bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autonomous Trajectory Planning for Spray Painting on Complex Surfaces Based on a Point Cloud Model
Authors: Nieto Bastida Saul , Lin Chyi-Yeu
Published: December 2023

Using teach pendants or offline programming methods can generate tool paths for robot manipulators to carry out production activities, such as spray painting on objects of different geometries. This task, in which the complexity of painting the surface is one of the main challenges, requires highly skilled operators. In addition, the time spent setting up a robot task can be justified for the mass production of the same workpiece. However, it is inconvenient for low-production and high-variation production lines. In order to overcome these challenges, this study presents an algorithm to autonomously generate robot trajectories for a spray-painting process applied to objects with complex surfaces based on input 3D point cloud data. A predefined spherical mesh wraps the object, organizing the geometrical attributes into a structured data set. Subsequently, the region of interest is extracted and isolated from the model, which serves as the basis for the automatic path-planning operation. A user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) is developed to define input parameters, visualize the point cloud model and the generated trajectory, simulate paint quality using a color map, and ultimately generate the robot’s code. A 3D sensor is used to localize the pose of the workpiece ahead of the robot and adjust the robot’s trajectory. The efficacy of the proposed approach is validated first by using various workpieces within a simulated environment and second by employing a real robot to execute the motion task.
A Measurement Method of Power Transferred to an Electric Vehicle Using Wireless Charging
Authors: Nakutis Žilvinas , Lukočius Robertas , Girdenis Viktoras , Kroičs Kaspars
Published: December 2023

The increasing number of zero-emission vehicles on the roads demands novel vehicle charging solutions that ensure convenience, safety, increased charging infrastructure availability, and aesthetics. Wireless charging technology is seen as the one that could assure these desirable properties and could be applied not just in conventional implementations but also in off-grid solutions together with roadway energy harvesting systems. Both approaches require proper transfer of energy metering methods. In this paper, a method for measuring the power transferred to the load in a wireless charging system is presented, and its systematic error is assessed in the relevant range of influencing factors. The novelty of the method is that it does not require any metrologically certified measurement instrumentation on the receiver side of the wireless charging system. The error analysis is performed using a numerical simulation. Considered error-influencing factors included secondary side electrical load, coils’ coupling coefficient and quality factor, current and voltage quantization resolution, and compensation topology type (serial-serial (SS) and serial-parallel (SP)). It was determined that the systematic error of the power assessment does not exceed 0.7% for SS and 1.1% for SP topologies when the coupling coefficient is in the range of 0.05 to 0.4 and the quality factor of the resonant system is in the range of 100 to 800.
A Novel Fuzzy-Based Remote Sensing Image Segmentation Method
Authors: Cardone Barbara , Di Martino Ferdinando , Miraglia Vittorio
Published: December 2023

Image segmentation is a well-known image processing task that consists of partitioning an image into homogeneous areas. It is applied to remotely sensed imagery for many problems such as land use classification and landscape changes. Recently, several hybrid remote sensing image segmentation techniques have been proposed that include metaheuristic approaches in order to increase the segmentation accuracy; however, the critical point of these approaches is the high computational complexity, which affects time and memory consumption. In order to overcome this criticality, we propose a fuzzy-based image segmentation framework implemented in a GIS-based platform for remotely sensed images; furthermore, the proposed model allows us to evaluate the reliability of the segmentation. The Fast Generalized Fuzzy c-means algorithm is implemented to segment images in order to detect local spatial relations between pixels and the Triple Center Relation validity index is used to find the optimal number of clusters. The framework elaborates the composite index to be analyzed starting by multiband remotely sensed images. For each cluster, a segmented image is obtained in which the pixel value represents, transformed into gray levels, the graph belonging to the cluster. A final thematic map is built in which the pixels are classified based on the assignment to the cluster to which they belong with the highest membership degree. In addition, the reliability of the classification is estimated by associating each class with the average of the membership degrees of the pixels assigned to it. The method was tested in the study area consisting of the south-western districts of the city of Naples (Italy) for the segmentation of composite indices maps determined by multiband remote sensing images. The segmentation results are consistent with the segmentations of the study area by morphological and urban characteristics, carried out by domain experts. The high computational speed of the proposed image segmentation method allows it to be applied to massive high-resolution remote sensing images.
Research on Transformer Omnidirectional Partial Discharge Ultrasound Sensing Method Combining F-P Cavity and FBG
Authors: Qian Guochao , Chen Weigen , Wu Kejie , Liu Hong , Wang Jianxin , Zhang Zhixian
Published: December 2023

To achieve omnidirectional sensitive detection of partial discharge (PD) in transformers and to avoid missing PD signals, a fiber optic omnidirectional sensing method for PD in transformers combined with the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavity is proposed. The fiber optic omnidirectional sensor for PD as a triangular prism was developed. The hollow structure of the probe was used to insert a single-mode fiber to form an F-P cavity. In addition, the three sides of the probe were used to form a diaphragm-type FBG sensing structure. The ultrasound sensitization diaphragm was designed based on the frequency characteristics of PD in the transformer and the vibration model of the diaphragm in the liquid environment. The fiber optic sensing system for PD was built and the performance test was conducted. The results show that the resonant frequency of the FBG acoustic diaphragm is around 20 kHz and that of the F-P cavity acoustic diaphragm is 94 kHz. The sensitivity of the developed fiber optic sensor is higher than that of the piezoelectric transducer (PZT). The lower limit of PD detection is 68.72 pC for the FBG sensing part and 47.97 pC for the F-P cavity sensing part. The directional testing of the sensor and its testing within a transformer simulation model indicate that the proposed sensor achieves higher detection sensitivity of PD in all directions. The omnidirectional partial discharge ultrasound sensing method proposed in this paper is expected to reduce the missed detection rate of PD.
Benford’s Law and Perceptual Features for Face Image Quality Assessment
Authors: Varga Domonkos
Published: December 2023

The rapid growth in multimedia, storage systems, and digital computers has resulted in huge repositories of multimedia content and large image datasets in recent years. For instance, biometric databases, which can be used to identify individuals based on fingerprints, facial features, or iris patterns, have gained a lot of attention both from academia and industry. Specifically, face image quality assessment (FIQA) has become a very important part of face recognition systems, since the performance of such systems strongly depends on the quality of input data, such as blur, focus, compression, pose, or illumination. The main contribution of this paper is an analysis of Benford’s law-inspired first digit distribution and perceptual features for FIQA. To be more specific, I investigate the first digit distributions in different domains, such as wavelet or singular values, as quality-aware features for FIQA. My analysis revealed that first digit distributions with perceptual features are able to reach a high performance in the task of FIQA.
Outplants of the Threatened Coral Acropora cervicornis Promote Coral Recruitment in a Shallow-Water Coral Reef, Culebra, Puerto Rico
Authors: Mercado-Molina Alex E. , Suleimán-Ramos Samuel E.
Published: December 2023

The numerous socioeconomic and ecological challenges that coral reef degradation poses in the Greater Caribbean have led to a surge in restoration efforts. In this context, outplanting nursery-reared coral colonies has emerged as one of the most common strategies used to rejuvenate degraded reefs and reinstate critical ecosystem processes such as coral recruitment. However, the extent to which coral outplanting promotes the recruitment of coral species remains a subject of ongoing debate. This study tested the hypothesis that reintroducing the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis to a degraded coral reef promotes coral recruitment. To test our hypothesis, a series of recruitment quadrats were established in an area populated with A. cervicornis outplants and in a reference location devoid of the coral. To further investigate the relationship between A. cervicornis and coral recruitment, an experiment was implemented in which half of the quadrats in the restored area received a coral outplant, while the other half were left undisturbed. After one year, all coral recruits located within the quadrats were counted and identified. It was found that in the restored area the mean recruit density exceeded that of the reference location by a factor of 2.15. Results also unveiled a positive association between coral recruitment and the presence of A. cervicornis. Specifically, the mean recruit density in quadrats that received an A. cervicornis colony was 2.21 to 4.65-times higher than in the quadrats without coral outplants. This intriguing observation underscores the pivotal role of A. cervicornis in shaping the recruitment dynamics of corals within degraded reef areas, highlighting the potential of active coral outplanting to enhance the resilience of deteriorating coral reef ecosystems.
Advancing Biodiesel Production System from Mixed Vegetable Oil Waste: A Life Cycle Assessment of Environmental and Economic Outcomes
Authors: Musharavati Farayi , Sajid Khadija , Anwer Izza , Nizami Abdul-Sattar , Javed Muhammad Hassan , Ahmad Anees , Naqvi Muhammad
Published: December 2023

This study aims to evaluate the environmental and economic performance of biodiesel production from mixed vegetable oil waste using the life cycle assessment (LCA) model. Due to its huge potential, Pakistan is taken as a case study. It produces 468,842 tons of vegetable oil waste annually. As no biodiesel production plant exists to process it, the environmental performance of biodiesel prototypes has not been investigated. Therefore, the current study is conducted to support the design of a plant to produce biodiesel from mixed oil waste. An attributional LCA was conducted using ReCiPe (H) and found that 400 kg of biodiesel can be produced from 1 t of mixed oil waste. The results, based on a functional unit of 1 ton, showed that biodiesel production from mixed vegetable oil waste is more eco-friendly than the existing landfilling practices with a global warming potential of 1.36 × 10−4 kg CO2 eq, human toxicity of 5.31 kg 1.4 DB eq, ozone depletion potential of 0.00271 kg CFC-11 eq, eutrophication potential of 0.0118 kg P eq, acidification potential of 123 kg SO2 eq, and photochemical ozone formation of 51.4 kg NOx eq. Scenario modelling was conducted using electricity from photovoltaic solar cells, which decrease fine particulate matter formation from 44.5 to 0.725 kg PM2.5 eq, instead of using electricity from a grid to the plant. Hotspot identification was carried out to highlight the effects of individual impact categories. An economic analysis showed that 638,839 USD/year revenue would be generated. Generating energy from discarded vegetable oils through biodiesel production presents a sustainable and economically viable approach. This process benefits the environment and contributes to cost savings by reducing waste disposal in landfills. Furthermore, it aligns with the principles of a circular economy, in which resources are reused and recycled. It also supports the pursuit of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-7, which focuses on affordable and clean energy, and SDG-12, which emphasizes responsible consumption and production.
Effects of Silicon Application on Nitrogen Migration in Soil–Rice Systems under Cadmium Stress
Authors: Tan Xiao , Gao Jingjing , Li Longguo , Yu Jin
Published: December 2023

Cadmium (Cd) contamination is a serious threat to plants and humans, which subsequently impairs sustainable agricultural production and ecosystem service. Silicon (Si) has been applied to mitigate Cd toxicity, but inevitably has direct and indirect impacts on nitrogen (N) behaviors in soil and plants. However, what role plants play in the N response to Si in soil–rice systems under Cd stress is not known. Therefore, the effects of Si on N migration through different pathways in the soil-rice system were systematically investigated in a rice-cultivation lysimeter experiment. The rice was planted in Cd-contaminated (5 mg kg−1) and uncontaminated soils with three levels of Si application (0, 100, and 200 kg SiO2 hm−2), and the contents of N and Cd in different forms in plants and soils were measured. The group without Cd and Si was set as CK. The study reported that Cd stress caused Cd accumulation in plants, inducing a decrease of 26.0~83.4% in plant dry weights and a decrease of 15.7~46.6% in N concentration compared with CK. Moreover, the leaching of N in soils was increased by Cd, in which the NO3−-N rather than the NH4+-N was leached out. These adverse effects on the plant growth and soil N loss were significantly alleviated by Si application in two ways: (1) the Cd availability in soils was reduced with the acid-extractable Cd (the Cd form with high mobility), decreasing from 1.07 to ~0 mg kg−1; (2) the Cd uptake and translocation in plants were restricted, with the Cd content decreasing by 59.1~96.4% and the translocation index decreasing from 17.7% to 2.2%. The combination of the two mechanisms consequently increased the N absorption of plants from 1.35 to 2.75~3.5 g. The results of the N mass balance calculation showed that, compared with soil N flux, plant-absorbed N contributed predominantly (43.9~55.6%) to the soil total N variation. Moreover, there is a significant trade-off between plant-absorbed N and soil N flux. The magnitude and direction of the soil N flux were greatly and negatively affected by plant-absorbed N during the flooding period. Hence, we conclude that Si application could reduce the leaching of N in soil–rice systems under Cd stress, mainly due to the promotion of the N absorption of plants rather than N immobilization in soils. This study provided new evidence that plants played a dominant role in N response to Si in soil-rice systems under Cd stress.
Study on Microclimate and Thermal Comfort in Small Urban Green Spaces in Tokyo, Japan—A Case Study of Chuo Ward
Authors: Sun Fuhao , Zhang Junhua , Yang Ruochen , Liu Shuhao , Ma Jia , Lin Xiaoke , Su Daer , Liu Kun , Cui Jingshu
Published: December 2023

Small urban green spaces are abundant in densely populated urban areas, but little is known about their impact on the urban heat island effect and thermal comfort. Therefore, this study selected as research sites four small urban green spaces in a typical high-density built-up area, Chuo Ward in Tokyo, Japan. The ENVI-met software 5.1.1 simulation method was used to analyze these sites’ microclimate and thermal comfort conditions. The following are the results: (1) Small urban green spaces significantly reduce urban air temperatures, particularly during hot weather, with temperature reductions ranging from 2.40 °C to 2.67 °C, consistently lower than the highest temperatures in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward, mainly between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. (2) Thermal comfort analysis indicates that small urban green spaces can significantly improve urban thermal comfort during the day, particularly around noon, by reducing one or two thermal comfort levels compared to typical urban street blocks. However, these differences gradually diminish throughout the evening and night, and thermal comfort inside and outside green spaces becomes more uniform. (3) Green space size is not the only factor influencing thermal comfort; the layout of plants within the green space and the layout of the surrounding buildings also have an impact. Despite their small size, even small green spaces can significantly enhance comfort. This study highlights the need to promote urban sustainability through the extensive integration of small green spaces in dense urban environments. Small green spaces can serve as a high-frequency, low-cost solution for environmental sustainability by addressing the increasingly severe urban heat island effect as well as environmental challenges that in the urbanization process.
Electrochemical Recovery of Phosphorus from Simulated and Real Wastewater: Effect of Investigational Conditions on the Process Efficiency
Authors: Sousa Carlos Y. , Fernandes Annabel , Amaro Albertina , Pacheco Maria José , Ciríaco Lurdes , Lopes Ana
Published: December 2023

The development of recovery processes has become essential in recent years as a strategy to minimize environmental pollution while boosting circular economy and sustainable development. Due to the exponential growth in agricultural production and the increased pollution of waterbodies, the production of fertilizers from recovered phosphorus has become an alternative to phosphate rock-based production. In this work, the effect of different operational parameters in the efficiency of the electrochemical recovery of phosphorus, from organic and inorganic sources, was investigated. Among the studied variables, the most significant was the electrode material utilized in the system. The use of magnesium sacrificial electrodes, as AZ31 alloys, led to phosphorus removal from solution of above 90%, allowing the recovery of both orthophosphates and organic phosphorus (glyphosate) as struvite, brucite, and other amorphous compounds. Since there is a lack in the literature about the use of magnesium electrodes in real wastewater electrochemical treatment, system efficiency was also evaluated using a sanitary landfill leachate, reaching 96% of phosphorus recovery. The specific energy consumption and faradaic efficiency of the phosphorus recovery process were also assessed.
Analysing Factors Influencing Land Use Planning for Sustainable Land Resource Management in Vietnam: A Case Study of Dan Phuong District in Hanoi City
Authors: Trong Phuong Tran , Duc Vien Tran , Truong Son Cao , Thanh Thuy Doan , Huu Duong Nong , Scholz Wolfgang
Published: December 2023

Land use planning is an important task for every country in the world to ensure the sustainable use of land resources for economic and social development activities. However, many land use plans have not achieved their desired effectiveness due to a lack of consideration and evaluation of factors affecting the land use planning implementation process. This study was conducted to answer the following question: what are the main factors influencing the land use planning process in Vietnam? In this study, we use multivariate regression to identify the main factors influencing land use planning in Vietnam, including the economic factor group; institutional and policy factor group; urbanisation factor group; planning factor group; social factor group; environmental factor group; and organisational and implementation factor group. The results identified five groups of factors influencing land use planning in the Dan Phuong district through the influencing factor analysis method, including policy (Po), economy (Ec), society (So), environment (En), and others (Ot). In addition, the linear regression model obtained for land use planning in Dan Phuong district is as follows: land use planning = 0.408Po + 0.454Ec + 0.398So + 0.368En + 0.259Ot. In which the group of factors with the strongest influence was the Eco factors (β = 0.454), the second was the Po factors (β = 0.408), the third was the So factors (β = 0.398), the fourth was the En factors (β = 0.368), and lastly, there were the Ot factors (β = 0.259). The results of the analysis were used to plan land use effectively and according to local conditions. This can help managers to find solutions for the sustainable use of land resources in the future.
The Longitudinal Effect of Digitally Administered Feedback on the Eco-Driving Behavior of Company Car Drivers
Authors: Goedertier Frank , Weijters Bert , Vanpaemel Pieter
Published: December 2023

In the global fight against climate change, stimulating eco-driving could contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Company car drivers are a main target in this challenge as they represent a significant market share and are typically not motivated financially to drive more fuel efficiently (and thus more eco-friendly). As this target group has received little previous research attention, we examine whether digitally administered feedback and coaching systems can trigger such company car owners to drive eco-friendly. We do so by using respondents (employees of a financial services company (N = 327)) that voluntarily have a digital device (‘dongle’) installed in their company car, which monitors and records driving behavior-related variables. In a longitudinal real-life field study, we communicate eco-driving recommendations (e.g., avoid harsh braking, accelerate gently, etc.) to the respondent drivers via a digital (computer) interface. Over a 21-week time frame (one block of seven weeks before the intervention, seven weeks of intervention, and seven weeks after the intervention), we test whether eco-driving recommendations in combination with personalized, graphical ‘eco-score index evolution’ feedback increase eco-driving behavior. We also experimentally evaluate the impact of adding social comparison elements to the feedback (e.g., providing feedback on a person’s eco-driving performance compared to that of the same car brand users). Structural Equation Modeling (in MPlus 8.4) is used to analyze data. Our results show that digitally administered personal performance feedback increases eco-driving behavior both during and after the feedback intervention. However, we do not observe increased effects when social comparison information is added to the feedback. As this latter element is surprising, we conclude with a reflection on possible explanations and suggest areas for future research. We contribute to the sustainable eco-driving literature by researching an understudied group: company car drivers. More specifically, we contribute by demonstrating the effectiveness of digitally administered personal performance feedback on eco-driving for this group and by observing and reflecting on the (in)effectiveness of feedback containing social comparison information.
Investigating the Relationship between Plant Species Composition and Topography in the Tomeyama Landslide: Implications for Environmental Education and Sustainable Management in the Happo-Shirakami Geopark, Japan
Authors: Tsou Ching-Ying , Yamagishi Hiroki , Kawakami Reona , Tsai Mei-Fang , Miwa Takuma
Published: December 2023

The Tomeyama landslide in the Happo-Shirakami Geopark, Japan, has interesting and important geomorphological and geoecological characteristics. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for environmental education and sustainable management in the geopark. In this study, we quantified the characteristics of the landslide, including its precise topography and vegetation. We used high-resolution 2.5 m-mesh ALOS World 3D topographic data to define the topography of the landslide. We also surveyed plant species composition and cover in four plots (three on the upper slope and one on the convex lower foot slope), each measuring 20 m × 20 m. Our findings reveal that the landslide is sited on a northwest-facing slope, 250 m below the ridge top, and has a horseshoe-shaped main scarp with a height of 40 m. Two smaller secondary scarps and their corresponding displaced landslide blocks suggest reactivation since the main landslide event. In the upper slope plots, 40–55 plant species were identified, including 14–16 species associated with the Japanese beech forest and 2–5 species related to the Pterocarya rhoifolia forest. In the lower slope plot, 70 plant species were identified, including 14 species from the Japanese beech forest and 11 from the Pterocarya rhoifolia forest. The upper slope plant community belongs to the Japanese beech forest; however, categorizing the lower slope community is challenging, although more Pterocarya rhoifolia forest species are present compared with the upper slope. These results suggest that certain plant species have adapted to the diverse topography created by the landslide. These findings improve the understanding of landslide topography and plant community composition with respect to environmental factors and thereby support effective environmental education and sustainable management in the Happo-Shirakami Geopark.
The Relationship between the Box Dimension of Continuous Functions and Their (k,s)-Riemann–Liouville Fractional Integral
Authors: Wang Bingqian , Xiao Wei
Published: December 2023

This article is a study on the (k,s)-Riemann–Liouville fractional integral, a generalization of the Riemann–Liouville fractional integral. Firstly, we introduce several properties of the extended integral of continuous functions. Furthermore, we make the estimation of the Box dimension of the graph of continuous functions after the extended integral. It is shown that the upper Box dimension of the (k,s)-Riemann–Liouville fractional integral for any continuous functions is no more than the upper Box dimension of the functions on the unit interval I=[0,1], which indicates that the upper Box dimension of the integrand f(x) will not be increased by the σ-order (k,s)-Riemann–Liouville fractional integral ksD−σf(x) where σ>0 on I. Additionally, we prove that the fractal dimension of ksD−σf(x) of one-dimensional continuous functions f(x) is still one.
Recent Advances in Special Functions and Their Applications
Authors: Choi Junesang
Published: December 2023

Due to their remarkable properties, a plethora of special functions have been crafted and harnessed across a diverse spectrum of fields spanning centuries [...]
Labeling Circulant Graphs: Distance Two Condition
Authors: Loudiki Laila , Bidine Ez-Zobair , Kchikech Mustapha
Published: December 2023

Given n≥6, D={1,2,…,⌊n2⌋}, and a generating set S⊆D, the circulant graph Cn(S) has Zn as a vertex set in which two distinct vertices i and j are adjacent if and only if |i−j|n∈S, where |x|n=min(|x|,n−|x|) is the circular distance modulo n. In this paper, we determine the L(2,1)-labeling number of Cn(D∖X), referred to as λ(Cn(D∖X)), for X={⌊n2⌋}, X={a}, X={a,b}, and in the general case when |X|<⌊n2⌋−⌈n4⌉, where a,b∈D. Furthermore, we demonstrate that for all n≥6 and any given set S, λ(Cn(S))=n+gcd(n,S¯)−2 if and only if gcd(n,S¯)≥2, and λ(Cn(S))≤n−1 if and only if gcd(n,S¯)=1. Additionally, we establish that when the diameter of Cn(S) equals 2, λ(Cn(S))=n−1. This observation motivated us to investigate the properties of S that lead to a diameter of Cn(S) equal to 2. Then, we introduce a highly distinctive family, denoted as An, that generates a large number of generating sets. For each value of n, we acquire a circulant graph Cn(An) with a diameter of 2, λ(Cn(An))=n−1, and various additional interesting properties.
Hand-Use Preferences for Reaching and Object Exploration in Children with Impaired Upper Extremity Functioning: The Role of Environmental Affordances
Authors: Babik Iryna , Lobo Michele A.
Published: December 2023

Infants and young children with weakened or impaired upper extremity functioning often develop a strong hand-use “preference” for reaching and object manipulation. While “preferring” their stronger hand, they often partially or completely ignore their “non-preferred” hand. Such manual lateralization might impede complex object exploration, which would negatively affect children’s cognitive development. The question is whether environmental affordances would significantly affect children’s manifested hand-use “preferences” by promoting the use of the “non-preferred” hand. The current sample included 17 children (5 males; 13.9 ± 8.7 months at baseline) with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (arthrogryposis). The reaching and object exploration of the children were evaluated longitudinally across a 6-month period with and without the Playskin LiftTM exoskeletal garment (Playskin). Results showed that the use of the Playskin increased both unimanual and bimanual object contact. Also, when anti-gravity support was provided to the arms by the Playskin, children significantly increased the use of their non-preferred hand, which correlated with improved quality of object play—more bimanual object interaction and greater intensity, variability, and complexity of exploration. These findings suggest that hand-use “preference” in children with arthrogryposis is quite malleable during early development. It is likely that children with impaired upper extremity functioning do not “prefer” to use a particular hand but, rather, cannot afford using both hands due to their limited muscular or manual abilities. Importantly, environmental affordances (i.e., anti-gravity support for the arms) might significantly affect the early development of manual lateralization, with potential implications for children’s quality of object exploration and future cognitive development.
On Symplectic Self-Adjointness of Hamiltonian Operator Matrices
Authors: Wu Xiaohong , Huang Junjie , Buhe Eerdun
Published: December 2023

The symmetry of the spectrum and the completeness of the eigenfunction system of the Hamiltonian operator matrix have important applications in the symplectic Fourier expansion method in elasticity. However, the symplectic self-adjointness of Hamiltonian operator matrices is important to the characterization of the symmetry of the point spectrum. Therefore, in this paper, the symplectic self-adjointness of infinite dimensional Hamiltonian operators is studied by using the spectral method of unbounded block operator matrices, and some sufficient conditions of the symplectic self-adjointness of infinite dimensional Hamiltonian operators are obtained. In addition, the necessary and sufficient conditions are also investigated for some special infinite dimensional Hamiltonian operators.
Tobacco Mild Green Mosaic Virus (TMGMV) Isolates from Different Plant Families Show No Evidence of Differential Adaptation to Their Host of Origin
Authors: de Andrés-Torán Rafael , Guidoum Laura , Zamfir Adrian D. , Mora Miguel Ángel , Moreno-Vázquez Santiago , García-Arenal Fernando
Published: December 2023

The relevance of tobamoviruses to crop production is increasing due to new emergences, which cannot be understood without knowledge of the tobamovirus host range and host specificity. Recent analyses of tobamovirus occurrence in different plant communities have shown unsuspectedly large host ranges. This was the case of the tobacco mild green mosaic virus (TMGMV), which previously was most associated with solanaceous hosts. We addressed two hypotheses concerning TMGMV host range evolution: (i) ecological fitting, rather than genome evolution, determines TMGMV host range, and (ii) isolates are adapted to the host of origin. We obtained TMGMV isolates from non-solanaceous hosts and we tested the capacity of genetically closely related TMGMV isolates from three host families to infect and multiply in 10 hosts of six families. All isolates systemically infected all hosts, with clear disease symptoms apparent only in solanaceous hosts. TMGMV multiplication depended on the assayed host but not on the isolate’s host of origin, with all isolates accumulating to the highest levels in Nicotiana tabacum. Thus, results support that TMGMV isolates are adapted to hosts in the genus Nicotiana, consistent with a well-known old virus–host association. In addition, phenotypic plasticity allows Nicotiana-adapted TMGMV genotypes to infect a large range of hosts, as encountered according to plant community composition and transmission dynamics.
The Immunogenicity of a Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O Vaccine in Commercial and Subsistence Cattle Herds in Zambia
Authors: Banda Frank , Ludi Anna B. , Wilsden Ginette , Browning Clare , Kangwa Henry L. , Mooya Lynnfield , Ngoma Masuzyo , Muuka Geoffrey M. , Mundia Cornelius , Fandamu Paul , Paton David J. , King Donald P. , Quan Melvyn
Published: December 2023

The recent introduction of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus serotype O (O/EA-2 topotype) in Southern Africa has changed the epidemiology of the disease and vaccine requirements of the region. Commercial and subsistence cattle herds in Zambia were vaccinated with an FMD virus serotype O Manisa vaccine according to a double- or single-dose vaccination schedule. Heterologous antibody responses induced by this vaccine against a representative O/EA-2 virus from Zambia were determined. Virus neutralisation tests (VNTs) showed double-dosed cattle had a mean reciprocal log virus neutralisation titre of 2.02 (standard error [SE] = 0.16, n = 9) for commercial herds and 1.65 (SE = 0.17, n = 5) for subsistence herds 56 days after the first vaccination (dpv). Significantly lower mean titres were observed for single-dosed commercial herds (0.90, SE = 0.08, n = 9) and subsistence herds (1.15, SE = 0.18, n = 3) 56 dpv. A comparison of these results and those generated by solid-phase competitive ELISA (SPCE) tests showed a statistically significant positive correlation by Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Therefore, SPCE might be used in assessing the immunogenicity of vaccines in place of VNT. Furthermore, for this vaccine and field strain, a vaccination regime employing a two-dose primary course and revaccination after 4–6 months is likely to be appropriate.
An Integrated Approach for Saturation Modeling Using Hydraulic Flow Units: Examples from the Upper Messinian Reservoir
Authors: El-Gendy Nader H. , Mabrouk Walid M. , Waziry Mohamed A. , Dodd Thomas J. , Abdalla Fathy A. , Alexakis Dimitrios E. , Barakat Moataz Khairy
Published: December 2023

The Upper Messinian reservoirs located in the Salma Field of the Nile Delta area contain variable facies. The key reservoir interval of the Abu Madi Formation was deposited in fluvial to deltaic environments. These fine-grained facies form significant reservoir heterogeneity within the reservoir intervals. The main challenges in this study are reservoir characterizing and predicting the change in reservoir water saturation (SW) with time, while reservoir production life based on the change in reservoir capillary pressure (Pc). This work applies petrophysical analysis to enable the definition and calculation of the hydrocarbon reserves within the key reservoir units. Mapping of SW away from the wellbores within geo-models represents a significant challenge. The rock types and flow unit analysis indicate that the reservoir is dominated by four hydraulic flow units. HFU#1 represents the highest flow zone indicator (FZI) value. Core analysis has been completed to better understand the relationship between SW and the reservoir capillary pressure above the fluid contact and free water level (FWL), which is used to perform saturation height function (SHF) analysis. The calculated SW values that are obtained from logs are affected by formation water resistivity (Rw) and log true resistivity (RT), which are influenced by the volume of clay content and mud salinity. This study introduces an integrated approach, including evaluation of core measurements, well log analysis covering cored and non-cored intervals, neural analysis techniques (K-mode algorithm), and permeability prediction in non-cored intervals. The empirical formula was predicted for direct calculation of dynamic SW profiles and predicted within the reservoir above the FWL based on the change in reservoir pressure.
Evaluation and Improvement of the Method for Selecting the Ridge Parameter in System Differential Response Curves
Authors: Xiao Hao , Qu Simin , Zhang Xumin , Shi Peng , You Yang , Li Fugang , Yang Xiaoqiang , Chen Qihui
Published: December 2023

The selection of an appropriate ridge parameter plays a crucial role in ridge estimation. A smaller ridge parameter leads to larger residuals, while a larger ridge parameter reduces the unbiasedness of the estimation. This paper proposes a constrained L-curve method to accurately select the optimal ridge parameter. Additionally, the constrained L-curve method, traditional L-curve method, and ridge trace method are individually coupled with the system differential response curve to update the streamflow in the Jianyang Basin using the SWAT model. Multiple evaluation criteria are employed to analyze the efficacy of the three methods for correction. The results demonstrate that the constrained L-curve method accurately identifies the optimal ridge parameter in the actual model. Furthermore, the coupling of the constrained L-curve method with the system differential response curve exhibits markedly superior accuracy of simulated streamflow compared to the traditional L-curve and ridge trace methods, with the mean Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) improving from 0.71 to 0.88 after correction. The constrained L-curve method, which incorporates the physical interpretation of the estimated parameters, effectively identifies the optimal ridge parameter in practical scenarios. As a result, it demonstrates superior usability and applicability when compared to the traditional L-curve method.
Clogging Behaviors in PVD and Their Evaluation Criteria for Dredged Mud Slurry
Authors: Bao Shufeng , Guo Lingfeng , Dong Zhiliang , Zhou Ruibo , Zhou Shuangxi , Chen Jian
Published: December 2023

During the consolidation period of vacuum preloading drainage of dredged mud slurry, the clogging behaviors of the filter drainage structural layers and the core boards of prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) determine the drainage capacities of PVD. However, currently, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the evaluation criteria for these two clogging behaviors. Therefore, based on typical dredged mud slurry, typical geomembranes, and raw material core boards with different bending forms, relevant macro and micro-scale experimental studies have been carried out in this study. The research results show that (1) with the application of the gradient ratio test method, the clogging behaviors of filter membranes of PVD under graded vacuum preloading can be effectively simulated. Also, in the design of graded vacuum preloading, characteristics of equivalent pore sizes and pore structures should be emphasized to investigate the suitability of filtration and drainage performance of PVD filter membranes. (2) The compressive yield strength of core board grooves is a key factor influencing the reduction rate of flow capacity. The reduction rate of flow capacity and well resistance increment can be used as comprehensive indicators reflecting the clogging behaviors of core boards, while the bending angles and bending rates of core boards can be used as specific technical indicators. (3) The proposed clogging evaluation criteria for PVD are as follows: a filter membrane gradient ratio (GR) > 4.0, a core board bending rate >60% and a core board bending angle < 45°, or a reduction rate of flow capacity of bending drainage board > 90% or well-resistance increment > 9. Also, these criteria can be incorporated into the control indicators for drainage performance of PVD used in such types of foundations.
PerfECT Design Tool: Electric Vehicle Modelling and Experimental Validation
Authors: de Carvalho Pinheiro Henrique
Published: December 2023

This article addresses a common issue in the design of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by introducing a comprehensive methodology for the modeling and simulation of BEVs, referred to as the “PerfECT Design Tool”. The primary objective of this study is to provide engineers and researchers with a robust and streamlined approach for the early stages of electric vehicle (EV) design, offering valuable insights into the performance, energy consumption, current flow, and thermal behavior of these advanced automotive systems. Recognizing the complex nature of contemporary EVs, the study highlights the need for efficient design tools that facilitate decision-making during the conceptual phases of development. The PerfECT Design Tool is presented as a multi-level framework, divided into four logically sequential modules: Performance, Energy, Currents, and Temperature. These modules are underpinned by sound theoretical foundations and are implemented using a combination of MATLAB/Simulink and the vehicle dynamics software VI-CRT. The research culminates in the validation of the model through a series of experimental maneuvers conducted with a Tesla Model 3, establishing its accuracy in representing the mechanical, electrical, and thermal behavior of BEVs. The study’s main findings underscore the viability of the design tool as an asset in the initial phases of BEV design. Beyond its primary application, the tool holds promise for broader utilization, including the development of active control systems, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and solutions for autonomous driving within the domain of electric vehicles.
Exploring the Association between Air Pollution and Active School Transportation: Perceptions of Children and Youth in India
Authors: Bhawra Jasmin , Patel Jamin , Khadilkar Anuradha , Katapally Tarun Reddy
Published: December 2023

Active school transportation (AST), including walking or cycling, is a common practice across India contributing to physical activity accumulation among children and youth. Despite the proven health benefits of AST, rising air pollution levels may offset these benefits and discourage AST. With climate change and severe heat waves exacerbating poor air quality, this study aimed to examine the association between perceptions of air pollution as a problem and AST among children and youth in India. No previous studies have assessed AST determinants from a child or youth perspective in India; thus, this cross-sectional, observational study surveyed 1042 children and youth from 41 urban and rural schools. Logistic regression models were conducted and stratified by age group, gender, and urban vs. rural location. Children and youth who perceived air pollution to be a problem were less likely to engage in AST (OR = 0.617, 95% CI = 0.412, 0.923, p < 0.001), with AST varying based on age, gender, and location. The perception of air pollution as a problem was associated with a lower likelihood of engaging in AST in the 5- to 12-year age group (OR = 0.366, 95% CI = 0.187, 0.711, p = 0.003) but not in the 13- to 17-year age group. Similarly, males (OR = 0.528, 95% CI = 0.306, 0.908, p = 0.021) and rural residents (OR = 0.569, 95% CI = 0.338, 0.956, p = 0.033) who perceived air pollution as a problem were less likely to engage in AST; however, this association was not found in females or urban residents. These findings highlight the importance of child and youth perceptions of the environment in not only informing public health advisories for air quality and safe outdoor activity, but also for designing targeted interventions considering sociodemographic differences in AST among children and youth in India.
Justifi cation for expanding the product range at a low-capacity confectionery enterprise through recycling
Authors:   OOO “Semushka”, Moscow, Livinskiy A.A. , Krasavin A.S. ,   FSBI ROSBIOTECH, Pavlovskiy A.S. ,   FSBI ROSBIOTECH, Lapin A.V. ,   FSBI ROSBIOTECH
Published: December 2023

The task of low-capacity enterprises is to develop and introduce new types of confectionery products using small fractions of nuts and dried fruits obtained during sorting. In the conditions of such enterprises, there is no technical possibility to expand the range of products using traditional products. The machine and hardware circuits for the production of many products are cumbersome and require large production areas. Based on the analysis of the recipe compositions of confectionery products, the relevance for the development and implementation of fruit and nut bars through recycling of nut and dried fruit fractions obtained during size grading combined with sorting is substantiated.
PENGGUNAAN MEDIA AUDIO VISUAL DALAM MENINGKATKAN MINAT BELAJAR SISWA KELAS X IPS PADA MATA PELAJARAN PENDIDIKAN AGAMA KATOLIK DI SMA ST. ANTONIUS BANGUN MULIA MEDAN
Authors: Maria Togatorop Brenda , Sinulingga Aldi Alfrianza
Published: December 2023

This research aims determine how the use of audiovisual media can enhance the student’s interest in learning in Grade 10 Social Sciences in Catholic Religious Education at St. Antonius Bangun Mulia High School, Medan. This research adopts a qualitative method. The qualitative method is chosen because it allows for an in-depth exploration of a problem and provides detailed explanations regarding the identified problem and its solutions. The data collection techniques employed in this research include interviews, observations, and documentation. The research subjects include one mentor teacher, one peer teacher, and ten students from Grade 10 Social Sciences. The research findings indicate that: 1) The steps of utilizing audiovisual media employed by the Catholic Religious Education teacher are practical. This can be observed from the teacher's competence in carrying out the three pre-learning stages:preparation,planning, and follow-up. 2) using audiovisual media in the classroom has  increased students' interest in learning. This is evidenced by the positive response from the students during teaching sessions and the positive interaction between the teacher and students.
INTERPRETASI PUTUSAN HAKIM MAHKAMAH AGUNG TERHADAP PERKARA KORUPSI BERBASIS HUKUM PROGRESIF
Authors: Carera Famelinda
Published: December 2023

This is the main issue in a study of what interpretation is as part of a legal discovery method based on progressive law in corruption cases. This study aims to study and explain the importance of legal interpretation regarding the formulation of legal texts (laws) that have legal certainty for a law enforcer to maintain the value of justice and the benefits of law, especially in corruption cases. The type of research study used is a normative juridical research study, namely a type of research study that uses legal research analysis methods through a statutory approach. The research results concluded that Supreme Court Judge Artidjo Alkostar, in applying the article at the cassation level, interpreted it progressively by first looking at the elements of the criminal act that the Defendant had committed. The elements of legal violations that have been fulfilled are then adjusted to the articles that have been alleged. In the adjustments made, Supreme Court Justice Artidjo Alkostar used language interpretation techniques. In addition, Supreme Court Justice Artidjo Alkostar considers the Defendant taking advantage of his public position (political corruption) to commit corruption crimes as a factor that complicates sanctions for perpetrators of corruption.