bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Method for Cloud and Cloud Shadow Detection Based on the Maximum and Minimum Values of Sentinel-2 Time Series Images
Authors: Liang Kewen , Yang Gang , Zuo Yangyan , Chen Jiahui , Sun Weiwei , Meng Xiangchao , Chen Binjie
Published: April 2024

Automatic and accurate detection of clouds and cloud shadows is a critical aspect of optical remote sensing image preprocessing. This paper provides a time series maximum and minimum mask method (TSMM) for cloud and cloud shadow detection. Firstly, the Cloud Score+S2_HARMONIZED (CS+S2) is employed as a preliminary mask for clouds and cloud shadows. Secondly, we calculate the ratio of the maximum and sub-maximum values of the blue band in the time series, as well as the ratio of the minimum and sub-minimum values of the near-infrared band in the time series, to eliminate noise from the time series data. Finally, the maximum value of the clear blue band and the minimum value of the near-infrared band after noise removal are employed for cloud and cloud shadow detection, respectively. A national and a global dataset were used to validate the TSMM, and it was quantitatively compared against five other advanced methods or products. When clouds and cloud shadows are detected simultaneously, in the S2ccs dataset, the overall accuracy (OA) reaches 0.93 and the F1 score reaches 0.85. Compared with the most advanced CS+S2, there are increases of 3% and 9%, respectively. In the CloudSEN12 dataset, compared with CS+S2, the producer’s accuracy (PA) and F1 score show increases of 10% and 4%, respectively. Additionally, when applied to Landsat-8 images, TSMM outperforms Fmask, demonstrating its strong generalization capability.
Spatial Downscaling of ESA CCI Soil Moisture Data Based on Deep Learning with an Attention Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Danwen , Lu Linjun , Li Xuan , Zhang Jiahua , Zhang Sha , Yang Shanshan
Published: April 2024

Soil moisture (SM) is a critical variable affecting ecosystem carbon and water cycles and their feedback to climate change. In this study, we proposed a convolutional neural network (CNN) model embedded with a residual block and attention module, named SMNet, to spatially downscale the European Space Agency (ESA) Climate Change Initiative (CCI) SM product. In the SMNet model, a lightweight Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) dual-attention mechanism was integrated to comprehensively extract the spatial and channel information from the high-resolution input remote sensing products, the reanalysis meteorological dataset, and the topographic data. The model was employed to downscale the ESA CCI SM from its original spatial resolution of 25 km to 1 km in California, USA, in the annual growing season (1 May to 30 September) from 2003 to 2021. The original ESA CCI SM data and in situ SM measurements (0–5 cm depth) from the International Soil Moisture Network were used to validate the model’s performance. The results show that compared with the original ESA CCI SM data, the downscaled SM data have comparable accuracy with a mean correlation (R) and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.82 and 0.052 m3/m3, respectively. Moreover, the model generates reasonable spatiotemporal SM patterns with higher accuracy in the western region and relatively lower accuracy in the eastern Nevada mountainous area. In situ site validation results in the SCAN, the SNOTEL network, and the USCRN reveal that the R and RMSE are 0.62, 0.63, and 0.77, and 0.077 m3/m3, 0.093 m3/m3, and 0.078 m3/m3, respectively. The results are slightly lower than the validation results from the original ESA CCI SM data. Overall, the validation results suggest that the SMNet downscaling model proposed in this study has satisfactory performance in handling the task of soil moisture downscaling. The downscaled SM model not only preserves a high level of spatial consistency with the original ESA CCI SM model but also offers more intricate spatial variations in SM depending on the spatial resolution of model input data.
Characteristics Analysis of Influence of Multiple Parameters of Mixed Sea Waves on Delay–Doppler Map in Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry
Authors: Yan Jianan , Nie Ding , Zhang Kaicheng , Zhang Min
Published: April 2024

Feature capture and recognition of sea wave components in radar systems especially in global navigation satellite system reflectometry (GNSS-R) using signal processing approaches or computer simulative methods has become a research hotspot in recent years. At the same time, parameter inversion of marine phenomena from the discovered characteristics plays a significant role in monitoring and forewarning the different components of sea waves. This paper aims to investigate the impact of multiple parameters, such as the wind speed, directionality variable, wave amplitude, wave length, and directions of sea wave components, on the delay waveform of the delay–Doppler map (DDM). Two types of wind waves and the 2-D sinusoidal sea surface are chosen to be analyzed. By comparing and analyzing the discrepancy of delay waveforms under different conditions, it can be concluded that the increased MSS which arises from the increase in the roughness of the sea surface can lead to the difference in the peak value or trial edges exhibited in delay waveforms. The values of delay waveforms at zero chip along the increasing direction of long-crest wind waves exhibit the periodic spikes shape, which is the opposite of the short-crest wind waves, and the fluctuation of the periodic profiles decreases with the increase in the amplitude of waves. The results and conclusions can provide a foundation for the parameter inversion, tracking, and early warning of anomalous formations of waves in bistatic radar configuration.
Ubiquitous Gait Analysis through Footstep-Induced Floor Vibrations
Authors: Dong Yiwen , Noh Hae Young
Published: April 2024

Quantitative analysis of human gait is critical for the early discovery, progressive tracking, and rehabilitation of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and cerebral palsy. Gait analysis typically involves estimating gait characteristics, such as spatiotemporal gait parameters and gait health indicators (e.g., step time, length, symmetry, and balance). Traditional methods of gait analysis involve the use of cameras, wearables, and force plates but are limited in operational requirements when applied in daily life, such as direct line-of-sight, carrying devices, and dense deployment. This paper introduces a novel approach for gait analysis by passively sensing floor vibrations generated by human footsteps using vibration sensors mounted on the floor surface. Our approach is low-cost, non-intrusive, and perceived as privacy-friendly, making it suitable for continuous gait health monitoring in daily life. Our algorithm estimates various gait parameters that are used as standard metrics in medical practices, including temporal parameters (step time, stride time, stance time, swing time, double-support time, and single-support time), spatial parameters (step length, width, angle, and stride length), and extracts gait health indicators (cadence/walking speed, left–right symmetry, gait balance, and initial contact types). The main challenge we addressed in this paper is the effect of different floor types on the resultant vibrations. We develop floor-adaptive algorithms to extract features that are generalizable to various practical settings, including homes, hospitals, and eldercare facilities. We evaluate our approach through real-world walking experiments with 20 adults with 12,231 labeled gait cycles across concrete and wooden floors. Our results show 90.5% (RMSE 0.08s), 71.3% (RMSE 0.38m), and 92.3% (RMSPE 7.7%) accuracy in estimating temporal, spatial parameters, and gait health indicators, respectively.
Influence of SiC and ZnO Doping on the Electrical Performance of Polylactic Acid-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Skorda Stefania , Bardakas Achilleas , Vekinis George , Tsamis Christos
Published: April 2024

Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most widely used materials for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing. It is a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester, derived from natural resources such as corn starch or sugarcane, with low environmental impact and good mechanical properties. One important feature of PLA is that its properties can be modulated by the inclusion of nanofillers. In this work, we investigate the influence of SiC and ZnO doping of PLA on the triboelectric performance of PLA-based tribogenerators. Our results show that the triboelectric signal in ZnO-doped PLA composites increases as the concentration of ZnO in PLA increases, with an enhancement in the output power of 741% when the ZnO concentration in PLA is 3 wt%. SiC-doped PLA behaves in a different manner. Initially the triboelectric signal increases, reaching a peak value with enhanced output power by 284% compared to undoped PLA, when the concentration of SiC in PLA is 1.5 wt%. As the concentration increases to 3 wt%, the triboelectric signal reduces significantly and is comparable to or less than that of the undoped PLA. Our results are consistent with recent data for PVDF doped with silicon carbide nanoparticles and are attributed to the reduction in the contact area between the triboelectric surfaces.
Improvement of Temperature Measurement Accuracy of Hot Airflow Using Ultrafine Thermo-Sensitive Fluorescent Wires of Lumisis Phosphor
Authors: Funatani Shumpei , Tsukamoto Yusaku
Published: April 2024

In this study, the fluorescence properties of Lumisis, a phosphor that can be easily applied to ultrafine wires, were evaluated. By evaluating the wavelength characteristics of Lumisis phosphor, we investigated the possibility of applying it to a dual-wavelength laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurement system and evaluated the accuracy of temperature measurements. The difference between the decrease in the percentage intensities of the red and green fluorescence of Lumisis phosphors showed that two-color LIF was possible. The Lumisis phosphor–mixture ratio was optimized as 1:1.25, and the average measurement error of the fluorescent wire was 0.20 K, as evaluated through uncertainty analysis. Finally, the application of this measurement method to hot air jet phenomena showed that this method accurately captures the temperature changes in hot air, thus proving its validity.
A Review of Microsphere Super-Resolution Imaging Techniques
Authors: Jiang Wenbo , Wang Jingchun , Yang Yidi , Bu Yun
Published: April 2024

Conventional optical microscopes are only able to resolve objects down to a size of approximately 200 nm due to optical diffraction limits. The rapid development of nanotechnology has increased the demand for greater imaging resolution, with a need to break through those diffraction limits. Among super-resolution techniques, microsphere imaging has emerged as a strong contender, offering low cost, simple operation, and high resolution, especially in the fields of nanodevices, biomedicine, and semiconductors. However, this technology is still in its infancy, with an inadequate understanding of the underlying principles and the technology’s limited field of view. This paper comprehensively summarizes the status of current research, the advantages and disadvantages of the basic principles and methods of microsphere imaging, the materials and preparation processes, microsphere manipulation methods, and applications. The paper also summarizes future development trends.
An Environment-Aware Adaptive Data-Gathering Method for Packet-Level Index Modulation in LPWA
Authors: Takyu Osamu , Takeda Keita , Miyamoto Ryuji , Adachi Koichi , Ohta Mai , Fujii Takeo
Published: April 2024

Low-power wide-area (LPWA) is a communication technology for the IoT that allows low power consumption and long-range communication. Additionally, packet-level index modulation (PLIM) can transmit additional information using multiple frequency channels and time slots. However, in a competitive radio access environment, where multiple sensors autonomously determine packet transmission, packet collisions occur when transmitting the same information. The packet collisions cause a reduction in the throughput. A method has been proposed to design a mapping table that shows the correspondence between indexes and information using a packet collision minimization criterion. However, the effectiveness of this method depends on how the probability of the occurrence of the information to be transmitted is modeled. We propose an environment-aware adaptive data-gathering method that identifies the location of factors affecting sensor information and constructs a model for the probability of the occurrence of sensor information. The packet collision rate of the environment-aware adaptive data-gathering method was clarified through computer simulations and actual experiments on a 429 MHz LPWA. We confirm that the proposed scheme improves the packet collision rate by 15% in the computer simulation and 30% in the experimental evaluation, respectively.
LSTM Short-Term Wind Power Prediction Method Based on Data Preprocessing and Variational Modal Decomposition for Soft Sensors
Authors: Lei Peng , Ma Fanglan , Zhu Changsheng , Li Tianyu
Published: April 2024

Soft sensors have been extensively utilized to approximate real-time power prediction in wind power generation, which is challenging to measure instantaneously. The short-term forecast of wind power aims at providing a reference for the dispatch of the intraday power grid. This study proposes a soft sensor model based on the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network by combining data preprocessing with Variational Modal Decomposition (VMD) to improve wind power prediction accuracy. It does so by adopting the isolation forest algorithm for anomaly detection of the original wind power series and processing the missing data by multiple imputation. Based on the process data samples, VMD technology is used to achieve power data decomposition and noise reduction. The LSTM network is introduced to predict each modal component separately, and further sum reconstructs the prediction results of each component to complete the wind power prediction. From the experimental results, it can be seen that the LSTM network which uses an Adam optimizing algorithm has better convergence accuracy. The VMD method exhibited superior decomposition outcomes due to its inherent Wiener filter capabilities, which effectively mitigate noise and forestall modal aliasing. The Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) was reduced by 9.3508%, which indicates that the LSTM network combined with the VMD method has better prediction accuracy.
Mind the Exit Pupil Gap: Revisiting the Intrinsics of a Standard Plenoptic Camera
Authors: Michels Tim , Mäckelmann Daniel , Koch Reinhard
Published: April 2024

Among the common applications of plenoptic cameras are depth reconstruction and post-shot refocusing. These require a calibration relating the camera-side light field to that of the scene. Numerous methods with this goal have been developed based on thin lens models for the plenoptic camera’s main lens and microlenses. Our work addresses the often-overlooked role of the main lens exit pupil in these models, specifically in the decoding process of standard plenoptic camera (SPC) images. We formally deduce the connection between the refocusing distance and the resampling parameter for the decoded light field and provide an analysis of the errors that arise when the exit pupil is not considered. In addition, previous work is revisited with respect to the exit pupil’s role, and all theoretical results are validated through a ray tracing-based simulation. With the public release of the evaluated SPC designs alongside our simulation and experimental data, we aim to contribute to a more accurate and nuanced understanding of plenoptic camera optics.
‘For Those Who Like the Life Nothing Could Be Better’: The Games Mistress in 1920s Britain
Authors: Day Dave
Published: April 2024

During the Edwardian period, women’s physical education colleges were graduating significant numbers of gymnastics and games teachers, the demand for whom had increased rapidly following an expansion in the playing of team sports in girls’ schools. Much of the subsequent development of women’s physical activity in the 1920s can be credited to the passion and commitment of these women, who were not only key role models within the school setting but who also coached and organised women’s sport at club, regional, and national level. Given that the education sector operated a ‘marriage bar’ until 1944, the critical juncture in their careers was the decision to marry or not, and several of these women decided to remain single. This, and the strong bonds they often formed with other practitioners, has resulted in a great deal of unsubstantiated speculation about their private lives. Combining evidence from a variety of primary sources, including newspapers, census returns, college records, literature, girls’ annuals, specialist periodicals, photographs, and local and family histories, this paper illuminates some of the biographies and experiences of these women and questions the stereotypical image of the games mistress as an unfulfilled spinster.
Environmental Impact of an Innovative Aeronautic Carbon Composite Manufactured via Heated Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding
Authors: Silva Daniel , Rocha Ricardo , Ribeiro Filipe , Monteiro Helena
Published: April 2024

The Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) process has gained popularity as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to autoclave molding for high-performance composite production, which is especially interesting for aeronautics, where weight reduction is crucial. However, to date, the environmental impact of components produced through VARTM remains relatively unknown. To address this gap, this study applied the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to estimate the environmental impact of a thermoset composite laminate produced through heated VARTM. Aiming to support the decision, the VARTM composite part’s production was compared to conventional autoclave manufacturing, and the influence of alternative end-of-life (EoL) scenarios and energy mixes was considered, through LCA. The study found that energy consumption represented the majority of the environmental impacts of the heated VARTM component (33%), followed by carbon fibers, resins, consumables, and wastes. In terms of the comparative analysis, the autoclave manufacturing process showed better environmental results. Regarding EoL management, supercritical hydrolysis (with heat recovery) recycling emerges as the most beneficial method, reducing the impacts of the VARTM-manufactured component by 25%. This study emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption, using low-carbon energy mixes, and adopting recycling methods to improve VARTM composite’s environmental performance.
Effectiveness of a Sustainable Training Program Combining Supervised Outdoor Exercise with Telecoaching on Physical Performance in Elderly People
Authors: Leale Ignazio , Giustino Valerio , Brusa Jessica , Barcellona Matteo , Barbagallo Mario , Palma Antonio , Messina Giuseppe , Dominguez Ligia J. , Battaglia Giuseppe
Published: April 2024

The decrease in functional abilities can negatively influence quality of life and autonomy in elderly people, and physical exercise plays a crucial role regardless of the type. Among the latter, also due to the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor exercise and telecoaching are settings that have been widely implemented. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a sustainable training program combining supervised outdoor exercise with telecoaching on physical performance in elderly people. A total of 60 participants were recruited and divided into two groups: a trained group (TG) and an untrained group (UG), based on their participation in an 8-week sustainable training program consisted of five sessions/week, which included two sessions/week of supervised outdoor exercise and three sessions/week of telecoaching. Participants were evaluated before and at the end of the training program using the handgrip test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, short physical performance battery (SPPB), and Tinetti scale. In the TG, we found a significant improvement in the following tests: right handgrip (p < 0.001); left handgrip (p < 0.001); TUG (p < 0.001); SPPB (p = 0.01); and Tinetti scale (p = 0.006). A detailed analysis of the SPPB and Tinetti scale showed the lack of significant changes in walking ability: gait speed (p > 0.05) and walking parameters in the Tinetti scale (p > 0.05). Based on our results, we suggest that a sustainable training program combining supervised outdoor exercise with telecoaching could be effective in the elderly population for improving balance capacity and strength.
Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Streamflow and Baseflow in the Karnali River Basin, Nepal: A CMIP6 Multi-Model Ensemble Approach Using SWAT and Web-Based Hydrograph Analysis Tool
Authors: Lamichhane Manoj , Phuyal Sajal , Mahato Rajnish , Shrestha Anuska , Pudasaini Usam , Lama Sudeshma Dikshen , Chapagain Abin Raj , Mehan Sushant , Neupane Dhurba
Published: April 2024

Our study aims to understand how the hydrological cycle is affected by climate change in river basins. This study focused on the Karnali River Basin (KRB) to examine the impact of extreme weather events like floods and heat waves on water security and sustainable environmental management. Our research incorporates precipitation and temperature projections from ten Global Circulation Models (GCMs) under the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). We applied thirteen statistical bias correction methods for precipitation and nine for temperatures to make future precipitation and temperature trend projections. The research study also utilized the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model at multi-sites to estimate future streamflow under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios of SSP245 and SSP585. Additionally, the Web-based Hydrograph Analysis Tool (WHAT) was used to distinguish between baseflow and streamflow. Our findings, based on the Multi-Model Ensemble (MME), indicate that precipitation will increase by 7.79–16.25% under SSP245 (9.43–27.47% under SSP585) and maximum temperatures will rise at rates of 0.018, 0.048, and 0.064 °C/yr under SSP245 (0.022, 0.066, and 0.119 °C/yr under SSP585). We also anticipate that minimum temperatures will increase at rates of 0.049, 0.08, and 0.97 °C/yr under SSP245 (0.057, 0.115, and 0.187 °C/yr under SSP585) for near, mid, and far future periods, respectively. Our research predicts an increase in river discharge in the KRB by 27.12% to 54.88% under SSP245 and 45.4% to 93.3% under SSP585 in different future periods. Our finding also showed that the expected minimum monthly baseflow in future periods will occur earlier than in the historical period. Our study emphasizes the need for sustainable and adaptive management strategies to address the effects of climate change on water security in the KRB. By providing detailed insights into future hydrological conditions, this research serves as a critical resource for policymakers and stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making for the sustainable management of water resources in the face of climate change.
Unlocking Heavy Metal Remediation Potential: A Review of Cellulose–Silica Composites
Authors: Mazibuko Mayenzeke Trueman , Onwubu Stanley Chibuzor , Mokhothu Thabang Hendrica , Paul Vimla , Mdluli Phumlane Selby
Published: April 2024

This comprehensive review explores recent advancements in heavy metal remediation techniques, focusing on the utilization of cellulose–silica composites and tailored surface modification techniques. We examine the synthesis strategies and properties of cellulose–silica adsorbents, highlighting their enhanced adsorption capacities and structural robustness for removing heavy metal pollutants from aqueous environments. The review investigates various surface modification approaches, including thiol functionalization, amino acid grafting, and silane coupling agents, for optimizing the surface chemistry and morphology of cellulose–silica composites. Mechanistic insights into the adsorption processes and kinetics of modified adsorbents are discussed, along with considerations for optimizing adsorption performance under different environmental conditions. This review provides valuable perspectives on the development of effective adsorbent materials for sustainable heavy metal remediation applications.
Exploring the Consumer Acceptance of Circular Housing from the Perspective of SOR Theory
Authors: Chen Chun-Chih , Lai Chi-Hui , Guo Nai-Ren , Wu Shu-Ming
Published: April 2024

The reconstruction of residences has led to an increase in the use of single-use materials in the construction industry. In the context of the circular economy, with the implementation of circular housing from a cradle-to-cradle perspective, the field of housing construction is changing rapidly. Innovation and sharing improve the consumer experience and increase consumers’ purchase intention. This research integrates design attributes, sharing attributes, perceived value, and affective value to study the impact of circular housing on acceptance and identification. The framework of SOR theory framework is used to analyze the predictive factors of consumer intention. The results emphasize that emotional responses in terms of affective value, perceived value, and social equity are the most prominent. This research also utilizes the KJ method. The research methods include a literature review, field observations, expert interviews, questionnaire surveys, and triangulation validation. Moreover, this research uses PLS-SEM to analyze the data of 568 participants. The structural analysis shows that consumers’ acceptance and identification of circular housing are strongly influenced by social equity. A total of 16 out of 17 hypotheses are established, with eight partial mediating effects, including the mediating role of social equity. Perceived value is found to affect consumers’ cognition and attitudes Perceived value and design attributes, as well as these factors combined, influence consumer acceptance and identification. This research provides strategies to enhance the design of circular housing and promote its development. This research explores the relationship between consumers’ acceptance and identification of circular design and the development of circular housing. It first establishes a structural model based on the SOR theory. Adding the mental map of interview results to the model, the results of this research analyzes the design attribute value, and the SEM-PLS analysis influences highlights the identification and acceptance of circular housing.
The Value of Vegetation in Nature-Based Solutions: Roles, Challenges, and Utilization in Managing Different Environmental and Climate-Related Problems
Authors: Greksa Amela , Ljubojević Mirjana , Blagojević Boško
Published: April 2024

To address the challenges of the twenty-first century, particularly the negative effects of climate change, mitigation measures such as Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are being employed. Vegetation, being a part of various NbS interventions, provides different ecosystem services that help combat current climate-related vulnerabilities. This research aims to illustrate the connection between plants’ contribution to adapting to climate change and the creation of more sustainable spaces, focusing on the usage of bioretention systems (BRs) as an example of NbS. Some of the main aspects of how vegetation is selected for BRs according to qualities that may contribute to developing sustainable landscapes, along with providing key features of plants’ adaptation, different taxonomic data, and specific plant species that have been demonstrated to be good candidates for planting in BRs, are also discussed. Therefore, the importance of this paper is in providing a comprehensive systematization of vegetation with insightful suggestions on plant species for future BR implementation.
Does Social Distancing Affect the Stress Reduction and Attention Restoration of College Students in Different Natural Settings?
Authors: Zhu Liying , Dong Sining , Chen Xin , Zhou Qingqing , Li Fangying , Wang Guangyu
Published: April 2024

The restorative benefits of the natural environment are crucial for human well-being and sustainable development. Although stress reduction and attention restoration through natural exposure have been quantified through physiological and psychological pathways, numerous studies have intentionally constructed idealized natural settings devoid of individuals to minimize interference. This deliberate approach has raised concerns about the accuracy of these restorative results, as real-world settings invariably involve other people. To address this issue, we designed and executed a randomized controlled experiment. By measuring physiological and psychological indicators and utilizing a two-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc comparison, we explored the restorative potential of natural settings within seven distinct social distances across five landscape types in virtual reality environments. The results revealed that beyond a social distance of 3.8 m, the presence of people had minimal impact on stress reduction, with attention restoration effects remaining consistently positive. Optimal physiological and psychological restoration is achieved when the social distance exceeded 20 m. Further exploration is warranted to elucidate the influence of landscape types on the restoration of natural environments. The findings provide valuable insights for the planning and design of restorative natural settings, supporting research endeavors aimed at improving human health and well-being and allowing for sustainable management.
Exploring the Influence of Dynamic Indicators in Urban Spaces on Residents’ Environmental Behavior: A Case Study in Shanghai Utilizing Mixed-Methods Approach and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Modeling
Authors: Lyu Chengzhe
Published: April 2024

The main aim of this article is to evaluate the impact of dynamic indicators associated with urban spaces on the environmental behavior of residents in Shanghai, China. With the city experiencing rapid urbanization and increasing environmental concerns, it is crucial to understand how the design and management of urban spaces can encourage pro-environmental attitudes and actions among the population. The study specifically focuses on dynamic indicators, namely vitality, accessibility, quality, and walkability, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the utilization and experience of urban spaces. The research outcomes will make valuable contributions towards Shanghai’s objectives of achieving environmental sustainability, while also providing insights that have broader relevance to sustainable urban development globally. As the built environment significantly influences energy consumption, resource utilization, pollution generation, and overall human wellbeing, attaining urban sustainability is of paramount importance. The findings of this study will aid in informing strategies and policies that promote sustainable practices, not only benefiting Shanghai but also serving as a valuable resource for urban development initiatives worldwide. Sustainable urban design principles, including compactness, density, mixed land use, greening, and walkability, have been associated with pro-environmental behaviors, including reduced reliance on automobiles, increased walking and cycling, and heightened environmental consciousness. Nevertheless, the relationship between the built environment and sustainability behaviors is intricate and is influenced by multiple factors. Consequently, further research is necessary to comprehend how specific spatial and temporal dynamics impact environmental behaviors within urban settings. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) was developed to estimate the quality and walkability of an area and environmental behaviors by considering the augmented vitality and accessibility factors. The ANN’s predictions demonstrate that higher levels of vitality and accessibility positively contribute to improved walkability and environmental behaviors. The accuracy of the ANN’s predictions was assessed using linear regression, which yielded acceptable error rates when compared with experimental results.
Advancing Sustainable Construction Materials: Wood, Rubber, and Cenospheres Geopolymer Masonry Units Development
Authors: Gigar Firesenay Zerabruk , Khennane Amar , Liow Jong-Leng , Al-Deen Safat , Tekle Biruk Hailu , Fitzgerald Cooper J. , Basaglia Anthony , Webster Charles L.
Published: April 2024

As the environmental impact of modern society continues to escalate, the construction industry actively pursues environmentally friendly materials to revolutionize its practices. Recycling, especially repurposing end-of-service materials and industrial wastes, emerges as a pivotal strategy offering a promising path towards sustainable construction. This study focuses on the innovative reuse of end-of-service wood, crumb rubber, and cenosphere with geopolymer binder to produce sustainable alternatives to masonry units. The study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, cube samples were produced and tested to establish an optimal mix design. Results indicated that as the relative volume of waste increased, the compressive strength decreased. The compressive strength of the wood geopolymer composite decreased from 25 MPa to 4 MPa as the wood-to-binder ratio increased from 0.1 to 0.5. An increasing trend was observed for density with the increase of the rubber-to-wood ratio. The compressive strength also increased with the increase of the rubber-to-wood ratio for most of the investigated ranges. As fly ash is gradually replaced by cenospheres, a significant decrease in compressive strength was noted, about 70% and 80% for wood-to-binder (ratios of 0.2 and 0.3, respectively). In the second stage, three distinct types of masonry units were produced and tested based on the optimized mix design. The compressive strength results indicated promising performance, with wood-geopolymer masonry units exhibiting a strength of 8.39 MPa, wood-rubber-geopolymer masonry units achieving 8.32 MPa, and wood-cenosphere-geopolymer masonry units resulting in 7.33 MPa. While these values fell below the target 10 MPa, it is noteworthy that wood-geopolymer masonry units and wood-rubber-geopolymer masonry units met the minimum compressive strength requirements of some standards and demonstrated significantly better ductility compared to traditional masonry units. The results showcase significant promise in the viability and performance of these innovative masonry units.
From Digital to AI Transformation for Sustainability
Authors: Katsamakas Evangelos
Published: April 2024

Sustainability and its connection to digital technology have attracted significant interest in business [...]
National Agricultural Innovation System (NAIS): Diagnosis, Gaps, and Mapping of Actors
Authors: Gutiérrez Cano Luis Fernando , Zartha Sossa Jhon Wilder , Moreno Sarta John Fredy , Oviedo Lopera Juan Camilo , Quintero Saavedra Jorge Iván , Suárez Guzmán Lina María , Agudelo Tapasco Diego Alejandro
Published: April 2024

This article examines the diagnosis of the Agricultural Innovation System (SIA) in the department of Tolima, Colombia, as part of a project led by the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Technological University of Pereira (TUP), which also evaluated the National Agricultural Innovation System (NAIS) in regions such as Chocó, Bolívar, and Meta. A methodology was used that involved a survey with 58 questions on a Likert scale with 300 participants, evaluated with congruence and relevance indexes, identifying key variables in the operation of the Agricultural Innovation System (AIS). A survey was applied to map actors in the National Innovation System for Higher Education in Agriculture, as well as the participating actors in the regional agricultural innovation systems of Tolima to identify gaps in extension, innovation, development, sustainability, information technology (TI), education, and training. Among the conclusions, it stands out that the associativity subsystem presents the lowest performance and is close to a score of two on the scale of gaps. An evaluation was carried out among the five subsystems, including extension, TI, environmental aspects, and public policy. The department of Tolima shows low performance in innovation and TI, while their extension performance is less weak. In Chaparral, there is a general lag, with innovation being the worst evaluated subsystem. Rovira obtains high scores in most subsystems, although innovation and TI have lower scores. At the national and regional levels, innovation is low, and communication among the NARS actors is insufficient, which highlights the need to promote good practices, strategies, and projects.
Bio-Based Plastics in Product Design: The State of the Art and Challenges to Overcome
Authors: Bos Puck , Ritzen Linda , van Dam Sonja , Balkenende Ruud , Bakker Conny
Published: April 2024

Replacing fossil-based feedstock with renewable alternatives is a crucial step towards a circular economy. The bio-based plastics currently on the market are predominantly used in single-use applications, with remarkably limited uptake in durable products. This study explores the current state of the art of bio-based plastic use in durable consumer products and the opportunities and barriers encountered by product developers in adopting these materials. A design analysis of 60 durable products containing bio-based plastics, and 12 company interviews, identified the pursuit of sustainability goals and targets as the primary driver for adopting bio-based plastics, despite uncertainties regarding their reduced environmental impact. The lack of knowledge of bio-based plastics and their properties contributes to the slow adoption of these materials. Furthermore, the lack of recycling infrastructure, the limited availability of the plastics, and higher costs compared to fossil-based alternatives, are significant barriers to adoption. Product developers face significant challenges in designing with bio-based plastics, but opportunities exist; for example, for the use of dedicated bio-based plastics with unique properties. When designing with bio-based plastics, product developers must think beyond the physical product and consider sourcing and recovery, which are not typically part of the conventional product design process.
Young Children’s Digital Literacy Practices with Caregivers in the Home Environment: Voices of Chinese Parents and Grandparents
Authors: Wang Yongli , Zhao Yiran , Lu Jinjin , Gao Yuan
Published: April 2024

The development of children’s digital literacy is essential in the 21st century. Digital technologies have been adopted by both parents and grandparents to enhance children’s quality of education, in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., SDGs 4 and 17). Many children have been provided with all types of digital tools and e-devices from birth, which puts their caregivers in a challenging position. In that context, investigating the attitudes, beliefs, communication, and practices of caregivers when interacting with young children while utilizing digital technologies is crucial for comprehending the disparity in digital literacy between parents and grandparents. In this study, we adopted a mixed research design to examine Chinese intergenerational caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic and different types of caregivers’ beliefs, practices, and communication with children through various digital tools in the home environment. A caregiver-reported survey was conducted to investigate the primary caregivers’ beliefs, practices, and communication using digital media tools with children at home. Intergenerational interviews with 18 families further identified the different methods of caregiving between parents and grandparents. Mixed attitudes were found concerning popular technologies commonly used at home and children’s digital literacy practices, and we heard intergenerational concerns about children’s use of digital technologies. This study shows that Chinese fathers are generally more supportive of digital practices at home, while mothers are more restrictive of their children’s use of digital technology tools. Grandparenting may be overwhelming for Chinese seniors in the 21st century.
Lie Symmetry Analysis and Conservation Laws of Fractional Benjamin–Ono Equation
Authors: Liu Hui , Yun Yinshan
Published: April 2024

In this paper, the fractional Benjamin–Ono differential equation with a Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative is considered using the Lie symmetry analysis method. Two symmetries admitted by the equation are obtained. Then, the equation is reduced to a fractional ordinary differential equation with an Erdélyi–Kober fractional derivative by one of the symmetries. Finally, conservation laws for the equations are constructed using the new conservation theorem.
A 3D Descriptive Geometry Problem-Solving Methodology Using CAD and Orthographic Projection
Authors: Gutiérrez de Ravé Eduardo , Jiménez-Hornero Francisco J.
Published: April 2024

In solving descriptive geometry (DG) problems, board (i.e., hand drawing) methods are frequently used, despite this discipline is still very important to enhance spatial vision. These methods are very different from CAD tools which are used in the field of design. CAD facilitates the realization of geometric constructions and transformations (i.e., rotation, translation, copying, scaling, alignment, and symmetry, among others) are performed analytically. For this reason, a 3D DG problem-solving methodology using CAD and orthographic projection (CADOP) is introduced. Once the principles of DG, orthographic projection, and CAD fundamentals and tools are described, CADOP is applied to obtain (i) orthogonal views; (ii) principal lines of a plane; (iii) true-size view of a plane; (iv) parallelism, perpendicularity, and distance, and (v) angles. Considering the user coordinate system in CADOP allows one to place the horizontal plane in the suitable position to solve DG problems directly in one step. In the traditional methods, the use of auxiliary views must be carried out in several steps instead. The dynamic management of the 3D view of the scene is facilitated in CADOP, improving its understanding, and achieving the precision inherent in analytical calculations.
Determination of Na+ Cation Locations in Nanozeolite ECR-1 Using a 3D ED Method
Authors: Örs Taylan , Deroche Irena , Chatelard Corentin , Dodin Mathias , Martinez-Franco Raquel , Tuel Alain , Paillaud Jean-Louis
Published: April 2024

Until now, the comprehensive structural analysis of single crystals of zeolite ECR-1, an aluminosilicate with the EON topology, has been hindered owing to the submicron dimensions of the obtained crystals. Additionally, this zeolite, which is characterized by a topology comprising alternating periodic building units of MAZ and MOR layers, exhibits stacking faults that impede accurate refinement through the Rietveld method. In this report, we present, for the first time, the structure of ECR-1 elucidated by studying a nanocrystal with a significantly reduced number of stacking faults. The sample used was synthesized hydrothermally using trioxane as the organic structure-directing agent. The structure determination was conducted using precession electron diffraction (PED) at 103 K. Partial dehydration occurred owing to the high vacuum conditions in the TEM sample chamber. From the dynamical refinement (Robs = 0.097), 8.16 Na+ compensating cations were localized on six distinct crystallographic sites, along with approximately four water molecules per unit cell. Furthermore, a canonical Monte Carlo computational study was conducted to compare the experimental cationic distribution and location of water molecules with the simulation.
Slovenian Higher Education in a Post-Pandemic World: Trends and Transformations
Authors: Qureshi Fayyaz , Khawaja Sarwar , Pejić Bach Mirjana , Meško Maja
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of work and daily life, with higher education being greatly affected, especially in remote teaching, work, and digital collaboration. Most of these changes are retained in the post-COVID-19 era, e.g., remote work has enabled greater access to educational opportunities and contributed to a more inclusive and diverse workforce. To investigate to what extent these changes impact higher education in the post-pandemic era, we have conducted qualitative research on a sample of 12 professors from Slovenia working in higher education, selected based on their extensive research, professional experience, and significant contributions to the field. The Delphi method was used for this study since its iterative process refines ideas in each round based on feedback from the previous one. Participants were given a five-day window to express their views and share their expertise. The responses to the open-ended questions were examined using qualitative content analysis. Research indicates that pedagogical and organisational characteristics such as the ability to adapt to changes, the capacity for resilience, and the willingness to embrace digital transformation are crucial for preserving long-term changes induced by pandemics.
Resource Scheduling Optimisation Study Considering Both Supply and Demand Sides of Services under Cloud Manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Qinglei , Li Ning , Duan Jianguo , Qin Jiyun , Zhou Ying
Published: April 2024

In cloud manufacturing environments, the scheduling of multi-user manufacturing tasks often fails to consider the impact of service supply on resource allocation. This study addresses this gap by proposing a bi-objective multi-user multi-task scheduling model aimed at simultaneously minimising workload and maximising customer satisfaction. To accurately capture customer satisfaction, a novel comprehensive rating index is introduced, integrating the actual completion cost, time, and processing quality against customer expectations. Furthermore, vehicle constraints are incorporated into the model to accommodate potential delays in transport vehicle availability, thereby enhancing its alignment with real-world manufacturing settings. The proposed mathematical model is solved using an improved three-stage genetic algorithm, which integrates the k-means algorithm and a real-time sequence scheduling strategy to optimise solution quality. Validation against alternative algorithms across various case scales demonstrates the efficacy of the approach in providing practical scheduling solutions for real-case scenarios.
m6A Methylation in Regulation of Antiviral Innate Immunity
Authors: Karandashov Ivan , Kachanov Artyom , Dukich Maria , Ponomareva Natalia , Brezgin Sergey , Lukashev Alexander , Pokrovsky Vadim S. , Chulanov Vladimir , Kostyusheva Anastasiya , Kostyushev Dmitry
Published: April 2024

The epitranscriptomic modification m6A is a prevalent RNA modification that plays a crucial role in the regulation of various aspects of RNA metabolism. It has been found to be involved in a wide range of physiological processes and disease states. Of particular interest is the role of m6A machinery and modifications in viral infections, serving as an evolutionary marker for distinguishing between self and non-self entities. In this review article, we present a comprehensive overview of the epitranscriptomic modification m6A and its implications for the interplay between viruses and their host, focusing on immune responses and viral replication. We outline future research directions that highlight the role of m6A in viral nucleic acid recognition, initiation of antiviral immune responses, and modulation of antiviral signaling pathways. Additionally, we discuss the potential of m6A as a prognostic biomarker and a target for therapeutic interventions in viral infections.