impact of CC and LULC change on Philippine soil loss rate. The model is applied in the country’s largest river basin—the Cagayan River Basin (CRB). Remotely-sensed data such as the Landsat TM and ETM+ imageries and 90-m resolution Shuttle Radar Topography Mission-Digital Elevation Model (SRTM-DEM) were utilized to derive the LULC maps and DEM of the study area. Meanwhile, ArcGIS™ provided the platform for ArcSWAT interface of the SWAT model and for input, analysis, and display of spatial data. Evaluation of model performance showed that SWAT can realistically model flow and sediment discharge dynamics in the CRB as supported by satisfactory values of four statistical measures of model efficiency during model calibration and validation of mean daily river discharge and sediment yield. The calibrated model was rerun to incorporate projected variations in several climatic parameters (e.g., temperature and rainfall) considering the A1B SRES scenario and LULC change. The simulations incorporating CC and LULC change data have shown increases in soil loss rates for the CRB as high as 37% compared to the base scenario. Meanwhile, simulations which incorporate land cover-based mitigation measures have indicated successful reduction in soil loss rate by 33%.
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF AFPM GENERATOR DIRECT DRIVEN WIND TURBINE WITH STORAGE SYSTEM
Authors: Soe Thi Thi , Aung Hla Myo
Published: June 2024

Direct-drive type with no acceleration rare and the windmill blades attached to the disc surface of Axial Flux Permanent Magnet generator (AFPM) realizes simple structure and omission of central dynamic transformation achieves very high energy conversion efficiency of the generator. The generator itself consists of two magnets rotors that return together directly coupled to the blades. In this research study, one magnet rotor is on each side of the stator and each magnet rotor contains 16 Neodymim-Iron-Boron (NdFeB). The stator contains 12 coils wound with copper wire and cast into plastic resin, in line with and between the paths of each magnet. The AFPM generator direct drive wind turbine converts the mechanical energy by the rotating shaft as the wind pushing 3 wooden blades into 3-phase alternating current (AC) electricity that varies in frequency. In order to get this generated power into a battery bank, three-phase bridge rectifier is connected to the three terminals of the machine. The alternator will start 48 volt charging batteries system at about 140 rpm in 4m/s wind speed and reach rated output of 1.8 kW at 375 rpm in 10m/s wind speed. This machine is specially designed for battery charging and it’s probably quite useful and cost effective for remote locations that are not connected to the national grids where conventional methods of energy supply are expensive or impractical.
CONTROL OF TWO-WHEELED WELDING MOBILE ROBOT USING ADAPTIVE CONTROLLER
Authors: Bui Trong Hieu , Nguyen Tan Tien
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces a nonlinear adaptive controller for tracking the welding path of a twowheeled Welding Mobile Robot (WMR) with unknown system parameters. A touch sensor that measures the errors between the WMR and the welding path is introduced. The controller is designed to drive the tracking errors to zero as fast as desired. The WMR can track any smooth curved welding path at a constant welding velocity. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is proved through simulation and experimental results.
SURFACTANT-ASSISTED IMMOBILIZATION OF TiO2 ONTO GLASS SUBSTRATES FOR PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF METHYLENE BLUE
Authors: Mariquit Eden Gan , Kurniawan Winarto , Hinode Hirofumi , Salim Chris
Published: June 2024

Titanium dioxide-based photocatalysis is a type of advanced oxidation process that can be used to completely degrade and mineralize organic pollutants. The semiconductor titanium dioxide (TiO2) is used as a photocatalyst and is activated when it absorbs photon energy equal or greater than its band gap energy. The activation of TiO2 as a photocatalyst leads to the formation of active sites on its surface that can trigger series of oxidative-reductive reactions to mineralize the pollutants. In most cases, TiO2 is commonly used in slurry form and the recovery of the catalyst after water treatment often requires another separate process. To address this concern, TiO2 photocatalyst have been immobilized on the surface of soda borosilicate glass slides with the aid of a commercial non-ionic surfactant, under the trade name Triton X-100. The TiO2 thin film was prepared using sol-gel process and immobilized on the glass surface at different number of coatings using the dip coating technique. The TiO2 thin films were characterized using FE-SEM, XRD and TGA and its photocatalytic activities were tested in the degradation of a model organic pollutant, methylene blue (MB). Characterization of the prepared samples by XRD showed that TiO2 in the form of anatase was successfully deposited on the glass slides. The addition of surfactant created thicker TiO2 thin films that showed better performance during photocatalytic activity test. The result of the activity tests showed that the TiO2 on the glass slide was able to degrade MB and the number of times that TiO2 was coated on the glass slide also affected the rate of MB degradation.
N-HEXANE ISOMERIZATION OVER Pt, Pd CATALYSTS SUPPORTED ON MIXES of HY+γ-Al2O3
Authors: Thoa Dao Thi Kim , Ha Huynh Ky Phuong , Loc Luu Cam , Anh Nguyen Tuan
Published: June 2024

In this study, a decationized form of faujasite zeolite HY and mixes of this zeolite with alumina γAl2O3 of various ratios have been used as carriers for catalysts 0.35 wt.% Pt and 0.80 wt.% Pd. Physico-chemical characteristics of the obtained catalysts were determined by methods of BET, SEM, EDS, TEM, XRD, TPR, H2 pulse chemisorption (HPC), and TPD. Activity of the catalysts for n-hexane isomerization was tested at the temperature range 225-450oC and two values of pressure 0.1 and 0.7 MPa. In feed flows the molar ratio hydrogen: hydrocarbon was 5.92 with the concentration of n-hexane as 9.2 mol.%. It has been found that the value of optimal ratio γ -Al2O3: HY was 2.5:1. The effect of the mixed carriers is included in the reduction of acidity and metal crystallites, increase of metal dispersity and reducibility of catalyst and the improvement of catalyst stability. At 0.7 MPa the activity, selectivity, and stability of catalysts have been shown to be significantly higher than those obtained at 0.1 MPa.
INVESTIGATION OF PLATINUM-CATALYZED FORMATION OF COBALT NANOPARTICLES BY MIXED POTENTIAL
Authors: Balela-Garcia Mary Donnabelle Lirio , Yagi Shunsuke , Matsubara Eiichiro
Published: June 2024

Cobalt (Co) nanoparticles with diameters of 20 to 60 nm were successfully formed by seed-mediated electroless deposition in aqueous solution at room temperature. The formation of Co nanoparticles was investigated by in situ monitoring of mixed potential and deposition rate. Co nanoparticles was produced when the mixed potential was below the oxidation-reduction potential of Co(II)/Co, which coincided with a sharp increase in deposited mass on a gold-sputtered quartz crystal substrate. The mixed potential was positive and Co nanoparticles were not produced without platinum (Pt) addition. Increasing concentration of Pt addition resulted in a decrease in mixed potential and Co nanoparticle diameter. Thus, Pt effectively enhanced Co deposition rate and served as nucleation seeds for Co nanoparticles.
ESTIMATION OF INUNDATED AREAS DURING THE 2011 FLOODS IN THE CHAO PHRAYA RIVER BASIN USING SAR AND OPTICAL SATELLITE IMAGERY
Authors: Kitamura Keisuke , Kinouchi Tsuyoshi , Liengcharernsit Winai , Komsai Atchara
Published: June 2024

In 2011, massive flooding and inundation in the Chao Phraya River basin, in Thailand, caused serious damage to various activities for a prolonged period of time. Although snapshot images of the inundated area are available, detailed information including temporal changes of the inundated areas and the relationship with meteorological and hydrological conditions are not well documented, particularly for the middle and upper sections of the basin. Therefore, we conducted an analysis using two types of satellite data, HJ-1A and Envisat, to better understand behavior of the large-scale inundation occurred in 2011, focusing on the middle section of the Chao Phraya River basin. In the analysis, water surface in selected domains was extracted using the NDWI value calculated from HJ-1A data. The threshold value of the Envisat ASAR image was then adjusted so that the inundated area estimated from Envisat gives the closest possible match with that estimated from HJ-1A. Finally, the inundated area was estimated for the whole study domain based on the same threshold value from the Envisat data. Results indicated that the inundated area began to extend along the Yom and Nan rivers in early August and continued to spread down to the Nakhon Sawan city area until October. A significant increase in inundated areas occurred between September 2 and September 13, during which higher rainfall intensity was observed. Even after the water level in rivers receded below the bank-full elevation, large areas were left inundated along rivers, particularly over low-lying marsh and paddy fields. In addition, several areas located far from rivers were also inundated, which was likely a consequence of water ponding in paddy fields.
HEAVY METALS IN SUSPENDED SEDIMENTS IN RIVERS FLOWING THROUGH MEGACITIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Authors: Yoshimura Chihiro , Yamanaka Chikako , Fujii Manabu , Leungprasert Suchat , Tanchuling Maria Antonia
Published: June 2024

Heavy metals in suspended sediments (SS) were investigated in the lower Chao Phraya River, Thailand, and Marikina-Pasig River basin, Philippines, both in the rainy and dry seasons. In addition, we assessed the relative pollution level of SS by determining enrichment factor of particulate metals. The particulate fractions accounted mostly for 60-100% of total concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb in both dry and rainy seasons. The comparison of metal contents of the sampled SS and upper continental crust (UCC) implied some anthropogenic inputs of Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn as well as the dilution process for those metals in the rainy season in Chao Phraya River. Enrichment factor in both rivers also indicated anthropogenic effects on metal content in SS, reflecting the distinctive seasonal process in Chao Phraya River and the spatial variation within Marikina-Pasig River basin. Overall, the results revealed the importance of the particulate phase of heavy metals in both target rivers to understand the transport and reactivity of heavy metals.
REMEDIATION OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILL LEACHATE BY USING SUBSURFACE FLOW CONSTRUCTED WETLAND WITH LOW PERMEABLE REACTIVE MEDIA
Authors: Witthayaphirom Chayanid , Chiemchaisri Chart , Chiemchaisri Wilai , Takemura Jiro
Published: June 2024

This research was carried out to investigate the efficiencies of leachate treatment by using subsurface flow constructed wetland (CW) with low permeable reactive media and guinea grass (Panicum maximum TD 58). Pilot scale CW was examined at hydraulic loading rate (HLR) of 0.028 m/d and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 10 d. Two different types of media in CW were used i.e. system 1: clay and sand mixture at ratio of 40:60 (%w/w) and system 2: clay, iron sludge and sand mixture at ratio of 30:10:60 (%w/w). The results showed that the performance of system 2 was better in terms of pollutant removal efficiencies. Average BOD, COD and TKN removals were 76.1, 68.5 and 73.5% respectively. Methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions during the treatment of CW were 8.2-52.1, 69.1-601.8 and 0.04-0.99 mg/m2 .d respectively. The use of CW with reactive media in system 2 and vegetation resulted in lower GHG emissions. The results show that CW with low permeable reactive media could be effectively used to remediate leachate from the landfill site.
EFFECT OF OPERATING CONDITIONS IN MEMBRANE MODULE PERFORMANCE
Authors: Nguyen Tuan-Anh , Yoshikawa Shiro , Ookawara Shinichi
Published: June 2024

The performance of a membrane module depends not only on the membrane properties but also on the operating conditions. Current efforts usually focus on the enhancement of membrane characterization, less attention has been paid to the process parameters in which the membrane itself should be operated. The decision on operating conditions is generally based on experience, looking on handbook or suggestion of membrane manufacturers. However, the transport equation governing the performance of the membrane system varies in particular application and situation. Therefore, a general procedure for the design and operation strategy should be introduced for any given application. In our previous study, a simple combined model was developed to predict the permeation in cross-flow ultrafiltration of protein solution. Then, the - steady state permeate flux was estimated from the model and the correlation to operating condition is established. From the governing equation, it should be possible to study the effect of operating condition on the cost for any given application. In this study, the configuration is assumed as feed and bleed operating mode and a model which incorporates the friction loss is introduced. Then, it is applied to investigate the effect of operating parameters such as the pressure and the recirculation flow rate to the average cost per unit volume permeate. The average cost is the cost per unit volume permeate of an existing module. The total cost includes a fixed component relating to the size of the existing module and the operating component associated with the energy usage. The simple optimization routine (cyclic coordinate method) is also used to determine the most cost effective module operation.
INFLUENCE OF Pt ON THE PROPERTIES AND ACTIVITY OF CuO-BASED CATALYSTS FOR LOW TEMPERATURE OXIDATION OF CARBON MONOXIDE
Authors: Loc Luu Cam , Tri Nguyen , Agafonov Yury Anatolievich , Gaidai Natalia Alexandrovna , Cuong Hoang Tien , Anh Ha Cam , Thoang Ho Si , Lapidus Albert L'vovich , Ha Huynh Ky Phuong
Published: June 2024

A series of mono-oxide and multi-oxide catalysts: 10 wt.%CuO/γ-Al2O3; 10 wt.%CuO +10 wt.%Cr2O3/γ-Al2O3; 10 wt.%CuO + 20 wt.%CeO2/γ-Al2O3, and 10 wt.%CuO + 10 wt.%Cr2O3 +20 wt.%CeO2/γ-Al2O3 have been prepared and modified by Pt with contents from 0.05 up to 0.3 wt.%. Physico-chemical properties of the catalysts were determined by the methods of BET N2- Adsorption, Hydrogen Pulse Chemisorption (HPC), XRD, TPR, EDS and IR-CO adsorption. The oxidative activity of the catalysts was studied at the temperature range 75 - 300 oC and CO concentration of 0.5 mol.%. Addition of Pt led to weakening of the interaction between CuO and Al2O3, CuO and Cr2O3 that enhanced the reducibility of CuO, resulting in increase of activity of CuAl, CuCeAl and CuCrCeAl catalysts. Meanwhile, due to the reduction of CuCr2O4 formation, the activity of catalysts CuCrAl decreased. The catalyst sample CuCeAl, containing 0.1 wt.% Pt, has been shown to be the best one for the complete oxidation of CO. At the given conditions on this catalyst the complete oxidation of CO to CO2 occurred at 125 oC and space velocity 75,000 h-1 .
STUDY ON MODELING FISH PROCESSING WASTEWATER ANAEROBIC TREATMENT
Authors: Nguyen Phong Tan , Dao Ty Huu
Published: June 2024

A simple model anaerobic treatment treats fish processing wastewater as necessary for small and medium factories. For this reason, several techniques have been proposed. However, they have been expensive and hardly operational. A simple technique with low cost of treatment and operations was applied. In this study, the hydraulic retention times (HRTs), including 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours with various loading rate of 1.0 to 6.0 kg COD/m3/day, were examined. A biomass as VSS in the model was at 10 to 11g/l. On the basis of the result the optimal hydraulic retention times (HRTs) with a 4.0 kg COD/m3/day organic loading rate was 6 hours with BOD5 and COD removal efficiency of 92% and 90%, respectively. By the end of the optimal hydraulic retention times, the total methane production volume collected was 3.2 litters.
SELF-HEALING MEMORY HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE ON FIELD PROGRAMMABLE GATE ARRAY
Authors: Truong Nhu , De Souza-Daw Anthony , Ross Robert , Hoang Thang Manh , Nguyen Tien Dzung
Published: June 2024

Hardware Fault-Tolerance is the set of techniques to remain operational after a fault by design. Programmable Logic Devices are good platforms to implement Hardware Fault-Tolerant techniques by utilizing abundant resources and facilitating self healing operations. In this paper we propose a hardware fault-tolerant architecture to duplicate components in order to replace faulty ones. The proposed architecture is markedly different from other works that mostly focuses on reconfiguring and evolving logic units rather than our evolvable memory units. The self-reparation process for a memory failure is the reallocation and synchronization of memory content. The internal flip-flops form an abundant reconfigurable resource and are reconfigured to work as newly created memory. The proposed architecture has been downloaded and tested on a real FPGA development board and has satisfied all of its pre-defined specifications.
PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND H2S ADSORPTIVE REMOVAL OF ION-EXCHANGED ZEOLITE X
Authors: Long Nguyen Quang , Vuong Ho Thi , Ha Huynh Ky Phuong , Kuniawan Winarto , Hinode Hirofumi , Baba Toshihide
Published: June 2024

This research focuses on the adsorptive removal of polluted H2S at ambient temperature by modified zeolite X adsorbents. The zeolite X has been synthesized by hydrothermal method and ion- exchanged with six different divalent metal ions including Co2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Ca2+ , and Zn2+. The H2S adsorption activity of the material was determined by a continuous fixed-bed adsorption system and expressed by the adsorption capacity performance until the H2S output concentration reach a specified breakthrough point of 10 ppm. The materials have been subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural analysis, low-temperature N2 adsorption was used for specific surface area of the material (BET method), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology analysis and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES)for metal content analysis. The faujasite structure of zeolite was detected for the materials except the Cu2+- exchanged sample. Comparing to the assynthesized zeolite X, the Zn2+ - exchanged zeolite X has increased the H2S adsorption capacity more than 24 times. Moreover, the Zn content in the zeolite was confirmed to be an essential factor contributed to the H2S adsorption activity.
SHEAR DEFORMATION OF ROCKFILL MATERIALS IN SMALL WOODEN CHECK DAM
Authors: Dang Quoc Dung , Ishikawa Yoshiharu
Published: June 2024

Forest conservation and soil erosion control are an important issue in Japan since 67% of Japan’s land is covered by forests. Recently, various measures have been taken for promoting the use of wood gathered from the thinning of forests. The new approach adopted in Japan is the use of thinned trees instead of concrete as a construction material to build small wooden check dams for the environmental and landscape protections. Wood is renewable, ecosystem-friendly, and available at lower cost, as compared to concrete which causes environmental loading. However, unlike concrete dam, the stability of wooden check dam depends on various factors in which the shear deformation under the actions of earth pressure is an important factor that must be considered in computing stability and in design. In this research, the dam model experiments and large scale direct shear tests are conducted to examine the shear resistance force, internal friction angle, and shear plane of rockfill materials due to shear deformation. It is found that the shear resistance force is twice of the calculated horizontal component of passive earth pressure by the influence of inclination of the wall. The researched result is a basis for designing against the shear deformation of the small wooden check dam.
OPTICAL AND CONFOCAL MICROSCOPIC STUDIES ON DISSOLUTION OF RICE STRAW PARTICLES IN 1-ETHYL-3- METHYLIMIDAZOLIUM ACETATE
Authors: Myint Hlaing Hlaing , Kurniawan Winarto , Hinode Hirofumi , Sein Ni Ni , Cross Jeffrey Scott
Published: June 2024

Abundant agriculture residue such as rice straw needs an effective pretreatment method in order to efficiently and economically process it into biofuels and chemicals. In order to develop an economical liquefaction process for pretreatment of rice straw, a 3D particle based-dissolution process model needs to be investigated. As a result, this study was undertaken to develop a dissolution model of ball milled rice straw (RS) particles in 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Acetate [Emim][OAc], at 120°, 140° and 160°C using optical and confocal microscopes. These results showed the rectangular particle swelled in-plane during the heat treatment in [Emim][OAc] but the thickness and volume decreased with heating time. As the particle swelling progressed, the particle light intensity ratio increased which was confirmed by confocal and optical microscopy. Both the particle light intensity ratio and volume ratio measurement were used to estimate the particle dissolution end point. Heating at 160ºC accelerated particle dissolution and swelling significantly. Decreasing the temperature from 160ºC to 120ºC extended the dissolving time changing from 10 min to 1 h. This new imaging analysis process model utilizing particle light intensity and volume ratios allows significant improvement in dissolution process modeling for endpoint determination and prediction. The dissolution process also has applications to other types of biomass.
EXTRACTING ACTIONS FROM INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND TESTING THEIR EXECUTION IN A ROBOTIC SIMULATION
Authors: Hung Pham Ngoc , Yoshimi Takashi
Published: June 2024

Service robots are expected to execute household manipulation tasks on daily basis. These tasks are often related to the operation of home appliances and can be decomposed into specific manipulation actions such as pick up a cup, place a cup, press a button, turn a knob, open or close a cover, etc. This research proposes to use task instructions collected from manuals of household appliances to extract a series of actions that a robot needs to perform in order to accomplish the task. We describe the extraction method of action and object from these task instructions including syntax parsing of sentences and searching the pairs of action and object in each parse tree based on part-of-speech. The extracted actions then will be executed by a robot. We apply a simulation environment with ROS, Gazebo simulator and a virtual robot PR2 for testing their execution. In experiments, we implement the extraction method and evaluate the extracted results of actions and object. In addition, we test the execution of actions pick and place in the proposed simulation environment.
GEAR AND BEARING FAULT DETECTION USING WAVELET PACKET AND HILBERT METHOD VIA ACOUSTIC SIGNALS
Authors: Cung Le , Hien Bui Minh , Son Nguyen Thai
Published: June 2024

Detection of gearing and bearing faults using vibration signals has been widely used for decades. A lot of methods of vibration signal processing for fault detection have been used, such as fast Fourier transform, Hilbert transform, wavelet and wavelet packet transform. In recent years, a new method for vibration signal processing, combining Hilbert transform and wavelet packet appeared, and has become an effective method to extract modulating signal and help to detect the early gearing and bearing faults. The article deals with the use of the combination of wavelet packet method and Hilbert transform for processing acoustic signals to identify bearing and gearing faults in a two-stage gearbox test rig. Three simultaneous faults are made: a chipped tooth on the input pinion, a pitting tooth on the output gear and a pitting (spall) on the outer race of a rolling bearing on output shaft. By comparison of the processed acoustic signals of normal and faulty gearbox, these three faults can be exactly detected.
Biomimetic Facade Design Proposal to Improving Thermal Comfort in Hot Climate Region
Authors: Mutlu Avinç Güneş , KOÇ Seda Nur , Arslan Selçuk Semra
Published: June 2024

The building envelope has an essential role in the energy consumption of buildings and in regulating the energy exchange between the indoor and outdoor environment. Especially in hot climate zones, the temperature increases the cooling loads of the building, while a significant amount of energy is consumed to provide indoor comfort. Much research has been carried out recently to produce responsive and adaptive building envelopes to solve this problem. Nature is a reference for responsive, adaptive building envelope solutions, and the biomimicry approach is utilized. The biomimicry approach suggests using biological models/systems/processes as models/measures/mentors. This research used the biomimicry approach to propose an innovative facade design solution in this context. In this study, where a problem-oriented design approach was accepted, plants were analyzed to find a solution. Plants have evolved to adapt to a particular location's weather, wind, dryness, heat, and light. Buildings, like plants, depend on a specific location. For this reason, arid climate plants were examined in the study. The biological information from analyzing the plants studied was used to develop a design concept. As a result of this study, it is understood that nature has an extensive database and offers many solutions for problems that can be applied in architecture to produce energy-efficient, sustainable, and adaptable designs to indoor and outdoor conditions. The next step for this study is to translate the developed design concept into practice and conduct the necessary analysis
Exploring Solidarity in Action: Key Methodological Features for Collaborative Research in Physical Education
Authors: Rufino Luiz Gustavo Bonatto , Iannucci Cassandra , Hunuk Deniz , Vidoni Carla , Luguetti Carla Nascimento , Gonçalves Luiza Lana , Ferreira Heidi Jancer , Batista Paula , Borges Cecilia , MacPhail Ann , Sanches Neto Luiz , de Souza Neto Samuel
Published: June 2024

Purpose: This paper delves into the approach of solidarity in action as a collaborative research methodology in the field of physical education, based on Freire’s concepts of solidarity and circle of culture. In a landscape marked by competitiveness and hierarchy, this paper emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding, empathy, and collective struggle for social change in academia. Results: The paper explores a case study of an international project and highlights three key features: (a) intentionality in group creation, (b) levels of collaboration and horizontal relationships, and (c) democratic facilitation. These features stress the importance of collective action, open dialogue, and shared responsibility. Solidarity in action emerges as a methodology designed to cultivate communities, promote critical engagement, and address social injustices. Conclusion: By integrating solidarity in action into research, the paper advocates for a more inclusive, equitable, and culturally sensitive approach in physical education, highlighting the potential for positive change in academia.
A Therapeutic Landscape for Some but Not for All: An Ethnographic Exploration of the Bethlem Royal Hospital Parkrun
Authors: Ashdown-Franks Garcia , Atkinson Michael , Sabiston Catherine M.
Published: June 2024

This study sought to explore the experiences of those involved in the Bethlem parkrun. A mobile ethnography employing participant observation and informal discussion was conducted on the grounds of the hospital in London, United Kingdom. The findings focused on “what it is like” to participate in this parkrun and were organized into two themes: (a) Bethlem as a Shared Leisure Space and (b) Shared Leisure Space, But for Whom? Findings illustrated the emplaced and relational experiences of some participants in this “therapeutic landscape,” while highlighting that the events were exclusionary for others, namely service-users. These findings contrast the therapeutic landscapes literature, which largely assumes their benefits are experienced equally. This work may provide further understanding of the individual and collective experiences of parkrun.
Cardiomyopathy in children: a single-centre, retrospective study of genetic and clinical characteristics
Authors: Sun Qiqing , Guo Jun , Zhang Yaodong , Zheng Ruili , He Kun , Chen Yuanying , Hao Chanjuan , Xie Zhenhua , Wang Fangjie
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the genetic and clinical characteristics of paediatric cardiomyopathy in a cohort of Chinese patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical history and mutation spectrum of 75 unrelated Chinese paediatric patients who were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and referred to our hospital between January 2016 and December 2022.

Results

Seventy-five children with cardiomyopathy were enrolled, including 32 (42.7%) boys and 43 (57.3%) girls. Dilated cardiomyopathy was the most prevalent cardiomyopathy (61.3%) in the patients, followed by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (17.3%), ventricular non-compaction (14.7%), restrictive cardiomyopathy (5.3%) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (1.3%). Whole-exome sequencing and targeted next-generation sequencing identified 34 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants and 1 copy number variant in 14 genes related to cardiomyopathy in 30 children, accounting for 40% of all patients.TNNC1p.Asp65Asn andMYH7p.Glu500Lys have not been reported previously. The follow-up time ranged from 2 months to 6 years. Twenty-two children died (mortality rate 29%).

Conclusions

Comprehensive genetic testing was associated with a 40% yield of causal genetic mutations in Chinese cardiomyopathy cases. We found diversity in the mutation profile in different patients, which suggests that the mutational background of cardiomyopathy in China is heterogeneous, and the findings may be helpful to those counselling patients and families.
School closures and prescription medication use among children and adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA, 2019–2022
Authors: Mirza Abeeha , Shooshtari Andrew , Qato Dima M
Published: June 2024

The impact of schools closing for in-person instruction in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of prescription medications is not known. In this study, we examined changes in the total prescriptions filled, specifically for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications, among school-aged children and adolescents aged 10–19 years during periods before and after complete school closures between October 2019 and September 2022. Our findings indicate that complete school closures were associated with declines in the use of ADHD medications among younger populations in the USA. These findings suggest that the underuse of ADHD medications may be an overlooked contributor to declines in academic performance observed during periods of school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Examination of optical soliton solutions for the perturbed Schrödinger–Hirota equation with anti-cubic law in the presence of spatiotemporal dispersion
Authors: Durmus Selvi Altun , Ozdemir Neslihan , Secer Aydin , Ozisik Muslum , Bayram Mustafa
Published: June 2024

In the current paper, the perturbed Schrödinger–Hirota equation having anti-cubic nonlinearity is analyzed with the aid of the new Kudryashov scheme. What distinguishes this article from other articles is that it not only attains multifold analytical solutions to the underresearched model but also verifies the impact of the anti-cubic law media on soliton attitude for the first time. The algorithmic rules and solution functions of the presented method have been controlled with symbolic algebraic software, and every outcome has been approved attentively. Then, the given method has been implemented on the model under consideration for the collective test objective. With the conventional norm approximation, the nonlinear partial differential structure of the model under consideration has been turned into the ordinary differential structure by performing the wave transmutation, and then the presented technique has been implemented into the ordinary differential structure of the proposed model. After this process, we have acquired a system of linear algebraic equations and their convenient solutions. Afterward, by attaining the proper solution sets, the soliton solutions of the given model, such as bright, W-shape-like, and dark soliton forms, have been arranged, and some chosen diagrammatic views have been presented.
Document-Level Relation Extraction Based on Machine Reading Comprehension and Hybrid Pointer-sequence Labeling
Authors: wang xiaoyi , Liu Jie , Wang Jiong , Duan Jianyong , guan guixia , zhang qing , Zhou Jianshe
Published: June 2024

Document-level relational extraction requires reading, memorization, and reasoning to discover relevant factual information in multiple sentences. It is difficult for the current hierarchical network and graph network methods to fully capture the structural information behind the document and make natural reasoning from the context. Different from the previous methods, this article reconstructs the relation extraction task into a machine reading comprehension task. Each pair of entities and relationships is characterized by a question template, and the extraction of entities and relationships is translated into identifying answers from the context. To enhance the context comprehension ability of the extraction model and achieve more precise extraction, we introduce large language models (LLMs) during question construction, enabling the generation of exemplary answers. Besides, to solve the multi-label and multi-entity problems in documents, we propose a new answer extraction model based on hybrid pointer-sequence labeling, which improves the reasoning ability of the model and realizes the extraction of zero or multiple answers in documents. Extensive experiments on three public datasets show that the proposed method is effective.
Survey of Federated Learning Models for Spatial-Temporal Mobility Applications
Authors: Belal Yacine , Ben Mokhtar Sonia , Haddadi Hamed , Wang Jaron , Mashhadi Afra
Published: June 2024

Federated learning involves training statistical models over edge devices such as mobile phones such that the training data are kept local. Federated Learning (FL) can serve as an ideal candidate for training spatial temporal models that rely on heterogeneous and potentially massive numbers of participants while preserving the privacy of highly sensitive location data. However, there are unique challenges involved with transitioning existing spatial temporal models to federated learning. In this survey article, we review the existing literature that has proposed FL-based models for predicting human mobility, traffic prediction, community detection, location-based recommendation systems, and other spatial-temporal tasks. We describe the metrics and datasets these works have been using and create a baseline of these approaches in comparison to the centralized settings. Finally, we discuss the challenges of applying spatial-temporal models in a decentralized setting and by highlighting the gaps in the literature we provide a road map and opportunities for the research community.
Characterization of the Proximate Composition, Lipid Oxidation Status, and Mineral Content of Mature Tree Nuts from Nine Hazelnut Cultivars Grown in the United States
Authors: Breksa Andrew P. , Vilches Ana M. , Liang Pei-Shih , Toyofuku Natsuko , Haff Ronald P.
Published: June 2024

Hazelnuts are the most popular tree nuts in the world, and regions adjacent the Black and Mediterranean seas are the historic production centers. Characterization of hazelnut cultivars grown in these regions is well reported but is lacking for cultivars grown in the United States. The aim of our study was to characterize nine cultivars selected from the USDA National Germplasm Collection for their proximate composition, lipid oxidation status, and minerals, as well as by NIR spectroscopy. Except for ash content, proximate composition varied across the cultivars and lipids were the predominant component. NIR spectra were similar in pattern and differences in intensity could be accounted for by differences in proximate composition, including lipid, moisture, and protein. Cultivars with the highest moisture content and water activity levels were also those with highest levels of lipid oxidation. Carbon and sulfur content on a fresh weight basis varied from 44.82 g/100 g to 63.82 g/100 g and 96.56 mg/100 g to 164.79 mg/100 g, respectively. The K, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and B contents were determined by MP-AES. Potassium followed by phosphorus was the most abundant elements. Hazelnuts appear to be a good source of dietary copper and manganese providing up 60.5% and 60.4%, respectively, of the recommended daily value while contributing no more than 0.03% of the daily value for sodium. Characterization results were in ranges like those reported for hazelnuts from Asian and European growing regions. However, each cultivar possessed a unique profile.
Exploring the Relationships Between Digital Life Balance and Internet Social Capital, Loneliness, Fear of Missing Out, and Anxiety
Authors: Duradoni Mirko , Serritella Elena , Severino Franca Paola , Guazzini Andrea
Published: June 2024

In today’s interconnected world, the widespread use of the Internet necessitates an understanding of factors influencing individuals’ ability to maintain a balanced relationship with technology. This study investigates digital life balance (DLB) by examining its associations with Internet social capital (ISC), loneliness, fear of missing out (FoMO), and anxiety levels. Five hundred and twenty participants (66% women; Mage=30.12 years, SD=12.46) took part in the data collection. Drawing upon the Psychology of Harmony and Harmonization framework, the study revealed negative correlations between DLB and ISC, loneliness, FoMO, and anxiety levels. Higher ISC was associated with lower DLB, suggesting that an extensive online network might lead to technological imbalance. Increased loneliness, FoMO, and anxiety were negatively associated with DLB, indicating possible disruptions between online and offline activities.
Vibration Suppression and Trajectory Tracking Control of Flexible Joint Manipulator Based on PSO Algorithm and Fixed-Time Control
Authors: Guan Yan , Wang Yang , Yin Rui , Chen Mingshu , Xu Yaqi
Published: June 2024

In this paper, the vibration suppression and trajectory tracking control of a flexible joint manipulator (FJM) based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and fixed-time nonsingular terminal sliding mode control (NTSMC) are studied. Firstly, in order to suppress the residual vibration of the FJM, an optimal trajectory planning method based on higher-order trajectory planning (HOTP) and the PSO algorithm is proposed. Then, to ensure that the FJM can track the optimized trajectory without being affected by the initial value of the trajectory, a novel fixed-time NTSMC scheme is proposed. Compared with the cubic spline trajectory, the proposed HOTP is smoother and can more accurately suppress the residual vibration of the FJM. By combining the HOTP with the PSO algorithm, the vibration amplitude of FJM can be suppressed to around 0.002 mm. Unlike finite-time NTSMC, the rate of convergence of the proposed fixed-time NTSMC does not depend on the initial value of FJM’s joint trajectory. Especially when the initial value of the trajectory is large, the FJM can still quickly track the optimal trajectory within 0 to 1 s. Finally, the effectiveness of this method is verified through simulation and comparison.
Social Support and Psychological Distress of Women in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alharbi Khulud K. , Sinky Tassnym H. , Aldomini Muath , Nour Mohamed O.
Published: June 2024

Background. Social support is an important determinant of the psychological health of women. Aim. To examine social support and its association with psychological distress among women in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods. Data were gathered between February and July 2023, using a cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey of women in Saudi Arabia above the age of 18 (n = 414). The multidimensional scale of perceived social support was utilized to gauge social support. The brief symptom rating scale, a 5-item measure, was used to measure psychological distress. Associations between social support and psychological distress were determined using linear regression considering potential covariates. Results. Results show high levels of psychological distress, with 38.1% of respondents scoring moderate to severe levels of psychological distress. The most commonly reported symptoms of distress were “feeling tense or high-strung” and “feeling easily annoyed or irritated,” with 39.4% and 34.5%, respectively, of respondents experiencing these symptoms moderately to extremely. Moderately high levels of social support were reported, with 77.1% of participants agreeing or strongly agreeing with the “my family really tries to help me” statement. Family/interpersonal relationships, however, were simultaneously the most commonly reported stressor over the past 3 years (59.4%). Unadjusted and adjusted analyses show social support was negatively correlated with psychological distress (β = −0.284, p <0.001; adjusted β = −0.145, p = 0.042), indicating higher levels of social support were correlated with reduced psychological distress. Conclusions. Findings indicate moderate-to-high levels of psychological distress as well as social support and an inverse association between them. This information can be used to inform intervention development. To better understand these domains as they relate to psychological distress, future research is warranted.
Suitable Acidified Eggshell Powder Food Promotes Brachionus calyciflorus Growth and Reproduction: From Antioxidant Capacity Insight
Authors: Danrong Yang , Li Wang , Xufa Ma
Published: June 2024

Rotifers are natural initial bait for fish larvae in freshwater. Here, the effects of various concentrations of acidified eggshell powder solutions (0, 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 mg/L) on the growth and reproduction of the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus were evaluated in culture experiments (11 days). The population density, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and Na and Mg contents in rotifers were significantly higher in the 20–160 mg/L groups than in the control group. A redundancy analysis showed that the Na, Mg, Cr, K, and Ca contents were positively correlated with the rotifer population density and CAT and SOD activity. Furthermore, the generation time and lifespan of F2 rotifers were significantly higher in the 20–40 mg/L treatment groups (82.0 ± 3.7 hr and 162.0 ± 2.7 hr, respectively) than in the control group (64.0 ± 4.0 hr and 128.0 ± 4.0 hr, respectively). Average egg production in F2 rotifers was significantly higher in the 20–80 mg/L treatment groups (15.2 ± 0.7 individuals) than in the control group (11.7 ± 1.2 individuals). These results indicate that 20 mg/L eggshell powder is optimal for growth and reproduction in B. calyciflorus, providing a theoretical basis for using new mineral sources in high‐quality open bait for fish larvae.
Design and Application of a Liquid Detection Device Based on Transmission Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging
Authors: Liu Jintao , Luo Li , Yu Xiangyang , Cai Yefan , Hong Weibin
Published: June 2024

Spectral imaging is performed primarily using reflective devices, but for transparent objects, especially transparent liquids, a transmission-based device is required to obtain more effective spectral imaging data. For this purpose, a transmitted spectral imaging data acquisition device based on a miniature multispectral spectrometer was developed and demonstrated its capability in the analysis of transparent liquids. This device allows rapid and noncontact acquisition of spectral imaging signals from transparent liquid samples. The design of the device mainly includes two parts: a shooting system and a master computer, and the optical path is optimized by selecting the appropriate diffusion plate. As an application example, a concentration-absorbance model of liquid samples at characteristic wavelengths was established and used to predict the concentrations of different liquid samples. Experimental results showed that the relative error of the predicted concentration values was within 4%, indicating excellent detection performance. Therefore, the design of the device demonstrates favorable feasibility and wide applicability in liquid detection systems.