bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Displacement Measurement Based on UAV Images Using SURF-Enhanced Camera Calibration Algorithm
Authors: Liu Gang , He Chenghua , Zou Chunrong , Wang Anqi
Published: November 2022

Displacement is an important parameter in the assessment of the integrity of infrastructure; thus, its measurement is required in a multitude of guidelines or codes for structural health monitoring in most countries. To develop a low-cost and remote displacement measurement technique, a novel method based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and digital image correlation (DIC) is presented in this study. First, an auxiliary reference image that meets the requirements is fabricated using the selected first image. Then, the speeded-up robust features (SURF) algorithm is introduced to track the feature points in the fixed areas. The least square algorithm is then employed to resolve the homography matrix of the auxiliary reference image and target images; then, the acquired homography matrices are utilized to calibrate the deviation caused by the UAV wobble. Finally, the integral pixel and sub-pixel matching of the DIC algorithm is employed to calculate the displacement of the target object. The numerical simulation results show that the proposed method has higher calculation accuracy and stability. The outdoor experiment results show that the proposed method has definite practicability.
Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition for the Analysis of 2D/3D Remote Sensing Data in Geoscience: A Survey
Authors: Savelonas Michalis A. , Veinidis Christos N. , Bartsokas Theodoros K.
Published: November 2022

Historically, geoscience has been a prominent domain for applications of computer vision and pattern recognition. The numerous challenges associated with geoscience-related imaging data, which include poor imaging quality, noise, missing values, lack of precise boundaries defining various geoscience objects and processes, as well as non-stationarity in space and/or time, provide an ideal test bed for advanced computer vision techniques. On the other hand, the developments in pattern recognition, especially with the rapid evolution of powerful graphical processing units (GPUs) and the subsequent deep learning breakthrough, enable valuable computational tools, which can aid geoscientists in important problems, such as land cover mapping, target detection, pattern mining in imaging data, boundary extraction and change detection. In this landscape, classical computer vision approaches, such as active contours, superpixels, or descriptor-guided classification, provide alternatives that remain relevant when domain expert labelling of large sample collections is often not feasible. This issue persists, despite efforts for the standardization of geoscience datasets, such as Microsoft’s effort for AI on Earth, or Google Earth. This work covers developments in applications of computer vision and pattern recognition on geoscience-related imaging data, following both pre-deep learning and post-deep learning paradigms. Various imaging modalities are addressed, including: multispectral images, hyperspectral images (HSIs), synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, point clouds obtained from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors or digital elevation models (DEMs).
Large-Scale Semantic Scene Understanding with Cross-Correction Representation
Authors: Zhao Yuehua , Zhang Jiguang , Ma Jie , Xu Shibiao
Published: November 2022

Real-time large-scale point cloud segmentation is an important but challenging task for practical applications such as remote sensing and robotics. Existing real-time methods have achieved acceptable performance by aggregating local information. However, most of them only exploit local spatial geometric or semantic information dependently, few considering the complementarity of both. In this paper, we propose a model named Spatial–Semantic Incorporation Network (SSI-Net) for real-time large-scale point cloud segmentation. A Spatial-Semantic Cross-correction (SSC) module is introduced in SSI-Net as a basic unit. High-quality contextual features can be learned through SSC by correcting and updating high-level semantic information using spatial geometric cues and vice versa. Adopting the plug-and-play SSC module, we design SSI-Net as an encoder–decoder architecture. To ensure efficiency, it also adopts a random sample-based hierarchical network structure. Extensive experiments on several prevalent indoor and outdoor datasets for point cloud semantic segmentation demonstrate that the proposed approach can achieve state-of-the-art performance.
Snowfall Microphysics Characterized by PARSIVEL Disdrometer Observations in Beijing from 2020 to 2022
Authors: Shen Yonghai , Chen Yichen , Bi Yongheng , Lyu Daren , Chen Hongbin , Duan Shu
Published: November 2022

Accurate snowfall forecasting and quantitative snowfall estimation remain challenging due to the complexity and variability of snow microphysical properties. In this paper, the microphysical characteristics of snowfall in the Yanqing mountainous area of Beijing are investigated by using a Particle Size and Velocity (PARSIVEL) disdrometer. Results show that the high snowfall intensity process has large particle-size distribution (PSD) peak concentration, but the distribution of its spectrum width is much smaller than that of moderate or low snowfall intensity. When the snowfall intensity is high, the corresponding Dm value is smaller and the Nw value is larger. Comparison between the fitted μ−Λ relationship and the relationships of different locations show that there are regional differences. Based on dry snow samples, the Ze−SR relationship fitted in this paper is more consistent with the Ze−SR relationship of dry snow in Nanjing, China. The fitted ρs−Dm relationship of dry snow is close to the relationship in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, but the relationship of wet snow shows greatly difference. At last, the paper analyzes the statistics on velocity and diameter distribution of snow particles according to different snowfall intensities.
Intersection Constraint Weighting (ICW) Method: High-Resolution Joint Magnetic Susceptibility Inversion of Aeromagnetic and Gradient Data
Authors: Cai Jin , Ma Guoqing , Li Lili
Published: November 2022

Aeromagnetic gradient data have higher horizontal resolution on shallow sources, a magnetic anomaly that can better reflect the features of deeper sources. Therefore, we used a joint survey of aeromagnetic and gradient data to obtain the distribution of sources with different depths. In this paper, we propose an intersection constraint weighting (ICW) method based on aeromagnetic and gradient data for original and gradient anomalies with inconsistent high-low variation characteristics. The ICW method can effectively improve the resolution of inversion results and can more accurately obtain the distribution of magnetic bodies via cross-gradient by gradually adding a gradient component and applying a normalized property weighting function. Our theoretical model tests indicate that the distribution of the recovered magnetic susceptibility model of the ICW method was similar to that of the true model. In addition, the anomaly containing noise with different signal-to-noise ratios verified that the ICW method had a stronger anti-noise ability than other methods. We also inverted real data in the Zhurihe area of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northern China. The inversion result showed that the main trend of high magnetic bodies was in the northeast direction, that the shallowest depth of high magnetic bodies was 100 m, and that the greatest depth was 960 m.
Blending Plastics Waste with Highly Available Jordanian Kaolin for Preparation of Alkali-Activated Mortars
Authors: El-Tanani Mohamed , Mahasneh Bassam Z. , Muhana Faryza , El-Eswed Bassam , Khalili Fawwaz , Alkhrissat Tariq
Published: November 2022

Due to their lower energy demand, alkali-activated materials or geopolymers (GPs) are strong candidates to replace ordinary Portland cement binders in some applications. The present article attempts to investigate the possibility of incorporating plastics waste in place of silica sand filler in the GP mortars. The compressive strength, density, FTIR, XRD, BET and SEM of the prepared mortars were evaluated. Satisfactory compressive strength was achieved for metakaolin (MK)-based GP mortars containing plastic fillers (polyvinylchloride (PV), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE)) which was dependent on the nature of plastic incorporated in the GP matrix: MKPV (30.3 MPa) > MKPS (15.8 MPa)~MKPP (15.9 MPa) > MKPE (9.1 MPa). The 28-day compressive strength of GP containing polyvinyl chloride was almost equivalent to that containing silica sand. Much lower values were obtained for the corresponding kaolin-based GPs (2.5, 2.8, 1.8 and 2.2 MPa, respectively). As reflected by FTIR absorption bands at 1447 and 1400 cm−1, the addition of plastic filler reduces absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere which enhanced dissolution of Al species from metakaolin. The morphology of GPs containing plastic fillers exhibited amorphous tissue-like structure compared to crystalline structure in the case of GP containing silica sand. However, both types of GPs exhibited lower porosity than previously prepared metakaolin-based GPs. Remarkably, poor adhesion of plastic filler to the GP binder was observed due to the inertness of plastic fillers toward alkali activators.
The Impact of Adaptation-Oriented HRM on Exploration: Mediating Effects of Self-Organization
Authors: Kim Jae-Yeoup , Choi Jang-Ho
Published: November 2022

Organizations must pursue efficiency and exploration at the same time to respond to environmental changes. Especially, it is necessary for firms to implement adaptation-oriented Human Resource Management (HRM) to respond successively and quickly to environmental changes. Some organizations attempt to achieve these goals through self-organization. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between adaptation-oriented human resource management and exploration, and the mediating role of self-organization in this relationship. Using a nationally representative dataset from South Korea (173 companies and 692 observations), this study analyzes the relationship between adaptation-oriented HRM and exploration with panel regression analysis. The results show that there is a positive relationship between adaptation-oriented HRM and self-organization and that self-organization has a statistically significant positive effect on the exploration of a firm. Moreover, the results support the partial mediation model for self-organization in the relationship between adaptation-oriented HRM and exploration. This study shows that for the organizations which pursue innovation to cope with the rapidly changing times, they should adopt adaptation-oriented human resource (HR) practices and also pay more attention to the formation of self-organization.
Uncertain Public R&D Project Portfolio Selection Considering Sectoral Balancing and Project Failure
Authors: Li Hongbo , Chen Rui , Zhang Xianchao
Published: November 2022

In order to promote scientific and technological innovation and sustainable development, public funding agencies select and fund a large number of R&D projects every year. To guarantee the performance of the resulting project portfolio and the government’s investment benefits, the decision maker needs to select appropriate projects and determine a reasonable funding amount for each selected project. In the process of project selection, it is necessary to consider the balance of funding allocated to different scientific sectors as well as the failure probability of the projects in future execution, so that the expected performance of the project portfolio is maximized as much as possible. In view of this, we propose and study the uncertain public R&D project portfolio selection problem considering sectoral balancing and project failure. We formulate a stochastic programming model for the problem to support the portfolio decisions of the funding agencies. We also transform the model into an equivalent deterministic second-order cone programming model that can be directly solved by exact solvers. We generate datasets reflecting different scenarios through simulation and perform computational experiments to validate our model. The impacts of various factors (i.e., the number of project proposals, project failure probability, the upper limit of the budget allocated to each project, and the decision maker’s tolerance for project failure) on the project portfolio performance are analyzed.
Modeling the Quantitative Assessment of the Condition of Bridge Components Made of Reinforced Concrete Using ANN
Authors: Trach Roman , Moshynskyi Victor , Chernyshev Denys , Borysyuk Oleksandr , Trach Yuliia , Striletskyi Pavlo , Tyvoniuk Volodymyr
Published: November 2022

Bridges in Ukraine are one of the most important components of the infrastructure, requiring attention from government agencies and constant funding. The object of the study was the methodology for quantifying the condition of bridge components. The Artificial Neural Network-based (ANN) tool was developed to quantify the technical condition of bridge components. The literature analysis showed that in most cases the datasets were obtained during the inspection of bridges to solve the problems of assessing the current technical condition. The lack of such a database prompted the creation of a dataset on the basis of the Classification Tables of the Operating Conditions of the Bridge Components (CT). Based on CTs, five datasets were formed to assess the condition of the bridge components: bridge span, bridge deck, pier caps beam, piers and abutments, approaches. The next step of this study was creating, training, validating and testing ANN models. The network with ADAM loss function and softmax activation showed the best results. The optimal values of MAPE and R2 were achieved at the 100th epoch with 64 neurons in the hidden layer and were equal to 0.1% and 0.99998, respectively. The practical application of the ANN models was carried out on the most common type of bridge in Ukraine, namely, a road beam bridge of small length, made of precast concrete. The novelty of this study consists of the development of a tool based on the use of ANN model, and the proposal to modify the methodology for quantifying the condition of bridge components. This will allow minimizing the uncertainties associated with the subjective judgments of experts, as well as increasing the accuracy of the assessment.
For Better or for Worse? An Integrative Perspective of Message Framing Moderators’ Effects on Vaccination Sustainable Health Behavior Change
Authors: Barbaros Maria Corina
Published: November 2022

Understanding how framing affects amessage can help health communication experts develop more creative and effective campaigns. Thisstudy is constructed starting from prospect theory (Kahneman andTversky), the stages of change model (Prochaska and Diclemente), and the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen) and is aimed at generating new hypotheses about message framing. The research questions are: What is the most effective message framing for changing health behaviors? What are the factors on which the effectiveness of gain-framed and loss-framed narratives depend? To answer these questions, we used a qualitative methodology based on focus groups (N = 8/67), in which we analyzed the way people interpret message framing and their subsequent intentions regarding the behavior of accepting or refusing anti-COVID-19 vaccination. The results support the idea that the choice between gain-framed or loss-framed narratives will be made according to moderators as peoples’ stages of change (contemplation or preparatory stage), perceived risk and vulnerability, and perceived control. The research hypotheses generated by this study indicate new routes for future persuasive health communication campaigns.
The Development of Sustainable Agriculture in EU Countries and the Potential Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals Specific Targets (SDG 2)
Authors: Hurduzeu Gheorghe , Pânzaru Radu Lucian , Medelete Dragoș Mihai , Ciobanu Andi , Enea Constanța
Published: November 2022

The development of sustainable agriculture is treated as a priority at the EU level, and the importance and role of agriculture, in general, and sustainable agriculture, in particular, is undeniable. The European Commission pushes for sustainability in agriculture in rural areas across the EU through the common agricultural policy (CAP), and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development targets becomes essential. Through our research, we aimed to investigate the status of sustainable agriculture development in EU Member States by assessing the current level of the achievement of SDG 2 targets, as well as the potential achievement of these targets by 2030. Based on data collected from Eurostat, we forecast the evolution of indicators for each country considered until 2030 using the ARIMA model and dynamic indicator analysis. The results obtained suggest, on the one hand, the existence of positive developments at the level of European countries, but also highlight a number of existing disparities, together with evidence of potentially significant deviations from the targets assumed by the 2030 Agenda.
Spatiotemporal Evolution of Chinese Botanical Gardens over the Last 5000 Years
Authors: Li Yiyi , Li Shidong , Wang Cheng
Published: November 2022

Botanical gardens are a primary avenue for ex situ biodiversity conservation. China represents a center of origin for many of the world’s cultivated plants, as well as the birthplace of the world’s earliest pharmacopoeia and most ancient gardens. Botanical gardens are thought to have originated in China, the only one of four ancient civilizations that has persisted without interruption for the last 5000 years. This paper aims to demonstrate the spatiotemporal changes of Chinese botanical gardens and explore their driving mechanism. Based on a systematic review of the literature, the development of Chinese botanical gardens can be roughly divided into three major stages: an enlightenment stage for ancient botanical gardens (2800 BC–1859 AD), a colonial-exploration stage for modern botanical gardens (1860–1949), and a gradual-development stage for modern botanical gardens (1950–2022). By the end of 2022, China will contain a total of 456 botanical gardens, the most of any country in the world; these gardens will cover an area of 115,000 hectares and preserve 515,000 species of living plants. In the past 5000 years, the temporal and spatial development of Chinese botanical gardens has been linked to social and economic developments. By assessing the achievements of each stage of botanical-garden development, four major factors driving the rise, dissemination, development, and evolution of Chinese botanical gardens were identified: societal wealth/prosperity, demand-driven developments, support from science and education fields, and the promotion of ecological sustainability. Our findings fill the gap in botanical-garden development theory, and serve as a reference for the construction and management of botanical gardens.
From ‘Zero’ to ‘Positive’ Energy Concepts and from Buildings to Districts—A Portfolio of 51 European Success Stories
Authors: Koutra Sesil
Published: November 2022

Since 2020, Europe has introduced strategies and key policies to promote common efforts on a roadmap toward energy efficiency and decarbonization. From ‘low’ to ‘passive’ and from ‘zero’ to ‘positive’, the concepts have fascinated the scientific community around the globe and promise the deployment of planning responses to the challenges of decarbonization faced by the European and local agendas. This works provides an overview of a comprehensive understanding of emerging concepts with a focus beyond the boundaries of an individual building. The booklet of 51 European projects, firstly introduced in Joint Programming Initiative documents, unveiled the prioritization of energy efficiency and the path for the enhancement of environmentally friendly communities. In this sense, this work presents an overview of the Net-Zero Energy Districts, and beyond, namely through the discussion of different aspects and dimensions. Based on published scientific literature, this work collects, organizes and discusses approaches of European cases, concluding with the knowledge base to support further developments and reinforce an established pathway for future implementations.
Microplastics in Kuwait’s Wastewater Streams
Authors: Uddin Saif , Behbehani Montaha , Habibi Nazima , Faizuddin Mohammed , Al-Murad Mohammad , Martinez-Guijarro Karell , Al-Sarawi Hanan A. , Karam Qusaie
Published: November 2022

The wastewater stream is the most significant contributor of microplastics (MPs) to the environment. There are five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Kuwait. This baseline study provides an overview of MP removal in three major WWTPs in Kuwait that treat some 81.31% of the wastewater produced. The Sulabiya WWTP was the most efficient in MP removal, followed by the Kabd and Umm Al-Haiman WWTPs. The MP removal efficiency of plants in Kuwait is very high for Sulabiya WWTP and Kabd WWTP with an average of 2.5 MP L−1 in treated effluent comparable to the WWTPs in Australia, the United States, and Europe. The standard methodology of sample collection, preparation, and identification using microscopic examination and micro-Raman spectrometry was followed. Over 94.5 billion MPs enter the three WWTPs daily; 92.3 billion MPs are retained in sludge, while 2.2 billion are passed into the environment due to the use of treated effluent. The influent, effluent, and sludge MP inventories ranged between 119 and 230 MP L−1, 1 and 12 MP L−1, and 72 and 103 MP 10 g−1 respectively. The fiber was the dominant shape, and white, transparent, and black were prevalent colors. Currently, sludge is not used in Kuwait for any terrestrial or agricultural application; however, sludge is routinely used in many countries as a soil additive in agricultural farms. Using effluent water in irrigation leads to MP dissemination in the terrestrial environment. It is necessary to assess how far these MPs move in the soil profile and if they can contaminate the shallow aquifers. The observation of MP retention in sludge and effluent is empirical, and the use of these matrixes in agriculture is likely to raise an issue of food safety.
Legs Geometry Influence on the Performance of the Thermoelectric Module
Authors: Rjafallah Abdelkader , Cotfas Daniel Tudor , Cotfas Petru Adrian
Published: November 2022

The performance of the thermoelectric module highly depends on the geometry of the legs, the module area, and implicitly on the number of the pairs, besides the properties of the materials. The geometry of the legs consists of the shape, the dimensions on three axes, and whether the legs are filled or are hollow. The legs can have one hollow or more, the hole can be from the top to bottom or not. This paper studies and compares the performance of different thermoelectric modules in function of the shape: square, triangular, trapezoid, reverse trapezoid, hourglass, inverse hourglass (filled and with the hollow from the top to the bottom or not), and with different dimensions of the length and width. The simulations are performed using the COMSOL Multiphysics software, where 3D numerical models are developed and solved using the finite element method. The results are compared with others from the specialized literature for a one pair square shape. The current-voltage and power-voltage characteristics have a good matching, which proves the simulations are good and the model can be used for other shapes. A steady-state heating condition is applied to the hot side of the thermoelectric generators, while the cold side is subjected to steady state, natural convection, and forced convection heating conditions. The square shape with an internal hollow is studied first. The best performance when the length and width are 1 mm × 1 mm, 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm, and 2 mm × 2 mm is obtained for the thermoelectric generator with filled square legs. The highest maximum power is obtained for thermoelectric generator with the sizes 2 mm × 2 mm. The gain in power for the square shape in comparison with the worst value of the TEG (Inverse Hourglass for filled and Triangular for hollow) for the three dimensions considered is for those filled 199%, 202%, and 204%, respectively, and for those that are hollow 198%, 232%, and 243%, respectively. The reduction in maximum power is 5%, for the thermoelectric generator with square legs (2 mm × 2 mm) and with hollow legs, in comparison with one filled. The maximum power increases for the thermoelectric generator with square legs which have a hollow interior, in this case 2 mm × 2 mm, with 0.2% and 1% for the thermoelectric generator with sizes of 1 mm × 1 mm. Additionally, the results obtained for the square filled shape are compared with the real ones obtained for a thermoelectric generator with sizes 40 mm × 40 mm × 4 mm. The matching is very good, which confirms that the model can be used for different geometry of the thermoelectric generators in order to help the manufacturers improve their performance.
Impact of Organizational Culture on Academics’ Readiness and Behavioral Intention to Implement eLearning Changes in Kuwaiti Universities during COVID-19
Authors: Al-Shamali Sarah , Al-Shamali Ahmed , Alsaber Ahmad , Al-Kandari Anwaar , AlMutairi Shihanah , Alaya Amer
Published: November 2022

A comprehensive review of the literature indicates that there is a lack of research on the influence of all the organizational culture (OC) types on academics’ readiness and behavioral intention to implement eLearning changes in higher education institutions (HEIs). To address this gap, this study empirically investigates the impact of OC on academics’ readiness and behavioral intention to implement eLearning changes within HEIs in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 218 self-administered survey was distributed to public and private HEIs. The analysis of collected data reveal that the most prominent OCs are hierarchy and market types which support readiness for change. The contribution of this study lies in further understanding the impact of OC on academics’ readiness for eLearning changes and behavioral intention to support eLearning implementation. The findings further offer an original contribution by confirming the mediating role of academics’ readiness for eLearning changes in the relationship between OC and behavioral intention. This paper adds to the change management literature by collecting data during the COVID-19 pandemic within the interesting context of HEIs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is currently scarce. The implications of this study contribute to the sustainability of Kuwaiti HEIs.
Climate Change Assessment of the Spatial Potential Aggregation Zones of Plectropomus pessuliferus marisrubri and Plectropomus areolatus along the Saudi Coast, Using RS and GIS
Authors: Khairy Nesren , Ramadan Rasha H. , Alogayell Haya M. , Alkadi Ibtesam I. , Ismail Ismail Y. , Ramadan Mona S.
Published: November 2022

Climate change is becoming one of the main threats to fishery resources, with the attendant possibilities of decreasing income and food security. Sea surface temperature (SST) is considered a major environmental indicator of climate change, one that impacts the marine ecosystem and habitat. Studying the impacts of SST changes necessitates regular effective monitoring; remote sensing techniques provide researchers with the ability to track changes on various spatial and temporal scales. This study provides an integrated approach, using the advantages of remote sensing data and GIS tools, to assess the SST changes in the spatial potential aggregation zones of Plectropomus pessuliferus marisrubri and Plectropomus areolatus along the Red Sea’s Saudi coast. This study used SST satellite data for 2011 and 2021 to detect changes and develop suitability and risk assessment maps. The SST showed an increase of 0.46 °C from 2011 to 2021, particularly during the summer months. As a result, the suitability of spatial potential aggregation from 2011 to 2021 has dropped in the summer months. The risk assessment analysis revealed a decrease in the suitable potential aggregation zones in the summer months, as it reached about −35.7% in August, while it increased in the winter months, reaching +2.52% in January.
Methodology of Designing Sealing Systems for Highly Loaded Rotary Machines
Authors: Yu Zidong , Shevchenko Serhii , Radchenko Mykola , Shevchenko Oleksandr , Radchenko Andrii
Published: November 2022

Higher parameters of centrifugal machines are constantly required, such as the pressure of the medium to be sealed and the speed of rotation of the shaft. However, as the parameters increase, it becomes more and more difficult to ensure the effectiveness of sealing. In addition, sealing systems affect the overall safety of equipment operation, especially vibration. In order to harmonize the sealing functions and increase the dynamic rigidity of the rotors of centrifugal machines, a method for modeling complex sealing systems has been developed. Non-contact seals are considered as hydrostatic–dynamic bearings that can effectively dampen rotor oscillations. A general approach to the analysis of non-contact seals as automatic control systems and an algorithm for constructing their dynamic characteristics at the design stage were proposed for the first time. Models of “rotor-gap seal”, impulse seal and “rotor–hydraulic face” systems, and seal-supports of a shaftless pump have been studied to assess the effect of these seal systems on the oscillatory characteristics of the rotor. Analytical dependencies are obtained for calculating the dynamic characteristics and stability limits of seals as hydromechanical systems. The directions for improving the safety of operation of critical pumping equipment due to a targeted increase in the rigidity of non-contact seals are determined, which leads to an increase in the vibration resistance of the rotor and the environ-mental safety of centrifugal machines. The paper proposes a method for designing sealing systems based on the configuration of sealing components in order to achieve harmonization between sealing and vibration reliability, taking into account oscillatory processes due to hydrodynamic sealing characteristics.
Post Evaluation of Slope Cutting on Loess Slopes under Long-Term Rainfall Based on a Model Test
Authors: Liu Guodong , Zhou Zhijun , Xu Shiqiang , Cheng Yuanmeng
Published: November 2022

The failure of treated slopes around the world, especially in China, is occurring at a noteworthy rate, resulting in an urgent requirement for post evaluation of the treated slopes; however, there is no mature technique established for post evaluation. By using a real loess slope treated by slope cutting in Shaanxi Province as the prototype, indoor geotechnical tests and model tests were performed to reveal the rainwater infiltration characteristics and pressure-varying characteristics inside the slope, the results of which were used to conduct a post evaluation of the slope in situ. The results mainly showed that the effect of rainwater scouring on the slope surface weakened gradually into a steady state at the end of the first year. The rainwater upon the slope surface preferentially infiltrated the platforms with gradually reducing rates; however, the observed wetting front cannot be regarded as the border between the unsaturated and saturated loesses. The soil pressures inside the slope did not increase, but decreased during the early period of rainfall. The displacements of key points mainly occurred during the first two years and then steady periods were entered. The above results were utilized to conduct a post evaluation of the slope prototype, by which a post evaluation framework was constructed.
Impact and Learner Experience of a Technology Ecosystem as an Approach to Healthy Lifestyles: Erasmus+ SUGAPAS Project
Authors: González-Gálvez Noelia , Vaquero-Cristóbal Raquel , Mateo-Orcajada Adrián , Sánchez-Pato Antonio , Bada-Jaime Juan de Dios , Leiva-Arcas Alejandro , García-Roca Juan Alfonso
Published: November 2022

The promotion of lifestyle habits in all ages is essential for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases. The aim of this study was to develop, validate, and disseminate an ecosystem that favors effective education on physical activity, a healthy lifestyle, and healthy nutritional habits. The sample consisted of 258 Spanish volunteer students. The evaluation of Ecosystem SUGAPAS was composed of two online surveys: MOOC and game surveys. The result of the MOOC survey reported a score above three points in all the sections (users’ opinion of the organization: 3.89 ± 0.71, 4.06 ± 0.64, and 4.01 ± 0.64; impact of the course on their day-to-day life: 3.62 ± 0.94; content present values: 3.96 ± 0.63, 3.69 ± 0.75, and 3.62 ± 0.94; usability of the platform: 3.75 ± 0.77, 3.96 ± 0.68, 4.06 ± 0.77, and 3.75 ± 0.84; relevance for professional development: 3.96 ± 0.63; overall opinion: 3.77 ± 0.57 points). The responses to all sections of the game evaluation reported a score between three and four points. A SUGAPAS ecosystem that includes new technologies for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle was developed, validated, and disseminated among the population. The users’ opinion, the impact of the ecosystem on their personal and professional development, and the usability of the platforms created make this ecosystem valid for its implementation for the proposed purposes.
Technodiversity—An E-Learning Tool as an Additional Offer for the Master’s Degree and In-Company Training
Authors: Erler Jörn , Spinelli Raffaele , Đuka Andreja
Published: November 2022

In November 2021, a project proposal submitted by the TU Dresden and in which seven other partner institutions are involved was approved in the ERASMUS+ program Action Type KA220-HED. The aim of the project is to develop an e-learning tool that can be used to teach forest technology at the Master’s level. Project work develops along four main tasks: (1) Facts and methods (theoretical contents), (2) Scientific audiovisuals (descriptive contents), (3) E-learning platform (structure) and (4) Didactics (implementation). In this article, the advantages and disadvantages of e learning are discussed and the development of the course contents (facts and methods) is presented in detail.
Long-Wave Anti-Plane Motion in a Pre-Stressed Compressible Elastic Laminate with One Fixed and One Free Face
Authors: Helmi Maha M.
Published: November 2022

In this paper, long-wave anti-plane shear motion in a multilayered laminate composed of pre-stressed compressible elastic layers is investigated. The layers of the laminate are perfectly bonded, while a fixed-free boundary condition is prescribed on the outer faces of the laminate. The solution of the model is determined analytically via the propagator matrix and numerically through the asymptotic approach. Moreover, the numerical results featuring harmonic curves are presented graphically, together with an asymptotic long-wave analysis of the vibration modes. As a special case of materials, linear isotropic with one shear modulus is considered. A polynomial long-wave low-frequency approximation of the related dispersion relation is also studied. It governs dispersion curves including the lowest harmonic. It is revealed that a low-frequency mode exists in both the two- and three-layered laminates, which are taken as prototypical structures. Lastly, comparisons between the exact and approximate asymptotic results are presented, and excellent agreement is observed.
Evaluating the Image Quality of Neck Structures Scanned on Chest CT with Low-Concentration-Iodine Contrast Media
Authors: Kim Jimin , Kim Jee-Young , Oh Se-Won , Kim Hyun-Gi
Published: November 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the image quality of low-concentration-iodine (240 mgI/mL) contrast media (CM) and high-concentration-iodine (320 mgI/mL) CM according to the radiation dose. Methods: A total of 366 CT examinations were examined. Based on an assessment of quantitative and qualitative parameters by two radiologists, the quality was compared between Group A (low-concentration-iodine CM) and Group B (high-concentration-iodine CM) images of thyroid gland, sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), internal jugular vein (IJV), and common carotid artery (CCA). Another subgroup analysis compared Group a, (using ≤90 kVp in Group A), and Group b, (using ≥100 kVp in Group B) for finding the difference in image quality when the tube voltage is lowered. Results: Image quality did not differ between Groups A and B or between Groups a and b. The signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio were significantly higher for Group B than Group A for the thyroid gland, IJV, and CCA. No statistical differences were found in the comparison of all structures between Groups a and b. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in image quality based on CM concentration with variable radiation doses. Therefore, if an appropriate CT protocol is applied, clinically feasible neck CT images can be obtained even using low-concentration-iodine CM.
Effect of Natural Commiphora myrrha Extract against Hepatotoxicity Induced by Alcohol Intake in Rat Model
Authors: Alahmari Abeer S. , El-Mekkawy Haitham I. , Al-Doaiss Amin A. , Alduwish Manal A.
Published: November 2022

The oral intake of alcohol has become a widespread concern due to its high risk to body health. Therefore, our purpose in this study was to reveal the antioxidant efficacies of natural Commiphora myrrha on hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by ethanol in adult male rats, especially because these were not adequately revealed by previous studies. We examined the impacts of C. myrrha in male Sprague Dawley rats orally treated with C. myrrha (500 mg/kg) alone or in combination with 40% ethanol (3 g/kg), daily for 30 days. The results showed that treatment with C. myrrha after the oral consumption of ethanol caused a reduction in serum liver function parameters (alanine transferases, aspartate transaminase, and total bilirubin), hepatic tumor markers (α-L-flucosidase and arginase), and hepatic lipid peroxidation indicator (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), as well as a slight restoration (not significant) in the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione; and total antioxidant capacity. In addition, it alleviated histopathological changes in the liver, as revealed by decreased areas of inflammatory infiltrate, milder necrosis, and noticeably reduced periportal fibrosis and hemorrhage. The therapeutic efficiency of C. myrrha could be due to its rich sesquiterpenoids content which possesses anti-inflammatory properties and ROS-scavenging activities. Our findings provide evidence that the attenuation of oxidative stress by C. myrrha enables hepatic tissue to suppress inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms, resulting in enhanced liver structure and function. Therefore, C. myrrha extract shows promise as a protective and therapeutic supplement against toxic agents.
Scalar Weak Gravity Conjecture in Super Yang-Mills Inflationary Model
Authors: Sadeghi Jafar , Alipour Mohammad Reza , Noori Gashti Saeed
Published: November 2022

In this article, we want to check four inflation models, namely, composite NJL inflation (NJLI), Glueball inflation (GI), super Yang–Mills inflation (SYMI), and Orientifold inflation (OI), with two conjectures of the swampland program: scalar weak gravity conjecture (SWGC) and strong scalar weak gravity conjecture (SSWGC) since all these models violate the dS swampland conjecture (DSC) but are compatible with further refining de Sitter swampland conjecture (FRDSSC) through manual adjustment of free parameters of the mentioned conjecture. We want to study the simultaneous compatibility of each model with these two new conjectures. Despite being consistent with (FRDSSC), we find that all models are not compatible with the other conjectures of the Swampland program in all regions, and these conjectures are only satisfied in a specific area. Moreover, due to the presence of constant parameter (ϕ0) in the higher orders derivatives, the (SYMI) and (OI) among all the models are more compatible with all conjectures of the swampland program. These models can provide a more significant amount of satisfaction with all of them. They can be suitable and accurate inflation models for a more profound examination of universe developments. We determined a particular region for these models is compatible with (FRDSSC), (SWGC), and (SSWGC) simultaneously.
Cosmic Evolution of the Logarithmic f(R) Model and the dS Swampland Conjecture
Authors: Sadeghi Jafar , Pourhassan Behnam , Noori Gashti Saeed , Naghd Mezerji Elaheh , Pasqua Antonio
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we study the inflationary scenario in logarithmic f(R) gravity, where the rate of inflation roll is constant. On the other hand, our gravitational f(R) model is a polynomial plus a logarithmic term. We take advantage of constant-roll conditions and investigate the cosmic evolution of the logarithmic f(R) gravity. We present a numerical and a graphical study using the model parameters. Additionally, we obtain the corresponding potential by using the constant-roll condition. We obtain the exact value of the potential satisfying the constant-roll conditions. Next, we challenge it with refined swampland conjecture with respect to the Planck data. Finally, we compare our results with the latest observable data.
BTZ Black-Bounce to Traversable Wormhole
Authors: Furtado Job , Alencar Geová
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we study the charged and uncharged BTZ counterpart of the black-bounce proposed by Simpson and Visser recently. For the uncharged case, we find that the temperature is not modified by the bounce parameter. We also find that the wormhole side of the solution must always be supported by exotic matter over the throat. For the charged case, we find that the thermodynamics is changed and the bounce parameter controls a phase transition, affecting the sign of the heat capacity and therefore the stability of the system. For the uncharged case, we find that there are no stable orbits for both massive and massless incoming particles, while stable orbits are present for the charged case and the bounce parameter affects the points of stability.
W-Boson Mass Anomaly as a Manifestation of Spontaneously Broken Additional SU(2) Global Symmetry on a New Fundamental Scale
Authors: Afonin Sergey
Published: November 2022

Recently, the CDF Collaboration has announced a new precise measurement of the W-boson mass MW that deviates from the Standard Model (SM) prediction by 7σ. The discrepancy in MW is about ΔW ≃ 70 MeV and is probably caused by a beyond the SM physics. Within a certain scenario of extension of the SM, we obtain the relation ΔW ≃ 3α8πMW ≃ 70 MeV, where α is the electromagnetic fine structure constant. The main conjecture is the appearance of longitudinal components of the W-bosons as the Goldstone bosons of a spontaneously broken additional SU(2) global symmetry at distances much smaller than the electroweak symmetry breaking scale rEWSB. We argue that within this scenario, the masses of charged Higgs scalars can obtain an electromagnetic radiative contribution which enhances the observed value of MW± with respect to the usual SM prediction. Our relation for ΔW follows from the known one-loop result for the corresponding effective Coleman–Weinberg potential in combination with the Weinberg sum rules.
On the Nucleosynthetic Origin of Presolar Silicon Carbide X-Grains
Authors: Akram Waheed , Hallmann Oliver , Pfeiffer Bernd , Kratz Karl-Ludwig
Published: November 2022

In this paper we present an extension of our nucleosynthesis parameter study within the classical neutrino-driven wind scenario of core-collapse supernovae (ccSNe). The principal aim of this decade-old study was to shine light on the production of the historical ‘p-only’ isotopes of the light trans-Fe elements in the Solar System (S.S.). One of our earliest key findings was the co-production of neighbouring classical ‘s-only’ and ‘r-only’ isotopes between Zn (Z = 30) and Ru (Z = 44), alongside the synthesis of light p-isotopes, under similar conditions of a moderately neutron-rich, low-entropy, charged-particle component of Type II SNe wind ejecta. We begin this analysis by expressing the need for nuclear-structure input from detailed spectroscopic experiments and microscopic models in the relevant shape-transition mass region between N = 50 and N = 60. Then, we focus on the unique nucleosynthetic origin of the anomalous isotopic compositions of Zr (Z = 40), Mo (Z = 42) and Ru (Z = 44) in presolar silicon carbide X-grains. In contrast to the interpretation of other studies, we show that these grains do not reflect the signature of a ‘clean’ stellar scenario but are mixtures of an exotic rapid (r-process like) nucleosynthesis component and different fractions of S.S. material. Thus, the synthesis of these light isotopes through a ‘primary’ production mode provides further means to revise the abundance estimates of the light trans-Fe elements in the S.S., reducing our dependence on still favoured ‘secondary’ scenarios like Type Ia SNe or neutron-bursts in exploding massive stars.
Increased Risk of Infection with Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Virus among Animal Populations on Tsushima Island, Japan, Including an Endangered Species, Tsushima Leopard Cats
Authors: Matsuu Aya , Doi Kandai , Ishijima Keita , Tatemoto Kango , Koshida Yushi , Yoshida Ayako , Kiname Kohei , Iwashita Akio , Hayama Shin-ichi , Maeda Ken
Published: November 2022

To investigate the seroprevalence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) among wild and companion animals on Tsushima Island, Japan, SFTS virus (SFTSV)-specific ELISA and virus-neutralizing tests were conducted on 50 wild boars, 71 Sika deer, 84 dogs, 323 domestic cats, and 6 Tsushima leopard cats. In total, 1 wild boar (1.8%), 2 dogs (2.4%), 7 domestic cats (2.2%), and 1 Tsushima leopard cat (16.7%) were positive for anti-SFTSV antibodies. Among the 11 positive animals, 10 were collected after 2019, and all were found on the southern part of the island. SFTSV, thus far, seems to be circulating within a limited area of Tsushima Island. To protect humans and animals, including endangered Tsushima leopard cats, from SFTSV infection, countermeasures are needed to prevent the spread of SFTSV on Tsushima Island.
Peripheral Blood T-lymphocyte Phenotypes in Mother-Child Pairs Stratified by the Maternal HPV Status: Persistent HPV16 vs. HPV-Negative: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Suominen Helmi , Paaso Anna , Koskimaa Hanna-Mari , Grénman Seija , Syrjänen Kari , Syrjänen Stina , Louvanto Karolina
Published: November 2022

Only few studies exist on the phenotype distribution of peripheral blood lymphocytes concerning persistent oral HPV infection. T-lymphocyte subsets were phenotyped in women who had persistent genital or oral HPV16 infection, using HPV-negative women as a reference group. A subset of 42 mothers and their children (n = 28), were stratified into two groups according to the mothers’ HPV status. PBMCs from previously cryopreserved venous samples were immunophenotyped by flow cytometry. Proportions of the CD4+ or CD8+ lymphocytes by their immunophenotype subsets were compared between HPV-positive and -negative mothers and their children. The mean rank distribution of CD8+ memory cells was significantly higher among mothers with persistent genital HPV16 infection. The median levels of both the antigen-presenting CD4+ cells and activated CD8+ cells were significantly lower in mothers with persistent oral HPV16 infection. When oral and genital HPV16-persistors were analyzed as a group, a marker of terminal effector cells was significantly increased as compared to HPV-negative women. Significantly higher levels of activated CD4+, CD8+ and circulating CD8+ memory cells were found among children whose mothers had persistent oral HPV16 infection. Persistent HPV16 infections are associated with changes in peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets. The mother’s persistent oral HPV16 infection possibly results in immune alterations in her offspring.