bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanocrystalline Cubic Phase Scandium-Stabilized Zirconia Thin Films
Authors: Danchuk Victor , Shatalov Mykola , Zinigrad Michael , Kossenko Alexey , Brider Tamara , Le Luc , Johnson Dustin , Strzhemechny Yuri M. , Musin Albina
Published: April 2024

The cubic zirconia (ZrO2) is attractive for a broad range of applications. However, at room temperature, the cubic phase needs to be stabilized. The most studied stabilization method is the addition of the oxides of trivalent metals, such as Sc2O3. Another method is the stabilization of the cubic phase in nanostructures—nanopowders or nanocrystallites of pure zirconia. We studied the relationship between the size factor and the dopant concentration range for the formation and stabilization of the cubic phase in scandium-stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) films. The thin films of (ZrO2)1−x(Sc2O3)x, with x from 0 to 0.2, were deposited on room-temperature substrates by reactive direct current magnetron co-sputtering. The crystal structure of films with an average crystallite size of 85 Å was cubic at Sc2O3 content from 6.5 to 17.5 mol%, which is much broader than the range of 8–12 mol.% of the conventional deposition methods. The sputtering of ScSZ films on hot substrates resulted in a doubling of crystallite size and a decrease in the cubic phase range to 7.4–11 mol% of Sc2O3 content. This confirmed that the size of crystallites is one of the determining factors for expanding the concentration range for forming and stabilizing the cubic phase of ScSZ films.
On-Chip Broadband, Compact TM Mode Mach–Zehnder Optical Isolator Based on InP-on-Insulator Platforms
Authors: Chen Wan-Ting , Liu Li , Zhao Jia , Zhang Chen
Published: April 2024

An integrated optical isolator is a crucial part of photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Existing optical isolators, predominantly based on the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform, face challenges in integrating with active devices. We propose a broadband, compact TM mode Mach–Zehnder optical isolator based on InP-on-insulator platforms. We designed two distinct magneto-optical waveguide structures, employing different methods for bonding Ce:YIG and InP, namely O2 plasma surface activation direct wafer bonding and DVS-benzocyclobutene (BCB) adhesive bonding. Detailed calculations and optimizations were conducted to enhance their non-reciprocal phase shift (NRPS). At a wavelength of 1550 nm, the direct-bonded waveguide structure achieved a 30 dB bandwidth of 72 nm with a length difference of 0.256 µm. The effects of waveguide arm length, fabrication accuracy, and dimensional errors on the device performance are discussed. Additionally, manufacturing tolerances for three types of lithographic processes were calculated, serving as references for practical manufacturing purposes.
Suppression of Root Rot Fungal Diseases in Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) through the Application of Biologically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Ibrahim Ezzeldin , Ahmad Abdelmonim Ali , Abdo El-Sayed , Bakr Mohamed Ahmed , Khalil Mohamed Ali , Abdallah Yasmine , Ogunyemi Solabomi Olaitan , Mohany Mohamed , Al-Rejaie Salim S. , Shou Linfei , Li Bin , Galal Anwar A.
Published: April 2024

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts has become a safe replacement for conventional chemical synthesis methods to fight plant pathogens. In this study, the antifungal activity of biosynthesized AgNPs was evaluated both in vitro and under greenhouse conditions against root rot fungi of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), including Macrophomina phaseolina, Pythium graminicola, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotium rolfsii. Among the eleven biosynthesized AgNPs, those synthesized using Alhagi graecorum plant extract displayed the highest efficacy in suppressing those fungi. The findings showed that using AgNPs made with A. graecorum at a concentration of 100 μg/mL greatly slowed down the growth of mycelium for R. solani, P. graminicola, S. rolfsii, and M. phaseolina by 92.60%, 94.44%, 75.93%, and 79.63%, respectively. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (75 μg/mL) of AgNPs synthesized by A. graecorum was very effective against all of these fungi, lowering the pre-emergence damping-off, post-emergence damping-off, and disease percent and severity in vitro and greenhouse conditions. Additionally, the treatment with AgNPs led to increased root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, and vigor index of bean seedlings compared to the control group. The synthesis of nanoparticles using A. graecorum was confirmed using various physicochemical techniques, including UV spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Collectively, the findings of this study highlight the potential of AgNPs as an effective and environmentally sustainable approach for controlling root rot fungi in beans.
Perspectives of Nursing Students on Hybrid Simulation-Based Learning Clinical Experience: A Text-Mining Analysis
Authors: Saitoh Aya , Yokono Tomoe , Sakagami Momoe , Kashiwa Michi , Abeywickrama Hansani Madushika , Uchiyama Mieko
Published: April 2024

Given the past limitations on clinical practice training during the COVID-19 pandemic, a hybrid format program was developed, combining a time-lapse unfolding case study and high-fidelity simulation. This study assesses the effectiveness of a new form of clinical training from the perspective of student nurses. A questionnaire was administered to 159 second-year nursing students enrolled in the “Basic Nursing Practice II” course. Text mining was performed using quantitative text analysis for the following items: (1) aspects that were learned more deeply, (2) benefits, and (3) difficulties encountered with the new practice format. The new clinical practice format enhanced participants’ learning related to the daily changes required in nursing care and improved their nursing competency through simulated patient interactions. However, the participants faced difficulties dealing with patients accompanied by secular changes. Moreover, they found remote group work challenging. These findings can be applied to the development of new educational strategies.
Correction: Teslyk et al. Unruh Effect and Information Entropy Approach. Particles 2022, 5, 157–170
Authors: Teslyk Maksym , Bravina Larissa , Zabrodin Evgeny
Published: April 2024

Olena Teslyk and Lidiia Zadorozhna request the removal of their names from the author list of this publication [...]
Pradofloxacin for Treatment of Bartonella henselae in Experimentally Inoculated Cats
Authors: Lappin Michael R. , Fitzgerald Ronan
Published: April 2024

Bartonella henselae is associated with numerous clinical syndromes in people. Cats are the definitive hosts for B. henselae, develop high levels of bacteremia, and are associated with human infections, particularly in the presence of Ctenocephalides felis. Several antibiotic protocols used for the treatment of B. henselae infection in cats have failed to clear bacteremia. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a high-dose pradofloxacin protocol to eliminate B. henselae bacteremia. Bartonella henselae infection was initiated in 8 cats by intravenous inoculation of infected feline blood and then pradofloxacin was administered at 7.5 mg/kg, PO, twice daily for 28 days, starting 12 weeks after inoculation. Complete blood cell counts were performed prior to pradofloxacin administration and then every 2 weeks for 10 weeks. Bartonella PCR assay was performed prior to pradofloxacin administration and approximately every 2 weeks for 10 weeks and then weekly for 4 weeks. Methylprednisolone acetate (5 mg/kg) was administered by intramuscular injection to all cats on week 10. The cats remained normal and none developed a hematocrit, platelet count, lymphocyte count, or neutrophil count outside of the normal reference ranges. In the one month prior to pradofloxacin administration, all cats were PCR-positive for Bartonella DNA on at least two of four sample dates; after pradofloxacin administration, all cats were negative for B. henselae DNA in blood on all nine sample dates. The protocol appears to be safe and failure to amplify B. henselae DNA from the blood after the administration of pradofloxacin and one dose of methylprednisolone acetate suggests either an antibiotic effect or the organism was cleared spontaneously.
Isospora and Lankesterella Parasites (Eimeriidae, Apicomplexa) of Passeriform Birds in Europe: Infection Rates, Phylogeny, and Pathogenicity
Authors: Keckeisen Carina , Šujanová Alžbeta , Himmel Tanja , Matt Julia , Nedorost Nora , Chagas Carolina R. F. , Weissenböck Herbert , Harl Josef
Published: April 2024

Wild birds are common hosts to numerous intracellular parasites such as single-celled eukaryotes of the family Eimeriidae (order Eucoccidiorida, phylum Apicomplexa). We investigated the infection rates, phylogeny, and pathogenicity of Isospora and Lankesterella parasites in wild and captive passerine birds. Blood and tissue samples of 815 wild and 15 deceased captive birds from Europe were tested using polymerase chain reaction and partial sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase I and the nuclear 18S rRNA gene. The infection rate for Lankesterella in wild birds was 10.7% compared to 5.8% for Isospora. Chromogenic in situ hybridization with probes targeting the parasites’ 18S rRNA was employed to identify the parasites’ presence in multiple organs, and hematoxylin–eosin staining was performed to visualize the parasite stages and assess associated lesions. Isospora parasites were mainly identified in the intestine, spleen, and liver. Extraintestinal tissue stages of Isospora were accompanied by predominantly lymphohistiocytic inflammation of varying severity. Lankesterella was most frequently detected in the spleen, lung, and brain; however, infected birds presented only a low parasite burden without associated pathological changes. These findings contribute to our understanding of Isospora and Lankesterella parasites in wild birds.
Post-Translational Regulation of a Bidomain Glycerol-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Catalyzing Glycerol Synthesis under Salinity Stress in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Cruz-Powell Itzela , Subedi Binita , Kim Yeongho , Morales-Sánchez Daniela , Cerutti Heriberto
Published: April 2024

Core chlorophytes possess glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenases (GPDs) with an unusual bidomain structure, consisting of a glycerol-3-phosphate phosphatase (GPP) domain fused to canonical GPD domains. These plastid-localized enzymes have been implicated in stress responses, being required for the synthesis of glycerol under high salinity and triacylglycerols under nutrient deprivation. However, their regulation under varying environmental conditions is poorly understood. C. reinhardtii transgenic strains expressing constitutively bidomain GPD2 did not accumulate glycerol or triacylglycerols in the absence of any environmental stress. Although the glycerol contents of both wild type and transgenic strains increased significantly upon exposure to high salinity, cycloheximide, an inhibitor of cytoplasmic protein synthesis, abolished this response in the wild type. In contrast, GPD2 transgenic strains were still capable of glycerol accumulation when cultured in medium containing cycloheximide and NaCl. Thus, the pre-existing GPD2 protein appears to become activated for glycerol synthesis upon salt stress. Interestingly, staurosporine, a non-specific inhibitor of protein kinases, prevented this post-translational GPD2 protein activation. Structural modeling analyses suggested that substantial conformational rearrangements, possibly triggered by high salinity, may characterize an active GPD2 GPP domain. Understanding this mechanism(s) may provide insights into the rapid acclimation responses of microalgae to osmotic/salinity stress.
Plant Signaling, Behavior and Communication
Authors: Baluska Frantisek , Souza Gustavo Maia
Published: April 2024

Being sessile organisms that need to effectively explore space (above and below ground) and acquire resources through growth, plants must simultaneously consider multiple possibilities and wisely balance the energy they spend on growth with the benefits for survival [...]
Plant Biotechnology—An Indispensable Tool for Crop Improvement
Authors: Pathirana Ranjith , Carimi Francesco
Published: April 2024

Traditional plant breeding has helped to increase food production dramatically over the past five decades, and many countries have managed to produce enough food for the growing population, particularly in the developing world [...]
Improved Recovery of Complete Spinal Cord Transection by a Plasma-Modified Fibrillar Scaffold
Authors: Osorio-Londoño Diana , Heras-Romero Yessica , Tovar-y-Romo Luis B. , Olayo-González Roberto , Morales-Guadarrama Axayácatl
Published: April 2024

Complete spinal cord injury causes an irreversible disruption in the central nervous system, leading to motor, sensory, and autonomic function loss, and a secondary injury that constitutes a physical barrier preventing tissue repair. Tissue engineering scaffolds are presented as a permissive platform for cell migration and the reconnection of spared tissue. Iodine-doped plasma pyrrole polymer (pPPy-I), a neuroprotective material, was applied to polylactic acid (PLA) fibers and implanted in a rat complete spinal cord transection injury model to evaluate whether the resulting composite implants provided structural and functional recovery, using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and tractography, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, locomotion analysis, histology, and immunofluorescence. In vivo, MR studies evidenced a tissue response to the implant, demonstrating that the fibrillar composite scaffold moderated the structural effects of secondary damage by providing mechanical stability to the lesion core, tissue reconstruction, and significant motor recovery. Histologic analyses demonstrated that the composite scaffold provided a permissive environment for cell attachment and neural tissue guidance over the fibers, reducing cyst formation. These results supply evidence that pPPy-I enhanced the properties of PLA fibrillar scaffolds as a promising treatment for spinal cord injury recovery.
Highly Efficient and Eco-Friendly Thermal-Neutron-Shielding Materials Based on Recycled High-Density Polyethylene and Gadolinium Oxide Composites
Authors: Toyen Donruedee , Wimolmala Ekachai , Hemvichian Kasinee , Lertsarawut Pattra , Saenboonruang Kiadtisak
Published: April 2024

Due to the increasing demands for improved radiation safety and the growing concerns regarding the excessive use of plastics, this work aimed to develop effective and eco-friendly thermal-neutron-shielding materials based on recycled high-density polyethylene (r-HDPE) composites containing varying surface-treated gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) contents (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%). The results indicate that the overall thermal-neutron-shielding properties of the r-HDPE composites were enhanced with the addition of Gd2O3, as evidenced by large reductions in I/I0, HVL, and TVL, as well as the substantial increases in ∑t and ∑t/ρ of the composites. Furthermore, the results reveal that the values for tensile properties initially increased up to 5–15 wt% of Gd2O3 and then gradually decreased at higher contents. In addition, the results show that the addition of Gd2O3 particles generally increased the density (ρ), the remaining ash at 600 °C, and the degree of crystallinity (%XC) of the composites. This work also determined the effects of gamma irradiation on relevant properties of the composites. The findings indicate that following gamma aging, the tensile modulus slightly increased, while the tensile strength, elongation at break, and hardness (Shore D) showed no significant (p < 0.05) differences, except for the sample containing 5 wt% of Gd2O3, which exhibited a noticeable reduction in elongation at break. Furthermore, by comparing the neutron-shielding and mechanical properties of the developed r-HDPE composites with common borated polyethylene (PE) containing 5 wt% and 15 wt% of boron, the results clearly indicate the superior shielding and tensile properties in the r-HDPE composites, implying the great potential of r-HDPE composites to replace virgin plastics as effective and more eco-friendly shielding materials.
The Role of Reduced Graphene Oxide in Enhancing the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of a Rubber Cover Joint
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Li Junxia , Fan Wenrui
Published: April 2024

The development of high-performance rubber composites has always been a research hotspot in the field of conveyor belt manufacturing. In this work, a rubber cover joint composite made of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was prepared using latex mixing and mechanical blending methods, with a steel wire rope conveyor belt as the research object, and the influence of the rGO content on the properties of the rubber composite is discussed. The structure and morphology characterization of the rGO/NR rubber show that the addition of rGO does not change its crystal structure, and 1.2 phr rGO is uniformly dispersed throughout the rubber composite. As more rGO is added, the mechanical properties of the rGO rubber cover joint first improve and then worsen. With the addition of 1.2 phr, the cross-linking density increases by 80.6%, the tensile strength of the rubber composites increases by 49.7%, the elongation at break increases by 23.6%, and the adhesion strength increases by 12.4%. The tensile strength of the rGO rubber cover joint can still maintain 72.5% of its pre-thermal aging value. The wear resistance and thermal conductivity increase as more phr is added. When 3.0 phr is added, the wear resistance of the rubber composites increases by 32.9%, the thermal conductivity increases by 118.8%, and the temperature difference at the completion of vulcanization decreases from 4.5 °C to 1.8 °C. The results show that when 1.2 phr of rGO is added, the rubber conveyor belt joint obtains the best comprehensive performance. These enhanced comprehensive properties allow for the practical application of rGO nanomaterials to conveyor belt rubber.
Global Stabilizing Control of a Continuous Ethanol Fermentation Process Starting from Batch Mode Production
Authors: Qin Yuxin , Zhai Chi
Published: April 2024

Traditional batch ethanol fermentation poses the problems of poor production and economic viability because the lag and stationary phase always demand considerable fermentation time; plus, downtime between batches is requested to harvest, clean, and sterilize, decreasing the overall productivity and increasing labor cost. To promote productivity and prolong the production period, avoid process instability, and assure a substantial production of ethanol and a minimal quantity of residual substrate, this paper proposed a nonlinear adaptive control which can realize global stabilizing control of the process starting from batch mode to achieve batch/washout avoidance. Due to the dynamic nature and complexity of the process, novel estimation and control schemes are designed and tested on an ethanol fermentation model. These schemes are global stabilizing control laws including adaptive control to avoid input saturation, nonlinear estimation of the unknown influential concentration through a higher-order sliding mode observer, and state observers and parameter estimators used to estimate the unknown states and kinetics. Since the temperature is an important factor for an efficient operation of the process, a split ranging control framework is also developed. To verify the process performance improvement by continuous fermentation, tests performed via numerical simulations under realistic conditions are presented.
The Material Balance of Complex Separation Flowsheets
Authors: Frolkova Anastasia , Frolkova Alla , Sibirtsev Michael , Lysenko Kirill
Published: April 2024

The paper shows the expediency of supplementing the balance simplex method by calculating the number of free variables of separation flowsheets containing recycle flows. The need to determine and set the free variables that provide lower energy consumption when calculating the material balance of flowsheets with recycling is justified. The problem of material balance multivariance is illustrated, and ways to solve it are shown with the example of separation flowsheets for two ternary mixtures: n-butanol + water + toluene and n-butanol + butyl acetate + water. Separation flowsheets containing three distillation columns and a liquid–liquid separator are proposed for both systems. The dependence of the recycle flow values and the energy consumption of distillation columns and separation flowsheets on the selection and setting of values of free variables in solving the balance problem is shown. The dependence of energy consumption on the composition of the original mixture is studied for an n-butanol + butyl acetate + water system. Recommendations for setting free variables for flowsheets of the separation of ternary mixtures with three binary (and one ternary) azeotropes are formulated. The technique of highlighting the region of separation flowsheet operability is illustrated. The column operating parameters that ensure the production of products of a given quality with minimal energy consumption are determined. It is shown that with the incorrect selection and setting of variables (during balance task solvation), the energy consumption for mixture separation can be overestimated by more than 40%.
Translation and Validation of the Dutch Version of the Spiritual Care Competence Questionnaire (SCCQ-NL)
Authors: Schoot Merel , Bartels-Velthuis Agna A. , Rodrigues Recchia Daniela , Frick Eckhard , Büssing Arndt , Hoenders Rogier
Published: April 2024

The importance of spirituality in the treatment of mental illness is increasingly acknowledged, but mental healthcare professionals often feel they lack specific competence. An instrument is missing to quantify the spiritual care competence of mental healthcare professionals in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was thus to translate the Spiritual Care Competence Questionnaire (SCCQ) into Dutch and validate it for use in mental healthcare. After translation, the SCCQ-NL was distributed in a cross-sectional design among 3497 healthcare professionals in two mental healthcare institutions (MHIs) in the Netherlands. In the sample of 730 completed questionnaires, exploratory factor analysis revealed seven factors: perception of spiritual needs competencies, team spirit, spiritual self-awareness, documentation competencies, empowerment and proactive opening competencies, knowledge about other religions, and conversation competencies. One item was deleted during the process. Internal consistency for the 25-item SCCQ-NL subscales is sufficient with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.64 to 0.81. Conversation competencies and perception of spiritual needs scored highest in the sample, next to knowledge about other religions and empowerment competencies, while spiritual self-awareness, team spirit and documentation competencies scored the lowest. Small but significant differences in several subscale scores were found for profession, identifying oneself as a believer, practicing prayer and/or meditation, age and working years. The SCCQ-NL can be used for the assessment of spiritual care competencies and for the planning and evaluation of training and improvement strategies.
Questioning the Pope: US Conservative Catholics and the Online Polarization of the Debate about the “Church of Bergoglio”
Authors: Vitullo Alessandra , Mastrofini Fabrizio
Published: April 2024

The pontificate of Pope Francis is proving to be one of the most controversial within the Catholic world, particularly because of the several objections and protests it has raised in the most traditional currents of Catholicism. This theological and political opposition to Bergoglio’s pontificate has been the subject of many studies, which have focused, in particular, on the growing harshness of this debate in North American Catholic circles. Following these studies, the present contribution aims to study how this polarization spreads and is amplified through the online communication of these groups by providing an analysis of a specific case study: a tweet published by the account of the Pontifical Academy for Life (PAL). The PAL is a Vatican institution founded by John Paul II and renewed by Pope Francis in its membership and purpose (Global Bioethics). The Academy is perceived as the cutting edge of Pope Francis’ “progressivism”, especially regarding sensitive issues such as marriage, family, and euthanasia. For this reason, the Twitter account of PAL is considered the ideal platform to observe the languages, expressions, and content that characterize the opposition to Bergoglio’s pontificate today.
The Impact of Online Theological Studies during the COVID-19 Period on Students’ Religiosity/Spirituality: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Šoltésová Viktória , Harastej Marek
Published: April 2024

Our study wants to clarify the structure of spirituality by applying existing multidimensional theories of religiosity and spirituality to in-depth interviews conducted among a sample of students. The current research analyzes 15 qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted among a sample of students at the Adventist Theological Institute in the Czech Republic and was conducted in May 2022. Since religiosity is a multidimensional phenomenon and we wished to investigate development in each dimension, we based our analyses on Glock and Stark’s model with four of their dimensions of religiosity: “belief”, “practice”, “experience”, and “knowledge”. Our study reflects on existing multidimensional religiosity/spirituality; six dimensions by Huber overlap with the religiosity/spirituality model we chose as the applied multidimensional model. As a result, based on the interviewees’ statements, we distinguished these dimensions in the context of specific conditions in the respondents’ individual personal experiences in the absence of personal group interaction. In our research, we ask the question: “What impact has the move of the entire formal and informal environment of an educational institution to an online environment had on the spirituality of each student?” An important finding is that the COVID-19 pandemic period brought about an exciting stimulus for spiritual support in theological education. The emergence of individual and independent religiosity/spirituality is a significant religious change.
Effect of Capital Structure on the Financial Performance of Ethiopian Commercial Banks
Authors: Muhammed Seid , Desalegn Goshu , Emese Prihoda
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to examine the effects of capital structure on the financial performance of Ethiopian commercial banks. The dependent variable, financial performance, is measured by Return on Assets (ROA), while factors such as loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR), asset-to-total equity ratio (ATER), total deposit-to-total asset ratio (TDTAR), capital adequacy ratio (CAD), and asset growth ratio (GA) were used as proxy independent variables to gauge capital structure. Using a quantitative approach and an explanatory research design, this study analyzes 6 years of audited financial reports from 14 commercial banks in Ethiopia. This investigation employs a random effect regression model and Stata 14 software package to explore the relationships among these variables. The result revealed that both the loan-to-deposit ratio and the total deposit-to-total asset ratio have a positive and significant impact on financial performance, while the asset growth ratio showed a negative effect. Based on these findings, this study recommends that bank authorities concentrate on bolstering their deposit base, managing asset growth efficiently, maintaining adequate capital levels, and optimizing leverage levels to improve financial performance and ensure long-term sustainability in the banking sector. Additionally, this research is anticipated to inform policymakers about regulatory frameworks for banks and assist banking managers in formulating effective capital financing strategies within the Ethiopian commercial banking sector, thus enriching the existing literature on the relationship between capital structure and financial performance.
A Pseudo-Satellite Fingerprint Localization Method Based on Discriminative Deep Belief Networks
Authors: Liang Xiaohu , Pan Shuguo , Yu Baoguo , Li Shuang , Du Shitong
Published: April 2024

Pseudo-satellite technology has excellent compatibility with the BDS satellite navigation system in terms of signal systems. It can serve as a stable and reliable positioning signal source in signal-blocking environments. User terminals can achieve continuous high-precision positioning both indoors and outdoors without any modification to the navigation module. As a result, pseudo-satellite indoor positioning has gradually emerged as a research hotspot in the field. However, due to the complex and variable indoor radio propagation environment, signal propagation is interfered with by noise, multipath, non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation, etc. The geometric relation-based localization algorithm cannot be applied in indoor non-line-of-sight environments. Therefore, this paper proposes a pseudo-satellite fingerprint localization method based on the discriminative deep belief networks (DDBNs). The method acquires the model parameters of pseudo-satellite multi-carrier noise density signal strength in non-line-of-sight indoor spaces through a greedy unsupervised learning method and gradient descent-supervised learning method. It establishes a mapping relationship between the implied features of the pseudo-satellite multi-carrier noise density signal strength and indoor location, enabling pseudo-satellite fingerprint matching localization in indoor non-line-of-sight environments. In this paper, the performance of the positioning algorithm is verified in dynamic and static scenarios through numerous experiments in a laboratory environment. Compared to the commonly used localization algorithms based on fingerprint library matching, the results demonstrate that, in indoor non-line-of-sight test conditions, the system’s 2D static positioning has a maximum error of less than 0.24 m, an RMSE better than 0.12 m, and a 2σ (95.4%) positioning error better than 0.19 m. For 2D dynamic positioning, the maximum error is less than 0.36 m, the average error is 0.23 m, and the 2σ positioning error is better than 0.26 m. These results effectively tackle the challenge of pseudo-satellite indoor positioning in non-line-of-sight environments.
Changes in Surface and Terrestrial Waters in the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor Due to Climate Change and Human Activities
Authors: Bao Jiayu , Wu Yanfeng , Huang Xiaoran , Qi Peng , Yuan Ye , Li Tao , Yu Tao , Wang Ting , Zhang Pengfei , Nzabarinda Vincent , Naibi Sulei , Jin Jingyu , Long Gang , Yang Shuya
Published: April 2024

The surface water area (SWA) and terrestrial water storage (TWS) are both essential metrics for assessing regional water resources. However, the combined effects of climate change and human activities on the dynamics of the SWA and TWS have not been extensively researched within the context of the CPEC. To fill this gap, we first analyzed the annual changes in the SWA and TWS in the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) region in recent decades using the methods of correlation analysis and Geodetector. Our findings indicate that Sindh exhibited the highest increase in the SWA at 8.68 ha/km2, whereas FATA showed the least increase at 0.2 ha/km2 from 2002 to 2018. Punjab exhibited a significant decrease in TWS, with a slope of −0.48 cm/year. Azad Kashmir followed with a decrease in TWS at a rate of −0.36 cm/year. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA exhibited an insignificant increase in TWS, with values of 0.02 cm/year and 0.11 cm/year, respectively. TWS was significantly positively correlated with the SWA in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, other regions showed inconsistent changes; in particular, a decline was observed in Gilgit–Baltistan. The changes in TWS in Balochistan were primarily influenced by the SWA and climate change, while TWS changes in FATA were mainly affected by climate change. In addition, human activities had a primary impact on the TWS changes in Azad Kashmir, Punjab, and Sindh. The influencing factors of TWS changes in different regions of the CPEC mainly involved a dual-factor enhancement and the nonlinear weakening of single factors. These results highlight that under the effect of climate change and human activities, TWS may not increase as surface water area increases. This study contributes to a better understanding of water resource dynamics and can aid in the development of strategies for the efficient and sustainable use of water resources in the CPEC.
Exploring Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Driving Forces of Straw Burning in Hunan Province, China, from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Zeng Yu , Liu Shuguang , Huang Sheng , Patil Sopan D. , Gao Wenyuan , Li Hao
Published: April 2024

Straw burning is a significant source of atmospheric pollutants, releasing particulate matter and trace gases. Capturing the characteristics of straw burning and understanding its influencing factors are important prerequisites for regulating straw burning. Based on the fire points detected by the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) in Hunan province, China, from 2010 to 2020, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal variations of straw burning and employed Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) models to investigate the underlying forces driving straw burning. The results show that the spatiotemporal characteristics of straw burning in Hunan Province can be categorized into two distinct periods: 2010 to 2014 and 2015 to 2020. The period from 2010 to 2014 witnessed a rapid increase, while the period from 2015 to 2020 experienced fluctuating decreases. The shift is closely linked to the implementation of the straw burning ban policy in 2015. Spatially, the areas with a high number of fire points are primarily located in the southern regions, especially in the border regions between Chenzhou, Yongzhou, Hengyang, and Shaoyang cities. A significant change was found in the impact of economic development and human activity factors on straw burning before and after 2015. These factors include crop yield, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and road network development. From the implementation of the straw burning ban policy, increases in GDP and settlement density will have a dampening effect on straw burning in a region. Straw burning locations may shift towards regions with relatively slow economic development. The results could serve as a foundation for decision-making to address the issue of straw burning.
Studying the Internal Wave Generation Mechanism in the Northern South China Sea Using Numerical Simulation, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and In Situ Measurements
Authors: Zeng Kan , Lyu Ruyin , Li Hengyu , Suo Rongqing , Du Tao , He Mingxia
Published: April 2024

The internal waves in the South China Sea are highly correlated with the tidal currents in the Luzon Strait, which makes it possible to establish an internal wave prediction model based on internal wave kinematics. However, the kinematic model requires the input of the exact location and time of the initial internal wave for which the generation mechanism of internal waves in the northern South China Sea must be well understood. By analyzing the internal wave field in the northern South China Sea (SCS) simulated using the MIT General Circulation Model (MITgcm) and observations from satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and mooring temperature–salinity–depth (TSD) chains, the source regions and propagation initiation times of internal waves are identified for three typical tidal phases, i.e., the diurnal-tide-dominated phase (DTP), transition tide phase (TTP), and semidiurnal-tide-dominated phase (STP). The generation procedures of Type A and Type B internal waves are discussed in detail with those data. The present study reveals that Type A and Type B waves are generated at the eastern and western ridges, respectively, and both commence their westward propagation at the peak of the eastward tidal flow. The dynamics of lee waves and the resonance effect with double ridges constitute the generation mechanisms of internal waves in the northern SCS. Combined with varying configurations of tidal conditions, topography, and stratification, the generation procedures of Type A and Type B waves in the DTP, TTP, and STP are elucidated with the generation mechanism in a unified and self-consistent way. In short, during DTP, weaker A waves alternate with weaker B waves each day; during TTP, strong A waves and strong B waves appear alternately every day; and there are two weak A waves per day during the STP. The generation mechanism can help in developing future empirical models for generating internal waves using tidal currents, topography, and stratification without requiring complex fluid dynamics calculations.
Potential Modulation of Aerosol on Precipitation Efficiency in Southwest China
Authors: Zhao Pengguo , Liu Xiaoran , Zhao Chuanfeng
Published: April 2024

The aerosol–cloud–precipitation correlation has been a significant scientific topic, primarily due to its remarkable uncertainty. However, the possible modulation of aerosol on the precipitation capacity of clouds has received limited attention. In this study, we utilized multi-source data on aerosol, cloud properties, precipitation, and meteorological factors to investigate the impact of aerosols on precipitation efficiency (PE) in the Sichuan Basin (SCB) and Yun-nan-Guizhou Plateau (YGP), where the differences between terrain and meteorological environment conditions were prominent. In the two study regions, there were significant negative correlations between the aerosol index (AI) and PE in spring, especially in the YGP, while the correlations between the AI and PE in other seasons were not as prominent as in spring. In spring, aerosol significantly inhibited both the liquid water path (LWP) and the ice water path (IWP) in the YGP, but negatively correlated with the IWP and had no significant relationship with the LWP in the SCB. Aerosol inhibited precipitation in the two regions mainly by reducing cloud droplet effective radius, indicating that warm clouds contributed more to precipitation in spring. The suppressive impact of aerosols on precipitation serving as the numerator of PE is greater than that of the cloud water path as the denominator of PE, resulting in a negative correlation between aerosol and PE. The AI–PE relationship is significantly dependent on meteorological conditions in the YGP, but not in the SCB, which may be related to the perennial cloud cover and stable atmosphere in the SCB. In the future, as air quality continues to improve, precipitation efficiency may increase due to the decrease in aerosol concentration, and of course, the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of the aerosol–cloud–precipitation relationship may become more significant.
Sub-Gigahertz Path Loss Measurement Campaign in Marine Environment: A Case Study
Authors: De Piante Marco , Midrio Michele , Rinaldo Roberto , Scagnetto Ivan , Specogna Ruben , Trevisan Francesco
Published: April 2024

This paper focuses on the characterization of radio propagation, and data communication in a marine environment. More specifically, we consider signal propagation when three different sub-gigahertz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands, i.e., 169 MHz, 434 MHz, and 868 MHz, are used. The main focus of the paper is to evaluate the path loss (PL), i.e., the power loss that a propagation radio wave would experience when communication occurs between a sail boat and a buoy. We describe the measurement results obtained performing three different radio power measurement campaigns, at the three different aforementioned ISM sub-gigahertz bands. We also want to correlate the radio propagation quality with the weather conditions present in the measurement areas. The obtained results show that higher distances are achieved by transmitting at lower frequencies, i.e., 169 MHz, and, on average, the propagation is directly dependent from the dew point index.
Design of Bio-Optical Transceiver for In Vivo Biomedical Sensor Applications
Authors: Makrakis Dimitrios , Dambri Oussama Abderrahmane , Hafid Abdelhakim Senhaji
Published: April 2024

This paper presents an enhanced version of our previously developed bio-optical transceiver, presenting a significant advancement in nanosensor technology. Using self-assembled polymers, this nanodevice is capable of electron detection while maintaining biocompatibility, an essential feature for in vivo medical biosensors. This enhancement finds significance in the field of infectious disease control, particularly in the early detection of respiratory viruses, including high-threat pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. The proposed system harnesses bioluminescence by converting electric signaling to visible blue light, effectively opening the path of linking nano-sized mechanisms to larger-scale systems, thereby pushing the boundaries of in vivo biomedical sensing. The performance evaluation of our technology is analytical and is based on the use of Markov chains, through which we assess the bit error probability. The calculated improvements indicate that this technology qualifies as a forerunner in terms of supporting the communication needs of smaller, safer, and more efficient manufactured sensor technologies for in vivo medical applications.
Potential Prodromal Digital Postural Sway Markers for Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) Detected via Dual-Tasking and Sensory Manipulation
Authors: Timm Emily C. , Purcell Nicollette L. , Ouyang Bichun , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Hall Deborah A. , O’Keefe Joan Ann
Published: April 2024

FXTAS is a neurodegenerative disorder occurring in some Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene premutation carriers (PMCs) and is characterized by cerebellar ataxia, tremor, and cognitive deficits that negatively impact balance and gait and increase fall risk. Dual-tasking (DT) cognitive-motor paradigms and challenging balance conditions may have the capacity to reveal markers of FXTAS onset. Our objectives were to determine the impact of dual-tasking and sensory and stance manipulation on balance in FXTAS and potentially detect subtle postural sway deficits in FMR1 PMCs who are asymptomatic for signs of FXTAS on clinical exam. Participants with FXTAS, PMCs without FXTAS, and controls underwent balance testing using an inertial sensor system. Stance, vision, surface stability, and cognitive demand were manipulated in 30 s trials. FXTAS participants had significantly greater total sway area, jerk, and RMS sway than controls under almost all balance conditions but were most impaired in those requiring vestibular control. PMCs without FXTAS had significantly greater RMS sway compared with controls in the feet apart, firm, single task conditions both with eyes open and closed (EC) and the feet together, firm, EC, DT condition. Postural sway deficits in the RMS postural sway variability domain in asymptomatic PMCs might represent prodromal signs of FXTAS. This information may be useful in providing sensitive biomarkers of FXTAS onset and as quantitative balance measures in future interventional trials and longitudinal natural history studies.
Learning-Based Hierarchical Decision-Making Framework for Automatic Driving in Incompletely Connected Traffic Scenarios
Authors: Yang Fan , Li Xueyuan , Liu Qi , Li Xiangyu , Li Zirui
Published: April 2024

The decision-making algorithm serves as a fundamental component for advancing the level of autonomous driving. The end-to-end decision-making algorithm has a strong ability to process the original data, but it has grave uncertainty. However, other learning-based decision-making algorithms rely heavily on ideal state information and are entirely unsuitable for autonomous driving tasks in real-world scenarios with incomplete global information. Addressing this research gap, this paper proposes a stable hierarchical decision-making framework with images as the input. The first step of the framework is a model-based data encoder that converts the input image data into a fixed universal data format. Next is a state machine based on a time series Graph Convolutional Network (GCN), which is used to classify the current driving state. Finally, according to the state’s classification, the corresponding rule-based algorithm is selected for action generation. Through verification, the algorithm demonstrates the ability to perform autonomous driving tasks in different traffic scenarios without relying on global network information. Comparative experiments further confirm the effectiveness of the hierarchical framework, model-based image data encoder, and time series GCN.
Action Recognition of Taekwondo Unit Actions Using Action Images Constructed with Time-Warped Motion Profiles
Authors: Lim Junghwan , Luo Chenglong , Lee Seunghun , Song Young Eun , Jung Hoeryong
Published: April 2024

Taekwondo has evolved from a traditional martial art into an official Olympic sport. This study introduces a novel action recognition model tailored for Taekwondo unit actions, utilizing joint-motion data acquired via wearable inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors. The utilization of IMU sensor-measured motion data facilitates the capture of the intricate and rapid movements characteristic of Taekwondo techniques. The model, underpinned by a conventional convolutional neural network (CNN)-based image classification framework, synthesizes action images to represent individual Taekwondo unit actions. These action images are generated by mapping joint-motion profiles onto the RGB color space, thus encapsulating the motion dynamics of a single unit action within a solitary image. To further refine the representation of rapid movements within these images, a time-warping technique was applied, adjusting motion profiles in relation to the velocity of the action. The effectiveness of the proposed model was assessed using a dataset compiled from 40 Taekwondo experts, yielding remarkable outcomes: an accuracy of 0.998, a precision of 0.983, a recall of 0.982, and an F1 score of 0.982. These results underscore this time-warping technique’s contribution to enhancing feature representation, as well as the proposed method’s scalability and effectiveness in recognizing Taekwondo unit actions.
Stingray Sensor System for Persistent Survey of the GEO Belt
Authors: Campbell Tanner , Battle Adam , Gray Dan , Chabra Om , Tucker Scott , Reddy Vishnu , Furfaro Roberto
Published: April 2024

The Stingray sensor system is a 15-camera optical array dedicated to the nightly astrometric and photometric survey of the geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) belt visible above Tucson, Arizona. The primary scientific goal is to characterize GEO and near-GEO satellites based on their observable properties. This system is completely autonomous in both data acquisition and processing, with human oversight reserved for data quality assurance and system maintenance. The 15 ZWO ASI1600MM Pro cameras are mated to Sigma 135 mm f/1.8 lenses and are controlled simultaneously by four separate computers. Each camera is fixed in position and observes a 7.6-by-5.8-degree portion of the GEO belt, for a total of a 114-by-5.8-degree field of regard. The GAIA DR2 star catalog is used for image astrometric plate solution and photometric calibration to GAIA G magnitudes. There are approximately 200 near-GEO satellites on any given night that fall within the Stingray field of regard, and all those with a GAIA G magnitude brighter than approximately 15.5 are measured by the automated data reduction pipeline. Results from an initial one-month survey show an aggregate photometric uncertainty of 0.062 ± 0.008 magnitudes and astrometric accuracy consistent with theoretical sub-pixel centroid limits. Provided in this work is a discussion of the design and function of the system, along with verification of the initial survey results.