bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Working Temperature Conditions on the Autogenous Deformation of High-Performance Concrete Mixed with MgO Expansive Agent
Authors: Cao Zhe , Mao Zhongyang , Gong Jiale , Huang Xiaojun , Deng Min
Published: April 2023

Currently, mass concrete is increasingly utilized in various engineering projects that demand high physical properties of concrete. The water-cement ratio of mass concrete is comparatively smaller than that of the concrete used in dam engineering. However, the occurrence of severe cracking in mass concrete has been reported in numerous engineering applications. To address this issue, the incorporation of MgO expansive agent (MEA) in concrete has been widely recognized as an effective method to prevent mass concrete from cracking. In this research, three distinct temperature conditions were established based on the temperature elevation of mass concrete in practical engineering scenarios. To replicate the temperature increase under operational conditions, a device was fabricated that employed a stainless-steel barrel as the container for concrete, which was enveloped with insulation cotton for thermal insulation purposes. Three different MEA dosages were used during the pouring of concrete, and sine strain gauges were placed within the concrete to gauge the resulting strain. The hydration level of MEA was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TG) to calculate the degree of hydration. The findings demonstrate that temperature has a significant impact on the performance of MEA; a higher temperature results in more complete hydration of MEA. The design of the three temperature conditions revealed that when the peak temperature exceeded 60 °C in two cases, the addition of 6% MEA was sufficient to fully compensate for the early shrinkage of concrete. Moreover, in instances where the peak temperature exceeded 60 °C, the impact of temperature on accelerating MEA hydration was more noticeable.
Modifying Water–Frost Resistance and Mechanical Properties of Lime Mortar Using Siliceous and Fluidised Bed Fly Combusted Ashes Activated with Cement
Authors: Logoń Dominik , Kobaka Janusz , Domski Jacek
Published: April 2023

The research focuses on pozzolanic additives, which are compatible with traditional lime mortars, and enable the modification of the rheological, physical and mechanical properties of tested composites. It was noted that lime mortars with fluidised bed fly ash require sand without impurities to avoid possible ettringite crystallisation. The work presents siliceous fly ash and fluidised bed combustion fly ash to modify the frost resistance and mechanical properties of traditional lime mortars with and without the addition of cement. The results show better effects using fluidised bed ash. Traditional Portland cement CEM I 42.5R was used to activate ash and increase the results. The possibility of a significant improvement of properties is indicated with a hybrid addition to the lime binder of 15–30% ash (siliceous or fluidised bed ash) and 15–30% cement. Changing the class and type of cement provides an additional opportunity to alter the properties of the composites. For architectural reasons relating to colour, the suitability of lighter fluidised bed ash instead of darker siliceous ash and of white Portland cement instead of the traditional grey cement can be used. The proposed mortars can be the basis for future modifications with admixtures and additives, e.g., metakaolin, polymers, fibres, slag, glass powder and impregnating agents.
An Improved Sensorless Nonlinear Control Based on SC-MRAS Estimator of Open-End Winding Five-Phase Induction Motor Fed by Dual NPC Inverter: Hardware-in-the-Loop Implementation
Authors: Khadar Saad , Abdelaziz Almoataz Y. , Elbarbary Zakaria M. Salem , Mossa Mahmoud A.
Published: April 2023

This paper introduces a sensorless nonlinear control scheme based on feedback linearization control (FLC) of an open-end winding five-phase induction motor (OeW-5PIM) topology fed by a dual neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter. The suggested sensorless control is combined with the sliding mode (SM) controller to improve the dynamic performance (i.e., rising time, overshoot, etc.) of the studied motor. Furthermore, a stator-current-based model reference adaptive system (SC-MRAS) estimator is designed for the estimation of the rotor flux and the motor speed. In parallel, to enhance the robustness of the designed sensorless control against motor parameter changes, an adaptive estimation method is suggested to estimate the rotor and stator resistances during low-speed ranges. The estimation method of motor resistances is associated with the suggested sensorless control to further improve the speed estimation accuracy and minimize the speed estimation error. Finally, the effectiveness and correctness of the suggested control with the examined estimators are validated in real-time implementation using a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) based on the dSpace 1103 board.
An Efficient End-to-End Obstacle Avoidance Path Planning Algorithm for Intelligent Vehicles Based on Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Wang Chia-Hung , Chen Shumeng , Zhao Qigen , Suo Yifan
Published: April 2023

End-to-end obstacle avoidance path planning for intelligent vehicles has been a widely studied topic. To resolve the typical issues of the solving algorithms, which are weak global optimization ability, ease in falling into local optimization and slow convergence speed, an efficient optimization method is proposed in this paper, based on the whale optimization algorithm. We present an adaptive adjustment mechanism which can dynamically modify search behavior during the iteration process of the whale optimization algorithm. Meanwhile, in order to coordinate the global optimum and local optimum of the solving algorithm, we introduce a controllable variable which can be reset according to specific routing scenarios. The evolutionary strategy of differential variation is also applied in the algorithm presented to further update the location of search individuals. In numerical experiments, we compared the proposed algorithm with the following six well-known swarm intelligence optimization algorithms: Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Bat Algorithm (BA), Gray Wolf Optimization Algorithm (GWO), Dragonfly Algorithm (DA), Ant Lion Algorithm (ALO), and the traditional Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). Our method gave rise to better results for the typical twenty-three benchmark functions. In regard to path planning problems, we observed an average improvement of 18.95% in achieving optimal solutions and 77.86% in stability. Moreover, our method exhibited faster convergence compared to some existing approaches.
Probability Analysis of a Stochastic Non-Autonomous SIQRC Model with Inference
Authors: Leng Xuan , Khan Asad , Din Anwarud
Published: April 2023

When an individual with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 is quarantined or isolated, the virus can linger for up to an hour in the air. We developed a mathematical model for COVID-19 by adding the point where a person becomes infectious and begins to show symptoms of COVID-19 after being exposed to an infected environment or the surrounding air. It was proven that the proposed stochastic COVID-19 model is biologically well-justifiable by showing the existence, uniqueness, and positivity of the solution. We also explored the model for a unique global solution and derived the necessary conditions for the persistence and extinction of the COVID-19 epidemic. For the persistence of the disease, we observed that Rs0>1, and it was noticed that, for Rs<1, the COVID-19 infection will tend to eliminate itself from the population. Supplementary graphs representing the solutions of the model were produced to justify the obtained results based on the analysis. This study has the potential to establish a strong theoretical basis for the understanding of infectious diseases that re-emerge frequently. Our work was also intended to provide general techniques for developing the Lyapunov functions that will help the readers explore the stationary distribution of stochastic models having perturbations of the nonlinear type in particular.
Towards a Standardized Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Method for Mycoplasma hyorhinis
Authors: Käbisch Lisa , Schink Anne-Kathrin , Höltig Doris , Spergser Joachim , Kehrenberg Corinna , Schwarz Stefan
Published: April 2023

Conducting antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) in a comparable manner requires the availability of a standardized method. Organizations, such as the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) or the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST), provide standardized protocols for a range of fastidious bacteria but not for Mycoplasma hyorhinis. We developed a broth microdilution method for testing M. hyorhinis in a standardized and harmonized way using a modified Friis broth devoid of antimicrobial or otherwise bacterial growth-inhibiting agents. The type strain M. hyorhinis DSM 25591 was chosen to establish the methodology. The antimicrobial agents of interest were doxycycline, enrofloxacin, erythromycin, florfenicol, gentamicin, marbofloxacin, tetracycline, tiamulin, tilmicosin, tulathromycin, and tylosin, tested by using commercial SensititreTM microtiter plates. In addition, the suitability of the methodology was evaluated via variation of the individual ingredients of the modified Friis broth by either using different batches or choosing other distributors. Despite these alterations, the method provided reliable results. We obtained repeatable minimal inhibitory concentrations for all six tested field isolates and the M. hyorhinis type strain. With this newly proposed method, we aim to provide an improved AST method for diagnostic laboratories and monitoring purposes with better comparability between times and countries. In addition, this new method will allow for an improvement of targeted treatments using antimicrobial agents and thereby reduce the options for resistance development.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Nitric Oxide-Donating Ligustrazine Derivatives as Potent Antiplatelet Aggregation Agents
Authors: Li Han-Xu , Tian Jian-Hui , Li Hua-Yu , Wan Xin , Zou Yu
Published: April 2023

Antiplatelet aggregation agents have demonstrated clinical benefits in the treatment of ischemic stroke. In our study, a series of novel nitric oxide (NO)-donating ligustrazine derivatives were designed and synthesized as antiplatelet aggregation agents. They were evaluated for the inhibitory effect on 5′-diphosphate (ADP)-induced and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation in vitro. The results showed that compound 15d displayed the best activity in both ADP-induced and AA-induced assays, and compound 14a also showed quite better activity than ligustrazine. The preliminary structure-activity relationships of these novel NO-donating ligustrazine derivatives were discussed. Moreover, these compounds were docked with the thromboxane A2 receptor to study the structure-activity relationships. These results suggested that the novel NO-donating ligustrazine derivatives 14a and 15d deserve further study as potent antiplatelet aggregation agents.
Professional Nurses’ Experiences of Student Nurses’ Absenteeism during Psychiatric Clinical Placement in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Masutha Thingahangwi C. , Maluleke Mary , Raliphaswa Ndidzulafhi S. , Rangwaneni Mphedziseni E. , Thabathi Takalani E. , Lavhelani Ndivhaleni R. , Manyuma Duppy
Published: April 2023

Psychiatric clinical placement is as essential as other placements in any discipline in nursing education as it allows student nurses to correlate theory to practice. Several research studies have been conducted on nurses’ experiences of the clinical supervision of students, but absenteeism is still a challenge globally. In this study, professional nurses’ experiences of student nurses’ absenteeism from psychiatric clinical placements in Limpopo Province, South Africa, were examined. Three designated specialty mental institutions in Limpopo Province were the sites of the study. Explorative, descriptive, and contextual designs were used in a qualitative approach. A qualitative approach was used because the study sought professional nurses to narrate their experiences through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, which could only be achieved through a qualitative approach. A total of eleven professional nurses, four from two specialized psychiatric hospitals and three from one specialized psychiatric hospital, were purposively sampled and interviewed. These nurses participated in in-depth interviews that were used to gather data, which were then thematically analyzed. One theme and three sub-themes on professional nurses’ experiences of the absenteeism of student nurses during psychiatric clinical placement were revealed. The theme was student factors leading to absenteeism, while the sub-themes were fear of mental health care users, negative attitudes towards psychiatric nursing science, and students’ lifestyles. Based on the findings, student nurses’ absenteeism can be caused by many factors. A qualitative study should be conducted to seek strategies to mitigate the absenteeism of student nurses during clinical placement in the psychiatric hospitals of Limpopo Province.
On Performance Analysis of Cooperative Horizontal and Vertical Underwater VLC Systems with Best Relay Selection
Authors: Sharma Rachna , Trivedi Yogesh N. , Garg Kamal K. , Bhatia Vimal , Abdel-Hafez Mohammed
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we consider cooperative horizontal and vertical underwater visible light communication (UWVLC) systems employing best relay selection. In the vertical UWVLC system, the source is placed at the sea surface and the destination is placed at a depth of 60 m. The link between the source and the destination is modeled as concatenated layers considering inhomogeneous environmental conditions. The underwater parameters change with depth, causing a variable refractive index, which leads to non-uniform optical turbulence. The horizontal communication link is analyzed for two different levels of turbulence at 10 m and 50 m depths. Turbulence is modeled using a log-normal distribution, whose statistical parameters depend on the temperature and salinity at different depths. We have also taken into account the path losses caused by absorption and scattering, and carried out a comprehensive performance comparison between the horizontal and the vertical UWVLC systems. Insights show that compared to horizontal links, vertical links need an extra relay in order to achieve the same level of matching performance. Moreover, it is shown that the horizontal system’s outage performance improves with depth.
Tree Biomass and Leaf Area Allometric Relations for Betula pendula Roth Based on Samplings in the Western Carpathians
Authors: Konôpka Bohdan , Murgaš Vlastimil , Pajtík Jozef , Šebeň Vladimír , Barka Ivan
Published: April 2023

Biomass allometric relations are necessary for precise estimations of biomass forest stocks, as well as for the quantification of carbon sequestered by forest cover. Therefore, we attempted to create allometric models of total biomass in young silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) trees and their main components, i.e., leaves, branches, stem under bark, bark, and roots. The models were based on data from 180 sample trees with ages up to 15 years originating from natural regeneration at eight sites in the Western Carpathians (Slovakia). Sample trees represented individuals with stem base diameters (diameter D0) from about 4.0 to 113.0 mm and tree heights between 0.4 to 10.7 m. Each tree component was dried to constant mass and weighed. Moreover, subsamples of leaves (15 pieces of each tree) were scanned, dried, and weighed. Thus, we also obtained data for deriving a model expressing total leaf area at the tree level. The allometric models were in the form of regression relations using diameter D0 or tree height as predictors. The models, for instance, showed that while the total tree biomass of birches with a D0 of 50 mm (and a tree height of 4.06 m) was about 1653 g, the total tree biomass of those with a D0 of 100 mm (tree height 6.79 m) reached as much as 8501 g. Modeled total leaf areas for the trees with the above-mentioned dimensions were 2.37 m2 and 8.54 m2, respectively. The results prove that diameter D0 was a better predictor than tree height for both models of tree component biomass and total leaf area. Furthermore, we found that the contribution of individual tree components to total biomass changed with tree size. Specifically, while shares of leaves and roots decreased, those of all other components, especially stems with bark, increased. The derived allometric relations may be implemented for the calculation of biomass stock in birch-dominant or birch-admixed stands in the Western Carpathians or in other European regions, especially where no species- and region-specific models are available.
Comprehensive Microbiome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal the Medicinal Components of Paeonia lactiflora
Authors: Yang Liping , Zhou Mengdi , Zu Mengting , Zuo Jiajia , Yuan Yingdan
Published: April 2023

Paeonia lactiflora Pall. is not only a traditional ornamental plant, but also an important medicinal plant. Currently, some P. lactiflora cultivars are used for ornamental purposes, but their potential medicinal value is ignored. To explore the medicinal potential of the ornamental varieties, the medicinal cultivar ‘Hangbaishao’ (HS) and the ornamental cultivar ‘Zifengyu’ (ZFY) were selected, and microbiome and metabolome analyses were performed to compare the composition of the endophytes and metabolites in the roots. The diversity and abundance of bacteria were not significantly different between HS and ZFY; however, the diversity and abundance of endophytic fungi in the ornamental cultivar ZFY were much higher than those in the medicinal cultivar HS. The flavonoids and phenolic acid contents of the ornamental cultivar ZFY were significantly higher than those of the medicinal cultivar HS, indicating that ZFY has medicinal value. The differences in root endophytes between HS and ZFY may lead to differences in phenolic acids and flavonoids. To explore the relationship between endophytes and the accumulation of phenolic acids and flavonoids, a joint analyses of the microbiome and metabolome were performed. The key bacterium, Ruminococcaceae bacterium GD7, led to the accumulation of phenolic acids and flavonoids in the ZFY. This study contributes to future research on the potential medicinal value of ornamental P. lactiflora and provides a new approach for realizing the ‘dual use of medicine and appreciation’ of P. lactiflora.
Active vs. Passive Thermal Imaging for Helping the Early Detection of Soil-Borne Rot Diseases on Wild Rocket [Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) D.C.]
Authors: Rippa Massimo , Pasqualini Andrea , Curcio Rossella , Mormile Pasquale , Pane Catello
Published: April 2023

Cultivation of wild rocket [Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) D.C.] as a baby-leaf vegetable for the high-convenience food chain is constantly growing due to its nutritional and taste qualities. As is well known, these crops are particularly exposed to soil-borne fungal diseases and need to be effectively protected. At present, wild rocket disease management is performed by using permitted synthetic fungicides or through the application of agro-ecological and biological methods that must be optimized. In this regard, the implementation of innovative digital-based technologies, such as infrared thermography (IT), as supporting systems to decision-making processes is welcome. In this work, leaves belonging to wild rocket plants inoculated with the soil-borne pathogens Rhizoctonia solani Kühn and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary were analyzed and monitored by both active and passive thermographic methods and compared with visual detection. A comparison between the thermal analysis carried out in both medium (MWIR)- and long (LWIR)-wave infrared was made and discussed. The results achieved highlight how the monitoring based on the use of IT is promising for carrying out an early detection of the rot diseases induced by the investigated pathogens, allowing their detection in 3–6 days before the canopy is completely wilted. Active thermal imaging has the potential to detect early soil-borne rotting diseases.
Essential Oils of Two Portuguese Endemic Species of Lavandula as a Source of Antifungal and Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Domingues Joana , Goulão Manuela , Delgado Fernanda , Gonçalves José Carlos , Gonçalves Joana , Pintado Cristina Santos
Published: April 2023

Chemical investigations of L. stoechas subsp. luisieri and L. pedunculata essential oils were analyzed by GC-MS, and the antimicrobial activity was performed against bacteria and fungi isolated from food sources. The cytotoxicity of the essential oil was performed in NHDF cells using the MTT method. According to the results, the main compounds of L. stoechas subsp. luisieri essential oil were trans-α-necrodyl acetate (40.2%), lavandulyl acetate (11%), and trans-α-necrodol (10.4%), while fenchone (50.5%) and camphor (30.0%) in L. pedunculata essential oil. The antifungal activity of essential oils was confirmed with MIC values ranging from 1.2 to 18.7 µL/mL; for bacteria, it ranged from 4.7 to 149.3 µL/mL. Both the Lavandula species tested showed low or equal MIC and MBC/MFC values for L. stoechas subsp. luisieri essential oil, revealing greater efficacy in antimicrobial activity. The L. stoechas subsp. luisieri essential oil revealed cytotoxic effects (30 ± 2% of cell viability) in NHDF cells at all concentrations tested.
A Frequency Estimation Scheme Based on Gaussian Average Filtering Decomposition and Hilbert Transform: With Estimation of Respiratory Rate as an Example
Authors: Lin Yue-Der , Tan Yong-Kok , Ku Tienhsiung , Tian Baofeng
Published: April 2023

Frequency estimation plays a critical role in vital sign monitoring. Methods based on Fourier transform and eigen-analysis are commonly adopted techniques for frequency estimation. Because of the nonstationary and time-varying characteristics of physiological processes, time-frequency analysis (TFA) is a feasible way to perform biomedical signal analysis. Among miscellaneous approaches, Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) has been demonstrated to be a potential tool in biomedical applications. However, the problems of mode mixing, unnecessary redundant decomposition and boundary effect are the common deficits that occur during the procedure of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) or ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD). The Gaussian average filtering decomposition (GAFD) technique has been shown to be appropriate in several biomedical scenarios and can be an alternative to EMD and EEMD. This research proposes the combination of GAFD and Hilbert transform that is termed the Hilbert–Gauss transform (HGT) to overcome the conventional drawbacks of HHT in TFA and frequency estimation. This new method is verified to be effective for the estimation of respiratory rate (RR) in finger photoplethysmography (PPG), wrist PPG and seismocardiogram (SCG). Compared with the ground truth values, the estimated RRs are evaluated to be of excellent reliability by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and to be of high agreement by Bland–Altman analysis.
Fruit Sizing in Orchard: A Review from Caliper to Machine Vision with Deep Learning
Authors: Neupane Chiranjivi , Pereira Maisa , Koirala Anand , Walsh Kerry B.
Published: April 2023

Forward estimates of harvest load require information on fruit size as well as number. The task of sizing fruit and vegetables has been automated in the packhouse, progressing from mechanical methods to machine vision over the last three decades. This shift is now occurring for size assessment of fruit on trees, i.e., in the orchard. This review focuses on: (i) allometric relationships between fruit weight and lineal dimensions; (ii) measurement of fruit lineal dimensions with traditional tools; (iii) measurement of fruit lineal dimensions with machine vision, with attention to the issues of depth measurement and recognition of occluded fruit; (iv) sampling strategies; and (v) forward prediction of fruit size (at harvest). Commercially available capability for in-orchard fruit sizing is summarized, and further developments of in-orchard fruit sizing by machine vision are anticipated.
Implicit Overhearing Node-Based Multi-Hop Communication Scheme in IoT LoRa Networks
Authors: Mugerwa Dick , Nam Youngju , Choi Hyunseok , Shin Yongje , Lee Euisin
Published: April 2023

Long range (LoRa) is a low-power wide-area technology because it is eminent for robust long-distance, low-bitrate, and low-power communications in the unlicensed sub-GHz spectrum used for the Internet of things (IoT) networks. Recently, several multi-hop LoRa networks have proposed schemes with explicit relay nodes to partially mitigate the path loss and longer transmission time bottlenecks of the conventional single-hop LoRa by focusing more on coverage expansion. However, they do not consider improving the packet delivery success ratio (PDSR) and the packet reduction ratio (PRR) by using the overhearing technique. Thus, this paper proposes an implicit overhearing node-based multi-hop communication (IOMC) scheme in IoT LoRa networks, which exploits implicit relay nodes for performing the overhearing to promote relay operation while satisfying the duty cycle regulation. In IOMC, implicit relay nodes are selected as overhearing nodes (OHs) among end devices with a low spreading factor (SF) in order to improve PDSR and PRR for distant end devices (EDs). A theoretical framework for designing and determining the OH nodes to execute the relay operations was developed with consideration of the LoRaWAN MAC protocol. Simulation results verify that IOMC significantly increases the probability of successful transmission, performs best in high node density, and is more resilient to poor RSSI than the existing schemes.
Utilization of 5G Technologies in IoT Applications: Current Limitations by Interference and Network Optimization Difficulties—A Review
Authors: Pons Mario , Valenzuela Estuardo , Rodríguez Brandon , Nolazco-Flores Juan Arturo , Del-Valle-Soto Carolina
Published: April 2023

5G (fifth-generation technology) technologies are becoming more mainstream thanks to great efforts from telecommunication companies, research facilities, and governments. This technology is often associated with the Internet of Things to improve the quality of life for citizens by automating and gathering data recollection processes. This paper presents the 5G and IoT technologies, explaining common architectures, typical IoT implementations, and recurring problems. This work also presents a detailed and explained overview of interference in general wireless applications, interference unique to 5G and IoT, and possible optimization techniques to overcome these challenges. This manuscript highlights the importance of addressing interference and optimizing network performance in 5G networks to ensure reliable and efficient connectivity for IoT devices, which is essential for adequately functioning business processes. This insight can be helpful for businesses that rely on these technologies to improve their productivity, reduce downtime, and enhance customer satisfaction. We also highlight the potential of the convergence of networks and services in increasing the availability and speed of access to the internet, enabling a range of new and innovative applications and services.
Quality of Monitoring Optimization in Underwater Sensor Networks through a Multiagent Diversity-Based Gradient Approach
Authors: Ould-Elhassen Aoueileyine Mohamed , Bennouri Hajar , Berqia Amine , Lind Pedro G. , Haugerud Hårek , Krejcar Ondrej , Bouallegue Ridha , Yazidi Anis
Published: April 2023

Due to the complex underwater environment, conventional measurement and sensing methods used for land are difficult to apply directly in the underwater environment. Especially for seabed topography, it is impossible to perform long-distance and accurate detection by electromagnetic waves. Therefore, various types of acoustic and even optical sensing devices for underwater applications have been used. Equipped with submersibles, these underwater sensors can detect a wide underwater range accurately. In addition, the development of sensor technology will be modified and optimized according to the needs of ocean exploitation. In this paper, we propose a multiagent approach for optimizing the quality of monitoring (QoM) in underwater sensor networks. Our framework aspires to optimize the QoM by resorting to the machine learning concept of diversity. We devise a multiagent optimization procedure which is able to both reduce the redundancy among the sensor readings and maximize the diversity in a distributed and adaptive manner. The mobile sensor positions are adjusted iteratively using a gradient type of updates. The overall framework is tested through simulations based on realistic environment conditions. The proposed approach is compared to other placement approaches and is found to achieve a higher QoM with a smaller number of sensors.
Towards Marketing 4.0: Vision and Survey on the Role of IoT and Data Science
Authors: Khargharia Himadri Sikhar , Rehman Muhammad Habib ur , Banerjee Abhik , Montori Federico , Forkan Abdur Rahim Mohammad , Jayaraman Prem Prakash
Published: April 2023

According to KPMG, Internet of Things (IoT) technology was among the top 10 technologies of 2019. It has been growing at a significant pace, influencing and disrupting several application domains. It is expected that by 2025, 75.44 billion devices will be connected to the Internet. These devices generate massive amounts of data which, when harnessed using the power of data science (DS) techniques and approaches such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), can provide significant benefits to economy, society, and people. Examples of areas that are being disrupted are digital marketing and retail commerce services in smart cities. This paper presents a vision for Marketing 4.0 that is underpinned by disruptive digital technologies such as IoT and DS. We present an analysis of the current state of the art in IoT and DS via the three pillars of marketing: namely, people, products, and places. We propose a blueprint architecture for developing a Marketing 4.0 solution that is underpinned by IoT and DS. We conclude the paper by highlighting the open challenges that need to be addressed in order to realise the Marketing 4.0 blueprint architecture, including supporting the integration of IoT data concerning people, products, and places and using DS to make efficient and effective recommendations.
A Novel Methodology for Human Kinematics Motion Detection Based on Smartphones Sensor Data Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Raza Ali , Al Nasar Mohammad Rustom , Hanandeh Essam Said , Zitar Raed Abu , Nasereddin Ahmad Yacoub , Abualigah Laith
Published: April 2023

Kinematic motion detection aims to determine a person’s actions based on activity data. Human kinematic motion detection has many valuable applications in health care, such as health monitoring, preventing obesity, virtual reality, daily life monitoring, assisting workers during industry manufacturing, caring for the elderly. Computer vision-based activity recognition is challenging due to problems such as partial occlusion, background clutter, appearance, lighting, viewpoint, and changes in scale. Our research aims to detect human kinematic motions such as walking or running using smartphones’ sensor data within a high-performance framework. An existing dataset based on smartphones’ gyroscope and accelerometer sensor values is utilized for the experiments in our study. Sensor exploratory data analysis was conducted in order to identify valuable patterns and insights from sensor values. The six hyperparameters, tunned artificial indigence-based machine learning, and deep learning techniques were applied for comparison. Extensive experimentation showed that the ensemble learning-based novel ERD (ensemble random forest decision tree) method outperformed other state-of-the-art studies with high-performance accuracy scores. The proposed ERD method combines the random forest and decision tree models, which achieved a 99% classification accuracy score. The proposed method was successfully validated with the k-fold cross-validation approach.
Effects of Diazinon Exposure on Urinary Shedding of Leptospira interrogans Serogroup Hebdomadis in Mice
Authors: Shinya So , Muthusinghe Devinda S. , Koizumi Nobuo , Yoshimatsu Kumiko , Nakayama Shouta M. M. , Ishizuka Mayumi , Ikenaka Yoshinori
Published: April 2023

Wild rodents are natural hosts of Leptospira spp. and are exposed to various pesticides, some of which are immunotoxic. Rodent urine is an important source of infection for humans and other animals. We evaluated the effects of pesticide exposure on Leptospira growth in mice. Diazinon, at doses of 0.2, 1, and 5 mg/kg/day, was orally administered continuously to mice infected with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Hebdomadis for 32 days. The numbers of L. interrogans in urine and kidney tissues were significantly lower in mice exposed to 5 mg/kg/day diazinon than in unexposed mice (p < 0.05). The urinary concentration of 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinol, the metabolite of diazinon, was comparable with the concentration at which viability of L. interrogans was decreased in in vitro assay, suggesting that it had toxic effects on L. interrogans in the proximal renal tubules. Diazinon exposure reinforced Leptospira-induced expression of inflammatory cytokine genes in kidney tissues, and an enhanced immune system might suppress Leptospira growth. These results suggest that diazinon exposure may not increase the risk of Leptospira transmission to humans through mice. This novel study evaluated the relationship between pesticide exposure and Leptospira infection in mice, and the results could be useful for risk assessment of leptospirosis.
Soil Chromium Accumulation in Industrial Regions across China: Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Spatial Pattern, and Temporal Trend (2002–2021)
Authors: Li Yifan , Pan Siyi , Wang Lubin , Jia Fei , Lu Feiyu , Shi Jiyan
Published: April 2023

This study conducted a nationwide specific assessment of soil chromium (Cr) contamination status in 506 of China’s industrial regions. The overall soil Cr concentrations were 0.74–37,967.33 mg/kg, and the soil Cr content in 4.15% of the regions exceeded the reference screening value (2500 mg/kg). Geochemical accumulation index (Igeo) and monomial potential ecological risk index (E) revealed Cr salt production and tanning were the primary control industries. The non-carcinogenic risks posed by Cr salt production and tanning industries were higher than the national average values, and children were the most vulnerable groups. The heavily polluted regions were mainly located at the Yangtze River Delta, the Bohai Rim, the Pearl River Delta, the Yangtze River Basin, and the Yellow River Basin. The Yangtze River Delta was further identified as the high priority control area based on the class distribution of Igeo and E. Regression analysis showed the soil Cr concentrations in industrial regions increased during 2002–2009 and then turned into a declining trend in 2009–2021. This paper gives detailed insights into soil Cr pollution status in industrial regions across China and the results may serve as references for formulating tailored control measures for different industries and areas.
Neutron Lifetime Anomaly and Mirror Matter Theory
Authors: Tan Wanpeng
Published: April 2023

This paper reviews the puzzles in modern neutron lifetime measurements and related unitarity issues in the CKM matrix. It is not a comprehensive and unbiased compilation of all historic data and studies, but rather a focus on compelling evidence leading to new physics. In particular, the largely overlooked nuances of different techniques applied in material and magnetic trap experiments are clarified. Further detailed analysis shows that the “beam” approach of neutron lifetime measurements is likely to give the “true” β-decay lifetime, while discrepancies in “bottle” measurements indicate new physics at play. The most feasible solution to these puzzles is a newly proposed ordinary-mirror neutron (n−n′) oscillation model under the framework of mirror matter theory. This phenomenological model is reviewed and introduced, and its explanations of the neutron lifetime anomaly and possible non-unitarity of the CKM matrix are presented. Most importantly, various new experimental proposals, especially lifetime measurements with small/narrow magnetic traps or under super-strong magnetic fields, are discussed in order to test the surprisingly large anomalous signals that are uniquely predicted by this new n−n′ oscillation model.
Biomechanical Comparison between Inverted Triangle and Vertical Configurations of Three Kirschner Wires for Femoral Neck Fracture Fixation in Dogs: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Heo Seonghyeon , Lee Haebeom , Roh Yoonho , Jeong Jaemin
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare single-cycle axial load and stiffness between inverted triangle and vertical configurations of three Kirschner wires (K-wires) for femoral neck fracture fixation in small dog cadaveric models. In each of the eight cadavers, the basilar femoral neck fracture model was prepared on both sides of the femur. One side of the femur was stabilized with three 1.0 mm K-wires of an inverted triangle configuration (group T), and the other femur was stabilized with a vertical configuration (group V). Postoperatively, the placement of the K-wires was evaluated with radiographic and computed tomography (CT) images, and static vertical compressive loading tests were performed. The mean yield load and the lateral spread were significantly higher in group T compared to group V (p = 0.023 and <0.001). On the cross-section of femoral neck at the level of the fracture line, the surface area between K-wires was significantly larger (p < 0.001) and the mean number of cortical supports was significantly higher in group T (p = 0.007). In this experimental comparison, the inverted triangle configuration of three K-wires was more resistant to failure under axial loading than the vertical configuration for canine femoral neck fracture fixation.
Combined Forecasting Model of Precipitation Based on the CEEMD-ELM-FFOA Coupling Model
Authors: Zhang Xianqi , Wu Xiaoyan
Published: April 2023

Precipitation prediction is an important technical mean for flood and drought disaster early warning, rational utilization, and the development of water resources. Complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD) can effectively reduce mode aliasing and white noise interference; extreme learning machines (ELM) can predict non-stationary data quickly and easily; and the fruit fly optimization algorithm (FFOA) has better local optimization ability. According to the multi-scale and non-stationary characteristics of precipitation time series, a new prediction approach based on the combination of complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD), extreme learning machine (ELM), and the fruit fly optimization algorithm (FFOA) is proposed. The monthly precipitation data measured in Zhengzhou City from 1951 to 2020 was taken as an example to conduct a prediction experiment and compared with three prediction models: ELM, EMD-HHT, and CEEMD-ELM. The research results show that the sum of annual precipitation predicted by the CEEMD-ELM-FFOA model is 577.33 mm, which is higher than the measured value of 572.53 mm with an error of 4.80 mm. The average absolute error is 0.81 and the average relative error is 1.39%. The prediction value of the CEEMD-ELM-FFOA model can closely follow the changing trend of precipitation, which shows a better prediction effect than the other three models and can be used for regional precipitation prediction.
Image of a sage in Russian art of the late 19th, beginning of the 20th century: features and cultural significance of the visual image
Authors:   Department of Philosophy, St. Petersburg Mining University, Vasilyeva М.А.
Published: April 2023

The article examines the image of the sage as archetypal for Russian painting of the 19–20th. In addition to the developed plots about the self-determination of Russian culture during this period, the search for a visual component of national culture, the author is interested in the internal logic of the choice of plot by artists. The topic of searching for and creating a national visual tradition is touched upon in the article, but is not the main one. The work analyzes the canvases of several artists who have been significant over a number of decades: V.M. Vasnetsov, M.V. Nesterov, N.K. Roerich. The author addresses their common theme, namely, the image of a sage, compares the plot and pictorial features of the images and draws conclusions regarding their cultural significance. According to the author, the appeal to the image of a sage (real or collective) reflects the work of self-determination and the search for a way out of a sense of crisis.
Street art and public art in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors:   Exposition and Exhibition Activities at the State Budgetary Institution of Culture of Moscow “Moscow Museum of Modern Art”, Zelinko M.S. , Kartseva E.A. ,   Chair of the Cinema and Contemporary Art Studies, Russian State University for the Humanities
Published: April 2023

The article is devoted to the review of the visual environment of modern Tehran and other cities of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the context of the diversity of forms of monumental, urban and street art. The definitions of the basic concepts and tactics of the existence of contemporary art in the city, such as street art and public art, are given. Their aesthetic, conceptual components and genealogical prerequisites are revealed with an attempt to further adapt to the Iranian art scene, which can be characterized as young, dynamic, actively developing under the influence of a large number of specific socio-cultural features and external factors. The result of the article was an attempt to classify the diversity of these forms of urban art in Iran through the prism of dynamic intersections with its history, religion, political concepts, as well as world changes in recent decades, modern challenges and phenomena of urban culture, which determined the need for Iran to modernize and adapt a number of Western models for improving the living standards of its citizens, although the country remains closed and isolated from the outside world, and its culture is brightly colored by the desire for self-identification and localization. The article does not claim to be a comprehensive review of Iranian street art, but seeks to identify the most characteristic forms of its representation based on a business trip to Iran by one of the authors of the article.
Fixed Asset Depreciation Information System at PT. Coca Cola Using Service Hours Method
Authors: Siregar Sitti Hariyani
Published: April 2023

Information System is an organizational component that collects, classifies, processes, analyzes and communicates relevant financial information for decision making to external parties (such as tax inspections, investors and creditors) and internal parties (especially management). This information system is also expected to reduce errors that occur, especially the accounting information system regarding the processing of fixed assets when producing financial information in accordance with accounting standards. Meanwhile at PT. Coca Cola is currently not using a computerized system to cover current weaknesses such as calculating the depreciation of fixed assets at PT. The Coca-Cola. For this reason, it is necessary to make an application using the Microsoft Visual Basic programming language and the Microsoft SQL Server database where it is hoped that the application will be designed to cover the current weaknesses. Where is the program made regarding the processing of fixed assets so that it can cover any weaknesses in the old system.
Results of NAEP Reading Item Automated Scoring Data Challenge (Fall 2021)
Authors: Whitmer John , Deng Evelyn , Blankenship Charles , Beiting-Parrish Magdalen , Zhang Ting , Bailey Paul
Published: April 2023

This brief describes the results of a data challenge to evaluate the potential of using automated scoring techniques to score open-ended responses to reading assessment items. The purpose of the challenge was to help NAEP determine the existing capabilities, accuracy metrics, the underlying validity evidence of assigned scores, and costs and efficiencies of using automated scoring.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ МАРКЕТИНГОВОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ФЕРМЕРСЬКИХ ГОСПОДАРСТВ
Authors: Поповиченко Г. С.
Published: April 2023

У роботі досліджено теоретичні засади маркетингу інновацій. Також зроблено обґрунтування теоретико-методичних засад та розробка практичних рекомендацій щодо формування маркетингової стратегії фермерських господарств. Це дозволило визначити основні напрямки розвитку фермерських господарств відносно вдосконалення їх маркетингової діяльності, спрямованої на підвищення ефективності функціонування. На основі узагальнення наукових матеріалів дослідження запропоновано наступні наукові та практичні результати роботи. Проаналізовано чинники маркетингового середовища. Розроблено методику оцінки економічної ефективності маркетингової діяльності сільськогосподарських підприємств та організаційну структуру комплексу моделей планування ефективного розвитку виробництва, яка кількісно та якісно відображає всі стадії, процеси й технологію здійснення маркетингової інноваційної діяльності забезпечує об’єктивність, достовірність та своєчасність оцінки. Теоретичною і методичною основою роботи стала методологія пізнання, в основу якої покладено системний підхід, принцип комплексності та послідовності у пізнанні економічних явищ і процесів. За допомогою абстрактно-логічного методу проведені теоретичні узагальнення та сформовані висновки і пропозиції. В аналітичній частині роботи за допомогою методів соціологічного опитування та монографічного методу проведено обстеження діяльності фермерських господарств та комплексу маркетингу, що застосовується ними. При визначенні ступеня впливу на економічну ефективність діяльності фермерських господарств різних чинників, зокрема спеціалізації та диверсифікації, обсягу виробництва валової продукції, вартості основних виробничих фондів, товарної продукції.