bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Optimization of Wearable Printed Human Body Temperature Sensor Based on Silver Interdigitated Electrode and Carbon-Sensing Film
Authors: Al-Qahtani Aisha M. , Ali Shawkat , Khan Arshad , Bermak Amine
Published: February 2023

The human body’s temperature is one of the most important vital markers due to its ability to detect various diseases early. Accurate measurement of this parameter has received considerable interest in the healthcare sector. We present a novel study on the optimization of a temperature sensor based on silver interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) and carbon-sensing film. The sensor was developed on a flexible Kapton thin film first by inkjet printing the silver IDEs, followed by screen printing a sensing film made of carbon black. The IDE finger spacing and width of the carbon film were both optimized, which considerably improved the sensor’s sensitivity throughout a wide temperature range that fully covers the temperature of human skin. The optimized sensor demonstrated an acceptable temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 3.93 × 10−3 °C−1 for temperature sensing between 25 °C and 50 °C. The proposed sensor was tested on the human body to measure the temperature of various body parts, such as the forehead, neck, and palm. The sensor showed a consistent and reproducible temperature reading with a quick response and recovery time, exhibiting adequate capability to sense skin temperatures. This wearable sensor has the potential to be employed in a variety of applications, such as soft robotics, epidermal electronics, and soft human–machine interfaces.
Evaluation of Growth Responses of Lettuce and Energy Efficiency of the Substrate and Smart Hydroponics Cropping System
Authors: Dutta Monica , Gupta Deepali , Sahu Sangeeta , Limkar Suresh , Singh Pawan , Mishra Ashutosh , Kumar Manoj , Mutlu Rahim
Published: February 2023

Smart sensing devices enabled hydroponics, a concept of vertical farming that involves soilless technology that increases green area. Although the cultivation medium is water, hydroponic cultivation uses 13 ± 10 times less water and gives 10 ± 5 times better quality products compared with those obtained through the substrate cultivation medium. The use of smart sensing devices helps in continuous real-time monitoring of the nutrient requirements and the environmental conditions required by the crop selected for cultivation. This, in turn, helps in enhanced year-round agricultural production. In this study, lettuce, a leafy crop, is cultivated with the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) setup of hydroponics, and the growth results are compared with cultivation in a substrate medium. The leaf growth was analyzed in terms of cultivation cycle, leaf length, leaf perimeter, and leaf count in both cultivation methods, where hydroponics outperformed substrate cultivation. The results of the ‘AquaCrop simulator also showed similar results, not only qualitatively and quantitatively, but also in terms of sustainable growth and year-round production. The energy consumption of both the cultivation methods is compared, and it is found that hydroponics consumes 70 ± 11 times more energy compared to substrate cultivation. Finally, it is concluded that smart sensing devices form the backbone of precision agriculture, thereby multiplying crop yield by real-time monitoring of the agronomical variables.
Controlling Upper Limb Prostheses Using Sonomyography (SMG): A Review
Authors: Nazari Vaheh , Zheng Yong-Ping
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a critical review and comparison of the results of recently published studies in the fields of human–machine interface and the use of sonomyography (SMG) for the control of upper limb prothesis. For this review paper, a combination of the keywords “Human Machine Interface”, “Sonomyography”, “Ultrasound”, “Upper Limb Prosthesis”, “Artificial Intelligence”, and “Non-Invasive Sensors” was used to search for articles on Google Scholar and PubMed. Sixty-one articles were found, of which fifty-nine were used in this review. For a comparison of the different ultrasound modes, feature extraction methods, and machine learning algorithms, 16 articles were used. Various modes of ultrasound devices for prosthetic control, various machine learning algorithms for classifying different hand gestures, and various feature extraction methods for increasing the accuracy of artificial intelligence used in their controlling systems are reviewed in this article. The results of the review article show that ultrasound sensing has the potential to be used as a viable human–machine interface in order to control bionic hands with multiple degrees of freedom. Moreover, different hand gestures can be classified by different machine learning algorithms trained with extracted features from collected data with an accuracy of around 95%.
Generative Adversarial Network-Based Fault Detection in Semiconductor Equipment with Class-Imbalanced Data
Authors: Choi Jeong Eun , Seol Da Hoon , Kim Chan Young , Hong Sang Jeen
Published: February 2023

This research proposes an application of generative adversarial networks (GANs) to solve the class imbalance problem in the fault detection and classification study of a plasma etching process. Small changes in the equipment part condition of the plasma equipment may cause an equipment fault, resulting in a process anomaly. Thus, fault detection in the semiconductor process is essential for success in advanced process control. Two datasets that assume faults of the mass flow controller (MFC) in equipment components were acquired using optical emission spectroscopy (OES) in the plasma etching process of a silicon trench: The abnormal process changed by the MFC is assumed to be faults, and the minority class of Case 1 is the normal class, and that of Case 2 is the abnormal class. In each case, additional minority class data were generated using GANs to compensate for the degradation of model training due to class-imbalanced data. Comparisons of five existing fault detection algorithms with the augmented datasets showed improved modeling performances. Generating a dataset for the minority group using GANs is beneficial for class imbalance problems of OES datasets in fault detection for the semiconductor plasma equipment.
Home-Based Electrochemical Rapid Sensor (HERS): A Diagnostic Tool for Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Banks Melissa , Amirghasemi Farbod , Mitchell Evelyn , Mousavi Maral P. S.
Published: February 2023

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most frequently occurring vaginal infection worldwide, yet it remains significantly underdiagnosed as a majority of patients are asymptomatic. Untreated BV poses a serious threat as it increases one’s risk of STI acquisition, pregnancy complications, and infertility. We aim to minimize these risks by creating a low-cost disposable sensor for at-home BV diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis of BV is most commonly made according to the Amsel criteria. In this method, a fish-like odor, caused by increased levels of trimethylamine (TMA) in vaginal fluid, is used as a key diagnostic. This paper outlines the development of a Home-Based Electrochemical Rapid Sensor (HERS), capable of detecting TMA in simulated vaginal fluid (sVF). Instead of odor-based detection of volatilized TMA, we identify TMA in trimethylammonium form by utilizing HERS and a potentiometric readout. We fabricated the ion selective electrode using a carbon-black-coated cotton string and a TMA-selective membrane consisting of calix[4]arene and sodium tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate. When paired with a standard reference electrode, our device was able to quantify TMA concentration in deionized (DI) water, as well as sVF samples at multiple pH levels with a clinically relevant limit of detection (8.66 µM, and theoretically expected Nernstian slope of 55.14 mV/decade).
Functional Living Skills in Patients with Major Neurocognitive Disorder Due to Degenerative or Non-Degenerative Conditions: Effectiveness of a Non-Immersive Virtual Reality Training
Authors: Panerai Simonetta , Catania Valentina , Rundo Francesco , Tasca Domenica , Musso Sabrina , Babiloni Claudio , Prestianni Giuseppina , Muratore Stefano , Ferri Raffaele
Published: February 2023

Virtual reality has gained attention as an effective tool for cognitive, motor, and daily activity rehabilitation in patients with major neurocognitive disorder (M-NCD). The first objective of this study was to check for differences between M-NCD caused by degenerative and non-degenerative conditions (DC and NDC, respectively) in terms of relearning four functional living skills (FLSs), by means of a non-immersive virtual reality training (VRT). The second purpose was to verify whether spontaneous transfer from the virtual environment to the real environment occurred. Four FLS apps were developed in our institute (Information, Suitcase, Medicine, and Supermarket). A nonrandomized interventional study was carried out, comparing experimental and control groups (EG and CG, respectively). The study included three phases: in vivo test at T1; VRT at T2 only for EG; in vivo test at T3. During the in vivo test, the four FLSs were assessed in their natural environments. Both EG-DC and EG-NDC significantly improved in all of the VRT variable scores (the EG-NDC group seemed to show better outcomes than the EG-DC group). Moderate-to-high satisfaction with the VRT was reported. EG-DC and EG-NDC also enhanced their performances in the in vivo test. No statistically significant differences between them were found. CG-DC and CG-NDC improved only in the execution time of Information in the in vivo test. These findings confirm the ecological validity of VRT for FLSs.
Trends in Quantification of HbA1c Using Electrochemical and Point-of-Care Analyzers
Authors: Mandali Pavan Kumar , Prabakaran Amrish , Annadurai Kasthuri , Krishnan Uma Maheswari
Published: February 2023

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), one of the many variants of hemoglobin (Hb), serves as a standard biomarker of diabetes, as it assesses the long-term glycemic status of the individual for the previous 90–120 days. HbA1c levels in blood are stable and do not fluctuate when compared to the random blood glucose levels. The normal level of HbA1c is 4–6.0%, while concentrations > 6.5% denote diabetes. Conventionally, HbA1c is measured using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, immunoassays, capillary electrophoresis, fluorometry, etc., that are time-consuming, expensive, and involve complex procedures and skilled personnel. These limitations have spurred development of sensors incorporating nanostructured materials that can aid in specific and accurate quantification of HbA1c. Various chemical and biological sensing elements with and without nanoparticle interfaces have been explored for HbA1c detection. Attempts are underway to improve the detection speed, increase accuracy, and reduce sample volumes and detection costs through different combinations of nanomaterials, interfaces, capture elements, and measurement techniques. This review elaborates on the recent advances in the realm of electrochemical detection for HbA1c detection. It also discusses the emerging trends and challenges in the fabrication of effective, accurate, and cost-effective point-of-care (PoC) devices for HbA1c and the potential way forward.
Antimicrobial Activity of Novel Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Akbar Noor , Khan Naveed Ahmed , Ibrahim Taleb , Khamis Mustafa , Khan Amir Sada , Alharbi Ahmad M. , Alfahemi Hasan , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah
Published: February 2023

Herein, we utilized several deep eutectic solvents (DES) that were based on hydrogen donors and hydrogen acceptors for their antibacterial application. These DES were tested for their bactericidal activities against Gram-positive (Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli K1, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia marcescens) bacteria. Using lactate dehydrogenase assays, DES were evaluated for their cytopathic effects towards human cells. Results from antibacterial tests revealed that DES prepared from the combination of methyl-trioctylammonium chloride and glycerol (DES-4) and DES prepared form methyl-trioctylammonium chloride and fructose (DES-11) at a 2 µL dose showed broad-spectrum antibacterial behavior and had the highest bactericidal activity. Moreover, DES-4 showed 40% and 68% antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and E. coli K1, respectively. Similarly, DES-11 eliminated 65% and 61% E. coli K1 and P. aeruginosa, respectively. Among Gram-positive bacteria, DES-4 showed important antibacterial activity, inhibiting 75% of B. cereus and 51% of S. pneumoniae. Likewise, DES-11 depicted 70% B. cereus and 50% S. pneumoniae bactericidal effects. Finally, the DES showed limited cytotoxic properties against human cell lines with the exception of the DES prepared from Methyltrioctylammonium chloride and Citric acid (DES-10), which had 88% cytotoxic effects. These findings suggest that DES depict potent antibacterial efficacies and cause minimal damage to human cells. It can be concluded that the selected DES in this study could be utilized as valuable and novel antibacterial drugs against bacterial infections. In future work, the mechanisms for bactericides and the cytotoxicity effects of these DES will be investigated.
Current and Future Trends for Crude Glycerol Upgrading to High Value-Added Products
Authors: Moklis Muhammad Harussani , Cheng Shou , Cross Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2023

Crude glycerol is the main byproduct of biodiesel manufacturing from oleaginous crops and other biomass-derived oils. Approximately 10% crude glycerol is produced with every batch of biodiesel. Worldwide, there is a glut of glycerol and the price of it has decreased considerably. There are real opportunities for valorizing crude glycerol into higher value-added chemicals which can improve the economic viability of biodiesel production as an alternative fuel. Exploring new potential applications of glycerol in various sectors is needed such as in pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, cosmetics, and as a transportation fuel. However, crude glycerol produced directly from biodiesel often contains impurities that hinder its direct industrial usage and thus, a refining process is needed which is typically expensive. Hence, this review reports on current upgrading crude glycerol technologies—thermo-, bio-, physico-, and electrochemical approaches—that valorize it into higher value-added chemicals. Through comparison between those viable upgrading techniques, future research directions, challenges, and advantages/disadvantage of the technologies are described. Electrochemical technology, which is still underdeveloped in this field, is highlighted, due to its simplicity, low maintenance cost, and it working in ambient condition, as it shows promising potential to be applied as a major glycerol upgrading technique.
In Pursuit of Local Solutions for Climate Resilience: Sensing Microspatial Inequities in Heat and Air Pollution within Urban Neighborhoods in Boston, MA
Authors: O’Brien Daniel T. , Mueller Amy V.
Published: February 2023

Environmental hazards vary locally and even street to street resulting in microspatial inequities, necessitating climate resilience solutions that respond to specific hyperlocal conditions. This study uses remote sensing data to estimate two environmental hazards that are particularly relevant to community health: land surface temperature (LST; from LandSat) and air pollution (AP; from motor vehicle volume via cell phone records). These data are analyzed in conjunction with land use records in Boston, MA to test (1) the extent to which each hazard concentrates on specific streets within neighborhoods, (2) the infrastructural elements that drive variation in the hazards, and (3) how strongly hazards overlap in space. Though these data rely on proxies, they provide preliminary evidence. Substantial variations in LST and AP existed between streets in the same neighborhood (40% and 70–80% of variance, respectively). The former were driven by canopy, impervious surfaces, and albedo. The latter were associated with main streets and zoning with tall buildings. The correlation between LST and AP was moderate across census tracts (r = 0.4) but modest across streets within census tracts (r = 0.16). The combination of results confirms not only the presence of microspatial inequities for both hazards but also their limited coincidence, indicating that some streets suffer from both hazards, some from neither, and others from only one. There is a need for more precise, temporally-dynamic data tracking environmental hazards (e.g., from environmental sensor networks) and strategies for translating them into community-based solutions.
Stakeholder-Centered Corporate Governance and Corporate Sustainable Development: Evidence from CSR Practices in the Top Companies by Market Capitalization at Shanghai Stock Exchange of China
Authors: Bai Keke , Ullah Farid , Arif Muhammad , Erfanian Sahar , Urooge Saima
Published: February 2023

This study aims to investigate the nature and intensity of changes in corporate sustainable development as a result of certain relationships between stakeholder-centered corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility CSR practices in the leading firms with respect to their market capitalization (MC) in the Shanghai stock exchange (SSE) of China. This study selected the top 100 companies from the manufacturing sector at the Shanghai Stock Exchange by (MC) for a period of 10 years (2012–2021). For this quantitative study, financial and CSR performance data were collected from the China Securities Market and Accounting Database (CSMAR), a reliable database for examining research on Chinese listed companies. For the data analysis, we applied different statistical tools that include descriptive statistics; a correlation matrix, fixed effect regression analysis, and moderation analysis of the effect of government subsidies on the relationship between explanatory variables and the dependent variable (firm performance) were applied. The result of the adjusted R-square values suggests that there has been a considerable change in the value of explained variable Firm Performance (FP), represented by ROA, TbQ, and Grow caused by the explanatory variables of the study, including Government-centered responsibility (GCR), community-centered responsibility (COMCR), firm age (FA), firm size (FS), and leverage (LV). Supplier-centered responsibility (SCR), customer-centered responsibility (CCR), creditor-centered responsibility (CRCR), and total risk (TR) were, respectively, at a 1% and 5% level of significance. The values extracted from the moderation effect show that Sub is a key factor in motivating the well-established large firms to focus on stakeholders-centered CSR practices, which ultimately improves the FP in the short and long run.
Validation of the Scale Knowledge and Perceptions about Edible Insects through Structural Equation Modelling
Authors: Guiné Raquel P. F. , Duarte João , Chuck-Hernández Cristina , Boustani Nada M. , Djekic Ilija , Bartkiene Elena , Sarić Marijana Matec , Papageorgiou Maria , Korzeniowska Malgorzata , Combarros-Fuertes Patricia , Černelič-Bizjak Maša , Martin-Hadmas Roxana , Straumite Evita , Damarli Emel , Florença Sofia G. , Ferreira Manuela , Costa Cristina A. , Correia Paula M. R. , Cardoso Ana P. , Campos Sofia , Anjos Ofélia
Published: February 2023

Edible insects have been suggested as a more sustainable source of protein, but their consumption varies according to geographical and sociocultural influences. Focusing on the different aspects that can influence people’s attitudes towards edible insects (EI), this work aimed to carry out the statistical validation of an instrument aimed at assessing different dimensions of this field: the KPEI (knowledge and perceptions about EI) scale. The instrument consists of 64 questions distributed by the following dimensions: Culture and Tradition, Gastronomic Innovation and Gourmet Kitchen, Environment and Sustainability, Economic and Social Aspects, Commercialization and Marketing, Nutritional Characteristics, and Health Effects. The data were collected in 13 countries (Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey). The validation of the KPEI scale was made through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results revealed two acceptable models, both retaining 37 of the 64 initial items, distrusted by the seven dimensions as: Culture and Tradition (5 items), Gastronomic Innovation and Gourmet Kitchen (5 items), Environment and Sustainability (8 items), Economic and Social Aspects (5 items), Commercialisation and Marketing (4 items), Nutritional Aspects (6 items), Health Effects (4 items). Both multifactorial models resulting from the CFA/SEM analyses showed approximately equal goodness of statistical fit indices with values of Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), Root Mean Square Residual (RMR), and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) partially zero and values of Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) approximately one, i.e., very close to a perfect fit. For the first-order model, the ratio between chi-square and degrees of freedom is χ2/df = 13.734, GFI = 0.932, CFI = 0.930, RMSEA = 0.043, RMR = 0.042, SRMR = 0.042; and for the second-order model χ2/df = 14.697, GFI = 0.926, CFI = 0.923, RMSEA = 0.045, RMR = 0.047, SRMR = 0.046). The values of composite reliability (CR = 0.967) and mean extracted variance (MEV = 0.448) are indicative of a good fit. Finally, the reliability analysis indicated a very good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.941). These results confirm the successful validation of the KPEI scale, making it a valuable instrument for future application at the international level.
Research on the Structural Optimization of the Clean Energy Industry in the Context of Dual Carbon Strategy—A Case Study of Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Jiang Pan , Zhang Hanwen , Li Mengyue , Zhang Yuhan , Gong Xiujuan , He Dong , Liu Liang
Published: February 2023

As a major province for hydroelectric power in China, Sichuan Province has witnessed a great amount of seasonal characteristics in its hydroelectric power, endowing the clean energy industry in Sichuan with the characteristics of unstable supply in different seasons, strong power transmission capacity, and low production capacity of other non-fossil energy sources (except hydroelectric power). In this study, the mathematical model method was used to construct a structural optimization model of the clean energy industry in Sichuan Province, and to enable a quantitative analysis of the rationalization of the clean energy industrial structure in Sichuan Province. The results are proved from the cost-effectiveness of low carbon emission that hydroelectric power > wind power > photovoltaic power > natural gas > coal > oil. This study shall find the theoretical structure of the clean energy industry in Sichuan Province in 2030 with a prediction of Sichuan Province’s total future energy output and a constraint of its industrial structure model of clean energy. This paper suggests that Sichuan Province should give priority to the development of non-fossil energy sources, increase the development and utilization of power transmission channels in wet seasons, and develop clean energy and high energy consumption industries and the construction of pumped storage power stations, so as to reduce and avoid the waste of energy resources. It is also suggested that Sichuan Province should focus on developing clean energy with the capability of peak shaving, such as hydrogen energy and natural gas, while developing smart grid and long-distance transmission technology to strengthen energy conservation and emissions-reduced power generation. On this basis, Sichuan will focus on the development and utilization of natural gas as an alternative to high-carbon energy, with a view to optimizing its industrial structure of clean energy and helping China achieve the dual-carbon goals.
Decentral Production of Green Hydrogen for Energy Systems: An Economically and Environmentally Viable Solution for Surplus Self-Generated Energy in Manufacturing Companies?
Authors: Kalchschmid Vincent , Erhart Veronika , Angerer Kerstin , Roth Stefan , Hohmann Andrea
Published: February 2023

Power-to-X processes where renewable energy is converted into storable liquids or gases are considered to be one of the key approaches for decarbonizing energy systems and compensating for the volatility involved in generating electricity from renewable sources. In this context, the production of “green” hydrogen and hydrogen-based derivatives is being discussed and tested as a possible solution for the energy-intensive industry sector in particular. Given the sharp, ongoing increases in electricity and gas prices and the need for sustainable energy supplies in production systems, non-energy-intensive companies should also be taken into account when considering possible utilization paths for hydrogen. This work focuses on the following three utilization paths: “hydrogen as an energy storage system that can be reconverted into electricity”, “hydrogen mobility” for company vehicles and “direct hydrogen use”. These three paths are developed, modeled, simulated, and subsequently evaluated in terms of economic and environmental viability. Different photovoltaic system configurations are set up for the tests with nominal power ratings ranging from 300 kWp to 1000 kWp. Each system is assigned an electrolyzer with a power output ranging between 200 kW and 700 kW and a fuel cell with a power output ranging between 5 kW and 75 kW. There are also additional variations in relation to the battery storage systems within these basic configurations. Furthermore, a reference variant without battery storage and hydrogen technologies is simulated for each photovoltaic system size. This means that there are ultimately 16 variants to be simulated for each utilization path. The results show that these utilization paths already constitute a reasonable alternative to fossil fuels in terms of costs in variants with a suitable energy system design. For the “hydrogen as an energy storage system” path, electricity production costs of between 43 and 79 ct/kWh can be achieved with the 750 kWp photovoltaic system. The “hydrogen mobility” is associated with costs of 12 to 15 ct/km, while the “direct hydrogen use” path resulted in costs of 8.2 €/kg. Environmental benefits are achieved in all three paths by replacing the German electricity mix with renewable energy sources produced on site or by substituting hydrogen for fossil fuels. The results confirm that using hydrogen as a storage medium in manufacturing companies could be economically and environmentally viable. These results also form the basis for further studies, e.g., on detailed operating strategies for hydrogen technologies in scenarios involving a combination of multiple utilization paths. The work also presents the simulation-based method developed in this project, which can be transferred to comparable applications in further studies.
Determining Factors Affecting Perceived Customer Satisfaction on Public Utility Bus System in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines: A Case Study on Service Quality Assessment during Major Disruptions
Authors: Jou Yung-Tsan , Saflor Charmine Sheena , Mariñas Klint Allen , Young Michael Nayat
Published: February 2023

The imposition of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the majority of enterprises throughout the globe. The public transportation sector was greatly affected, especially in provincial areas in the Philippines. This study aimed to investigate the service quality of bus transits in Occidental Mindoro during the COVID-19 pandemic using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and SERVQUAL dimensions. A total of 200 individuals completed a 67-question online questionnaire. AHP was utilized to determine which bus providers need to be improved the most. Then, the SERVQUAL approach was used. The five dimensions were linked with the use of new technologies, including the COVID-19 protocol, service quality, and customer satisfaction as latent variables in structural equation modeling. The AHP results indicated that safety accounts for the most significant weight for bus passengers. Moreover, service quality, responsiveness, reliability, empathy, and COVID-19 protocol significantly enhance service and customer satisfaction. The findings of this research study can now serve as a service quality assessment and guidelines to provide a sustainable public bus transportation; it can also help determine the significant and insignificant factors in enhancing the service quality and improving the customer satisfaction of bus providers worldwide.
Study on Disaster Mechanism of Oil and Gas Pipeline Oblique Crossing Landslide
Authors: A Fa-You , Chen Teng-Hui , Yang Cheng , Wu Yu-Feng , Yan Shi-Qun
Published: February 2023

Landslides are one of the most serious geological disasters in oil and gas pipelines. According to investigations, the cross-cutting relationship between landslides and pipelines can be divided into three types: pipeline longitudinal crossing landslide, pipeline transversely crossing landslide, and pipeline oblique crossing landslide. This different cross-cutting relationship is one of the important factors affecting pipeline landslide disasters. As a result, it is necessary to study the stress and deformation characteristics of oil and gas pipelines under different cross-cutting relationships, which is of great significance for the prevention and control of oil and gas pipeline landslides. In this paper, an ideal pipe-soil coupling interaction model of oil and gas pipeline oblique crossing landslide was established using FLAC3D. The influence of the buried depth of the pipeline, the displacement of the sliding body, and the different intersection angles of landslide and pipeline on the deformation and stress of the pipeline under the action of a landslide is analyzed, and a typical case of pipeline oblique crossing landslide is used for analysis. The results demonstrated that the stress of pipeline oblique crossing landslide is complex, and the stress concentration is obvious at the shear outlet and the trailing edge of the landslide. The stress at the shear outlet is the largest, which should be regarded as the key location. The displacement and stress of pipeline oblique crossing landslide are obviously affected by the displacement of the sliding body and the buried depth of the pipeline. The displacement and stress of the pipeline increase significantly with the increase of the displacement of the sliding body. With the increase of pipeline buried depth, the displacement of the pipeline shows an overall decrease, and when the buried depth of the pipeline is 3–3.5 m, the displacement and stress are close to the peak, indicating that the buried depth is of great risk. The intersection angle between the pipeline and landslide has a significant effect on the stress of the pipeline. The smaller the intersection angle, the safer the pipeline is.
How Job Stress Influences Organisational Commitment: Do Positive Thinking and Job Satisfaction Matter?
Authors: Wongsuwan Natthaya , Phanniphong Kanakarn , Na-Nan Khahan
Published: February 2023

This study was conducted to examine the moderating effects of positive thinking and job satisfaction on the connection between job stress and organizational commitment. This study surveyed 201 salespeople in the Thai food business to establish the links between moderating influences using hierarchical regression analysis. Job satisfaction had a negative connection with organizational commitment; positive thinking had a moderating effect on the relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment; and job satisfaction had a statistically significant moderating influence on the relationship between job stress and organizational commitment. Assessing the moderating effects of positive thinking and job satisfaction on 201 salesmen in the Thai food business, the results suggested that employees should engage in positive thinking while management should create resources that best meet the needs of employees in order to lower job stress levels and increase organizational commitment. Managers and human resource departments should be aware of the detrimental effects of job stress on the positive thinking and job satisfaction of their employees, which reduces their organizational commitment. This study contributes to the existing knowledge on the effects of job satisfaction on organizational commitment by elucidating the effects of positive thinking and job satisfaction on the link between job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
Creating Agile Institutions with Organizational Trust in the Finance Sector of Turkey: The Mediating Role of Psychological Empowerment in Times of COVID-19
Authors: Kiziloglu Mehmet , Dluhopolskyi Oleksandr , Laskowski Jan , Laskowska Agnieszka
Published: February 2023

The study aims to evaluate the way for creating agile institutions with organizational trust. Besides that, the understanding of the mediating role played by psychological empowerment during COVID-19 pandemic is one of the major objectives of this study. The way psychological empowerment affects the creation of agile organizations is another major aspect that the study investigated. The philosophical stance that the research has adopted is the positivism philosophy. The study was done by collecting and analyzing quantitative data. The approach for the study is deductive whereas the design of the research is descriptive. The study used a survey method for collecting information. Structural equation model was used for analyzing quantitative information. The study was done on 325 samples who are working at the finance sector of Turkey. All the samples have a residence in Turkey. It was identified that the leadership approach of a company has a huge impact on the psychological construction of the samples. Descriptive statistics and t-test for inferential statistics were done by the researchers. There is a strong positive relationship between the centricity of the organization towards the workforce or customer and employee performance. It was identified that the leadership approach helps employees to address and adopt the change in the marketplace. It was also found that an agile organizational structure has more possibilities to modify the processing based on the change in the marketplace. The structural equation model was used to represent the relationship between the variables.
The Development of Floating Nuclear Power Platforms: Special Marine Environmental Risks, Existing Regulatory Dilemmas, and Potential Solutions
Authors: Wang Qiuwen , Zhang Yan , Zhang Hu
Published: February 2023

Floating nuclear power platforms (FNPPs) are a novel form of nuclear energy infrastructure that is designed to generate electricity in coastal regions, particularly in areas with limited land availability or difficulty in building traditional nuclear power plants. However, the development and deployment of FNPPs have raised significant concerns about their potential marine environmental risks and the adequacy of the existing international regulatory framework for regulating these risks. This research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the regulation of FNPPs from an international law perspective, using a policy analysis approach to examine relevant legal instruments and their ability to regulate the environmental risks posed by FNPPs. This study identifies regulatory shortcomings and gaps in the current international legal framework, including pollution regulation dilemmas caused by FNPP positioning, potential conflicts between pollution regulation and freedom of navigation, deficiencies in environmental regulations, problems in the marine environmental impact assessment of FNPPs, and insufficient liability and compensation regime. This research also explores the potential solutions for improving the international regulatory framework, enhancing its ability to effectively address the marine environmental challenges posed by the development and deployment of FNPPs.
Geographical Distribution and Influencing Factors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area
Authors: Li Xiangqiang , Yang Mengqi , Long Liangfu , Liu Muxing , Liu Haimeng , Liu Jingyi
Published: February 2023

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) represents the outstanding crystallization of human civilization and it has received extensive attention from scholars in various countries. Studying the spatial distribution and influencing factors of ICH in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area can help to improve the protection and utilization of ICH. Using quantitative statistical analysis methods, GIS spatial analysis methods, and Geodetector, we analyzed the level structure (provincial and national levels), category structure (ten categories), and spatial distribution of 509 national and provincial ICH items in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area and then explored their influencing factors. We concluded that: (1) The structural characteristics of ICH vary significantly, and the level structure is dominated by provincial ICH items; the category structure is complete and mainly includes traditional skill and traditional music. (2) The spatial distribution of ICH in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area is dense in the west and sparse in the east, with a pattern of “one main core, three major cores, and two minor cores”. There are large differences in the degree of concentration of ICH at the county level; different categories of ICH have different distribution densities and concentration areas. Yuzhong District, Shizhu County, and Wanzhou District are dense areas of distribution for different categories of ICH. (3) The influences of different factors on the spatial distribution of ICH in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area vary greatly. Socioeconomic and historical–cultural factors are more influential than natural geographic factors, among which economic development, culture, and ethnicity are the most influential, but the interaction between the two dimensions of natural geography and socioeconomic and historical culture has a more significant influence on the spatial distribution of ICH than single-dimensional factors. (4) Proposals for optimizing the spatial layout, protection, and development of ICH in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area are provided from the perspectives of culture and tourism integration and sustainable development.
Affordable and Sustainable Cooling Sportswear for Cycling Athletes: A Design Case Study
Authors: Al Mahmud Abdullah , Wickramarathne Tharushi , Kuys Blair
Published: February 2023

Cooling sportswear products have been used to improve the comfort of individuals exposed to hot–humid climate conditions; however, these products were not explored adequately in the outdoor sports context. Moreover, it is not known if these products meet the needs of athletes in developing and tropical countries. Therefore, this study presents the design and exploratory evaluation of affordable cooling sportswear (T-shirt). Eight Sri Lankan athletes tested the sportswear prototype over three-weeks, undergoing a 30 min cycling trial that covered 15 km. The results show that the cooling sportswear improved cooling comfort, sweat evaporation, and overall comfort of the athletes by increasing ventilation and reducing body temperature. The developed prototype assisted in identifying suggestions for designing cooling sportswear products, including aesthetic, cost, functional, and sustainability considerations. These suggestions may guide researchers to develop affordable and sustainable cooling sportswear for endurance cycling athletes living in developing and tropical countries.
Innovative Hybrid Condensing Radiant System for Industrial Heating: An Energy and Economic Analysis
Authors: Noro Marco , Mancin Simone , Busato Filippo , Cerboni Francesco
Published: February 2023

In this paper, an innovative hybrid condensing radiant tubes heating system for an industrial building is modelled in three climatic zones of Italy using dynamic simulation software. Radiant tubes are coupled with an air–water heat pump, the latter serving an air heating system with terminals located in the building. The energy performance of the hybrid heating system is optimized by evaluating the best nominal power of the heat pump, the cut-off temperature in a bivalent parallel operation, the bivalent temperature in a bivalent alternative operation, and the peak power of the photovoltaic system on the roof of the building. Energy savings between 40% and 80% are calculated with respect to traditional heating systems, considering the different configurations of the system and the climates. An economic analysis also allows the evaluation of the economic advantages of this hybrid heating system for industrial buildings.
An Effective Transformerless PUC7-Based Dynamic Voltage Restorer Using Model Predictive Control
Authors: Trabelsi Mohamed , Komurcugil Hasan , Bayhan Sertac , Abu-Rub Haitham
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the performance of a seven-level Packed U Cell (PUC7) inverter-based transformerless Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) topology under short-time voltage variations (voltage sags and swells). Unlike the existing multilevel inverter (MLI)-based DVR solutions, the proposed structure requires only one DC voltage source (suitable for PV-based DVR systems), one capacitor, and six switching devices to generate seven-level output voltage. Moreover, the studied topology is characterized by reduced cost and size due to the elimination of the injection transformer. The PUC7 inverter is controlled using a multi-objective (filtering current, compensating voltage, and PUC capacitor voltage controls) Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy. Simulation and implementation tests are carried out to demonstrate the high performance of the proposed DVR at steady-state and during transient conditions, while keeping the load voltage unaffected by the disturbances in the grid voltage.
Emergency Vehicle Driving Assistance System Using Recurrent Neural Network with Navigational Data Processing Method
Authors: Anjum Mohd , Shahab Sana
Published: February 2023

Emergency vehicle transportation is important for responding to and transporting individuals during emergencies. This type of transportation faces several issues, such as road safety, navigation and communication, time-critical operations, resource utilisation, traffic congestion, data processing and analysis, and individual safety. Vehicle navigation and coordination is a critical aspect of emergency response that involves guiding emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, to the location of an emergency or medical centre as quickly and safely as possible. Therefore, it requires additional effort to reduce driving risks. The roadside units support emergency vehicles and infrastructure to decrease collisions and enhance optimal navigation routes. However, during the emergency vehicle’s data communication and navigation process, communication is interrupted due to vehicle outages. Therefore, this study proposes the Navigation Data Processing for Assisted Driving (NDP-AD) method to address the problem. The proposed approach assimilates infrastructure and neighbouring location information during driving. The integrated information is processed for distance and traffic during the previous displacement interval. The NDP-AD method employs a recurrent neural network learning approach to analyse opposing vehicle distance and traffic to provide accurate, independent guidance. This effective learning-based guidance process minimises false navigations and deviation in displacement. System efficiency is evaluated based on processing latency, displacement error, data utilisation, false rate, and accuracy metrics.
On Symmetry and Asymmetry in Nested Electromagnetic Shields
Authors: Ivanov Anton A. , Demakov Alexander V. , Komnatnov Maxim E. , Gazizov Talgat R.
Published: February 2023

This work focuses on the study of shield systems consisting of nested enclosures. In the first step, using FDTD simulations and measurements in an anechoic chamber, we investigate the shielding effectiveness (SE) of the system of two nested rectangular enclosures in the frequency range of up to 3 GHz. It is shown for the first time that for a number of frequencies, the SE of the nested shields can be improved by 40–50 dB due to the asymmetric arrangement of the enclosures, their electrical connection, and the mutually perpendicular arrangement of the apertures. Next, we analyze the emissions from the electromagnetic radiation sources in the presence and absence of a nested shield system. The results show that a nested shield system may not attenuate the emission amplitude but increases it by more than 58 dB at the resonant frequencies of the enclosures. Then, we prove that a single enclosure can have a higher SE than the same enclosure as a part of a poorly designed nested shield system. The final part of the article formulates practical recommendations for the design of nested shield configurations.
Cheaper, Wide-Band, Ultra-Thin, and Multi-Purpose Single-Layer Metasurface Polarization Converter Design for C-, X-, and Ku-Band Applications
Authors: Kaya Yunus
Published: February 2023

This article presents the design of wide-band, ultra-thin, and multi-purpose polarization converter utilizing metasurface for C-, X-, and Ku-band applications. Having a topology on a FR-4 substrate with metasurface metallic patterns on the front and an all-metallic surface finish on the back, the unit cell of converter design has symmetry in the x−y plane with unique features of having both linear polarization (LP) and circular polarization (CP) property. While the polarization conversion ratio (PCR) of converter in normal incidence case is more than 90% in three different frequency bands of 6.46–6.78 GHz, 10.52–11.85 GHz, and 16.49–17.37 GHz, it shows linear-to-linear polarization feature and a linear-to-circular polarization feature with left-handed circular polarization (LHCP) for the frequency range between 7.28 and 9.40 GHz and right-handed circular polarization (RHCP) for the frequency range between 13.38 and 15.19 GHz. It is also seen that the converter has a PCR value of around 90% for oblique incidence case with incidence angles up to 45°. Extensive simulations have been conducted to prove the performance of suggested converter with the aid of a commercially-available simulation platform, called CST Microwave Studio. The advantages of suggested polarization converter are low-cost, wide-band, ultra-thin, and having both LP and CP conversion in C-, X-, and Ku-bands.
Relativistic Corrections to the Higgs Boson Decay into a Pair of Vector Quarkonia
Authors: Martynenko Alexei P. , Martynenko Fedor A.
Published: February 2023

We studied different mechanisms in the Higgs boson decay into a pair of J/Ψ and Υ particles within the perturbative Standard Model and relativistic quark model. The relativistic corrections to the decay amplitude and decay width were calculated. We obtained numerical values of the decay widths of the Higgs boson, which can be used for comparison with experimental data.
Gravity as a Quantum Field Theory
Authors: Percacci Roberto
Published: February 2023

Classical gravity is understood as the geometry of spacetime, and it seems very different from the other known interactions. In this review, I will instead stress the analogies: Like strong interactions, the low energy effective field theory of gravity is related to a nonlinearly realized symmetry, and like electroweak interactions, it is a gauge theory in Higgs phase, with a massive connection. I will also discuss the possibility of finding a UV complete quantum field theoretic description of all interactions.