bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Online Gamified Learning Intentions of College Students: A Technology-Learning Behavior Acceptance Model
Authors: Yan Haoqun , Zhang Hongfeng , Su Shaodan , Lam Johnny F. I. , Wei Xiaoyu
Published: December 2022

With the popularity of online education, multiple technology-based educational tools are gradually being introduced into online learning. The role of gamification in online education has been of interest to researchers. Based on learners’ visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (VAK) learning styles, this study uses an empirical research method to investigate the behavioral intention of students to participate in online gamified classrooms in selected universities located in Guangdong province and Macao. The main contributions of this study are to focus on the impact that differences in learning styles may have on the behavioral intentions of learners and to include the “perceived learning task” as an external variable in the theoretical framework. The main research findings are: perceived usefulness and enjoyment are partially mediated between VAK learning styles and the intention to participate in online gamified classrooms; and perceived learning tasks are partially mediated between perceived usefulness and the intention to participate in online gamified classrooms. According to the findings and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study constructs the Technology-Learning Behavior Acceptance Model (T-LBAM) to explore the intrinsic influencing factors of students’ intention to participate in gamified online classes and makes suggestions for future online gamification teaching.
Dark Current Noise Correction Method Based on Dark Pixels for LWIR QWIP Detection Systems
Authors: Du Haoting , Xu Jintong , Yin Zihao , Chai Mengyang , Sun Dexin
Published: December 2022

The long-wave infrared (LWIR) quantum-well photodetector (QWIP) operates at low temperatures, but is prone to focal plane temperature changes when imaging in complex thermal environments. This causes dark current changes and generates low-frequency temporal dark current noise. To address this, a dark current noise correction method based on dark pixels is proposed. First, dark pixels were constructed in a QWIP system and the response components of imaging pixels and dark pixels were analyzed. Next, the feature data of dark pixels and imaging pixels were collected and preprocessed, after which a recurrent neural network (RNN) was used to fit the dark current response model. Target data were collected and input into the dark current response model to obtain dark level correction values and correct the original data. Finally, after calculation and correction, temporal noise was reduced by 49.02% on average. The proposed method uses the characteristics of dark pixels to reduce dark current temporal noise, which is difficult using conventional radiation calibrations; this is helpful in promoting the application of QWIPs in LWIR remote sensing.
A Hybrid Artificial Intelligence Model for Detecting Keratoconus
Authors: Alyasseri Zaid Abdi Alkareem , Al-Timemy Ali H. , Abasi Ammar Kamal , Lavric Alexandru , Mohammed Husam Jasim , Takahashi Hidenori , Milhomens Filho Jose Arthur , Campos Mauro , Hazarbassanov Rossen M. , Yousefi Siamak
Published: December 2022

Machine learning models have recently provided great promise in diagnosis of several ophthalmic disorders, including keratoconus (KCN). Keratoconus, a noninflammatory ectatic corneal disorder characterized by progressive cornea thinning, is challenging to detect as signs may be subtle. Several machine learning models have been proposed to detect KCN, however most of the models are supervised and thus require large well-annotated data. This paper proposes a new unsupervised model to detect KCN, based on adapted flower pollination algorithm (FPA) and the k-means algorithm. We will evaluate the proposed models using corneal data collected from 5430 eyes at different stages of KCN severity (1520 healthy, 331 KCN1, 1319 KCN2, 1699 KCN3 and 579 KCN4) from Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista Medical School, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo in Brazil and 1531 eyes (Healthy = 400, KCN1 = 378, KCN2 = 285, KCN3 = 200, KCN4 = 88) from Department of Ophthalmology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi in Japan and used several accuracy metrics including Precision, Recall, F-Score, and Purity. We compared the proposed method with three other standard unsupervised algorithms including k-means, Kmedoids, and Spectral cluster. Based on two independent datasets, the proposed model outperformed the other algorithms, and thus could provide improved identification of the corneal status of the patients with keratoconus.
A Machine Learning-Based Correction Method for High-Frequency Surface Wave Radar Current Measurements
Authors: Yang Yufan , Wei Chunlei , Yang Fan , Lu Tianyi , Zhu Langfeng , Wei Jun
Published: December 2022

An algorithm based on a long short-term memory (LSTM) network is proposed to reduce errors from high-frequency surface wave radar current measurements. In traditional inversion algorithms, the radar velocities are derived from electromagnetic echo signals, with no constraints imposed by physical oceanographic processes. In this study, sea surface winds and tides are included in the LSTM algorithm to improve radar data. These physical factors provide the LSTM network with more oceanic information by which to constrain and improve its training efficiency. The results show that the domain-averaged root-mean-square errors of the radar-derived velocities are reduced from 0.22 to 0.09 m/s for the whole radar observation area. The overall correlation coefficient increases from 0.37 to 0.88. To provide a practical strategy for future field work, we conduct a set of sensitivity experiments, showing that the LSTM network based on one single point can be applied to other data points within a sub-domain.
Research on Speech Emotion Recognition Method Based A-CapsNet
Authors: Qi Yingmei , Huang Heming , Zhang Huiyun
Published: December 2022

Speech emotion recognition is a crucial work direction in speech recognition. To increase the performance of speech emotion detection, researchers have worked relentlessly to improve data augmentation, feature extraction, and pattern formation. To address the concerns of limited speech data resources and model training overfitting, A-CapsNet, a neural network model based on data augmentation methodologies, is proposed in this research. In order to solve the issue of data scarcity and achieve the goal of data augmentation, the noise from the Noisex-92 database is first combined with four different data division methods (emotion-independent random-division, emotion-dependent random-division, emotion-independent cross-validation and emotion-dependent cross-validation methods, abbreviated as EIRD, EDRD, EICV and EDCV, respectively). The database EMODB is then used to analyze and compare the performance of the model proposed in this paper under different signal-to-noise ratios, and the results show that the proposed model and data augmentation are effective.
Seasonal Changes in the Acceleration–Speed Profile of Elite Soccer Players: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: López-Sagarra Andrés , Baena-Raya Andrés , Casimiro-Artés Miguel Á. , Granero-Gil Paulino , Rodríguez-Pérez Manuel A.
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to describe the acceleration–speed (AS) profile of soccer players during competition and to analyse their seasonal changes and inter-player differences. The AS profile values (theoretical maximum acceleration (A0) and speed (S0)) of 14 elite soccer players were studied in 18 matches, which were divided into five season periods. The main findings showed the A0 (6.20 ± 0.51 m/s2) and S0 (9.18 ± 0.58 m/s) average team season values. Significant individual changes (p < 0.05 and effect size (Eta-squared, η2) > 0.5) were confirmed for A0 (Players 4 and 8) and S0 (Players 6, 8 and 11). Additionally, standard deviations (SD±) confirmed small (±0.20–0.60) to moderate (±0.60–1.20) seasonal variations for most players in A0 (SD range: ±0.22 to ±0.69 m/s2) and S0 (SD range: ±0.27 to ±0.90 m/s). SD showed small to moderate inter-player differences for each period for A0 (SD range: ±0.39 to ±0.61 m/s2) and S0 (SD range: ±0.53 to ±0.61 m/s). In summary, coaches are recommended to assess the AS profile to diagnose potential player seasonal changes in sprinting performance, especially for A0, which seems to be more sensitive to variations than S0.
Investigation into Recognition Technology of Helmet Wearing Based on HBSYOLOX-s
Authors: Gao Teng , Zhang Xianwu
Published: December 2022

This work proposes a new approach based on YOLOX model enhancement for the helmet-wearing real-time detection task, which is plagued by low detection accuracy, incorrect detection, and missing detection. First, in the backbone network, recursive gated convolution (gnConv) is utilized instead of traditional convolution, hence addressing the issue of extracting many worthless features due to excessive redundancy in the process of feature extraction using conventional convolution. Replace the original FPN layer in the Neck network with the EfficientNet-BiFPN layer. Realize top–down and bottom–up bidirectional fusion of deep and shallow features to improve the flow of feature data between network layers. Lastly, the SIOU cross-entropy loss function is implemented to address the issue of missed detections in crowded environments and further increase the model’s detection precision. Experiments and data comparisons indicate that the modified model’s average detection accuracy is 95.5%, which is 5.4% higher than that of the original network model, and that the detection speed has been dramatically increased to suit actual production requirements.
Aerial Mapping of Coseismic Surface Rupture of 2021 Mw 7.3 Maduo Earthquake, China
Authors: Guo Jianming
Published: December 2022

The 2021 Mw 7.3 Maduo earthquake is one of the largest seismic events that has occurred in and around the Bayan Har block of Tibet. D-InSAR results and field surveys indicate that this earthquake resulted in more than 160 km of coseismic surface rupture along pre-existing fault traces. Based on the branching of the surface rupture, the fault of the Maduo earthquake can be roughly divided into four sections. Through detailed drone mapping, the fracture pattern and offset of the fault were counted and measured. The development of the peaty meadow layer on the ground determines the different combination modes of the fractures. The horizontal offset observed on the surface of this earthquake is generally less than 2 m and the vertical offset is less than 1 m, and the fault shows a primarily left-lateral strike-slip movement. In the desert-covered areas, there are long gaps between continuous rupture.
Feasibility of Application for the SHG Technology of Longitudinal Wave in Quantitatively Evaluating Carbonated Concrete
Authors: Zhao Jinzhong , Wu Jin , Chen Kaixin
Published: December 2022

The ultrasonic transmission detection method is used to investigate the applicability for the second-harmonic generation (SHG) technology of longitudinal wave to quantitatively assess carbonated concrete. The principal of this method is to use the piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) patch to detect the second-harmonic of longitudinal waves during the concrete carbonation process and extract non-linear parameters from observed signals. Non-linear parameters of concretes with two water–cement ratios (CI (w/c=0.47), CII (w/c=0.53)), two moisture contents (CI 0%, CI-W 100%), and three ultrasonic incident frequencies (50 kHz, 75 kHz, 100 kHz) were measured in this study. Results of the experiment demonstrate that non-linear ultrasonic parameters of longitudinal ultrasonic waves with high frequencies (75 kHz, 100 kHz) exhibit a better resolution regarding changes in concrete microstructure. Moisture (CI 0%, CI-W 100%) has little effect on the rate (CI: 62.73%, CI-W: 60.25, carbonation depth: 15 mm) for the change in relative non-linear parameters in the same concrete. The carbonation depth of concrete (CI (w/c=0.47), CI-W (w/c=0.47), CII (w/c=0.53)) can be well reflected by the change in relative non-linear parameters. Furthermore, there exists a good fit between the relative non-linear parameters of longitudinal waves and the concrete carbonation process. The relative non-linear parameters of longitudinal waves demonstrate feasibility in the quantitative assessment of concrete carbonation.
Model Experiment Study on Vertical Bearing Characteristics of Large-Diameter Ring Piles
Authors: Sun Yingtao , Yao Aijun , Dong Lei , Li Yanlin , Gong Yifei
Published: December 2022

The hollow structure of large-diameter ring piles (LDRPs) reduces the amount of concrete used, is economically efficient, and reduces the weight of the pile. However, its bearing characteristics and safety performance are still not fully known. In this study, to determine the properties of the LDRP structure, a combination of the indoor scale model test and numerical simulations was used, and a new parameter, K, which is the thickness-to-diameter ratio, was introduced. A comparative study of LDRPs with different hollow ranges was conducted. The results show that for a value of K in the range of 0.2–1, the ultimate bearing capacity of LDRPs is not significantly different from that of large-diameter solid piles (LDSPs), and they can ensure sufficient safety reserves. Under ultimate bearing capacity, the strain on an LDRP is large, but it does not exceed its own material strength, and the strain variation law is similar to that of a solid pile. LDRPs show the characteristics of end-bearing piles, and concrete savings can reach up to 50% for K in the range of 0.2–1.
Explanatory Model Based on the Type of Physical Activity, Motivational Climate and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet of Anxiety among Physical Education Trainee Teachers
Authors: Melguizo-Ibáñez Eduardo , González-Valero Gabriel , Puertas-Molero Pilar , Zurita-Ortega Félix , Ubago-Jiménez José Luis , Alonso-Vargas José Manuel
Published: December 2022

It has now been shown that an active and healthy lifestyle among university students helps to channel disruptive states arising from the academic environment. The objectives of this research are to describe the levels of anxiety, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and motivational climate as a function of the type of physical activity, and to establish the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, motivational climate, and anxiety in university students. This objective is broken down into: (a) developing an explanatory model of the motivational climate towards sport and adherence to the Mediterranean diet on anxiety, and (b) contrasting the structural model by means of a multi-group analysis as a function of the type of physical activity. A descriptive, comparative, cross-sectional, and non-experimental study was proposed in a sample of 569 trainee teachers (M = 25.09; SD = 6.22). A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire (PMCSQ-2), the PREDIMED Questionnaire, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) were used for data collection. The data show that subjects with higher weekly physical activity time show lower levels of anxiety, better adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and demonstrate task-oriented sport motivation.
An Integrated Approach for Structural Health Monitoring and Damage Detection of Bridges: An Experimental Assessment
Authors: Fiandaca Dario , Di Matteo Alberto , Patella Bernardo , Moukri Nadia , Inguanta Rosalinda , Llort Daniel , Mulone Antonio , Mulone Angelo , Alsamahi Soughah , Pirrotta Antonina
Published: December 2022

The issue of monitoring the structural condition of bridges is becoming a top priority worldwide. As is well known, any infrastructure undergoes a progressive deterioration of its structural conditions due to aging by normal service loads and environmental conditions. At the same time, it may suffer serious damages or collapse due to natural phenomena such as earthquakes or strong winds. For this reason, it is essential to rely on efficient and widespread monitoring techniques applied throughout the entire road network. This paper aims to introduce an integrated procedure for structural and material monitoring. With regard to structural monitoring, an innovative approach for monitoring based on Vehicle by Bridge Interaction (VBI) will be proposed. Furthermore, with regard to material monitoring, to evaluate concrete degradation, a non-invasive method based on the continuous monitoring of the pH, as well as chloride and sulfate ions concentration in the concrete, is presented.
Improved SOSK-Means Automatic Clustering Algorithm with a Three-Part Mutualism Phase and Random Weighted Reflection Coefficient for High-Dimensional Datasets
Authors: Ikotun Abiodun M. , Ezugwu Absalom E.
Published: December 2022

Automatic clustering problems require clustering algorithms to automatically estimate the number of clusters in a dataset. However, the classical K-means requires the specification of the required number of clusters a priori. To address this problem, metaheuristic algorithms are hybridized with K-means to extend the capacity of K-means in handling automatic clustering problems. In this study, we proposed an improved version of an existing hybridization of the classical symbiotic organisms search algorithm with the classical K-means algorithm to provide robust and optimum data clustering performance in automatic clustering problems. Moreover, the classical K-means algorithm is sensitive to noisy data and outliers; therefore, we proposed the exclusion of outliers from the centroid update’s procedure, using a global threshold of point-to-centroid distance distribution for automatic outlier detection, and subsequent exclusion, in the calculation of new centroids in the K-means phase. Furthermore, a self-adaptive benefit factor with a three-part mutualism phase is incorporated into the symbiotic organism search phase to enhance the performance of the hybrid algorithm. A population size of 40+2g was used for the symbiotic organism search (SOS) algorithm for a well distributed initial solution sample, based on the central limit theorem that the selection of the right sample size produces a sample mean that approximates the true centroid on Gaussian distribution. The effectiveness and robustness of the improved hybrid algorithm were evaluated on 42 datasets. The results were compared with the existing hybrid algorithm, the standard SOS and K-means algorithms, and other hybrid and non-hybrid metaheuristic algorithms. Finally, statistical and convergence analysis tests were conducted to measure the effectiveness of the improved algorithm. The results of the extensive computational experiments showed that the proposed improved hybrid algorithm outperformed the existing SOSK-means algorithm and demonstrated superior performance compared to some of the competing hybrid and non-hybrid metaheuristic algorithms.
An Effective Blockchain-Based Defense Model for Organizations against Vishing Attacks
Authors: Fakieh Ahlam , Akremi Aymen
Published: December 2022

Social engineering (SE) attacks (also called social hacking) refer to various methods used by cybercriminals to exploit the weak nature of human beings rather than the logical and physical security measures used by organizations. This research paper studies the various methods of SE used by criminals to exploit the psychological vulnerabilities of human beings. On this basis, the paper proposes a new defense categorization of SE attacks based on two security principles: dual control (i.e., more than one entity to complete the task) and split knowledge (i.e., dual controlling of the knowledge to complete the task). We describe how those measures could stop SE attacks and avoid human weaknesses. Then, we propose an original new SE defense model that implements the security principles using blockchain technology to both dual control the transactions and record them safely for organizations. The proposed model’s first aim is to avoid the dependence on the cognitive or psychological status of the victim and enable more verification steps to be taken in a fast and flexible manner. The paper demonstrates the quick and easy adoption of the existing private blockchain platform to implement the proposed SE defense model.
Effect of Local Cyclic Loading on Direct Shear Strength Characteristics of Shear-Zone Soil
Authors: Chen Qiong , Cui Deshan , Liu Qingbing , Tao Xianyu
Published: December 2022

The reservoir landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) often suffers from local cyclic loading scenarios produced by surge waves, groundwater level fluctuation, traffic loading, and seismic activity. However, the effects of local cyclic loading on the shear resistance of the shear-zone of the reservoir landslide are poorly understood. This study experimentally investigates the effects of local cyclic loading on the shear strength and the deformation of shear-zone material using cyclic direct shear tests. A series of cyclic direct shear tests are performed with different normal stresses, cyclic periods, and numbers of cycles. The experimental results indicate that: (1) Compared with monotonic loading, local cyclic loading can significantly decrease the shear stress of shear-zone soil. (2) Shear-zone soil exhibits greater volumetric contraction under local cyclic loading conditions than that under monotonic loading. (3) Under different vertical stresses, the differentiation of shear deformation after 40 cycles of loading was slight and virtually insignificant. The research results reveal the weakening law of the mechanical strength of shear-zone soil under local cyclic loading, which provides a foundation for investigating the mechanism of the reservoir landslide under the fluctuation of water levels.
Analysis of Leg Muscle Activities and Foot Angles while Pressing the Accelerator Pedal by Different Foot Postures
Authors: Tjolleng Amir , Yang Jaesik , Jung Kihyo
Published: December 2022

The accelerator pedal in a vehicle can be pressed by either of two (natural and rotated) foot postures, according to driver preference. Since the rotated foot posture requires only foot motion to switch between the brake and accelerator pedals, most drivers prefer it over the natural foot posture, which requires both leg and foot motions to switch between the pedals. However, the rotated foot posture may require more leg-muscle efforts and an awkward foot posture while operating the accelerator pedal, due to an inappropriate contact between the sole of the foot and the top surface of the accelerator pedal. This study examined the effects of foot postures on leg-muscle activities and foot angles while pressing the accelerator pedal for 10 male drivers. The experimental data revealed that %MVC (maximum voluntary contraction) of leg muscles for the rotated posture (6.39%) was significantly higher than that of the natural posture (3.86%). Both foot postures showed shared patterns in foot angles while pressing the accelerator pedal; however, a slight awkward foot inversion was observed in the rotated posture while pressing the accelerator pedal. The findings of this study suggest that a new design of accelerator pedal is needed for a better user experience while pressing the accelerator pedal with the rotated foot posture.
Ultrasonic Attenuation of Ceramic and Inorganic Materials Using the Through-Transmission Method
Authors: Ono Kanji
Published: December 2022

Ultrasonic attenuation coefficients of ceramic and inorganic materials were determined for the longitudinal and transverse wave modes. Sample materials included hard and soft ceramics, common ceramics, ceramic-matrix composites, mortars, silicate glasses, rocks, minerals and crystals. For ceramic attenuation measurements, a standardized method has existed, but this method based on a buffer-rod arrangement was found to be inconsistent, producing vastly different results. Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy was also found to be unworkable from its sample preparation requirements. Experimental reevaluation of the buffer-rod method showed its impracticality due to unpredictable reflectivity parameters, yielding mostly negative attenuation coefficients. In this work, attenuation tests relied on a through-transmission method, which incorporated a correction procedure for diffraction losses. Attenuation exhibited four types of frequency (f) dependence, i.e., linear, linear plus f4 (called Mason-McSkimin relation), f2 and f3. The first two types were the most often observed. Elastic constants of tested materials were also tabulated, including additional samples too small for attenuation tests. Observed levels of attenuation coefficients will be useful for designing test methods for ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation and trends on ultrasonic attenuation are discussed in terms of available theories. However, many aspects of experimental findings remain unexplained and require future theoretical developments and detailed microstructural characterization. This study discovered a wide range of attenuation behaviors, indicating that the attenuation parameter can aid in characterizing the condition of intergranular boundaries in combination with imaging studies.
Wind Speed Forecasting with a Clustering-Based Deep Learning Model
Authors: Kosanoglu Fuat
Published: December 2022

The predictability of wind energy is crucial due to the uncertain and intermittent features of wind energy. This study proposes wind speed forecasting models, which employ time series clustering approaches and deep learning methods. The deep learning (LSTM) model utilizes the preprocessed data as input and returns data features. The Dirichlet mixture model and dynamic time-warping method cluster the time-series data features and then deep learning in forecasting. Particularly, the Dirichlet mixture model and dynamic warping method cluster the time-series data features. Next, the deep learning models use the entire (global) and clustered (local) data to capture the long-term and short-term patterns, respectively. Furthermore, an ensemble model is obtained by integrating the global model and local model results to exploit the advantages of both models. Our models are tested on four different wind data obtained from locations in Turkey with different wind regimes and geographical aspects. The numerical results indicate that the proposed ensemble models achieve the best accuracy compared to the deep learning method (LSTM). The results imply that the feature clustering approach accommodates a promising framework in forecasting.
Artificial Intelligence Trends and Applications in Service Systems
Authors: Cohen Yuval , Amorim Marlene , Reis Joao
Published: December 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly adopted in service production systems [...]
Experimental Study on Cooling Performance of a Hybrid Microchannel and Jet Impingement Heat Sink
Authors: Xiao Runfeng , Zhang Pingtao , Chen Liang , Zhang Yu , Hou Yu
Published: December 2022

Thermal management at a high heat flux is crucial for high-power electronic devices, and jet impingement cooling is a promising solution. In this paper, a hybrid heat sink combining a microchannel and jet impingement was designed, fabricated and tested in a closed-loop system with R134a as the working fluid. The thermal contact resistance was measured by using the steady-state method, and the thermal resistance of the heat sink was obtained at different heat fluxes and flow rates. The maximum heat dissipation of 400 W/cm2 is achieved on a heater area of 210 mm2, and the thermal resistance of the heat sink is 0.11 K/W with a pressure drop of 13.5 kPa under a flow rate of 1.90 L/min. Low thermal resistance can be achieved for the hybrid heat sink stemming from the highly-dense micro-jet array with separate inflow and outflow microchannels.
Experimental Study on the Seismic Performance of New Energy Dissipation Connectors in an Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Panel with Assembled Steel Frame
Authors: Wang Kaili , Ding Kewei , Yang Tian
Published: December 2022

This study proposes a new energy dissipation connector (NEDC) to connect an external autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) wall panel with an assembled steel frame. To investigate the seismic performance and working mechanism of the NEDC under seismic action, horizontal low-cyclic loading tests were conducted on two sets of steel frames with different connectors using an MTS actuator. Similarly, the seismic performance and working mechanism of the AAC wall panels were elucidated using horizontal low-cyclic loading tests. Test results revealed that the NEDC increased ductility by 10.69–21.12% and energy consumption by 101.14% when compared to those obtained using hook bolt connectors. Overall, the NEDC provides good seismic performance, large deformability, and high energy consumption capacity, thereby rendering it ideal for assembled steel buildings. Furthermore, the NEDC can reduce wall panel damage during earthquake action and enhance the seismic performance of composite frames.
Role-Based Access Control Model for Inter-System Cross-Domain in Multi-Domain Environment
Authors: Li Yunliang , Du Zhiqiang , Fu Yanfang , Liu Liangxin
Published: December 2022

Information service platforms or management information systems of various institutions or sectors of enterprises are gradually interconnected to form a multi-domain environment. A multi-domain environment is convenient for managers to supervise and manage systems, and for users to access data across domains and systems. However, given the complex multi-domain environment and many users, the traditional or enhanced role-based access control (RBAC) model still faces some challenges. It is necessary to address issues such as role naming conflicts, platform–domain management conflicts, inter-domain management conflicts, and cross-domain sharing difficulties. For the above problems, a role-based access control model for inter-system cross-domain in multi-domain environment (RBAC-IC) is proposed. This paper formally defines the model, divides roles into abstract roles and specific roles, and designs the operating process of the access control model. The model has four characteristics: support role name repetition, platform–domain isolation management, inter-domain isolation management, and fine-grained cross-domain sharing. By establishing security violation formulas for security analysis, it is finally shown that RBAC-IC can operate safely.
Diversity and Safety Aspects of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci in Ventricina del Vastese Italian Dry Fermented Sausage
Authors: Amadoro Carmela , Rossi Franca , Poltronieri Palmiro , Marino Lucio , Colavita Giampaolo
Published: December 2022

Ventricina del Vastese is a traditional dry fermented sausage from Central Italy not yet characterized for the occurrence, identity and safety of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), a bacterial group technologically important for this kind of product. Therefore, in this study, 98 CNS isolates from four manufacturers were differentiated using repetitive element palindromic PCR (Rep-PCR) and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These were examined for genes encoding biogenic amine (BA) production, resistance to aminoglycosides, β-lactams, tetracyclines and staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs). Staphylococcus succinus (55%) predominated, followed by S. xylosus (30%), S. epidermidis (7.4%), S. equorum (3.1%), S. saprophyticus (3.1%) and S. warneri (1%). One S. succinus subsp. casei isolate was slightly β-hemolytic. SEs and the histidine decarboxylase gene hdcA were not detected, whereas the tyrosine decarboxylase gene tdcA was detected in four S. xylosus isolates. The blaZ beta-lactamase gene in an S. equorum isolate, tetracycline resistance genes tetK in six S. succinus isolates and tetA in one S. succinus isolate also bearing tetK were found. The product examined is characterized by a peculiar CNS species ratio and a low occurrence and diversity of AR transferable genes than found in other studies, as a probable consequence of production only with meat from animals raised in small farms with extensive rearing systems in which antibiotic usage is infrequent.
Agreement and Differences between Fat Estimation Formulas Using Kinanthropometry in a Physically Active Population
Authors: Mecherques-Carini Malek , Esparza-Ros Francisco , Albaladejo-Saura Mario , Vaquero-Cristóbal Raquel
Published: December 2022

The importance of fat mass estimation in multiple areas related to health and sports has led to the emergence of a large number of methods and formulas for its estimation. The aim of the present study was to compare the agreement and differences between different formulas for estimating fat mass by anthropometry. Eighty-seven subjects underwent an anthropometric assessment following the protocol from the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). The fat percentage was calculated with 14 different formulas for men and with 12 different formulas for women. In the case of men, they were proposed by Durnin-Womersley, Yuhasz, Faulkner, Carter, Peterson, Katch-McArdle, Sloan, Wilmore, Evans, Lean, Reilly, Civar, Hastuti, and Kerr. In the case of women, the equations used were those proposed by Durnin-Womersley, Yuhasz, Faulkner, Carter, Peterson, Katch-McArdle, Sloan, Wilmore, Evans, Lean, Thorland, and Kerr. Significant differences were found between the formulas in both men (8.90 ± 2.17% to 17.91 ± 2.84%; p < 0.001–0.016) and women (15.33 ± 2.94% to 28.79 ± 3.30%; p < 0.001–0.004). It was observed that in the case of men, the Carter and Yuhasz formulas and the Civar and Faulkner formulas showed moderate agreement with each other (CCC = 0.910–0.915). In the case of women, it was observed that the Carter and Yuhasz formulas showed moderate agreement with each other (CCC = 0.974). In conclusion, the formulas used for the estimation of lipid mass in anthropometry reported significantly different results between them and were therefore not comparable.
Art-Heritage-Environment: Common Views Art Collective Engagement with Bedouin Minority in Israeli Desert Region (2019–2021)
Authors: Carmon Popper Irit
Published: December 2022

The Bedouin and Jewish inhabitants of the southern Israeli desert region share a common desert vista. However, they are diverse, multicultural communities who suffer inequity in access to valuable resources such as water. Between 2019 and 2021, Common Views art collective initiated a socially engaged durational art project with Bedouin and Jewish inhabitants entitled Common Views. The art collective seeks to enact sustainable practices of water preservation as a mutually fertile ground for collaboration between the conflicted communities, by reawakening and revitalizing rainwater harvesting, as part of traditional local desert life. Their interventions promote new concepts of Environmental Reconciliation, aiming to confront social-ecological issues, the commons, and resource equity, grounded in interpersonal collaborative relationships with stratified local communities. Their site-specific art actions seek to drive a public discourse on environmental and sustainable resources, while reflecting on the distribution of social and spatial imbalance. They take part in contemporary art discourse relative to socially engaged practices, yet their uniqueness lies in conflictual sites such as the discord arising from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and their proposed model for resolution linking politics with environment. It utilizes renegotiation with histories and heritage, as a vehicle to evoke enhanced awareness of mutual environmental concerns in an attempt at reconciliation on political grounds.
Xianbei Zoomorphic Plaques: Art, Migration, and Human-Environment Entanglement
Authors: Zhang Fan
Published: December 2022

This paper adopts an ecological perspective to investigate the visual and material remains associated with the Xianbei people, a nomadic group active in Northeast Asia from the turn of the common era to the early medieval period. Through the study of metal plaques bearing animal motifs and the environmental contexts of these artworks, I articulate the entangled relationship between humans, animals, and nature. More specifically, this research highlights three groups of zoomorphic designs, including the deer, the horse, and the human–animal juxtaposition. By investigating the stylistic changes and geographical distributions of these three types of zoomorphic metal plaques, I analyze the various roles that animals played in the Xianbei society and the different ways in which the Xianbei people engaged with animals. The shifting relationship between humans and animals as reflected in the zoomorphic metal plaques, I argue, likely resulted from the changing environment of the Xianbei people as they migrated from the Greater Khingan Range to the southern Mongolian Steppe and, finally, to North China. At various stages of their migration, the Xianbei people conducted different modes of living, ranging from hunting, pastoral nomadism, to a sedentary lifestyle, which significantly shaped the design of their zoomorphic metal plaques.
Defying Ornaments
Authors: Gal Nissim
Published: December 2022

The article will discuss works of art produced by Palestinian artists, in which the ornament functions as an intermediary for conveying signs, symbols, messages, and identities. In Muslim tradition, the ornament represented, and visually participated in, establishing the social order, and was also a signifier of a distinct theological, social, dogmatic, and gendered identity. The works at the heart of this article present the ornament as part of an aesthetic and ethical inquiry, a means of reenacting individual and collective history as well as preserving and deconstructing conventions, a method that is both poisonous and a remedy for social hierarchies, fixed identities, and oppressive power relations. I argue that the ornament represented in contemporary Palestinian artworks reflects a destructive or constructive urge, which Mark Wigley describes as an: “elaborate mechanism for concealing and preserving, if not constructing, identity.”
Climate Patterns and Their Influence in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru, Deduced from Spectral Analysis Techniques
Authors: Fernández-Sánchez Adrián , Úbeda José , Tanarro Luis Miguel , Naranjo-Fernández Nuria , Álvarez-Aldegunde José Antonio , Iparraguirre Joshua
Published: December 2022

Climate patterns are natural processes that drive climate variability in the short, medium, and long term. Characterizing the patterns behind climate variability is essential to understand the functioning of the regional atmospheric system. Since investigations typically reveal only the link and extent of the influence of climate patterns in specific regions, the magnitude of that influence in meteorological records usually remains unclear. The central Peruvian Andes are affected by most of the common climate patterns of tropical areas, such as Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), Sea Surface Temperature (SST), solar irradiance, Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). They are also affected by regional processes that are exclusive from South America, such as the South American Low-Level Jet (SALLJ), South American Monsoon System (SAMS), Bolivian High (BH), and Humboldt Current. The aim of this research is to study the climate variability of precipitation, maximum and minimum temperature records over Cordillera Blanca (Peru), and its relationship with the intensity and periodicity of the common climate patterns that affect this region. To achieve this aim, a spectral analysis based on Lomb’s Periodogram was performed over meteorological records (1986–2019) and over different climate pattern indexes. Results show a coincidence in periodicity between MJO and SALLJ, with monthly cycles for precipitation and temperature (27-day, 56-day, and 90-day cycles). Moreover, the most intense periodicities, such as annual (365 days) and biannual (182 and 122 days) cycles in meteorological variables, possibly would be led by ITCZ and ENSO together, as well as a combination of the Humboldt Current and SALLJ. Additionally, interannual periodicities (3-year, 4.5-year, 5.6–7-year and 11-year cycles) would have coincidence with the ENSO–solar combination, while the longest cycles (16 years) could match PDO variability.
Wind Characteristics in the Surface Layer on Different Underlying Surfaces in High Altitude Areas of Central and Western China
Authors: Zheng Dan , Ni Zhangsong , Qing Yiyu , Sun Zhuang , Zhang Jun , Li Shumin
Published: December 2022

To explore the influence of complex terrain on wind characteristics of the surface layer and to better develop and utilize wind energy resources of high-altitude regions in central and western China, two typical topographies: the Qiaodi Village in Sichuan (in western China, site 1) and the Nanhua Mountain in Shanxi (in central China, site 2), were selected for this study. The diurnal and monthly variations of the atmospheric stability were contrasted at the two sites, according to the Obukhov length calculated by the eddy covariance data. The energy exchange process between complex underlying surfaces and the atmospheric boundary layer can be reflected to a certain extent by investigating the diurnal variation differences of the turbulent fluxes at the two sites. The results show that: (1) the dominant boundary layer at site 1 during nighttime is the neutral boundary layer, while at site 2 it is the stable; (2) the horizontal wind speed at 10 m above the ground is the highest (lowest) in the neutral (unstable) boundary layer at site 1, while it is the highest (lowest) in the neutral and weak-unstable (stable) boundary layer at site 2, and (3) the momentum flux, sensible heat flux, and latent heat flux all show unimodal diurnal characteristics. There is a 1 h lag in the flux peak at site 1 compared to site 2.
Research Progress of Forest Fires Spread Trend Forecasting in Heilongjiang Province
Authors: Wang Xiaoxue , Wang Chengwei , Zhao Guangna , Ding Hairu , Yu Min
Published: December 2022

In order to further grasp the scientific method of forecasting the spreading trend of forest fires in Heilongjiang Province, which is located in Northeast China, the basic concepts of forest fires, a geographical overview of Heilongjiang Province, and an overview of forest fire forecasting are mainly introduced. The calculation and computer simulation of various forest fire spread models are reviewed, and the selected model for forest fires spread in Heilongjiang Province is mainly summarized. The research shows that the Wang Zhengfei–Mao Xianmin model has higher accuracy and is more suitable for the actual situation of Heilongjiang Province. However, few studies over the past three decades have updated the formula. Therefore, this empirical model is mainly analyzed in this paper. The nonlinear least squares method is used to re-fit the wind speed correction coefficient, which gets closer results to the actual values, and the Wang Zhengfei–Mao Xianmin model is rewritten and evaluated for a more precise formula. In addition, a brief overview of the commonly used Rothermel mathematical–physical model and the improved ellipse mathematical model is given, which provides a basis for the improvement of the forest fires spread model in Heilongjiang Province.
Manifestations of Different El Niño Types in the Dynamics of the Extratropical Stratosphere
Authors: Ermakova Tatiana S. , Koval Andrey V. , Smyshlyaev Sergei P. , Didenko Ksenia A. , Aniskina Olga G. , Savenkova Elena N. , Vinokurova Ekaterina V.
Published: December 2022

The behavior of planetary waves and their influence on the global circulation of the Northern Hemisphere during different El Niño types is studied. Three sets of five boreal winters were chosen for each El Niño type: Modoki I and II and canonical El Niño. Based on data of the Japanese 55-year Reanalysis and the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, the spatio-temporal structure of planetary waves and the residual mean circulation were analyzed. The results show that the canonical El Niño type is characterized by the weakest wave activity in March. It is also demonstrated that warming of the polar stratosphere, accompanied by maximizing wave activity and weakening of the zonal wind, may lead to earlier stratospheric polar vortex collapse and the early spring transition under Modoki I conditions. This study is the next step in understanding of the so-called long-range teleconnections, consisting of the propagation of a signal from the tropical El Niño Southern Oscillation source into the polar stratosphere.
Comparison and Clarification of China and US CCUS Technology Development
Authors: Li Xiao-Yu , Gao Xu , Xie Jing-Jing
Published: December 2022

The content of the China-US CCUS technology development roadmap is summarized based on the roadmap update in 2019. Qualitative analysis and evaluation were conducted from the perspectives of running CCUS demonstrations or industrial projects, CO2 pipeline infrastructure, established regulatory frameworks, policy support, research and development capabilities, and geological storage resources. A simple analysis of the development status of carbon capture, storage, and utilization technology through relevant patent data is provided. Future planning by China and the United States in terms of planning volume, investment funds, related industries, transportation methods, geological storage, geological utilization, other utilization methods, and incentive policies is compared. Overall, US CCUS technology development is in the leading position in the world; it has entered the stage of small-scale commercial promotion, while the overall development level of China’s CCUS technology is still behind the international advanced level in a small-scale experimental demonstration period, and is still in the catch-up stage. However, as the Chinese government has put forward the strategy of “carbon peaking and carbon neutralization”, CCUS has ushered in a golden opportunity for development in China, and some large-scale industrial demonstration projects have been carried out. This study analyzes China’s advantages and challenges in developing CCUS and gives some suggestions on the direction that China’s CCUS development should take in the future.
Indoor Thermal Environment in Different Generations of Naturally Ventilated Public Residential Buildings in Singapore
Authors: Deng Ji-Yu , Wong Nyuk Hien , Hii Daniel Jun Chung , Yu Zhongqi , Tan Erna , Zhen Meng , Tong Shanshan
Published: December 2022

This study aims to evaluate and compare the indoor air velocities and thermal environment inside different generations of public residential buildings developed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) of Singapore and analyze the impact of façade design on the indoor thermal environment. To achieve this goal, several case studies were carried out, namely, five typical HDB blocks built in different generations from the 1970s to recent years. Firstly, these five blocks with different façade design features were simulated to obtain the indoor air temperatures for both window-closed and window-open scenarios by using the EnergyPlus V22.2.0 (U.S. Department of Energy) and Design-Builder v6 software(DesignBuilder Software Ltd, Stroud, Gloucs, UK). Meanwhile, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to obtain the area-weighted wind velocities in the corresponding zones to evaluate the indoor thermal comfort. Accordingly, the effects of façade design on indoor air temperatures under both the window-closed and window-open conditions were compared and analyzed. Positive correlations between the facades’ window-to-wall ratio (WWR) and the residential envelope transmittance value (RETV) and Ta were confirmed with statistical significance at a 0.05 level. Furthermore, the indoor thermal comfort based on the wind open scenarios was also investigated. The results indicate that the thermal environment can be greatly improved by implementing proper façade design strategies as well as opening the windows, which could result in an average 3.2 °C reduction in Ta. Finally, some principles were proposed for the façade design of residential buildings in tropical regions with similar climate conditions.