bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Voice Cloning Quality through Data Selection and Alignment-Based Metrics
Authors: González-Docasal Ander , Álvarez Aitor
Published: July 2023

Voice cloning, an emerging field in the speech-processing area, aims to generate synthetic utterances that closely resemble the voices of specific individuals. In this study, we investigated the impact of various techniques on improving the quality of voice cloning, specifically focusing on a low-quality dataset. To contrast our findings, we also used two high-quality corpora for comparative analysis. We conducted exhaustive evaluations of the quality of the gathered corpora in order to select the most-suitable data for the training of a voice-cloning system. Following these measurements, we conducted a series of ablations by removing audio files with a lower signal-to-noise ratio and higher variability in utterance speed from the corpora in order to decrease their heterogeneity. Furthermore, we introduced a novel algorithm that calculates the fraction of aligned input characters by exploiting the attention matrix of the Tacotron 2 text-to-speech system. This algorithm provides a valuable metric for evaluating the alignment quality during the voice-cloning process. We present the results of our experiments, demonstrating that the performed ablations significantly increased the quality of synthesised audio for the challenging low-quality corpus. Notably, our findings indicated that models trained on a 3 h corpus from a pre-trained model exhibit comparable audio quality to models trained from scratch using significantly larger amounts of data.
Experimental PIV Radial Splitting Study on Expansive Soil during the Drying Process
Authors: Yu Shun , He Fangchan , Zhang Junran
Published: July 2023

Expansive soil is prone to shrinkage and cracking during the drying process, leading to strength and permeability problems that exist widely in water conservancy projects and geotechnical engineering, including foundation pits and cracks at the bottom of channels and slopes. Such problems are closely related to the tensile strength of the soil. In this study, Nanyang expansive soil is taken as the research object and radial splitting tests were performed using a particle image velocimetry (PIV) test system on both undisturbed and remolded expansive soil during the drying process. The results indicated that the load–displacement curve of the undisturbed and remolded expansive soil specimens showed a strain-softening phenomenon and that the peak load increased with decreasing water content. Under the same other conditions, the peak load of the remolded expansive soil specimen was higher than that of the undisturbed soil specimen, with the undisturbed soil specimen having distinctive structural and fractural features. The load–displacement relation curve, displacement vector field, and fracture characteristics had an obvious one-to-one correspondence in the stage division. The compression deformation stage, crack development stage after the peak value, crack maturity stage, and failure stage could be observed via the PIV technique. Moreover, the fracture characteristics of the remolded specimens were more regular than those of the undisturbed specimens. The above research results provide a scientific basis for the design and construction of geotechnical engineering related to expansive soil.
Crystalline Structure Assessment of Ceramic Veneered Co-Cr-W Dental Alloy Substructures Obtained by Selective Laser Melting—A Pilot Study
Authors: Stoian Caius , Ardelean Lavinia Cosmina , Negrutiu Meda Lavinia , Miclau Marinela , Casut Cristian , Sinescu Cosmin , Alexandratou Anastasia , Katsavrias Athanasios , Stoian Alexandra Denisa , Rominu Mihai
Published: July 2023

The aim of this work is to assess the crystalline structure modification of an SLM Co-Cr-W dental alloy, veneered with two different ceramics, by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy, coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Ten identical plates were fabricated using SLM and were subsequently subjected to ceramic veneering. Following the repeated firing of the ceramic layers, carried out at temperatures exceeding 900 °C, new crystalline phases and variations in the crystallite sizes in the SLM Co-Cr-W dental alloy used for the substructure were detected via XRD. The two veneering ceramics showed significant differences in their behavior, beginning with the first firing, accompanied by structural changes. AFM micrographs and histograms of the surface heights over the whole scanned area of the samples showed that the surface of the Co-Cr-W dental alloy is strongly affected by the repeated firings necessitated by the ceramic firing process, a finding in accordance with the XRD results. The SEM investigation revealed that the different firing parameters had an impact on the alloy, the ceramic microstructure, and the surface quality. The differences in the chemical composition of the ceramics, highlighted by EDS, are reflected in their behavior. The crystalline alloy structure is influenced by the repeated firings of the ceramic layers.
Ranking Strategic Goals with Fuzzy Entropy Weighting and Fuzzy TOPSIS Methods: A Case of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye
Authors: Öztürk Betül Cansu , Gökçen Hadi
Published: July 2023

This study involves an integrated approach consisting of the Fuzzy AEW Method which considers all relevant criteria and involves the contribution of all members of a strategic planning team in the determination of strategic goals as well as the Fuzzy Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. The Fuzzy AEW method has been used in weighing the criteria whereas the Fuzzy TOPSIS method has been used in determining the order of the alternatives. This article presents a real-world case using this model in setting targets for improving the institutional capacity of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBITAK). In this study, strategic goals have been set forth considering the opinion of strategic planning experts and previous strategic plans, and then the said method has been applied. The model could easily be applied both in the public and private sectors. This new model involves the effective planning of scarce resources and ensures digitalization in planning as well as the determination of goals through analytical methods. Ineffective meetings and workshops of the past will be replaced by a participatory and transparent structure.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Flow Characteristics in a Fluid Self-Lubricating Centrifugal Pump with R134a Refrigerant
Authors: Fang Xufeng , Zhang Beile , Lin Xinyi , Zhou Hong , Chen Shuangtao , Hou Yu , Xue Rong , Zhang Ze
Published: July 2023

With the rapid development of information technology, researchers have paid attention to the pump-driven two-phase cooling loop technology for data centers, which imposes requirements on the efficiency and size of the pump. A fluid self-lubricating centrifugal pump with R134a refrigerant was developed to reach a higher rotation speed and oil-free system, resulting in a more diminutive size. Due to the high rotation speed and refrigerant pressure approaching saturated vapor pressure, the internal flow characteristics and cavitating characteristics are critical and complex. This paper focuses on the prototype’s head and cavitation performance based on experimental and numerical data. The experiments indicated that the head coefficient of the pump under design conditions is 0.9881, and the pump’s critical cavitation number and breakdown number are 0.551 and 0.412, respectively. The numerical results can predict the head and cavitation with deviations less than 2.6%. To study changing patterns in flow characteristics under the different operating conditions in the refrigerant centrifugal pump, the numerical model based on a modified Sauer-Schnerr cavitation model was built to analyze the distributions of pressure, temperature, relative velocity, and bubble volume across every hydraulic component and different degrees of cavitation, and proposed the influence of the thermal effect on refrigerant cavitating. The cavitating flow characteristics were obtained with the aim of providing guidance for the hydraulic design of a refrigerant centrifugal pump.
Defining Breast Tumor Location Using a Four-Element Wearable Circular UWB MIMO Antenna Array
Authors: Abouelnaga Tamer G. , Hamad Ehab K. I. , Khaleel Sherif A. , Beiranvand Behrokh
Published: July 2023

The objective of this paper is to develop a wearable circular UWB MIMO antenna array, consisting of four elements, that is capable of detecting and locating tumor cells within a heterogeneous breast phantom. The antenna element operates within a bandwidth from 2.4 GHz to 10.6 GHz when FR4 is used as the substrate, and extends from 2.57 GHz to 12.6 GHz when a Dacron fabric is used instead. The antenna is fabricated and measured, yielding highly similar results to the simulated outcomes. In the suggested detection system, one antenna is used for transmission, while the other antennas receive the transmitted signal. The employed antenna demonstrates gains of 5.49 dBi, 9.87 dBi, 11.9 dBi, and 14.7 dBi at resonant frequencies of 2.84 GHz, 3.87 GHz, 5.83 GHz, and 8.24 GHz, respectively, when a Dacron fabric is used as the substrate. Moreover, the proposed antenna exhibits a flexible shape with minimal vertical and horizontal bending effects across the entire operating frequency band. The antenna has a compact size of 42.85 × 42.85 mm2 and is printed on an FR4 substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.5 and a thickness of 1.6 mm for testing purposes. The S-parameters of the suggested system can effectively identify and precisely locate small tumors. Furthermore, the SAR findings indicate that the amount of power absorbed by the breast phantom tissues complies with the IEEE standards, thus confirming the suitability of the recommended antenna for the early detection and localization of breast cancer.
A Facies Proportional Determination Method Based on the Theory of Confidence Intervals: A Case Study in the M Gas Field in the East China Sea
Authors: Wei Shichao , Li Shaohua , Yu Siyu
Published: July 2023

A reservoir is the space and gathering place of underground oil and gas reservoirs. Lithofacies proportion is the key parameter of a reservoir. Due to the heterogeneity of geological bodies, the multi-solution of seismic data and the limited and uneven distribution of logging data, it is unclear how to determine the lithofacies proportion in the study area directly from the available data. The mean is a way to make a quick estimate, but the mean cannot quantify the uncertainty of the lithofacies proportion using the available data. In this paper, a new method for quantifying uncertainty and determining the value of the three levels of the facies proportion is proposed. Taking sandstone proportion as an example, a normality test was carried out to verify the applicability of the sandstone proportion data to this method, and then the mean and variance of samples were calculated. Based on the confidence interval theory, the uncertainty of the mean value and the range of sandstone proportion were determined, that is, the optimistic value and the pessimistic value of the sandstone proportion. The results show that this method provides a new reference for quantifying values for the three levels of the uncertainty, and it uses the petrographic proportion as an example to provide the data basis for subsequent modeling and reservoir research.
Characterization of Magnetic Nanoparticles from the Shells of Freshwater Mussel L. fortunei and Marine Mussel P. perna
Authors: Cardoso Antonio Valadão , Souza Clara Carvalho , Dantas Maria Sylvia , Machado Camila Schults , Freitas Erico Tadeu , Krohling Alisson , Rosario Veronica Martins , Nappi Giancarlo Ubaldo , Heneine Luiz Dias
Published: July 2023

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were extracted from the shells of freshwater Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker 1857) and marine Perna perna (Linnaeus 1758) mussels, followed by full physical and chemical characterization using ICP-OES, UV–Vis, EDX, Raman, and XRD spectroscopy, VSM magnetometry, and SEM and TEM techniques. Considering their spatial distribution, the ferrimagnetic particles in the shells had low concentration and presented superparamagnetic behavior characteristics of materials of nanometric size. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM, especially HRTEM) indicated round magnetic particles around 100 nm in size, which were found to be aggregates of nanoparticles about 5 nm in size. The TEM data indicated no iron oxide particles at the periostracum layer. Nevertheless, roughly round iron (hydr)oxide nanoparticle aggregates were found in the nacre, namely, the aragonite layer. As the aragonite layer is responsible for more than 97% of the shell of L. fortunei and considering the estimated size of the magnetic nanoparticles, we infer that these particles may be distributed homogeneously throughout the shell.
Heart Rate Variability Code: Does It Exist and Can We Hack It?
Authors: Frasch Martin Gerbert
Published: July 2023

A code is generally defined as a system of signals or symbols for communication. Experimental evidence is synthesized for the presence and utility of such communication in heart rate variability (HRV) with particular attention to fetal HRV: HRV contains signatures of information flow between the organs and of response to physiological or pathophysiological stimuli as signatures of states (or syndromes). HRV exhibits features of time structure, phase space structure, specificity with respect to (organ) target and pathophysiological syndromes, and universality with respect to species independence. Together, these features form a spatiotemporal structure, a phase space, that can be conceived of as a manifold of a yet-to-be-fully understood dynamic complexity. The objective of this article is to synthesize physiological evidence supporting the existence of HRV code: hereby, the process-specific subsets of HRV measures indirectly map the phase space traversal reflecting the specific information contained in the code required for the body to regulate the physiological responses to those processes. The following physiological examples of HRV code are reviewed, which are reflected in specific changes to HRV properties across the signal–analytical domains and across physiological states and conditions: the fetal systemic inflammatory response, organ-specific inflammatory responses (brain and gut), chronic hypoxia and intrinsic (heart) HRV (iHRV), allostatic load (physiological stress due to surgery), and vagotomy (bilateral cervical denervation). Future studies are proposed to test these observations in more depth, and the author refers the interested reader to the referenced publications for a detailed study of the HRV measures involved. While being exemplified mostly in the studies of fetal HRV, the presented framework promises more specific fetal, postnatal, and adult HRV biomarkers of health and disease, which can be obtained non-invasively and continuously.
Multi-Stage Classification of Retinal OCT Using Multi-Scale Ensemble Deep Architecture
Authors: Akinniyi Oluwatunmise , Rahman Md Mahmudur , Sandhu Harpal Singh , El-Baz Ayman , Khalifa Fahmi
Published: July 2023

Accurate noninvasive diagnosis of retinal disorders is required for appropriate treatment or precision medicine. This work proposes a multi-stage classification network built on a multi-scale (pyramidal) feature ensemble architecture for retinal image classification using optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. First, a scale-adaptive neural network is developed to produce multi-scale inputs for feature extraction and ensemble learning. The larger input sizes yield more global information, while the smaller input sizes focus on local details. Then, a feature-rich pyramidal architecture is designed to extract multi-scale features as inputs using DenseNet as the backbone. The advantage of the hierarchical structure is that it allows the system to extract multi-scale, information-rich features for the accurate classification of retinal disorders. Evaluation on two public OCT datasets containing normal and abnormal retinas (e.g., diabetic macular edema (DME), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and Drusen) and comparison against recent networks demonstrates the advantages of the proposed architecture’s ability to produce feature-rich classification with average accuracy of 97.78%, 96.83%, and 94.26% for the first (binary) stage, second (three-class) stage, and all-at-once (four-class) classification, respectively, using cross-validation experiments using the first dataset. In the second dataset, our system showed an overall accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 99.69%, 99.71%, and 99.87%, respectively. Overall, the tangible advantages of the proposed network for enhanced feature learning might be used in various medical image classification tasks where scale-invariant features are crucial for precise diagnosis.
Spindle Position Checkpoint Kinase Kin4 Regulates Organelle Transport in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ekal Lakhan , Alqahtani Abdulaziz M. S. , Schuldiner Maya , Zalckvar Einat , Hettema Ewald H. , Ayscough Kathryn R.
Published: July 2023

Membrane-bound organelles play important, frequently essential, roles in cellular metabolism in eukaryotes. Hence, cells have evolved molecular mechanisms to closely monitor organelle dynamics and maintenance. The actin cytoskeleton plays a vital role in organelle transport and positioning across all eukaryotes. Studies in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) revealed that a block in actomyosin-dependent transport affects organelle inheritance to daughter cells. Indeed, class V Myosins, Myo2, and Myo4, and many of their organelle receptors, have been identified as key factors in organelle inheritance. However, the spatiotemporal regulation of yeast organelle transport remains poorly understood. Using peroxisome inheritance as a proxy to study actomyosin-based organelle transport, we performed an automated genome-wide genetic screen in S. cerevisiae. We report that the spindle position checkpoint (SPOC) kinase Kin4 and, to a lesser extent, its paralog Frk1, regulates peroxisome transport, independent of their role in the SPOC. We show that Kin4 requires its kinase activity to function and that both Kin4 and Frk1 protect Inp2, the peroxisomal Myo2 receptor, from degradation in mother cells. In addition, vacuole inheritance is also affected in kin4/frk1-deficient cells, suggesting a common regulatory mechanism for actin-based transport for these two organelles in yeast. More broadly our findings have implications for understanding actomyosin-based transport in cells.
Microbiota and IL-33/31 Axis Linkage: Implications and Therapeutic Perspectives in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Authors: Bonzano Laura , Borgia Francesco , Casella Rossella , Miniello Andrea , Nettis Eustachio , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: July 2023

Microbiome dysbiosis and cytokine alternations are key features of atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (PsO), two of the most prevalent and burdensome pruritic skin conditions worldwide. Interleukin (IL)-33 and IL-31 have been recognized to be major players who act synergistically in the pathogenesis and maintenance of different chronic inflammatory conditions and pruritic skin disorders, including AD and PsO, and their potential role as therapeutic targets is being thoroughly investigated. The bidirectional interplay between dysbiosis and immunological changes has been extensively studied, but there is still debate regarding which of these two factors is the actual causative culprit behind the aetiopathological process that ultimately leads to AD and PsO. We conducted a literature review on the Pubmed database assessing articles of immunology, dermatology, microbiology and allergology with the aim to strengthen the hypothesis that dysbiosis is at the origin of the IL-33/IL-31 dysregulation that contributes to the pathogenesis of AD and PsO. Finally, we discussed the therapeutic options currently in development for the treatment of these skin conditions targeting IL-31, IL-33 and/or the microbiome.
Research on the Adoption Behavior Mechanism of BIM from the Perspective of Owners: An Integrated Model of TPB and TAM
Authors: Wang Jiapeng , Li Changyou , Wu Jingyan , Zhou Guangxia
Published: July 2023

How to expand an owner’s market demand for BIM and fundamentally mobilize an owner’s application enthusiasm is of great significance to the high-quality development and effective promotion of BIM. Taking the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the basic framework and integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), we build a theoretical model of an owner’s adoption behavior mechanism for BIM technology. The theoretical model is tested by the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The research results show that the perceived usefulness of BIM technology by an owner is the most significant factor that affects the owner’s behavioral intention to apply BIM technology. The influence of attitude on behavioral intention is very weak and not significant. Subjective norms can significantly and positively affect an owner’s adoption intention. The perceived ease of use has a positive impact on the adoption intention of BIM technology, but its role is very limited. The adoption intention of an owner can positively affect adoption behavior and has a direct driving effect. The research results can improve the relevant research on BIM, encourage an owner to actively participate in the development process of BIM, and further promote the comprehensive promotion and application of BIM.
The Mechanoreception in Drosophila melanogaster Oocyte under Modeling Micro- and Hypergravity
Authors: Ogneva Irina V.
Published: July 2023

The hypothesis about the role of the cortical cytoskeleton as the primary mechanosensor was tested. Drosophila melanogaster oocytes were exposed to simulated microgravity (by 3D clinorotation in random directions with 4 rotations per minute—sµg group) and hypergravity at the 2 g level (by centrifugal force from one axis rotation—hg group) for 30, 90, and 210 min without and with cytochalasin B, colchicine, acrylamide, and calyculin A. Cell stiffness was measured by atomic force microscopy, protein content in the membrane and cytoplasmic fractions by Western blotting, and cellular respiration by polarography. The obtained results indicate that the stiffness of the cortical cytoskeleton of Drosophila melanogaster oocytes decreases in simulated micro- (after 90 min) and hypergravity (after 30 min), possibly due to intermediate filaments. The cell stiffness recovered after 210 min in the hg group, but intact microtubules were required for this. Already after 30 min of exposure to sµg, the cross-sectional area of oocytes decreased, which indicates deformation, and the singed protein, which organizes microfilaments into longitudinal bundles, diffused from the cortical cytoskeleton into the cytoplasm. Under hg, after 30 min, the cross-sectional area of the oocytes increased, and the proteins that organize filament networks, alpha-actinin and spectrin, diffused from the cortical cytoskeleton.
Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Profiling of Earwax DNA Obtained from Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Amer Sayed Amin , Alotaibi Maha Nawar , Shahid Sajjad , Alsafrani Mahmoud , Chaudhary Abdul Rauf
Published: July 2023

The present study aimed to establish human earwax as a potential source of DNA evidence that could be effectively used in human identification. Sixty earwax samples were obtained from 15 healthy male and female Saudi volunteers living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Four consecutive earwax swab samples were obtained from each volunteer and stored for 1, 15, 30 and 60 days. Earwax samples were stored at room temperature (20–22 °C). Reference oral swab was also taken from each volunteer. DNA was extracted by QIAamp DNA Mini kit and quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on 7500 Thermal Cycler. Autosomal STR loci were amplified using AmpFLSTR™ Identifiler™ Plus PCR Amplification Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Carlsbad, CA, USA). Amplified fragments were size separated and analyzed on a 3500 Genetic Analyzer. Complete autosomal STR profiles were obtained from the earwax swabs of all the volunteers stored up to 30 days after the collection. Some STR profiles were partially obtained 60 days after the earwax collection. Allelic drop-out, allelic drop-in, and stutters were seen in earwax samples analyzed 60 days after the collection. The results have shown that human earwax can be a potential source of DNA evidence for human identification up to 30 days after the earwax collection. It is recommended to quickly analyze earwax samples or store them at room temperature or at −10 °C after their recovery from the crime scene.
Design Recommendations for Concrete Pryout Capacity of Headed Steel Studs and Post-Installed Anchors
Authors: Jebara Khalil , Sharma Akanshu , Ožbolt Joško
Published: July 2023

Current formulas to assess the shear capacity of headed steel stud anchors and post-installed (PI) anchors in case of pryout failure (sometimes known as pull-rear failure) have been derived either based on the indirect-tension resistance model or are fully empirical based on push-out test results. In both cases, the predicted pryout capacity is clearly conservative and underestimates the true pryout capacity of anchorages, especially for stiff anchors with low embedment-to-diameter ratios (hef/d < 4.5). This paper proposes an empirical and a semi-empirical formula to predict the concrete pryout capacity of headed steel studs and PI anchors. They were derived based on an improved indirect-tension model which accounts for the stud diameter and the stud spacing in a group of anchors. Furthermore, a database of 214 monotonic shear tests from the literature, including own tests (push-off and horizontally shear tests), is reevaluated and compared to the provisions of EN1992-4. The scope of this assessment proposal includes single and group of headed steel studs and PI anchors attached to a stiff steel plate as well as shear connectors in composite structures without metal deck embedded in normal-weight concrete.
Comparative Analysis of the Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) Effect Based on the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) Classification Scheme for Two Japanese Cities, Hiroshima, and Sapporo
Authors: Rahmani Neshat , Sharifi Ayyoob
Published: July 2023

The Local Climate Zone (LCZ) classification system is used in this study to analyze the impacts of urban morphology on a surface urban heat island (SUHI). Our study involved a comparative analysis of SUHI effects in two Japanese cities, Sapporo and Hiroshima, between 2000 to 2022. We used geographical-information-system (GIS) mapping techniques to measure temporal LST changes using Landsat 7 and 8 images during the summer’s hottest month (August) and classified the study area into LCZ classes using The World Urban Database and Access Portal Tools (WUDAPT) method with Google Earth Pro. The urban thermal field variance index (UTFVI) is used to examine each LCZ’s thermal comfort level, and the SUHI heat spots (HS) in each LCZ classes are identified. The research findings indicate that the mean LST in Sapporo only experienced a 0.5 °C increase over the time, while the mean LST increased by 1.8 °C in Hiroshima City between 2000 and 2022. In 2000, open low-rise (LCZ 6) areas in Sapporo were the hottest, but by 2022, heavy industry (LCZ 10) became the hottest. In Hiroshima, compact mid-rise (LCZ 2) areas were the hottest in 2000, but by 2022, heavy-industry areas took the lead. The study found that LCZ 10, LCZ 8, LCZ E, and LCZ 3 areas in both Dfa and Cfa climate classifications had unfavorable UTFVI conditions. This was attributed to factors such as a high concentration of heat-absorbing materials, impervious surfaces, and limited green spaces. The majority of the SUHI HS and areas with the highest surface temperatures were situated near industrial zones and large low-rise urban forms in both cities. The study offers valuable insights into the potential long-term effects of various urban forms on the SUHI phenomenon.
Does Climate Finance Support Institutional Adaptive Capacity in Caribbean Small Island and Developing States? An Analysis of the Green Climate Fund Readiness Grants
Authors: Ricci Liana , Mangenot Maryline
Published: July 2023

Adaptation is crucial for addressing current and future climate change challenges in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and climate finance instruments, such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) can play a key role in increasing their adaptive capacity and supporting the integration of adaptation into policy and programmes. Few studies have analysed the linkages between climate finance, adaptation mainstreaming, and institutional adaptive capacity; however, assessments of the impacts of climate finance on adaptation and adaptive capacity, particularly at the institutional level, are still limited. This research assesses how climate finance may promote institutional change through the mainstreaming of adaptation policies at the national level, and may contribute to more institutional adaptive capacity. Through reviewing the documentation of approved Green Climate Fund Readiness Preparatory Support Grants, and through semi-structured interviews focusing on three Caribbean SIDS (Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, and Haiti), this paper shows that the grants had a positive impact on several processes, though sometimes limited by the strength and role of the institutions in place. These results demonstrate that access to climate finance can create a window of opportunity for countries to accelerate institutional change and adaptation integration. However, further studies are needed to examine the complementary influence of the different climate finance flows (multilateral or bilateral), and their interplay with national institutional mechanisms.
Rock Powder Applied in the Discoloration of Industry Dye of Molded Pulp Packages Effluent
Authors: Almeida Lariana N. B. , Josué Tatiana G. , Fuziki Maria Eduarda K. , Fávaro Yuri B. , Ribas Laura S. , Tusset Angelo M. , Santos Onélia A. A. , Lenzi Giane G.
Published: July 2023

In the present work, rock dust was evaluated as an adsorbent and heterogeneous photocatalyst in the discoloration of Basazol Yellow 46 L dye, which is widely used in the dyeing of molded pulp packages. Although rock dust is produced in large quantities in quarries as a byproduct of rock exploration, little is known about its application as a photocatalyst. Rock dust was characterized by XRD, SEM/EDS, photoacoustic spectroscopy, and N2 physisorption and had its photocatalytic activity assessed through phenol and salicylic acid degradation tests. The characterization results showed that the rock dust is mainly composed of silica and alumina in a triclinic structure, has a bandgap energy of 2.36 eV, and has a specific area of 1.5 m2/g. Rock dust was proven to be photocatalytically active in phenol and salicylic acid degradation tests and also presented the adsorptive and photocatalytic capacity for the discoloration of effluent containing Basazol Yellow 46 L dye.
BugTracker: Software for Tracking and Measuring Arthropod Activity
Authors: Málik-Roffa Hajnalka , Tőzsér Dávid , Tóthmérész Béla , Magura Tibor
Published: July 2023

The automated video tracking of the activity/movement of an experimental organism is essential for reliable, repeatable quantitative analyses in behavioral ecology and also in other disciplines. There are only some open-access, open-source automated tracking software applications that can track unmarked organisms. Moreover, several of these software applications are substantially affected by brightness and differences in the lighting conditions of the video recording. Our Python-based software, called BugTracker, uses the latest innovations in computer vision technologies to solve these problems. By analyzing videos with considerably different lighting conditions with BugTracker and other available software, we demonstrate that our software could reliably track the studied organisms of any size and speed. Additionally, the results provide accurate measures of the organism’s movements. BugTracker is the most reliable currently available, easy-to-use, and automated tracking software compatible with the Windows, Linux, and MacOS operating systems.
A Study on the Security of Online Judge System Applied Sandbox Technology
Authors: Kuo Jong-Yih , Wen Zhi-Jia , Hsieh Ti-Feng , Huang Han-Xuan
Published: July 2023

The majority of programming courses currently employ online judge systems as lesson materials. Online judge systems are becoming more common as the number of courses and persons studying computer science and information engineering grows. At the same time, there is an increase in the number of attacks against online judge systems; for example, Denial-Of-Service attacks, whose goal is to disrupt the target system by exhausting resources and blocking ordinary users from using the service normally. As a result, preventing attacks on online judge systems is becoming increasingly crucial. This research investigates and organizes these attack techniques, as well as develops a threat model for the online judge system by the STRIDE threat model approach, which provides a way to classify attacks into six categories. This research also designs code analysis rules and implements a code analysis tool. This tool can assist developers in analyzing the existing online judge system to determine whether the judge system is vulnerable to attack and dealing with vulnerability as soon as feasible to improve the judge system’s security. After enhancing the security of online judge systems, the system can foster trust and reliability among users as benefits.
Multi-Parameter Optimization of Stator Coreless Disc Motor Based on Orthogonal Response Surface Method
Authors: Sun Huiqin , Li Ying , Zhang Lucheng , Xue Zezhao , Hu Weiguang , Li Guoshuai , Guo Yingjun
Published: July 2023

In response to the structural optimization problem of PCB stator coreless disc motors, the orthogonal response surface method was used to optimize the motor structure, preliminarily determine the basic parameters of the motor, and conduct orthogonal experiments on the motor parameters based on the optimization design objectives. The optimization factors were the quantity of the magnetic pole of the motor rotor p, the ratio of the main/auxiliary pole sizes Rnd, the thickness Tm of the permanent magnet, and the air gap length δ. The motor torque Td, the amplitude of the magnetic density of the air gap Bδ, and the waveform distortion rate THD were used as optimization objectives. The motor parameters that cause the motor torque to reach a maximum cause the air gap magnetic density to reach a maximum and the waveform distortion rate to reach a minimum. Due to the use of PCB plates instead of motor stator cores in the PCB coreless disc motors, the service life of the PCB board during motor operation will be reduced with the temperature increase generated by the stator winding. To solve this problem, a response surface analysis of the motor was carried out to reduce the increase in the temperature of the stator windings during the operation of the motor. The PCB board and stator winding are the main factors affecting the motor’s temperature increase. Taking the thickness of the PCB board, the hole diameter on the board, and the uneven width of the stator winding as optimization factors, the motor parameters with the lowest increase in the temperature of the motor winding were obtained. A simulation analysis was conducted using Ansys/Maxwell software, and the results prove the feasibility of the optimization.
A Source Seeking Method for the Implicit Information Field Based on a Balanced Searching Strategy
Authors: Liu Kun , Bi Yang , Zhang Qi , Li Junfang
Published: July 2023

To address the issue of low efficiency in source seeking within implicit information fields, this paper proposes an autonomous sourcing method based on a balanced search strategy inspired by biological homing behaviors. At the outset of the research, the task of source seeking boiled down to a multi-objective convergence problem. By utilizing feasibility search behaviors as individual samples in evolutionary population, drawing on the principles of evolutionary algorithms, motion searching was integrated with population evolution to guide carriers towards completing source seeking tasks by solving multi-objective problems. Furthermore, the distribution entropy was also considered to measure the searching bias in the process of source seeking. In combination with the requirements of the source seeking process, a new method for balanced searching was designed. Ultimately, through theoretical analysis and simulation verification, we confirmed the effectiveness and rationality of this proposed method.
Open-Winding Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator for Renewable Energy—A Review
Authors: Rahman Abdur , Dutta Rukmi , Chu Guoyu , Xiao Dan , Thippiripati Vinay K. , Rahman Muhammed F.
Published: July 2023

The open-winding permanent magnet synchronous machines (OW-PMSMs) have recently been gaining more attention because of their fault-tolerant capability and power quality comparable to a 3-level converter-driven system. This paper reviews the common configurations of OW-PMSM when used as a generator, highlighting its shortcomings and benefits. The OW-PMSM with a common DC bus was found to be a promising direct-drive generator solution for wind energy conversion (WEC) systems considering fault tolerance, DC bus utilization, and power quality when appropriate control algorithms are in place. The presence of the zero-sequence current is the key disadvantage of the common DC bus configuration. The review highlights the algorithms that have been proposed to suppress the zero-sequence current of the OW-PMSM under healthy and various fault conditions, especially the open-circuit fault of semiconductor switch. Shutting down remotely located wind turbines because of faults, until they can be repaired, may not make economic sense. The OW-PMSM can offer the opportunity, to run a WEC system even under fault conditions albeit with low output power. This paper will assess the literature gaps in the existing control techniques that prevent the extension via a comprehensive review.
Unveiling the Future of Insulator Coatings: Unmatched Corrosion Resistance and Self-Healing Properties of PFPE Lubricating Oil-Infused Hydrophobized CeO2 Surfaces
Authors: Sanyal Simpy , Fan Xinyi , Dhungel Suresh Kumar , Pham Duy Phong , Yi Junsin
Published: July 2023

Corrosion accounts for 52% of the recorded breakdown of insulators utilized in transmission lines, which may interfere with the reliability of power utilities. The CeO2 conversion coating, CeO2-ethylene propylene diene monomer, EPDM composite coating, and Perfluoropolyether PFPE lubricating oil-infused hydrophobized CeO2 composite surfaces were developed on the insulator surface to address these challenges. The properties of these three kinds of structures are compared based on the persistence of coating over insulators installed in a highly contaminated environment. PFPE lubricating oil-infused hydrophobized CeO2 composite surfaces show excellent performance over other approaches. A lubricating oil-infused hydrophobized CeO2 composite of thickness 35.4 µm exhibits contact angles 60°, 85°, and 160°, and contact angle hysteresis of 12°, 10°, and 4°, respectively, after accelerated thermal aging. The proposed approach presents self-healing and corrosion resistance (corrosion rate 0.3 × 10−3 mm/Y, Icorr 1.2 × 10−7), post-accelerated thermal aging. The research outcome is expected to pave the way for incredibly robust insulator coatings.
A Coordinated Voltage Regulation Algorithm of a Power Distribution Grid with Multiple Photovoltaic Distributed Generators Based on Active Power Curtailment and On-Line Tap Changer
Authors: Maataoui Yassir , Chekenbah Hamid , Boutfarjoute Omar , Puig Vicenç , Lasri Rafik
Published: July 2023

The aim of this research is to manage the voltage of an active distribution grid with a low X/R ratio and multiple Photovoltaic Distributed Generators (PVDGs) operating under varying conditions. This is achieved by providing a methodology for coordinating three voltage-based controllers implementing an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). The first controller is for the On-Line Tap Changer (OLTC), which computes its adequate voltage reference. Whereas the second determines the required Active Power Curtailment (APC) setpoint for PVDG units with the aim of regulating the voltage magnitude and preventing continuous tap operation (the hunting problem) of OLTC. Finally, the last component is an auxiliary controller designed for reactive power adjustment. Its function is to manage voltage at the Common Coupling Point (CCP) within the network. This regulation not only aids in preventing undue stress on the OLTC but also contributes to a modest reduction in active power generated by PVDGs. The algorithm coordinating between these three controllers is simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK and tested on a modified IEEE 33-bus power distribution grid (PDG). The results revealed the efficacy of the adopted algorithm in regulating voltage magnitudes in all buses compared to the traditional control method.
Frequency Dynamics of Power Systems with Inertial Response Support from Wind Generation
Authors: Bastiani Bruno Augusto , Oliveira Ricardo Vasques de
Published: July 2023

Inertial response support from wind turbine generators has become a priority requirement in most grid codes to improve the frequency response and frequency stability margins of power systems. However, the interaction between MPPT and inertial controllers may significantly degrade the power system dynamics. Therefore, there is a need to comprehensively understand the electromechanical dynamics of power systems with high penetration of wind generation. In this context, this work proposes a simplified dynamic model to assess the electromechanical dynamics of modern power systems with inertial response support from wind generation. The proposed simplified model allows simple analyses of the intrinsic and extrinsic aspects of wind generation that directly affect the system frequency dynamics and the dynamics of wind turbine generators. As a secondary contribution, this work also provides a comprehensive assessment of intrinsic and extrinsic aspects of wind generation that significantly affect the electromechanical dynamics of power systems with inertial response support from wind generation.
Wind Turbine Gearbox Diagnosis Based on Stator Current
Authors: Issaadi Idris , Hemsas Kamel Eddine , Soualhi Abdenour
Published: July 2023

Early detection of faults in wind energy systems can reduce downtime, operating, and maintenance costs while increasing productivity. This paper proposes a method based on the analysis of generator stator current signals to detect faults in a wind turbine gearbox equipped with a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). A localized parameter model was established to simulate the vibratory response of a two-stage gear system under healthy and faulty conditions. The simulation was performed in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. The results include a detailed analysis of the mechanical part of the gearbox, highlighting mesh stiffness, output speed, and accelerations. Additionally, the electrical part was evaluated based on the current supplied by the doubly fed induction generator. The results were presented in the case of healthy gears and in the presence of faults such as a broken or cracked tooth. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis was employed to detect gear defects in the stator current signal. The presence of a crack or broken tooth in the gearbox induces modulation of the DFIG stator current signals according to the shaft frequencies corresponding to the faulty gear. These findings provide a preliminary basis for the detection and diagnosis of this type of failure.
A Novel Multi-Phase Strategy for Optimizing CO2 Utilization and Storage in an Oil Reservoir
Authors: Yao Jiangyuan , Yuan Wanju , Peng Xiaolong , Chen Zhuoheng , Gu Yongan
Published: July 2023

In this paper, an innovative multi-phase strategy is developed and numerically tested to optimize CO2 utilization and storage in an oil reservoir to support low carbon transition. In the first phase, the water-alternating-gas (WAG) injection is conducted to simultaneously store CO2 and produce crude oil in the reservoir from the respective injection and production wells. In the second phase, the injection and production wells are both shut in for some time to allow CO2 and water to be stratigraphically separated. In the third phase, CO2 is injected from the upper part of the reservoir above the separated water layer to displace water downwards, while fluids continue to be produced in the water-dominated zone from the lower part of the production well. Lastly, the production well is finally shut in when the produced gas–water ratio (GWR) reaches 95%, but CO2 injection is kept until the reservoir pressure is close to the fracture pressure of its caprocks. The numerical simulations show that implementing the proposed multi-phase strategy doubles CO2 storage in comparison to applying the WAG injection alone. In particular, 80% of the increased CO2 is stored in the third phase due to the optimized perforation. In addition, the CO2 injection rate in the last phase does not appear to affect the amount of CO2 storage, while a higher CO2 injection rate can reduce the CO2 injection time and accelerate the CO2 storage process. In the proposed strategy, we assume that the geothermal energy resources from the produced fluids can be utilized to offset some energy needs for the operation. The analysis of energy gain and consumption from the simulation found that at the early stage of the CO2-WAG phase, the energy gain mostly comes from the produced oil. At the late stage of the CO2-WAG phase and the subsequent phases, there is very little or even no energy gain from the produced oil. However, the geothermal energy of the produced water and CO2 substantially compensate for the energy loss due to decreasing oil production. As a result, a net energy gain can be achieved from the proposed multi-phase strategy when geothermal energy extraction is incorporated. The new multi-phase strategy and numerical simulation provide insights for practical energy transition and CO2 storage by converting a “to be depleted” oil reservoir to a CO2 storage site and a geothermal energy producer while enhancing oil recovery.