bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relativistic Rational Extended Thermodynamics of Polyatomic Gases with a New Hierarchy of Moments
Authors: Arima Takashi , Carrisi Maria Cristina , Pennisi Sebastiano , Ruggeri Tommaso
Published: December 2021

A relativistic version of the rational extended thermodynamics of polyatomic gases based on a new hierarchy of moments that takes into account the total energy composed by the rest energy and the energy of the molecular internal mode is proposed. The moment equations associated with the Boltzmann–Chernikov equation are derived, and the system for the first 15 equations is closed by the procedure of the maximum entropy principle and by using an appropriate BGK model for the collisional term. The entropy principle with a convex entropy density is proved in a neighborhood of equilibrium state, and, as a consequence, the system is symmetric hyperbolic and the Cauchy problem is well-posed. The ultra-relativistic and classical limits are also studied. The theories with 14 and 6 moments are deduced as principal subsystems. Particularly interesting is the subsystem with 6 fields in which the dissipation is only due to the dynamical pressure. This simplified model can be very useful when bulk viscosity is dominant and might be important in cosmological problems. Using the Maxwellian iteration, we obtain the parabolic limit, and the heat conductivity, shear viscosity, and bulk viscosity are deduced and plotted.
The Mechanism of Orientation Detection Based on Artificial Visual System
Authors: Zhang Xiliang , Zheng Tang , Todo Yuki
Published: December 2021

As an important part of the nervous system, the human visual system can provide visual perception for humans. The research on it is of great significance to improve our understanding of biological vision and the human brain. Orientation detection, in which visual cortex neurons respond only to linear stimuli in specific orientations, is an important driving force in computer vision and biological vision. However, the principle of orientation detection is still unknown. This paper proposes an orientation detection mechanism based on dendrite calculation of local orientation detection neurons. We hypothesized the existence of orientation detection neurons that only respond to specific orientations and designed eight neurons that can detect local orientation information. These neurons interact with each other based on the nonlinearity of dendrite generation. Then, local orientation detection neurons are used to extract local orientation information, and global orientation information is deduced from local orientation information. The effectiveness of the mechanism is verified by computer simulation, which shows that the machine can perform orientation detection well in all experiments, regardless of the size, shape, and position of objects. This is consistent with most known physiological experiments.
A Machine Learning Method for Detection of Surface Defects on Ceramic Tiles Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Stephen Okeke , Maduh Uchenna Joseph , Sain Mangal
Published: December 2021

We propose a simple but effective convolutional neural network to learn the similarities between closely related raw pixel images for feature representation extraction and classification through the initialization of convolutional kernels from learned filter kernels of the network. The binary-class classification of sigmoid and discriminative feature vectors are simultaneously learned together contrasting the handcrafted traditional method of feature extractions, which split feature-extraction and classification tasks into two different processes during training. Relying on the high-quality feature representation learned by the network, the classification tasks can be efficiently conducted. We evaluated the classification performance of our proposed method using a collection of tile surface images consisting of cracked surfaces and no-cracked surfaces. We tried to classify the tiny-cracked surfaces from non-crack normal tile demarcations, which could be useful for automated visual inspections that are labor intensive, risky in high altitudes, and time consuming with manual inspection methods. We performed a series of comparisons on the results obtained by varying the optimization, activation functions, and deployment of different data augmentation methods in our network architecture. By doing this, the effectiveness of the presented model for smooth surface defect classification was explored and determined. Through extensive experimentation, we obtained a promising validation accuracy and minimal loss.
Path Load Adaptive Migration for Routing and Bandwidth Allocation in Mobile-Aware Service Function Chain
Authors: Hu Hefei , Yang Chen , Xu Lingyi , Song Tangyijia , Dalia Bonaho Bocochi
Published: December 2021

With network function virtualization (NFV) expanding from network center to edge, the service function chain (SFC) will gradually approach users to provide lower delay and higher-quality services. User mobility seriously affects the quality of service (QoS) provided by the mobile-aware SFC. Therefore, we must migrate the SFC to provide continuous services. In the user estimable movement scenario with a known mobile path and estimable arrival time, we establish the estimation model of user arrival time to obtain the estimated arrival time. Then, to reduce the time that the user is waiting for the migration completion, we propose a softer migration strategy migrating mobile-aware SFC before the user arrives at the corresponding access node. Moreover, for the problem of routing and bandwidth allocation (RBA), to reduce the migration failure rate, the paper proposes a path load adaptive routing and bandwidth allocation (PLARBA) algorithm adjusting the migration bandwidth according to the path load. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has significant advantages in reducing the user’s waiting time by more than 90%, decreasing migration failure rate by up to 75%, and improving QoS compared to the soft migration strategy and two RBA algorithms.
A Hybrid Predictive Type-3 Fuzzy Control for Time-Delay Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Taghieh Amin , Aly Ayman A. , Felemban Bassem F. , Althobaiti Ahmed , Mohammadzadeh Ardashir , Bartoszewicz Andrzej
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the consensus problem is addressed for multi-agent systems. The dynamics of each agent contain unknown uncertain/nonlinear terms and unknown time delays. A type-3 fuzzy logic system is developed to tackle the effect of unknown dynamics and design a hybrid controller. The policy scheme involves two control signals for the stabilization of the approximation and consensus error of each agent dynamic. To this end, based on the concept of the model predictive control approach, the constrained control laws are designed and updated at each time step. The simulations results portray the error signals. Feasibility, appropriate convergence, and proper transient response are the main merits of the suggested method.
Russia’s Policy Transition to a Hydrogen Economy and the Implications of South Korea–Russia Cooperation
Authors: Youngok Kim , Eunkyung Yi , Hyunik Son
Published: December 2021

Leading countries are developing clean energy to replace fossil fuels. In this context, Russia is changing its energy policy towards fostering new energy resources, such as hydrogen and helium. Hydrogen will not only contribute to Russia’s financial revenue by replacing natural gas, but will also provide a basis for it to maintain its dominance over the international energy market by pioneering new energy markets. Russia is aiming to produce more than two million tons of hydrogen fuel for export to Europe and Asia by 2035. However, it is facing many challenges, including developing hydrogen fuel storage systems, acquiring the technology required for exporting hydrogen, and building trust in the fuel market. Meanwhile, South Korea has a foundation for developing a hydrogen industry, as it has the highest capacity in the world to produce fuel cells and the ability to manufacture LNG: (liquefied natural gas) carriers. Therefore, South Korea and Russia have sufficient potential to create a new complementary and reciprocal cooperation model in the hydrogen fuel field. This study examines the present and future of Russia’s energy policy in this area as well as discusses South Korea and Russia’s cooperation plans in the hydrogen fuel sector and the related implications.
Fusion of Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm and Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network Application in Load Forecasting
Authors: Liao Gwo-Ching
Published: December 2021

Load forecasting (LF) is essential in enabling modern power systems’ safety and economical transportation and energy management systems. The dynamic balance between power generation and load in the optimization of power systems is receiving increasing attention. The intellectual development of information in the power industry and the data acquisition system of the smart grid provides a vast data source for pessimistic load forecasting, and it is of great significance in mining the information behind power data. An accurate short-term load forecasting can guarantee a system’s safe and reliable operation, improve the utilization rate of power generation, and avoid the waste of power resources. In this paper, the load forecasting model by applying a fusion of Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm and Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network (ILSTM-NN), and then establish short-term load forecasting using this novel model. Sparrow Search Algorithm is a novel swarm intelligence optimization algorithm that simulates sparrow foraging predatory behavior. It is used to optimize the parameters (such as weight, bias, etc.) of the ILSTM-NN. The results of the actual examples are used to prove the accuracy of load forecasting. It can improve (decrease) the MAPE by about 20% to 50% and RMSE by about 44.1% to 52.1%. Its ability to improve load forecasting error values is tremendous, so it is very suitable for promoting a domestic power system.
Harvesting Technologies and Costs of Biomass Production from Energy Crops Cultivated on Farms in the Małopolska Region
Authors: Kwaśniewski Dariusz , Płonka Aleksandra , Mickiewicz Paweł
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to assess biomass production costs from perennial energy crops, such as Miscanthus giganteus, Sida hermaphrodita, and coppiced willow, in selected agricultural holdings. This assessment was based on applied technologies for harvesting the biomass of the energy crops mentioned above. The scope of the study included research on ten farms located in Małopolska and establishing the possibility of biomass production from selected energy crops in these entities. Biomass production costs have been estimated using the computer application “Bioalkylation”. The result of the research was the answer to the question: what can be the cost range of biomass production from perennial energy crops for the crops Miscanthus giganteus, Sida hermaphrodita, and coppiced willow as the most popular plants? The study shows that production costs depend primarily on the harvesting technology used and the machinery used in the farm. The harvest with rotary mowers, small presses, and windrows was applied regarding Miscanthus giganteus and Sida hermaphrodita. The costs of biomass production were, on average, 424.7 EUR ha−1 for Miscanthus giganteus and 278.9 EUR ha−1 for Sida hermaphrodita. Concerning tonne, this was 37.6 EUR t−1 for Miscanthus giganteus and 30.0 EUR t−1 for Sida hermaphrodita, respectively. In the case of harvesting energy willow, in the form of whole shoots, inefficient and labour-intensive technologies using chainsaws and combustion cutters were applied. The biomass production costs were thus the highest among the assessed plants and amounted, on average, to 612.1 EUR ha−1, which in terms of tonne corresponded to a value of 30.6 EUR. The obtained results and the analysis presented in the paper may help in planning the cultivation of perennial energy crops in order to obtain biomass used for heating purposes on a farm.
Impact of the Selected Disturbing Factors on Accuracy of the Distance Measurement with the Use of Ultrasonic Transducers in a Hard Coal Mine
Authors: Bartoszek Sławomir , Ćwikła Grzegorz , Kost Gabriel , Nieśpiałowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2021

The article presents tests on the possibility of using ultrasonic transducers for accurate distance measurement in hard coal mines. In order to check the impact of selected disturbing factors on the measurement results, test stands were built, and then a full cycle of measurements with the use of different transducers (AR30 and AR41), which were selected and pre-tested in previous research projects, was realized. The impact of such disturbing factors as airborne dust (coal, stone, lime and mixed dust), changes in temperature and humidity on the propagation of ultrasonic waves, amplitude and measurement accuracy was investigated. The tests were preceded by theoretical analysis. It was found that the transducers selected for the tests had a sufficient accuracy and range, so they can be used in the devices planned to be designed, allowing for the determining of the location of a roadheader in hard coal mine roadways, taking into account technical and legal restrictions. It was also specified which disturbing factors should be compensated and what methods and parameters of this compensation should be used.
Standardizing Performance Metrics for Building-Level Electrical Distribution Systems
Authors: Nazir Moazzam , Ghatpande Omkar , Bernal Heredia Willy , Wierzbanowski Cameron , Gerber Daniel , Saha Avijit
Published: December 2021

Building-level electrical distribution systems comprise a myriad of current-carrying equipment, conversion devices, and protection devices that deliver power from the utility or local distributed energy resources to end-use building loads. Electric power has traditionally been generated, transmitted, and distributed in alternating current (AC). However, the last decade has seen a significant increase in the integration of native direct current (DC) equipment that has elevated the importance of DC distribution systems. Numerous studies have comparatively examined the performance of various electrical distribution systems in buildings but have failed to achieve uniform conclusions, primarily because of a lack of consistent and analogous performance evaluation methods. This paper aims to fill this gap by providing a standard set of metrics and measurement boundaries to consistently evaluate the performance of AC, DC, or hybrid AC/DC electrical distribution systems. The efficacy of the proposed approach is evaluated on a representative medium-sized commercial office building model with AC distribution and an equivalent hybrid AC/DC and DC distribution model, wherein the AC distribution model is concluded to be the most efficient. The simulation results show variation in computed metrics with different selected boundaries that verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach in ensuring consistent computation of the performance of building-level electrical distribution systems. This paper provides an initial set of guidelines for building energy system stakeholders to adopt appropriate solutions, thus leading to more efficient energy systems.
Reduction Reactivity of Low Grade Iron Ore-Biomass Pellets for a Sustainable Ironmaking Process
Authors: Zulkania Ariany , Rochmadi Rochmadi , Hidayat Muslikhin , Cahyono Rochim Bakti
Published: December 2021

Currently, fossil fuels are still the primary fuel source and reducing agent in the steel industries. The utilization of fossil fuels is strongly associated with CO2 emissions. Therefore, an alternative solution for green steel production is highly recommended, with the use of biomass as a source of fuel and a reducing agent. Biomass’s growth consumes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which may be stored for variable amounts of time (carbon dioxide removal, or CDR). The pellets used in this study were prepared from a mixture of low-grade iron ore and palm kernel shells (PKS). The reducing reactivity of the pellets was investigated by combining thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and laboratory experiments. In the TGA, the heating changes stably from room temperature to 950 °C with 5–15 °C/min heating rate. The laboratory experiments’ temperature and heating rate variations were 600–900 °C and 10–20 °C/min, respectively. Additionally, the reduction mechanism was observed based on the X-ray diffraction analysis of the pellets and the composition of the reduced gas. The study results show that increasing the heating rate will enhance the reduction reactivity comprehensively and shorten the reduction time. The phase change of Fe2O3 → Fe3O4 → FeO → Fe increases sharply starting at 800 °C. The XRD intensities of Fe compounds at a heating rate of 20 °C/min are higher than at 10 °C/min. Analysis of the reduced gas exhibits that carbon gasification begins to enlarge at a temperature of 800 °C, thereby increasing the rate of iron ore reduction. The combination of several analyses carried out shows that the reduction reaction of the mixture iron ore-PKS pellets runs optimally at a heating rate of 20 °C/min. In this heating rate, the reduced gas contains much higher CO than at the heating rate of 10 °C/min at temperatures above 800 °C, which encourages a more significant reduction rate. In addition, the same reduction degree can be achieved in a shorter time and at a lower temperature for a heating rate of 20 °C/min compared to 10 °C/min.
Economic Feasibility of Green Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis Using Wind and Geothermal Energy Resources in Asal-Ghoubbet Rift (Republic of Djibouti): A Comparative Evaluation
Authors: Osman Awaleh Mohamed , Adan Abdi-Basid , Assowe Dabar Omar , Jalludin Mohamed , Mahdi Ahmed Moussa , Abdillahi Guirreh Ismael
Published: December 2021

The Republic of Djibouti has untapped potential in terms of renewable energy resources, such as geothermal, wind, and solar energy. This study examines the economic feasibility of green hydrogen production by water electrolysis using wind and geothermal energy resources in the Asal–Ghoubbet Rift (AG Rift), Republic of Djibouti. It is the first study in Africa that compares the cost per kg of green hydrogen produced by wind and geothermal energy from a single site. The unit cost of electricity produced by the wind turbine (0.042 $/kWh) is more competitive than that of a dry steam geothermal plant (0.086 $/kWh). The cost of producing hydrogen with a suitable electrolyzer powered by wind energy ranges from $0.672/kg H2 to $1.063/kg H2, while that produced by the high-temperature electrolyzer (HTE) powered by geothermal energy ranges from $3.31/kg H2 to $4.78/kg H2. Thus, the AG Rift area can produce electricity and green hydrogen at low-cost using wind energy compared to geothermal energy. The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduced by using a “Yinhe GX113-2.5MW” wind turbine and a single flash geothermal power plant instead of fuel-oil generators is 2061.6 tons CO2/MW/year and 2184.8 tons CO2/MW/year, respectively.
Social License to Operate in Geothermal Energy
Authors: Barich Amel , Stokłosa Alicja W. , Hildebrand Jan , Elíasson Ottó , Medgyes Tamás , Quinonez Gauthier , Casillas Ana C. , Fernandez Isabel
Published: December 2021

Geothermal energy is a resource that has the potential for development in many countries around the world. Despite its versatility and economic viability, this resource faces numerous obstacles that hinder its deployment and capacity for achieving a similar market share as other renewable and clean energy sources. Both technical and non-technical barriers can be highly detrimental to the implementation of geothermal projects. A social license to operate (SLO) is a tool that can help the deployment of geothermal energy. As a new concept, SLO is little developed in the business literature but is still being adopted in many industries. Its main challenges reside in its context-dependence and the lack of clear frameworks to utilize it. This paper introduces, in a first known attempt, through a qualitative approach, a conceptual model of the social license to operate in the geothermal energy sector. For its development, three case studies, working group discussion and surveying were conducted in the framework of the H2020 funded CROWDTHERMAL project, which aims to empower EU citizens for direct participation in geothermal projects through crowdfunding. Findings of this paper also drew on existing general conceptual models of the SLO, and experiences from other sectors that have developed their own SLO models. The paper contributes to a more contextualized understanding of the social license within the geothermal sector and sheds the light on practices and challenges that influence the acquisition and maintenance of SLO in geothermal energy projects and initiatives.
The Development of CO2 Instantaneous Emission Model of Full Hybrid Vehicle with the Use of Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Mądziel Maksymilian , Jaworski Artur , Kuszewski Hubert , Woś Paweł , Campisi Tiziana , Lew Krzysztof
Published: December 2021

Road transport contributes to almost a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions in the EU. To analyze the exhaust emissions generated by vehicle flows, it is necessary to use specialized emission models, because it is infeasible to equip all vehicles on the road in the tested road sections with the Portable Emission Measurement System (PEMS). However, the currently used emission models may be inadequate to the investigated vehicle structure or may not be accurate due to the used macroscale. This state of affairs is especially related to full hybrid vehicles, since there are none of the microscale emission models that give estimated emissions values exclusively for this kind of drive system. Several automakers over the past decade have invested in hybrid vehicles with great opportunities to reduce costs through better design, learning, and economies of scale. In this work, the authors propose a methodology for creating a CO2 emission model, which takes relatively little computational time, and the models created give viable results for full hybrid vehicles. The creation of an emission model is based on the review of the accuracy results of methods, such as linear, robust regression, fine, medium, coarse tree, linear, cubic support vector machine (SVM), bagged trees, Gaussian process regression (GPR), and neural network (NNET). Particularly in the work, the best fit for the road input data for the CO2 emission model creation was the GPR method. PEMS data was used, as well as model training data and model validation. The model resulting from this methodology can be used for the analysis of emissions from simulation tests, or they can be used for input parameters for speed, acceleration, and road gradient.
Study on Performance of the Thermoelectric Cooling Device with Novel Subchannel Finned Heat Sink
Authors: Xia Gaoju , Zhao Huadong , Zhang Jingshuang , Yang Haonan , Feng Bo , Zhang Qi , Song Xiaohui
Published: December 2021

The thermoelectric refrigeration system is an application of the Peltier effect, and good refrigeration performance is dependent on effective heat dissipation performance. To enhance the cooling performance of the thermoelectric system, this paper designs a new type of finned heat sink, which does not change the overall size of the thermoelectric system. The performance of the refrigeration system under the new fin is tested by experiments under various conditions. During the experiment, the cooling wind speed, the temperature of the hot and cold side of the TEC, the power consumption of the fan, and other parameters were directly recorded through the measuring instrument. The results show that the use of new finned heat sinks can improve the COP of the thermoelectric refrigeration system. Within the scope of the study, the thermal resistance of the new fins can be reduced by 42.6%, and the system COP value can be increased by 22.8%. In addition, increasing the cooling wind speed can further reduce the cold side temperature. Within the research range, the lowest temperature can reach −8.25 °C, but the power consumed by the fan is 166% of that of the conventional fin heat sink refrigeration device.
Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Profiles, and Gut Integrity of Growing Pigs Fed Pickled Fish Residue with Decreased Salt Content
Authors: Boontiam Waewaree , Kitipongpysan Sumetee , Wachirapakorn Chalong , Hong Jinsu , Gawborisut Somsamorn , Saeeaw Amporn
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles and gut integrity of growing pigs, in response to an increase in pickled freshwater fish residue (PFR) intake following a decrease in salt content. Ninety-six crossbred growing pigs [(Landrace × Large White) × Duroc] with a body weight of 23.65 ± 0.24 kg were randomly assigned to one of four treatments (6 pens/treatment, 4 pigs/pen) in a randomized complete block design. The treatments included: a corn-soybean meal based diet without PFR inclusion (CON) or with PFR addition at 5 (PFR5), 10 (PFR10), and 15% (PFR15), respectively. Desalting via soaking and stirring caused a positive reduction in the salt present on the surface of PFR. Over the 42-day feeding period, an increased level of PFR quadratically increased gain:feed ratio such that gain:feed ratio for PFR10 was greater than that for CON (p < 0.05). Pigs fed PFR10 had greater crude protein digestibility, and lower aspartate aminotransferase and crypt depth than those fed the CON diet (p < 0.05). The linear improvements in crude protein and ether extract digestibility, duodenal villus height, and villus:crypt ratio were observed as the PFR content increased (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant effects on average daily feed intake, dry matter and ash digestibility, blood metabolites (total Ca, P, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase). Altogether, up to 10% PFR can be included in corn-soybean meal diet without impairing protein digestibility and hepatic enzyme alteration. In fact, administering PFR with lower salt content to growing pigs ultimately promotes their growth performance and gut integrity.
Effects of Selenium Supplementation on Rumen Microbiota, Rumen Fermentation, and Apparent Nutrient Digestibility of Ruminant Animals: A Review
Authors: Hendawy Amin Omar , Sugimura Satoshi , Sato Kan , Mansour Mohamed Mohsen , Abd El-Aziz Ayman H. , Samir Haney , Islam Md. Aminul , Bostami A. B. M. Rubayet , Mandour Ahmed S. , Elfadadny Ahmed , Ragab Rokaia F. , Abdelmageed Hend A. , Ali Amira Mohammed
Published: December 2021

Enzymes excreted by rumen microbiome facilitate the conversion of ingested plant materials into major nutrients (e.g., volatile fatty acids (VFA) and microbial proteins) required for animal growth. Diet, animal age, and health affect the structure of the rumen microbial community. Pathogenic organisms in the rumen negatively affect fermentation processes in favor of energy loss and animal deprivation of nutrients in ingested feed. Drawing from the ban on antibiotic use during the last decade, the livestock industry has been focused on increasing rumen microbial nutrient supply to ruminants through the use of natural supplements that are capable of promoting the activity of beneficial rumen microflora. Selenium (Se) is a trace mineral commonly used as a supplement to regulate animal metabolism. However, a clear understanding of its effects on rumen microbial composition and rumen fermentation is not available. This review summarized the available literature for the effects of Se on specific rumen microorganisms along with consequences for rumen fermentation and digestibility. Some positive effects on total VFA, the molar proportion of propionate, acetate to propionate ratio, ruminal NH3-N, pH, enzymatic activity, ruminal microbiome composition, and digestibility were recorded. Because Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) were more effective than other forms of Se, more studies are needed to compare the effectiveness of synthetic SeNPs and lactic acid bacteria enriched with sodium selenite as a biological source of SeNPs and probiotics. Future studies also need to evaluate the effect of dietary Se on methane emissions.
Security and Privacy in Cloud Computing: Technical Review
Authors: Abdulsalam Yunusa Simpa , Hedabou Mustapha
Published: December 2021

Advances in the usage of information and communication technologies (ICT) has given rise to the popularity and success of cloud computing. Cloud computing offers advantages and opportunities for business users to migrate and leverage the scalability of the pay-as-you-go price model. However, outsourcing information and business applications to the cloud or a third party raises security and privacy concerns, which have become critical in adopting cloud implementation and services. Researchers and affected organisations have proposed different security approaches in the literature to tackle the present security flaws. The literature also provides an extensive review of security and privacy issues in cloud computing. Unfortunately, the works provided in the literature lack the flexibility in mitigating multiple threats without conflicting with cloud security objectives. The literature has further focused on only highlighting security and privacy issues without providing adequate technical approaches to mitigate such security and privacy threats. Conversely, studies that offer technical solutions to security threats have failed to explain how such security threats exist. This paper aims to introduce security and privacy issues that demand an adaptive solution approach without conflicting with existing or future cloud security. This paper reviews different works in the literature, taking into account its adaptiveness in mitigating against future reoccurring threats and showing how cloud security conflicts have invalidated their proposed models. The article further presents the security threats surrounding cloud computing from a user perspective using the STRIDE approach. Additionally, it provides an analysis of different inefficient solutions in the literature and offers recommendations in terms of implementing a secure, adaptive cloud environment.
Wildfires in the Atomic Age: Mitigating the Risk of Radioactive Smoke
Authors: Eriksen Christine
Published: December 2021

This Perspective highlights the lingering consequences of nuclear disasters by examining the risks posed by wildfires that rerelease radioactive fallout originally deposited into the environment by accidents at nuclear power plants or testing of nuclear weapons. Such wildfires produce uncontainable, airborne, and hazardous smoke, which potentially carries radioactive material, thus becoming the specter of the original disaster. As wildfires occur more frequently with climate change and land use changes, nuclear wildfires present a pressing yet little discussed problem among wildfire management and fire scholars. The problem requires urgent attention due to the risks it poses to the health and wellbeing of wildland firefighters, land stewards, and smoke-impacted communities. This Perspective explains the problem, outlines future research directions, suggests potential solutions, and underlines the broader benefits of mitigating the risks.
Genome-Wide Characterization and Analysis of Expression of the Histone Gene Family in Razor Clam, Sinonovacula constricta
Authors: Lian Jiaying , Lv Liyuan , Yao Hanhan , Lin Zhihua , Dong Yinghui
Published: December 2021

The Chinese razor clam (Sinonovacula constricta), a bivalve species widely distributed in estuaries and mudflats, is often exposed to extreme environmental and microbial stresses. Histones are fundamental components of chromatin and play an important role in innate immunity, as demonstrated by its antimicrobial activities in clams. However, little attention has been paid to histones in bivalves. To fill this gap, we investigated the genomic distribution, structural characteristics, conserved motifs, and phylogenetic relationships of histones in S. constricta. A total of 114 histone genes were detected in the S. constricta genome, which were divided into 25 types in phylogenetic analysis. Among them, partial histones exhibited a tissue-dependent expression pattern, indicating that they may be involved in sustaining the homeostasis of organs/tissues in adult S. constricta. Furthermore, mRNA expression of certain histones changed significantly in S. constricta when infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, suggesting that histones play a role in the immune defense of S. constricta. All together, this study on histone genes in S. constricta not only greatly expands our knowledge of histone function in the clam, but also histone evolution in molluscs.
Rapid Determination of β-Glucan Content of Hulled and Naked Oats Using near Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics
Authors: Meenu Maninder , Zhang Yaqian , Kamboj Uma , Zhao Shifeng , Cao Lixia , He Ping , Xu Baojun
Published: December 2021

The quantification of β-glucan in oats is of immense importance for plant breeders and food scientists to develop plant varieties and food products with a high quantity of β-glucan. However, the chemical analysis of β-glucan is time consuming, destructive, and laborious. In this study, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in conjunction with Chemometrics was employed for rapid and non-destructive prediction of β-glucan content in oats. The interval Partial Least Square (iPLS) along with correlation matrix plots were employed to analyze the NIR spectrum from 700–1300 nm, 1300–1900 nm, and 1900–2500 nm for the selection of important wavelengths for the prediction of β-glucan. The NIR spectral data were pre-treated using Savitzky Golay smoothening and normalization before employing partial least square regression (PLSR) analysis. The PLSR models were established based on the selection of wavelengths from PLS loading plots that present a high correlation with β-glucan content. It was observed that wavelength region 700–1300 nm is sufficient for the satisfactory prediction of β-glucan of hulled and naked oats with R2c of 0.789 and 0.677, respectively, and RMSE < 0.229.
Biological Potential and Chemical Profile of European Varieties of Ilex
Authors: Pachura Natalia , Kupczyński Robert , Sycz Jordan , Kuklińska Agata , Zwyrzykowska-Wodzińska Anna , Wińska Katarzyna , Owczarek Aleksandra , Kuropka Piotr , Nowaczyk Renata , Bąbelewski Przemysław , Szumny Antoni
Published: December 2021

Plants of the genus Ilex are widespread throughout the world, with its best-known representative being Ilex paraguraiensis from South America. The European species Ilex aquifolium shows similarities in its terpenoid, sugar and phenolic acid profiles. Using aqueous extracts of Ilex aquifolium as a supplement in Wistar rats showed that, despite the lack of caffeine, it had strong hypocholesterolemic effects. In addition, a reduction in oxidative lipid degradation and a decrease in hepatic steatosis in histopathological studies were observed. The results of this study suggest that extracts from the European species Ilex aquifolium may have potential as an alternative treatment for hyperlipidemia.
Effect of the Seasonal Climatic Variations on the Flavonoid Accumulation in Vitis vinifera cvs. ‘Muscat Hamburg’ and ‘Victoria’ Grapes under the Double Cropping System
Authors: Lu Hao-Cheng , Chen Wei-Kai , Wang Yu , Bai Xian-Jin , Cheng Guo , Duan Chang-Qing , Wang Jun , He Fei
Published: December 2021

Under the double cropping system, berries usually showed significant quality variations in the summer and winter seasons. In the two-year/four-consecutive-season study, two table grapes of ‘Muscat Hamburg’ and ‘Victoria’ were investigated to determine the phenolic compounds in their berries. Different from those of the summer season, the berries in the winter season suffered no high-temperature stress since veraison to harvest in 2014 and 2015. The variations in the season temperatures led to a higher anthocyanin concentration in the winter season berries of ‘Muscat Hamburg’ grapes than that in the summer berries, while the summer season berries had higher proportions of acylated and methylated anthocyanins than those in the winter season berries. Similar to the anthocyanins, the winter season berries also had a higher flavonol concentration in both varieties. Transcriptome analysis showed that the upregulated genes involved in the flavonoid pathway in the winter season berries were agreed with the changes found in the metabolites. However, the influence of the growing seasons on the flavanols was not consistent in the two varieties, and the variations in VviLARs between the grapes of ‘Muscat Hamburg’ and ‘Victoria’ might be the cause. This research helped us better understand the double cropping system and how the climate factors affected the phenolic compounds in the double cropping system.
Solutions of General Fractional-Order Differential Equations by Using the Spectral Tau Method
Authors: Srivastava Hari Mohan , Gusu Daba Meshesha , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Wedajo Gidisa , Nonlaopon Kamsing , Hamed Y. S.
Published: December 2021

Here, in this article, we investigate the solution of a general family of fractional-order differential equations by using the spectral Tau method in the sense of Liouville–Caputo type fractional derivatives with a linear functional argument. We use the Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind to develop a recurrence relation subjected to a certain initial condition. The behavior of the approximate series solutions are tabulated and plotted at different values of the fractional orders ν and α. The method provides an efficient convergent series solution form with easily computable coefficients. The obtained results show that the method is remarkably effective and convenient in finding solutions of fractional-order differential equations.
Numerical Simulation of Fractional Delay Differential Equations Using the Operational Matrix of Fractional Integration for Fractional-Order Taylor Basis
Authors: Avcı  İbrahim
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we consider numerical solutions for a general form of fractional delay differential equations (FDDEs) with fractional derivatives defined in the Caputo sense. A fractional integration operational matrix, created using a fractional Taylor basis, is applied to solve these FDDEs. The main characteristic of this approach is, by utilizing the operational matrix of fractional integration, to reduce the given differential equation to a set of algebraic equations with unknown coefficients. This equation system can be solved efficiently using a computer algorithm. A bound on the error for the best approximation and fractional integration are also given. Several examples are given to illustrate the validity and applicability of the technique. The efficiency of the presented method is revealed by comparing results with some existing solutions, the findings of some other approaches from the literature and by plotting absolute error figures.
A Computer Vision-Based Yoga Pose Grading Approach Using Contrastive Skeleton Feature Representations
Authors: Wu Yubin , Lin Qianqian , Yang Mingrun , Liu Jing , Tian Jing , Kapil Dev , Vanderbloemen Laura
Published: December 2021

The main objective of yoga pose grading is to assess the input yoga pose and compare it to a standard pose in order to provide a quantitative evaluation as a grade. In this paper, a computer vision-based yoga pose grading approach is proposed using contrastive skeleton feature representations. First, the proposed approach extracts human body skeleton keypoints from the input yoga pose image and then feeds their coordinates into a pose feature encoder, which is trained using contrastive triplet examples; finally, a comparison of similar encoded pose features is made. Furthermore, to tackle the inherent challenge of composing contrastive examples in pose feature encoding, this paper proposes a new strategy to use both a coarse triplet example—comprised of an anchor, a positive example from the same category, and a negative example from a different category, and a fine triplet example—comprised of an anchor, a positive example, and a negative example from the same category with different pose qualities. Extensive experiments are conducted using two benchmark datasets to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed approach.
Improving Humanization Skills through Simulation-Based Computers Using Simulated Nursing Video Consultations
Authors: Jiménez-Rodríguez Diana , Pérez-Heredia Mercedes , Molero Jurado María del Mar , Pérez-Fuentes María del Carmen , Arrogante Oscar
Published: December 2021

During the COVID-19 confinement, we converted our clinical simulation sessions into simulated video consultations. This study aims to evaluate the effects of virtual simulation-based training on developing and cultivating humanization competencies in undergraduate nursing students. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 60 undergraduate nursing students. A validated questionnaire was used to evaluate the acquisition of humanization competencies (self-efficacy, sociability, affection, emotional understanding, and optimism). The development of humanization competencies in this group composed of undergraduate nursing students was evaluated using virtual simulation-based training, comparing the levels obtained in these competencies at baseline (pre-test) and after the virtual simulation experience (post-test). After the virtual simulation sessions, students improved their levels in humanization total score and the emotional understanding and self-efficacy competencies, obtaining large effects sizes in all of them (rB = 0.508, rB = 0.713, and rB = 0.505 respectively). This virtual simulation modality enables training in the humanization of care with the collaboration of standardized patients in the form of simulated nursing video consultations and the performance of high-fidelity simulation sessions that comply with the requirements of best practices. Therefore, this methodology could be considered as another choice for virtual simulation. Additionally, this virtual modality could be a way to humanize virtual simulation.
A Review on Secondary Immune Thrombocytopenia in Malaysia
Authors: Zahidin Muhamad Aidil , Mohd Noor Noor Haslina , Johan Muhammad Farid , Abdullah Abu Dzarr , Zulkafli Zefarina , Edinur Hisham Atan
Published: December 2021

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disease that occurs in adults and children. In Malaysia, the clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the management of ITP was issued in 2006, which focused almost exclusively on primary ITP (pITP), and only a few secondary ITP (sITP) forms were addressed. All published (twenty-three) sITP articles among children and adults in Malaysia, identified on the academic databases were retrieved. The articles were published between 1981 and 2019, at a rate of 0.62 publications per year. The publications were considered low and mainly focused on rare presentation and followed-up of secondary diseases. This review revealed that sITP in Malaysia is commonly associated with autoimmune diseases (Evan’s syndrome, SLE and WAS), malignancy (Kaposi’s sarcoma and breast cancer) and infection (dengue haemorrhagic fever, Helicobacter pylori and hepatitis C virus). The relationship between ITP and autoimmune diseases, malignancy and infections raise the question concerning the mechanism involved in these associations. Further studies should be conducted to bridge the current knowledge gap, and the further information is required to update the existing CPG of management of ITP in Malaysia.
Perception of E-Resources on the Learning Process among Students in the College of Health Sciences in King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, during the (COVID-19) Outbreak
Authors: AlJasser Reham , Alolyet Lina , Alsuhaibani Daniyah , Albalawi Sarah , Manzar Md. Dilshad , Albougami Abdulrhman
Published: December 2021

Aim: to assess the impact of e-learning through different e-resources among health sciences students. Methodology: A cross-sectional design was conducted among health science students (n = 211; 134 female and 77 male) at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. The data was collected using a previously used structured questionnaire to assess the impact of e-resources on learning. Results: The four most frequently used e-resources were: Zoom (38%), YouTube (31%), Google applications (29%), and Blackboard (27%). More than one-third of the students (35%) reportedly used e-resources for three or more hours daily. The majority of the students (55.9%) recognized a gender-related and age-related difference among faculty members in terms of e-resources usage. The majority of the students (58.2%) believe that online resources recommended by faculty members were credible. The majority of students believed that their academic performance was primarily influenced by these features of the e-resources: organization/logic of the content (64.5%), the credibility of the video (64.5%), and up to date “look and feel” of the video (60.6%). The study identified the most frequently used e-resources, gender, and age-related differences in faculty members’ use of e-resources, students’ overwhelming reliance on faculty feedback regarding the credibility of e-resources, and three most important characteristics (organization, credibility, and updated status) of e-resources. Conclusion: e-learning resources had a significant impact on participating students’ education as they were used very frequently during their health sciences’ courses.
The Grouting Process as an Innovative Tool for the Assessment of the State of Preservation and Internal Features of the Holy Aedicule of the Holy Sepulchre
Authors: Lampropoulos Kyriakos C. , Apostolopoulou Maria , Tsilimantou Elisavet , Moropoulou Antonia
Published: December 2021

Grouting of historic structures is a common procedure in many restoration projects, as the masonry in many cases requires additional strengthening. However, grouting of complex historic structures can also provide important information regarding the construction phases and the state of preservation of the internal structure of a monument, which may not be visible by the naked eye. This requires an innovative approach in order to reveal these aspects. In the current research, the data recorded from the grouting of the Holy Aedicule are implemented and analyzed, in order to obtain information regarding the construction phases of the complex Holy Aedicule structure, as well as information regarding the state of preservation of the internal structure behind the marble cladding that encloses it. The correlation of detailed grouting data with geospatial information allows for a more detailed analysis, which, coupled with ground-penetrating radar prospections, can provide critical information regarding the features of the internal structure. The results highlight the importance of this correlation to reveal information that may not be obtained through a typical approach. Thus, this study allowed for the development of an evolved interdisciplinary approach for the management of grouting data in a 2.5D environment, which can be applied in other historic structures and buildings.
Managing the Product Quality of Vegetable Crops under Abiotic Stress
Authors: Schmidt Lilian
Published: December 2021

Plants, as sessile organisms, are continuously exposed to varying environmental conditions and often face abiotic and biotic threats [...]