bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Removal of DUV-Polarity-Modified PMMA for Wet Transfer of CVD Graphene
Authors: Jorudas Justinas , Pashnev Daniil , Kašalynas Irmantas , Ignatjev Ilja , Niaura Gediminas , Selskis Algirdas , Astachov Vladimir , Alexeeva Natalia
Published: November 2022

To fabricate graphene-based high-frequency electronic and optoelectronic devices, there is a high demand for scalable low-contaminated graphene with high mobility. Graphene synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on copper foil appears promising for this purpose, but residues from the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) layer, used for the wet transfer of CVD graphene, drastically affect the electrical properties of graphene. Here, we demonstrate a scalable and green PMMA removal technique that yields high-mobility graphene on the most common technologically relevant silicon (Si) substrate. As the first step, the polarity of the PMMA was modified under deep-UV irradiation at λ = 254 nm, due to the formation of ketones and aldehydes of higher polarity, which simplifies hydrogen bonding in the step of its dissolution. Modification of PMMA polarity was confirmed by UV and FTIR spectrometry and contact angle measurements. Consecutive dissolution of DUV-exposed PMMA in an environmentally friendly, binary, high-polarity mixture of isopropyl alcohol/water (more commonly alcohol/water) resulted in the rapid and complete removal of DUV-exposed polymers without the degradation of graphene properties, as low-energy exposure does not form free radicals, and thus the released graphene remained intact. The high quality of graphene after PMMA removal was confirmed by SEM, AFM, Raman spectrometry, and by contact and non-contact electrical conductivity measurements. The removal of PMMA from graphene was also performed via other common methods for comparison. The charge carrier mobility in graphene films was found to be up to 6900 cm2/(V·s), demonstrating a high potential of the proposed PMMA removal method in the scalable fabrication of high-performance electronic devices based on CVD graphene.
Quantum Network Intelligent Management System
Authors: García-Cobo Iván
Published: November 2022

Quantum network materializes the paradigm change caused by the depletion of classical computation. Quantum networks have been built gathering reliable quantum repeaters connected by optical fiber networks. The need to build robust and resilient networks against hacking attacks is fundamental in the design of the future quantum Internet, detecting structural security as the major issue in the current development of the technology. A network management method is proposed to achieve its real-time adaptation and to protect itself against sabotage or accidents that render part of the network or its nodes useless.
Arene Variation of Highly Cytotoxic Tridentate Naphthoquinone-Based Ruthenium(II) Complexes and In-Depth In Vitro Studies
Authors: Cseh Klaudia , Geisler Heiko , Stanojkovska Kristina , Westermayr Julia , Brunmayr Philipp , Wenisch Dominik , Gajic Natalie , Hejl Michaela , Schaier Martin , Koellensperger Gunda , Jakupec Michael A. , Marquetand Philipp , Kandioller Wolfgang
Published: November 2022

The main purpose of this study was to synthesize a new set of naphthoquinone-based ruthenium(II) arene complexes and to develop an understanding of their mode of action. This study systematically reviews the steps of synthesis, aiming to provide a simplified approach using microwave irradiation. The chemical structures and the physicochemical properties of this novel group of compounds were examined by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, HPLC-MS and supporting DFT calculations. Several aspects of the biological activity were investigated in vitro, including short- and long-term cytotoxicity tests, cellular accumulation studies, detection of reactive oxygen species generation, apoptosis induction and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) activity as well as cell cycle analysis in A549, CH1/PA-1, and SW480 cancer cells. Furthermore, the DNA interaction ability was studied in a cell-free assay. A positive correlation was found between cytotoxicity, lipophilicity and cellular accumulation of the tested complexes, and the results offer some important insights into the effects of the arene. The most obvious finding to emerge from this study is that the usually very chemosensitive CH1/PA-1 teratocarcinoma cells showed resistance to these phthiocol-based organometallics in comparison to the usually less chemosensitive SW480 colon carcinoma cells, which pilot experiments suggest as being related to NQO1 activity.
Tolerable Stationary Heat Loads to Liquid Lithium Divertor Targets
Authors: Mavrin Aleksey A. , Pshenov Andrey A.
Published: November 2022

An 0D model is proposed that makes it possible to estimate the limiting stationary heat loads to the targets covered with liquid lithium (LL) layer, taking into account the effects of vapor shielding by sputtered and evaporated LL and hydrogen recycling. Several models of cooled target substrates are considered in which the LL layer facing the plasma is placed. For the considered substrate models, a parametric analysis of the tolerable stationary heat loads to the target on the substrate thickness, the effective cooling energy per particle of sputtered lithium, and the lithium prompt redeposition factor was carried out. It is shown that, at a small substrate thickness, the choice of the substrate model has a significant impact on the tolerable heat loads. It is also shown that even at unrealistically large values of the effective cooling energy, the dissipation of lithium remains modest. This means that in regimes with a high power coming from the core plasma to the edge, the injection of an additional radiator is required. Finally, it is shown that one of the most effective ways to increase the tolerable stationary heat loads would be to reduce the thickness of the target substrate.
Effect of Infill Density in FDM 3D Printing on Low-Cycle Stress of Bamboo-Filled PLA-Based Material
Authors: Müller Miroslav , Jirků Petr , Šleger Vladimír , Mishra Rajesh Kumar , Hromasová Monika , Novotný Jan
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the fatigue behavior of polylactic acid (PLA) material with bamboo filler printed by 3D additive printing using fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology at different infill densities and print nozzle diameters is investigated. The mechanical test results are supported by the findings from SEM image analysis. The fatigue behavior was tested at four consecutive 250 cycles at loads ranging from 5 to 20, 30, 40, and 50% based on the limits found in the static tensile test. The results of the static tensile and low-cycle fatigue tests confirmed significant effects of infill density of 60%, 80%, and 100% on the tensile strength of the tested specimens. In particular, the research results show a significant effect of infill density on the fatigue properties of the tested materials. The influence of cyclic tests resulted in the strengthening of the tested material, and at the same time, its viscoelastic behavior was manifested. SEM analysis of the fracture surface confirmed a good interaction between the PLA matrix and the bamboo-based filler using nozzle diameters of 0.4 and 0.6 mm and infill densities of 60%, 80%, and 100%. Low-cycle testing showed no reductions in the mechanical properties and fatigue lives of the 3D printed samples.
Silk Sericin: A Promising Sustainable Biomaterial for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Silva Andreia S. , Costa Elisabete C. , Reis Sara , Spencer Carina , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Miguel Sónia P. , Ribeiro Maximiano P. , Barros Lillian , Vaz Josiana A. , Coutinho Paula
Published: November 2022

Silk is a natural composite fiber composed mainly of hydrophobic fibroin and hydrophilic sericin, produced by the silkworm Bombyx mori. In the textile industry, the cocoons of B. mori are processed into silk fabric, where the sericin is substantially removed and usually discarded in wastewater. This wastewater pollutes the environment and water sources. However, sericin has been recognized as a potential biomaterial due to its biocompatibility, immunocompatibility, biodegradability, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and photoprotective properties. Moreover, sericin can produce hydrogels, films, sponges, foams, dressings, particles, fibers, etc., for various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications (e.g., tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, cosmetics). Given the severe environmental pollution caused by the disposal of sericin and its beneficial properties, there has been growing interest in upcycling this biomaterial, which could have a strong and positive economic, social and environmental impact.
Improvement in Injection Molding Quality Performance with Innovative Cyclone Mixers Used in Polypropylene with Spherical Silicon Dioxide Composites
Authors: Hu Zhan-Xiang , Huang Chang-Chiun , Gope Amit Kumar , Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey
Published: November 2022

This research proposes an innovative design of a new cyclone mixer for the quality of polymer materials, and it presents a systematic optimization model of process parameters for plastic injection molding. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to determine the appropriate thermal properties of processing in order to select appropriate control factors and level values for a Taguchi orthogonal array. The injection molding machine was used to make sample test pieces for tensile strength, hardness and impact strength. Significant factors were found by the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio with an analysis of variation (ANOVA), and the single-quality optimal parameter combination was obtained. The reproducibility of the experiment was evaluated, and various quality weights were evaluated by principal components analysis (PCA). The multi-quality optimal parameter combination was found, and the comprehensive scores were compared. Finally, the process capability indices were combined with a multi-process capability analysis chart (MPCAC) to compare the process yields of cyclone mixing and screw mixing. The mechanical properties of products were evaluated to verify the performance of cyclone mixing and to provide perfect information for the injection molding quality performance of cyclone mixing and screw mixing. It was concluded that the overall quality of the cyclone mixing products is 42.72, and the total quality of the screw mixing products is 41.85. The total number of defects for the cyclone mixing is 9659 ppm, and that of the screw mixing is 10688 ppm. It can be seen that, for the overall product quality performance, cyclone mixing can be applied in the plastic injection molding process instead of screw mixing.
Binary Polyamide-Imide Fibrous Superelastic Aerogels for Fire-Retardant and High-Temperature Air Filtration
Authors: Hua Yuezhen , Cui Wang , Ji Zekai , Wang Xin , Wu Zheng , Liu Yong , Li Yuyao
Published: November 2022

Fibrous air filtration materials are highly desirable for particle removal from high-temperature emission sources. However, the existing commercial filter materials suffer from either low filtration efficiency or high pressure drop, due to the difficulty in achieving small fiber diameter and high porosity simultaneously. Herein, we report a facile strategy to fabricate mechanical robust fibrous aerogels by using dual-scale sized PAI/BMI filaments and fibers, which are derived from wet spinning and electrospinning technologies, respectively. The creativity of this design is that PAI/BMI filaments can serve as the enhancing skeleton and PAI/BMI fibers can assemble into high-porosity interconnected networks, enabling the improvement of both mechanical property and air filtration performance. The resultant dual-scale sized PAI/PBMI fibrous aerogels show a compressive stress of 8.36 MPa, a high filtration efficiency of 90.78% (particle diameter of 2.5 μm); for particle diameter over 5 μm, they have 99.99% ultra-high filtration efficiency, a low pressure drop of 20 Pa, and high QF of 0.12 Pa−1, as well as thermostable and fire-retardant properties (thermal decomposition temperature up to 342.7 °C). The successive fabrication of this material is of great significance for the govern of industrial dust.
A Study on Hot Stamping Formability of Continuous Glass Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Zhao Feng , Guo Wei , Li Wei , Mao Huajie , Yan Hongxu , Deng Jingwen
Published: November 2022

In this study, hot stamping tests on continuous glass fiber (GF)-reinforced thermoplastic (PP) composites were conducted under different process parameters using a self-designed hemispherical hot stamping die with a heating system. The effects of parameters such as preheating temperature, stamping depth, and stamping speed on the formability of the fabricated parts were analyzed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test results show that the suitable stamping depth should be less than 15 mm, the stamping speed should be less than 150 mm/min, and the preheating temperature should be about 200 °C. From the edge of the formed parts to their pole area, a thin-thick-thin characteristic in thickness was observed. Under the same preheating temperature, the influence of stamping depth on the thickness variation of the formed parts was more significant than the stamping speed. The primary defects of the formed parts were cracking, wrinkling, delamination, and fiber exposure. Resin poverty often occurred in the defect area of the formed parts and increased with stamping depth and stamping speed.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Soil Burial Degradation of Biobased Polyurethanes
Authors: Zuliani Alessio , Rapisarda Marco , Chelazzi David , Baglioni Piero , Rizzarelli Paola
Published: November 2022

There is an urgent need for developing degradable polymeric systems based on bio-derived and sustainable materials. In recent years, polyurethanes derived from castor oil have emerged due to the large availability and sustainable characteristics of castor oil. However, these polymers are normally prepared through tedious and/or energy-intensive procedures or using high volatile and/or toxic reagents such as volatile isocyanates or epoxides. Furthermore, poor investigation has been carried out to design castor oil derived polyurethanes with degradable characteristics or thorough specifically sustainable synthetic procedures. Herein, castor oil-derived polyurethane with more than 90% biomass-derived carbon content and enhanced degradable features was prepared through a simple, eco-friendly (E-factor: 0.2), and scalable procedure, employing a recently developed commercially available biomass-derived (61% bio-based carbon content) low-volatile polymeric isocyanate. The novel material was compared with a castor oil derived-polyurethane prepared with a commercially available fossil-based isocyanate counterpart. The different castor oil-derived polyurethanes were investigated by means of water uptake, soil burial degradation, and disintegration tests in compost. Characterization analyses, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were carried out both prior to and after degradation tests. The results suggest potential applications of the degradable castor oil-derived polyurethane in different fields, such as mulch films for agricultural purposes.
Fabrication of Flexible Wiring with Intrinsically Conducting Polymers Using Blue-Laser Microstereolithography
Authors: Takenouchi Mai , Mukai Masaru , Furukawa Taichi , Maruo Shoji
Published: November 2022

Recently, flexible devices using intrinsically conductive polymers, particularly poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), have been extensively investigated. However, most flexible wiring fabrication methods using PEDOT are limited to two-dimensional (2D) fabrication. In this study, we fabricated three-dimensional (3D) wiring using the highly precise 3D printing method of stereolithography. Although several PEDOT fabrication methods using 3D printing systems have been studied, few have simultaneously achieved both high conductivity and precise accuracy. In this study, we review the post-fabrication process, particularly the doping agent. Consequently, we successfully fabricated wiring with a conductivity of 16 S cm−1. Furthermore, flexible wiring was demonstrated by modeling the fabricated wiring on a polyimide film with surface treatment and creating a three-dimensional fabrication object.
Special Issue on “CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines”
Authors: Lain Santiago , Lopez Mejia Omar Darío
Published: November 2022

Climate change and the energy crisis are two main problems that humanity is currently facing and that require immediate action [...]
Facial Scanners in Dentistry: An Overview
Authors: Lee Jason D. , Nguyen Olivia , Lin Yu-Chun , Luu Dianne , Kim Susie , Amini Ashley , Lee Sang J.
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This narrative review aims to explore the current status of facial scanning technology in the dental field; outlining the history, mechanisms, and current evidence regarding its use and limitations within digital dentistry. Methods: Subtopics within facial scanner technology in dentistry were identified and divided among four reviewers. Electronic searches of the Medline (PubMed) database were performed with the following search terms: facial scanner, dentistry, prosthodontics, virtual patient, sleep apnea, maxillofacial prosthetics, accuracy. For this review only studies or review papers evaluating facial scanning technology for dental or medical applications were included. A total of 44 articles were included. Due to the narrative nature of this review, no formal evidence-based quality assessment was performed and the search was limited to the English language. No further restrictions were applied. Results: The significance, applications, limitations, and future directions of facial scanning technology were reviewed. Specific subtopics include significant history of facial scanner use and development for dentistry, different types and mechanisms used in facial scanning technology, accuracy of scanning technology, use as a diagnostic tool, use in creating a virtual patient, virtual articulation, smile design, diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea, limitations of scanning technology, and future directions with artificial intelligence. Conclusions: Despite limitations in scan quality and software operation, 3D facial scanners are rapid and non-invasive tools that can be utilized in multiple facets of dental care. Facial scanners can serve an invaluable role in the digital workflow by capturing facial records to facilitate interdisciplinary communication, virtual articulation, smile design, and obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. Looking into the future, facial scanning technology has promising applications in the fields of craniofacial research, and prosthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
A Survey: Security, Transparency, and Scalability Issues of NFT’s and Its Marketplaces
Authors: Bhujel Sangam , Rahulamathavan Yogachandran
Published: November 2022

Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs) are ownership records stored on a blockchain, and they are typically digital items such as photos and videos. In many ways, an NFT is like a conventional proof-of-purchase document, such as a paper invoice or an electronic receipt. NFTs are attractive among other things because of verifiability; each sale is recorded as a blockchain transaction, allowing ownership to be tracked. Also, NFTs can be used to transfer digital assets between two mutually distrusting parties, since both the crypto payment and the asset transfer take place in one transaction. With NFTs, all marketplaces can freely trade with the help of decentralized applications (DApps). It is currently estimated that there are over 245 NFT marketplaces (NFTM) listed with over 1000 blockchains as of August 2022 with 68 million blockchain wallet users. With the expansion of markets, they must face challenges and issues. The objective of this review is to study the market dynamics of NFT ecosystems. It also focuses on technical components that enable NFTs and their marketplace. The review provides a deeper understanding of its components, how they are related, and why they are important. The paper analyses the challenges faced by NFTs and marketplaces in terms of security, transparency, scalability, and the consequences leading to these issues and how they will address them, as well as future opportunities.
An Improvised Deep-Learning-Based Mask R-CNN Model for Laryngeal Cancer Detection Using CT Images
Authors: Sahoo Pravat Kumar , Mishra Sushruta , Panigrahi Ranjit , Bhoi Akash Kumar , Barsocchi Paolo
Published: November 2022

Recently, laryngeal cancer cases have increased drastically across the globe. Accurate treatment for laryngeal cancer is intricate, especially in the later stages. This type of cancer is an intricate malignancy inside the head and neck area of patients. In recent years, diverse diagnosis approaches and tools have been developed by researchers for helping clinical experts to identify laryngeal cancer effectively. However, these existing tools and approaches have diverse issues related to performance constraints such as lower accuracy in the identification of laryngeal cancer in the initial stage, more computational complexity, and large time consumption in patient screening. In this paper, the authors present a novel and enhanced deep-learning-based Mask R-CNN model for the identification of laryngeal cancer and its related symptoms by utilizing diverse image datasets and CT images in real time. Furthermore, our suggested model is capable of capturing and detecting minor malignancies of the larynx portion in a significant and faster manner in the real-time screening of patients, and it saves time for the clinicians, allowing for more patient screening every day. The outcome of the suggested model is enhanced and pragmatic and obtained an accuracy of 98.99%, precision of 98.99%, F1 score of 97.99%, and recall of 96.79% on the ImageNet dataset. Several studies have been performed in recent years on laryngeal cancer detection by using diverse approaches from researchers. For the future, there are vigorous opportunities for further research to investigate new approaches for laryngeal cancer detection by utilizing diverse and large dataset images.
Domain Adaptive Hand Pose Estimation Based on Self-Looping Adversarial Training Strategy
Authors: Jin Rui , Yang Jianyu
Published: November 2022

In recent years, with the development of deep learning methods, hand pose estimation based on monocular RGB images has made great progress. However, insufficient labeled training datasets remain an important bottleneck for hand pose estimation. Because synthetic datasets can acquire a large number of images with precise annotations, existing methods address this problem by using data from easily accessible synthetic datasets. Domain adaptation is a method for transferring knowledge from a labeled source domain to an unlabeled target domain. However, many domain adaptation methods fail to achieve good results in realistic datasets due to the domain gap. In this paper, we design a self-looping adversarial training strategy to reduce the domain gap between synthetic and realistic domains. Specifically, we use a multi-branch structure. Then, a new adversarial training strategy we designed for the regression task is introduced to reduce the size of the output space. As such, our model can reduce the domain gap and thus improve the prediction performance of the model. The experiments using H3D and STB datasets show that our method significantly outperforms state-of-the-art domain adaptive methods.
Design and Performance Research of a New Dual-Excitation Uniform Eddy Current Probe
Authors: Chen Tao , Shi Hai , Dong Yuanhang , Lv Cheng , Deng Zhiyang , Song Xiaochun , Liao Chunhui
Published: November 2022

A dual-excitation uniform eddy current probe, composed of two excitation coils placed tangentially and one detection coil placed horizontally, is developed to solve the difficulties of detection rate and direction recognition of crack defect. Firstly, a probe simulation model is established using COMSOL Multiphysics, and the differences of eddy current distribution between the dual-excitation probe and the traditional probe are investigated. Then, the influence of the distance between excitation coils on sensitivity and the test capability for crack defects with different depths and directions are investigated. Besides, the sensitivity of the dual-excitation probe is compared to that of the traditional probe made of the same coils. Finally, a physical probe and an experimental system are developed, and the performance of the dual-excitation probe is tested. The experimental results show that the probe developed in this paper exhibits a slightly higher sensitivity than the traditional probe for crack defects with different depths in the range of 0.5 mm–4.0 mm; the measurement accuracy of crack length is about 3.0 mm and can avoid missing detection of crack defects with different directions. In testing, the detection signal can be compensated to achieve precision measurement by identifying the angle of crack defects. This dual-excitation uniform eddy current probe can be used for precise quantification and direction identification of crack defect in eddy current testing.
The Outcomes of Three Surgical Approaches for Acromioclavicular Dislocation Treatment: Findings from Vietnam
Authors: Thuy Nguyen Xuan , Tien Nguyen Manh , Thinh Vu Truong , Hieu Pham Van , Phan Hoang Huy , Duc Dam Minh , Nghia Bui Tuan , Trieu Tran Minh Long , Mai Duong Ngoc Le
Published: November 2022

Background: Acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation, one of the most common shoulder joint injuries, can be treated by several surgical methods. However, there are still few records about the treatment quality. This study aims to describe the outcomes of three surgical methods for acromioclavicular dislocation treatment at Viet Duc University Hospital, Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 patients diagnosed with AC. We retrospectively collected data in the medical records and re-examined the patients. Results: There was no difference between the three groups of surgical approaches relating to the patient’s characteristics, except for the time from the accident to hospital admission. The median length of stay after surgery was highest in the Hook plate group (median (IQR) = 5(2) days), while it was lowest in the K-wire group (median (IQR) = 3(1) days) (p < 0.05). There is statistical significance in the difference of coracoclavicular distance between pre and post-operation in all three surgical method groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: All of the methods—Hook plate, K-wire, and TightRope—were associated with optimistic outcomes and restored initial anatomy. While the three surgical methods are both safe and effective, the K-wire method is associated with a shorter length of stay and might be economical.
Trust as a Catalyst of Economic Growth: A National and Regional Breakdown
Authors: Storonyanska Iryna , Ivashko Olena , Mieszajkina Elena
Published: November 2022

Given the fact that Ukraine declares a European path of development and considers itself a potential member of the European Union, the study mainly examines the relationship between trust and economic growth in Ukraine and other countries of the world, including post-Soviet countries. The hypothesis that general trust has a positive effect on economic growth in general is tested, and a comparative assessment of the level and factors of trust across the regions of Ukraine has been carried out. The results show an historical tradition of mistrust of the state and its institutions particular to Ukraine as the country where the state has been perceived as foreign by most of the population for over 70 years; exceptional weakness and corruption of state administration, even by the standard of third-world countries; availability of influential and consistent stereotypes, partially universal and partly specific to post-communist countries. It causes polarization in society and within certain social groups and governmental institutions. Ukrainian society is characterized by the waste of symbolic capital of confidence in authorities. Meanwhile, there is some symmetry between mistrust of the system and trust in entities created by people to meet their spiritual, social, psychological, and other needs.
Freelance Model with Atangana–Baleanu Caputo Fractional Derivative
Authors: Khan Fareeha Sami , Khalid M. , Al-moneef Areej A. , Ali Ali Hasan , Bazighifan Omar
Published: November 2022

As technology advances and the Internet makes our world a global village, it is important to understand the prospective career of freelancing. A novel symmetric fractional mathematical model is introduced in this study to describe the competitive market of freelancing and the significance of information in its acceptance. In this study, fixed point theory is applied to analyze the uniqueness and existence of the fractional freelance model. Its numerical solution is derived using the fractional Euler’s method, and each case has been presented graphically as well as tabular. Further, the results have been compared with the classic freelance model and real data to show the importance of this model.
Adaptive Driving Style Classification through Transfer Learning with Synthetic Oversampling
Authors: Jardin Philippe , Moisidis Ioannis , Kartal Kürsat , Rinderknecht Stephan
Published: November 2022

Driving style classification does not only depend on objective measures such as vehicle speed or acceleration, but is also highly subjective as drivers come with their own definition. From our perspective, the successful implementation of driving style classification in real-world applications requires an adaptive approach that is tuned to each driver individually. Within this work, we propose a transfer learning framework for driving style classification in which we use a previously developed rule-based algorithm for the initialization of the neural network weights and train on limited data. Therefore, we applied various state-of-the-art machine learning methods to ensure robust training. First, we performed heuristic-based feature engineering to enhance generalized feature building in the first layer. We then calibrated our network to be able to use its output as a probabilistic metric and to only give predictions above a predefined neural network confidence. To increase the robustness of the transfer learning in early increments, we used a synthetic oversampling technique. We then performed a holistic hyperparameter optimization in the form of a random grid search, which incorporated the entire learning framework from pretraining to incremental adaption. The final algorithm was then evaluated based on the data of predefined synthetic drivers. Our results showed that, by integrating these various methods, high system-level performance and robustness were met with as little as three new training and validation data samples in each increment.
A Quadruplex qRT-PCR for Differential Detection of Four Porcine Enteric Coronaviruses
Authors: Zhou Hongjin , Shi Kaichuang , Long Feng , Zhao Kang , Feng Shuping , Yin Yanwen , Xiong Chenyong , Qu Sujie , Lu Wenjun , Li Zongqiang
Published: November 2022

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), and swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) are four identified porcine enteric coronaviruses. Pigs infected with these viruses show similar manifestations of diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Here, a quadruplex real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was established for the differential detection of PEDV, TGEV, PDCoV, and SADS-CoV from swine fecal samples. The assay showed extreme specificity, high sensitivity, and excellent reproducibility, with the limit of detection (LOD) of 121 copies/μL (final reaction concentration of 12.1 copies/μL) for each virus. The 3236 clinical fecal samples from Guangxi province in China collected between October 2020 and October 2022 were evaluated by the quadruplex qRT-PCR, and the positive rates of PEDV, TGEV, PDCoV, and SADS-CoV were 18.26% (591/3236), 0.46% (15/3236), 13.16% (426/3236), and 0.15% (5/3236), respectively. The samples were also evaluated by the multiplex qRT-PCR reported previously by other scientists, and the compliance rate between the two methods was more than 99%. This illustrated that the developed quadruplex qRT-PCR assay can provide an accurate method for the differential detection of four porcine enteric coronaviruses.
Monthly Runoff Interval Prediction Based on Fuzzy Information Granulation and Improved Neural Network
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Zhang Xiao , Xie Jiancang , Zhang Xu , Liu Shihui
Published: November 2022

High-precision monthly runoff prediction results are of great significance to regional water resource management. However, with the changes in human activity, climate, and underlying surface conditions, the runoff sequence presents highly nonlinear and random characteristics. In order to improve the accuracy of runoff prediction, this study proposed a runoff prediction model based on fuzzy information granulation (FIG) and back propagation neural network (BPNN) improved with genetic algorithm (FIG-GA-BP). First, FIG was used to process the original runoff data to generate three sequences of minimum, average, and maximum that can reflect the rule of runoff changes. Then, genetic algorithms (GA) were used to obtain the optimal initial weights and thresholds of the BPNN through selection, crossover, and mutation. Finally, BPNN was used to predict the generated three sequences separately to obtain the prediction interval. The proposed model was applied to the monthly runoff interval prediction of Linjiacun and Weijiabu hydrological stations in the main stream of the Wei River and Zhangjiashan hydrological station on Jing River, a tributary of the Wei River. Compared with the interval prediction model FIG-BP, FIG-WNN, and traditional BP model. The results show that the FIG-GA-BP interval prediction model had a good prediction effect, with higher prediction accuracy and a narrower range of prediction intervals. Therefore, this model has superiority and practicability in monthly runoff interval prediction.
A Vegetation Assessment of the Kearl Treatment Wetland following Exposure to Oil Sands Process-Affected Water
Authors: Cancelli Alexander M. , Borkenhagen Andrea K. , Bekele Asfaw
Published: November 2022

Treatment wetlands have emerged as a potential option for the treatment of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). The long-term viability of these treatment systems relies, in part, on the health and productivity of wetland vegetation. The aim of this study is to investigate the physiological and community-level effects on wetland vegetation at the Kearl Treatment Wetland (KTW) following exposure to different OSPW sources. Annual vegetation assessments were performed during 2016–2021 to monitor species composition, total percent cover, species richness, species morphology (plant stem density, leaf length, and leaf width), and plant vigor in the KTW. Cattail was found to dominate the deep-water zones whereas water sedge was found to dominate the shallow-water zones of the wetland. Species richness in the KTW decreased with time which is typical of constructed wetlands receiving industrial effluents. No changes in plant stem density of cattails or water sedge were observed; however, leaf length decreased from 2019 to 2021, and leaf width decreased from 2020 to 2021. Plant vigor ratings increased in the KTW each year suggesting that the vegetation does not show any major signs of phytotoxicity from OSPW exposure. These results demonstrate the complex dynamics and resiliency of the vegetative community in treatment wetlands, but continued efforts to monitor plant uptake and accumulation are needed to fully assess the phytotoxic effects of OSPW exposure.
Holocene Paleoenvironmental Evolution of a Semi-Enclosed Shallow Aegean Basin: A Combination of Seismic Stratigraphy and Sediment Core Proxies
Authors: Noti Alexandra , Lourens Lucas J. , Geraga Maria , Wesselingh Frank P. , Haghipour Negar , Georgiou Nikos , Christodoulou Dimitris , Sergiou Spyros , Dimas Xenophon , Vlachopoulos Andreas G. , Papatheodorou George
Published: November 2022

The island of Astypalea (Greece), known for its rich and pristine archeological sites, encompasses a semi-enclosed silled basin that has been very susceptible to global sea levels and regional climate changes due to its relatively modern shallow sill of 4.7 m water deep that connects the Vathy bay with the adjacent Aegean Sea. To identify the causal relationship between regional climate, sea-level trajectories, and environmental change and their potential impact on hominine habitats on the island, we investigated a high-resolution seismic profile together with sediment, stable isotope, geochemical, and biotic proxies retrieved from a marine sediment core (ASTC1). Our results show that the basin was once isolated, and a marine inundation occurred at around 7.3 ka BP, which is older than expected, based on global sea level reconstructions. The entire transition from isolation to full marine conditions was accomplished in three major phases: (1) non-marine isolated conditions between 9–7.3 ka BP, (2) semi-isolated hypersaline marsh and lagoonal conditions between 7.3 and 4.1 ka BP, and (3) semi-isolated shallow marine conditions of today (4.1 ka BP to present). High water alkalinity, elevated organic content, and heavier isotopic signals indicate relatively arid conditions in the region that favored Sr-rich carbonate precipitation within the 7.3–6 ka BP interval. On the other hand, freshwater biota, along with a high Corg/N ratio and lighter isotopic signal, showed wetter conditions, at least for the intervals 8–7.3 ka and 6–5.4 ka BP, in contrast to the aridification trend seen as 4.1 ka to present. Finally, the hominine habitat evolution at around 6 ka BP might be attributed to the wetter conditions and the freshwater source provided by the bay at that time.
Electrification of Vehicle Miles Traveled and Fuel Consumption within the Household Context: A Case Study from California, U.S.A.
Authors: Mandev Ahmet , Sprei Frances , Tal Gil
Published: November 2022

Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), consisting of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), combined with the decarbonization of the electricity sector, can significantly help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. This study used empirical data from 287 households with at least one plug-in electric vehicle in California between 2016 and 2020. We estimated electric vehicle miles traveled (eVMT), fuel consumption and utility factor at the household level, i.e., taking into consideration all vehicles. We also studied the effect of household-specific factors—such as frequency of overlaps between vehicles, frequency of charging and frequency of long-distance trips—on eVMT, utility factor and fuel consumption within two-car households. Our results indicate that PHEVs with a range of at least 35 miles have the potential to electrify a similar share of total household miles as some short range BEVs, or can reach up to 70% as much electrification as some long range BEVs and, thus, can play an important role in decarbonizing the transport sector.
The USSR Collapse in the Light of Fractal Cyclical Nature of the Russian History
Authors:   Tula Branch of the Russian Federal District., Gridchin Igor V.
Published: November 2022

The article proposes an approach to the problem of the USSR collapse within the framework of interdisciplinary direction of megahistory and global evolution, where the USSR collapse itself turned up to be a bifurcation of the scale invariance of the producing economy history. Its final world cycle gives a picture of periods that completely coincides with the written history of Ancient Russia - the Russian Empire — the USSR.
The Public-Private Partnership Market as a Factor of Economic Growth in the Regions
Authors:   Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Glazunova Wilhelmina V. ,   Research Institute “Innovative Financial Instruments and Technologies” of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this article is to assess the regions of the Russian Federation by the level of PPP development from the perspective of their infrastructural and socio-economic development and the impact of PPP on accelerating their economic growth. To do this, the following tasks are being implemented: assessment of the general characteristics of the PPP market for the period 2006–2021, in particular, public and private contributions to PPP projects, distribution of investments in the areas under consideration; analysis of accumulated investments in the PPP market for the period 2006–2021, assessment of their impact on investment attractiveness and economic growth of regions based on the distribution by federal districts and regions of the Russian Federation; analysis of the market of large PPP projects for the period 2006–2021 from the position of influence on the strategic development of regions, its distribution by federal districts and regions of the Russian Federation; based on the results of the study, determining the top 10 most developed regions for the use of PPP mechanisms. The methodology of the study is an analysis of the distribution of the classical PPP market by regions and districts based on the construction of tables and diagrams. To characterize the overall economic and infrastructural development of the regions, PPP projects in the housing, social, transport and IT spheres were considered. The results of the study are that the assessment of the level of economic and infrastructural development of the regions is given; the strategic importance of PPP projects for the regions (especially large ones) is substantiated; it is determined that the successful implementation of PPP projects is a factor in the economic growth of the regions. Based on the analysis, the 10 most developed regions are identified from the point of view of the use of PPP mechanisms. The perspective of the study is to use its results to expand the PPP market, in particular, in territories in need of economic development. At the same time, in order to expand the territorial coverage of the PPP market, it is necessary to create conditions for the implementation of such projects in order to ensure the economic growth of the regions.
Combination of Financial Research Methodologies
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University., Morozov Vladimir A.
Published: November 2022

The article analyzes mathematical modeling as a methodology for the study of finance, which today is quite limited and outdated. The directions of the introduction of additional methodology in the field of finance — behavioral science are studied. The behavioral methodology is revealed for: predicting the reaction of investors; considering the general question of how financial markets help the country in allocating resources and ensuring long-term economic stability; contributing to improving the process of making financial and investment decisions. The usefulness of introducing behavioral models into financial science is substantiated, which in combination with mathematical modeling will allow for significant updates in this area.
Determining the Optimum Power Supply Configuration of an Isolated Mining Industry Facility Using a Autonomous Hybrid Power Plant Including a Hydrogen Energy Storage System
Authors:   Gubkin University., Karpov Vladislav E. , Ilkovskiy Konstantin K. ,   Gubkin University.
Published: November 2022

The article gives a brief description of the concept of autonomous hybrid power plant with hydrogen energy storage system, lists the main elements of the power complex and their characteristics, describes the technical and economic model and calculation algorithms, allowing to obtain a pre-project vision of the power complex, as well as to make an operational assessment of the economic feasibility of its introduction into the power supply system of mining industry facilities in isolated and hard-to-reach territories of the Russian Federation.
Phenomena of Quantum Economy
Authors:   Advertising agency “Publicis Groupe”, Churilin Maxim Yu. , Valiulina Tatiana A. ,   Institute of International Relations and Social and Political Sciences, MSLU
Published: November 2022

The paper undertakes to analyse the changes in the economic agent which it is subject to when described from the perspective of different worldviews. The mechanistic, electrodynamic and relativistic quantum worldviews suggest different interpretations of the properties of the object, hence describe economic objects different in nature. Reliance on physicalist methods makes it possible to reveal an economic agent displaying solidarity and to outline its preconditions. The goal of this research is reconsidering the object of economics and revealing its new properties. The first task is to describe the economic agent in mechanistic terms, the second task is to add to it the properties that are drawn from quantum mechanics. The paper looks for analogies and metaphors of such phenomena as tunnel effect and duality of microparticles. It also suggests a system of institutional organization for regulating demand for different categories of goods. The theory of institutions is interpreted through the analogies of the electrodynamic worldview. The principles of behavioral economics are presented in terms of the quantum-relative worldview. The article reveals a new production factor that allows the agent to exchange the labour performed in the system of informal institutions for its analogies in the formal system. It is inferred that the peculiarities of behaviour are formed by institutions and divide agents of demand into groups. The metaphors of quantum-field experiments are revealed to explain the mechanisms of influence on these groups depending on their preferences. The paper explores the agent of demand — the purchaser — consisting of multiple households. Economic analogies are searched in the process of interpreting the law of demand and supply.
Neurocommunity — the Future of Humanity?
Authors:   MGIMO University, Ageev Aleksandr I. ,   MGIMO University,   MEPhI,   International Research Institute MEPhI,   International Research Institute for Advanced Systems,   Institute for Economic for Advanced Systems,   Institute for Economic Strategies, Loginov Evgenii L. ,   Ministry of Energy Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation
Published: November 2022

Neurodigital technologies qualitatively and quantitatively expand the possibilities of human behavior control, creating conditions for ensuring a targeted cognitive-psychological state of both an individual and groups within a neurocommunity. One of the key vectors for applying such new management opportunities is imprinting on a person of a positive perception of the surrounding reality, which contributes to maintaining socio-political stability in the state and society and also increases the efficiency of individual employees and their teams. Identification of psychosemantic qualities of a person based on analysis of his interests and preferences allows to form and imprint a cognitive-reflexive model of identification and interpretation of what is happening, adapted to a particular person, which serves as a source of actions for person and groups of his like-minded people and provides stability of the society, which is gradually acquiring the features of a neurocommunity.
On the Problem of Applying Knowledge in Risk Management Systems
Authors:   JSCB “Absolut Bank” (PJSC), Grigorev Mikhail E.
Published: November 2022

The article dwells on the concept of building intelligent, knowledge-based decision support systems. A formalized risk management system is proposed. Based on the system, the author puts forward a solution to a particular problem from the banking sector in implementing projects related to distressed assets. Description and requirements to the tool for development, implementation and use of expert systems are presented.