bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A full-bridge flux pump using two switches: numerical model and experimental prototype
Authors: Li Chao , Li Gengyao , Xin Ying , Li Bin
Published: August 2024

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets are promising in high field applications. However, due to inevitable joint resistance and flux creep, HTS magnets still face challenges in maintaining field stability in their closed-loop operation. HTS flux pumps can charge closed HTS magnets wirelessly, thus allowing lower cryogenic loading and more flexible arrangements in HTS magnet systems. In this work, a full-bridge flux pump using two AC field-controlled switches is proposed, which can charge HTS magnets during whole cycles. Therefore, the charging speed of the proposed full-bridge flux pump is at least one time larger than half-bridge flux pumps. A numerical model and an experimental prototype are developed to verify the working principle of the proposed full-bridge flux pump. Simulation and experimental tests are carried out to investigate the working characteristics of the proposed flux pump. The proposed flux pump has huge potential in the application scenarios where high charging speed is required.
The mechanism of adjusting the low-frequency ultra-wide band gap within lightweight spherical superstructue
Authors: Zhang Yongyan , Zhao Zebo , Miao Xiangjie , Wu Jiuhui , Chen Liming , Li Biao , Liu Hui , Yang Leipeng , Liu Qinglong , Chen Tao , Li Suobin
Published: August 2024

Conventional resonant structures can be effective in obtaining broadband, but it is still a challenge to design small-sized and lightweight acoustic metamaterials with a low-frequency ultra-wideband. This paper proposes a new approach of designing a lightweight spherical localized resonance superstructure with adjustable stiffness ratio, and the mechanism of adjusting the low-frequency ultra-wide forbidden band is revealed. Then, the correlation between the zero value of its dynamic equivalent mass and the stiffness ratio of the system is studied. It is found that not only is the upper bound of the negative mass effectively broadened, but also the lower bound is successfully lowered only by adjusting the stiffness ratio of the sphere. Most importantly, based on the regulation mechanism with adjustable stiffness ratio, the lower boundary of the band gap is lowered from 171 Hz to 141 Hz, and the upper boundary is increased from 445 Hz to 710 Hz. Therefore, the low-frequency ultra-wideband of 141–710 Hz is obtained only by adjusting the stiffness ratio of the system and the Finite Element Method, which is highly consistent with theoretical analyses. Obviously, the mechanism of obtaining the low-frequency wideband through adjusting the stiffness ratio not only provides a novel idea for adjusting the low-frequency ultra-wideband, but also provides theoretical guidance for the developing the small-size and lightweight acoustic devices, so it would have potential application in the field of vibration and noise reduction.
Reconstruction of bandlimited graph signals from random local sampling
Authors: Shen Lili , Xian Jun , Cheng Cheng
Published: August 2024

Sampling and reconstruction on the spatially distributed networks is an innovative topic in graph signal processing. Recently, it has been shown that k-bandlimited graph signals can be reconstructed from a random collection of physically constrained sampled data. In this paper, we first study the random sampling scheme of k-bandlimited signals from a general local measurement, and then an iterative reconstruction algorithm based on frame theory is proposed with exponential convergence. It can yield a distributed implementation at a vertex level, which enables the devices that are limited by storage and computing power to recover signals more effectively. Numerical experiments on synthetic and real-world data are performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Near-zero magnetic field disturbance suppression method based on adaptive filtering and quasi-proportional resonance control
Authors: Wu Haoting , Zhang Haifeng , Tian Pengtao , Zhao Xiuqi , Zheng Shiqiang
Published: August 2024

The cardiac magnetic field used for magnetocardiographic (MCG) imaging must be detected in a stable near-zero magnetic field environment. In the hospital environment, there are mainly two kinds of magnetic field disturbances that affect the signal-to-noise ratio of cardiac magnetic field detection. One is the magnetic field disturbance with high power spectral density at a specific frequency, and the other is the random magnetic field disturbance with low frequency. To suppress magnetic field disturbances, this paper proposed a near-zero magnetic field disturbance suppression method that combined a PI controller with adaptive filtering and quasi-proportional resonance control (PI-APF-QPR). The magnetic field disturbance with high amplitude and specific frequency was extracted by the adaptive filter (APF) and suppressed by the quasi-proportional resonance (QPR) controller. Additionally, the low-frequency random disturbance was suppressed by the PI controller. The experimental results showed that compared with the PI controller, the peak-to-peak value of the magnetic field by the PI-APF-QPR controller was reduced by 39.1%, and the suppression ratio of the magnetic field noise by the PI-APF-QPR controller was improved by 29.5%, which verified the effectiveness of the proposed magnetic field disturbance suppression method.
A capillary fiber-based liquid metal pressure sensor
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Ping , Zhang Qi
Published: August 2024

The capillary fibers can easily be prefabricated in the factory, and their production cost is reduced. Moreover, the liquid metal fibers have the advantages of good integrity, excellent electrical conductivity, inherent stretchability, easy phase transition, and can be woven or knitted into smart fabrics. To solve the problems of the complex manufacture process and low integrity of lithographic sensors, capillary fibers replace the lithographic microfluidic channel to fill liquid metal to manufacture the pressure sensor in this paper. The prefabricated fiber is poured directly to produce the flexible chip. The steel shell is employed to increase the sensor’s measuring range and to enhance its overall performance. Compression experiments on the developed sensor are conducted, and pressure-resistance curves of the developed pressure sensor are obtained. The analytical solution of the pressure for the developed sensor is derived, and the analytical results are in good agreement with the experimental data. The cyclic loading experimental result shows that the measuring range of the chip is from 0 kPa to 1900 kPa with a full-scale output value of 1644 mΩ, linearity varying from 0.14 to 1.22 mΩ kPa−1, curve coincidence of 48.2%, repeatability of 2.77% and hysteresis of 5.26%. The measuring range of the developed pressure sensor is from 0 MPa to 20 MPa with a full-scale output value of 1046 mΩ, linearity ranging from 35.63 to 70.20 mΩ MPa−1, curve coincidence of 7.5%, repeatability of 2.35% and hysteresis of 4.53%. The comparison of performance indexes shows that the capillary fiber-based chip has good measurement performance, and the introduction of steel shell further improves the measurement performance.
High-Q resonances based on BIC in graphene-dielectric hybrid double-T metasurfaces for terahertz modulation and sensing
Authors: Wang Yaqi , Qi Yunping , Zhou Zihao , Li Zhexian , Wang Xiangxian
Published: August 2024

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in bound states in the continuum (BIC) in metasurfaces. One particular area of focus is achieving high-quality (Q) factor resonance, as this is crucial for enhancing the performance of refractive index sensors. In this study, a graphene-dielectric hybrid metasurface that supports the bound states in the continuum is proposed. By varying the width of the dielectric rectangle, quasi-BIC resonances with a high Q factor can be excited, and the Q factor can reach 752724.95 and 272004.759 respectively. The analysis of multipole decomposition reveals that the two quasi-BIC resonances are predominantly influenced by the electric quadrupole and magnetic dipole, respectively. Moreover, the transmittance of the resonance point can be changed rapidly with the change of the chemical potential of graphene, so the function of modulation can be realized by changing the chemical potential of graphene. Based on these findings, we have designed a terahertz wave modulator, which exhibits modulation depths of 98.1% and 99.9% at the two resonance peaks, respectively. The corresponding chemical potential shifts are 50 meV and 0.5 eV. Additionally, we have investigated the sensing performance of the metasurface. By analyzing the magnitude of the frequency shifts of the quasi-BIC resonance peaks at different gas refractive indexes, we have determined sensitivities of 740 GHz RIU−1 and 630 GHz RIU−1 at the two resonance peaks. The maximum figure of merit (FOM) values are 132911.39 RIU−1 and 45000 RIU−1, respectively. This research serves as a valuable reference for the design of dynamic optical modulators and sensors operating in the terahertz band.
Design of short-focus near-eye optical system for virtual reality using polarization-insensitive metasurface
Authors: Li Yangyang , Hu Yanhong , Zhang Chao , Yuan Ying , Li Qiang , Wang Xiaorui
Published: August 2024

Near-eye optical systems, as an important component of virtual reality displays, have attracted great research interest recently. However, current systems have complex structures and face the design challenge of combining compact, short-focus design with wide field of view and high angular resolution. In this paper, we propose a short-focus near-eye optical system with wide field of view and high angular resolution, referred to as a meta-eyepiece, by patterning a single-layer polarization-insensitive metasurface on a substrate. The metasurface, featuring a quasi-periodic nanopillar arrangement, enables precise phase modulation and enhances design flexibility. The desired metaform phase can be obtained by modeling the light propagation of the meta-eyepiece to determine key design parameters, utilizing metaform phase polynomials, customizing the objective merit function and employing advanced optimization algorithms. Our system achieves a short focal length of approximately 22 mm with an 80° field of view, offering compactness superior to conventional virtual reality optics and a minimum resolvable angle less than 1.25 arcminutes, ensuring high angular resolution. It also exhibits excellent imaging performance with full-field modulation transfer function values exceeding 0.5 at 62.5 lp/mm. Although the initial system utilizes ray optics, the scaled version is validated for its feasibility and scalability through full-wave simulations. Our meta-eyepiece structure and design method show the potential of metasurfaces for applications in virtual reality, offering valuable support for technological development in this field.
Tuning of optical, thermodynamic, and thermoelectric properties of Cs2CuBiX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) halide perovskites for solar cells and energy harvesting applications
Authors: Al-Daraghmeh Tariq M , Nazir Ghazanfar , Zayed Omar , Kattan Nessrin A , Rouf Syed Awais , Albalawi Hind , Aljameel A I , Boukhris Imed
Published: August 2024

The double perovskites are outstanding materials for solar cells and transport applications to clean harvest energy. Therefore, the Cs2CuBiX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) are discussed comprehensively for energy harvesting by modified Becke and Johnson (mBJ) potential. The studied DPs fit the structural, mechanical, and dynamic stability scale by tolerance factor, Born–Huang criteria, and phonon dispersion band structures. The band gaps (1.20, 1.0, 0.70) eV for (Cl, Br, I) based DPs ensure the Cs2CuBiCl6 has an absorption band in the visible region while Cs2CuBiBr6 and Cs2CuBiI6 has an absorption band in the infrared region. Heavy elements’ spin–orbit coupling effect (Cs, Bi) reduces the band gap to 0.08 eV. Thermoelectric behavior regarding the merit scale against dopant carriers and temperature has been elaborated. The ultralow lattice thermal conductivity, large Debye temperature, hardness, and melting temperature increase their implication for thermoelectric and other thermodynamic applications. The variation in band gap makes them important for diverse optoelectric and thermoelectric applications. The Cs2CuBiCl6 with a band gap of 1.20 eV is suitable for solar cells, while Cs2CuBiBr6 and Cs2CuBiI6 with band gaps of 1.0 eV and 0.70 eV are significant for thermoelectric generators.
Fitting the DESI BAO data with dark energy driven by the Cohen-Kaplan-Nelson bound
Authors: Adolf Patrick , Hirsch Martin , Krieg Sara , Päs Heinrich , Tabet Mustafa
Published: August 2024

Gravity constrains the range of validity of quantum field theory. As has been pointed out by Cohen, Kaplan, and Nelson (CKN), such effects lead to interdependent ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) cutoffs that may stabilize the dark energy of the universe against quantum corrections, if the IR cutoff is set by the Hubble horizon. As a consequence of the cosmic expansion, this argument implies a time-dependent dark energy density. In this paper we confront this idea with recent data from DESI BAO, Hubble and supernova measurements. We find that the CKN model provides a better fit to the data than the ΛCDM model and can compete with other models of time-dependent dark energy that have been studied so far.
Standard siren cosmology in the era of the 2.5-generation ground-based gravitational wave detectors: bright and dark sirens of LIGO Voyager and NEMO
Authors: Jin Shang-Jie , Zhu Rui-Qi , Song Ji-Yu , Han Tao , Zhang Jing-Fei , Zhang Xin
Published: August 2024

The 2.5-generation (2.5G) ground-based gravitational wave (GW) detectors LIGO Voyager and NEMO are expected to be operational in the late 2020s and early 2030s. In this work, we explore the potential of GW standard sirens observed by the 2.5G GW detectors in measuring cosmological parameters, especially for the Hubble constant. Using GWs to measure cosmological parameters is inherently challenging, especially for 2.5G detectors, given their limited capability, which results in weaker constraints on cosmological parameters from the detected standard sirens. However, the measurement of the Hubble constant using standard siren observations from Voyager and NEMO is still promising. For example, using bright sirens from Voyager and NEMO can measure the Hubble constant with a precision of about 2% and 6% respectively, and using the Voyager-NEMO network can improve the precision to about 1.6%. Moreover, bright sirens can be used to break the degeneracy of cosmological parameters generated by CMB data, and to a certain extent, 2.5G detectors can also play a role in this aspect. Observations of dark sirens by 2.5G detectors can achieve relatively good results in measuring the Hubble constant, with a precision of within 2%, and if combining observations of bright and dark sirens, the precision of the Hubble constant measurement can reach about 1.4%. Finally, we also discussed the impact of the uncertainty in the binary neutron star merger rate on the estimation of cosmological parameters. We conclude that the magnificent prospect for solving the Hubble tension is worth expecting in the era of the 2.5G ground-based GW detectors.
Operators of quantum theory of Dirac's free field
Authors: Cotăescu Ion I.
Published: August 2024

The Pryce (e) spin and position operators of the quantum theory of Dirac's free field were re-defined and studied recently with the help of a new spin symmetry and suitable spectral representations [Eur. Phys. J. C 82, 1073 (2022)]. This approach is generalized here, associating a pair of integral operators acting directly on particle and antiparticle wave spinors in momentum representation to any integral operator in configuration representation, acting on mode spinors. This framework allows an effective quantization procedure, giving a large set of one-particle operators with physical meaning as the spin and orbital parts of the isometry generators, the Pauli-Lubanski and position operators, or other spin-type operators proposed to date. Special attention is paid to the operators that mix the particle and antiparticle sectors whose off-diagonal associated operators have oscillating terms producing Zitterbevegung. The principal operators of this type, including the usual coordinate operator, are derived here for the first time. As an application, it is shown that an apparatus measuring these new observables may prepare and detect one-particle wave packets moving uniformly without Zitterbewegung or spin dynamics, spreading in time normally as any other relativistic or even non-relativistic wave packet.
The Effect of External Magnetic Field on Electron Scale Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability
Authors: Tsiklauri D.
Published: August 2024

We use particle-in-cell, fully electromagnetic, plasma kinetic simulation to study the effect of external magnetic field on electron scale Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (ESKHI). The results are applicable to collisionless plasmas when, e.g., solar wind interacts with planetary magnetospheres or a magnetic field is generated in AGN jets. We find that as in the case of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) KHI, in the kinetic regime, the presence of an external magnetic field reduces the growth rate of the instability. In the MHD case, there is a known threshold magnetic field for KHI stabilization, while for ESKHI this is to be analytically determined. Without a kinetic analytical expression, we use several numerical simulation runs to establish an empirical dependence of ESKHI growth rate, Γ(B
0)ω
pe, on the strength of the applied external magnetic field. We find the best fit is hyperbolic,

Γ
(

B

0

)

ω

pe

=

Γ

0

ω

pe

/

(
A
+
B

B

¯

0

)

, where Γ0 is the ESKHI growth rate without an external magnetic field and

B

¯

0

=

B

0

/

B

MHD

is the ratio of external and two-fluid MHD stability threshold magnetic field, derived here. An analytical theory to back up this growth rate dependence on the external magnetic field is needed. The results suggest that in astrophysical settings where a strong magnetic field pre-exists, the generation of an additional magnetic field by the ESKHI is suppressed, which implies that nature provides a “safety valve”—natural protection not to “over-generate” magnetic field by the ESKHI mechanism. Remarkably, we find that our two-fluid MHD threshold magnetic field is the same (up to a factor

γ

0

) as the DC saturation magnetic field, previously predicted by fully kinetic theory.
Enhancing facial nerve regeneration with scaffold-free conduits engineered using dental pulp stem cells and their endogenous, aligned extracellular matrix
Authors: Drewry Michelle D , Shi Delin , Dailey Matthew T , Rothermund Kristi , Trbojevic Sara , Almarza Alejandro J , Cui Xinyan T , Syed-Picard Fatima N
Published: August 2024

Objective. Engineered nerve conduits must simultaneously enhance axon regeneration and orient axon extension to effectively restore function of severely injured peripheral nerves. The dental pulp contains a population of stem/progenitor cells that endogenously express neurotrophic factors (NTFs), growth factors known to induce axon repair. We have previously generated scaffold-free dental pulp stem/progenitor cell (DPSC) sheets comprising an aligned extracellular matrix (ECM). Through the intrinsic NTF expression of DPSCs and the topography of the aligned ECM, these sheets both induce and guide axon regeneration. Here, the capacity of bioactive conduits generated using these aligned DPSC sheets to restore function in critical-sized nerve injuries in rodents was evaluated. Approach. Scaffold-free nerve conduits were formed by culturing DPSCs on a substrate with aligned microgrooves, inducing the cells to align and deposit an aligned ECM. The sheets were then detached from the substrate and assembled into scaffold-free cylindrical tissues. Main results. In vitro analyses confirmed that scaffold-free DPSC conduits maintained an aligned ECM and had uniformly distributed NTF expression. Implanting the aligned DPSC conduits across critical-sized defects in the buccal branch of rat facial nerves resulted in the regeneration of a fascicular nerve-like structure and myelinated axon extension across the injury site. Furthermore, compound muscle action potential and stimulated whisker movement measurements revealed that the DPSC conduit treatment promoted similar functional recovery compared to the clinical standard of care, autografts. Significance. This study demonstrates that scaffold-free aligned DPSC conduits supply trophic and guidance cues, key design elements needed to successfully promote and orient axon regeneration. Consequently, these conduits restore function in nerve injuries to similar levels as autograft treatments. These conduits offer a novel bioactive approach to nerve repair capable of improving clinical outcomes and patient quality of life.
Combining price and non-price interventions for water conservation
Authors: Vivek Vivek , Kar Tapan , Meka Sesha , Malghan Deepak
Published: August 2024

Marginal pricing has long been the instrument of choice to address water conservation challenges. More recently, non-price behavioral interventions have emerged as an alternative. However, there is limited data on the relative efficacies of price and non-price interventions. We report results from long-term field experiments studying unit-level water conservation responses to both price and non-price interventions in the same group of households (n = 64 186 household-days). Conservation habits, attitude-action gaps, principal-agent incongruities, and billing cycles help account for the heterogeneity in response between households, and across time. A non-price behavior modification intervention before the introduction of marginal pricing resulted in a large and significant effect on treated households (33%). The subsequent introduction of marginal volumetric pricing also reduced water use (8%, for previously untreated households). However, this average price effect masks how a large share (21%) of households increased water use, or how a mere 12% of the households accounted for all the aggregate reduction in water use. We investigated such heterogeneous responses as a systematic conservation maximization design question beyond statistical variance in individual responses. We used daily water consumption measurements across three years alongside a household survey to delineate structural and agentic barriers to conservation behavior. Our analysis reveals how combining price and non-price behavioral interventions could hold the key to achieving conservation effects that are both large and persistent.
Performance of empirical and model-based classifiers for detecting sucrase-isomaltase inhibition using the 13C-sucrose breath test
Authors: Van Wyk Hannah , Lee Gwenyth O , Schillinger Robert J , Edwards Christine A , Morrison Douglas J , Brouwer Andrew F
Published: August 2024

The 13C-sucrose breath test (13C-SBT) has been proposed to estimate sucrase-isomaltase (SIM) activity and is a promising test for SIM deficiency, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, and for intestinal mucosal damage caused by gut dysfunction or chemotherapy. We previously showed how various summary measures of the 13C-SBT breath curve reflect SIM inhibition. However, it is uncertain how the performance of these classifiers is affected by test duration. We leveraged 13C-SBT data from a cross-over study in 16 adults who received 0, 100, and 750 mg of Reducose, an SIM inhibitor. We evaluated the performance of a pharmacokinetic-model-based classifier,

ρ

, and three empirical classifiers (cumulative percent dose recovered at 90 min (cPDR90), time to 50% dose recovered, and time to peak dose recovery rate), as a function of test duration using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. We also assessed the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of consensus classifiers. Test durations of less than 2 h generally failed to accurately predict later breath curve dynamics. The cPDR90 classifier had the highest ROC area-under-the-curve and, by design, was robust to shorter test durations. For detecting mild SIM inhibition,

ρ

had a higher sensitivity. We recommend 13C-SBT tests run for at least a 2 h duration. Although cPDR90 was the classifier with highest accuracy and robustness to test duration in this application, concerns remain about its sensitivity to misspecification of the CO2 production rate. More research is needed to assess these classifiers in target populations.
Multi-criteria analysis of low impact development practices: a case study in the Tan Hoa - Lo Gom basin, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Giang Ngo Ngoc , Xuan Quang Chau Nguyen , Trang Le Thanh
Published: August 2024

Urban flooding poses a significant challenge for cities globally. In recent years, Low Impact Development (LID) has been recognized as an effective and sustainable solution for managing urban floods. This study employs the EPA-Storm Water Management Model (EPA-SWMM), social surveys, and multi-criteria analysis (MCA) to assess the effectiveness of LID practices from environmental, social, and economic sustainability perspectives. Results demonstrated that implementing LID techniques such as rain gardens, infiltration trenches, permeable pavements, and their combinations in the Tan Hoa - Lo Gom basin can reduce the average total runoff volume by 8.77% to 30.80% under the current land use-land cover and the design hyetograph with a 3-hour duration and a 5-year return period. Moreover, there is a reduction of approximately 7.42% to 30.59% in the average total runoff volume for the design hyetograph with a 3-hour duration and a 5-year return period, aiming to assess the climate change impact. Additionally, sociological and economic aspects are integrated to comprehensively assess each LID practice through MCA via the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Overall, the analysis results indicated that the scenarios involving the application of rain gardens, infiltration trenches, and their combinations are more effective than other scenarios. These findings will provide valuable insights for decision-making and planning of other LID projects in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to mitigate urban flooding, particularly in light of the escalating challenges posed by urbanization and climate change.
Optimization of a PM2.5 automatic monitoring network based on the modeling approach – A case study in Long An province, Vietnam
Authors: Ta Bui Long , Hoang Nguyen Phong
Published: August 2024

Currently, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is one of the well-recognized serious environmental health risks. In particular, PM2.5 has remarkably impacted the human respiratory, cardiovascular, and circulatory systems. Vietnam has frequently ranked among the countries with the highest annual mean PM2.5 levels in Southeast Asia and worldwide. Thus, building a real-time continuous ambient PM2.5 monitoring network is an important environmental management tool to reduce health effects attributable to PM2.5 exposure. Nevertheless, measurement locations of an air quality monitoring (AQM) network depend strongly on meteorological conditions in the area and sensitivity to local primary emission sources, which significantly determines the AQM network’s operational efficiency. This study aims to estimate and optimize outdoor PM2.5 monitoring sites of an automatic air quality monitoring (AAQM) network using a system of low-cost sensors in Long An province, based on the spatio-temporal distribution assessment results of PM2.5 concentrations from WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting Model)/CMAQ (the Community Multiscale Air Quality) models. The prominent study outcomes have shown that the 2018 average PM2.5 concentration in Long An province exceeded the threshold of QCVN 05:2023/BTNMT (25 μg/m3) from 5.6 to 7.9 times. Moreover, this study has proposed four optimal monitoring sites (AQ1, AQ2, AQ3, and AQ4) for the automatically real-time PM2.5 observation in the areas of Tan An City, Can Giuoc District, the ring roads 3 and 4, and Kien Tuong Town. The study has provided an important scientific basis and support for local air quality management activities; furthermore, the newly proposed monitoring locations will complement the province’s periodic monitoring program towards 2025.
A Visualisation of Cavite, Philippines’ Peri-urban Landscape Transformations through Morphogenetic Montage Clusters
Authors: Nadal C D S
Published: August 2024

The use of landscape character area-morphogenetic montage clusters (LCAr-MMCs) is part of the landscape character system for the PhD research project entitled, “Capturing the Dynamic Character of the Philippine Peri-urban Landscape: A Landscape Character System Approach for the Region of Cavite.” These LCAr-MMCs are visualisation clusters created to suggest a localised approach in characterisation that can fully utilize the attributes of the landscape as potential references for planning and management of landscape in the rural-urban interface. The LCAr-MMCs, as a visualisation tool, addressed the need to uncover interpretations of the intangible and temporal morphogenetic qualities of Cavite’s current peri-urban landscape. Finding a visualisation method that can express the landscape’s adaptation to changes caused by peri-urbanisation was important in future planning initiatives, and the LCAr-MMCs provided that by showcasing the changes and patterns of development in Cavite through an assemblage of written texts, images, and cartographic maps. Cavite’s LCAr-MMCs became sources of evidence of the waves of landscape change in this landscape region. LCAr-MMCs supplied a collage of anecdotes and images depicting the evolution of Cavite’s landscape throughout time. The four (4) landscape clusters resulting from this project also created manageable sets of information known as periods of landscape influences, which were organised in phases of landscape evolution. The LCAr-MMCs asserted the adaptive qualities of the peri-urban landscape as well as the temporality of its natural and cultural environment. These clusters eventually exhibited an evolutionary landscape character that gave rise to the peri-urban landscape we know today.
Evaluation and Development of Healing Garden Based on Biophilic Design Approach in Harapan Kita Cardiovascular Hospital
Authors: Sabila Y R , Fatimah I S , Anggraeni D
Published: August 2024

The need for gardens in health facilities became the concern of Harapan Kita Cardiovascular Center Hospital (RSJPDHK). Landscape architecture research has identified the importance of therapeutic green space as a rehabilitation strategy on the physical and psychological resilience that can affect health and work performance. Therefore, the possibility to develop green space need to be designed in conjunction with the restorative function through the healing garden concept with biophilic approach. This research aims to identify the potentials and constraints of 3 chosen sites on RSJPDHK building; evaluate the healing garden value on site 1, which is an existing roof garden; and develop a biophilic-based healing garden design on sites 2 and 3, which are undeveloped roof and corridor yard. The research stages were carried out with reference to modified Booth (1984). The results showed that site 1 is suitable as a healing garden with standard criteria. Meanwhile, design development was carried out on sites 2 and 3 with the concept of healing garden and biophilic approach, entitled ‘rejuvenate’ which produced the output of design recommendations for RSJPDHK.
Evaluation of Visual and Functional Quality of Grass and Trees at RSJMM Heritage Golf Field in Bogor City
Authors: Ardhana F A , Sulistyantara B
Published: August 2024

RSJMM Heritage Golf Club is the oldest golf course in Bogor City. The quality of a golf course depends on the quality of the grass, both visually and functionally. It is also influenced by the tree that performs as a natural challenge for the game. The objectives of this study are: (1) to evaluate the visual quality of grass and trees, (2) to evaluate the functional quality of grass, and (3) to propose maintenance plan recommendations. The methods used in this research were observation, interview, and literature review. Furthermore, the data obtained were analyzed using Pearson correlation, Binomial test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. The result shows that the average visual quality of the tree is categorized as very good. Meanwhile, the visual quality of the grass shows that grass density is classified as moderate for the green area and high for the tee box and fairway areas. The color, color uniformity, the presence of particles, and the texture of 3 areas met the standard. The functional quality of the grass indicated that pruning height in 3 areas, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and root length other than 1 area met the standard. The elasticity of the grass is included in the category of fast and medium fast for regular play. The result of this study provides recommendations for a maintenance plan to develop the quality of RSJMM Heritage Golf Club.
Biotope Mapping of San Mariano, Isabela for Forest Conservation and Management
Authors: Taylan A R M , Navarra N L
Published: August 2024

Forests in San Mariano, Isabela, Philippines are invaluable resources facing threats from destructive activities and natural disturbances, resulting to significant forest loss. To address this challenge, this study introduces biotope mapping as a tool for forest conservation and management in San Mariano, Isabela. The goal is to identify and map the different biotopes in San Mariano, Isabela which helps in enhancing sustainable forest management strategies, ensuring the long-term preservation of forest ecosystems. By conducting site visits, utilizing remote sensing techniques and geographic information systems (GIS) analysis, the distribution and classification of biotopes in San Mariano are determined. Through overlaying the soil type map, land cover map, and landform map, 22 biotopes were determined, and each were visually presented by showing a section-elevation diagram of each biotope. Furthermore, an assessment was also done for each biotope providing a comprehensive understanding of the different biotopes within the study area. This also serves as a reference for prioritizing conservation efforts, establishing protected areas, implementing habitat restoration initiatives, and mitigating threats to forest ecosystems. The findings and recommendations of this study contribute to the promotion of effective forest conservation and management, ensuring the long-term preservation of the forested landscapes.
A multi-aspect approach of a building to achieve optimization in India’s major green building rating systems by incorporating BIM
Authors: Siddhartha Arvind , Beulah Gnana Ananthi G.
Published: August 2024

This paper delves into the concept of “green buildings,” structures designed to enhance the quality of life within their geographical context through their unique attributes. In the context of India, this study focuses on three primary green building rating systems: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), IGBC (Indian Green Building Council), and GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment). The objective of this article is to present an optimized three-dimensional model for a commercial building, employing Building Information Modelling (BIM) techniques. To achieve this, a checklist is developed based on the maximum rating points stipulated by the aforementioned rating systems. Using this checklist as a guideline, a three-dimensional model is constructed, integrating key parameters of sustainability and environmental performance. Subsequently, a cost analysis is conducted on the model to determine the payback time, thus establishing a holistic framework for sustainable building design. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable architectural practices by integrating BIM technology with green building rating systems, providing a valuable methodology for architects and stakeholders to optimize commercial building designs with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Corrosion Characteristics and Durability of Bio Concrete – A Review
Authors: Swaroopa  , Leonel Cutinha Laurel , shetty Shanmukha
Published: August 2024

Concrete, is a crucial construction material widely used in infrastructure, has inherent limitations despite its versatility. It exhibits constrained ductility, low resistance to cracking, and relatively weak tensile strength. Global research has continuously sought modifications to address these issues in conventional cement concrete. Periodic exposure to harmful substances can lead to concrete corrosion, potentially causing structural failures that impact long-term operational efficiency. Studies in the literature focus on enhancing corrosion resistance, with microbiologically induced calcite precipitation (MICP) being a notable outcome. Recent research highlights specific bacterial species, like Bacillus subtilis, capable of enhancing the durability and lifespan of concrete structures. However, the actual impact on strength and properties depends on factors such as concrete mix design, bacterial concentration, and environmental conditions. Ongoing research in Bacillus subtilis application is evolving, and actual data may vary based on specific experiments and conditions. For the latest information, referring to the current scientific literature is recommended. Microbial concrete holds promise in significantly extending infrastructure service life, reducing maintenance expenses, and enhancing structural safety. This study delves into the fundamental mechanism of microbiological concrete, offering insights into factors strengthening and prolonging concrete life while presenting limitations.
A comprehensive analysis of water quality of open wells at Alevuru and Badagabettu-76 village of Udupi Taluk, Karnataka, India
Authors: Sharma H S , Rakesh R , Shrihari S
Published: August 2024

The availability of pure water is one of the most essential requirements for all living organisms. In rural areas of Udupi, Karnataka, India, well water serves as the primary source of water for residents. Hence the objectives of the study were to find the physical and chemical characteristics of the well water sources in Udupi taluk; and to assess the suitability of the well water sources in Udupi taluk for drinking purposes by determining water quality index (WQI). Water samples (n=24) were collected from open wells from Alevuru and Badagabettu-76 villages of Udupi taluk during October 2023. Water quality parameters analyzed were pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total alkalinity, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, chloride, sulphate, chemical oxygen demand and iron. The WQI revealed that the well water in majority of the sites was fit for drinking. All parameters were within the permissible limits in majority of the wells except for iron and pH.
The University of Hope
Authors: Kostera Monika
Published: August 2024

Is the university as we know it dead? Monika Kostera thinks not, but across the globe universities are under attack, be it by external forces or from within. Will they survive? Our civilization requires that they must: planetary survival and sustainability depend on them. This book provides vital resources to give us all—professional academics, students, and university administrators—hope that universities will emerge renewed out of the current crisis. It inspires all of us to practice, collectively and consciously, academic virtues: kindness, diligence, patience, temperance, chaste desire, humility, and collegiality. These virtues can help reduce some of the detrimental aspects of a prevalent culture of vice, conflict, and violence that we witness, experience, and are complicit in, both within our universities and beyond. As the book shows, the practice of academic virtues can enable us to cultivate awareness of the common good that academia serves: the preservation and development of humanity’s potential of knowledge. Drawing on a rich variety of ideas, theories, empirical cases, real and fictitious stories, as well as examples and images from art and literature, Monika Kostera demonstrates the splendid complexity of academic ecosystems. It is through looking for hope for the university that we find hope for society and the planet. The two are inextricably linked: you cannot have one without the other! In suggesting tangible steps for restoring a sense of meaning to academic work and the collegial community worldwide, The University of Hope shows us a path out of the darkness.
Mobilization
Authors: Howard-Johnston James
Published: August 2024

Byzantium fought a defensive war against the Arabs for some two centuries. It was a highly taxed and highly militarized state, which generated large military and naval forces. An Arab estimate of 120,000 troops can be demonstrated to be reliable, to which some 30,000 naval personnel should be added. The old civil provinces were grouped together under military commands. The regional commander was the senior ranking figure, but the civil administration remained answerable to the centre. Only one aspect is known of the process of reviving army morale after the loss of the Levant to the Arabs—regional armies were rebranded as themata, a term taken over from the finest fighting forces of the time, those of steppe nomads. The whole of society, from court to peasant village, was committed to the struggle for survival, as can be shown by the loyalty of highlanders and the large-scale enlistment of peasants.
Tenth Century II
Authors: Howard-Johnston James
Published: August 2024

Tenth-century emperors, from Romanos Lekapenos (920–44) to Basil II (976–1025), issued laws to stem the rise of the powerful. As well as philanthropic care for the poor, their prime motive was to defend the peasant village from encroachment from outside. Individual laws are analysed, from the first enactment of 922, which allowed family and community interest to override the free market, to the final tidying legislation of 996. Attention is also paid to measures taken to ensure the proper functioning of the courts. Contrary to received opinion, it is concluded that the crown’s legislative campaign, incorporating much moral exhortation, was successful in the main and that the courts continued to enforce the new laws in the eleventh century.
Sustainability of Public Debt in India
Authors: Shanmugam K R
Published: August 2024

This chapter explains the economic perspective of the sustainability of combined public debt of centre and state governments in India, and reviews the theoretical and empirical literature on the topic. It also presents public debt trends in India. Using statistical approaches and the threshold regression method, it shows that the current level of debt is unsustainable. Econometric estimates reveal that the debt sustainability threshold for India is 61.6 per cent, and that a higher level of debt can be growth-reducing. The simulation exercises based on debt dynamics suggest that India should grow at 11 per cent or above and the fiscal deficit target should be 2 per cent each for the centre and all states to obtain sustainable debt by 2028–29.
Post-COVID Economic Recovery, Macroeconomic Uncertainties, and Fiscal Responsibility
Authors: Chakraborty Pinaki
Published: August 2024

While the global economy is battling the economic shock due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the war between Russia and Ukraine has increased global macroeconomic uncertainties manifold. The Union Budget 2022–23 reflects the possibility of significant fiscal consolidation this fiscal year. As the economy deals with COVID- and war-induced macroeconomic uncertainties, the realization of the proposed fiscal consolidation strategy, revenue target, and expenditure-allocation priorities would depend on the way the Indian economy navigates these challenges as they unfold. The macro-fiscal risks emanating outside the budget are also likely to play a major role in shaping general government debt and deficit.
Fiscal Policy for Growth and Stabilization
Authors: Srivastava D K , Kapur Tarrung , Trehan Ragini
Published: August 2024

Two major interlinked objectives of fiscal policy are to ensure that an economy reaches its potential growth consistent with full employment of its resources, and that volatility of growth around this optimal level is minimized. In this chapter, after summarizing alternative approaches to conceptualizing and measuring potential growth, an analysis of major fiscal policy instruments is undertaken with a view to highlighting the extent to which they can be used for uplifting growth in an economy. The use of fiscal policy instruments for stabilization is then discussed, focusing on their countercyclical role in minimizing the impact of economic cycles. The role of fiscal responsibility legislations (FRLs), as they evolved and are applied in India, is also discussed in the context of recent global economic slowdowns.
Public Financial Management and Budget Credibility
Authors: Chakraborty Lekha , Chakraborty Pinaki , Shrestha Ruzel
Published: August 2024

Budget credibility of governments in accurately forecasting macro-fiscal variables is crucial for effective public finance management. Fiscal marksmanship analysis captures the extent of errors in budgetary forecasting. The fiscal rules can determine fiscal marksmanship. This chapter applies Theil’s technique to analyse fiscal forecasting errors for Indian states. There is a heterogeneity in the magnitude of errors across Indian states. The forecast errors in revenue receipts have been greater than those in revenue expenditure. Within revenue receipts, the errors are more significantly pronounced in the grants component. Within expenditure budgets, the errors in capital spending are found to be greater in all the states. Further, the errors were more broadly random than due to systematic bias, except for a few crucial macro-fiscal variables where improving the forecasting techniques can provide better estimates.