bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scale Effects on the Reduction of Drainage Water and Nitrogen and Phosphorus Loads in Hilly Irrigation Areas
Authors: Yuan Niannian , Li Yalong , Xiong Yujiang , Xu Baokun , Liu Fengli , Fu Haolong
Published: August 2023

The objectives of this study were to clarify the effects of scale on farmland drainage water and the nitrogen and phosphorusload discharged in hilly irrigation areas. An experimental study was conducted to monitor the drainage water volume and nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations at the field, lateral ditch (with a control area of 1.16 km2), branch ditch (with a control area of 7.76 km2), and watershed (with a control area of 43.3 km2) scales in the Yangshudang watershed of the Zhanghe Irrigation District during the rice growth period in 2022. The results showed that from the field scale to the watershed scale, the volume of drainage water, total nitrogen load, nitrate nitrogen load, ammonia nitrogen load, and total phosphorus load per unit area were reduced by 74.6%, 88%, 85%, 87%, and 60%, respectively. The loads of total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and total phosphorus decreased with the increase of scale, showing a pronounced scale effect; however, the infrequent recharge of ponds and weirs and the insufficient storage capacity of ditches led to an increase in nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and hence an increase in the load discharge instead, as in the branch ditch scale of this study. The scale effect was mainly caused by the reuse of farmland drainage water; thus, the ability of ponds and weirs, ditches, and reservoirs in hilly irrigation areas to regulate nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations should be improved. Irrigation methods have a significant influence on nitrogen and phosphorus load discharge. The control of farmland non-point sources in hilly irrigation areas should focus on controlling drainage water at the late tillering stage and improving the recharge function of ponds and weirs and the storage capacity of ditches above the branch ditch scale so as to control the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants.
Weed Response to ALS-Inhibitor Herbicide (Sulfosulfuron + Metsulfuron Methyl) under Increased Temperature and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Ghazikhanlou Sani Yousef , Yousefi Ali Reza , Jamshidi Khalil , Shekari Farid , Gonzalez-Andujar Jose L. , Korres Nicholas E.
Published: August 2023

Information on the impact of climate change on the growth of weed species and their sensitivity to herbicides could help to establish an efficient weed management strategy. Due to the excessive use of acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibitor herbicides, resistance to those herbicides is increasing globally. It is, thus, crucial to find out whether the efficacy of these herbicides will change in the future due to the increase in temperatures and carbon dioxide concentration. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the impact of temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) changes on the growth of Amaranthus retroflexus, Bromus tectorum, Chenopodium album, and Echinochloa crus-galli, including the assessment of sulfosulfuron 75% + metsulfuron methyl 5% efficacy in these weeds. A factorial experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement (2 × 2 × 6), including two CO2 concentrations (400 and 700 ppm), two temperature regimes (30/20 °C and 34/24 °C day/night), and six herbicide rates (0, 25, 37.5, 50, 62.5, and 75 g ha−1). As a result, it was seen that temperature and CO2 concentration changes influenced the morphological variables of the weeds. The temperature regime affected the herbicide’s effectiveness on B. tectorum and E. crus-galli. The herbicide’s efficacy on weed species was affected by the interaction of herbicide rates and the temperature regime, except for on E. crus-galli; the highest efficacy was observed at 30/20 °C and at a rate 50% higher (75 g ha−1) than the recommended one (50 g ha−1). Except for E. crus-galli, increasing CO2 concentrations enhanced the herbicide efficacy and ALS enzyme activity inhibition in all the weed species, but had the greatest effect on C3 weeds. We found that temperature and CO2 levels can alter the efficacy of weed control with herbicides, with clear differences between C3 and C4 plants. As a result, increased temperature and CO2 concentration will possibly allow better control of weed species such as B. tectorum, C. album and A. retroflexus at lower doses of the ALS herbicide under investigation.
Crop Rotation Practiced by Romanian Crop Farms before the Introduction of the “Environmentally Beneficial Practices Applicable to Arable Land” Eco-Scheme
Authors: Stoicea Paula , Basa Adrian Gheorghe , Stoian Elena , Toma Elena , Micu Marius Mihai , Gidea Mihai , Dobre Carina Andreea , Iorga Adina Magdalena , Chiurciu Irina Adriana
Published: August 2023

The main objective of this article is the analysis of crop rotation applied to three crop farms of different sizes in Romania. The period under study is before the implementation of the “Environmentally beneficial practices applicable to arable land” eco-scheme, included in the National Strategic Plan of Romania, 2023–2027, in the section on direct payments related to subsidies. The analysed crop farms have different areas, as follows: Farm A—64.97 ha, Farm B—615.50 ha and Farm C—2881.33 ha. This research aims to highlight the agro-environmental conditions specific to each farm that are required to be met by 2023. The data analysis highlights the fact that farms under 100 ha, such as Farm A, must apply the conditions of the eco-scheme as follows: 3.25 ha with non-productive elements, including uncultivated land; 6.50 ha cultivated with crops from the Leguminosae family, 16.25 ha cultivated with cereals, 19.49 ha cultivated with corn, 12.99 ha cultivated with sunflowers, 3.25 ha cultivated with watermelon and 3.25 ha cultivated with vegetables. These farms do not apply modern technologies and have fragmented surfaces, and must have both uncultivated areas and areas planted with nitrogen-fixing crops, but must also practice crop diversification. Farms of over 100 ha, such as Farm B, must have 30.78 ha of non-productive elements and 246.20 ha cultivated with crops from the Leguminosae family, of which 30.78 ha are perennial crops and 215.42 ha are annual crops, such as soy. Crop diversification is also recommended, with 92.33 ha cultivated with cereals, 184.65 ha cultivated with corn and 61.55 ha cultivated with oil crops, sunflower and/or rapeseed. Farms the size of Farm C must have 144.07 ha of non-productive elements, 720.33 ha must be cultivated with crops from the Leguminosae family, such as soy, and diversify crops as follows: 720.33 ha—cereals, 720.33 ha—corn, 518.64 ha—sunflower and/or rapeseed and 57.63 ha—potatoes.
Goat Production, Supply Chains, Challenges, and Opportunities for Development in Vietnam: A Review
Authors: Nguyen Viet Don , Nguyen Cong Oanh , Chau Thi Minh Long , Nguyen Dinh Quang Duy , Han Anh Tuan , Le Thi Thanh Huyen
Published: August 2023

The current situation of goat production and supply chains in Vietnam, along with its difficulties and possibilities, is presented in this review paper. The data and reports of government agencies, scientific journals, and websites were analysed in order to determine the prevailing situation in goat production and marketing. Goats are mainly raised on small-scale farms (73.4% of the total goat population). Goat production is transforming from extensive grazing to cut-and-carry intensive systems. Goat meat and milk supplies have not fully met domestic demand. However, the scale of the domestic market is difficult to ascertain, due to the lack of market research and statistics. Goat marketing is mostly informal and overwhelmingly conducted by small-scale producers and traders, although there are numerous governmental agencies at both the national and local levels regulating formal marketing. The major challenges facing the goat industry are feed shortage; supply inconsistency; limited market infrastructure and research; a lack of sustainable breeding programmes, price incentives, and processing facilities; and competition from foreign suppliers. However, there are opportunities to expand and develop the industry, such as consumers’ health consciousness, increasing demand, high-value adding, and strong government support.
Changes in S100A8/A9 and S100A12 and Their Comparison with Other Analytes in the Saliva of Pigs with Diarrhea Due to E. coli
Authors: Ortín-Bustillo Alba , Botía María , López-Martínez María José , Martínez-Subiela Silvia , Cerón José Joaquín , González-Bulnes Antonio , Manzanilla Edgar García , Goyena Elena , Tecles Fernando , Muñoz-Prieto Alberto
Published: August 2023

The family of calgranulins includes S100A8 (calgranulin A), S100A9 (calgranulin B), which can appear as a heterodimer known as S100A8/A9 or calprotectin, and S100A12 (calgranulin C). These proteins are related to different inflammatory conditions, immune-mediated diseases, and sepsis and are considered biomarkers of potential interest. This study aims to evaluate if S100A8/A9 and A12 could change in pigs with diarrhea due to E. coli and to compare the changes of S100A8/A9 and A12 with other analytes in order to explore the possible causes or mechanisms involved. For this purpose, a panel integrated by analytes related to inflammation (haptoglobin, inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor 4 (ITIH4), and total protein); immune system (adenosine deaminase, ADA); stress (alpha-amylase); tissue damage (lactate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)); sepsis (aldolase) and redox status (ferric-reducing ability of saliva (FRAS) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP)) was evaluated. S100A8/A9 and A12 and the other analytes measured in this study showed increases in the saliva of pigs with diarrhea due to E. coli. S100A8/A9 and/or A12 showed a significant correlation of different magnitude with some of the other analytes evaluated. Further studies should be conducted to gain knowledge about the possible practical applications as biomarkers of the measurements of S100A8/A9 and A12 in the saliva of pigs.
The Characteristics, Distribution, Function, and Origin of Alternative Lateral Horse Gaits
Authors: Vincelette Alan
Published: August 2023

This article traces the characteristics, origin, distribution, and function of alternative lateral horse gaits, i.e., intermediate speed lateral-sequence gaits. Such alternative lateral gaits (running walk, rack, broken pace, hard pace, and broken trot) are prized by equestrians today for their comfort and have been found in select horse breeds for hundreds of years and even exhibited in fossil equid trackways. After exploring the evolution and development of alternative lateral gaits via fossil equid trackways, human art, and historical writings, the functional and genetic factors that led to the genesis of these gaits are discussed. Such gaited breeds were particularly favored and spread by the Scythians, Celts, Turks, and Spaniards. Fast and low-swinging hard pacing gaits are common in several horse breeds of mountainous areas of East and North Asia; high-stepping rack and running walk gaits are often displayed in European and North and South American breeds; the broken pace is found in breeds of Central Asia, Southeast Asia, West Asia, Western North America, and Brazil in South America; and the broken trot occurs in breeds of North Asia, South Asia, the Southern United States, and Brazil in South America, inhabiting desert or marshy areas.
Residue Concentrations of Cloxacillin in Milk after Intramammary Dry Cow Treatment Considering Dry Period Length
Authors: Fischer-Tenhagen Carola , Bohm Detlev , Finnah Anke , Arlt Sebastian , Schlesinger Samira , Borchardt Stefan , Sutter Franziska , Tippenhauer Christie M. , Heuwieser Wolfgang , Venjakob Peter L.
Published: August 2023

Dry cow treatment with an intramammary antibiotic is recommended to reduce the risk of mastitis at the beginning of the next lactation. The dry period may be shortened unintentionally, affecting antibiotic residue depletion and the time when residues reach concentrations below the maximum residue limit (MRL). The objective of this study was to evaluate residue depletion in milk after dry cow treatment with cloxacillin, considering dry periods of 14 (G14d), 21 (G21d), and 28 d (G28d). Overall, fifteen cows with 60 udder quarters were included in the study. For each cow, three of the udder quarters were treated with 1000 mg cloxacillin benzathine (2:1) on d 252, d 259, and d 266 of gestation; one quarter was left untreated. Milk samples were drawn until 20 DIM and milk composition, somatic cell count and cloxacillin residues were analyzed. The HPLC-MS/MS revealed different excretion kinetics for the compounds cloxacillin and cloxacillin benzathine (1:1). All cows showed a cloxacillin and cloxacillin benzathine (1:1) concentration below the MRL of 30 µg/kg after 5 d. In the udder quarters of G21d and G28d, the cloxacillin concentration was already below the MRL at first milking after calving. The cloxacillin benzathine (1:1) concentration in the milk of G28d, G21d, and G14d fell below 30 µg/kg on the 5th, 3rd, and 5th DIM, respectively. Shortening the dry period affects residue depletion after dry cow treatment with cloxacillin. The risk of exceeding the MRL, however, seems low, even with dry periods shorter than 14 d.
An Efficient Neural Network Design Incorporating Autoencoders for the Classification of Bat Echolocation Sounds
Authors: Alipek Sercan , Maelzer Moritz , Paumen Yannick , Schauer-Weisshahn Horst , Moll Jochen
Published: August 2023

Bats are widely distributed around the world, have adapted to many different environments and are highly sensitive to changes in their habitat, which makes them essential bioindicators of environmental changes. Passive acoustic monitoring over long durations, like months or years, accumulates large amounts of data, turning the manual identification process into a time-consuming task for human experts. Automated acoustic monitoring of bat activity is therefore an effective and necessary approach for bat conservation, especially in wind energy applications, where flying animals like bats and birds have high fatality rates. In this work, we provide a neural-network-based approach for bat echolocation pulse detection with subsequent genus classification and species classification under real-world conditions, including various types of noise. Our supervised model is supported by an unsupervised learning pipeline that uses autoencoders to compress linear spectrograms into latent feature vectors that are fed into a UMAP clustering algorithm. This pipeline offers additional insights into the data properties, aiding in model interpretation. We compare data collected from two locations over two consecutive years sampled at four heights (10 m, 35 m, 65 m and 95 m). With sufficient data for each labeled bat class, our model is able to comprehend the full echolocation soundscape of a species or genus while still being computationally efficient and simple by design. Measured classification F1 scores in a previously unknown test set range from 92.3% to 99.7% for species and from 94.6% to 99.4% for genera.
Palladium(II) Metal Complex Fabricated Titanium Implant Mitigates Dual-Species Biofilms in Artificial Synovial Fluid
Authors: Jothipandiyan Sowndarya , Suresh Devarajan , Sekaran Saravanan , Paramasivam Nithyanand
Published: August 2023

Metallodrugs have a potent application in various medical fields. In the current study, we used a novel Palladium(II) thiazolinyl picolinamide complex that was directly fabricated over the titanium implant to examine its potency in inhibiting dual-species biofilms and exopolysaccharides. Additionally, inhibition of mono- and dual-species biofilms by coated titanium plates in an in vitro joint microcosm was performed. The study was carried out for 7 days by cultivating mono- and dual-species biofilms on titanium plates placed in both growth media and artificial synovial fluid (ASF). By qPCR analysis, the interaction of co-cultured biofilms in ASF and the alteration in gene expression of co-cultured biofilms were studied. Remarkable alleviation of biofilm accumulation and EPS secretion was observed on the coated titanium plates. The effective impairment of biofilms and EPS matrix of biofilms on Pd(II)-E-coated titanium plates were visualized by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Moreover, coated titanium plates improved the adhesion of osteoblast cells, which is crucial for a bone biomaterial. The potential bioactivity of coated plates was also confirmed at the molecular level using qPCR analysis. The stability of coated plates in ASF for 7 days was examined with FESEM-EDAX analysis. Collectively, the present study provided an excellent anti-infective effect on Pd(II)-E-coated titanium plates without affecting their biocompatibility with bone cells.
Microbial Landscape and Antibiotic-Susceptibility Profiles of Microorganisms in Patients with Bacterial Pneumonia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study of COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Cases in Aktobe, Kazakhstan
Authors: Ablakimova Nurgul , Mussina Aigul Z. , Smagulova Gaziza A. , Rachina Svetlana , Kurmangazin Meirambek S. , Balapasheva Aigerim , Karimoldayeva Dinara , Zare Afshin , Mahdipour Mahdi , Rahmanifar Farhad
Published: August 2023

This cross-sectional study investigated the microbial landscape and antibiotic-resistance patterns in patients with bacterial pneumonia, with a focus on the impact of COVID-19. Sputum samples from individuals with bacterial pneumonia, including coronavirus disease 2019-positive polymerase chain reaction (COVID-19-PCR+), COVID-19-PCR− and non-COVID-19 patients, were analyzed. Surprisingly, the classic etiological factor of bacterial pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae, was rarely isolated from the sputum samples. Furthermore, the frequency of multidrug-resistant pathogens was found to be higher in non-COVID-19 patients, highlighting the potential impact of the pandemic on antimicrobial resistance. Strains obtained from COVID-19-PCR+ patients exhibited significant resistance to commonly used antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins. Notably, the ESKAPE pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Enterobacter aerogenes, were identified among the isolated microorganisms. Our findings underscore the urgent need for infection control measures and responsible antibiotic use in healthcare settings, as well as the importance of enhancing pneumonia diagnostics and implementing standardized laboratory protocols.
Ruta graveolens: Boost Melanogenic Effects and Protection against Oxidative Damage in Melanocytes
Authors: Ainiwaer Pazilaiti , Li Zuopeng , Zang Deng , Jiang Lan , Zou Guoan , Aisa Haji Akber
Published: August 2023

Vitiligo, an acquired depigmentation disorder, is characterized by the loss of functional melanocytes and epidermal melanin. In recent years, research has focused on promoting melanin biosynthesis and protecting melanocytes to reduce stress-related damage for the purpose of applying it to vitiligo treatment. Ruta graveolens L. has been utilized as a medicinal herb in diverse traditional medicine systems to address conditions like vitiligo. In this investigation, we isolated and purified 16 unique alkaloid compounds from the chloroform extracts of R. graveolens, encompassing a new quinoline alkaloid and several recognized compounds. Bioactivity analysis showed that compound 13, an alkaloid derived from R. graveolens, promotes melanin production while protecting PIG3V melanocytes against 4-tert-butylphenol (4-TBP)-induced oxidative damage by downregulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines through interleukin-6 (IL-6) regulation. Additionally, the compound suppressed the expression of Bip, IRE1, p-IRE1, and XBP-1 proteins, suggesting a potential antioxidant function. These findings suggest that compound 13 isolated from R. graveolens can augment melanogenesis in melanocytes, reduce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and ameliorate vitiligo exacerbation. The melanogenic activity observed in the chloroform fraction emphasizes R. graveolens’s potential as a novel therapeutic target for vitiligo treatment, warranting further exploration in future studies.
Localization and Classification of Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders Using Explainable AI from Endoscopic Images
Authors: Nouman Noor Muhammad , Nazir Muhammad , Khan Sajid Ali , Ashraf Imran , Song Oh-Young
Published: August 2023

Globally, gastrointestinal (GI) tract diseases are on the rise. If left untreated, people may die from these diseases. Early discovery and categorization of these diseases can reduce the severity of the disease and save lives. Automated procedures are necessary, since manual detection and categorization are laborious, time-consuming, and prone to mistakes. In this work, we present an automated system for the localization and classification of GI diseases from endoscopic images with the help of an encoder–decoder-based model, XceptionNet, and explainable artificial intelligence (AI). Data augmentation is performed at the preprocessing stage, followed by segmentation using an encoder–decoder-based model. Later, contours are drawn around the diseased area based on segmented regions. Finally, classification is performed on segmented images by well-known classifiers, and results are generated for various train-to-test ratios for performance analysis. For segmentation, the proposed model achieved 82.08% dice, 90.30% mIOU, 94.35% precision, and 85.97% recall rate. The best performing classifier achieved 98.32% accuracy, 96.13% recall, and 99.68% precision using the softmax classifier. Comparison with the state-of-the-art techniques shows that the proposed model performed well on all the reported performance metrics. We explain this improvement in performance by utilizing heat maps with and without the proposed technique.
A Survey on Cyber Risk Management for the Internet of Things
Authors: Parsons Emily Kate , Panaousis Emmanouil , Loukas George , Sakellari Georgia
Published: August 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow at a rapid pace, becoming integrated into the daily operations of individuals and organisations. IoT systems automate crucial services within daily life that users may rely on, which makes the assurance of security towards entities such as devices and information even more significant. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of papers that model cyber risk management processes within the context of IoT, and provide recommendations for further work. Using 39 collected papers, we studied IoT cyber risk management frameworks against four research questions that delve into cyber risk management concepts and human-orientated vulnerabilities. The importance of this work being human-driven is to better understand how individuals can affect risk and the ways that humans can be impacted by attacks within different IoT domains. Through the analysis, we identified open areas for future research and ideas that researchers should consider.
Modified Periosteal Inhibition (MPI) Technique for Immediate Implants: A Multi-Center Retrospective Case Series Study
Authors: Grassi Andrea , Memè Lucia , Rossi Roberto , Faustini Fabio , Marinotti Fabio , Bambini Fabrizio , Mummolo Stefano
Published: August 2023

Background: Alveolar socket preservation is a topic of serious interest, and researchers have investigated this problem quite extensively. In terms of aesthetics, it is very important to avoid bone resorption if the clinician decides to insert the implant immediately after the extraction. Recently, a new approach utilizing a barrier external to the socket has been developed, which has advanced the evolution of this technique. Immediate implants have also created some difficulty when re-evaluated in long-term follow-up, especially when an aesthetic result is part of the goal of the procedure. Methods: The modified periosteal inhibition (MPI) technique, which has shown interesting outcomes, is evaluated in this paper on a large group of patients. In this case series, among 14 patients, 11 received immediate implants using the MPI technique and immediate provisionalization, and 3 received immediate implants using the MPI technique and customized healing abutment. All patients showed ridge preservation to different degrees, ranging from 0.02 to 1.17 mm, with an average gain of 0.51 mm. Results: all of the 14 patients maintained the original ridge shape, and 1 showed an increase in bucco-lingual size. Conclusions: This case series confirms the promising information reported in earlier studies on this technique. Larger samples will be necessary to confirm the predictability of this new approach.
Sentinel-2 Observation of Water Color Variations in Inland Water across Guangzhou and Shenzhen after the Establishment of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area
Authors: Zhao Yelong , Chen Jinsong , Li Xiaoli
Published: August 2023

Guangzhou and Shenzhen are two core cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). It is increasingly important to regulate water quality in urban development. The Forel–Ule Index (FUI) can be obtained by optical data and is an important indicator. Therefore, we used Sentinel-2 to calculate the FUI of 41 lakes and reservoirs in Guangzhou and Shenzhen from January to December in 2016–2021, and analyzed their spatio-temporal variations, including spatial distributions, seasonal variations, and inter-annual variations. We also performed a correlation analysis of driving factors. In Guangzhou, the FUI was low in the north and west, and high in the south and east. In Shenzhen, the FUI was high in the west and low in the east. Moreover, 68% of the lakes and reservoirs in Guangzhou exhibited seasonal variations, with a low FUI in summer and autumn, and high levels in spring and winter. Shenzhen had the lowest FUI in autumn. Furthermore, 36% of the lakes and reservoirs in Guangzhou exhibited increasing inter-annual variations, whereas Shenzhen exhibited stable and decreasing inter-annual variations. Among the 41 lakes and reservoirs analyzed herein, the FUI of 10 water areas were positively correlated with precipitation, while the FUI of 31 water areas were negatively correlated with precipitation. Increased precipitation leads to an increase in external pollutants and sediment, as well as the resuspension of substances in the water, resulting in more turbid water. Therefore, an increase in precipitation is positively correlated with the FUI, whereas a decrease in precipitation is negatively correlated with the FUI. These findings can be used to design suitable management policies to maintain and control the local water quality.
Analysis of Water Inrush Disaster Mechanism of Inter-Layer Rocks between Close Coal Seams under the Influence of Mining
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wu Jianjun , Yang Tao , Yang Sen , He Yifeng , Gao Shoushi
Published: August 2023

With the gradual increase in the mining depth of coal resources, the destruction of the rock structure of the inter-layered rock of the near coal seam under the influence of mining has led to the frequent occurrence of water-inrush disasters in mines, which seriously affects the safety of mine production and the safety of the people in the underground. Therefore, it is important to study the mechanism of the water inrush of the rock between the coal seams under the influence of mining to control the occurrence of water inrush disasters and protect the loss of groundwater resources. This paper takes the Hanjiawan coal mine with typical stratigraphic characteristics as the background for research and studies the structural characteristics of interlayer rock breakage and the solid–liquid coupling inrush water disaster mechanism during the mining of 2−2 and 3−1 coals. The study shows that according to the damage degree and destruction depth of the inter-layered rock caused by the mining of the upper and lower coal seams, combined with the slip line theory and the “three bands” collapse theory, the inter-layered rock is classified into a completely fractured inter-layer, a fractured–broken stacked inter-layer, and a fractured–broken–fractured combined inter-layered rock using L≤hm+Hk2′, L>hm+Hk2′, and L≥hm+Hli2′ as the discriminating criteria. Combined with the structural classification of inter-layer rock and the discriminating criteria, we used similar simulation experiments and on-site research to analyze the evolution law and distribution characteristics of four types of inter-layer rock water-inrush fractures in different mines and put forward the classification of inter-layer rock water-inrush channels based on the width, length, and penetration of the fractures. Based on the characteristics of the water-inrush channel of inter-layer rock, we constructed the network-boundary inrush water calculation model of inter-layered rock and network-attach-boundary inrush water calculation model, solved the water movement of the water-inrush channel in the model by transforming the flat flow state, fracture to flow state, and pore-fracture flow state, and finally revealed the mechanism of the disaster by which water-inrush of inter-layer rocked was induced. Finally, we revealed its mechanism of inducing the inter-layer rock inrush water disaster. Our research enriches the theory and research ideas of the water-inrush disaster, provides theoretical support and a basis for the control of water-inrush disasters in similar conditions, and ensures the safe production of mines.
The Incorporation of Waste Sludge into the Production of High-Temperature-Resistant Adhesive Ceramic Materials
Authors: Nišić Neda , Kragović Milan , Gulicovski Jelena , Žunić Milan , Basoli Francesco , Gordić Milan , Stojmenović Marija
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the interest of the scientific community has become focused on the integration of circular economy principles by eliminating end-of-life concepts and forming zero-waste strategies. The present paper suggests the possible application of innovative, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and highly efficient ceramic materials with the partial implementation of aluminosilicate-based waste in the form of wastewater sludge in advanced technology solutions. The specific objective was to demonstrate the effective utilization of the investigated waste in the production of refractory adhesives and/or sealants for Intermediate-Temperature Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells (IT-SOFCs). Different physical–mechanical and chemical properties were determined along with the performance of leaching tests, the thermal cycling procedure, and leakage tests in a single cell. Based on the maintenance of mechanical integrity after thermal cycling and satisfying crystal and microstructural stability after high-temperature treatment, it was concluded that the investigated materials may be considered promising candidates for application as heat-resistant adhesives for connecting components in heating systems. However, they were not found to be applicable as sealants for IT-SOFCs in raw form according to the failure of testing in a single cell. Still, requirements for this purpose could be met after certain modifications of the composition and synthesis methodology, which presents the major initiative for our further research in this field.
Stabilisation of Soft Clay, Quick Clay and Peat by Industrial By-Products and Biochars
Authors: Hov Solve , Paniagua Priscilla , Sætre Christian , Long Mike , Cornelissen Gerard , Ritter Stefan
Published: August 2023

The stabilisation of soft soils using the traditional binders cement and quicklime are known to emit large amounts of carbon dioxide. To reduce this carbon footprint, substitutes such as industrial by-products have been thoroughly tested as viable alternatives for soil stabilisation. However, recent research has also shown that biochar from biomass pyrolysis can in some instances have a positive stabilisation effect and even result in a carbon-negative footprint. This paper presents a laboratory study to investigate the stabilisation effect of five industrial by-products and four types of biochar on three natural Norwegian soils: two clays with low and high water contents and one peat with a very high water content. The soils and binders were characterised by their mineralogical and chemical compositions. The biochars had varying stabilisation effects on the clays when combined with cement, with some negative stabilisation effects, whilst the effect was very beneficial in the peat, with a strength increase of up to 80%. The industrial by-products showed opposite results, with beneficial effects in the clays and a strength increase of up to 150%, but negative stabilisation effects in the peat. Correlating the mineralogical and chemical compositions to stabilisation effects was found to be challenging.
A SDoF Response Model for Elastic–Plastic Beams under Impact at Any Point on the Span
Authors: Shi Shiyun
Published: August 2023

This study aims to investigate the elastic–plastic response of a clamped-clamped beam struck by a rigid heavy mass with a low velocity at any point on the span. The impact system is simplified as a single-degree-of-freedom (SDoF) mass-spring model to formulate the beam’s equations of motion during loading and unloading. With the consideration of material elasticity and large deflection, elastic–plastic analytical solutions are derived to predict the global deformation behavior of the beam. Validation and comparison are conducted against numerical simulations performed using ABAQUS, and satisfactory agreement is achieved for the predictions of the structural dynamic behavior. Meanwhile, a parametric study is presented to assess the influence of the impact location on the characteristic response parameters, which suggests that the structural stiffness increases as the impact location approaches the beam’s support. The findings drawn from analytical and numerical studies can be useful in the anti-impact design of engineering structures.
Automatic Detection of Inconsistencies and Hierarchical Topic Classification for Open-Domain Chatbots
Authors: Rodríguez-Cantelar Mario , Estecha-Garitagoitia Marcos , D’Haro Luis Fernando , Matía Fernando , Córdoba Ricardo
Published: August 2023

Current State-of-the-Art (SotA) chatbots are able to produce high-quality sentences, handling different conversation topics and larger interaction times. Unfortunately, the generated responses depend greatly on the data on which they have been trained, the specific dialogue history and current turn used for guiding the response, the internal decoding mechanisms, and ranking strategies, among others. Therefore, it may happen that for semantically similar questions asked by users, the chatbot may provide a different answer, which can be considered as a form of hallucination or producing confusion in long-term interactions. In this research paper, we propose a novel methodology consisting of two main phases: (a) hierarchical automatic detection of topics and subtopics in dialogue interactions using a zero-shot learning approach, and (b) detecting inconsistent answers using k-means and the Silhouette coefficient. To evaluate the efficacy of topic and subtopic detection, we use a subset of the DailyDialog dataset and real dialogue interactions gathered during the Alexa Socialbot Grand Challenge 5 (SGC5). The proposed approach enables the detection of up to 18 different topics and 102 subtopics. For the purpose of detecting inconsistencies, we manually generate multiple paraphrased questions and employ several pre-trained SotA chatbot models to generate responses. Our experimental results demonstrate a weighted F-1 value of 0.34 for topic detection, a weighted F-1 value of 0.78 for subtopic detection in DailyDialog, then 81% and 62% accuracy for topic and subtopic classification in SGC5, respectively. Finally, to predict the number of different responses, we obtained a mean squared error (MSE) of 3.4 when testing smaller generative models and 4.9 in recent large language models.
A Distributed Intelligent Lighting Control System Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Fang Peixin , Wang Ming , Li Jingzheng , Zhao Qianchuan , Zheng Xuehan , Gao He
Published: August 2023

With the rapid development of human society, people’s requirements for lighting are also increasing. The amount of energy consumed by lighting systems in buildings is increasing, but most current lighting systems are inefficient and provide insufficient light comfort. Therefore, this paper proposes an intelligent lighting control system based on a distributed architecture, incorporating a dynamic shading system for adjusting the interior lighting environment. The system comprises two subsystems: lighting and shading. The shading subsystem utilizes fuzzy control logic to control lighting based on the room’s temperature and illumination, thereby achieving rapid control with fewer calculations. The lighting subsystem employs a Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm to optimize the luminaire dimming problem based on room illuminance in order to maximize user convenience while achieving uniform illumination. This paper also includes the construction of a prototype box on which the system is evaluated in two distinct circumstances. The results of the tests demonstrate that the system functions properly, has stability and real-time performance, and can adapt to complex and variable outdoor environments. The maximum relative error between actual and expected illuminance is less than 10%, and the average relative error is less than 5% when achieving uniform illuminance.
Optimizing the Control Level Factors of an Ultrasonic Plastic Welding Machine Affecting the Durability of the Knots of Trawl Nets Using the Taguchi Experimental Method
Authors: Nguyen Nghia-Danh , Huang Shyh-Chour
Published: August 2023

Ultrasonic welding is a high-frequency method of welding that uses mechanical energy to generate heat. This is a clean welding method and very suitable for plastic welding. In this study, using the Taguchi experimental method, the control factors of an ultrasonic plastic welding machine were optimized to affect the durability of knots of trawl nets made from polyamide (PA) and polypropylene (PP) filaments as an alternative to the traditional mesh knitting method. After optimization, the PA knots had an amplitude of 32 µm (34%), a welding pressure of 2.5 kg/cm2 (41%), a hold time of 0.35 s (24%), and a speed of 5.5 mm/s (1%). The knots made of PP filament had relatively stable strength after optimization, with an amplitude of 36 µm (25%), a welding pressure of 2.0 kg/cm2 (22%), a hold time of 0.25 s (16%), and a speed of 6.0 mm/s (37%). Finally, validation experiments were conducted to verify the results obtained in this study.
The Effect of Combined Isometric and Plyometric Training versus Contrast Strength Training on Physical Performance in Male Junior Handball Players
Authors: Allégue Hédi , Turki Olfa , Oranchuk Dustin J. , Khemiri Aymen , Schwesig René , Chelly Mohamed Souhaiel
Published: August 2023

Exploring resistance training methods is crucial for optimizing performance programs. Isometric muscle actions have gained popularity in athletic training, but their impact on dynamic performance is uncertain. Isolated isometric actions also lack ecological validity. We compared the effects of 8-week combined isometric and plyometric (COMB) training and contrast strength training (CST) programs on junior male handball players. Thirty-six male first national division players (17.6 ± 1.0 years) were enrolled and randomly assigned to COMB, CST, or control (CONT) groups (all n = 12). Sprinting, change of direction, ball throwing velocity, jumping, and strength were assessed pre- and post-intervention. A significant group × time interaction was observed between the COMB and CONT groups for 20 and 30 m sprints (p ≤ 0.002) and between the COMB and CST groups (p ≤ 0.042). The COMB group had the largest improvements in change of direction and the modified T-test, with significant group × time interactions between the COMB and CONT groups (p ≤ 0.021). Significant group × time interactions were observed between the COMB and CST groups and between the COMB and CONT groups for 3 step running throw (p = 0.003; p < 0.001), running throw (p = 0.02; p = 0.031), and jumping throw (p = 0.001; p < 0.001). Countermovement jump showed a significant group × time interaction (p = 0.014), with the COMB group outperforming the other groups. Generally, COMB yielded larger improvements than CST. Coaches should consider incorporating a combination of isometric and plyometric exercises for in-season strength training.
Research on the Quality Evaluation Method of Mobile Emergency Big Data Based on the Measure of Medium Truth Degree
Authors: Li Jianxun , Li Qing , Fu Haoxin , Lai Kin Keung
Published: August 2023

Mobile emergency services are better able to meet the needs of frequent public emergencies; however, their data quality problems seriously affect decision-making. In order to reduce the interference of low-quality data and solve the problem of data quality ambiguity, this paper first summarizes the five characteristics of mobile emergency big data. Second, based on the characteristics of mobile emergency big data, four data quality dimensions are defined with reference to existing research and national standards and combined with the measure of medium truth degree to give single-dimension and multi-dimension data quality truth degree measure models. Finally, a subjective-objective, qualitative-quantitative mobile emergency big data quality evaluation method based on the measure of medium truth degree is formed. The validity and practicality of the method are also verified by examples of algorithmic analysis of fire text datasets from Australian mountain fire data and the Chinese Emergency Incident Corpus. The experiments show that the method can realize quantitative mobile emergency big data quality assessment, solve the problem of data quality ambiguity, and reduce the interference of low-quality data, so as to save resources and improve the analysis and decision-making ability.
The Surprising Roles of Turbulence in Tropical Cyclone Physics
Authors: Emanuel Kerry , Velez-Pardo Martin , Cronin Timothy W.
Published: August 2023

Tropical cyclones have long been known to be powered by turbulent enthalpy fluxes from the ocean’s surface and slowed by turbulent momentum fluxes into the surface. Here, we review evidence that the development and structure of these storms are also partially controlled by turbulence in the outflow near the storm’s top. Finally, we present new research that shows that tropical cyclone-like, low-aspect-ratio vortices are most likely in systems in which the bottom heat flux is controlled by mechanical turbulence, and the top boundary is insulating.
Smart Approaches for Evaluating Photosynthetically Active Radiation at Various Stations Based on MSG Prime Satellite Imagery
Authors: Thomas Claire , Wandji Nyamsi William , Arola Antti , Pfeifroth Uwe , Trentmann Jörg , Dorling Stephen , Laguarda Agustín , Fischer Milan , Aculinin Alexandr
Published: August 2023

Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is the 400–700 nm portion of the solar radiation spectrum that photoautotrophic organisms including plants, algae, and cyanobacteria use for photosynthesis. PAR is a key variable in global ecosystem and Earth system modeling, playing a prominent role in carbon and water cycling. Alongside air temperature, water availability, and atmospheric CO2 concentration, PAR controls photosynthesis and consequently biomass productivity in general. The management of agricultural and horticultural crops, forests, grasslands, and even grasses at sports venues is a non-exhaustive list of applications for which an accurate knowledge of the PAR resource is desirable. Modern agrivoltaic systems also require a good knowledge of PAR in conjunction with the variables needed to monitor the co-located photovoltaic system. In situ quality-controlled PAR sensors provide high-quality information for specific locations. However, due to associated installation and maintenance costs, such high-quality data are relatively scarce and generally extend over a restricted and sometimes non-continuous period. Numerous studies have already demonstrated the potential offered by surface radiation estimates based on satellite information as reliable alternatives to in situ measurements. The accuracy of these estimations is site-dependent and is related, for example, to the local climate, landscape, and viewing angle of the satellite. To assess the accuracy of PAR satellite models, we inter-compared 11 methods for estimating 30 min surface PAR based on satellite-derived estimations at 33 ground-based station locations over several climate regions in Europe, Africa, and South America. Averaged across stations, the results showed average relative biases (relative to the measurement mean) across methods of 1 to 20%, an average relative standard deviation of 25 to 30%, an average relative root mean square error of 25% to 35% and a correlation coefficient always above 0.95 for all methods. Improved performance was seen for all methods at relatively cloud-free sites, and quality degraded towards the edge of the Meteosat Second Generation viewing area. A good compromise between computational time, memory allocation, and performance was achieved for most locations using the Jacovides coefficient applied to the global horizontal irradiance from HelioClim-3 or the CAMS Radiation Service. In conclusion, satellite estimations can provide a reliable alternative estimation of ground-based PAR for most applications.
Understanding the Characteristics of Vertical Structures for Wind Speed Observations via Wind-LIDAR on Jeju Island
Authors: Yi Dong-Won , Choi Hee-Wook , Lee Sang-Sam , Lee Yong Hee
Published: August 2023

Wind observations at multiple levels (40–200 m) have been conducted over a five-year time period (2016–2020) on Jeju Island of South Korea. This study aims to understand the vertical and temporal characteristics of the lower atmosphere. Jeju Island is a region located at mid-latitude and is affected by seasonal wind. The maximum wind speed occurs in the relatively lower altitudes during daytime and is delayed in the relatively higher altitude after sunset in a diurnal cycle. In the summer season, the altitudes appear earlier than in other seasons via the dominant solar radiation effect during daytime, and the altitude after sunset increases up to 160 m. However, the maximum wind speed in the winter season occurs irregularly among altitudes, and it is lower than that in the summer season. This can be attributed to the increase in the mean wind speed in the diurnal cycle caused by the strong northwestern wind in the winter season. These results imply that the relationship between near-surface and higher altitudes is primarily affected by solar radiation and seasonal winds. These results are expected to contribute to site selection criteria for wind farms.