bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radicalization from a societal perspective
Authors: Shafieioun Delaram , Haq Hina
Published: May 2023

Studies on radicalization tend to focus on the dynamics of extremist groups and how they exploit grievances of vulnerable individuals. It is imperative, however, to also understand the societal factors that lead to such vulnerabilities and grievances. Our social environment plays a key role in how we view the world and shape our beliefs. By understanding the social dynamics, we can gain insight into the motivations that drive people to extremism. Throughout this paper, we examine the societal factors and processes such as discriminative institutional structures and social norms/practices that can make an individual vulnerable and serve as a driving force for them to join a radical group. To do that, we use the process-oriented psychology of Arnold Mindell and the phenomenology of whiteness of Sara Ahmed as our theoretical framework. These frameworks help us map out the societal dynamics causing individuals to carve social niches out of their current social group and into an extremist group. We use interviews with ex-militants of the radical group, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, to show how certain societal dynamics, such as social injustice, misuse of power, marginalization and discrimination, served as key factors that led these individuals to identify and sympathize with radical ideology. The aim of this paper is to emphasize that, to develop effective preventative measures against recruitment into extremist groups, it is imperative to have a profound understanding of the social dynamics that make an individual susceptible to radicalization in the first place.
Chronic tianeptine induces tolerance in analgesia and hyperlocomotion via mu-opioid receptor activation in mice
Authors: Allain Florence , Ehrlich Aliza T. , McNicholas Michael , Gross Florence , Ma Weiya , Kieffer Brigitte L. , Darcq Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Tianeptine is approved in some countries to treat depression and anxiety. In addition to its activity on serotonin and glutamate neurotransmission, tianeptine has been proven to be a mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist, but only a few preclinical studies have characterized the opioid-like behavioral effects of tianeptine.

Methods

In this study, we tested tianeptine activity on G protein activation using the [S35] GTPγS binding assay in brain tissue from MOR+/+ and MOR−/− mice. Then, to determine whether tianeptine behavioral responses are MOR-dependent, we characterized the analgesic, locomotor, and rewarding responses of tianeptine in MOR+/+ and MOR−/− mice using tail immersion, hot plate, locomotor, and conditioned place preference tests.

Results

Using the [S35] GTPγS binding assay, we found that tianeptine signaling is mediated by MOR in the brain with properties similar to those of DAMGO (a classic MOR agonist). Furthermore, we found that the MOR is necessary for tianeptine's analgesic (tail immersion and hot plate), locomotor, and rewarding (conditioned place preference) effects. Indeed, these behavioral effects could only be measured in MOR+/+ mice but not in MOR−/− mice. Additionally, chronic administration of tianeptine induced tolerance to its analgesic and hyperlocomotor effects.

Discussion

These findings suggest that tianeptine's opioid-like effects require MOR and that chronic use could lead to tolerance.
Triggers and mediators of epigenetic remodeling in plants
Authors: Comai Luca
Published: May 2023

Plant epigenetic studies have revealed that developmental or environmental events can trigger both local and global epigenetic remodeling. In multiple cases, transposable elements (TE) respond to the trigger and act as mediators. Epigenetic remodeling results in mitotically and even meiotically persistent states that impact phenotype and could contribute to its plasticity. The challenge is to understand the mechanisms that trigger and mediate remodeling, their evolutionary role, and their potential in breeding.
Business–nonprofit hybrid organizing: a dynamic approach to balancing benefits and costs
Authors: Aveling Emma-Louise , Roberts Jane E. , Taylor Lauren A. , Bhuiya Nazmim , Singer Sara J.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Efforts to address complex public health challenges can benefit from cross-sector collaboration, while also fostering growing business sector engagement in promoting health equity. What form business-nonprofit collaboration should take, however, is a difficult question for managers and leaders. Hybrid organizational forms, which combine for-profit and nonprofit elements within a single organization in unconventional ways, offer an innovative and potentially promising approach. Yet, while existing typologies of cross-sector collaboration have identified hybrid forms at one end of a continuum of possible forms of collaboration, these typologies do not differentiate the diversity such hybrid forms may take, and the costs and benefits of these innovative hybrid forms are poorly understood. This leaves managers interested in promoting public health through business-nonprofit hybrid organizing with limited guidance about how to maximize potential merits while mitigating drawbacks.

Methods

We performed a qualitative comparative case study of three examples of business-nonprofit hybrid organizing. Data collection included 113 interviews with representatives from 42 organizations and observation of case study activities. We used thematic analysis within and across cases to characterize the form of hybrid organizing in each case and to examine benefits and costs of different forms for supporting initiatives.

Results

We identified two hybrid, collaborative forms - Appended and Blended forms. Each form had benefits and costs, the significance of which shifted over time contingent on changing strategic priorities and operating environments. Benefits and costs of particular forms become more or less important for establishing and sustaining initiatives under different conditions, requiring a dynamic view.

Discussion

No particular form of business-nonprofit hybrid organizing is inherently better than another. Optimizing hybrid organizing and ensuring resilient collaborations may mean allowing collaborative forms to evolve. Practitioners can manage tradeoffs between benefits and costs through an ongoing process of assessing the fit between a given collaborative form, strategic priorities, and relevant features of the operating environment. This dynamic view offers important insights for ensuring the resilience of business-nonprofit collaborative efforts to enhance public health.
Seeing the Forest Through the Trees (and People)—Urban Forest Ecosystems
Authors: Anderson Brooke , Koeser Andrew K. , Salisbury Allyson B. , Hilbert Deborah R. , Thorn Hunter , Hauer Richard J.
Published: May 2023

Urban forest ecosystems are the collections of trees and other woody plants such as bushes and shrubs in urban areas, as well as the non-living (sidewalks, buildings, soil) and living (people, insects, wildlife) things that interact with them. Most humans throughout the world (56%) live in urban forest ecosystems, so it is important that these environments are safe, healthy, and sustainable. This article will point out the urban forests in your life. It will also explain the environmental, health, and societal benefits that urban forests create.
O elementach gwarowych w siedemnastowiecznych nazwiskach z parafi i
Daleszyce
Authors: Łojek Agata
Published: May 2023

This article contains an analysis of 17th-century proto-names from the area of the Daleszyce parish (Świętokrzyskie voivodship, Kielce poviat) for the presence of phonetic dialectal characteristics. The research material was excerpted from the manuscripts of four parish registers (records of birth) written in Latin. The analysis showed that the examined anthroponymic material was a storage of various phonetic characteristics throughout the 17th c. The Daleszyce historical anthroponyms recorded typically Lesser Polish features (the shft from -ch to -k in the final position), Masovian features (fluctuations in the ge : g’e, ke : k’e groups; hardening of l’), Masovian and Greater Polish features (fluctuations in the -ew-/-ow- groups), and general dialectal features (Masurian influences and the presence of prosthetic consonants). The analysed material contained also various manifestations of hypercorrection with respect to dialectal forms, such as e.g. the so-called szadzenie, removal of h- and j- in the initial position heard as forms with prothesis, secondary nasalisation of e in positions other than ones arising from the
phonetic assimilation to the neighbouring nasal consonants. This article might fill, to an extent, the gap in the anthroponymic research on the Kielce region in the 17th c.
Experimental Observations of Transient Flows in Separation Control Using a Plasma Actuator
Authors: Viguera Rodrigo , Anzai Yoshiki , Sasaki Yasuo , Nonomura Taku
Published: May 2023

This paper presents the experimental results of separation and reattachment transient flow processes over a NACA0015 airfoil wing when using a plasma actuator for flow control. In addition, it addresses the flow behavior in the transient processes when the flow control device is activated or deactivated, providing insights for future feedback-based active flow control. This approach offers the benefit of enhanced aerodynamic capabilities. The experiments were conducted at a Reynolds number of 66,000 and an angle of attack of 13 degrees for leading-edge separation without control. The plasma actuator was installed on the leading edge of the wing, with a voltage of 8 kV, base frequency of 30 kHz, and burst frequencies ranging from 100 Hz to 600 Hz. Particle image velocimetry was employed for the flow field velocity measurements, and surface pressure data were obtained using eight piezoelectric pressure sensors. The first proper orthogonal decomposition mode of the transient flow velocity field is the focus of this paper and the flow behavior is quantitatively discussed. The results reveal details about the flow separation and reattachment transient processes such as their flow structures and their evolution over time. It is concluded that the time asymmetry between the separation and reattachment transient processes could be leveraged for further improvements to the efficiency of actuators.
Nematicidal and Toxicity Effects of Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng against the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita in Soil Producing Cucumber
Authors: Parsiaaref Shiva , Cao Aocheng , Li Yuan , Ebadollahi Asgar , Parmoon Ghasem , Wang Qiuxia , Yan Dongdong , Fang Wensheng , Zhang Min
Published: May 2023

The root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a plant pathogen that causes significant economic damage to important food crops. The nematicidal and insecticidal effects of the essential oil and extract of the root and stem of different species of Eupatorium have been studied in several countries. We investigated the impact of root stems and leaves of the E. adenophorum on the second-stage juveniles (J2s) of M. incognita. Nematode mortality decreased by root-stem treatment and increasing temperature and time. Nematodes (J2) were more sensitive to root-stem treatment than leaf treatment at all tested conditions. For example, the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) root-stems at 35 °C was estimated as 10.3 mg/g and in the 8th week as 7.8 mg/g, while the maximal effective concentration (ECmax) in leaf treatment is 20.3 and 10.1 mg/g, respectively. The E. adenophorum 40 mg/g concentration of root stems also produced the highest height of the cucumber stem and the highest cucumber fresh weight in the greenhouse. (E)-beta-farnesene, α-pinene and D-limonene, as the main identified components in fumigant plants, increased the mortality rate of J2s in root-stems treatment. We conclude that E. adenophorum dried root stems added to the soil in greenhouses have the potential as a bio-fumigant for M. incognita management.
Detection of Cattle Key Parts Based on the Improved Yolov5 Algorithm
Authors: Shao Dangguo , He Zihan , Fan Hongbo , Sun Kun
Published: May 2023

Accurate detection of key body parts of cattle is of great significance to Precision Livestock Farming (PLF), using artificial intelligence for video analysis. As the background image in cattle livestock farms is complex and the target features of the cattle are not obvious, traditional object-detection algorithms cannot detect the key parts of the image with high precision. This paper proposes the Filter_Attention attention mechanism to detect the key parts of cattle. Since the image is unstable during training and initialization, particle noise is generated in the feature graph after convolution calculation. Therefore, this paper proposes an attentional mechanism based on bilateral filtering to reduce this interference. We also designed a Pooling_Module, based on the soft pooling algorithm, which facilitates information loss relative to the initial activation graph compared to maximum pooling. Our data set contained 1723 images of cattle, in which labels of the body, head, legs, and tail were manually entered. This dataset was divided into a training set, verification set, and test set at a ratio of 7:2:1 for training the model proposed in this paper. The detection effect of our proposed module is proven by the ablation experiment from mAP, the AP value, and the F1 value. This paper also compares other mainstream object detection algorithms. The experimental results show that our model obtained 90.74% mAP, and the F1 value and AP value of the four parts were improved.
Elicitation and Enhancement of Phenolics Synthesis with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and LED Light in Lilium candidum L. Cultures In Vitro
Authors: Pałka Piotr , Muszyńska Bożena , Szewczyk Agnieszka , Pawłowska Bożena
Published: May 2023

In this study, we identified and determined the content of phenolic compounds in Lilium candidum adventitious bulbs formed in vitro. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of four phenolic acids: chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acid. Phenolic acid content was assessed in adventitious bulbs formed in vitro on media supplemented with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs at 25, 50, and 75 mg/L) under fluorescent light (FL) or in darkness (D). The second experiment analyzed the effects of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of variable light spectra on the formation of adventitious bulbs and their contents of phenolic acids. Spectral compositions of red (R; 100%), blue (B; 100%), red and blue (RB; 70% and 30%, respectively), a mix of RB and green (RBG) in equal proportions (50%), and white light (WLED, 33.3% warm, neutral, and cool light, proportionately) were used in the study. FL and D conditions were used as controls for light spectra. Bulbs grown in soil served as control samples. The most abundant phenolic acid was p-coumaric acid. Treatment with LED light spectra, i.e., RB, RBG, WLED, and B, translated into the highest p-coumaric acid concentration as compared with other treatments. Moreover, all the bulbs formed in light, including those grown on the media supplemented with ZnO NPs and under FL light, contained more p-coumaric acid than the bulbscales of the control bulbs grown in soil. On the other hand, control bulbs grown in soil accumulated about two to three times higher amounts of chlorogenic acid than those formed in vitro. We also found that the levels of all examined phenolics decreased under FL, R, and D conditions, while the bulblets formed in vitro under RB light showed the highest phenolic content. The use of ZnO NPs increased the content of p-coumaric, chlorogenic, and caffeic acid in the bulblets formed under FL as compared with those grown in darkness.
Assessing Genomic Diversity and Signatures of Selection in Chinese Red Steppe Cattle Using High-Density SNP Array
Authors: Hu Mingyue , Jiang Hao , Lai Weining , Shi Lulu , Yi Wenfeng , Sun Hao , Chen Chengzhen , Yuan Bao , Yan Shouqing , Zhang Jiabao
Published: May 2023

Chinese Red Steppe Cattle (CRS), a composite cattle breed, is well known for its milk production, high slaughter rate, carcass traits, and meat quality. Nowadays, it is widely bred in Jilin and Hebei Province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous region. However, the population structure and the genetic basis of prominent characteristics of CRS are still unknown. In this study, we systematically describe their population structure, genetic diversity, and selection signature based on genotyping data from 61 CRS individuals with GGP Bovine 100 K chip. The results showed that CRS cattle had low inbreeding levels and had formed a unique genetic structure feature. Using two complementary methods (including comprehensive haplotype score and complex likelihood ratio), we identified 1291 and 1285 potentially selected genes, respectively. There were 141 genes annotated in common 106 overlapping genomic regions covered 5.62 Mb, including PLAG1, PRKG2, DGAT1, PARP10, TONSL, ADCK5, and BMP3, most of which were enriched in pathways related to muscle growth and differentiation, milk production, and lipid metabolism. This study will contribute to understanding the genetic mechanism behind artificial selection and give an extensive reference for subsequent breeding.
Poor Association between Facial Expression and Mild Lameness in Thoroughbred Trot-Up Examinations
Authors: Anderson Katrina A. , Morrice-West Ashleigh V. , Wong Adelene S. M. , Walmsley Elizabeth A. , Fisher Andrew D. , Whitton R. Chris , Hitchens Peta L.
Published: May 2023

Musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses are difficult to detect prior to catastrophic breakdown. Lameness is commonly attributed to orthopaedic pain in horses, therefore, subtle lameness may be a pre-clinical sign of injury and, if identified early, could allow for preventative intervention. Our objective was to determine if facial expressions could be used to detect mild lameness as an indicator of orthopaedic pain in ‘fit to race’ horses. The Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) and the facial expressions in ridden horses (FEReq), were used to score images (n = 380) of mildly lame (n = 21) and non-lame (n = 17) Thoroughbred horses by two independent observers. Using an Equinosis Lameness Locator®, the lameness status of each horse was determined according to published thresholds [forelimb lameness (>|14.5 mm|) and hindlimb lameness (>|7.5 mm|)]. Inter and intraobserver reliability were assessed using two-way random-effects models. Univariable associations between lameness and facial expression parameters were identified using logistic and linear regression. Interobserver reliability was moderate (κ 0.45; 95% CI 0.36, 0.55). Horses with moderate mouth strain (HGS) and tense and extended upper lip (FEReq) were less likely to be lame (p = 0.042 and p = 0.027, respectively). Exposed sclera was associated with lameness (p = 0.045). Higher orbital tightening (HGS) scores were associated with a lower degree of maximum head amplitude (HDmax) lameness (p = 0.044). Tension and moderate tension above the eye, for the HGS and FEReq scores, were associated with increasing amplitude of HDmax (p = 0.048 and p = 0.034, respectively). Inconsistent associations between lameness status and HGS and FEReq scores may limit the potential use of the facial expression for the prediction of mild orthopaedic pain during pre-race lameness examinations. More objective parameters associated with mild orthopaedic pain should be explored.
Crop, Host, and Gut Microbiome Variation Influence Precision Nutrition: An Example of Blueberries
Authors: Weaver Connie M. , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Maiz Maria , Cladis Dennis P. , Nakatsu Cindy H. , McCabe George P. , Lila Mary Ann
Published: May 2023

Epidemiological studies have shown associations between polyphenol-rich fruit intake and bone health, and preclinical studies have shown that blueberries improve bone health. To determine the genotype and dose of blueberries that are effective in ameliorating age-related bone loss, a multi-institutional team of investigators performed in vitro, preclinical, and clinical studies on blueberry varieties that differed in flavonoid profiles. Principal component analysis was used to select blueberry genotypes that varied in anthocyanin profiles. Total phenolic content did not predict the bioavailability of polyphenolic compounds in rats. A range in bioavailability was observed in individual polyphenolic compounds across genotypes. Both alpha and beta diversity analyses indicated that gut microbiome profiles varied with blueberry dose in rats. Additionally, the identification of specific taxa, such as Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Coriobacteriales, increasing after blueberry consumption adds to the mounting evidence of their role in polyphenol metabolism. All of the sources of variation can inform blueberry breeding practices to influence precision nutrition.
Role of Olive Bioactive Compounds in Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Vijakumaran Ubashini , Goh Neng-Yao , Razali Rabiatul Adawiyah , Abdullah Nur Atiqah Haizum , Yazid Muhammad Dain , Sulaiman Nadiah
Published: May 2023

Respiratory diseases recently became the leading cause of death worldwide, due to the emergence of COVID-19. The pathogenesis of respiratory diseases is centred around inflammation and oxidative stress. Plant-based alongside synthetic drugs were considered as therapeutics due to their proven nutraceutical value. One such example is the olive, which is a traditional symbol of the MedDiet. Olive bioactive compounds are enriched with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antiviral properties. However, there are few studies relating to the beneficial effect of olive bioactive compounds on respiratory diseases. A vague understanding of its molecular action, dosage and bioavailability limits its usefulness for clinical trials about respiratory infections. Hence, our review aims to explore olive bioactive compound’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties in respiratory disease defence and treatment. Molecular insight into olive compounds’ potential for respiratory system protection against inflammation and ensuing infection is also presented. Olive bioactive compounds mainly protect the respiratory system by subsiding proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress.
Antioxidant Activity, Metabolism, and Bioavailability of Polyphenols in the Diet of Animals
Authors: Bešlo Drago , Golubić Nataša , Rastija Vesna , Agić Dejan , Karnaš Maja , Šubarić Domagoj , Lučić Bono
Published: May 2023

As the world’s population grows, so does the need for more and more animal feed. In 2006, the EU banned the use of antibiotics and other chemicals in order to reduce chemical residues in food consumed by humans. It is well known that oxidative stress and inflammatory processes must be combated to achieve higher productivity. The adverse effects of the use of pharmaceuticals and other synthetic compounds on animal health and product quality and safety have increased interest in phytocompounds. With the use of plant polyphenols in animal nutrition, they are gaining more attention as a supplement to animal feed. Livestock feeding based on a sustainable, environmentally friendly approach (clean, safe, and green agriculture) would also be a win–win for farmers and society. There is an increasing interest in producing healthier products of animal origin with a higher ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to saturated fatty acids by modulating animal nutrition. Secondary plant metabolites (polyphenols) are essential chemical compounds for plant physiology as they are involved in various functions such as growth, pigmentation, and resistance to pathogenic organisms. Polyphenols are exogenous antioxidants that act as one of the first lines of cell defense. Therefore, the discoveries on the intracellular antioxidant activity of polyphenols as a plant supplement have contributed significantly to the improvement of antioxidant activity, as polyphenols prevent oxidative stress damage and eliminate excessively produced free radicals. To achieve animal welfare, reduce stress and the need for medicines, and increase the quality of food of animal origin, the addition of polyphenols to research and breeding can be practised in part with a free-choice approach to animal nutrition.
Surface Modification of Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs) to Form a Biocompatible, Stable, and Hydrophilic Substrate for MRI
Authors: Whba Fathyah , Mohamed Faizal , Idris Mohd Idzat , Yahya Mohd Syukri
Published: May 2023

This study focused on surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to create a biocompatible, stable, and hydrophilic substrate suitable for use as a coating agent to develop a dual-contrast composite material. The CNCs were prepared using acid hydrolysis. Hydrolysis was completed using 64% sulfuric acid at 45 °C for 1 h, which was combined with polyethylene glycol and sodium hydroxide (PEG/NaOH). The yield of samples exhibited prominent physicochemical properties. Zeta (ζ) potential analysis showed that the CNCs sample had excellent colloidal stability with a highly negative surface charge. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed that the CNCs sample had a rod-like morphology. On the other hand, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis showed that the acid hydrolysis process caused a significant reduction in particle size and changed surface morphology. In addition, cellulose nanocrystals with polyethylene glycol and sodium hydroxide (CNCs-PEG/NaOH) have many noteworthy properties such as colloidal stability, small hydrodynamic size, and water dispersibility. Furthermore, the MTT assay test on Hep G2 cells demonstrated good biocompatibility of the CNCs-PEG/NaOH and did not exhibit any cytotoxic effects. Hence, CNCs-PEG/NaOH holds the potential to serve as a dual-contrast agent for MRI techniques and other biomedical applications.
Mechanism and Empirical Study of Rockburst in the Adjacent Area of a Fully Mechanized Top-Coal Caving Face Based on Microseismic Technology
Authors: Zhu Quanjie , Sui Longkun , Yin Yongming , Liu Jinhai , Ouyang Zhenhua , Wang Dacang
Published: May 2023

Monitoring and providing warnings for coal mine rockburst disasters is a worldwide problem. Several rockburst accidents have occurred in a 1301 belt transport chute near a 1300 fully mechanized caving mine face. To address this issue, an empirical study of the occurrence mechanism of rockbursts in the adjacent area of the fully mechanized top-coal caving face was carried out. This paper mainly addresses the following issues: (1) based on microseismic monitoring technology, the distribution characteristics of the host-rock-supported pressure of the 1300 working face were measured, and the evolution and distribution of the deep-well caving working face host-rock-supported pressure were analyzed. It is revealed that the occurrence mechanism of rockburst in the adjacent area is actually caused by the evolution and superposition of the lateral abutment pressure of the 1300 stope, and the stress of the original rock along the 1301 belt transport down chute; (2) a theoretical calculation model of dynamic and static abutment pressure in longwall stope is built, and an example is tested. The results show that the peak position of lateral abutment pressure of the coal body outside the 1300 goaf is around 63 m, and the peak value of abutment pressure is around 47 MPa; (3) coal body stress monitoring, bolt dynamometer detection, and other means are compared and analyzed. At the same time, with the help of CT geophysical prospecting and drilling cutting measurements, it is concluded that the 1301 belt transport down chute is in the bearing pressure influence zone (superimposed zone), which further verifies the validity of microseismic analysis results and the accuracy of the above theoretical model. Based on this, the early warning system and prevention measures for rockburst based on microseismic monitoring are proposed. The engineering practice shows that the dynamic and static bearing pressure distribution and evolution law of the working face can be dynamically obtained by using microseismic technology, which provides a basis for the accurate prediction and treatment of rockbursts.
The Importance of Moisture Transport Properties of Wall Finishings on the Hygrothermal Performance of Masonry Walls for Current and Future Climates
Authors: Coelho Guilherme B. A. , Henriques Fernando M. A.
Published: May 2023

A render is the first protective layer of exterior walls against the outdoor climate, which, due to its constitution, aims to gradually slow down the liquid moisture penetration to prevent it from reaching the wall inner layers. Due to the future expected changes in the outdoor climate, today’s exterior mortar might not be adequately designed to protect these walls. This paper aims to analyse the influence of mortars on the hygrothermal performance of solid brick walls under current and future climates. The study includes four types of assemblies and three types of mortars, and it was carried out for Lisbon and three other climates by using a computational simulation tool. Finally, the moisture gains and respective reach due to the future wind-driven rain (WDR) spells were assessed by means of using future weather files for Lisbon’s climate. It was shown that the solid brick layer is influenced differently depending on the characteristics of the mortar layers and outdoor conditions. In terms of WDR spells, aside from the precipitation and the spell period, the distribution of the WDR events within the spell also conditions the dryness of the assembly. The depth that the outdoor moisture was able to reach varies between 94 and 200 mm.
Monocular Depth Estimation Using Res-UNet with an Attention Model
Authors: Jan Abdullah , Seo Suyoung
Published: May 2023

Depth maps are single image metrics that carry the information of a scene in three-dimensional axes. Accurate depth maps can recreate the 3D structure of a scene, which helps in understanding the full geometry of the objects within the scene. Depth maps can be generated from a single image or multiple images. Single-image depth mapping is also known as monocular depth mapping. Depth maps are ill-posed problems that are complex and require extensive calibration. Therefore, recent methods use deep learning to develop depth maps. We propose a new method in monocular depth estimation to develop a high-quality depth map. Our approach is based on a convolutional neural network in which we used Res-UNet with a spatial attention model to develop depth maps. The addition of an attention mechanism increases the capability of feature extraction and enhances the boundaries features. It does not add any extra parameters to the network. With our proposed model, we demonstrate that a simple CNN model aided with an attention mechanism can create high-quality depth maps with a small iteration and training time. Our model performs very well compared to the existing state-of-the-art methods on the benchmark NYU-depth v2 dataset. Our model is flexible and can be applied to any depth mapping or multi-segmentation tasks.
Toward Low Time Fragmentation of Equipment: A Double-DQN Based TT&C Task Planning Approach
Authors: Xu Hangkun , Liu Runzi
Published: May 2023

With the increase of the number of satellites in space, satellite tracking, telemetry, and command (TT&C) is becoming more and more important for aerospace. This paper proposes a method for a low time fragmentation oriented. TT&C task planning method based on Double Deep Q-Network (DDQN). This method mainly solves the problem of poor responses to emergency tasks caused by the large amount of time fragments of equipment under traditional TT&C task-planning methods. Firstly, a multi-objective optimization model aiming at minimizing time fragments and maximizing task revenue is formulated. Then, according to the conflict characteristics of tasks, a task-planning conflict graph is proposed, based on which a TT&C task-planning problem is transferred into an independent set problem. Finally, DDQN is combined with graph structure embedding to solve the transferred independent set problem. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method reduces the time fragment of TT&C equipment by 32% and shortens the response time of emergency tasks by 36% compared to existing methods.
Fast, Lightweight, and Efficient Cybersecurity Optimization for Tactical–Operational Management
Authors: Domínguez-Dorado Manuel , Cortés-Polo David , Carmona-Murillo Javier , Rodríguez-Pérez Francisco J. , Galeano-Brajones Jesús
Published: May 2023

The increase in frequency and complexity of cyberattacks has heightened concerns regarding cybersecurity and created an urgent need for organizations to take action. To effectively address this challenge, a comprehensive and integrated approach is required involving a cross-functional cybersecurity workforce that spans tactical and operational levels. In this context there can be various combinations of cybersecurity actions that affect different functional domains and that allow for meeting the established requirements. In these cases, agreement will be needed, but finding high-quality combinations requires analysis from all perspectives on a case-by-case basis. With a large number of cybersecurity factors to consider, the size of the search space of potential combinations becomes unmanageable without automation. To solve this issue, we propose Fast, Lightweight, and Efficient Cybersecurity Optimization (FLECO), an adaptive, constrained, and multi-objective genetic algorithm that reduces the time required to identify sets of high-quality cybersecurity actions. FLECO enables productive discussions on viable solutions by the cross-functional cybersecurity workforce within an organization, fostering managing meetings where decisions are taken and boosting the overall cybersecurity management process. Our proposal is novel in its application of evolutionary computing to solve a managerial issue in cybersecurity and enhance the tactical–operational cybersecurity management process.
Numerical and Analytical Analysis of the Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields Generated by Three-Phase Underground Power Cables with Solid Bonding
Authors: Lunca Eduard , Vornicu Silviu , Sălceanu Alexandru
Published: May 2023

There is a special concern for measuring and simulating low-frequency magnetic fields generated by underground power cables, particularly in human exposure studies. In the present study, an accurate 2D finite element model for computing magnetic fields generated by three-phase underground power cables with solid bonding is proposed. The model is developed in ANSYS Maxwell 2D low-frequency electromagnetic field simulation software for a typical 12/20 kV (medium-voltage) three-phase underground power cable in both trefoil and flat formations, but it can be adapted to any cable system. Model validation is achieved by analytical computations conducted with a software tool based on the Biot–Savart law and the superposition principle. RMS magnetic flux density profiles calculated at various heights above the ground with these two methods correlate very well. This is also true for induced shield currents. The application of the finite element model to multiple three-phase power cables laid together is also considered.
Surface Damage Identification of Wind Turbine Blade Based on Improved Lightweight Asymmetric Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zou Li , Cheng Haowen , Sun Qianhui
Published: May 2023

Wind turbine blades are readily damaged by the workplace environment and frequently experience flaws such as surface peeling and cracking. To address the problems of cumbersome operation, high cost, and harsh application conditions with traditional damage identification methods, and to cater to the wide application of mobile terminal devices such as unmanned aerial vehicles, a novel lightweight asymmetric convolution neural network is proposed. The network introduces a lightweight asymmetric convolution module based on the improved asymmetric convolution, which applies depthwise separable convolution and channel shuffle to ensure efficient feature extraction capability while achieving a lightweight design. An enhanced Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) embedded with a spatial attention module with a selective kernel, enhances the acquisition of spatial locations of damage features by combining multi-scale feature information. Experiments are carried out to verify the efficacy and the generalizability of the network proposed for the recognition task. A comparison experiment of common lightweight networks based on transfer learning is also conducted. The experimental results show that the lightweight network proposed in this article has better experimental metrics, including 99.94% accuracy, 99.88% recall, and 99.92% precision.
Decision-Refillable-Based Shared Feature-Guided Fuzzy Classification for Personal Thermal Comfort
Authors: Xu Zhaofei , Lu Weidong , Hu Zhenyu , Yan Wei , Xue Wei , Zhou Ta , Jiang Feifei
Published: May 2023

Different types of buildings in different climate zones have their own design specifications and specific user populations. Generally speaking, these populations have similar sensory feedbacks in their perception of environmental thermal comfort. Existing thermal comfort models do not incorporate personal thermal comfort models for specific populations. In terms of an algorithm, the existing work constructs machine learning models based on an established human thermal comfort database with variables such as indoor temperature, clothing insulation, et al., and has achieved satisfactory classification results. More importantly, such thermal comfort models often lack scientific interpretability. Therefore, this study selected a specific population as the research object, adopted the 0-order Takagi–Sugeno–Kang (TSK) fuzzy classifier as the base training unit, and constructed a shared feature-guided new TSK fuzzy classification algorithm with extra feature compensation (SFG-TFC) to explore the perception features of the population in the thermal environment of buildings and to improve the classification performance and interpretability of the model. First, the shared features of subdatasets collected in different time periods were extracted. Second, the extra features of each subdataset were independently trained, and the rule outputs corresponding to the key shared features were reprojected into the corresponding fuzzy classifiers. This strategy not only highlights the guiding role of shared features but also considers the important compensation effect of extra features; thereby, improving the classification performance of the entire classification model. Finally, the least learning machine (LLM) was used to solve the parameters of the “then” part of each basic training unit, and these output weights were integrated to enhance the generalization performance of the model. The experimental results demonstrate that SFG-TFC has better classification performance and interpretability than the classic nonfuzzy algorithms support vector machine (SVM) and deep belief network (DBN), the 0-order TSK, and the multilevel optimization and fuzzy approximation algorithm QI-TSK.
Steady-State Crack Growth in Nanostructured Quasi-Brittle Materials Governed by Second Gradient Elastodynamics
Authors: Solyaev Yury
Published: May 2023

The elastodynamic stress field near a crack tip propagating at a constant speed in isotropic quasi-brittle material was investigated, taking into account the strain gradient and inertia gradient effects. An asymptotic solution for a steady-state Mode-I crack was developed within the simplified strain gradient elasticity by using a representation of the general solution in terms of Lamé potentials in the moving framework. It was shown that the derived solution predicts the nonsingular stress state and smooth opening profile for the growing cracks that can be related to the presence of the fracture process zone in the micro-/nanostructured quasi-brittle materials. Note that similar asymptotic solutions have been derived previously only for Mode-III cracks (under antiplane shear loading). Thus, the aim of this study is to show the possibility of analytical assessments on the elastodynamic crack tip fields for in-plane loading within gradient theories. By using the derived solution, we also performed analysis of the angular distribution of stresses and tractions for the moderate speed of cracks. It was shown that the usage of the maximum principal stress criterion within second gradient elastodynamics allows us to describe a directional stability of Mode-I crack growth and an increase in the dynamic fracture toughness with the crack propagation speed that were observed in the experiments with quasi-brittle materials. Therefore, the possibility of the effective application of regularized solutions of strain gradient elasticity for the refined analysis of dynamic fracture processes in the quasi-brittle materials with phenomenological assessments on the cohesive zone effects is shown.
Performance and Modification Mechanism of Recycled Glass Fiber of Wind Turbine Blades and SBS Composite-Modified Asphalt
Authors: Nie Yihua , Liu Qing , Xiang Zhiheng , Zhong Shixiong , Huang Xinyao
Published: May 2023

Efficient disposal of composite materials recycled from wind turbine blades (WTB) at end-of-life needs to be solved urgently. To investigate the modification effects and mechanism on SBS-modified asphalt of the recycled glass fiber (GF) from WTB, GF-WTB/SBS composite-modified asphalt was prepared. Dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) were adopted to evaluate its performance. FTIR, SEM, EDS, and AFM methods were used to assess coupling agent pretreatment effects on GF-WTB and observe the modification mechanism. The macroscopic tests show that reasonable addition of GF-WTB effectively raises the high-temperature performance and low-temperature crack resistance evaluation index k-value of SBS-modified asphalt, and the optimal content is 2 wt% GF-WTB with 4 wt% SBS. FTIR, SEM, and EDS tests show GF-WTB can be successfully grafted by UP152 coupling agent and show that adhesion of the GF-WTB to the SBS-modified asphalt can be improved. AFM observation shows SBS and GF-WTB have good compatibility, improving the asphalt elasticity and toughness. This study provides a feasible solution for environmentally friendly regeneration of the composite materials from WTB and contributes to the development of the secondary modifier of SBS-modified asphalt.
Application of Cluster Analysis for Classification of Vibration Signals from Drilling Stand Aggregates
Authors: Flegner Patrik , Kačur Ján , Frančáková Rebecca , Durdán Milan , Laciak Marek
Published: May 2023

Rotary drilling technology with diamond tools is still essential in progressively extracting the earth’s resources. Since investigating the disintegration mechanism in actual conditions is very difficult, the practice must start with laboratory research. Identifying and classifying the drilling stand and its aggregates as objects will contribute to the clarification of certain problems related to streamlining the process, optimizing the working regime, preventing emergencies, and reducing energy and economic demands. For these purposes, the cluster method was designed and applied. Applying the clustering method has a significant place in complex and dynamic processes. Eight vibration signals were measured and processed during the operation of the aggregates, such as the motor, pump, and hydrogenerator, with a sampling frequency of 18 kHz and a time interval of 30 s. Subsequently, 16 symptoms were designed and numerically calculated in the time and frequency domain, creating the symptom vector of the aggregate. The aim of the study and article was the classification of aggregates as objects into recognizable clusters. The results show that the strong symptoms include a measure of variability, variance in the signal, and kurtosis. The weak symptoms are skewness and the moment of the signal spectrum. Visualization in the symptom plane and space proved their influence on cluster formation. According to the cluster analysis results, six to seven clusters presenting the activity of the aggregates were classified. It was found that the boundaries between the clusters were not sharp. As part of the research, the centroids of clusters of aggregates and the distances between them were calculated. Classified clusters can rebuild reference clusters for objects with a similar character in a broader context.
New Game Artificial Intelligence Tools for Virtual Mine on Unreal Engine
Authors: Abu-Abed Fares , Zhironkin Sergey
Published: May 2023

Currently, the gamification of virtual reality for training miners, especially for emergencies, and designing the extraction of minerals in difficult technological conditions has been embodied in the Virtual Mine software and hardware. From a software development point of view, Virtual Mine is indistinguishable from other virtual reality games, and this offers a chance to use the potential of rapidly developing game software in mining, including engines, 3D modeling tools, audio editors, etc., to solve a wide range of game development tasks. The chosen direction will optimize the work of developers by providing a tool for developing game artificial intelligence to solve problems that require implementing the behavior of game agents without using a rigidly defined choice of scenarios or chains of these scenarios. The aim of the work is to expand the possibilities of working with game artificial intelligence on the Unreal Engine game engine to make it more functional. As a result, a tool has been obtained that can be used to optimize the time and improve the quality of the development of game artificial intelligence for Virtual Mine using flexible development approaches. The asset editor was developed, application modes and their working tabs were defined, and a graphical node system for the behavioral graph editor was created. A system for executing a behavioral graph is given; algorithms for its operation and features for executing nodes of a behavioral graph are presented.
Valorization of Cassava By-Products: Cyanide Content and Quality Characteristics of Leaves and Peel
Authors: Mukhtar Adnan , Latif Sajid , Barati Ziba , Müller Joachim
Published: May 2023

Cassava production generates significant amounts of by-products such as leaves and tuber peel. Instead of considering them as waste, valorization aims to find sustainable ways to utilize them. However, the presence of cyanide and insoluble fibers poses a major obstacle to their conversion into valuable products. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the changes in cyanide concentration and quality of cassava leaves after mechanical pressing and in tuber peel after treatment with an enzyme solution. Frozen leaves were screw-pressed into their fractions: juice, and press cake. The results show that the cyanide level in the press cake was reduced to 73.56% and was concentrated by 97.48% in the juice compared to the frozen leaves. However, the crude protein values of the frozen leaves, juice, and press cake did not differ significantly (p > 0.05), and were 27.09%, 25.47%, and 23.82%, respectively. In addition, the results for the peel revealed that pretreatment with Viscozyme® L, which assists in the mechanical peeling of cassava tubers, also contributed to a reduction in cyanide and insoluble fiber in the peel. Cyanide content was lowered by 53.89–58.94% in enzyme-treated peel from all three runs (ETP1-3) when compared to fresh peel (FP), while the reduction was only 8.63% in the control peel (CP) treated with hot water without enzyme solution. The insoluble fibers in cassava peel, such as neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and crude fiber (CF), were also degraded more effectively after treatment with an enzyme solution than with hot water.