bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitude Determination of Photovoltaic Device by Means of Differential Absorption Imaging
Authors: Asaba Kaoru , Miyamoto Tomoyuki
Published: December 2023

Future wireless power transmission will cover power levels up to kilowatts or more and transmission distances up to the scale of kilometers. With its narrow beam divergence angle, optical wireless power transmission (OWPT) is a promising candidate for such system implementations. In the operation of OWPT, it is necessary to estimate the position, direction (azimuth, elevation), and attitude of the target photovoltaic device before the power supply. The authors have proposed the detection of targets using differential absorption imaging and positioning with a combination of stereo imagery. In the positioning by stereo imagery, a condition regarding the consistency of the left and right images can be defined. This corresponds to the certain value of the exposure time of the image sensor, and this depends on the target’s attitude angle. In this paper, we discuss target attitude estimation using this minimum exposure time at which the integrity measure converges. A physical model was derived under general conditions of target position and experimental configuration. Target attitudes were estimated within an error range of 10 to 15 degrees in approximately 60 degrees range. On the other hand, there is an attitude estimation method based on the apparent size of the target. When using this method to estimate the attitude angle, errors are significantly large for specular and diffuse mixed targets like the PV. The method proposed in this paper is a robust attitude estimation method for the photovoltaic device in OWPT.
Influences of Fiber Volume Content on the Mechanical Properties of 2D Plain Carbon-Fiber Woven Composite Materials
Authors: Gong Jingliang , Saeed Nouman , Huang Xigui , Tian Weiwei , Li Lixiao , Song Jian
Published: December 2023

The influence of fiber volume content on the mechanical properties of two-dimensional (2D) plain carbon-fiber woven composites is a crucial concern that necessitates immediate attention for large-scale applications in wind turbine blades. In this study, various mechanical tests were conducted on 2D plain carbon-fiber woven composites with different fiber volume contents, and the influences of fiber volume content on the mechanical properties and failure mode of the composite material were analyzed. Using carbon fiber as reinforcement and epoxy resin as a matrix, three types of plates with fiber volume contents of 47%, 50% and 53% were fabricated by using autoclave technology. The tensile, compression and interlaminar shear tests of the two-dimensional woven composites were carried out using MTS series testing machines. The influences of fiber volume content on tensile strength and modulus, compressive strength and modulus, interlaminar shear strength and shear strain energy were investigated. Additionally, the progressive damage development of these two-dimensional woven composites under different stress states was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the tensile strength and compressive strength increase almost linearly with the increase in fiber volume content, while the interlaminar shear strength increases slowly at low fiber volume content and rapidly at high fiber volume content. The tensile modulus of elasticity slightly increases as the fiber volume content increases, whereas the compressive modulus remains stable at low fiber volume content but gradually decreases at high fiber volume content. With the increase in fiber volume content, the shear strain energy of the specimen increases significantly.
Study of the Viscoelastic and Rheological Properties of Rubber-Bitumen Binders Obtained from Rubber Waste
Authors: Akkenzheyeva Anar , Haritonovs Viktors , Bussurmanova Akkenzhe , Merijs-Meri Remo , Imanbayev Yerzhan , Riekstins Arturs , Serikbayeva Akmaral , Sydykov Serik , Aimova Murshida , Mustapayeva Gulnara
Published: December 2023

According to scientific research from different countries, crumb rubber obtained from end-of-life tires (ELT) during processing can improve the properties of the asphalt mixture, thereby extending the service life of the road surface. This paper presents the modification of bitumen with industrial rubber waste. The modification of bitumen for roads is considered one of the most suitable and popular approaches. This research paper describes the details of using different types of crumb rubber as bitumen modifiers. The modified bitumen’s main physical and mechanical characteristics were determined after conventional tests: penetration and ductility, softening point, and Fraas brittleness point. In order to obtain a rubber–asphalt concrete mixture with improved performance characteristics, the viscoelastic and rheological properties of rubber–bitumen binders and their comparison with polymer–bitumen binders were also studied. The research results show that with increasing temperature, the values of viscosity, shear stress and complex shear modulus of all studied bitumen systems decrease, the values of the phase shift angle increase, and the size of the rubber particles has a greater influence on the properties of bitumen systems.
From Waste to Value Added Products: Manufacturing High Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Composite from End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Waste
Authors: Moaref Roxana , Shajari Shaghayegh , Sundararaj Uttandaraman
Published: December 2023

The use of plastics in automobiles is increasing dramatically due to their advantages of low weight and cost-effectiveness. Various products can be manufactured by recycling end-of-life vehicle (ELV) plastic waste, enhancing sustainability within this sector. This study presents the development of an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield that can be used for protecting electronic devices in vehicles by recycling waste bumpers of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber from ELVs. EPDM waste was added to a unique combination of 40/60: PP/CaCO3 master batch and conductive nanofiller of carbon nanotubes using an internal melt mixing process. This nanocomposite was highly conductive, with an electrical conductivity of 5.2×10−1S·cm−1 for 5 vol% CNT in a 30 wt% EPDM/70 wt% PP/CaCO3 master batch and showed a high EMI shielding effectiveness of 30.4 dB. An ultra-low percolation threshold was achieved for the nanocomposite at 0.25 vol% CNT. Waste material in the composite improved the yield strain by about 46% and strain at break by 54% in comparison with the same composition without waste. Low cost and light-weight fabricated composite from ELV waste shows high EMI SE for application in electronic vehicles and opens a new path to convert waste to wealth.
One-Step Preparation of Fiber-Based Chlorzoxazone Solid Dispersion by Centrifugal Spinning
Authors: Bitay Enikő , Gergely Attila Levente , Szabó Zoltán-István
Published: December 2023

An amorphous fiber-based solid dispersion of chlorzoxazone was prepared for the first time by employing centrifugal spinning, using polyvinylpyrrolidone as the fiber-forming polymer. After optimization of the spinning parameters, the obtained fibers were characterized using a set of analytical techniques, both in a solid- and solution-state. Morphological characterization revealed a slightly aligned, defect-free fibrous structure with an average fiber diameter of d = 3.07 ± 1.32 μm. The differential scanning calorimetric results indicated a crystalline-to-amorphous transition of the active substance during the centrifugal spinning process, while gas chromatographic determinations revealed a residual ethanol content of 0.42 ± 0.04%. UV spectroscopy indicated the incorporation of chlorzoxazone in the fibrous structures, with an average active substance content of 15.91 ± 0.36 w/w%. During small-volume dissolution studies, the prepared fiber mats presented immediate disintegration upon contact with the dissolution media, followed by rapid dissolution of the active substance, with 84.8% dissolved at 1 min and 93.7% at 3 min, outperforming the micronized, pure chlorzoxazone. The obtained results indicate that centrifugal spinning is a low-cost, high-yield, viable alternative to the currently used methods to prepare fiber-based amorphous solid dispersions of poorly soluble drugs. The prepared chlorzoxazone-loaded microfibers could be used as a buccal dosage form for the systematic delivery of chlorzoxazone and could potentially lead to a rapid onset of action and longer efficacy of the muscle relaxant drug.
Synthesis, Characterization and Performance of Materials for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Vakros John , Hapeshi Evroula , Cannilla Catia , Bonura Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

The current era has been defined as “The Plastic Era”, considering that over the past 50 years the role and importance of polymeric materials in our economy has steadily grown, reaching a production of around a few hundred million tons per year which may even double in the next 20 years [...]
Reforming Construction Waste Management for Circular Economy in Kazakhstan: A Cost–Benefit Analysis of Upgrading Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Centres
Authors: Karaca Ferhat , Tleuken Aidana
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the advantages of enhancing construction and demolition waste (CDW) recycling facilities to conform to circular economy (CE) models in Kazakhstan’s construction sector. The industry is experiencing significant growth due to urbanization, but it faces difficulties managing CDW, frequently resulting in landfill disposal. In response, this paper provides a cost–benefit analysis of upgrading the CDW recycling centres aligned with CE needs. Reflecting legislative changes in Kazakhstan’s Environmental Code, which prohibited CDW in landfills starting December 2020, the initiative to establish modern CDW recycling centres is gaining momentum in major cities. The primary objective is to maximize material recovery and eliminate contaminants that curtail the utilization of recycled sand and aggregate products. The analysis yields compelling results, indicating that the project has the potential to recycle up to 84 million tons of CDW over eight years, with an annual 25% capacity increase and a maximum possible 95% recycling efficiency. Despite an estimated cost of USD 48 million, the project demonstrates a payback period of 9.9 years, signalling eventual cost recovery. These findings underscore the project’s capacity to mitigate CDW issues while generating economic benefits and contributing to a sustainable environment. In conclusion, implementing modern CDW recycling centres in Kazakhstan represents a potent solution for the construction industry as it transitions toward a CE model. This transition addresses both pressing environmental challenges and promising economic prospects.
Fast Thick Cloud Removal for Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing Imagery via Representation Coefficient Total Variation
Authors: Xu Shuang , Wang Jilong , Wang Jialin
Published: December 2023

Although thick cloud removal is a complex task, the past decades have witnessed the remarkable development of tensor-completion-based techniques. Nonetheless, they require substantial computational resources and may suffer from checkboard artifacts. This study presents a novel technique to address this challenging task using representation coefficient total variation (RCTV), which imposes a total variation regularizer on decomposed data. The proposed approach enhances cloud removal performance while effectively preserving the textures with high speed. The experimental results confirm the efficiency of our method in restoring image textures, demonstrating its superior performance compared to state-of-the-art techniques.
Limitations of Bulk Diamond Sensors for Single-Cell Thermometry
Authors: Alessio Andrea , Bernardi Ettore , Moreva Ekaterina , Degiovanni Ivo Pietro , Genovese Marco , Truccato Marco
Published: December 2023

The present paper reports on a Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis of the experimental situation corresponding to the measurement of the temperature variation in a single cell plated on bulk diamond by means of optical techniques. Starting from previous experimental results, we have determined—in a uniform power density approximation and under steady-state conditions—the total heat power that has to be dissipated by a single cell plated on a glassy substrate in order to induce the typical maximum temperature increase ΔTglass=1 K. While keeping all of the other parameters constant, the glassy substrate has been replaced by a diamond plate. The FEM analysis shows that, in this case, the maximum temperature increase is expected at the diamond/cell interface and is as small as ΔTdiam=4.6×10−4 K. We have also calculated the typical decay time in the transient scenario, which resulted in τ≈ 250 μs. By comparing these results with the state-of-the-art sensitivity values, we prove that the potential advantages of a longer coherence time, better spectral properties, and the use of special field alignments do not justify the use of diamond substrates in their bulk form.
Detection and Control Framework for Unpiloted Ground Support Equipment within the Aircraft Stand
Authors: Zhang Tianxiong , Zhang Zhiqiang , Zhu Xinping
Published: December 2023

The rapid advancement in Unpiloted Robotic Vehicle technology has significantly influenced ground support operations at airports, marking a critical shift towards future development. This study presents a novel Unpiloted Ground Support Equipment (GSE) detection and control framework, comprising virtual channel delineation, boundary line detection, object detection, and navigation and docking control, to facilitate automated aircraft docking within the aircraft stand. Firstly, we developed a bespoke virtual channel layout for Unpiloted GSE, aligning with operational regulations and accommodating a wide spectrum of aircraft types. This layout employs turning induction markers to define essential navigation points, thereby streamlining GSE movement. Secondly, we integrated cameras and Lidar sensors to enable rapid and precise pose adjustments during docking. The introduction of a boundary line detection system, along with an optimized, lightweight YOLO algorithm, ensures swift and accurate identification of boundaries, obstacles, and docking sites. Finally, we formulated a unique control algorithm for effective obstacle avoidance and docking in varied apron conditions, guaranteeing meticulous management of vehicle pose and speed. Our experimental findings reveal an 89% detection accuracy for the virtual channel boundary line, a 95% accuracy for guiding markers, and an F1-Score of 0.845 for the YOLO object detection algorithm. The GSE achieved an average docking error of less than 3 cm and an angular deviation under 5 degrees, corroborating the efficacy and advanced nature of our proposed approach in Unpiloted GSE detection and aircraft docking.
Investigating Activity Recognition for Hemiparetic Stroke Patients Using Wearable Sensors: A Deep Learning Approach with Data Augmentation
Authors: Oh Youngmin , Choi Sol-A , Shin Yumi , Jeong Yeonwoo , Lim Jongkuk , Kim Sujin
Published: December 2023

Measuring the daily use of an affected limb after hospital discharge is crucial for hemiparetic stroke rehabilitation. Classifying movements using non-intrusive wearable sensors provides context for arm use and is essential for the development of a home rehabilitation system. However, the movement classification of stroke patients poses unique challenges, including variability and sparsity. To address these challenges, we collected movement data from 15 hemiparetic stroke patients (Stroke group) and 29 non-disabled individuals (ND group). The participants performed two different tasks, the range of motion (14 movements) task and the activities of daily living (56 movements) task, wearing five inertial measurement units in a home setting. We trained a 1D convolutional neural network and evaluated its performance for different training groups: ND-only, Stroke-only, and ND and Stroke jointly. We further compared the model performance with data augmentation from axis rotation and investigated how the performance varied based on the asymmetry of movements. The joint training of ND + Stroke yielded an increased F1-score by a margin of 31.6% and 10.6% compared to ND-only training and Stroke-only training, respectively. Data augmentation further enhanced F1-scores across all conditions by an average of 11.3%. Finally, asymmetric movements decreased the F1-score by 25.9% compared to symmetric movements in the Stroke group, indicating the importance of asymmetry in movement classification.
A Deep Learning Model with a Self-Attention Mechanism for Leg Joint Angle Estimation across Varied Locomotion Modes
Authors: Ding Guanlin , Georgilas Ioannis , Plummer Andrew
Published: December 2023

Conventional trajectory planning for lower limb assistive devices usually relies on a finite-state strategy, which pre-defines fixed trajectory types for specific gait events and activities. The advancement of deep learning enables walking assistive devices to better adapt to varied terrains for diverse users by learning movement patterns from gait data. Using a self-attention mechanism, a temporal deep learning model is developed in this study to continuously generate lower limb joint angle trajectories for an ankle and knee across various activities. Additional analyses, including using Fast Fourier Transform and paired t-tests, are conducted to demonstrate the benefits of the proposed attention model architecture over the existing methods. Transfer learning has also been performed to prove the importance of data diversity. Under a 10-fold leave-one-out testing scheme, the observed attention model errors are 11.50% (±2.37%) and 9.31% (±1.56%) NRMSE for ankle and knee angle estimation, respectively, which are small in comparison to other studies. Statistical analysis using the paired t-test reveals that the proposed attention model appears superior to the baseline model in terms of reduced prediction error. The attention model also produces smoother outputs, which is crucial for safety and comfort. Transfer learning has been shown to effectively reduce model errors and noise, showing the importance of including diverse datasets. The suggested joint angle trajectory generator has the potential to seamlessly switch between different locomotion tasks, thereby mitigating the problem of detecting activity transitions encountered by the traditional finite-state strategy. This data-driven trajectory generation method can also reduce the burden on personalization, as traditional devices rely on prosthetists to experimentally tune many parameters for individuals with diverse gait patterns.
Assessing the Influence of a Rotating Magnetic Field on Ibuprofen Permeability from Diverse Pharmaceutical Formulations
Authors: Nowak Anna , Ossowicz-Rupniewska Paula , Konopacki Maciej , Muzykiewicz-Szymańska Anna , Kucharski Łukasz , Rakoczy Rafał
Published: December 2023

This study introduces a novel approach for enhancing the transdermal permeability of ibuprofen through the skin by utilising a rotating magnetic field (RMF). The core objective is to systematically evaluate the influence of a 50 Hz RMF on ibuprofen’s skin permeability across various formulation types, each employing distinct physical forms and excipients. The experimental setup involved Franz cells with skin as the membrane, exposed to a 50 Hz RMF in conjunction with specific formulations. Subsequent comprehensive analysis revealed a notable increase in the transdermal transport of ibuprofen, irrespective of the formulation employed. Notably, the differences in the initial 30 min of permeation were particularly pronounced. Crucially, this investigation establishes that the application of a 50 Hz RMF resulted in a remarkable over-sevenfold increase in ibuprofen permeability compared to the control group without RMF exposure. It is noteworthy that in all semi-solid pharmaceutical formulations tested, RMF effectively reduced the delay time to zero, underscoring the efficiency of RMF in overcoming barriers to transdermal drug delivery. This research positions the application of RMF as a highly promising and innovative technology, significantly enhancing the transdermal penetration of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs through the skin. The demonstrated effectiveness of RMF across diverse formulations suggests its potential in transdermal drug delivery, offering a novel and efficient strategy for improving therapeutic outcomes in the administration of ibuprofen and potentially other pharmaceutical agents.
Popular Gym Fitness Sport: An Analysis of 1387 Recreational Athletes Regarding Prone to Pain Exercises and the Corresponding Localisations
Authors: Bernstorff Maria A. , Schumann Norman , Finke Andreas , Schildhauer Thomas A. , Königshausen Matthias
Published: December 2023

Background: Recreational fitness sports are popular worldwide and rank first among organised sports. This study aims to bridge a knowledge gap by examining which exercises are most prone to causing pain symptoms, as a possible precursor for injury, and analysing the body regions that are most frequently affected. Methods: Using an online questionnaire, 20 demographic and training-specific items and 49 sport-specific exercises were recorded. Frequent exercises as well as the incidence and distribution of pain symptoms that the athletes experienced during or in relation to their training were evaluated. Results: The study assessed common exercises and documented the frequency and distribution of pain symptoms experienced by athletes during or in relation to their training. A total of 1387 respondents were included in this study. Of these, 732 (53.1%) experienced pain during their fitness training, with 333 (24.2%) being female and 397 (22.3%) being male. The method of creating a training plan showed a significant influence (p < 0.001): athletes who devised their own plans reported pain or instability more frequently than those in the comparison groups. Guided exercises on machines resulted in the lowest frequency of pain (11.54%), while exercises with free weights were associated with the highest pain rate among respondents (19.94%). Specifically, exercises such as the back squat, deadlift, bench press, and triceps dips were identified as the exercises most commonly associated with pain. The most frequently reported pain region was the shoulder, followed by the lower back and knees. Conclusion: The findings reveal a significant number of unreported pain symptoms. The disparity between rigorous training volumes and the absence of professional care frequently leads to injuries and pain. It is incumbent upon sports medicine to investigate the root causes of these complaints (pain or instability) to implement preventive measures against potential injuries.
Accessibility of Cultural Heritage Sites for People with Disabilities: A Case Study on Krakow Museums
Authors: Kruczek Zygmunt , Gmyrek Katarzyna , Ziżka Danuta , Korbiel Karolina , Nowak Karolina
Published: December 2023

The aim of this paper is to assess the accessibility of flagship cultural attractions—that is, museums located in Krakow, a city with a rich historical heritage included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List and distinguished by being a recipient of the Access City Award—for people with disabilities. This research shows the degree to which these museums have been adapted to receive visitors with disabilities. Assessments were also conducted with regard to access to the museums’ websites and the possibility for virtual tours of their collections. Out of a total of 50 museums, 31 were selected for this study, both leading museums in terms of attendance, such as Wawel Royal Castle, the National Museum, the Museum of Krakow, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and smaller ones such as the Aviation Museum. The research results indicate that Krakow museums are well-prepared for receiving people with physical disabilities and seniors but are less well adapted to receiving visually impaired and blind people and hearing-impaired and deaf people. Analysis of the museums’ websites showed that they are well-prepared in terms of compatibility and comprehensibility but that they received worse assessment scores with regard to their perceivability and functionality. Visitors to the museums are principally adults, adolescents, and seniors. People with disabilities make up 10% of all visitors.
Co-Creation of Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Experiences: Education and Organizations in Search of New Business Models
Authors: Guerra Ricardo Jorge da Costa , Gonçalves Eduardo Cândido Cordeiro
Published: December 2023

Sustainability is and will be very closely linked to the development of tourism in the future. It is the most important trend shaping the sector, and it will continue to determine travelers’ preferences and motivations in the period after COVID-19. It is important that tourism destinations and the stakeholders work together to enhance their resources sustainably through valuing the socio-cultural authenticity of communities, preserving biodiversity, and also ensuring the social well-being and economic security of destinations. Destinations need to work closely with entrepreneurs to better understand their current challenges. Investment in sustainable practices and products must be part of the new business models and provide competitive advantages for all stakeholders. The time we are living in is crucial, and it is a unique opportunity to rethink the sector from the perspective of a more sustainable, safer, and technological future that favors a circular economy model. This work follows the development of a methodology using the Demola Model, collaborated by a higher education institution and a hotel, to seek an investment in a new product driven by a clear commitment to sustainability. With a methodology composed of the application of different tools, namely design research, observations/visits, interviews, benchmarking, speculative design, future scenarios, among others, we have sought to understand the main markets and contexts around the world and explore alternative opportunities and action plans. Aqua Village Health Resort & Spa (Portugal) was selected as a partner for this collaborative work. The final project presented was the creation of a restaurant linked to the sustainable concept and cooking based on fire, located on the riverbank and in the water: Aquafire—Underwater Food Experience.
Aligning Stakeholders and Actors: A New Safety and Security-Based Design Approach for Major National Infrastructures
Authors: Björnsdóttir Svana Helen , Jensson Pall , Thorsteinsson Saemundur E. , Dokas Ioannis M. , Ingason Helgi Thor
Published: December 2023

This study introduces a systems-theoretic methodology to meet the requirements of a major national infrastructure for safety and security-based design by enhancing the alignment of stakeholders and actors in the project. Safe-by-Design (SbD) is an engineering concept for risk management that considers safety as much as possible in the design phase. The article presents the results of a case study conducted to investigate the efficacy of recent system safety models and analysis techniques in the major national infrastructure of a Waste-to-Energy (WtE) project under consideration in Iceland. The structures and roles within the system responsible for constructing the WtE plant, given the sustainability and circular economy restrictions, are addressed in the study. Stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities are analyzed, yielding their feedback on potential risks and creating a positive image of the project. Also, suitable ways to enter the project and finance it are devised. In essence, this enables the creation of a safety and security-based design approach. Furthermore, detailed documentation of the system model development is presented. The novelty of the study lies in the application of STAM, STPA, and STECA as an SbD approach for a major infrastructure project. Also, the methods discussed here have not been used in a WtE project as far as we know.
Analysis of the Functionality of a Mobile Network of Sensors in a Construction Project Supervision System Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Strach Michał , Różanowski Krzysztof , Pietrucha Jerzy , Lewandowski Jarosław
Published: December 2023

This manuscript presents the results of a project related to the construction and testing of selected devices included in a space inspection and worker supervision system. The most important components of this system are a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles, a docking station for the automatic charging of many drones, monitoring sensors, and user software that integrates all components responsible for mission planning (UAV raids) and measurement data processing. All components were built according to an original solution. The main part of this manuscript is a description of tests used to verify the functionality of a sensor network for monitoring infrastructural elements and moving objects, including people working on a construction project. As part of this research, procedures for testing sensor networks under laboratory and field conditions were developed. The tests performed demonstrated the ability of the MESH network to self-organize depending on the location of the elements in the network. The system that was built ensured the transmission of data from telemetric devices during UAV flights, regardless of the coverage of terrain by other networks, such as Wi-Fi and GSM networks. Data were sent to the end user via a LAN network based on the IP protocol. The maximum range between devices forming the network and the range limitations caused by various terrain obstacles were also determined.
Modeling Hydrologic–Economic Interactions for Sustainable Development: A Case Study in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Zhou Hanzhang , Zhang Jinghao , Cui Shibo , Zhao Jianshi
Published: December 2023

Water shortages are major constraints on economic development in water-deficient regions such as Inner Mongolia, China. Moreover, macroscale interactions between water resources and the regional economy remain unclear. This study addresses this problem by building a network-based hydro-economic model that integrates ecological, economic, social, and environmental data into a coherent framework. We assessed the relationship between water resources and economic performance under different water-saving and climate change scenarios. The results showed that both water-saving policies and increased water availability due to climate change can increase economic productivity. Water saving can also mitigate the negative impact of climate change-driven decreased rainfall by restoring the gross domestic product (GDP) to 97.3% of its former level. The interaction between water resources and economic productivity depends on specific factors that affect water availability. A trade-off relationship exists between economic development and water protection and was more discernible when the total GDP reached 10,250 billion CNY. When the trade-off ratio reaches 6:1, economic output decreases because of a lack of ecological water resources, even if further stress is placed on the objective. Thus, this study demonstrates the effect of water resources on economic growth and highlights the need for improved water management in water-deficient regions.
On the Design of Multi-Party Reversible Data Hiding over Ciphered Overexposed Images
Authors: Chen Bing , Yang Ranran , Fang Wanhan , Zhan Xiuye , Cai Jun
Published: December 2023

Multi-party reversible data hiding over ciphered images (MRDH-CI) has high restorability since the image is split into multiple ciphered images by secret sharing. However, the MRDH-CI methods either fail to produce satisfied results, or only work well for conventional images. This paper introduces a multi-party reversible data-hiding approach over ciphered overexposed images. First, the pixels of the overexposed images are decomposed into two parts, each of which can be used for secret sharing. Then, the decomposed overexposed images are converted into multiple ciphered overexposed images by using a modified secret sharing method, in which the differences of the ciphered overexposed images are retained. The symmetry of the difference retaining makes the secret data conceal within the ciphered overexposed images such that the marked ciphered overexposed images can be created. Finally, by collecting sufficient marked ciphered overexposed images, it is possible to symmetrically reconstruct the concealed data and primitive overexposed image. Experimental results illustrate that the presented method can efficiently deal with overexposed images while maintaining a low computational overhead.
Improvement in Quality-of-Life-Related Outcomes Following Treatment with IncobotulinumtoxinA in Adults with Limb Spasticity: A Pooled Analysis
Authors: Molteni Franco , Wissel Jörg , Fheodoroff Klemens , Munin Michael C. , Patel Atul T. , Althaus Michael , Comes Georg , Dekundy Andrzej , Pulte Irena , Scheschonka Astrid , Vacchelli Matteo , Santamato Andrea
Published: December 2023

A strong correlation has been reported between patient-reported quality of life (QoL) and the investigator-rated Disability Assessment Scale (DAS) in patients with spasticity. The current analysis evaluates the effect of incobotulinumtoxinA on QoL-related outcomes (limb position abnormality, as well as dressing- and hygiene-related disability, measured with the DAS) in adults with upper limb spasticity, using pooled data from six studies. Separate analyses for each DAS domain were performed using data from patients with disabilities for that domain (DAS score ≥1). Results showed that a significantly greater proportion of incobotulinumtoxinA-treated compared with placebo-treated patients achieved a ≥1-point reduction from baseline in each of the DAS domains (improvement) 4 weeks after the first injection. The benefits of incobotulinumtoxinA were observed regardless of the baseline severity of DAS impairment and of the time elapsed since stroke. The effects of incobotulinumtoxinA 4 weeks after injection were maintained or enhanced over multiple injection cycles for all three DAS domains, supporting the use of repeated injection cycles to provide sustained QoL benefit. IncobotulinumtoxinA represents an important treatment option to achieve better QoL-related outcomes for patients with upper limb spasticity, irrespective of the duration of their condition.
Development and Clinical Performance of InteliSwab® COVID-19 Rapid Test: Evaluation of Antigen Test for the Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 and Analytical Sensitivity to Detect Variants of Concern Including Omicron and Subvariants
Authors: Fischl Mark J. , Young Janean , Kardos Keith , Roehler Michele , Miller Tiffany , Wooten Melinda , Holmes Natalie , Gula Nicole , Baglivo Mia , Steen Justin , Zelenz Nori , Joyee Antony George , Munster Vincent , Weishampel Zack , Yinda Claude Kwe , Rouse Kevin G. , Gvozden Cathy , Wever David , Yanez Giralt , Anderson Marc , Yu Song , Bearie Brian , Young Stephen , Berry Jody D.
Published: December 2023

Background and objectives: Timely detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection with subsequent contact tracing and rapid isolation are considered critical to containing the pandemic, which continues with the emergence of new variants. Hence, there is an ongoing need for reliable point-of-care antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDT). This report describes the development, evaluation, and analytical sensitivity of the diagnostic performance of the InteliSwab® COVID-19 Rapid Test. Methods: Samples from 165 symptomatic subjects were tested with InteliSwab® and the results were compared to RT-PCR to determine the antigen test performance. The analytical sensitivity of InteliSwab® for the detection of different variants was assessed by limit of detection (LOD) determination using recombinant nucleocapsid proteins (NPs) and testing with virus isolates. Western immunoblot independently confirmed that each monoclonal Ab is capable of binding to all variants tested thus far. Results: The overall positivity rate by RT-PCR was 37% for the 165 symptomatic subjects. Based on RT-PCR results as the reference standard, InteliSwab® showed clinical sensitivity and specificity of 85.2% (95% CI, 74.3–92.0%) and 98.1% (95% CI, 93.3–99.7%), respectively. The overall agreement was 93.3% (Kappa index value 0.85; 95% CI, 0.77–0.74) between RT-PCR and InteliSwab® test results. Furthermore, the evaluation of analytical sensitivity for different SARS-CoV-2 variants by InteliSwab® was comparable in the detection of all the variants tested, including Omicron subvariants, BA.4, BA.5, and BQ.1. Conclusions: Due to the surge of infections caused by different variants from time to time, there is a critical need to evaluate the sensitivity of rapid antigen-detecting tests for new variants. The study findings showed the robust diagnostic performance of InteliSwab® and analytical sensitivity in detecting different SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the Omicron subvariants. With the integrated swab and excellent sensitivity and variant detection, this test has high potential as a point-of-care Ag-RDT in various settings when molecular assays are in limited supply and rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 is necessary.
Water Resources and Sustainable Development
Authors: Li Peiyue , Wu Jianhua
Published: December 2023

This editorial introduces the Special Issue titled “Water Resources and Sustainable Development,” underscoring the critical need for sustainable management of water resources in light of increasing demand, climate change impacts, and pollution. The issue delves into the intricate relationship between water availability, quality, utilization, and the socioeconomic determinants shaping these aspects, highlighting the necessity for novel, balanced strategies that cater to societal, economic, and environmental requirements. The research within this Special Issue is segmented into four key areas: understanding hydrochemical properties and water quality; evaluating anthropogenic effects on water resources; strategizing water resource management; and applying technological innovations in water resource management. Collectively, these studies broaden our comprehension of water resources and sustainable development, stressing the importance of continuous research in this sphere. As we look ahead, this editorial accentuates the importance of ongoing exploration and innovation in these pivotal areas, focusing on understanding climate change implications, mitigating human-induced impacts, refining water management strategies, and harnessing technological advancements. Its overarching aim is to propel worldwide initiatives towards achieving comprehensive water security and sustainability.
A Mechanistic Model for Simulation of Carbendazim and Chlorothalonil Transport through a Two-Stage Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland
Authors: Wehbe Stan , Zewge Feleke , Inagaki Yoshihiko , Sievert Wolfram , Nutakki Tirumala Uday Kumar , Deshpande Akshay
Published: December 2023

A mechanistic model was developed to simulate one-dimensional pesticide transport in two-stage vertical flow constructed wetland. The two pesticides taken under study were carbendazim and chlorothalonil. The water flow patterns within the constructed wetland were simulated using the Richards equation. Water content and vertical flux, which are the outputs of the substrate water flow model, were used to calculate the substrate moisture-related parameters and advection term in the solute transport model. The governing solute transport equation took into account a total of six processes: advection, molecular diffusion, dispersion, adsorption to the solid surface, degradation and volatilization. A total of 14 simulation cases, corresponding with available experimental data, were used to calibrate the model, followed by further simulations with standardized influent pesticide concentrations. The simulations indicated that the constructed wetland reached a steady state of pesticide removal after 7 days of operation. Two distinct water flow patterns emerged under saturated and unsaturated conditions. The patterns observed while varying the hydraulic loading rates were similar for each individual saturation condition. Two-factor ANOVA of the simulated data further revealed that the carbendazim and chlorothalonil removal was dependent on the hydraulic loading rates, but it was independent of the influent pesticide concentration. Analysis of the simulated pesticide removal showed that degradation emerged as the predominant removal process over time for both the pesticides. The model developed in this study can be an important tool for the design and construction of treatment wetlands for pesticide removal from wastewater.
Epistemic Transmission and Originality in Greek-Karamanlidika Publications Related to Makam Music in 19th-Century Istanbul
Authors: DOĞAN Eylül , ÇOLAKOĞLU SARI Gözde
Published: December 2023

Ottoman Istanbul retained its position as the cultural center of the Greek community for centuries. During this period, Greeks interacted with multicultural societies in the city. Their musical culture and interests were also influenced by social interactions. As a result, they recorded some Ottoman musical pieces in various manuscripts from the 16th to the 20th centuries. In the 19th century Greek musicians, mainly cantors, started to publish a series of works on Ottoman repertoire and theory. First, Euterpi (1830) was published in Istanbul. Then a number of publications emerged prior to 1909, at which point O Rithmographos, the last theoretical work of the time, was published. At that time, both the reform of the Orthodox Church (1814) under the influence of modernism and the spread of the printing press facilitated the distribution of such books. In order to write makam music with an efficient technique, they drew upon some theoretical principles from European, Ottoman and church music alike. Since these theoretical adaptations were the result of both technical needs and cultural tendencies, the Greeks cultivated an epistemic originality in terms of makam theory and its history. Moreover, this was the reason that a symbiotic knowledge emerged, drawing upon the aforementioned sources. This study aims to demonstrate both the symbiosis and the originality by examining the musical knowledge embedded in Greek-Karamanlidika publications. The sources will be evaluated in terms of notation, terminology, theory (makam and usûl), repertoire and historical understanding of the makam tradition. The aim of the study is to carry out musicological research on those publications in light of the multicultural character of 19th-century Istanbul.
УТОЧНЕНИЕ РЕФЕРЕНТНЫХ ИНТЕРВАЛОВ 3-ГИДРОКСИБУТИРАТА В КРОВИ ВЫСОКОПРОДУКТИВНЫХ КОРОВ
Authors: ШИРЯЕВ Г.В.
Published: December 2023

В статье рассмотрен алгоритм определения референтных интервалов по 3-гидроксибутирату в крови высокопродуктивных коров. В качестве здоровых животных выбраны коровы 1—4-ой лактации без гинекологических заболеваний с уровнем продуктивности 10—13 тыс. кг молока, индексом осеменения ≤2 и сервис-периодом ≤100 дней. Уровень 3-гидроксибутирата определяли во 2-ю половину транзитного периода — на 5-й и 15-й дни после отела. В первоначальную выборку вошли 279 коров, после удаления статистических выбросов осталось 134. Для определения референтных интервалов применялся непараметрический метод. На 5-й и 15-й дни после отела уровень 3-гидроксибутирата, в среднем, составил 0,88±0,03 ммоль/л. В результате расчета непараметрическим методом референтных интервалов по 3-гидроксибутирату было установлено, что 80% значений лежит в диапазоне от 0,4 до 1,4 ммоль/л. Согласно ГОСТу Р 53022.3-2008, необходимо определить 90%-й доверительный интервал для среднего значения. Он составил 0,81—0,91 ммоль/л. Именно этот интервал предлагается в качестве референтного для здоровых животных. Учитывая, что в ходе формирования референтной популяции животные, у которых фиксировали значения выше 2 ммоль/л, демонстрировали все признаки клинического кетоза (их удаляли из общей выборки), предложена следующая градация: ≤0,9 ммоль/л — норма; 1,0—2,0 ммоль/л — субклинический кетоз; ≥2,1 ммоль/л — клинический кетоз.
ВЛИЯНИЕ КОМПЛЕКСНОЙ КОРМОВОЙ ДОБАВКИ НА СОСТАВ МИКРОБИОМА РУБЦА ДОЙНЫХ КОРОВ
Authors: ЙЫЛДЫРЫМ Е.А. , ЛАПТЕВ Г.Ю. , ДУБРОВИНА Е.Г. , ИЛЬИНА Л.А. , ТЮРИНА Д.Г. , ФИЛИППОВА В.А. , МОРОЗОВ В.Ю. , АЛЕКСЕЕВА Е.И. , ДУБРОВИН А.В. , ДУБРОВИНА А.С.
Published: December 2023

В условиях интенсивного животноводства организму высокопродуктивных коров не удается адаптироваться к метаболическим вызовам, возникающим вследствие перегрузки рубца концентратами. Эксперимент проводили на коровах голштинизированной черно-пестрой породы в течение 111 суток. Методом аналогов были сформированы 2 группы: контрольная, получавшая основной рацион (ОР), и опытная, получавшая ОР и натуральную комплексную кормовую добавку. Бактериальное сообщество рубца оценивали методом NGS-секвенирования. Результаты исследования показали, что применение кормовой добавки дополнительно к ОР позволило увеличить на 90-е сутки лактации среднесуточный удой на 1,6 кг по сравнению с контролем (P≤0,05). В период последействия (1 мес) среднесуточный удой увеличился на 3,2 кг молока по сравнению с продуктивностью коров в контрольной группе (P≤0,05). В результате проведенного NGS-секвенирования в составе микрофлоры рубца исследованных животных было обнаружено 20 филумов микроорганизмов. Самыми обильно представленными (P≤0,05) оказались бактерии филума Bacteroidetes — от 47,1±3,35 до 52,1±4,81%. Показано, что у коров в период раздоя возникают дисбиотические нарушения микрофлоры рубца, которые могут подвергнуть их высокому риску развития воспалительных и инфекционных заболеваний. Так, доля бактерий филума Proteobacteria возрастала (P≤0,05) в обеих группах в конце эксперимента по сравнению с исходными данными, а число Candidatus Saccharibacteria, наоборот, снижалось (P≤0,05). Доля некоторых видов и родов патогенных и условно-патогенных бактерий (Acinetobacter spp., некоторые виды Clostridium, в том числе C. colinum, Porphyromonas spp., Mycoplasma spp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) в образцах от коров из опытной группы к концу эксперимента была ниже, чем в образцах от особей из контрольной группы (P≤0,05). Так, например, общая доля рода Acinetobacter составляла 0,059±0,0049% в опытной группе и 0,15±0,009% — в контрольной. В условиях интенсивного ведения животноводства использование комплексной кормовой добавки помогает восстановить микробиом рубца, нарушенный высококонцентратным кормлением, что позволяет поддерживать молочную продуктивность на более высоком уровне, а также профилактирует инфекционные заболевания.
Desarrollo de competencias en el uso de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación en educación superior: Revisión sistemática
Authors: Vargas Vera Lizet , Tello Yarin Eddy , Ccala Llamoca Marisol
Published: December 2023

Las TIC durante los últimos años han cobrado mayor fuerza, debido a la necesidad e importancia de contar habilidades para manejar recursos virtuales, dentro desarrollo personal, profesional y laboral. Por ello, el objetivo de este este estudio fue analizar las competencias en las TIC dentro de la educación superior, a través de una revisión sistemática dentro del periodo de los últimos 5 años. La búsqueda se llevó a cabo generando un análisis la información recolectada de EBSCO, Redalyc, Scopus, Scielo y Scholar Academic, donde se obtuvieron 122 resultados de las búsquedas iniciales y según criterios de selección quedaron 49 para su análisis. Se concluye que la preparación y creatividad de los docentes en la utilización de las TIC como herramientas emergentes son factores críticos para poder determinar su efectividad.