bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Bio-Inspired Wavy Leading-Edges on Aerodynamic Performance and Flow Topologies of the Airfoil
Authors: Du Hai , Jiang Hao , Yang Zhangyi , Xia Haoyang , Chen Shuo , Wu Jifei
Published: February 2024

The characteristic of delayed airfoil stalls caused by the bio-inspired Wavy Leading-Edges (WLEs) has attracted extensive attention. This paper investigated the effect of WLEs on the aerodynamic performance and flow topologies of the airfoil through wind tunnel experiments, while also discussing the flow control mechanism of WLEs. The result shows that, at small Angle of Attack (AOA), the flow through the WLEs exhibits periodic and symmetrical characteristics, where flow vortices upwash at the trough and downwash at the crest, resulting in flow from the crest to the trough. Upwash leads to the formation of a localized three-dimensional laminar separation bubble (LSB) structure at the leading edge of the trough section. At large AOA after baseline airfoil stall, the flow on the airfoil surface of WLEs presents a two-period pattern along the spanwise direction, and the separation zone and the attachment zone appear alternately, indicating that the control effect of delayed stall is accomplished by reducing the separation zone on the airfoil surface. The alternating occurrence of the separation and attachment zones is the result of intricate interactions among flows passing through multiple WLEs. This interaction causes the convergence of high-momentum attached airflows on both sides, thereby constraining the spread of the separation from the leading edge and enabling the re-attachment of separated air. The research results of this paper provide a reference for researchers to reveal the flow control mechanism of WLEs more comprehensively.
3D Reconstruction of Wheat Plants by Integrating Point Cloud Data and Virtual Design Optimization
Authors: Gu Wenxuan , Wen Weiliang , Wu Sheng , Zheng Chenxi , Lu Xianju , Chang Wushuai , Xiao Pengliang , Guo Xinyu
Published: February 2024

The morphology and structure of wheat plants are intricate, containing numerous tillers, rich details, and significant cross-obscuration. Methods of effectively reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) models of wheat plants that reflects the varietal architectural differences using measured data is challenging in plant phenomics and functional–structural plant models. This paper proposes a 3D reconstruction technique for wheat plants that integrates point cloud data and virtual design optimization. The approach extracted single stem number, growth position, length, and inclination angle from the point cloud data of a wheat plant. It then built an initial 3D mesh model of the plant by integrating a wheat 3D phytomer template database with variety resolution. Diverse 3D wheat plant models were subsequently virtually designed by iteratively modifying the leaf azimuth, based on the initial model. Using the 3D point cloud of the plant as the overall constraint and setting the minimum Chamfer distance between the point cloud and the mesh model as the optimization objective, we obtained the optimal 3D model as the reconstruction result of the plant through continuous iterative calculation. The method was validated using 27 winter wheat plants, with nine varieties and three replicates each. The R2 values between the measured data and the reconstructed plants were 0.80, 0.73, 0.90, and 0.69 for plant height, crown width, plant leaf area, and coverage, respectively. Additionally, the Normalized Root Mean Squared Errors (NRMSEs) were 0.10, 0.12, 0.08, and 0.17, respectively. The Mean Absolute Percentage Errors (MAPEs) used to investigate the vertical spatial distribution between the reconstructed 3D models and the point clouds of the plants ranged from 4.95% to 17.90%. These results demonstrate that the reconstructed 3D model exhibits satisfactory consistency with the measured data, including plant phenotype and vertical spatial distribution, and accurately reflects the characteristics of plant architecture and spatial distribution for the utilized wheat cultivars. This method provides technical support for research on wheat plant phenotyping and functional–structural analysis.
Co-Ensiling Whole-Plant Cassava with Corn Stalk for Excellent Silage Production: Fermentation Characteristics, Bacterial Community, Function Profile, and Microbial Ecological Network Features
Authors: Li Mao , Zi Xuejuan , Sun Rong , Ou Wenjun , Chen Songbi , Hou Guanyu , Zhou Hanlin
Published: February 2024

The objective of this study was to explore excellent silage production through co-ensiling whole-plant cassava and corn stalk, and different ratios of whole-plant cassava (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%, fresh-matter basis) co-ensiled with corn stalk were analyzed based on the silage bacterial community, function profile, and microbial ecological network features. The results demonstrated that co-ensiling 30% whole-plant cassava with 70% corn stalk could be considered an efficient mode of production. The mixed silage showed great quality, as reflected by the reduced pH value and concentrations of acetic acid, butyric acid, and ammonia nitrogen and the enhanced lactic acid concentration, V-score, and nutritional value compared with corn stalk ensiled alone. Meanwhile, co-ensiling restricted the undesirable bacterial Acetobacter fabarum of corn stalk and Pseudomonas aeruginosa of whole-plant cassava and raised the abundance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Levilactobacillus brevis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus harbinensis, etc. Besides that, the predicted functions of the bacterial community showed large differences in mixed silage compared with whole-plant cassava or corn stalk ensiled alone. Moreover, the analysis of co-occurrence networks showed that mixed silage affected microbial network features, module numbers, and bacterial relative abundances and weakened the complexity and stability of the networks compared with whole-plant cassava single silage. Furthermore, silage microbial community composition had a huge impact on the network properties, and undesirable Pseudomonas aeruginosa played a crucial role in the complexity and stability. Overall, this study revealed the characteristics of whole-plant cassava with corn stalk mixed-silage microbial communities and co-occurrence network modules, complexity, and stability and partly clarified the microbial mechanism of co-ensiling for producing high-quality silage. The findings of this study have important implications for deeply understanding the ensiling process and precisely regulating silage fermentation quality.
Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant Therapeutics for Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Modi Hiren R. , Musyaju Sudeep , Ratcliffe Meaghan , Shear Deborah A. , Scultetus Anke H. , Pandya Jignesh D.
Published: February 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health problem that affects both civilian and military populations worldwide. Post-injury acute, sub-acute, and chronic progression of secondary injury processes may contribute further to other neurodegenerative diseases. However, there are no approved therapeutic options available that can attenuate TBI-related progressive pathophysiology. Recent advances in preclinical research have identified that mitochondria-centric redox imbalance, bioenergetics failure and calcium dysregulation play a crucial role in secondary injury progression after TBI. Mitochondrial antioxidants play an important role in regulating redox homeostasis. Based on the proven efficacy of preclinical and clinical compounds and targeting numerous pathways to trigger innate antioxidant defense, we may be able to alleviate TBI pathology progression by primarily focusing on preserving post-injury mitochondrial and cerebral function. In this review, we will discuss novel mitochondria-targeted antioxidant compounds, which offer a high capability of successful clinical translation for TBI management in the near future.
Efficient Design Optimization of Cable-Stayed Bridges: A Two-Layer Framework with Surrogate-Model-Assisted Prediction of Optimum Cable Forces
Authors: Ma Yuan , Song Chaolin , Wang Zhipeng , Jiang Zuqian , Sun Bin , Xiao Rucheng
Published: February 2024

Cable-stayed bridges have commonly been built for crossing large-span obstacles, such as rivers, valleys, and existing structures. Obtaining an optimum design for a cable-stayed bridge is challenging, due to the large number of design variables and design constraints that are typically nonlinear and usually conflict with each other. Therefore, it is a reasonable alternative to turn the large and complex optimization problem into two sub-problems, i.e., optimizing the internal force distribution by adjusting the cable prestressing forces, and optimizing the other sizing or geometrical parameters. However, conventional methods are lacking in efficiency when dealing with the problem of optimization of cable forces in the first sub-problem, under the circumstance that iteration between the two sub-problems is required. To address this, this paper presents a surrogate-model-assisted method to construct a cable forces predictor ahead of the structural optimization process, so that cable forces can be effectively predicted rather than optimized in each iterative round. Additionally, B-spline interpolation curve is adopted for variable condensation when sampling for the surrogate model. Finally, the structure optimization in the second sub-problem is performed by leveraging an optimization program based on particle swarm optimization method. The performance of the proposed framework is tested with a practical engineering application. Results show that the proposed method showcases good efficiency and accuracy. The theoretical raw material consumption of the towers and the cables is 32% lower than the original design.
A Rapid Control Prototyping and Hardware-in-the Loop Approach for Upper Limb Robotic Exoskeletons Control
Authors: Bodo Giulia , Tessari Federico , Buccelli Stefano , Laffranchi Matteo
Published: February 2024

In the last decade, robotic-mediated rehabilitation has emerged as a potential solution to improve repetitive task training. Each device in this field has a unique development history shaped by engineers’ expertise in specific programming languages or platforms. In this work we adopt an approach that tries to abstract from the final implementation with the aim to make control logic more shareable and understandable. The authors will present the outcomes of the application of a Rapid Control Prototyping strategy to an upper-limb robotic exoskeleton. A model-based design approach implemented on a real-time target machine is presented. This modern design approach was explored with several control strategies and was used to test the exoskeleton’s performances. The proposed method highlights how it is possible to develop the entire control architecture in a single programming environment.
Microstructure Study on Very High Cycle Fatigue of an Additively Manufactured Aluminium Alloy via Advanced Characterization Methods
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Shengnan , Li Gang , Ma Yifan
Published: February 2024

The engineering application of additively manufactured (AM) metallic materials is quite limited by their fatigue behaviors, which are very inconsistent with that of conventionally wrought or cast ones. Here, based on advanced material characterization techniques, such as focused ion beam (FIB), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the microstructures underneath fracture surfaces were thoroughly investigated in an AM aluminum (AlSi10Mg) alloy with horizontal and vertical building orientation enduring very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) loading under the stress ratios R = −1, 0, and 0.5. Two VHCF failure specimens A and B were representatively selected to further examine SEM and TEM sample preparation via FIB milling. Specimen A was horizontally printed and failed at R = −1; specimen B was vertically printed and failed at R = 0. TEM samples A1 and B1 were lifted from locations near the crack initiation sites on the fracture surfaces of specimens A and B; The locations of TEM samples A2 and B2 kept away from the crack origin sites but still within the “fish-eye” region of crack steady growth. TEM observations show that there was no characteristic microstructure induced by VHCF in different oriented specimens and under various R values.
The Experimental and FEM Studies of Friction Welding Process of Tungsten Heavy Alloy with Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Winiczenko Radosław , Skibicki Andrzej , Skoczylas Paweł
Published: February 2024

Experimental and finite element studies of the rotary friction welding (RFW) process of tungsten heavy alloy (THA) with aluminium alloy 5XXX series are presented. A 2.5D torsion simulation model including the circumferential effects was developed in this study. The temperature distributions, effective stress, flash dimensions and axial shortening were calculated on un-rotated friction welding aluminium parts. The peak temperatures were measured both in the axis and at the half-radius of the specimen. The maximum interface temperature of 581 °C for the friction weld was below the melting temperature of the aluminium alloy. The experimental and numerical results of the temperature and final weld geometries show good agreement between them. The results indicate very small deviations of 4.45%, 2.96%, and 2.34% on the flash width, flash height and axial shortening of friction welds.
Another Swim in the Extensive Pool of Zebrafish Research
Authors: Marrs James A. , Sarmah Swapnalee
Published: February 2024

The zebrafish has gained utility in modeling biomedical phenomena for discovery research [...]
Double Trouble: How Microbiome Dysbiosis and Mitochondrial Dysfunction Drive Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Bahitham Wesam , Alghamdi Siraj , Omer Ibrahim , Alsudais Ali , Hakeem Ilana , Alghamdi Arwa , Abualnaja Reema , Sanai Faisal M. , Rosado Alexandre S. , Sergi Consolato M.
Published: February 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are closely related liver conditions that have become more prevalent globally. This review examines the intricate interplay between microbiome dysbiosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of NAFLD and NASH. The combination of these two factors creates a synergistic situation referred to as “double trouble”, which promotes the accumulation of lipids in the liver and the subsequent progression from simple steatosis (NAFLD) to inflammation (NASH). Microbiome dysbiosis, characterized by changes in the composition of gut microbes and increased intestinal permeability, contributes to the movement of bacterial products into the liver. It triggers metabolic disturbances and has anti-inflammatory effects. Understanding the complex relationship between microbiome dysbiosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of NAFLD and NASH is crucial for advancing innovative therapeutic approaches that target these underlying mechanisms.
Hyperchloremia and Hypernatremia Decreased Microglial and Neuronal Survival during Oxygen–Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion
Authors: Mahajan Reetika , Shehjar Faheem , Qureshi Adnan I. , Shah Zahoor A.
Published: February 2024

Hyperchloremia and hypernatremia are associated with higher mortality in ischemic stroke, but it remains unclear whether their influence directly contributes to ischemic injury. We investigated the impact of 0.9% sodium chloride (154 mM NaCl), 0.9% sodium acetate (167 mM CH3COONa), and their different combinations (3:1, 2:1, and 1:1) on microglial (HMC-3) and neuronal (differentiated SH-SY5Y) survival during oxygen–glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R). Further, we assessed the effect of hyperchloremia and hypernatremia-treated and OGD/R-induced HMC-3-conditioned media on differentiated SH-SY5Y cells under OGD/R conditions. We performed cell viability, cell toxicity, and nitric oxide (NO) release assays and studied the alteration in expression of caspase-1 and caspase-3 in different cell lines when exposed to hyperchloremia and hypernatremia. Cell survival was decreased in 0.9% NaCl, 0.9% CH3COONa, combinations of HMC-3 and differentiated SH-SY5Y, and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells challenged with HMC-3-conditioned media under normal and OGD/R conditions. Under OGD/R conditions, differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were less likely to survive exposure to 0.9% NaCl. Expression of caspase-1 and caspase-3 in HMC-3 and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells was altered when exposed to 0.9% NaCl, 0.9% CH3COONa, and their combinations. A total of 0.9% NaCl and 0.9% CH3COONa and their combinations decreased the NO production in HMC-3 cells under normal and OGD/R conditions. Both hypernatremia and hyperchloremia reduced the survival of HMC-3 and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells under OGD/R conditions. Based on the OGD/R in vitro model that mimics human ischemic stroke conditions, it possibly provides a link for the increased death associated with hyperchloremia or hypernatremia in stroke patients.
An Investigation of the Energy-Saving Optimization Design of the Enclosure Structure in High-Altitude Office Buildings
Authors: Sun Wenjing , Chen Lixing , Suolang Baimu , Liu Kai
Published: February 2024

Concerning the double carbon national strategy, the energy-saving renovation of old buildings has become one of the most important tasks of energy conservation and emission reduction in construction in China. There are many problems, such as high energy consumption, thermal environment, and poor thermal comfort. Taking Lhasa as an example, this study adopts field research, questionnaire interviews, on-site measurements, numerical simulations, and other methods to propose suitable energy-saving potential excavation points and thermal optimization strategies for office building envelopes in Lhasa through software simulation. Additionally, typical office buildings are selected to carry out the energy-saving renovation of envelopes with the goal of improving indoor thermal comfort to validate the feasibility of the energy-saving renovation strategies. The results show the following: (1) The measured and predicted thermal neutral temperatures of the office population in Lhasa are 16.5 °C and 18.9 °C, respectively. The 90% acceptable temperature range is from 16.10 °C to 21.77 °C, and the occupants of the office buildings in Lhasa have a higher tolerance for cold than predicted. (2) The passive measures adapted to Lhasa are prioritized in the order of passive solar energy, high-heat-capacity materials, and nighttime ventilation. (3) Through the optimization of the enclosure structure of existing office buildings, the improvement of the heat storage capacity of the outer enclosure structure, and the increase in the window opening area to increase natural ventilation, the indoor thermal comfort of the renovated buildings is effectively improved.
Image-Guided Percutaneous Drainage of Abdominal Abscesses in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Kuhelj Dimitrij , Langel Crt
Published: February 2024

Image-guided percutaneous abscess drainage (IPAD) is an effective, minimally invasive technique to manage infected abdominal fluid collections in children. It is the treatment of choice in cases where surgery is not immediately required due to another coexisting indication. The skills and equipment needed for this procedure are widely available. IPAD is typically guided by ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, or a combination thereof. Abscesses in hard-to-reach locations can be drained by intercostal, transhepatic, transgluteal, transrectal, or transvaginal approaches. Pediatric IPAD has a success rate of over 80% and a low complication rate.
Entropy Generation and Thermal Radiation Impact on Magneto-Convective Flow of Heat-Generating Hybrid Nano-Liquid in a Non-Darcy Porous Medium with Non-Uniform Heat Flux
Authors: Albqmi Nora M. , Sivanandam Sivasankaran
Published: February 2024

The principal objective of the study is to examine the impact of thermal radiation and entropy generation on the magnetohydrodynamic hybrid nano-fluid, Al2O3/H2O, flow in a Darcy–Forchheimer porous medium with variable heat flux when subjected to an electric field. Investigating the impact of thermal radiation and non-uniform heat flux on the hybrid nano-liquid magnetohydrodynamic flow in a non-Darcy porous environment produces novel and insightful findings. Thus, the goal of the current study is to investigate this. The non-linear governing equation can be viewed as a set of ordinary differential equations by applying the proper transformations. The resultant dimensionless model is numerically solved in Matlab using the bvp4c command. We obtain numerical results for the temperature and velocity distributions, skin friction, and local Nusselt number across a broad range of controlling parameters. We found a significant degree of agreement with other research that has been compared with the literature. The results show that an increase in the Reynolds and Brinckmann numbers corresponds to an increase in entropy production. Furthermore, a high electric field accelerates fluid velocity, whereas the unsteadiness parameter and the presence of a magnetic field slow it down. This study is beneficial to other researchers as well as technical applications in thermal science because it discusses the factors that lead to the working hybrid nano-liquid thermal enhancement.
Protective Effects of Propolis and Chitosan Nanoparticles against Ibuprofen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats
Authors: AlKandari Fajer M. , Mohamed Hussein S. , Ahmed Sayed A. , Mahmoud Basant , Mahmoud Asmaa M.
Published: February 2024

Post-marketing hepatotoxicity findings are more common or occur much later. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen are consumed in large quantities around the world. NSAIDs have a low incidence of hepatotoxicity but their wide use makes them a major contributor to drug-induced liver injury. Hepatitis is linked to systemic oxidative stress which results in cellular necrosis and fibrosis, as well as tissue lipoprotein peroxidation and glutathione depletion. Given the lack of safe and effective anti-hepatitis drugs in medicine today, natural substances appear to be a promising and safe alternative. Propolis and chitosan are considered natural substances that have a protective effect on the hepatocytes. The purpose of this study was to validate the protective effect of propolis/chitosan nanoparticle extracts on ibuprofen-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty (30) albino rats were used for the experiment. Animals were exposed to ibuprofen (400 mg/kg body weight/day) for 4 weeks (7 days/week) followed by treatment with propolis (200 mg/kg body weight/day) and chitosan extract (200 mg/kg body weight/day) separately and also in combination for consecutive 4 weeks. This study revealed a significant increase in serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and total bilirubin in serum, as well as an increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, GSH, GST, and SOD decreased significantly in the group that was exposed to ibuprofen. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in pro-inflammatory parameters such as IL-1β and NF-ĸB, as well as low levels of anti-inflammatory parameters such as IL-6 and BCl-2. These alterations were improved by propolis and chitosan extracts, which was further confirmed in experimental animals. This study demonstrated that propolis and chitosan nanoparticle extracts have the potential to protect against hepatotoxicity induced by ibuprofen, due to their ability to regulate anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative defense activities.
Effectiveness of Challenge-Based Learning in Undergraduate Engineering Programs from Competencies and Gender Perspectives
Authors: Huesca Gilberto , Rodríguez-Rosales Adriana , Lara-Prieto Vianney , Ruiz-Cantisani Maria Ileana , Acevedo Joaquín
Published: February 2024

Active learning strategies are widely studied, but perspective on their effectiveness in complete undergraduate studies or about their contribution to closing the gender gap are still required. Challenge-based learning has been around for more than a decade. However, results have been collected in limited time and application environments, for example, one semester or one activity in a course. In this work, we present a quantitative study that was applied to results of the National Center for the Evaluation of Higher Education’s Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Standardized General Examination of 4226 students comparing those who received a traditional educational model and those who received a challenge-based learning educational model. A statistical analysis of communication and disciplinary competencies found that the traditional educational model induces a greater marginal significant result in the test. Additionally, we found that female students perform better in communication competencies while male students perform better in disciplinary competencies. Our results confirm that challenge-based learning is as effective as a traditional educational model when applied during complete undergraduate studies while developing competencies like critical thinking, long-term retention, leadership, multidisciplinary teamwork, and decision-making. Challenge based learning is a prolific learning strategy for evolving into a new way of teaching in undergraduate programs.
Interstacked Transformer Quad-Core VCOs
Authors: Tripoli Daniele , Maiellaro Giorgio , Pavone Santi Concetto , Ragonese Egidio
Published: February 2024

This paper presents for the first time a quad-core oscillator based on a very compact interstacked transformer that tightly couples the four cores without oscillation mode ambiguity thanks to its strong magnetic coupling factor. As a proof of concept, a 19.125 GHz oscillator for a narrowband 77 GHz radar system was designed in 28 nm fully depleted silicon-on-insulator CMOS technology with a general purpose back-end-of-line. The soundness of the proposed quad-core oscillator topology is demonstrated by comparison with state-of-the-art quad-core solutions, highlighting a significant advantage in terms of area occupation and power consumption. The proposed topology can be profitably exploited in several RF/mm-wave applications, such as radar and wireless communication systems.
Traffic Fingerprints for Homogeneous IoT Traffic Based on Packet Payload Transition Patterns
Authors: Fan Mingrui , Gao Jiaqi , He Yaru , Shi Weidong , Lu Yueming
Published: February 2024

Traffic fingerprint was considered an effective security protection mechanism in IoT scenarios because it can be used to automatically identify accessed devices. However, the results of replication experiments show that the classic traffic fingerprints based on simple network traffic attribute features have a significantly lower ability to identify accessed devices in real 5G IoT scenarios compared to what was stated in traditional IoT scenarios. The growing homogenization of IoT traffic caused by the application of 5G is believed to be the reason for the poor ability of traditional traffic fingerprints to identify 5G IoT terminals. Studying an enhanced traffic fingerprint is necessary to accommodate the homogeneous Internet of Things traffic. In addition, during the reproducing experiments, we noticed that the solution of overlap is a key factor that restricts the recognition ability of one-vs-all multi-classifiers, and the efficiency of existing methods still has some room for optimization. Based on targeted improvements to these two issues, we proposed an enhanced IoT terminal traffic fingerprint based on packet payload transition patterns to improve the device recognition ability in homogeneous IoT traffic. Additionally, we designed an improved solution for overlap based on density centers to expedite decision making. According to the experimental results, when compared with the existing traffic fingerprint, the proposed traffic fingerprint in this study demonstrated a Macro-Average Precision of close to 90% for network traffic from real 5G IoT terminals. The proposed overlap solution based on the density centers reduced the decision-making time from hundreds of seconds to tens of seconds while ensuring decision-making accuracy.
An ICN-Based On-Path Computing Resource Scheduling Architecture with User Preference Awareness for Computing Network
Authors: Ni Zhihui , You Jiali , Li Yang
Published: February 2024

The Computing Network is an emerging network paradigm that aims to realize computing resource scheduling through the intrinsic capabilities of the network. However, existing resource scheduling architectures based on conventional TCP/IP networks for the Computing Network suffer from deficiencies in routing flexibility and a lack of user preference awareness, while Information-Centric Networking (ICN) holds the potential to address these issues. ICN inherently supports dynamic routing in scenarios such as multi-homing and mobility due to its routing mechanism that is based on content names rather than host addresses, and it is further enhanced by the integration with Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies, which facilitate convenient network-layer route readdressing, thus offering a conducive environment for flexible routing scheduling. Furthermore, ICN introduces novel routing protocols that, compared with the more rigid protocol designs in conventional TCP/IP networks, offer greater flexibility in field usage. This flexibility allows for the incorporation of customized fields, such as “preference”, enabling the perception of user preferences within the network. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel ICN-based on-path computing resource scheduling architecture named IPCRSA. Within this architecture, an original design for computing resource request packet format is developed based on the IPv6 extension header. Additionally, preference-based computing resource scheduling strategies are incorporated, which employ the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) combined with the entropy weight method, to comprehensively evaluate computing resource nodes and use a roulette-selection algorithm to accomplish the probability selection of destination nodes. Experimental results indicate that, in comparison to alternative scheduling schemes, IPCRSA exhibits significant advantages in enhancing scheduling flexibility, improving scheduling success rates, and catering to diverse user requirements.
Creating Autonomous Multi-Object Safe Control via Different Forms of Neural Constraints of Dynamic Programming
Authors: Lisowski Józef
Published: February 2024

The aim of this work, which is an extension of previous research, is a comparative analysis of the results of the dynamic optimization of safe multi-object control, with different representations of the constraints of process state variables. These constraints are generated with an artificial neural network and take movable shapes in the form of a parabola, ellipse, hexagon, and circle. The developed algorithm allows one to determine a safe and optimal trajectory of an object when passing other multi-objects. The obtained results of the simulation tests of the algorithm allow for the selection of the best representation of the motion of passing objects in the form of neural constraints. Moreover, the obtained characteristics of the sensitivity of the object’s trajectory to the inaccuracy of the input data make it possible to select the best representation of the motion of other objects in the form of an excessive approximation area as neural constraints of the control process.
The Impact of Soil Contamination with Lead on the Biomass of Maize Intended for Energy Purposes, and the Biochemical and Physicochemical Properties of the Soil
Authors: Wyszkowska Jadwiga , Boros-Lajszner Edyta , Kucharski Jan
Published: February 2024

The subject of our research was to assess the suitability of maize grown in lead-contaminated soil for energy purposes. Lead is toxic to the natural environment. Therefore, the recultivation of soil polluted with this element is very important in stabilizing the natural environment. In the present research, maize was used as a remediating plant, and its effects were enhanced by soil fertilization with biocompost and biochar. The aim of the research was to determine the influence of Pb2+ on maize biomass, its combustion heat and heating value, and the biochemical and physicochemical properties of the soil. It was accomplished in a pot experiment by testing the effects of 800 mg Pb2+ kg−1 d.m. soil and biocompost and biochar applied of 20 g kg−1 d.m. soil. Lead was found to drastically deteriorate soil quality, which reduced the biomass of maize. Lead negatively affected the activity of the soil enzymes tested and modified the physicochemical properties of the soil. Fertilization with biocompost and biochar mitigated lead-induced interference with soil enzymatic activity. The applied biocomponents also had positive effects on the chemical and physicochemical properties of the soil. Maize cultivated on lead-polluted soil did not lose its energetic properties. The heating value of maize was stable, which shows its potential in the recultivation of lead-contaminated soils.
Research on Parameter Inversion of Coal Mining Subsidence Prediction Model Based on Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Guo Qingbiao , Qiao Boqing , Yang Yingming , Guo Junting
Published: February 2024

Rapid coal mining results in a series of mining subsidence damages. Predicting surface movement and deformation accurately is essential to reducing mining damage. The accurate determination of parameters for a mining subsidence prediction model is crucial for accurately predicting mining subsidence. In this research, with the incorporation of the Sobol sequence and Lévy flight strategy, we propose an improved whale optimization algorithm (IWOA), thereby enhancing its global optimization capability and mitigating local optimization issues. Our simulation experiment results demonstrate that the IWOA achieved a root mean square error and relative error of less than 0.42 and 0.27%, respectively, indicating its superior accuracy compared to a basic algorithm. The IWOA inversion model also exhibits superior performance compared to a basic algorithm in mitigating gross error interference, Gaussian noise interference, and missing observation point interference. Additionally, it demonstrates enhanced global search capabilities. The IWOA was employed to perform parameter inversion for the working face 1414(1) in Guqiao Coal Mine. The root mean square error of the inversion results did not exceed 6.03, while the subsidence coefficient q, tangent of the main influence angle tanβ, horizontal movement coefficient b, and mining influence propagation angle θ were all below 0.32. The average value of the fitted root mean square error for the subsidence value’s fitted root mean square error and horizontal movement value’s fitted root mean square error of the IWOA was 91.51 mm, which satisfies the accuracy requirements for general engineering applications.
Renewable Energy in the Eurozone: Exploring Macroeconomic Impacts via FMOLS
Authors: Vyrostková Lenka , Lumnitzer Ervin , Yehorova Anna
Published: February 2024

This article examines the relationship between macroeconomic variables and the share of renewable energy in Eurozone countries from 2006 to 2020. Using the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) method, we analyze the impact of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, unemployment rate, Financial Development Index (FDI), inflation, government efficiency, and corruption control on the proportion of renewable energy. Focused on the Eurozone, our study fills a gap in existing research. We compile diverse findings from the literature review on this topic. Our analysis reveals that higher GDP per capita positively influences the proportion of renewable energy, while unemployment, lower financial development, higher inflation, inefficient governance, and corruption negatively impact renewable energy adoption. These findings underscore the importance of addressing economic development alongside sustainable energy initiatives. Policymakers should prioritize improving GDP per capita, and addressing barriers such as unemployment and corruption to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape in the Eurozone.
Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Superheater Tube of a Pulverized Coal-Fired Boiler Using Conjugate Heat Transfer Modeling
Authors: Radhakrishnan Kanmaniraja , Park Jun Su
Published: February 2024

This study is a numerical study to predict the temperature of the heat exchange tubes inside the pulverized coal-fired boiler through the conjugate heat transfer analysis. Due to the aspect ratio and number of tubes inside the pulverized coal-fired boiler, actual tube modeling analysis has rarely been conducted. Most of the research has been conducted through the porous media method, resulting in limited information on the temperature distribution of each tube. However, for the development of a digital twin model for improving the performance of the boiler and reducing maintenance costs, information on the local temperature of the tubes is required. In this study, all the tubes inside the boiler were modeled, and conjugate heat transfer analysis was performed to confirm the local temperature distribution. For this purpose, the analysis was conducted using Fluent 2020 r2, and the analysis model was constructed using more than 300 million structured grids. The calculation was performed considering conjugate heat transfer in the pulverized coal-fired boiler, heat exchange by steam inside the tubes, and conductive heat transfer of the tubes. As a result, it was confirmed that there is a significant deviation in the local temperature for each tube position. Furthermore, the maximum temperature of the PrSH tube ranges widely, between 492 and 532 degrees, depending on the tube’s position. It was observed that the point of the highest temperature inside the tubes also varies for each tube due to the flow of external combustion gas. Based on these results, it is expected that strategic approaches to boiler design and maintenance can be achieved. Furthermore, it is anticipated to contribute to the high efficiency of power facilities by being utilized as basic data for the development of a digital twin model for the boiler.
Linking Clusters of Micropollutants in Surface Water to Emission Sources, Environmental Conditions, and Substance Properties
Authors: Pronk Tessa E. , Amato Elvio D. , Kools Stefan A. E. , Ter Laak Thomas L.
Published: February 2024

Water quality monitoring programs yield a wealth of data. It is often unclear why a certain substance occurs in higher concentrations at a certain location or time. In this study, substances were considered in clusters with co-varying concentrations rather than in isolation. A total of 196 substance clusters at 19 monitoring sites in the rivers Rhine and Meuse were identified. A total of nine clusters were found repeatedly with a similar composition at different monitoring sites. Several environmental conditions and substance properties could be linked to clusters. In addition, overlap with reference substance lists was determined. These lists group multiple substances according to emission sources, substance types, or type of use. The reference substance lists revealed that Rhine and Meuse are similarly affected. The nine ‘repeating clusters’ were analyzed in more detail to identify drivers. For instance, a repeating cluster with herbicides was specifically linked to high temperatures and a high number of hours in the sun per day, e.g., summer conditions. A cluster containing polychlorinated biphenyls, identified as persistent and with a high tendency to bind organic matter, was linked to high river discharge and attributed to a potential release from sediment resuspension. Not all substances could be clustered, because their concentration did not structurally vary in the same way as other substances. The presented explorative cluster analyses, along with the obtained relations with substance properties, local environmental conditions, and reference substance lists, may facilitate the reconstruction of the processes that lead to the observed variation in concentrations. This knowledge can subsequently be used by water managers to improve water quality.
Quantitative Assessment of the Effect of Agency-Led Prescribed Burns and Cultural Burns on Soil Properties in Southeastern Australia
Authors: Murramarang Country  , Davis Jessica , Simmons Jack , Snelson Shane , Channell Victor , Haynes Katharine , Deutscher Nicholas , Brook Leanne , Dosseto Anthony
Published: February 2024

Fire management techniques play a critical role in mitigating the impact of bushfires on communities and ecosystems. In Australia, government agencies implement hazard reduction burn programs, while Indigenous communities have used fire for ecosystem management for thousands of years. The positive effect of prescribed burning goes beyond bushfire risk mitigation, with impacts also on soil and ecosystem health. This study evaluates the effects of prescribed burning on soil properties, with implications for soil and ecosystem health. Two fire management techniques were evaluated: agency-led prescribed burning and cultural burning. Both fire treatments resulted in an increase in soil moisture, showing that they positively affect the soil water balance (the greater effect seen following the agency-led burn). Both fire treatments also resulted in a decrease in soil bulk density and an increase in organic matter content, with the greater effect seen for soils affected by the Indigenous-led burn. These results show that both fire management techniques positively affect soil health, with important consequences for aboveground ecosystem health. Cultural burning is the most efficient to promote reduced soil bulk density (important for nutrient availability and microbial activity) and increase carbon and nitrogen stores.
Analysis of Bioactive Aroma Compounds in Essential Oils from Algerian Plants: Implications for Potential Antioxidant Applications
Authors: Bertella Anis , Gavril Georgiana-Luminita , Wrona Magdalena , Pezo Davinson , Sidaoui Abouamama , Benlahcen Kheira , Kihal Mebrouk , Olewnik-Kruszkowska Ewa , Salafranca Jesús , Nerín Cristina
Published: February 2024

In samples of Artemisia campestris (AC), Artemisia herba-alba (AHA) and Salvia jordanii (SJ) essential oils, up to 200 distinct volatile compounds were identified. Using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–olfactometry–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-O-MS), different panelists detected 52 of these compounds. This study offers the most detailed analysis of bioactive compound profiles conducted so far. The most abundant compounds identified were curcumene, making up 12.96% of AC, and camphor, constituting 21.67% of AHA and 19.15% of SJ. The compounds with the highest odor activity value (OAV) were (E,Z)-2,4-nonadienal (geranium, pungent), 3-nonenal (cucumber) and 2-undecenal (sweet) in AC, AHA and SJ, respectively. AHA essential oil showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 41.73 ± 4.14 mg/g) and hydroxyl radical generation (hydroxylation percentage = 29.62 ± 3.14), as assessed by the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. In terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), the strongest antioxidant activity was obtained for SJ essential oil (antioxidant activity of the essential oils, AOX = 337.49 ± 9.87).
Effects of the Roasting-Assisted Aqueous Ethanol Extraction of Peanut Oil on the Structure and Functional Properties of Dreg Proteins
Authors: Wang Sicheng , Guo Yubao , Zhu Xiuling , Xie Dan , Wang Zhenzhen
Published: February 2024

The effects of the roasting-assisted aqueous ethanol extraction of peanut oil on the structure and functional properties of dreg proteins were investigated to interpret the high free oil yield and provide a basis for the full utilization of peanut protein resources. The roasting-assisted aqueous ethanol extraction of peanut oil obtained a free oil yield of 97.74% and a protein retention rate of 75.80% in the dreg. The water-holding capacity of dreg proteins increased significantly, and the oil-holding capacity and surface hydrophobicity decreased significantly, reducing the binding ability with oil and thus facilitating the release of oil. Although the relative crystallinity and denaturation enthalpy of the dreg proteins decreased slightly, the denaturation temperatures remained unchanged. Infrared and Raman spectra identified decreases in the C-H stretching vibration, Fermi resonance and α-helix, and increases in random coil, β-sheet and β-turn, showing a slight decrease in the overall ordering of proteins. After the roasting treatment, 62.57–135.33% of the protein functional properties were still preserved. Therefore, the roasting-assisted aqueous ethanol extraction of peanut oil is beneficial for fully utilizing the oil and protein resources in peanuts.
Hermetic Bags: A Short-Term Solution to Preserve High-Moisture Maize during Grain Drying
Authors: Yewle Nileshwari Raju , Stroshine Richard L. , Ambrose R. P. Kingsly , Baributsa Dieudonne
Published: February 2024

Maintaining maize quality while drying during a rainy season is a major challenge for smallholder farmers in developing countries. We conducted a study to evaluate the impact of temporarily storing wet maize of 18, 21, and 24% moisture content (m.c.) in hermetic Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) and polypropylene (PP) woven (control) bags for 21 days. Oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations were monitored, and m.c., germination, and visual mold were assessed. In PICS bags, oxygen dropped below 1% within 7, 11.5, and 21 days for maize at 24, 21, and 18% m.c., respectively. After 21 days, the m.c. of maize stored in PICS bags remained constant, but decreased in PP bags. Germination of maize in PICS bags decreased by 0.5, 6.2, and 95.5 percentage points for 18, 21, and 24% m.c., respectively. In PP bags, germination decreased by 17.5, 15.2, and 39.5 percentage points for the respective moisture levels. After 21 days of storage, visible mold was present on maize stored in PP bags at both 21 and 24% m.c. No mold was observed on maize stored in PICS bags, but a fermentation smell was released from maize at 21 and 24% m.c. The results indicate that maize can be effectively stored in PICS bags at 21% m.c. or below for 21 days with minimal germination loss or mold growth. These findings highlight the potential of using hermetic bags for short-term grain quality preservation just before and during drying. This new utility adds to the current use of hermetic bags for protection against pests during long-term storage. Hermetic bags’ dual functionality could significantly improve postharvest management on smallholder farms, thereby enhancing food and nutritional security and safety. Field testing is required in order to integrate this approach under smallholder farmers’ conditions (e.g., temperature, m.c., drying practices, etc.).