bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transform-Limited Sub-100-fs Cr:ZnS Laser with a Graphene-ZnSe Saturable Absorber
Authors: Cho Won Bae , Shin Dong Ho
Published: October 2023

In this work, we present ultrashort pulse generation from passively mode-locked Cr:ZnS laser with a monolayer graphene-coated ZnSe substrate exhibiting high nonlinearity. The femtosecond Cr:ZnS laser produces output power up to 330 mW at a 233 MHz repetition rate. Even in the presence of an uneven negative dispersion profile, the enhanced self-phase modulation by the ZnSe substrate of the graphene saturable absorber enables the polycrystalline Cr:ZnS laser to produce slightly chirped 99 fs pulses at 2373 nm. With extracavity dispersion compensation using a mixture of 3 mm and 2 mm thick ZnSe plates, the pulse width was compressed from 99 fs to 73 fs, resulting in an improved time–bandwidth product from 0.431 to 0.318. Assuming a sech2 pulse shape (0.315), the pulses were almost transform-limited. These results indicate that utilizing a graphene saturable absorber on a substrate with high nonlinearity presents an effective method for developing sub-100 fs solid-state lasers within the mid-IR spectral range.
Compressive Reconstruction Based on Sparse Autoencoder Network Prior for Single-Pixel Imaging
Authors: Zeng Hong , Dong Jiawei , Li Qianxi , Chen Weining , Dong Sen , Guo Huinan , Wang Hao
Published: October 2023

The combination of single-pixel imaging and single photon-counting technology enables ultra-high-sensitivity photon-counting imaging. In order to shorten the reconstruction time of single-photon counting, the algorithm of compressed sensing is used to reconstruct the underdetermined image. Compressed sensing theory based on prior constraints provides a solution that can achieve stable and high-quality reconstruction, while the prior information generated by the network may overfit the feature extraction and increase the burden of the system. In this paper, we propose a novel sparse autoencoder network prior for the reconstruction of the single-pixel imaging, and we also propose the idea of multi-channel prior, using the fully connected layer to construct the sparse autoencoder network. Then, take the network training results as prior information and use the numerical gradient descent method to solve underdetermined linear equations. The experimental results indicate that this sparse autoencoder network prior for the single-photon counting compressed images reconstruction has the ability to outperform the traditional one-norm prior, effectively improving the reconstruction quality.
Microwave Photonic Filters and Applications
Authors: Zhou Yi , Wang Lin , Liu Yifan , Yu Yuan , Zhang Xinliang
Published: October 2023

Microwave photonics is a promising and rapidly developing interdisciplinary field. It combines microwave and photonic techniques to generate, transmit, process, and manipulate microwave signals by using the advantages of broadband, high frequency, and low loss provided by photonics. As an important branch of microwave photonics, the microwave photonic filter (MPF) can overcome the limitations set by traditional electronic technology and can realize advanced signal processing in modern communication systems due to its higher performance, selectivity, and flexibility. This review provides a comprehensive overview of MPFs, including fundamental principles, typical structures, and key applications. Additionally, the microwave photonic integration is a very important tendence because of its advantages of small size, light weight, low power consumption, and low cost. The recent advances in integrated MPF are also reviewed.
Positioning of a Photovoltaic Device on a Real Two-Dimensional Plane in Optical Wireless Power Transmission by Means of Infrared Differential Absorption Imaging
Authors: Asaba Kaoru , Miyamoto Tomoyuki
Published: October 2023

In optical wireless power transmission (OWPT), detection and positioning of the photovoltaic device (PV) in real space is essential before power transmission. One of the candidates for the robust detection of PVs is differential absorption imaging, which has been proposed by the authors. In this method, raw images are captured using absorbable (λON) and non-absorbable (λOFF) wavelengths of the PV. Then, the PV is detected from the differential image of these. In this report, the positioning of a PV on a real two-dimensional plane was investigated by means of this differential imaging. Primarily, stereo imagery was utilized for positioning. Non-stereo positioning was also investigated, in which the azimuth angle (direction) was estimated from the position of the PV in the differential image, and ranging was performed using its apparent size. There are diffuse and non-diffuse (specular) options for the λOFF reflection of the rear surface of the PV. Positioning accuracy was measured with regard to this characteristic as well as the attitude angle. Especially for a PV with specular characteristics, even though its positioning accuracy was affected by its attitude angle, the accuracy could be improved by increasing the irradiation light power. On the other hand, direction determination was stable for a wide angular range of attitudes.
Giving, Showing, Saying: Jean-Luc Marion and Hans-Georg Gadamer on Phenomenology, Hermeneutics, and Revelation
Authors: Dahl Darren E.
Published: October 2023

For more than two decades, the phenomenologies of revelation emerging from twentieth century French philosophy have met a North American reception framed largely within the context of a hermeneutic critique. This essay seeks to intervene in this situation by developing Jean-Luc Marion’s own sketch of a phenomenological hermeneutics and putting it in dialogue with Hans-Georg Gadamer’s account of language in Truth and Method. Thus, in an attempt to further develop Marion’s phenomenological hermeneutics of ‘giving’ and ‘showing’, a space is opened for Gadamer’s notion of ‘saying’. As a result, in the midst of the horizon opened by language itself, the ‘impossible’ phenomenality of revelation shines forth.
A Balanced Scorecard Proposal for Gender Equality and Sustainable Development
Authors: Valduga Isabela Blasi , Lima Mauricio Andrade De , Castro Brenda Caroline Geraldo , Fuchs Paulo Guilherme , Amorim Wellyngton Silva de , Guerra José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade
Published: October 2023

Gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential for sustainable development, yet several constraints make achieving them difficult. A strategic management tool is required to address these challenges and manage objectives and goals effectively. This study aims to redesign Balanced Scorecard (BSC), a strategic management tool for gender equality, to enable the strategic management of goals and indicators related to the fifth sustainable goal (SDG 5) proposed by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The BSC for gender equality was developed through a comprehensive literature review on gender-specific targets and indicators and the restructuring of the traditional architecture of the BSC to include new dimensions, guiding questions, and objectives to achieve this study’s goals. Moreover, a strategy map was constructed to illustrate the strategy and cause-and-effect relationships across the BSC dimensions. This research provides concrete gender strategies that help organizations implement a management tool to measure and manage their performance related to gender equality and sustainable development. The findings suggest that the BSC for gender equality can contribute significantly to a clearer understanding of how organizations can measure and promote gender equality. The implications of this study are significant for promoting and advancing gender equality, helping organizations, researchers, and civil society translate this goal into practical terms, and applying the concepts discussed for sustainable development and women’s empowerment in practical circumstances. Ultimately, using the BSC for gender equality is expected to result in social and economic benefits for current and future generations, making it a valuable tool for organizations and policy makers to promote sustainable development and gender equality.
Demonstration of an Integrated Methodology for the Sustainable Valorisation of Bakery Former Food Products as a Pig Feed Ingredient: A Circular Bioeconomy Paradigm
Authors: Malamakis Apostolos , Patsios Sotiris I. , Melas Lefteris , Dedousi Anna , Kontogiannopoulos Konstantinos N. , Vamvakas Konstantinos , Tsotsolas Nikos , Koutsouraki Eleni , Sossidou Evangelia N. , Banias George F.
Published: October 2023

This study aims to demonstrate an integrated methodology for the valorisation of bakery former food products (FFP) as an ingredient of pig feed diets. The methodology involves: conducting a needs analysis and a full path traceability scheme based on Global Standards 1 (GS1) Organisation (Brussels, Belgium) standards, designing digital tools to support the implementation of the traceability scheme, and assessing the valorisation of FFP and, more specifically, of bakery by-products in bakery meal (BM) production, and its implementation in pig feed diet. BM production comprises various bakery by-products, which were collected, unpacked, grinded, and thermally treated. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were conducted on BM samples, mainly focusing on nutrient composition, and the presence of aflatoxins, mycotoxins, and pathogenic microorganisms. The BM was then fed to finishing pigs (at an inclusion rate of 20% w/w), in parallel to a control group fed with a conventional pig feed diet. The animals in both dietary groups were evaluated for growth performance, and meat samples were analysed for specific quality parameters and sensory characteristics. The results show that the addition of 20% w/w BM does not significantly affect the growth performance or the meat quality of the pigs. Moreover, a sensory evaluation revealed minor differences in the sensory characteristics of the meat samples, denoting that the BM addition does not seem to dwindle the final meat product.
Microseismic Signal Characteristics of the Coal Failure Process under Weak-Energy and Low-Frequency Disturbance
Authors: Sun Xiaoyuan , He Yongliang , Jin Tingxu , Xie Jianlin , Li Chuantian , Pang Jiewen
Published: October 2023

In deep mining, “critical static stress + slight disturbance” is an important inducing form of coal mine rockburst disasters. In previous studies, the critical static stress has been shown to be consistent with the loading direction of a slight disturbance but cannot reflect all types of rockbursts. In addition, the research that uses microseismic (MS) signals to reflect the overall process and critical stages of coal failure and instability under weak-energy and low-frequency disturbance conditions is immature, and more information, such as the critical state, has not been fully revealed. The aims of this paper are to further elucidate the important role of weak-energy and low-frequency disturbances in the occurrence of rockburst disasters. First, briquette samples were prepared from the Tashan Coal Mine, which is severely affected by rockbursts, and their homogeneity was verified using ultrasonic longitudinal wave velocity. Second, the natural frequency of the coal sample specimens was measured using a testing system. Then, based on the self-developed static pressure loading system, dynamic and static combined loading test system and MS signal monitoring device, the MS signal characteristics during the process of coal body failure and instability were comprehensively analysed. Finally, a comparison was made between weak-energy and low-frequency disturbances and impact disturbances. The results are summarized as follows. (1) The longitudinal wave velocity test results reflect that the briquette samples prepared in the experiment have high homogeneity. The smaller the particle size is, the higher the density and moulding pressure, and the denser the sample. (2) The natural frequency of the briquette samples is between 30.79 Hz and 43.34 Hz, and most of them fluctuate at approximately 35 Hz. (3) During the static loading stage, the occurrence of more than three MS signals of larger magnitude in a continuous cluster is an important criterion for the critical failure of the samples. (4) The weak-energy and low-frequency disturbance actually leads to fatigue damage, and the briquette sample experiences three stages: the near-threshold stage, the high-speed expansion stage and the final fracture stage. The smaller the particle size of the coal sample, the denser the specimen, the stronger the amplitude and energy of the single effective MS signal formed during the destruction process, the longer the time duration of crack expansion from the near-threshold stage to the high-speed expansion stage, and the stronger the ability of the coal sample to resist weak-energy and low-frequency disturbances. This study may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the destabilization mechanism of coal bodies and MS signal characteristics under weak-energy and low-frequency disturbances and provide a reference for further research and discussion.
A Geospatial Analysis Model for the Selection of Post-Mining Land Uses in Surface Lignite Mines: Application in the Ptolemais Mines, Greece
Authors: Servou Aikaterini , Paraskevis Nikolaos , Roumpos Christos , Pavloudakis Francis
Published: October 2023

Among the procedures included in surface mines’ closure, the determination of post-mining land uses constitutes one of the early but primary steps. This research aims to develop an algorithm for the selection of the most suitable land use spatial distribution in the post-mining area of a surface lignite mine in northern Greece. Considering the already reclaimed areas and the local socioeconomic conditions, six distinct criteria that concern physical local characteristics were selected and, in turn, spatially combined with parameters affecting the mining area. Mining experts attributed weights to the criteria regarding their importance for the examined land uses. The six criteria concerned physical local characteristics (slope, elevation, and distance from villages, rivers, roads, and transmission lines), while the parameters affecting the mining area referred to the type of ground (undisturbed or graded areas), existing infrastructure, and mine closure planning, emphasizing the final landscape of the mining area. The investigated land uses encompassed agricultural, forest, industrial (including buildings, infrastructure, and photovoltaic parks), and recreational parks. Through the application of a fuzzification algorithm within a geographical information system (GIS) environment, four land use suitability maps were generated, which were subsequently overlaid to derive a comprehensive suitability map. The final suitability map was derived from the integration of the mining parameters as spatial information into the algorithm. The findings indicate that, even though the land use suitability analysis could be derived from a mathematical model, the integration of qualitative information related to the mining specifications is necessary to produce more reliable results. The proposed algorithm can be used as a useful tool by decision-makers in the mining industry to plan post-mining reclamation based on suitable criteria.
More Interventions, Low Adoption: To What Extent Are the Existing Seed Sources to Blame? The Case of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato in Central and Northern Malawi
Authors: Kaphaika Chrispin Sunganani , Katengeza Samson Pilanazo , Pangapanga-Phiri Innocent , Chambukira Madalitso Happy
Published: October 2023

Vitamin A dense Orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) has the potential to build resilient livelihoods against Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD), food insecurity, and climate change. However, the adoption of OFSP among smallholder farmers in Malawi remains low. Although many scholars across the globe have reviewed the seed systems of OFSP, no empirical study, in Malawi or elsewhere, has modelled how the use of the various sources of vines affect farmers’ seed security and eventual decisions to adopt biofortified OFSP varieties. The study employed a mixed methods approach and used a Triple Hurdle model to analyze the effect of the existing sources of vines on the adoption of OFSP among 721 randomly sampled households in central and northern Malawi. The study also developed a seed security experience score (SSES) in order to assess the capacity of the existing sources of vines to ensure farmers’ seed security. By defining adoption as a three-stage process, and by shifting the seed systems focus to capacity of the existing sources of vines, the study departs from the conventional approaches that most scholars have used to model adoption of OFSP. The study found that the existing sources of vines influenced all the three stages of adoption. The SSES results indicated that the capacity of the existing sources subjected the majority of the farmers to a highly seed insecurity status. Interventions therefore must be designed to address the seed security challenges associated with the existing sources in order to enhance the capacity of the sources for widespread and sustained adoption of OFSP.
Research on the Spatiotemporal Distribution and Cultural Tourism Strategy of Modern Educational Architectural Heritage in Nanjing
Authors: Wang Hechi , Chen Xinxin , Ge Jianwei , Yan Zhaoyi , He Xinyi , Song Yingqiu , Zhou Qi
Published: October 2023

The rebirth of educational architectural heritage plays an important role in the urban tourism economy, and studying the integration of educational heritage and tourism is of great significance and value. This article selects the educational heritage in Nanjing, China, from 1840 to 1952 as its research object to explore the integration and sustainable development relationship between heritage utilization and tourism. This article adopts a research method that combines qualitative and quantitative methods. First, it collects historical data and conducts on-site surveys to obtain information on 117 important educational heritage sites in Nanjing. Then, it uses ArcGIS technology to quantitatively analyze the evolution rules of modern educational buildings in Nanjing and the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the heritage. Finally, a cultural tourism strategy is proposed based on heritage characteristics and government policies. The research results reveal the interdependence and sustainable development relationship between the protection and utilization of educational heritage and tourism: according to the distribution characteristics of the heritage in the urban space, the "educational heritage tourism path" of the ancient city is constructed, which can promote the development of urban tourism. Subsequently, the economic value created by tourism is used to "feed back" heritage protection. This research result provides reference for educational heritage tourism in other cities in China and around the world.
Bridging the Gap: Integrating Theory and Practice for Early Childhood Physical Education Teacher Education in Korea
Authors: Park Sunghae , Jung Hyunwoo
Published: October 2023

Early childhood physical education (ECPE) plays a crucial role in giving young children their first impressions of physical activity and promoting lifelong participation. In the Korean context, however, the provision of physical education to young children is challenging owing to a lack of expertise among teachers. This study aims to explore effective teacher training strategies to normalize physical education for young children in Korea. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to derive teacher education strategies that minimize the gap between theory and practice in ECPE. These integration strategies are presented in two categories: pre-service teacher training strategies and in-service teacher training strategies. Five sub-categories were identified within each category, goal, content, method, evaluation, and environment, and the educational implications in terms of minimizing the gap between theory and practice in ECPE teacher education were discussed based on the results. The teacher education strategies derived based on this study are significant in that they prioritize the integration of theory and practice based on the shared opinions of ECPE scholars and practitioners and offer concrete and practical approaches that can actively contribute to the promotion of ECPE.
Blockchain Adoption in the Wine Supply Chain: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Malisic Bojana , Misic Nemanja , Krco Srdjan , Martinovic Aleksandra , Tinaj Sandra , Popovic Tomo
Published: October 2023

Blockchain offers decentralized, trustworthy and immutable data storage based on distributed ledger technology. Blockchain technology is recognized as an innovation enabler in many areas, with the food supply chain being one of them. This paper provides a systematic literature review of the current state of adoption of blockchain technology in the agri-food sector, specifically with a focus on the wine supply chain. Blockchain has the potential to improve the traceability and authenticity of the data provenance of wine products, increase consumer trust, and reduce fraud and errors. With these goals in mind, this study identifies the main research questions pertinent to the value proposition and competitive advantage of blockchain technology in the wine value chain and key players involved in the authentication and value chain recording. The PRISMA methodology was adopted to identify, screen and select only the relevant studies that were included in the analysis. This study also addresses the limitations and challenges for adoption, such as high implementation cost and lack of competences, and the need for standardized protocols and regulations. Finally, this systematic literature review includes an analysis of reports of blockchain applications in the wine sector and outlines the recommendations for future research to further explore the potential of blockchain-based solutions that could benefit all stakeholders across the wine value chain.
Environmental Vertical Management and Enterprises’ Performance: Evidence from Water Pollution Reduction in China
Authors: Ji Mengxue , Wu Zhenming , Zhu Dandan
Published: October 2023

Firm-level evidence for the impact of environmental vertical management on enterprise environmental performance is limited, especially on the performance of water pollution reduction (WPR). Taking the environmental vertical management reform (EVMR) as a quasi-natural experiment, this study constructs a time-varying difference-in-differences model to investigate the effects of EVMR on the WPR performance of enterprises. Using the latest data from the China Industrial Enterprise Database and China Enterprise Pollution Emission Database (1998–2014), we find that EVMR promotes enterprises to improve the performance of WPR. Moreover, heterogeneity analysis shows that the effects vary with regions, industry pollution intensities, and sizes of enterprises. Further mechanism analysis indicates that EVMR reduces water pollution by stimulating production pattern transformation and decreasing fresh water consumption rather than by increasing wastewater treatment facilities. Our empirical findings support the rationality of EVMR in China and provide beneficial insights for enhancing environmental management systems in other developing economies.
Techno-Economic Study of a Distributed Renewable Power System for a British Winery
Authors: Hall-Smith Sophie , Wang Yaodong , Huang Ye
Published: October 2023

This paper analyses and evaluates a design for a distributed renewable power system for a British winery. A winery in Wiltshire, England, is used for a case study. The consumption of this winery is first analysed, then potential means of generation are discussed. The resulting design is a combination of 156 1.6 × 1 m2 photovoltaic panels; a 2 × 12 m2 modular anaerobic digester using winery and farm waste to produce 0.00287 kg/s of biogas; and a biogas combined heat and power generator to supply 188 MWhe and 44 MWht per year. This was analysed technically, using ECLIPSE, and economically. The design would reduce the carbon footprint of a winery by 41,100 kgCO2/year. The techno-economic performance was compared with traditional power generation means; the designed system is technically viable, and financial incentives allow it to compete economically with alternatives. The cost of the design varies more with technology price than incentives, demonstrating that as technology improves incentives will quickly no longer be required.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertner) Endosperm as an Alternative Protein Source for a Sustainable Food System (SFS)—Pilot Studies
Authors: Teleszko Mirosława , Haraf Gabriela , Zając Adam , Krzos Grzegorz
Published: October 2023

Milk thistle is a plant that perfectly meets the needs of sustainable agriculture. Despite their high protein content, the seeds and endosperm of S. marianum have not been considered as raw food material so far. Therefore, the work aimed to characterize milk thistle endosperm in terms of its possible use in producing novel food. The nutritional and energy value of the raw material, profile of amino acids), fatty acids, and health quality indices of lipids were characterized. The main components of milk thistle endosperm (MTE) were protein (>20% dry matter (DM)), fat (>39% DM), and fiber (>31% DM). MTE protein is characterized by a high content of sulfur, aromatic amino acids, and tryptophan, comparing the FAO/WHO patterns. The PDCAA S (Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score) value for lysine is low but can be higher in combination with other proteins. Milk thistle fat is dominated by unsaturated fatty acids, constituting about 80% of total fatty acids, of which over 56% are polyunsaturated fatty acids. Low values of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices of MTE fat testify to its potentially beneficial properties towards the cardiovascular system.
Breaking Triopoly to Achieve Sustainable Smart Digital Infrastructure Based on Open-Source Diffusion Using Government–Platform–User Evolutionary Game
Authors: Li Tao , Zhu Junlin , Luo Jianqiang , Yi Chaonan , Zhu Baoqing
Published: October 2023

Technological innovations, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning, have facilitated the emergence of autonomous systems, promoting triple bottom line (TBL) sustainability. However, the prevalent triopoly of Android, iOS, and Windows introduces substantial obstacles for smart device manufacturers in pursuit of independent innovation. This research endeavors to elucidate how open-source operating systems can counteract this triopoly and catalyze sustainable digital development. Utilizing evolutionary game theory, we scrutinize the interplay among governments, platforms, and users in championing open-source diffusion. Our analysis unveils two potent evolutionary strategies—incentivized engagement and disengagement—that notably expedite open-source diffusion and attenuate software supply chain risks affiliated with the Android–iOS–Windows triopoly (results). Consequently, this research highlights the critical role of augmenting stakeholder collaboration and bolstering platform reputation in propelling open-source diffusion, thereby providing valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for the sustainable advancement of smart digital infrastructure.
An Exploration of the Extent of Monitoring and Evaluation of Sustainable Construction in Kenya: A Landscape Architecture Perspective
Authors: Tanui Sheila Jepkorir , Tembo Moffat
Published: October 2023

The practice of landscape architecture in Kenya is growing alongside the country’s construction industry, which is currently experiencing exponential growth in tandem with construction trends globally. With the growth in the industry, there has been significant growth in the economy, high consumption of natural resources, a 50% increased contribution to the world’s landfill waste, and pollution of the adjacent environment. These have given rise to high pressure to adopt environmentally sensitive approaches in the construction industry to achieve competitive advantage. It is therefore crucial to address the need for sustainability measures for landscape architecture projects to increase knowledge and awareness, create incentives geared toward supporting sustainable practices, and leverage legal instruments and policies. The aim of this study was to identify the barriers to the adoption of and improvement in the monitoring and evaluation of sustainable practices in landscape architecture in Kenya that prevent the industry from achieving sustainability. The objective of this research was to critically analyze the many challenges and barriers to the achievement of sustainability in the Kenyan construction industry with a focus on landscape architecture practices. It also examined the overall extent of the adoption, monitoring, and evaluation of sustainability, and possible solutions were proposed for the management of and reduction in said barriers. The study was carried out through extensive research of secondary data sources on the average level of knowledge and technical know-how of sustainable construction, the level of perception of compliance, the average cost of construction vis à vis sustainable construction, and the level of sustainability in the construction sector in Kenya. The collected data were analyzed empirically and, through the use of descriptive statistics and findings, the data were discussed. The preliminary findings from this study indicate that there is an overall poor attitude toward M&E of sustainability in Kenya, indicating the need to further improve processes.
Navigating the Post-Pandemic Era: The Mediating Role of Relationship Quality and Perceived Value on Cruise Passengers’ E-WOM in Taiwan
Authors: Zhang Xiyu , Chang Min-Yen , Rong Mengqi , Chen Han-Shen
Published: October 2023

Prompted by the severe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Taiwan’s cruise industry, this research aims to explore the potential role of corporate social responsibility (CSR), relationship quality (RQ), and perceived value (PV) in reviving cruise tourism. The central research question focuses on how these constructs motivate Taiwanese passengers’ engagement in cruise tourism and shape their electronic word-of-mouth (E-WOM) behavior in the post-pandemic era. Therefore, a comprehensive theoretical model was proposed to evaluate cruise operators’ relationship-building strategies. The research method involved a convenience sampling approach to gather a robust dataset of 566 valid responses from a questionnaire survey. The data were rigorously analyzed using statistical software, SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 22.0, via the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The findings reveal that CSR and RQ substantially impact customers’ E-WOM and identified PV and RQ as salient mediators between CSR and E-WOM. In conclusion, this research enriches our understanding of the recovering cruise industry’s operation model in the post-pandemic phase. It provides academically grounded insights into how enhanced relationship building, CSR, and PV generation can enable cruise operators to influence E-WOM behavior positively.
Promoting Sustainable Marine Development: Geotechnical Engineering Problems and Environmental Guarantee Technology in Marine Space, Energy, and Resource Development
Authors: Rui Shengjie , Guo Zhen , Zhou Wenjie
Published: October 2023

To coordinate the conflict between economic development and climate change caused by energy consumption, countries worldwide are actively developing renewable energy, including solar energy, hydropower, and wind energy [...]
Exploring Fresh and Hardened Properties of Sustainable 3D-Printed Lightweight Cementitious Mixtures
Authors: Sedghi Reza , Zafar Muhammad Saeed , Hojati Maryam
Published: October 2023

This study investigates using lightweight concrete in 3D printing to reduce transportation costs and maintain structural strength. Normal-weight river (RS) sand was replaced with pumice and expanded glass at 50% and 100% volumes to decrease the material density. This substitution reduced the weight of various mixes up to 25.1%, with apparent porosity ranging from 11.37% to 27.9%. This study found that aggregate characteristics, including the shape, size, and absorption capacity, influenced printability. Rounded aggregates like expanded glass flowed better and required less water than irregular pumice. Lightweight aggregates had finer textures and higher porosity, needing more water. According to the extrudability results, the best print quality was achieved using 100% expanded glass, incorporating methylcellulose (MC) and polyethylene (PE) fibers. Moreover, the buildability outcomes highlighted a reliance on the printing speed and the water-to-binder (W/B) ratio. Comparing cast and 3D printed specimens, cast concrete reached a maximum compressive strength of 65.6 MPa, while 3D printed concrete achieved a maximum strength of 43.4 MPa. RS had the highest strength (65.6 MPa), while expanded glass showed the lowest (17.5 MPa) in both cast and 3D printed specimens. Adding PE and MC enhanced the print quality and increased the compressive strength due to the fibers’ bridging capacity.
Effects of Temperature-Dependent Conductivity and Magnetic Field on the Radiated Carreau Nanofluid Flow and Entropy Generation
Authors: Khan Sami Ullah , Safra Imen , Ghachem Kaouther , Albalawi Hind , Labidi Taher , Kolsi Lioua
Published: October 2023

This investigation is related to this study of entropy generation during Carreau nanofluid flow under variable thermal conductivity conditions. The heat and mass transfer phenomena are observed in the presence of thermal radiation and activation energy. The flow is induced by a porous stretching surface. Appropriate variables are used in order to simplify the problem into dimensionless form. The numerical simulations are performed by using the shooting technique. The physical aspects of the problem in view of different flow parameters are reported. It is observed that consideration of variable fluid thermal conductivity enhances heat transfer. An enhancement in heat and mass transfer phenomena is observed with increasing the Weissenberg number. Moreover, entropy generation increases with Weissenberg and Brinkman numbers. Current results present applications in thermal processes, heat exchangers, energy systems, combustion and engine design, chemical processes, refrigeration systems, etc.
Application of Symmetric Explicit Symplectic Integrators in Non-Rotating Konoplya and Zhidenko Black Hole Spacetime
Authors: He Guandong , Huang Guoqing , Hu Airong
Published: October 2023

In this study, we construct symmetric explicit symplectic schemes for the non-rotating Konoplya and Zhidenko black hole spacetime that effectively maintain the stability of energy errors and solve the tangent vectors from the equations of motion and the variational equations of the system. The fast Lyapunov indicators and Poincaré section are calculated to verify the effectiveness of the smaller alignment index. Meanwhile, different algorithms are used to separately calculate the equations of motion and variation equations, resulting in correspondingly smaller alignment indexes. The numerical results indicate that the smaller alignment index obtained by using a global symplectic algorithm is the fastest method for distinguishing between regular and chaotic cases. The smaller alignment index is used to study the effects of parameters on the dynamic transition from order to chaos. If initial conditions and other parameters are appropriately chosen, we observe that an increase in energy E or the deformation parameter η can easily lead to chaos. Similarly, chaos easily occurs when the angular momentum L is small enough or the magnetic parameter Q stays within a suitable range. By varying the initial conditions of the particles, a distribution plot of the smaller alignment in the X–Z plane of the black hole is obtained. It is found that the particle orbits exhibit a remarkably rich structure. Researching the motion of charged particles around a black hole contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms behind black hole accretion and provides valuable insights into the initial formation process of an accretion disk.
Three-Stage Sampling Algorithm for Highly Imbalanced Multi-Classification Time Series Datasets
Authors: Wang Haoming
Published: October 2023

To alleviate the data imbalance problem caused by subjective and objective factors, scholars have developed different data-preprocessing algorithms, among which undersampling algorithms are widely used because of their fast and efficient performance. However, when the number of samples of some categories in a multi-classification dataset is too small to be processed via sampling or the number of minority class samples is only one or two, the traditional undersampling algorithms will be less effective. In this study, we select nine multi-classification time series datasets with extremely few samples as research objects, fully consider the characteristics of time series data, and use a three-stage algorithm to alleviate the data imbalance problem. In stage one, random oversampling with disturbance items is used to increase the number of sample points; in stage two, on the basis of the latter operation, SMOTE (synthetic minority oversampling technique) oversampling is employed; in stage three, the dynamic time-warping distance is used to calculate the distance between sample points, identify the sample points of Tomek links at the boundary, and clean up the boundary noise. This study proposes a new sampling algorithm. In the nine multi-classification time series datasets with extremely few samples, the new sampling algorithm is compared with four classic undersampling algorithms, namely, ENN (edited nearest neighbours), NCR (neighborhood cleaning rule), OSS (one-side selection), and RENN (repeated edited nearest neighbors), based on the macro accuracy, recall rate, and F1-score evaluation indicators. The results are as follows: of the nine datasets selected, for the dataset with the most categories and the fewest minority class samples, FiftyWords, the accuracy of the new sampling algorithm was 0.7156, far beyond that of ENN, RENN, OSS, and NCR; its recall rate was also better than that of the four undersampling algorithms used for comparison, corresponding to 0.7261; and its F1-score was 200.71%, 188.74%, 155.29%, and 85.61% better than that of ENN, RENN, OSS, and NCR, respectively. For the other eight datasets, this new sampling algorithm also showed good indicator scores. The new algorithm proposed in this study can effectively alleviate the data imbalance problem of multi-classification time series datasets with many categories and few minority class samples and, at the same time, clean up the boundary noise data between classes.
A Comparison of Monte Carlo-Based and PINN Parameter Estimation Methods for Malware Identification in IoT Networks
Authors: Severt Marcos , Casado-Vara Roberto , Martín del Rey Angel
Published: October 2023

Malware propagation is a growing concern due to its potential impact on the security and integrity of connected devices in Internet of Things (IoT) network environments. This study investigates parameter estimation for Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered (SIR) and Susceptible–Infectious–Recovered–Susceptible (SIRS) models modeling malware propagation in an IoT network. Synthetic data of malware propagation in the IoT network is generated and a comprehensive comparison is made between two approaches: algorithms based on Monte Carlo methods and Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs). The results show that, based on the infection curve measured in the IoT network, both methods are able to provide accurate estimates of the parameters of the malware propagation model. Furthermore, the results show that the choice of the appropriate method depends on the dynamics of the spreading malware and computational constraints. This work highlights the importance of considering both classical and AI-based approaches and provides a basis for future research on parameter estimation in epidemiological models applied to malware propagation in IoT networks.
Sequence-Based Antigenic Analyses of H1 Swine Influenza A Viruses from Colombia (2008–2021) Reveals Temporal and Geographical Antigenic Variations
Authors: Ospina-Jimenez Andres F. , Gomez Arlen P. , Rincon-Monroy Maria A. , Ortiz Lucia , Perez Daniel R. , Peña Mario , Ramirez-Nieto Gloria
Published: October 2023

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease that affects the pork industry and is a public health threat. It is caused by type A influenza virus (FLUAV), which continuously undergoes genetic and antigenic variations. A large amount of information regarding FLUAV in pigs is available worldwide, but it is limited in Latin America. The HA sequences of H1 subtype FLUAV-positive samples obtained from pigs in Colombia between 2008–2021 were analyzed using sequence-based antigenic cartography and N-Glycosylation analyses. Of the 12 predicted global antigenic groups, Colombia contained five: four corresponding to pandemic strains and one to the classical swine H1N1 clade. Circulation of these clusters was observed in some regions during specific years. Ca2 was the immunodominant epitope among Colombian viruses. The counts of N-Glycosylation motifs were associated with the antigenic cluster ranging from three to five. The results show for the first time the existence of antigenic diversity of FLUAV in Colombia and highlight the impact of spatial and temporal factors on this diversity. This study provides information about FLUAV variability in pigs under natural conditions in the absence of vaccination and emphasizes the need for surveillance of its phylogenetic and antigenic characteristics.
Influenza A and B Viruses in Fine Aerosols of Exhaled Breath Samples from Patients in Tropical Singapore
Authors: Chow Vincent T. K. , Tay Douglas Jie Wen , Chen Mark I. C. , Tang Julian W. , Milton Donald K. , Tham Kwok Wai
Published: October 2023

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that commonly causes outbreaks among human communities. Details about the exact nature of the droplets produced by human respiratory activities such as breathing, and their potential to carry and transmit influenza A and B viruses is still not fully understood. The objective of our study was to characterize and quantify influenza viral shedding in exhaled aerosols from natural patient breath, and to determine their viral infectivity among participants in a university cohort in tropical Singapore. Using the Gesundheit-II exhaled breath sampling apparatus, samples of exhaled breath of two aerosol size fractions (“coarse” > 5 µm and “fine” ≤ 5 µm) were collected and analyzed from 31 study participants, i.e., 24 with influenza A (including H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes) and 7 with influenza B (including Victoria and Yamagata lineages). Influenza viral copy number was quantified using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Infectivity of influenza virus in the fine particle fraction was determined by culturing in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. Exhaled influenza virus RNA generation rates ranged from 9 to 1.67 × 105 and 10 to 1.24 × 104 influenza virus RNA copies per minute for the fine and coarse aerosol fractions, respectively. Compared to the coarse aerosol fractions, influenza A and B viruses were detected more frequently in the fine aerosol fractions that harbored 12-fold higher viral loads. Culturable virus was recovered from the fine aerosol fractions from 9 of the 31 subjects (29%). These findings constitute additional evidence to reiterate the important role of fine aerosols in influenza transmission and provide a baseline range of influenza virus RNA generation rates.
Minor Variants of Orf1a, p33, and p23 Genes of VT Strain Citrus Tristeza Virus Isolates Show Symptomless Reactions on Sour Orange and Prevent Superinfection of Severe VT Isolates
Authors: Licciardello Grazia , Scuderi Giuseppe , Russo Marcella , Bazzano Marina , Bar-Joseph Moshe , Catara Antonino F.
Published: October 2023

The control of tristeza quick decline (QD) of citrus is based on the use of rootstocks that are tolerant or resistant to the Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), but some of them show bio-agronomic limits. The application of cross-protection (CP) has been insufficiently explored. The present study examined the possibility of QD control by cross-protection (CP) following reports showing the dependence of the CP strategy on the close genetic relationships between the protective and challenging CTV isolates. Taking advantage of deep sequencing technologies, we located six naturally infected trees harboring no-seedling yellow (no-SY) and no QD decline (mild) VT isolates and used these for challenge inoculation with three QD VT isolates. Symptom monitoring showed that all six Sicilian mild no-SY isolates, based on their genomic relatedness and mild symptoms reactions, provide effective protection against the three severe local VT isolates. The differences between the six mild and three severe isolates were confined to just a few nucleotide variations conserved in eight positions of three CTV genes (p23, p33, and Orf1a). These results confirm that the superinfection exclusion (SIE mechanism) depends on close genetic relatedness between the protective and challenging severe VT strain isolates. Ten years of investigation suggest that CP could turn into an efficient strategy to contain CTV QD infections of sweet orange trees on SO rootstock.
Establishment and Application of CRISPR–Cas12a-Based Recombinase Polymerase Amplification and a Lateral Flow Dipstick and Fluorescence for the Detection and Distinction of Deformed Wing Virus Types A and B
Authors: Xiao Yuting , Fei Dongliang , Li Ming , Ma Yueyu , Ma Mingxiao
Published: October 2023

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is one of the important pathogens of the honey bee (Apis mellifera), which consists of three master variants: types A, B, and C. Among them, DWV types A (DWV-A) and B (DWV-B) are the most prevalent variants in honey bee colonies and have been linked to colony decline. DWV-A and DWV-B have different virulence, but it is difficult to distinguish them via traditional methods. In this study, we established a visual detection assay for DWV-A and DWV-B using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and a lateral flow dipstick (LFD) coupled with the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) 12a fluorescence system (RPA–CRISPR–Cas12a–LFD). The limit of detection of this system was ~6.5 × 100 and 6.2 × 101 copies/μL for DWV-A and DWV-B, respectively. The assays were specific and non-cross-reactive against other bee viruses, and the results could be visualized within 1 h. The assays were validated by extracting cDNA from 36 clinical samples of bees that were suspected to be infected with DWV. The findings were consistent with those of traditional reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the RPA–CRISPR–Cas12a assay showed the specific, sensitive, simple, and appropriate detection of DWV-A and DWV-B. This method can facilitate the visual and qualitative detection of DWV-A and DWV-B as well as the monitoring of different subtypes, thereby providing potentially better control and preventing current and future DWV outbreaks.