bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peat-Derived ZnCl2-Activated Ultramicroporous Carbon Materials for Hydrogen Adsorption
Authors: Möller Egert , Palm Rasmus , Tuul Kenneth , Härmas Meelis , Koppel Miriam , Aruväli Jaan , Külaviir Marian , Lust Enn
Published: October 2023

Highly microporous adsorbents have been under considerable scrutiny for efficient adsorptive storage of H2. Of specific interest are sustainable, chemically activated, microporous carbon adsorbents, especially from renewable and organic precursor materials. In this article, six peat-derived microporous carbon materials were synthesized by chemical activation with ZnCl2. N2 and CO2 gas adsorption data were measured and simultaneously fitted with the 2D-NLDFT-HS model. Thus, based on the obtained results, the use of a low ratio of ZnCl2 for chemical activation of peat-derived carbon yields highly ultramicroporous carbons which are able to adsorb up to 83% of the maximal adsorbed amount of adsorbed H2 already at 1 bar at 77 K. This is accompanied by the high ratio of micropores, 99%, even at high specific surface area of 1260 m2 g−1, exhibited by the peat-derived carbon activated at 973 K using a 1:2 ZnCl2 to peat mass ratio. These results show the potential of using low concentrations of ZnCl2 as an activating agent to synthesize highly ultramicroporous carbon materials with suitable pore characteristics for the efficient low-pressure adsorption of H2.
Polycation-Intercalated MXene Membrane with Enhanced Permselective and Anti-Microbial Properties
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhu Shilin , Zhang Hongli
Published: October 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial-based membranes feature attractive properties for molecular separation and transport, which exhibit huge potential in various chemical processes. However, the low permeability and bio-fouling of the MXene membrane in water treatment become huge obstacles to its practical application. Herein, a highly permselective and anti-bacterial 2D nanofiltration membrane is fabricated by intercalating a polycation of polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA) into the Ti3C2Tx MXene laminar architecture through a facile and patternable electrostatic assembly strategy. As a result, the as-fabricated Ti3C2Tx/PDDA composite membrane exhibits higher water permeance up to 73.4 L m−2 h−1 with a rejection above 94.6% for MgCl2. The resultant membrane simultaneously possesses good resistance to swelling and long-term stability in water environments, even after 8 h. Additionally, the Ti3C2Tx/PDDA membrane also demonstrates a high flux recovery ratio of nearly 96.1% to bovine serum albumin proteins after being cleaned. More importantly, the current membrane shows excellent anti-adhesive and anti-microbial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with inhibition rates of 90% and 95% against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. This holds great potential for the application of the polyelectrolyte-intercalated MXene membrane in serving as a promising platform to separate molecules and/or ions in an aquatic environment.
Si3C Monolayer as an Efficient Metal-Free Catalyst for Nitrate Electrochemical Reduction: A Computational Study
Authors: Guo Wanying , Zhao Tiantian , Li Fengyu , Cai Qinghai , Zhao Jingxiang
Published: October 2023

Nitrate electroreduction reaction to ammonia (NO3ER) holds great promise for both nitrogen pollution removal and valuable ammonia synthesis, which are still dependent on transition-metal-based catalysts at present. However, metal-free catalysts with multiple advantages for such processes have been rarely reported. Herein, by means of density functional theory (DFT) computations, in which the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) functional is obtained by considering the possible van der Waals (vdW) interaction using the DFT+D3 method, we explored the potential of several two-dimensional (2D) silicon carbide monolayers as metal-free NO3ER catalysts. Our results revealed that the excellent synergistic effect between the three Si active sites within the Si3C monolayer enables the sufficient activation of NO3− and promotes its further hydrogenation into NO2*, NO*, and NH3, making the Si3C monolayer exhibit high NO3ER activity with a low limiting potential of −0.43 V. In particular, such an electrochemical process is highly dependent on the pH value of the electrolytes, in which acidic conditions are more favorable for NO3ER. Moreover, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations demonstrated the high stability of the Si3C monolayer. In addition, the Si3C monolayer shows a low formation energy, excellent electronic properties, a superior suppression effect on competing reactions, and high stability, offering significant advantages for its experimental synthesis and practical applications in electrocatalysis. Thus, a Si3C monolayer can perform as a promising NO3ER catalyst, which would open a new avenue to further develop novel metal-free catalysts for NO3ER.
Looking East and South: Philosophical Reflections on Taijiquan and Capoeira
Authors: Jennings George , Delamont Sara
Published: October 2023

In a precarious occupation, martial arts instructors must be inspiring and build a shared philosophy. Drawing on Taijiquan and Capoeira, which have their philosophical or epistemological roots in Asia and Africa, this article explores core concepts that feature in students’ enculturation. These concepts are grounded in epistemologies contrasting with Papineau’s work on popular and elite sport, Knowing the Score. More specifically, the philosophical approach used builds upon Papineau’s chapters on focus, cheating and racism, although these martial practices are not grounded in the Judeo-Christian Western epistemologies underlying Papineau’s thinking. Indeed, one of the attractions for Western Capoeira and Taijiquan students is precisely their “strange” or exotic philosophical concepts driving specific pedagogical practices. Ethnographic fieldwork in Britain and written and oral accounts of embodied expertise are used to explore the practical uses of these non-Western epistemologies by teachers to build shared cultures for their students. Specifically, we examine the concepts of axé (life force) and malicia (artful trickery) in Capoeira, noting its contrast to Western ideas of energy and fair play. We then examine Taijiquan and the concepts of song (鬆 or “letting go”) and ting (听 or “focused listening”), considering the movement skill of systematic relaxation and the focus on specific components of human anatomy and body technique among adults unlearning embodied tension built throughout their lives. We close with considerations for projects examining the diverse, alternative southern, non-Western, and potentially decolonial and subaltern epistemologies in such martial activities.
Fabrication of a Counter-Directional Pump/Signal Combiner with Built-In Mode Field Adapter
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Li Zhixian , Fu Min , Tian Xin , Rao Binyu , Chen Zilun , Wang Zefeng
Published: October 2023

This article introduces a novel counter-directional pump/signal combiner with a built-in mode field adapter. This combiner offers additional functionality to address the problem of mode field mismatch between the gain fiber and delivery fiber, which occurs when using a large-core (50 μm) signal fiber to suppress stimulated Raman scattering. The combiner exhibits negligible degradation in beam quality as a result of implementing mode field matching and employing an effective feedback alignment technique. The beam quality of the mode field adapter integrated in the combiner is improved by 10%, compared to the conventional approach, thanks to the reduction in splicing points and the prevention of fusion loss caused by tapering-induced cladding diameter mismatch. The combiner demonstrates an average pump coupling efficiency of 98.5% and a temperature rise coefficient of less than 10 °C/kW without active cooling. Furthermore, an integrated device based on the combiner is fabricated to shorten the length of delivery fiber, therefore mitigating the effects of stimulated Raman scattering. All those techniques mentioned above are utilized in a narrow linewidth laser system, resulting in an output of approximately 5840 W with a nearly single-mode characteristic.
Foliar Application of Melatonin Positively Affects the Physio-Biochemical Characteristics of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under the Combined Effects of Low Temperature and Salinity Stress
Authors: Fu Yuanyuan , Xin Lang , Mounkaila Hamani Abdoul Kader , Sun Weihao , Wang Hongbo , Amin Abubakar Sunusi , Wang Xingpeng , Qin Anzhen , Gao Yang
Published: October 2023

Low temperature and soil salinization during cotton sowing and seedling adversely affect cotton productivity. Exogenous melatonin (MT) can alleviate the damage caused to plants under non-biological stress; thus, applying MT is a means to improve the growth condition of crops under stress. However, achieving this goal requires a thorough understanding of the physiological regulatory mechanisms of MT on cotton seedlings under low temperature and salinity stress. This study could bring new knowledge on physio-biochemical mechanisms that improve the tolerance of cotton seedlings to combined effects of low temperature and salt stress using an exogenous foliar application of MT. The phytotron experiment comprised two temperature levels of cold stress and control and five MT treatments of 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μM and two salinity levels of 0 and 150 mM NaCl. Compared with the control treatments (non-salinity stress under cold stress and control), the combined stress of salt and low temperature reduced cotton seedlings’ biomass and net photosynthetic rate (Pn), aggravated the membrane damage, reduced the potassium (K+) content, and increased the sodium (Na+) accumulation in the leaves and roots. Under NaCl stress, exogenously sprayed 50–150 μM MT increased the biomass and gas exchange parameters of cotton seedlings under salt and low temperature combined with salt stress, reduced the degree of membrane damage, and regulated the antioxidant enzyme, ion homeostasis, transport, and absorption of cotton seedlings. The pairwise correlation analysis of each parameter using MT shows that the parameters with higher correlation with MT at cold stress are mainly malondialdehyde (MDA), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT). The highest correlation coefficient at 25 °C is observed between the K+ and Na+ content in cotton seedlings. The conclusion indicates that under salt and low-temperature stress conditions, exogenous application of MT primarily regulates the levels of Pn, superoxide dismutase (SOD), andPOD in cotton seedlings, reduces Na+ and MDA content, alleviates damage to cotton seedlings. Moreover, the most significant effect was observed when an exogenous application of 50–150 μM of MT was administered under these conditions. The current study’s findings could serve as a scientific foundation for salinity and low-temperature stress alleviation during the seedling stage of cotton growth.
Cosexuality Reduces Pollen Production and Fitness in Cannabis sativa L.
Authors: Wizenberg Sydney B. , Muir-Guarnaccia Jillian , Campbell Lesley G.
Published: October 2023

Cannabis sativa L. is cultivated globally for its cannabinoid-dense inflorescences. Commercial preference for sinsemilla has led to the development of methods for producing feminized seeds through cross-pollination of cosexual (masculinized) female plants. Although the induction of cosexuality in Cannabis plants is common, to date, no work has empirically tested how masculinization of female Cannabis plants impacts male flowering, pollen production, pollen fitness, and related life-history trade-offs. Here, we cultivated a population of Cannabis plants (CFX-2) and explored how the route to cosexuality (drought vs. chemical induction) impacted flowering phenology, pollen production, and pollen fitness, relative to unsexual male plants. Unisexual males flowered earlier and longer than cosexual plants and produced 223% more total pollen (F2,28 = 74.41, p < 0.001), but per-flower pollen production did not differ across reproductive phenotypes (F2,21 = 0.887, p = 0.427). Pollen viability was 200% higher in unisexual males and drought-induced cosexuals (F2,36 = 189.70, p < 0.001). Pollen non-abortion rates only differed in a marginally significant way across reproductive phenotypes (F2,36 = 3.00, p = 0.06). Here, we demonstrate that masculinization of female plants impacts whole-plant pollen production and pollen fitness in Cannabis sativa.
Foliar Pectins and Physiology of Diploid and Autotetraploid Mango Genotypes under Water Stress
Authors: Fonollá Andrés , Hormaza José I. , Losada Juan M.
Published: October 2023

The cultivation of mango in Mediterranean-type climates is challenged by the depletion of freshwater. Polyploids are alternative genotypes with potential greater water use efficiency, but field evaluations of the anatomy and physiology of conspecific adult polyploid trees under water stress remain poorly explored. We combined field anatomical evaluations with measurements of leaf water potential (Ψl) and stomatal conductance (Gs) comparing one diploid and one autotetraploid tree per treatment with and without irrigation during dry summers (when fruits develop). Autotetraploid leaves displayed lower Ψl and Gs in both treatments, but the lack of irrigation only affected Gs. Foliar cells of the adaxial epidermis and the spongy mesophyll contained linear pectin epitopes, whereas branched pectins were localized in the abaxial epidermis, the chloroplast membrane, and the sieve tube elements of the phloem. Cell and fruit organ size was larger in autotetraploid than in diploid mango trees, but the sugar content in the fruits was similar between both cytotypes. Specific cell wall hygroscopic pectins correlate with more stable Ψl of autotetraploid leaves under soil water shortage, keeping lower Gs compared with diploids. These preliminary results point to diploids as more susceptible to water deficits than tetraploids.
Bioactive Compound-Loaded Nanocarriers for Hair Growth Promotion: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Sharma Arvind , Mohapatra Harapriya , Arora Kanika , Babbar Ritchu , Arora Rashmi , Arora Poonam , Kumar Pradeep , Algın Yapar Evren , Rani Kailash , Meenu Maninder , Babu Marianesan Arockia , Kaur Maninderjit , Sindhu Rakesh K.
Published: October 2023

Hair loss (alopecia) has a multitude of causes, and the problem is still poorly defined. For curing alopecia, therapies are available in both natural and synthetic forms; however, natural remedies are gaining popularity due to the multiple effects of complex phytoconstituents on the scalp with fewer side effects. Evidence-based hair growth promotion by some plants has been reported for both traditional and advanced treatment approaches. Nanoarchitectonics may have the ability to evolve in the field of hair- and scalp-altering products and treatments, giving new qualities to hair that can be an effective protective layer or a technique to recover lost hair. This review will provide insights into several plant and herbal formulations that have been reported for the prevention of hair loss and stimulation of new hair growth. This review also focuses on the molecular mechanisms of hair growth/loss, several isolated phytoconstituents with hair growth-promoting properties, patents, in vivo evaluation of hair growth-promoting activity, and recent nanoarchitectonic technologies that have been explored for hair growth.
Utility Aspects of Sugarcane Bagasse as a Feedstock for Bioethanol Production: Leading Role of Steam Explosion as a Pretreatment Technique
Authors: Barciela Paula , Perez-Vazquez Ana , Fraga-Corral Maria , Prieto Miguel A.
Published: October 2023

Lignocellulosic biomass is a powerful approach to produce sustainable biofuels and the further achievement of the goal of biomass conversion into a second-generation clean energy that can cope with the depletion of fossil reserves and rising energy requirements. In the conversion process, a pretreatment is essential to overcome the recalcitrance of the lignocellulosic biomass; accelerate its disintegration into cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin; and, in turn, obtain an optimal yield of fermentable sugars in the enzymatic hydrolysis. In addition to this, it should be industrially scalable and capable of enhancing fuel properties and feedstock processability. Here, steam explosion technology has stood out due to its results and advantages, such as wide applicability, high efficiency in the short term, or lack of contamination despite its conventionality. This gentle and fast pretreatment incorporates high temperature autohydrolysis and structural alteration by explosive decompression. The steam explosion method has been one of the most effectual, especially for the hydrolysis of cellulose from agricultural wastes due to the lower quantity of acetyl groups in the composition of hemicellulose. In this aspect, sugarcane bagasse is a promising feedstock for bioethanol production due to its high cellulosic content and elevated availability. The objective of this review has been to compile the latest information on steam explosion pretreatment, stages, equipment, variables involved, by-products generated, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the technique. At the same time, its feasibility and viability using sugarcane bagasse as feedstock has been discussed. Finally, the effectiveness of the technique with different feedstocks has been evaluated.
Numerical Simulation and Analysis of the Heat and Mass Transfer of Oil-Based Drill Cuttings in a Thermal Desorption Chamber
Authors: Wang Maoren , Liu Li , Xu Changlong , Di Liang
Published: October 2023

To reveal the coupled heat and mass transfer process during thermal desorption of oil-based drill cuttings, a numerical model of heat and mass transfer was established, which is divided into four components = evaporation. The C language programming catch-up method was used to solve the discrete equation, and the interactive effects of the oil-based drill cuttings’ particle size, water content, oil content, content of light and heavy components in oil, heating temperature, heating time, and other operating parameters on the mass and heat transfer of the oil-based cutting particles were investigated. Results showed that the time at which the center point temperature of oil-based drill cuttings with radius of 1 mm and 5 mm reached 600 °C was 441 s and 63 s, respectively, and the temperature difference between the center and the surface increased with particle size. The desorption process of water, light components, and heavy components was not completed individually but mixed alternately. The duration of each desorption component was closely related to the temperature at the center of the oil-based drill cuttings. The smaller the particle size was, the lower the water and oil contents were, and the higher the heating temperature and time were. These conditions were beneficial to thermal desorption, mass transfer, and heat transfer.
A Schrödinger Equation for Evolutionary Dynamics
Authors: Ao Vi D. , Tran Duy V. , Pham Kien T. , Nguyen Duc M. , Tran Huy D. , Do Tuan K. , Do Van H. , Phan Trung V.
Published: October 2023

We establish an analogy between the Fokker–Planck equation describing evolutionary landscape dynamics and the Schrödinger equation which characterizes quantum mechanical particles, showing that a population with multiple genetic traits evolves analogously to a wavefunction under a multi-dimensional energy potential in imaginary time. Furthermore, we discover within this analogy that the stationary population distribution on the landscape corresponds exactly to the ground-state wavefunction. This mathematical equivalence grants entry to a wide range of analytical tools developed by the quantum mechanics community, such as the Rayleigh–Ritz variational method and the Rayleigh–Schrödinger perturbation theory, allowing us not only the conduct of reasonable quantitative assessments but also exploration of fundamental biological inquiries. We demonstrate the effectiveness of these tools by estimating the population success on landscapes where precise answers are elusive, and unveiling the ecological consequences of stress-induced mutagenesis—a prevalent evolutionary mechanism in pathogenic and neoplastic systems. We show that, even in an unchanging environment, a sharp mutational burst resulting from stress can always be advantageous, while a gradual increase only enhances population size when the number of relevant evolving traits is limited. Our interdisciplinary approach offers novel insights, opening up new avenues for deeper understanding and predictive capability regarding the complex dynamics of evolving populations.
Diagnostic Considerations in Evaluation of Back Complaints
Authors: Rothschild Bruce
Published: October 2023

The axial skeleton, with the exception of spondyloarthropathy, is the most neglected aspect of rheumatology training and, as a result, perhaps the most complex. The clinical “problem” of back/neck pain could be considered the “orphan child” of medicine, and our perspective as rheumatologists is often sought for such entities. Sources of back/neck pain are myriad, and not all phenomena affecting the back are symptomatic. Perhaps the one that has most concerned rheumatologists is the cervical instability associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The current review examines intrinsic and extrinsic alterations in axial skeletal components, providing a guide to discriminating the causes (e.g., Scheuermann’s disease versus osteoporotic compression and the various forms of axial joint ankylosis) and the implications of vertebral endplate alterations. The specificity and sensitivity (limitations) of radiologic findings are reviewed, with a reminder that vertebral body osteophytes do not represent osteoarthritis and are therefore unlikely to explain back or neck complaints and that it is our clinical examination which will likely suggest symptom origin.
Improving the Grasping Force Behavior of a Robotic Gripper: Model, Simulations, and Experiments
Authors: Vitrani Giuseppe , Cortinovis Simone , Fiorio Luca , Maggiali Marco , Romeo Rocco Antonio
Published: October 2023

Robotic grippers allow industrial robots to interact with the surrounding environment. However, control architectures of the grasping force are still rare in common industrial grippers. In this context, one or more sensors (e.g., force or torque sensors) are necessary. However, the incorporation of such sensors might heavily affect the cost of the gripper, regardless of its type (e.g., pneumatic or electric). An alternative approach could be open-loop force control strategies. Hence, this work proposes an approach for optimizing the open-loop grasping force behavior of a robotic gripper. For this purpose, a specialized robotic gripper was built, as well as its mathematical model. The model was employed to predict the gripper performance during both static and dynamic force characterization, simulating grasping tasks under different experimental conditions. Both simulated and experimental results showed that by managing the mechanical properties of the finger–object contact interface (e.g., stiffness), the steady-state force variability could be greatly reduced, as well as undesired effects such as finger bouncing. Further, the object’s size is not required unlike most of the grasping approaches for industrial rigid grippers, which often involve high finger velocities. These results may pave the way toward conceiving cheaper and more reliable open-loop force control techniques for use in robotic grippers.
SACuP: Sonar Image Augmentation with Cut and Paste Based DataBank for Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Park Sundong , Choi Yoonyoung , Hwang Hyoseok
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we introduce Sonar image Augmentation with Cut and Paste based DataBank for semantic segmentation (SACuP), a novel data augmentation framework specifically designed for sonar imagery. Unlike traditional methods that often overlook the distinctive traits of sonar images, SACuP effectively harnesses these unique characteristics, including shadows and noise. SACuP operates on an object-unit level, differentiating it from conventional augmentation methods applied to entire images or object groups. Improving semantic segmentation performance while carefully preserving the unique properties of acoustic images is differentiated from others. Importantly, this augmentation process requires no additional manual work, as it leverages existing images and masks seamlessly. Our extensive evaluations contrasting SACuP against established augmentation methods unveil its superior performance, registering an impressive 1.10% gain in mean intersection over union (mIoU) over the baseline. Furthermore, our ablation study elucidates the nuanced contributions of individual and combined augmentation methods, such as cut and paste, brightness adjustment, and shadow generation, to model enhancement. We anticipate SACuP’s versatility in augmenting scarce sonar data across a spectrum of tasks, particularly within the domain of semantic segmentation. Its potential extends to bolstering the effectiveness of underwater exploration by providing high-quality sonar data for training machine learning models.
Coupling the Calibrated GlobalLand30 Data and Modified PLUS Model for Multi-Scenario Land Use Simulation and Landscape Ecological Risk Assessment
Authors: Wang Zongmin , Guo Mengdan , Zhang Dong , Chen Ruqi , Xi Chaofan , Yang Haibo
Published: October 2023

Rapid economic growth and urbanization have significantly changed the land use distribution and landscape ecological structure, which has a profound impact on the natural environment. A scientific grasp of the characteristics of land use distribution and its impact on landscape ecological risk is a prerequisite for sustainable urban development. This study aimed to calibrate GlobalLand30 data using the normalized difference impervious surface index (NDISI) obtained from Landsat images, thereby providing a more precise foundation for land simulation. Additionally, it sought to improve the accuracy of the patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) through parameter sensitivity analysis. Building upon this, the research also simulates future land use in Beijing. Lastly, this study introduced an LER index to assess ecological risk in the current and future urban landscapes. The results showed that the GlobalLand30 data were calibrated and PLUS model accuracy was improved to more than 86%. The accuracy of the modified PLUS model based on a Morris sensitivity analysis was increased, and the kappa coefficients were increased by approximately 3%. The results of the multi-scenario simulation showed that under the SSP126-EP scenario, future land use in Beijing could balance urban development and ecological protection, and thus would be more suitable for sustainable development. In the other two scenarios, ecological land will be encroached by urban development. From 2000 to 2020, the degree of LER was generally lower, moderate, or higher, and the overall level of LER showed a downward trend continuing until 2100 in the SSP126-EG scenario. Future land use simulations and LER assessment under multi-scenarios could help decision makers develop multi-scale landscape protection strategies.
Mapping Suspended Sediment Changes in the Western Pacific Coasts
Authors: Zhou Tao , Cao Bowen , Qiu Junliang , Cai Shirong , Ou Haidong , Fan Wei , Yang Xiankun , Xie Xuetong , Bo Yu , Zhang Gaige
Published: October 2023

The Western Pacific Coasts (WPC) are the outlets of many large Asian rivers. In recent years, the interplay of climate changes and human activities has persistently altered the suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) in the WPC, triggering substantial shifts in coastal ecosystems. However, the scarcity of coastal observation stations hampered comprehensive investigations at large scales. This study employed three representative SSC retrieval models and utilized Landsat images acquired from 1990 to 2020 to estimate the SSC in the WPC with a focused endeavor to dissect the intricate spatial and temporal variability of SSC in the region. The findings revealed the following insights: (1) The outcomes derived from the three distinct SSC models consistently manifested a discernible decreasing pattern in SSC changes over the past three decades across all six major estuaries (Liao River Estuary, Yellow River Estuary, Yangtze River Estuary, Hangzhou Bay, Pearl River Estuary, and Mekong River Estuary). (2) The seasonal attributes of the six major estuaries differed, primarily due to distinct dominant influencing factors like precipitation, upstream sediment load, wind, and tides. (3) Collectively, SSC tends to be relatively higher in the Yangtze River Estuary, Hangzhou Bay, and Yellow River Estuary, while the Pearl River and Mekong River Estuaries exhibit relatively lower levels. Notably, the SSC exhibited distinct spatial traits along the coastlines of different estuaries. (4) SSC in the non-estuarine regions along the WPC, a similar significant declining trend in SSC is observed as in the estuaries, albeit the rate of decline generally appeared to be less pronounced. Furthermore, regions with faster rates of SSC reduction are typically concentrated near major estuaries in the northern part of the Coasts. The decline in estuarine SSC plays an important role in the overall decrease in SSC across the WPC. These study outcomes held substantial significance for advancing the stability and sustainable evolution of the WPC.
A New Risk-Based Method in Decision Making to Create Dust Sources Maps: A Case Study of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsubhi Yazeed , Qureshi Salman , Siddiqui Muhammad Haroon
Published: October 2023

Dust storms are one of the major causes of the destruction of natural ecosystems and human infrastructure worldwide. Therefore, the identification and mapping of susceptible regions to dust storm formation (SRDSFs) is of great importance. Determining SRDSFs by considering the concept of risk in the decision-making process and the kind of manager’s attitude and planning can be very valuable in dedicating financial resources and time to identifying and controlling the negative impacts of SRDSFs. The purpose of this study was to present a new risk-based method in decision making to create SRDSF maps of pessimistic and optimistic scenarios. To achieve the purpose of this research, effective criteria obtained from various sources were used, including simulated surface data, satellite products, and soil data of Saudi Arabia. These effective criteria included vegetation cover, soil moisture, soil erodibility, wind speed, precipitation, and absolute air humidity. For this purpose, the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) model was employed to generate existing SRDSF maps in different scenarios. The results showed that the wind speed and precipitation criteria had the highest and lowest impact in identifying dust centers, respectively. The areas identified as SRDSFs in very pessimistic, pessimistic, neutral, optimistic, and very optimistic scenarios were 85,950, 168,275, 255,225, 410,000, and 596,500 km2, respectively. The overall accuracy of very pessimistic, pessimistic, neutral, optimistic, and very optimistic scenarios were 84.1, 83.3, 81.6, 78.2, and 73.2%, respectively. The very pessimistic scenario can identify the SRDSFs in the study area with higher accuracy. The overall accuracy of the results of these scenarios compared to the dust sources obtained from the previous studies were 92.7, 94.2, 95.1, 88.4, and 79.7% respectively. The dust sources identified in the previous studies have a higher agreement with the results of the neutral scenario. The proposed method has high flexibility in producing a wide range of SRDSF maps in very pessimistic to very optimistic scenarios. The results of the pessimistic scenarios are suitable for risk-averse managers with limited financial resources and time, and the results of the optimistic scenarios are suitable for risk-taking managers with sufficient financial resources and time.
Assessment of Deep Learning-Based Nowcasting Using Weather Radar in South Korea
Authors: Yoon Seong-Sim , Shin Hongjoon , Heo Jae-Yeong , Choi Kwang-Bae
Published: October 2023

This study examines the effectiveness of various deep learning algorithms in nowcasting using weather radar data from South Korea. Herein, the algorithms examined include RainNet, ConvLSTM2D U-Net, a U-Net-based recursive model, and a generative adversarial network. Moreover, this study used S-band radar data from the Ministry of Environment to assess the predictive performance of these models. Results show the efficacy of these algorithms in short-term rainfall prediction. Specifically, for a threshold of 0.1 mm/h, the recursive RainNet model achieved a critical success index (CSI) of 0.826, an F1 score of 0.781, and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.378. However, for a higher threshold of 5 mm/h, the model achieved an average CSI of 0.498, an F1 score of 0.577, and a MAE of 0.307. Furthermore, some models exhibited spatial smoothing issues with increasing rainfall-prediction times. The findings of this research hold promise for applications of societal importance, especially for preventing disasters due to extreme weather events.
Dual-Task Interference Effects on Lower-Extremity Muscle Activities during Gait Initiation and Steady-State Gait among Healthy Young Individuals, Measured Using Wireless Electromyography Sensors
Authors: Waldon Ke’Vaughn Tarrel , Stout Angeloh , Manning Kaitlin , Gray Leslie , Wilson David George , Kang Gu Eon
Published: October 2023

To maintain a healthy lifestyle, adults rely on their ability to walk while simultaneously managing multiple tasks that challenge their coordination. This study investigates the impact of cognitive dual tasks on lower-limb muscle activities in 21 healthy young adults during both gait initiation and steady-state gait. We utilized wireless electromyography sensors to measure muscle activities, along with a 3D motion capture system and force plates to detect the phases of gait initiation and steady-state gait. The participants were asked to walk at their self-selected pace, and we compared single-task and dual-task conditions. We analyzed mean muscle activation and coactivation in the biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior muscles. The findings revealed that, during gait initiation with the dual-task condition, there was a decrease in mean muscle activation and an increase in mean muscle coactivation between the swing and stance limbs compared with the single-task condition. In steady-state gait, there was also a decrease in mean muscle activation in the dual-task condition compared with the single-task condition. When participants performed dual-task activities during gait initiation, early indicators of reduced balance capability were observed. Additionally, during dual-task steady-state gait, the knee stabilizer muscles exhibited signs of altered activation, contributing to balance instability.
Analysis of Onboard Verification Flight Test for the Salinity Satellite Scatterometer
Authors: Liu Yongqing , Wang Te , Yun Risheng , Liu Peng , Lin Wenming , Zhu Di , Liu Hao , Zhang Xiangkun
Published: October 2023

The upcoming Salinity Satellite, scheduled for launch in 2024, will feature the world’s first phased array radar scatterometer. To validate its capability in measuring ocean surface backscatter coefficients, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the onboard verification flight test for the Salinity Satellite scatterometer. This paper provides a detailed introduction to the system design of the Salinity Satellite scatterometer, which utilizes phased array radar technology and digital beamforming techniques to achieve accurate measurements of sea surface scattering characteristics. The paper elaborates on the derivation of backscatter coefficients, system calibration, and phase amplitude correction for the phased array scatterometer. Furthermore, it describes the process of the onboard calibration flight test. By analyzing internal noise signals, onboard calibration signals, and external noise signals, the stability and reliability of the scatterometer system are validated. The experiment covers both land and ocean observations, with a particular focus on complex sea surface conditions in nearshore areas. Through the precise analysis of backscatter coefficients, the paper successfully distinguishes the different backscatter coefficient characteristics between ocean and land. The research results effectively demonstrate the feasibility of the Salinity Satellite scatterometer for measuring backscatter coefficients in a phased array configuration, as well as its outstanding performance in complex marine environments.
An Intelligent Framework for Fault Diagnosis of Centrifugal Pump Leveraging Wavelet Coherence Analysis and Deep Learning
Authors: Ullah Niamat , Ahmad Zahoor , Siddique Muhammad Farooq , Im Kichang , Shon Dong-Koo , Yoon Tae-Hyun , Yoo Dae-Seung , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: October 2023

This paper proposes an intelligent framework for the fault diagnosis of centrifugal pumps (CPs) based on wavelet coherence analysis (WCA) and deep learning (DL). The fault-related impulses in the CP vibration signal are often attenuated due to the background interference noises, thus affecting the sensitivity of the traditional statistical features towards faults. Furthermore, extracting health-sensitive information from the vibration signal needs human expertise and background knowledge. To extract CP health-sensitive features autonomously from the vibration signals, the proposed approach initially selects a healthy baseline signal. The wavelet coherence analysis is then computed between the healthy baseline signal and the signal obtained from a CP under different operating conditions, yielding coherograms. WCA is a signal processing technique that is used to measure the degree of linear correlation between two signals as a function of frequency. The coherograms carry information about the CP vulnerability towards the faults as the color intensity in the coherograms changes according to the change in CP health conditions. To utilize the changes in the coherograms due to the health conditions of the CP, they are provided to a Convolution Neural Network (CNN) and a Convolution Autoencoder (CAE) for the extraction of discriminant CP health-sensitive information autonomously. The CAE extracts global variations from the coherograms, and the CNN extracts local variations related to CP health. This information is combined into a single latent space vector. To identify the health conditions of the CP, the latent space vector is classified using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The proposed method identifies faults in the CP with higher accuracy as compared to already existing methods when it is tested on the vibration signals acquired from real-world industrial CPs.
Extraction and Application of Hydraulic Support Safety Valve Characteristic Parameters Based on Roof Pressure Data
Authors: Xing Keke , Cheng Jingyi , Wan Zhijun , Sun Xin , Yan Wanzi , Lv Jiakun , Xue Minti
Published: October 2023

The safety valves of powered supports control the maximum working resistance, and their statuses must be known to ensure the safety of both the support and the overlying strata. However, the inspection of powered support valves involves manual or semiautomated operations, the costs of which are high. In this study, an extreme point extraction method was developed for the determination of the characteristic parameters of safety valves using roof pressure data, and a safety valve state monitoring module was constructed. Using the longwall face of 0116306 with top coal caving in the Mindong Mine as an example, the characteristic parameters of the safety valves were extracted, including the peak, reseating, and blowdown pressures, as well as the recovery and unloading durations. The results of the field tests showed the following: (1) The amplitude threshold method based on extreme points can be used to accurately extract characteristic parameters, and the distribution of the characteristic parameters of the safety valves follows either a Gaussian or an exponential distribution. (2) The mining pressure analysis results, derived from the characteristic parameters, closely align with the in situ mining pressure observations. This method can be used for the online monitoring of safety valve conditions, increasing the operational efficiency and quality of safety valve inspections.
Endoluminal Procedures and Devices for Esophageal Tract Investigation: A Critical Review
Authors: Spreafico Giorgia , Chiurazzi Marcello , Bagnoli Davide , Emiliani Sergio , de Bortoli Nicola , Ciuti Gastone
Published: October 2023

Diseases of the esophageal tract represent a heterogeneous class of pathological conditions for which diagnostic paradigms continue to emerge. In the last few decades, innovative diagnostic devices have been developed, and several attempts have been made to advance and standardize diagnostic algorithms to be compliant with medical procedures. To the best of our knowledge, a comprehensive review of the procedures and available technologies to investigate the esophageal tract was missing in the literature. Therefore, the proposed review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of available endoluminal technologies and procedures to investigate esophagus health conditions. The proposed systematic review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies have been divided into categories based on the type of evaluation and measurement that the investigated technology provides. In detail, three main categories have been identified, i.e., endoluminal technologies for the (i) morphological, (ii) bio-mechanical, and (iii) electro-chemical evaluation of the esophagus.
A Low-Delay Dynamic Range Compression and Contrast Enhancement Algorithm Based on an Uncooled Infrared Sensor with Local Optimal Contrast
Authors: Zhu Youpan , Zhou Yongkang , Jin Weiqi , Zhang Li , Wu Guanlin , Shao Yiping
Published: October 2023

Real-time compression of images with a high dynamic range into those with a low dynamic range while preserving the maximum amount of detail is still a critical technology in infrared image processing. We propose a dynamic range compression and enhancement algorithm for infrared images with local optimal contrast (DRCE-LOC). The algorithm has four steps. The first involves blocking the original image to determine the optimal stretching coefficient by using the information of the local block. In the second, the algorithm combines the original image with a low-pass filter to create the background and detailed layers, compressing the background layer with a dynamic range of adaptive gain, and enhancing the detailed layer for the visual characteristics of the human eye. Third, the original image was used as input, the compressed background layer was used as a brightness-guided image, and the local optimal stretching coefficient was used for dynamic range compression. Fourth, an 8-bit image was created (from typical 14-bit input) by merging the enhanced details and the compressed background. Implemented on FPGA, it used 2.2554 Mb of Block RAM, five dividers, and a root calculator with a total image delay of 0.018 s. The study analyzed mainstream algorithms in various scenarios (rich scenes, small targets, and indoor scenes), confirming the proposed algorithm’s superiority in real-time processing, resource utilization, preservation of the image’s details, and visual effects.
Dual-Lifetime Referencing (t-DLR) Optical Fiber Fluorescent pH Sensor for Microenvironments
Authors: Chen Wan-Har , Armstrong Evelyn , Dillingham Peter W. , Moratti Stephen C. , Ennis Courtney , McGraw Christina M.
Published: October 2023

The pH behavior in the μm to cm thick diffusion boundary layer (DBL) surrounding many aquatic species is dependent on light-controlled metabolic activities. This DBL microenvironment exhibits different pH behavior to bulk seawater, which can reduce the exposure of calcifying species to ocean acidification conditions. A low-cost time-domain dual-lifetime referencing (t-DLR) interrogation system and an optical fiber fluorescent pH sensor were developed for pH measurements in the DBL interface. The pH sensor utilized dual-layer sol-gel coatings of pH-sensitive iminocoumarin and pH-insensitive Ru(dpp)3-PAN. The sensor has a dynamic range of 7.41 (±0.20) to 9.42 ± 0.23 pH units (95% CI, T = 20 °C, S = 35), a response time (t90) of 29 to 100 s, and minimal salinity dependency. The pH sensor has a precision of approximately 0.02 pHT units, which meets the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON) “weather” measurement quality guideline. The suitability of the t-DLR optical fiber pH sensor was demonstrated through real-time measurements in the DBL of green seaweed Ulva sp. This research highlights the practicability of optical fiber pH sensors by demonstrating real-time pH measurements of metabolic-induced pH changes.
Improving Depression Severity Prediction from Passive Sensing: Symptom-Profiling Approach
Authors: Akbarova Sabinakhon , Im Myeongji , Kim Suhyun , Toshnazarov Kobiljon , Chung Kyong-Mee , Chun Junghyun , Noh Youngtae , Kim Young-Ah
Published: October 2023

Depression is a significant mental health issue that profoundly impacts people’s lives. Diagnosing depression often involves interviews with mental health professionals and surveys, which can become cumbersome when administered continuously. Digital phenotyping offers an innovative approach for detecting and monitoring depression without requiring active user involvement. This study contributes to the detection of depression severity and depressive symptoms using mobile devices. Our proposed approach aims to distinguish between different patterns of depression and improve prediction accuracy. We conducted an experiment involving 381 participants over a period of at least three months, during which we collected comprehensive passive sensor data and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) self-reports. To enhance the accuracy of predicting depression severity levels (classified as none/mild, moderate, or severe), we introduce a novel approach called symptom profiling. The symptom profile vector represents nine depressive symptoms and indicates both the probability of each symptom being present and its significance for an individual. We evaluated the effectiveness of the symptom-profiling method by comparing the F1 score achieved using sensor data features as inputs to machine learning models with the F1 score obtained using the symptom profile vectors as inputs. Our findings demonstrate that symptom profiling improves the F1 score by up to 0.09, with an average improvement of 0.05, resulting in a depression severity prediction with an F1 score as high as 0.86.
A Multimodal Software Architecture for Serious Exergames and Its Use in Respiratory Rehabilitation
Authors: Dias Claudinei , Nery Jhonatan Thallisson Cabral , Hounsell Marcelo da Silva , Leal André Bittencourt
Published: October 2023

Serious Exergames (SEGs) have been little concerned with flexibility/equivalence, complementarity, and monitoring (functionalities of systems that deal with a wide variety of inputs). These functionalities are necessary for health SEGs due to the variety of treatments and measuring requirements. No known SEG architectures include these three functionalities altogether. In this paper, we present the 123-SGR software architecture for the creation of an SEG that is appropriate to the needs of professionals and patients in the area of rehabilitation. An existing SEG was adapted and therapy-related sensor devices (Pneumotachograph, Manovacuometer, Pressure Belt, and Oximeter) were built to help the patient interact with the SEG. The architecture allows the most varied input combinations, with and without fusion, and these combinations are possible for both conscious and unconscious signals. Health and Technology professionals have assessed the SEG and found that it had the functionalities of flexibility/equivalence, complementarity, and monitoring, and that these are really important and necessary functionalities. The 123-SGR architecture can be used as a blueprint for future SEG development.