bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing Characteristics of the Spatial Structure of Megacities at Multiple Scales with Jobs-Housing Big Data: A Case Study of Tianjin, China
Authors: Dong Ruixi , Yan Fengying
Published: October 2021

Urban spatial structure reflects the organization of urban land use and is closely related to the travel patterns of residents. The characteristics of urban spatial structure include both static and dynamic aspects. The static characteristics of urban spatial structure reflect the morphological features of space, and the dynamic characteristics of urban spatial structure reflect intra-city functional linkages. With the continuous agglomeration of population and industries; megacities have become the core spatial carriers leading China’s social and economic development; and their urban spatial structure has also been reconstructed. However; there is still a certain lack of understanding of the characteristics of the spatial structure of China’s megacities. This study aimed to reveal characteristics of the spatial structure of Chinese megacities at different scales using jobs-housing big data. To achieve this goal, spatial autocorrelation and a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model were applied to reveal static polycentricity, and community detection was used to reveal dynamic commuting communities. The distribution of jobs in urban space and jobs–housing balance levels in commuting communities were further analyzed. Experiments were conducted in Tianjin, China. We found that: (1) the static characteristics of the spatial structure of megacities presented the coexistence of polycentricity and a high degree of dispersion at macro- and meso-scales; (2) the dynamic characteristics of the spatial structure of megacities revealed two types of commuting communities at macro- and meso-scales and most commuting communities had a good jobs-housing balance. These findings can be referenced by urban managers and planners to formulate relevant policies for spatial distribution optimization of urban functions and transportation development at different spatial scales.
Toothbrush Abrasion of Restorations Fabricated with Flowable Resin Composites with Different Viscosities In Vitro
Authors: Miyano Yuko , Suzuki Masaya , Shinkai Koichi
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine toothbrush-induced abrasion of resin composite restorations fabricated with flowable resin composites of different viscosities in vitro. In this study, six types of flowable resin composites with different flowability (Beautifil Flow F02, F02; Beautifil Flow F10, F10; Beautifil Flow Plus F00, P00; Beautifil Flow Plus F03, P03; Beautifil Flow Plus X F00, X00; and Beautifil Flow Plus X F03, X03) were used. For the toothbrush abrasion test, the standard cavity (4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in depth) formed on the ceramic block was filled with each flowable resin composite (n = 10) and brushed for up to 40,000 strokes in a suspension containing commercial toothpaste under the conditions of 500 g load, 60 strokes/min, and 30 mm stroke distance. After every 10,000 strokes, the brushed surface of the specimen was impressed with a silicone rubber material. The amount of toothbrush-induced abrasion observed on each impression of the specimen was measured using a wide-area 3D measurement device (n = 10). The viscosity was determined using a cone-and-plate rotational measurement system. Because of the effect of different shear rates on viscosity and clinical use, the values 1.0 and 2.0 s−1 were adopted as data (n = 6). In this study, the results of the toothbrush abrasion test demonstrated no significant differences in the amount of toothbrush-induced abrasion among flowable resin composites used (p > 0.05). No significant correlation was reported between toothbrush-induced abrasion and viscosities of flowable resin composites.
Relaxor-Ferroelectric Films for Dielectric Tunable Applications: Effect of Film Thickness and Applied Electric Field
Authors: Nguyen Minh D. , Tran Doan T. , Dang Ha T. , Nguyen Chi T. Q. , Rijnders Guus , Vu Hung N.
Published: October 2021

The dielectric properties, tunability and figure-of-merit (FOM) of relaxor Pb0.9La0.1(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PLZT) films have been investigated. Dielectric measurements indicated that the dielectric constant (at zero-bias field), tunability and FOM are enhanced as the film thickness increases, which are mainly attributed to the presence of an interfacial layer near the film-electrode interface. Experimental results illustrated that a slight reduction is observed in both dielectric constant and tunability (−2%) in a wide-frequency range (10 kHz–1 MHz); meanwhile, the FOM value decreases significantly (−17%) with increasing frequency, arising from the higher dielectric loss value. The 1000-nm PLZT film shows the largest tunability of 94.6% at a maximum electric-field of 1450 kV/cm, while the highest FOM factor is 37.6 at 1000 kV/cm, due to the combination of medium tunability (88.7%) and low dielectric loss (0.0236). All these excellent results indicated that the relaxor PLZT films are promising candidates for specific applications in microwave devices.
Ecological and Pharmacological Activities of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) from the Indonesian Marine Sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea
Authors: Faisal Muhammad R. , Kellermann Matthias Y. , Rohde Sven , Putra Masteria Y. , Murniasih Tutik , Risdian Chandra , Mohr Kathrin I. , Wink Joachim , Praditya Dimas F. , Steinmann Eike , Köck Matthias , Schupp Peter J.
Published: October 2021

Two known Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), 3,4,5-tribromo-2-(2′,4′-dibromophenoxy)phenol (1d) and 3,4,5,6-tetrabromo-2-(2′,4′-dibromophenoxy)phenol (2b), were isolated from the Indonesian marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea. The structure was confirmed using 13C chemical shift average deviation and was compared to the predicted structures and recorded chemical shifts in previous studies. We found a wide range of bioactivities from the organic crude extract, such as (1) a strong deterrence against the generalist pufferfish Canthigaster solandri, (2) potent inhibition against environmental and human pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains, and (3) the inhibition of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). The addition of a bromine atom into the A-ring of compound 2b resulted in higher fish feeding deterrence compared to compound 1d. On the contrary, compound 2b showed only more potent inhibition against the Gram-negative bacteria Rhodotorula glutinis (MIC 2.1 μg/mL), while compound 1d showed more powerful inhibition against the other human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The first report of a chemical defense by compounds 1d and 2b against fish feeding and environmental relevant bacteria, especially pathogenic bacteria, might be one reason for the widespread occurrence of the shallow water sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea in Indonesia and the Indo-Pacific.
A Critical Review on Electric Field-Assisted Membrane Processes: Implications for Fouling Control, Water Recovery, and Future Prospects
Authors: Shen Yuxiang , Badireddy Appala Raju
Published: October 2021

Electrofiltration, an electric field-assisted membrane process, has been a research topic of growing popularity due to its ability to improve membrane performance by providing in situ antifouling conditions in a membrane system. The number of reports on electrofiltration have increased exponentially over the past two decades. These reports explored many innovations, such as novel configurations of an electric field, engineered membrane materials, and interesting designs of foulant compositions and membrane modules. Recent electrofiltration literature focused mainly on compiling results without a comprehensive comparative analysis across different works. The main objective of this critical review is to, first, organize, compare and contrast the results across various electrofiltration studies; second, discuss various types of mechanisms that could be incorporated into electrofiltration and their effect on membrane system performance; third, characterize electrofiltration phenomenon; fourth, interpret the effects of various operational conditions on the performance of electrofiltration; fifth, evaluate the state-of-the-art knowledge associated with modeling efforts in electrofiltration; sixth, discuss the energy costs related to the implementation of electrofiltration; and finally, identify the current knowledge gaps that hinder the transition of the lab-scale observations to industry-scale electrofiltration as well as the future prospects of electrofiltration.
A Fuzzy Evaluation of Tool Materials in the Turning of Marine Steels
Authors: Xu Qingzhong , Liu Jichen , Cai Gangjun , Jiang Dewen , Zhou Jian
Published: October 2021

To recommend one suitable tool material for the cutting of marine steels under special conditions and requirements in emergency rescues of capsized steel ships, the cermet tools, cemented carbide tools and coated carbide tools were evaluated using a fuzzy evaluation method concerning cutting force, cutting temperature, surface roughness and tool wear. Experimental results indicate that the tool cutting performance was diverse and difficult to evaluate with a single evaluation index. The cemented carbide tools presented bad cutting performance with severe wear. Compared with the cemented carbide tools, the cermet tools showed excellent wear resistance with about 60.3% smaller tool flank wear value and good surface quality with about 46.8% smaller surface roughness. The coated carbide tools presented low cutting temperatures about 15.6% smaller than those of the cermet tools. The result of fuzzy evaluation demonstrates that the cermet tools presented the best cutting performance, followed by the coated carbide tools, and then the cemented carbide tools. The cermet tools are recommended to cut marine steels in emergency rescues of capsized steel ships.
Al-Based Foams as Permanent Cores in Al Castings: Effect of Surface Skin Thickness and Composition on Infiltration and Core-Shell Bonding
Authors: Ferraris Sara , Santostefano Antonio , Barbato Antonio , Molina Roberto , Ubertalli Graziano
Published: October 2021

An emerging and still poorly explored application of aluminum foams is their potential use as permanent cores (inserts) in the casting of aluminum alloys. In this context, Al-based foams can introduce a weight reduction, the obtainment of cavities, a strength increase, the ability to absorb impact energy and vibration, acoustic insulation ability, the possibility to simplify the technological processes (no removal/recycling of traditional sand cores), and finally, they can be fully recyclable. Cymat-type Al foams with thin outer skin were used as permanent cores in Al-alloy gravity casting in the present research. Al-foams were characterized in terms of porosity, density, cell wall and skin thickness, surface chemical composition and morphology, and compression resistance. Cast objects with foam inserts were characterized by means of optical microscopy. The preservation of up to 50% of the initial porosity was observed for foam inserts with higher density. Metallurgical bonding between the foam core and the cast metal was observed in some regions.
Root Suberin Plays Important Roles in Reducing Water Loss and Sodium Uptake in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: de Silva Nayana D. G. , Murmu Jhadeswar , Chabot Denise , Hubbard Keith , Ryser Peter , Molina Isabel , Rowland Owen
Published: October 2021

Suberin is a cell-wall-associated hetero-polymer deposited in specific plant tissues. The precise role of its composition and lamellae structure in protecting plants against abiotic stresses is unclear. In Arabidopsis thaliana, we tested the biochemical and physiological responses to water deficiency and NaCl treatment in mutants that are differentially affected in suberin composition and lamellae structure. Chronic drought stress increased suberin and suberin-associated waxes in wild-type plants. Suberin-deficient mutants were not more susceptible than the wild-type to the chronic drought stress imposed in this study. Nonetheless, the cyp86a1-1 cyp86b1-1 mutant, which had a severely altered suberin composition and lamellae structure, exhibited increased water loss through the root periderm. Cyp86a1-1 cyp86b1-1 also recorded lower relative water content in leaves. The abcg2-1 abcg6-1 abcg20-1 mutant, which has altered suberin composition and lamellae, was very sensitive to NaCl treatment. Furthermore, cyp86a1-1 cyp86b1-1 recorded a significant drop in the leaf K/Na ratio, indicating salt sensitivity. The far1-2 far4-1 far5-1 mutant, which did not show structural defects in the suberin lamellae, had similar responses to drought and NaCl treatments as the wild-type. Our results provide evidence that the suberin amount and lamellae structure are key features in the barrier function of suberin in reducing water loss and reducing sodium uptake through roots for better performance under drought and salt stresses.
Mineralogical Insights to Identify Göktepe Marble in the Sculptural Program of Quinta Das Longas Villa (Lusitania)
Authors: Lapuente Mercadal M. Pilar , Nogales-Basarrate Trinidad , Carvalho Antonio
Published: October 2021

This archaeometric study is focused on the marble used in a group of fragmented sculptures found at the Roman villa of Quinta das Longas (Elvas, Portugal). Dating from the 4th century AD, the pieces are of remarkable quality and correspond to ideal and mythological figures from several iconographic cycles. The numerous fragments, all of very fine-grained white marble, are associated with the ornamentation of an impressive nymphaeum of the villa. Their high level of sculpture technique and style, the models followed and their similar typology to other well-known parallels raise the hypothesis of being linked with Aphrodisian workshops. Using a well-established multi-method approach, with Optical microscopy, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD), qualitative and quantitative cathodoluminescence (CL) by CL-Optical and CL-SEM, and stable C and O isotopic and trace element analytical techniques (IRMS and ICP-AES), together with complementary parameters obtained from electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and 87Sr/86Sr isotopes, the marble provenance can be identified with certainty. The results all point to the best quality of white Göktepe marble, confirming the stylistic connection to the ancient Carian sculptors.
Enhanced Hole Injection Characteristics of a Top Emission Organic Light-Emitting Diode with Pure Aluminum Anode
Authors: Park Chan Young , Choi Byoungdeog
Published: October 2021

A top emitting organic light-emitting diode (OLED) device with pure aluminum (Al) anode for high-resolution microdisplays was proposed and fabricated. The low work function of the Al anode, even with a native oxide formed on the Al anode surface, increases the energy barrier of the interface between the anode and hole injection layer, and has poor hole-injection properties, which causes the low efficiency of the device. To enhance the hole-injection characteristics of the Al anode, we applied hexaazatriphenylene hexacarbonitrile (HATCN) as the hole-injection layer material. The proposed OLED device with a pure Al anode and native oxide on the anode surface improved efficiency by up to 35 cd/A at 1000 nit, which is 78% of the level of normal OLEDs with indium tin oxide (ITO) anode.
Production of Genistein in Amaranthus tricolor var. tristis and Spinacia oleracea by Expression of Glycine max Isoflavone Synthase
Authors: Malla Ashwini , Shanmugaraj Balamurugan , Sharma Ashutosh , Ramalingam Sathishkumar
Published: October 2021

Isoflavonoids, the diverse group of secondary metabolites derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway, are distributed predominantly in leguminous plants. It has received considerable attention in recent days due to its health promoting benefits and is known to prevent certain diseases in humans. These isoflavonoids are synthesized from flavonoid intermediates of phenylpropanoid pathway by the enzyme isoflavone synthase. Metabolic engineering of isoflavonoid biosynthesis in non-legume crop plants could offer the health benefits of these compounds in diverse plant species further contributing for crop improvement. The transient expression of heterologous genes in the host is considered as an alternative to stable expression, that can provide a rapid way of studying the pathway engineering for metabolite production and could also act as a production platform for nutraceuticals and biopharmaceuticals. In this study, isoflavone genistein was produced in Amaranthus tricolor var. tristis and Spinacia oleracea by transiently expressing Glycine max isoflavone synthase (GmIFS). The GmIFS gene was cloned in plant expression vector pEarleyGate 102 HA and pEAQ-HT-DEST 3 and transformed into plants by agroinfiltration. The presence of transgene in the agroinfiltrated leaves was confirmed by semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The flavonoid substrate naringenin and isoflavonoid genistein were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography in both wild-type and infiltrated leaf samples of both the plants. The naringenin content varied in the range of 65.5–338.5 nM/g fresh weight, while the accumulation of genistein was observed with varying concentrations from 113 to 182.6 nM/g fresh weight in the agroinfiltrated leaf samples of both A. tricolor var. tristis and S. oleracea. These results indicate that the transient expression of GmIFS gene has led to the synthesis of isoflavonoid genistein in A. tricolor var. tristis and S. oleracea providing an insight that stable expression of this gene could enrich the nutraceutical content in the crop plants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on transient expression of GmIFS gene for the production of genistein in A. tricolor var. tristis and S. oleracea.
Foam Polymers in Multifunctional Insulating Coatings
Authors: A. Ter-Zakaryan K. , D. Zhukov A. , Yu. Bobrova E. , V. Bessonov I. , A. Mednikova E.
Published: October 2021

The application of foamed polymers as one of the components of insulating coatings allows to solve the problems of energy saving and creation of optimal operating conditions for constructions. The systems of application of energy-efficient heat-insulating materials must consider both the particularities of the insulating materials and the functional orientation of the constructions. The implementation of the concept of seamless insulating coatings implies the achievement of thermal effect and reduction in air permeability both by means of the application of thermal insulation with low thermal conductivity and the minimization of junctions between separate elements of the insulating coating, which is achieved using elastic foamed polymers and, first of all, polyethylene foam. Construction of seamless insulating coatings creates practically impermeable heat, vapor, and water barriers along the outer perimeter of the insulated object. Multilayer products based on polyethylene foam represent a relatively new material—a fact that requires examination of their properties, as well as under various operating conditions, and development of a methodology for evaluation of the operational resistance of these materials in structures of different purposes, including cold conservation. The performed tests have shown that the compressive strength at 10% deformation is determined by the function of load application area and varies from 70 kPa during the test of cube samples of 10 × 10 × 10 in size to 260 kPa for areas exceeding 100 m2. The longitudinal tensile strength amounts to 80–92 kPa, and the strength of the weld seam is equal to 29–32 kPa. It has been established that the values of thermal conductivity of polyethylene foam with an average density of 18–20 kg/m3 amounts to 0.032–0.034 W/(m·K), diffusion moisture absorption is equal to 0.44 kg/m2 without a metallized coating and 0.37 kg/m2 with a metallized coating; water absorption after partial immersion in water for 24 h amounts to 0.013 kg/m2; water absorption by volume after complete water immersion for 28 days is equal to 0.96%. The material does not practically change its properties under conditions of long-term temperature alteration from −60 to +70 °C. The developed and implemented insulation systems for protective surfaces of framed construction objects, rubbhalls and frameless structures, floating floors, indoor ice rinks, and snow conservation systems are presented.
A Four-Step Cascade Drug-Release Management Strategy for Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Hsieh Ying-Jiun , Cheng Hung-Wei , Chen Hung-Yu , Lee Ming-Wei
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to develop a four-step cascade drug-release system for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) therapeutic applications according to disease-driven and patient-focused design theories. The four steps underlying these strategies involve the blockage of nutrient supply, nanoparticles, codelivery and the cell cytotoxic effect. Calibrated spherical gellan gum (GG) and nanoparticle-containing gellan gum microspheres were prepared using a water-in-oil emulsification method. Self-assembled nanoparticles featuring amine-functionalized graphene oxide (AFGO) as the doxorubicin (Dox) carrier were prepared. The results confirm that, as a drug carrier, AFGO–Dox nanoparticles can facilitate the transport of doxorubicin into HepG2 liver cancer cells. Subsequently, AFGO–Dox was introduced into gellan gum (GG) microspheres, thus forming GG/AFGO–Dox microspheres with a mean size of 200–700 μm. After a drug release experiment lasting 28 days, the amount of doxorubicin released from 674 and 226 μm GG/AFGO–Dox microspheres was 2.31 and 1.18 μg/mg, respectively. GG/AFGO–Dox microspheres were applied in a rabbit ear embolization model, where ischemic necrosis was visible on the ear after 12 days. Our aim for the future is to provide better embolization agents for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using this device.
Ego-Lane Index Estimation Based on Lane-Level Map and LiDAR Road Boundary Detection
Authors: Yu Baoguo , Zhang Hongjuan , Li Wenzhuo , Qian Chuang , Li Bijun , Wu Chaozhong
Published: October 2021

Correct ego-lane index estimation is essential for lane change and decision making for intelligent vehicles, especially in global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-challenged environments. To achieve this, we propose an ego-lane index estimation approach in an urban scenario based on particle filter (PF). The particles are initialized and propagated by dead reckoning with inertial measurement unit (IMU) and odometry. A lane-level map is used to navigate the particles taking advantage of topologic and geometric information of lanes. GNSS single-point positioning (SPP) can provide position estimation with meter-level accuracy in urban environments, which can limit drift introduced by dead reckoning for updating the weight of each particle. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is a common sensor in an intelligent vehicle. A LiDAR-based road boundary detection method provides distance measurements from the vehicle to the left/right road boundaries, which provides a measurement for importance weighting. However, the high precision of the LiDAR measurements may put a tight constraint on the distribution of particles, which can lead to particle degeneration with sparse particle sets. To deal with this problem, we propose a novel step that shifts particles laterally based on LiDAR measurements instead of importance weighting in the traditional PF scheme. We tested our methods on an urban expressway at a low traffic volume period to ensure road boundaries can be detected by LiDAR measurements at most time steps. Experimental results prove that our improved PF scheme can correctly estimate ego-lane index at all time steps, while the traditional PF scheme produces wrong estimations at some time steps.
Optimization-Based Approaches for Minimizing Deployment Costs for Wireless Sensor Networks with Bounded Estimation Errors
Authors: Hsiao Chiu-Han , Lin Frank Yeong-Sung , Yang Hao-Jyun , Huang Yennun , Chen Yu-Fang , Tu Ching-Wen , Zhang Si-Yao
Published: October 2021

As wireless sensor networks have become more prevalent, data from sensors in daily life are constantly being recorded. Due to cost or energy consumption considerations, optimization-based approaches are proposed to reduce deployed sensors and yield results within the error tolerance. The correlation-aware method is also designed in a mathematical model that combines theoretical and practical perspectives. The sensor deployment strategies, including XGBoost, Pearson correlation, and Lagrangian Relaxation (LR), are determined to minimize deployment costs while maintaining estimation errors below a given threshold. Moreover, the results significantly ensure the accuracy of the gathered information while minimizing the cost of deployment and maximizing the lifetime of the WSN. Furthermore, the proposed solution can be readily applied to sensor distribution problems in various fields.
Decentralized Platoon Join-in-Middle Protocol Considering Communication Delay for Connected and Automated Vehicle
Authors: Lee Geonil , Jung Jae-il
Published: October 2021

Cooperative driving is an essential component of intelligent transport systems (ITSs). It promises greater safety, reduced accidents, efficient traffic flow, and fuel consumption reduction. Vehicle platooning is a representative service model for ITS. The principal sub-systems of platooning systems for connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) are cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) systems and platoon management systems. Based on vehicle state information received through vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, the CACC system allows platoon vehicles to maintain a narrower safety distance. In addition, the platoon management system using V2V communications allows vehicles to perform platoon maneuvers reliably and accurately. In this paper, we propose a CACC system with a variable time headway and a decentralized platoon join-in-middle maneuver protocol with a trajectory planning system considering the V2V communication delay for CAVs. The platoon join-in-middle maneuver is a challenging research subject as the research must consider the requirement of a more precise management protocol and lateral control for platoon safety and string stability. These CACC systems and protocols are implemented on a simulator for a connected and automated vehicle system, PreScan, and we validated our approach using a realistic control system and V2V communication system provided by PreScan.
Recent Progress in Self-Powered Sensors Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Wu Junpeng , Zheng Yang , Li Xiaoyi
Published: October 2021

The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) has subverted people’s lives, causing the rapid development of sensor technologies. However, traditional sensor energy sources, like batteries, suffer from the pollution problem and the limited lifetime for powering widely implemented electronics or sensors. Therefore, it is essential to obtain self-powered sensors integrated with renewable energy harvesters. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which can convert the surrounding mechanical energy into electrical energy based on the surface triboelectrification effect, was born of this background. This paper systematically introduces the working principle of the TENG-based self-powered sensor, including the triboelectrification effect, Maxwell’s displacement current, and quantitative analysis method. Meanwhile, this paper also reviews the recent application of TENG in different fields and summarizes the future development and current problems of TENG. We believe that there will be a rise of TENG-based self-powered sensors in the future.
An Investigation into the Appropriateness of Car-Following Models in Assessing Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Higatani Akito , Saleh Wafaa
Published: October 2021

The dramatic progress of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) has made autodriving technology extensively emphasised. Various models have been developed for the aim of modelling the behaviour of autonomous vehicles and their impacts on traffic, although there is still a lot to be researched about the technology. There are three main features that need to be represented in any car-following model to enable it to model autonomous vehicles: desired time gap, collision avoidance system and sensor detection range. Most available car-following models satisfy the first feature, most of the available car-following models do not satisfy the second feature and only few models satisfy the third feature. Therefore, conclusions from such models must be taken cautiously. Any of these models could be considered for updating to include a collision avoidance-system module, in order to be able to model autonomous vehicles. The Helly model is car-following model that has a simple structure and is sometimes used as the controller for Autonomous Vehicles (AV), but it does not have a collision avoidance concept. In this paper, the Helly model, which is a very commonly used classic car-following model is assessed and examined for possible update for the purpose of using it to model autonomous vehicles more efficiently. This involves assessing the parameters of the model and investigating the possible update of the model to include a collision avoidance-system module. There are two procedures that have been investigated in this paper to assess the Helly model to allow for a more realistic modelling of autonomous vehicles. The first technique is to investigate and assess the values of the parameters of the model. The second procedure is to modify the formula of that model to include a collision avoidance system. The results show that the performance of the modified full-range Auto Cruising Control (FACC) Helly model is superior to the other models in almost all situations and for almost all time-gap settings. Only the Alexandros E. Papacharalampous’s Model (A.E.P.) controller seems to perform slightly better than the (FACC) Helly model. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that the (FACC) Helly model be recommended as the most accurate model to use to represent autonomous vehicles in microsimulations, and that it should be further investigated.
SEFPN: Scale-Equalizing Feature Pyramid Network for Object Detection
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Qiu Xin , Li Yongzhou
Published: October 2021

Feature Pyramid Network (FPN) is used as the neck of current popular object detection networks. Research has shown that the structure of FPN has some defects. In addition to the loss of information caused by the reduction of the channel number, the features scale of different levels are also different, and the corresponding information at different abstract levels are also different, resulting in a semantic gap between each level. We call the semantic gap level imbalance. Correlation convolution is a way to alleviate the imbalance between adjacent layers; however, how to alleviate imbalance between all levels is another problem. In this article, we propose a new simple but effective network structure called Scale-Equalizing Feature Pyramid Network (SEFPN), which generates multiple features of different scales by iteratively fusing the features of each level. SEFPN improves the overall performance of the network by balancing the semantic representation of each layer of features. The experimental results on the MS-COCO2017 dataset show that the integration of SEFPN as a standalone module into the one-stage network can further improve the performance of the detector, by ∼1AP, and improve the detection performance of Faster R-CNN, a typical two-stage network, especially for large object detection APL∼2AP.
Taking Stock of Social Sustainability and the U.S. Beef Industry
Authors: Gosnell Hannah , Emard Kelsey , Hyde Elizabeth
Published: October 2021

This paper presents the results of a study of social sustainability in the U.S. beef industry with a focus on the pre-harvest, cattle ranching portion of the industry. Using an integrative literature review and interviews with fifteen thought leaders in the field, we synthesize key indicators of social sustainability and provide a framework to be used in analyzing social sustainability in the pre-harvest beef industry. We identify six themes that are critical to social sustainability: human health; learning/adaptation; community relations; equity and inclusion; land ownership, tenure, and succession; and industry structure. However, our results also indicate that social sustainability as a term is insufficient for representing the positive futures desired by ranchers and that quantifiable indicators and metrics are not able to capture some of the subjective qualities of social sustainability. There is a need for future research that builds on these ideas and explores alternative future scenarios for the U.S. beef industry by engaging more diverse perspectives.
Investigating Students’ Digital Literacy Levels during Online Education Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Inan Karagul Banu , Seker Meral , Aykut Cansu
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 has brought serious challenges to education and many other sectors. Within the educational context, the main difficulties experienced have been reported as challenges related to not only mechanical impediments—such as technology or infrastructure—but also to methodological and personal features, such as lack of motivation or online learning/teaching experiences. The abrupt transition from face-to-face to online education has created the need for some specific abilities, such as digital literacy on the side of the learners at all educational levels. In this context, this mixed-method study aims to determine the digital literacy levels of learners belonging to different school levels and whether age, gender and school degree were significant variables. This study also investigates the technology-related challenges students experienced during COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consisted of 510 participants representing different school levels, age groups, and genders; in addition, a smaller representative group (n = 30) revealed their own evaluations related to their levels of digital literacy and the technology-related challenges they had about online learning. The findings suggest that there is a statistically significant relationship between students’ digital literacy and their gender and school degree, while age was not found to be a statistically significant variable. The qualitative self-reported data suggested that learners have sufficient levels of digital literacy, and that the major technology-related challenges were reported to be lack of the necessary technologies and difficulties in adapting to a new approach to learning.
Parent Perceptions of Outdoor Learning in the Kids in the Woods Program
Authors: Mazyck Mary , Andreu Michael , Hermansen-Baez L. Annie , Miller M. David
Published: October 2021

Research shows that exposure to the outdoors is beneficial to children and can improve the learning experience for students. The Kids in the Woods program in Gainesville, Florida provides 6th grade students with opportunities to learn science through a series of outdoor activities during their regular science classes. The article reports on an evaluation of the Kids in the Woods program. We surveyed parents/guardians of students participat- ing in the program to examine the impacts of the program and to better understand parent/guardian perceptions of the program and of outdoor learning in general. Results indicate that parents/guardians observed positive changes in their children and had largely positive perceptions of outdoor learning and the Kids in the Woods program. Lessons learned and recommendations for using parent surveys as a tool in program evaluation are discussed.
Insights into Barriers and Educational Needs for Farm Succession Programming
Authors: Schlesser Heather , Stuttgen Sandra , Binversie Liz , Kirkpatrick Joy
Published: October 2021

Planning for farm succession is vital to the longevity of the farm business. To understand the challenges with succession planning, the University of Wisconsin - Division of Extension facilitated focus group meetings across the state. These authors classified the information from the focus groups into eight codes, and each code was further subdivided into themes. The codes included Financial, Communication, Control, Change, Fair vs. Equal, Delivery, and Support, Strategies, and Educational Needs. University of Wisconsin Division of Extension Agriculture Educators utilized the information obtained from the focus groups to create a workbook that provides practical assistance when working with families planning a farm succession.
Floral Arrangement Collaboration Sharpens Consumer Connection to Locally Grown Flowers
Authors: DelPrince James , Porter Wayne , Sadler Liz , Overstreet Ross
Published: October 2021

Our statewide floral design training program aimed to raise consumer awareness and appreciation of locally grown fresh flowers and to promote extension floral programs through delivery of workshops and demonstrations. Initially, trainees used artificial rather than fresh flowers, necessitating development of a streamlined floral design project plan. Through collaboration with three flower farmers, we developed a floral design prototype. Our growers produced the flowers based on this model and extension provided registration support and media that facilitated locally grown flowers use in workshops. As a result, we connected 47 consumers directly to our producers. Flower growers felt the project was worthwhile and desire future extension partnerships.
Three New Species of Lauraceae
Authors: Van der Werff Henk
Published: October 2021

Three new species of Lauraceae are described and illustrated and their relationships are discussed. One new species, Beilschmiedia vohemarensis van der Werff, is endemic to Madagascar and differs from the similar B. microphylla (Kosterm.) Kosterm. in its type of pubescence and habitat. Licaria monsalveae van der Werff is restricted to the Choco region of Colombia and differs from the similar L. brasiliensis (Nees) Kosterm. in its tomentulose, not appressed pubescence. Ocotea sacculifera van der Werff is only known from Bolivia and differs from all other species of Ocotea Aubl. in its pouchlike domatia.
Presencia de la especie oceánica Apolinus lividigaster (Mulsant, 1853) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) en Rapa Nui, Chile
Authors: Rothmann Sergio , González Guillermo
Published: October 2021

Se registra por primera vez en Chile e Isla Rapa Nui, a la especie oceánica Apolinus lividigaster (Mulsant, 1853), con base en especímenes recolectados por personal del Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG) de Chile, en la localidad de Hanga Roa.
The Effect of Problem-Based Learning on Learning Outcomes of Pendidikan Agama Islam
Authors: Rahman Taufiqur , Moh. Zamili  , Salma Munawwaroh
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to analyze and describe instructions applying problem-based learning in school. The research design is a systematic literature review conducted in seven steps. Data searched and retrieved from google scholar. Eligibility criteria for selected studies are articles published between 2017-2021 and written in the Indonesian language. This study concluded that applying problem-based learning in instruction positively affects learning outcomes, especially problem solving and critical thinking ability. PBL steps commonly used in classrooms are the teacher planning the lesson, stating the learning objectives, explaining the subject matter, dividing the group, students carrying out investigations, the teacher providing feedback. These steps are more of a learning activity than a sequence of learning activities.
Comparative Study of Symbolic Motifs of Peacock and Simurgh in Selected Historical Monuments of the Safavid Period in Ardabil and Isfahan Cities (Iran)
Authors: ESMİ Roya , SHAHBAZİ SHİRAN Habib
Published: October 2021

The symbolic motifs of birds in historical monuments are an embodiment of religious concepts and ancient myths and express the rich mystical content, human aspirations and desires through its historical period. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the commonalities or differences between the location, number and interpretations of bird motifs (Simurgh and Peacock) at the beginning and the end of the Safavid dynasty, in selected monuments of the cities of Ardabil (Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili’s Khānegāh and the tomb of Sheikh Amin al-Din Jabrail) and Isfahan (Shah Mosque, Hasht Behesht Palace, Chahār Bāgh school and Emamzadeh Haroun-e-Velayat). In this study, field method and content and historical analysis of information sources and documents were used. The analysis showed that most of the Peacock and Simurgh motifs are found in the monuments of Ardabil, in the interior and exterior spaces, and in the selected monuments of Isfahan, mostly in the exterior spaces, facaded and entrance gates. The Peacock bird motifs in the monuments of Ardabil city, probably refers more to deep mysticism, perishing in God, spirituality and inner purity, but in the monuments of Isfahan city, the Peacock motifs often serves as a gatekeeper and guiding people toward heaven and repelling the devil. Also, Simurgh's motifs in the historical monuments of Ardabil city seem to be somewhat reminiscent of unity in plurality, a symbol of the essence of transcendence, perfect man and divinity; However, in the historical monuments of Isfahan, it often refers to the conflicting concepts of the human soul, which includes Ahura Mazda and Ahriman, and indicates man's attempt to overcome his own soul.
Temperature Waves Phase Optimal Time Lag in the Refrigerated Warehouse Thermal Insulation
Authors: MYRONCHUK Yurii , KHMELNİUK Mykhailo
Published: October 2021

The thermal inertia of the wall manifests itself as a damping of amplitude (Decrement Factor) as well as a temperature wave phase lag (Time Lag) upon its passing through the wall. The objective of the research was to highlight the utilization prospects of these phenomena in the building envelops of large refrigerated warehouses. Numerical methods were used for nonlinear, non-stationary processes simulation. The relationship of the refrigeration cycle to the thermo-insulating walls of the cold store in the conditions of daily external temperature oscillations and solar radiation flux has been studied. As the ambient temperature rises, the power efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is decreasing and the need to increase the compressor displacement is growing. If the value of the phase delay in the wall is optimum, the daily minimum of the heat leakage through the wall enters the chamber with the phase shift for the period of maximum daily external temperature. This enables to smooth out the daily oscillations amplitudes of the heat load of the refrigerating machine as well as compressor power rating and to approximate their peak values closer to the average daily ones. The study had been concluded by demonstrating the possibility of reduction in: heat exchange areas for both condenser and evaporator, receiver volume, diameter of pipelines, material cost. Better conditions for temperature stabilization in the cold store will enhance the keeping quality and prolong the food products shelf life.
Chaos theory and youth extremism in Russia
Authors: Vatoropin Aleksandr , Duran Tat'yana , Tagilceva Yuliya
Published: October 2021

Many scientific works of sociologists, political analysts, psychologists, linguists have been devoted to the study of youth extremism, its various aspects and the fight against it. However, youth extremism still exists, and its violent manifestations destroy political and social stability in different countries including Russia. Therefore, the search for ways to counter this phenomenon continues.

The purpose of the study is to clarify the concepts of youth extremism, to determine the approach to its study and the fight against it as well as to apply this approach to the predicted specific political crisis in Russia.

Methodology, methods. The article uses chaos theory adapted to the analysis of social reality as a methodology for the study of youth extremism. To tackle manifestations of youth extremism, the method based on the use of so–called strange attractors is proposed.

Results. The field of the research is determined through the correlation of the concepts of “extremism”, “radicalism”, “deviation”, “delinquency”. The study clarifies the concept of extremism, gives its classification, and substantiates the boundaries of its social carrier - the youth. Chaos theory is used to study youth extremism and predict the development of social crises in Russia, in which young people can take an active part. The possibility of using so-called strange attractors to prevent active performances of young extremists in a situation of a specific political crisis is shown.

The scientific novelty lies in the use of chaos theory to study youth extremism in modern Russia and the fight against it.

Practical significance. A concrete way of countering manifestations of youth extremism in real political conditions is suggested.
Peculiarities of Relations in LGBT Community
Authors: Lar'kina Viktoriya , Pochebut Lyudmila
Published: October 2021

Introduction. LGBT communities belong to groups with deviant behavior. A small amount of information about the structure of the LGBT community causes the following problems: 1. Disinformation and negative attitude towards the activities of the LGBT community. 2. The LGBT community consists of significantly different groups with different needs and specific problems, which leads to misunderstandings and conflicts of interests within the social movement. 3. Hidden conflicts within the LGBT community have an influence on its activity.

The purpose of the research is to study the peculiarities of intergroup relations within the LGBT community.

Methodology, methods and techniques. Participants were 134 representatives of the LGBT community. The sample included 34 lesbians, 8 gays, 16 bisexuals, 27 transgender, 15 asexual people, 14 pansexual and 20 genderqueer or non-binary people. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used in the study. The respondents were asked to fill out a questionnaire including the following techniques: 1. Questionnaire “Components of social capital” by L. G. Pochebut; 2. Questionnaire “SEP” by L. G. Pochebut; 3. Questionnaire “The need for affiliation” by A. Mahrebian; 4. Questionnaire “Measuring trust” by R. B. Sho; 5. Open questions.

Results. When analyzing the data, the following significant intergroup differences were identified: indicators of “trust” and “goals and values” are lower among transgender people than lesbian, pansexual and genderqueer people. The level of trust among pansexual people is higher than in other groups. “Fear of social rejection” with asexual people is higher than with prosexual people, while the same indicator with asexual people is higher than “fear of social rejection” with lesbian, gay and pansexual people. Gays have lower “fear of social rejection” than transgender people. At the same time, the latter are less inclined to collectivism than cisgender. Lesbians are more prone to affective neutrality than gay and transgender people, while homosexual men are likely to be affective than other groups. Bisexual people are more prone to universalism than other groups.

Scientific novelty of the research is determined by the fact that intergroup relations in the LGBT community have not been previously investigated by Russian scientists.

Practical significance. To provide effective counselling being in great demand nowadays among LGBT people, it is necessary to understand community peculiarities and relations between groups.