bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in circulating current suppression strategies for modular multilevel converters
Authors: Wang Zichen
Published: June 2024

Due to the fluctuation in power generation from renewable energy sources, multiple power electronic devices are required to ensure the stable operation of the electrical grid. Among these, the inverter, as a crucial power electronic device, is extensively employed in emerging technologies like flexible DC transmission. The modular multilevel converter (MMC) is currently widely used in various fields such as flexible DC transmission and wind or solar distributed power regulation systems. However, during the start-up and shutdown processes, the inter-phase circulating currents generated in the submodules can reduce the MMC’s dynamic performance, safety, and stability. This paper provides an overview of the current research status of circulating current suppression in modular multilevel converters. Firstly, it introduces the principles of commonly used Proportional-Integral (PI) control and Quasi-Proportional Resonance (QPR) control. Secondly, it discusses the drawbacks of these two control methods and elaborates on several improvement approaches. Building upon this, it analyzes a novel control method that combines PI control with QPR control. Finally, it summarizes different circulating current suppression methods and offers prospects for future research directions.
Early warning and managing system for regulating high-traffic periods in subway stations
Authors: Tang Yidan
Published: June 2024

Addressing the persistent issue of passenger overflow during peak hours in subway stations, this paper introduces an innovative adaptive early warning system. The system utilizes real-time data analytics and advanced predictive algorithms to monitor passenger volumes dynamically and generate timely alerts when traffic becomes excessive. These alerts are specifically designed to provide station staff with vital information that enables them to respond promptly. As a result, the normal operation of the subway station can be ensured, along with the safety of the passengers. The effectiveness and accuracy of this proposed system are demonstrated through a series of case studies. These studies confirm the system’s capability to enhance the management of passenger flow significantly. This research has the potential to revolutionize contemporary practices in subway station management and contribute to safer, more efficient public transportation systems.
Advancements in GaN HEMT structures and applications: A comprehensive overview
Authors: Li Zijian
Published: June 2024

Compared with silicon, GaN has advantages such as high electron mobility large band gap and high breakdown field strength. Therefore, GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMT) is resistant to high voltage and high temperature, and GaN HEMT performs well in high-frequency and high-power fields. Enhancement mode GaN HEMT is more suitable for most applications than depletion mode GaN HEMT due to enhancement mode GaN HEMT’s normally-off characteristic. This paper introduces cascode structure GaN HEMT and p-GaN gate structure GaN HEMT, as well as two improved structures, monolithically integrated Si-GaN cascoded FET and Hybrid Drain embedded Gate Injection Transistor, then compares the four structures and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages. Because of the unique advantages of GaN HEMT, many industries that require the use of high-frequency devices or high-power devices are very interested in the application research of GaN HEMT. This paper mainly introduces the research progress of GaN HEMT’s application in the three fields of radio frequency amplifiers, charger circuits, and LiDAR drivers, and the paper summarizes the advantages and current challenges of GaN HEMT, as well as the future of GaN HEMT’s development and application.
Accelerating convolutional neural networks: Exploring FPGA-based architectures and challenges
Authors: Ye Haobo
Published: June 2024

This article provides an in-depth exploration of the principles of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), focusing on the reasons that make FPGAs well-suited for accelerating CNN algorithms. The discussion begins with an overview of CNN and FPGA fundamentals, highlighting the potential advantages of utilizing FPGAs in accelerating CNN computations. Next, the article introduces four distinct FPGA-based CNN accelerator designs, each presenting its unique creative architecture. These designs showcase a range of characteristics, including reconfigurability, parameterizable, and energy efficiency. The article delves into a detailed analysis of each design, elucidating their innovative aspects and potential benefits in CNN acceleration. By thoroughly understanding the proposed design approaches, the author emphasizes the challenges that arise when implementing FPGA-based CNN accelerators. These challenges encompass aspects such as algorithm mapping, hardware resource utilization, and achieving a balance between flexibility and efficiency. Additionally, the article sheds light on the future prospects of FPGA-based CNN accelerators, exploring potential advancements and research directions in this domain.
Optimizing performance: A comprehensive study of 4-bit absolute value detector circuit using static CMOS technology
Authors: Fu Xiaqing
Published: June 2024

In the realm of computing advancements, the utilization of numerical comparators has become increasingly pervasive. This scholarly paper delves into the intricacies of a 4-bit absolute value detector circuit, employing a foundation rooted in static CMOS. The comprehensive exploration encompasses both circuit determination and optimization methodologies. The experimental phase entails the derivation of the simplest absolute value converter circuit through the synthesis of a logic expression derived from a truth table. Subsequently, the minimum critical path delay is computed using the path effort method. The final phase involves voltage optimization, wherein, at a voltage of 1V, the minimum critical path delay registers at 64.6, accompanied by an energy consumption of 154.2. Notably, through meticulous optimization at 0.776V, the minimum critical path delay increases to 94.2, while concurrently reducing energy consumption to 92.9. This optimization results in a 50% delay increase and an almost 40% reduction in energy consumption. The implications of this voltage optimization extend to circuits aspiring for diminished delay or consumption.
Solar-powered vibration sensing based on TENG
Authors: Zhu Tianchen , Wu Yonghui , Zheng Haiwu , Wang Zifa
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has become an emerging sensing element with simple fabrication and low-cost advantages. The contact separation design of the TENG dual plates has a natural oscillator structure, which responds well to mechanical vibration. The voltage value changes generated by the TENG during vibration can serve as a signal source for sensing. In this paper, a new type of vibration sensing system is designed based on TENG, which uses the capacitor’s voltage from TENG to characterize the relative vibration intensity. It can realize the functions of vibration exceeding threshold alarm, real-time data transmission, LabVIEW terminal display, and data saving. At the same time, the solar energy is combined with the battery to realize the all-weather self-power supply of the vibration sensing system. This terminal will have a wide range of applications in vibration scenarios and hopefully promote embedded technology development.
Optimization of the delay and energy of a 4-bit Absolute-value Detector
Authors: Han Yuyin
Published: June 2024

This research paper is dedicated to the design and optimization of a 4-bit Absolute-value Detector, with a specific focus on minimizing the delay and energy consumption inherent to the device. The primary function of this detector is to compare the absolute value of a 3-bit input, which ranges between −7 and +7, against a predetermined threshold value. Subsequently, the detector outputs a binary signal, either “1” or “0”, signifying whether the absolute magnitude of the input surpasses the set threshold. Based on the principle of operation, the detector is divided into three parts: a carry look-ahead adder, a 2-1 multiplexer and a comparator. After building the basic model, the critical path of this detector can be found. Therefore, the minimum delay and the energy can be obtained, as the delay equals to 82.1311 and the energy is 132.556. Then, by changing the V

DD
and size of the stage in this path, the energy can be optimized when delay becomes 1.5 times the minimum delay which equals to 123.2. As a result, both changing the two factors can make the energy become 24.95 and the energy reduction is 81%.
Research on conveyor belt deviation detection method based on machine vision
Authors: Yang Jie , Li Zhanyin , Gao Lu , Zhang Hancheng , Wang Jiatao , Wang Zhen
Published: June 2024

This study aims to identify the conveyor belt deviation. It presents a machine vision-based detection approach that uses the coordinates of the crossing point between the conveyor belt centerline and the laser line to determine whether the deviation fault occurs. In order to avoid the influence of the defects of the traditional Canny operator, an improved Canny edge detection algorithm combining hybrid filter and maximum inter-class variance method (OTSU) is used. Then the Hough transform is used to detect the straight line of the edge detected image and extract the laser centerline with the centerline extraction algorithm; finally, the Shi-Tomasi operator is used to detect the corners to get the intersection of the edge line and the laser line. The slope and center coordinates of the conveyor belt edges are calculated to determine whether the conveyor belt has run-off faults and calculate the offset amount. The results show that the proposed method can accurately determine the conveyor belt deviation and calculate the deviation amount.
Enhancing water level system based on Fuzzy PID control
Authors: Jiang Kuanyu
Published: June 2024

In specific fields such as industrial manufacturing, the water level control of containers such as water tanks is an important step. To enhance the liquid level control with its efficiency and stability, a fuzzy PID liquid level control system integrates the principles of PID control theory and fuzzy control theory, and Simulink simulation program is used to compare it with traditional PID control in this paper. The liquid level control system will adjust the water flow speed according to the current situation in the tank by using PID control, such as the liquid level height, the rate of change of the height, so that the liquid level height can reach the desired value in the shortest time. The fuzzy control will adjust the output result of the former more precisely, making the whole system more stable and reliable. The results demonstrate that, within the context of a standard water tank system, the response time of the fuzzy PID controller is more rapid compared to the traditional PID controller, with a reduction in response time from 117 seconds to 98 seconds, an improvement of more than 10 percent, but it is consistent with the latter in terms of regulation time, overshoot and steady-state error.
DeepJDOT: Deep joint distribution optimal transport in facial recognition
Authors: Cai Yuchen , Wen Chenglong , Chen Haoyuan , Liu Yijia , Peng Haofei
Published: June 2024

This paper explores the application of deep learning in domain adaptation, with a particular focus on using the Deep Joint Distribution Optimal Transportation (DeepJDOT) method for face recognition. We test DeepJDOT on a series of visual domain adaptation tasks and find that it exhibits high accuracy and competitive advantage, especially under smaller image sizes, compared to recent state-of-the-art competitors. This research not only highlights the potential of deep learning in domain adaptation but also underscores DeepJDOT as an effective approach for improving the performance of applications like face recognition. Furthermore, we introduce a domain adaptation-tailored loss function based on optimal transport to further enhance model performance. This study provides valuable insights and methods for research in visual domain adaptation and face recognition.
The influence of photovoltaic panel spacing on levelized cost of electricity
Authors: Li Taiqi
Published: June 2024

The efficiency and economic viability of photovoltaic (PV) systems are key determinants of solar energy adoption and diffusion. In order to investigate the correlation between PV panel spacing and levelised cost of electricity (LCOE), the existing methods for optimizing PV design are first investigated and summarized. Numerical methods are then chosen to simulate the construction of a PV farm in Brisbane, and modelling simulations are carried out with PVsyst and SAM to derive the Shading loss and LCOE for different panel spacing. It is found that closer panel spacing may increase the number of panels per unit area, but also cause shading loss during peak hours. Conversely, wider spacing can reduce potential shading effects and increase the efficiency of individual panels, but it requires more land or installation infrastructure. The analysis reveals a non-linear relationship between panel spacing and LCOE, with the optimal spacing range providing the lowest LCOE. This study highlights the need for site-specific spacing optimization to achieve cost-effective PV deployments.
Advances in the Large Area Picosecond Photo-Detector (LAPPDTM): 8" × 8" MCP-PMT with Capacitively Coupled Readout
Authors: Shin S. , Aviles M. , Clarke S. , Cwik S. , Foley M. , Hamel C. , Lyashenko A. , Mensah D. , Minot M. , Popecki M. , Stochaj M.
Published: June 2024

We present advances made in the Large Area Picosecond Photodetector (LAPPD), an 8" × 8" microchannel plate photomultiplier tube (MCP-PMT), since pilot production was initiated at Incom, Inc. in 2018. The Gen-I LAPPD utilizes a stripline anode for direct charge readout. The novel Gen-II LAPPD employs an internal resistive thin-film which capacitively couples to a customizable external signal readout board, streamlining production and increasing customer flexibility. The Gen-II LAPPD, with an active area of 373 cm2, is capable of high single photoelectron (PE) gain of ∼107, low dark rates (∼1 kHz/cm2), single PE (SPE) timing resolution of ∼65 ps, and 𝒪(mm) position resolution. Coupled with a UV-grade fused silica window, the LAPPD features a high quantum efficiency (QE) bialkali photocathode of >30% at 365 nm with spectral response down to ∼165 nm. The LAPPD is an excellent candidate for electromagnetic calorimeter (ECAL) timing layers, photon-based neutrino detectors, high energy collider experiments, medical imaging systems, and nuclear non-proliferation applications.
Offline filter of data with abnormal high voltage at BESIII drift chamber
Authors: Zhang Ze-Heng , Ma Qiu-Mei , Wu Ling-Hui , Wang Liang-Liang , Zou Jia-Heng , Fang Wen-Xing , Liu Huai-Min , Sun Sheng-Sen , Dong Liao-Yuan , Dong Ming-Yi , Lu Ze-Hui , Rong Shao-Shi , Li Xu , Zhang Yao
Published: June 2024

Stable operation of the detector is essential for high
quality data taking in high energy physics experiments. But it is
not easy to keep the detector always running stably, especially
during data taking period in an environment with high beam-induced
background. In the BESIII experiment, serious beam-related
background can cause instability of the high voltages in the drift
chamber, the innermost sub-detector. This could result in the
decrease of gain and wrong dE/dx measurements. The
relationship between the dE/dx measurement and the
change in high voltage has been studied. To guarantee the data
quality for physics study, an offline event filter algorithm has
been developed to remove the data with abnormal high voltages of the
drift chamber. After applying the event filter on the data set with
serious high voltage problem, the events with wrong
dE/dx measurement are removed effectively.
GaN-based W-band receiver chip development for fusion plasma diagnostics
Authors: Li Xiaoliang , Chen Pin-Jung , Chen Ying , Hu Robert , Lin Chin-Chi , Yang Chin-Hsin , Yu Hai , Qiu Shasha , Domier Calvin , Yu Guanying , Zhu Yilun , Luhmann Neville
Published: June 2024

Millimeter-wave diagnostics have proven effective on various
magnetic fusion devices worldwide, yet the formidable challenges
posed by the harsh environments of future burning plasma devices,
characterized by extreme temperatures, pressures, and radiation
levels, remain a significant hurdle. To address these challenges,
the utilization of wide bandgap Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based
millimeter-wave diagnostics is a most promising solution for fusion
reactor safety monitoring and control. A noteworthy W-band GaN-based
system-on-chip receiver has been the demonstrated by employing HRL
T3 40 nm GaN technology. This receiver chip, compactly designed
with dimensions of 3 × 5 mm2, incorporates essential
components such as the 75–110 GHz RF Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA),
mixer, Intermediate Frequency (IF) amplifier, and Local Oscillator
(LO) chain. This receiver chip will be packaged as a millimeter-wave
receiver module and applied on the DIII-D National Fusion Facility,
for fusion plasma edge shape monitoring for operational safety and
dangerous disruption prediction. The laboratory measurement results
have demonstrated suitable performance. This advancement is pivotal
for accurate analysis of plasma behavior in the extreme conditions
of burning plasma devices, driving progress in fusion research and
technology.
Implied threats of the Red Sea crisis to global maritime transport: amplified carbon emissions and possible carbon pricing dysfunction
Authors: Peng He , Wang Meng , An Chunjiang
Published: June 2024

Recent military acts in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are forcing merchant ships to reroute, thereby driving up international shipping rates, prolonging delivery dates, and causing additional greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing the European Union (EU) Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification emissions database and real time Automatic Identification System data, this study conducted frequency analysis and causative investigation on container ships circumnavigating the Cape of Good Hope. The findings indicate that the current policy framework under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) poses a higher risk of carbon leakage, particularly for medium and small-sized container ships, thereby undermining the effectiveness of the nascent EU maritime carbon pricing. If the crisis continues, combined with anticipated tighter emission regulations, this risk is expected to escalate. International maritime policy administrators should make timely adjustments in response to the chain reactions caused by war, enhancing the robustness of cross-regional carbon pricing.
Climate, weather, and child health: quantifying health co-benefits
Authors: Dasgupta Shouro , Robinson Elizabeth J Z
Published: June 2024

Climate change affects human health negatively in a number of complex ways, and children are particularly vulnerable. Quantifying the negative impacts of climate change on health, and identifying locations where children are at greater risk, can aid evidence-based policy making. We combine high-resolution climatic data with a dataset on infant and child mortality, wasting, and stunting, from more than a hundred countries, to estimate the effects of both gradual and acute climate change, focusing on drought and heatwaves, to plausibly attribute changing child health outcomes to historical climate change. Our results suggest a non-linear relationship between temperature and children’s health, adverse effects of increases in acute events, and a strong regional heterogeneity in these impacts. Our findings also highlight the importance of poverty reduction. Greater wealth is associated with better child health outcomes, and partially mitigates the negative impacts of climate change on child health. Finally, using updated warming scenarios, our projections show that there are substantial health co-benefits from achieving low emissions scenarios.
Leveraging machine learning to understand opposition to environmental tax increases across countries and over time
Authors: Brehm Johannes , Gruhl Henri
Published: June 2024

Taxes targeting fuel, road usage, or carbon emissions for environmental protection often face public opposition. Can widely accessible machine learning methods aid in predicting and understanding opposition to environmental taxes? This study uses the random forest algorithm to predict opposition to increased environmental taxes based on 41 theoretically relevant respondent characteristics. Drawing on nationally representative surveys, we predict individual tax opposition across 28 countries in 2010 and 2020 (N = 70 710). Personal values and environmental evaluations tend to be more influential than demographics in predicting tax opposition, with key variables differing between countries and over time. A lack of commitment to pro-environmental behavior is the most important predictor in emerging economies. Conversely, concerns about environmental issues and prioritization of jobs and prices are influential in high-income countries, gaining prominence over the previous decade. Policymakers can leverage these insights to tailor communication of environmental tax increases in different contexts, emphasizing, for instance, job creation.
Complete critical bound region of the generalized exponential cosine screened Coulomb potential
Authors: Hu Ji Xiao , Zhi Zhang Yong , Montgomery Jr Henry E , Kam Ho Yew , Liu Aihua , Guang Jiao Li
Published: June 2024

The complete critical bound region of the generalized exponential cosine screened Coulomb potential (ECSCP)

V
(
r
)
=
−

r

−
1

e

−
(
β
cos
⁡
θ
)
r

cos
⁡

[
(
β
sin
⁡
θ
)
r
]

is investigated by employing the generalized pseudospectral method. Highly accurate critical screening parameters are determined over the entire parameter space, spanning from the exponential screened Coulomb potential (θ = 0), via the oscillatory ECSCP (

θ
=
π

/

4

), to the strongest oscillatory cosine Coulomb potential (CCP) (

θ
=
π

/

2

). With an efficient extrapolation technique, the critical screening parameter for the CCP is estimated at about

β
c

=
2.34

. By analyzing the variation of the ground state energy in the critical bound region, we separate the parameter space into two regions, i.e. the exponential region at small and moderate values of θ where the exponential screening term dominates the critical behavior of system, and the cosine region for θ close to

π

/

4

where the oscillatory cosine term dominates.
Hydrogeochemical characteristics of shallow aquifers in Thanh Phu District, Ben Tre Province, Vietnam
Authors: Van Le Thi Thuy , Luyen Nguyen Thi Thuy , Thang Chau Hong , Huy Du Nguyen , Danh Mai Ngoc
Published: June 2024

Shallow aquifers in the Thanh Phu coastal area in Ben Tre Province are increasingly withdrawn for domestic and irrigation purposes. However, groundwater resources here are declining in quality due to the effects of seawater intrusion and anthropogenic activities. It requires an understanding of the groundwater origin and changes in water quality to protect local groundwater resources. By applying the hydrogeochemical approach, the origin and quality of groundwater here have been clarified. A total of 35 water samples were collected during the 2023 dry season. The laboratory analysis included 16 ions. The results show that the groundwater water types are Ca-Cl, Ca-Mg-Cl and Na-Cl, with the domination of the third pattern. Hydrochemical characteristics have shown evaporation, silicate weathering, cation exchange and marine effects as the vital processes governing the mineralization of regional groundwater. Most of the water samples are of poor quality, not adapting to domestic water standards according to the National Technical Regulation on Domestic Water Quality and WHO 2011. It requires water treatment before being used for domestic purposes. However, the SAR, Na%, PI, KR and EC values displayed that groundwater here was still acceptable for irrigation purposes, demonstrating the prospect of using groundwater for agricultural purposes in the study area.
First report on microplastics in a freshwater clam, Corbicula baudoni, in Vietnam
Authors: Le Nguyen-Hong-Son , Pham Anh-Duc , Hien To-Thi , Nguyen Quoc-Hung , Bui Xuan-Thanh , Dao Thanh-Son
Published: June 2024

The widely reported microplastic presence in aquatic animals has been concerned due to the potential ecological and human health risks. The microplastics in marine mollusk have been studied worldwide, however, information on microplastics in freshwater mussels has been limited. In this study, we monthly monitored microplastics in small (mean length of 14 mm, weight of 1.1 g) and large (mean length of 21 mm, weight of 3.6 g) sizes of freshwater clam (Corbicula baudoni) from Mekong River in Dong Thap Province, Vietnam, from February to September 2022. Two microplastic shapes of fiber (99%) and fragment (1%) were observed in tissue of all clam samples. The microplastic abundance (mean ± standard deviation) in the small size clams was 3.4 ± 1.4 items/individual, and 15.8 ± 9.9 items/g wet weight, whereas that in large size clams was 14.6 ± 10.0 items/individual, and 18.2 ± 14.2 items/g wet weight. We found a positive correlation between the microplastic abundance in the clams and their size and weight. In all clam samples, the shorter fibers were the higher numbers they were. Seven microplastic colors were observed in which the highest proportion of the colors was black (∼ 40%), followed by white (∼ 26%), and blue (∼ 17%). The polymeric characterization by the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry revealed that the items were polymers of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyacrylonitrile, nylon, and rayon. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on microplastics in freshwater clam from Mekong River and in Vietnam. The common presence of microplastics with high abundance in the clams indicates a high potential health risk to local inhabitants who daily consume the clams as food. Further studies on the effects of microplastics from food on human health are highly suggested.
The presence of microplastics in personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) commonly used in Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen Thao , Oanh Le Thi Kim , Chi Nguyen Doan Thien
Published: June 2024

Microplastics pollution poses a global environmental challenge due to its well-documented effects on marine ecosystems and the food chain for humans. Personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs), have the potential to be a source of microplastics, which directly contribute to aquatic microplastics pollution. This study investigated the presence of microplastics in widely used PCCPs in Ho Chi Minh City. The microplastics concentration in 21 samples of toothpaste, exfoliating products, facial cleansers, shower gels, and hand sanitizers were examined. The PCCPs samples were dissolved in boiling water and then filtered to separate microplastics. The chemical composition of polymers of extracted microplastics was determined using a Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with ATR. We found that 14 PCCPs samples contained microplastics as an ingredient. Granular form microplastics were predominant in PCCPs. The largest size of microplastics was found in an exfoliating product (40-2,085μm), while the smallest size was observed in toothpaste (10-380μm). Acrylates copolymers were a common ingredient in the 14 PCCPs samples. Carbomer, polyethylene, and polyethylene glycol were only found in toothpaste samples. The research aims to regulate the components in different types of PCCPs in Vietnam to minimize microplastics discharge into the environment.
Synthesis of Cr(VI)-adsorbed carbon from Artocarpus heterophyllus peel waste: activated conditions, characterizations and adsorption isotherm
Authors: Ngo T T , Tran T N , Phan T B , Nguyen T T N , Ngo H L , Phan N N , Horvat Alen
Published: June 2024

Lignocellulosic biomass is often activated with phosphoric acid to make value-added goods. However, statistical effects of impregnation ratio (IR) and activation temperature (AT) on Artocarpus heterophyllus peel-derived activated carbon have not been studied. This study used an experimental approach and regression model to investigate these impacts on Cr(VI) adsorption capacity. A regression model and analysis of variance assessed these two factors’ variation. The activated carbon’s morphology, surface functional groups, and Cr(VI) adsorption isotherm at optimal conditions were examined using Brunauer, Emmett and Teller, X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry, Boehm titration, pH drift methods, Langmuir, and Freundlich models. The quadratic regression model described the influence of AT and IR on Cr(VI) adsorption capacity and found the best values of 545°C and 4:1. When IR and AT ranged from 1.89 to 4.0 and 330°C to 545°C respectively, the combined effect caused the most variance and had a synergistic effect on Cr(VI) adsorption capacity. This activated carbon at optimal conditions had many carboxylic groups, a porous, amorphous surface, and a maximum mono-layer capacity of 29.498 mg g-1. Freundlich is a better Cr(VI) adsorption model. This study will give a technical way and advocate for the utilization of activated carbon derived from Artocarpus heterophyllus peel as an effective material for the removal of chromium (VI) from water.
Evaluation of wild bee diversity in fruit orchards within the Ba Den mountain area, Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam
Authors: Le V T , Shimizu U K , Dang V S , Pham T L , Miyanaga R
Published: June 2024

Wild bees are commonly found and play a vital role in pollinating various crops. Unfortunately, the number of wild bee species is experiencing a steep decline, attributed to deforestation, the application of agricultural pesticides, escalating environmental pollution, and the spread of urbanization. Hence, research on bee diversity is essential for the protection of these crucial pollinators. The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative assessment of wild bee richness and abundance within fruit orchards. From February to May 2023, the study was conducted in the Ba Den mountain area of Tay Ninh Province, encompassing Tay Ninh City and the Duong Minh Chau district. Malaise traps were used to collect bee samples during the flowering season of the fruit orchards. Simultaneously, the flowering plants in the surrounding vicinity were meticulously identified and observed. The composition of wild bees was determined and compared between orchards. In total, 836 bee specimens belonging to 27 distinct wild bee species spanning three families, along with 30 flowering plant species across 17 families, were recorded. It was found that the Apidae family stood out as the most abundant and diverse group within the wild bee population. Additionally, the abundance of Ceratina smaragdula was noted across three orchards. Within the fruit orchards, the Fabaceae and Asteraceae families emerged as widely prevalent among flowering plants. Importantly, the first fruit orchard exhibited a greater richness and abundance of wild bees, coupled with a higher count of flowering plant species, in comparison to the other fruit orchards. The amassed data in this study, which encompasses insights into biodiversity, distribution patterns, and variations across different orchards, not only aids in the preservation of these pivotal pollinators but also lends essential support to the realm of agricultural production.
Analysis of urban heat islands combining Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8 satellite images in Hochiminh city
Authors: Van Thong D , Tuan Cuong H , Ha Phuong T , Lam N T N , Nguyen T P C , Lap Xuan T T , Le Quang T
Published: June 2024

Urbanization in big cities has led to many impacts, the most obvious of which is the increasing of impervious surfaces from urban areas, socio-economic construction, concrete roads and the reduction of green space (vegetation, water surface). The changes land use land cover (LULC) led to the changes in the land surface temperature (LST), the formation of urban temperature islands (UHI), which have changed the local climate. This study combined Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 images to enhance the process and calculation of LST value, spatial resolution was improved to 10m compared to 30m when calculated by Landsat 8 image. In which, the study also used ArcGIS software to classify 4 land surface covers, namely built-up land, vegetation land, water surface and the other land in order to monitor the urbanization process (with kappa coefficients all over 0.8) and assess the trend of changing LST on each LULC in the period 2015 - 2022. The results showed that when combined with Sentinel 2 images, LULC such as built-up land, roads and vegetation cover were more prominent, helping to improve more accurate results when calculating LST. Besides the trend of urbanization development in Ho Chi Minh city, it also leads to changes in the distribution of UHI over time.
Farmers’ livelihood strategies for adapting to reduced water resources in the upstream Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Le Y T , Yuerlita Y , Febriamansyah R , Pham Van H T
Published: June 2024

The article analyzes the livelihood strategies of farmers to adapt to reduced amounts of water in the upstream Mekong Delta in Vietnam. The study was conducted in An Phu district, the upstream district of An Giang province, bordering Cambodia, the area first affected when the availability of water resource from the Mekong River changes. The study aims to learn about the impact of changes on livelihood patterns and agricultural livelihood strategies using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods including: household surveys, key informant interviews, participatory rural appraisal methods, and in-depth interviews with farmers. The results show that the decrease in water resources has led to transitions in the livelihoods of farmers. From 2011 to 2022, flood levels had changed, peak floods were lower, and duration of the seasonal floods was shorter. Farmers have gradually changed farming patterns and techniques and adopted different strategies, including from (1) rice to “safe rice” (44.73%); (2) rice to fruits (32.99%); (3) rice to vegetables (6.41%); (4) and vegetables to fruits (13.42%). The reason for these transitions are: reduced water resources availability for practical farming; higher profits are possible with alternative strategies; and, availability of new learning from neighbouring farmers. Better use of available water resources, protection of human health and the environment, and lower production costs are the pathways that farmers have been aiming to achieve effectively and safely on account of changes in their environmental conditions.
E-waste recycling behavior of customers in Vietnam: insights from Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai
Authors: Kim Thao Le Thi , Nguyen Ha Trang
Published: June 2024

E-waste is one of the most significant developmental challenges of our century. However, in lower-income countries like Vietnam, e-waste or e-waste recycling seems to be a newborn sector. Moreover, little is known about people`s behavior as well as their willingness to use recycling tools. Therefore, it worths analysing the factors impacting e-waste recycling behavior in Vietnam. The scope of this research is in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai. By applying statistic tools in SPSS, correlation tests were performed. The result of this study indicates that age, job, knowledge, e-waste identification, collection point availability, have associations with e- waste disposal behavior (sorting and recycling application usage) and willingness to pay for recycling rate.
Real Materialism
Authors: Strawson Galen
Published: June 2024

Chapter 3 pauses the central task of the book (to establish identity metaphysics as explicated in Chapter 2), and considers materialism, the view that everything that concretely exists is physical. It endorses ‘real’ materialism, i.e. materialism that is fully realist about consciousness or qualia. It argues that there is a fatal tension in philosophers’ use of the word ‘physical’: while ‘x is physical’ entails ‘x is non-mental’ in everyday language, this understanding of ‘physical’ cannot be carried over into philosophy, where it simply begs the question against the real (and traditional) materialist view that consciousness—real consciousness!—is wholly physical. The chapter also considers the changing fortunes of the word ‘materialism’: although the principal original claim of materialism was that consciousness was wholly material or physical, it came to be used to mean a view that doubted or denied the existence of consciousness.
On Time
Authors: Zaanen Jan
Published: June 2024

This text revolves around a new and unusual view on the most fundamental puzzle of physics. It focusses on the key aspect that makes the role of the time dimension fundamentally different, dealing on the one hand with general relativity and quantum theory, and on the other hand: causality. The implicit and intuitive way by which causality is usually taken for granted is just made explicit and less self-evident, shedding new light on the gravity–quantum conflict. The case is made that gravity is a necessary condition for a causal universe. But upon turning to the ‘pure’ unitary quantum physics explaining the nature of matter, one is dealing with the strictly acausal time expressed through the thermal quantum field theory machinery. When this acausal microscopic and causal macroscopic world meet, one encounters the wavefunction collapse, that itself may be rooted in the quantum–gravity conflict. Modern ideas are discussed resting on eigenstate thermalization, showing how this may lie eventually at the origin of the irreversible thermodynamics, with its famous second law setting also a direction of time. The case is anchored in the sophisticated modern mathematical machinery of both general relativity and quantum physics, which is typically barely disseminated beyond the theoretical physics floors. The book is unique in the regard that the consequences of this machinery—Riemannian geometry and Penrose diagrams, thermal quantum fields, quantum non-equilibrium, and so forth—are explained in an original, descriptive language, conveying the conceptual consequences while avoiding mathematical technicalities.
The quantum gravity mainstream versus my problem of time
Authors: Zaanen Jan
Published: June 2024

A critical reflection on the mainstream thinking regarding the quantum gravity problem is presented, revolving around the status of certain intuitive starting assumptions, that are usually kept implicit. The powerful AdS/CFT correspondence is reviewed. In the way it is used, it is actually by construction avoiding the quantum–gravity conflict. It is detached from semiclassical black hole physics and using it for these purposes does not make sense. The fact that the diffeomorphism of GR is sacrificed in the context of the Unruh effect by tracing out the quantum information beyond the horizon, is a separate postulate that has not been independently verified. The information paradox is explored: why claim that macroscopic black holes are subjected to eternal unitary time evolution, while there are no other macroscopic objects known accomplishing this feat?
Artificial intelligence chatbot vs pathology faculty and residents: Real-world clinical questions from a genitourinary treatment planning conference
Authors: Luo Matthew X , Lyle Adam , Bennett Phillip , Albertson Daniel , Sirohi Deepika , Maughan Benjamin L , McMurtry Valarie , Mahlow Jonathon
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Artificial intelligence (AI)–based chatbots have demonstrated accuracy in a variety of fields, including medicine, but research has yet to substantiate their accuracy and clinical relevance. We evaluated an AI chatbot’s answers to questions posed during a treatment planning conference.

Methods

Pathology residents, pathology faculty, and an AI chatbot (OpenAI ChatGPT [January 30, 2023, release]) answered a questionnaire curated from a genitourinary subspecialty treatment planning conference. Results were evaluated by 2 blinded adjudicators: a clinician expert and a pathology expert. Scores were based on accuracy and clinical relevance.

Results

Overall, faculty scored highest (4.75), followed by the AI chatbot (4.10), research-prepared residents (3.50), and unprepared residents (2.87). The AI chatbot scored statistically significantly better than unprepared residents (P = .03) but not statistically significantly different from research-prepared residents (P = .33) or faculty (P = .30). Residents did not statistically significantly improve after research (P = .39), and faculty performed statistically significantly better than both resident categories (unprepared, P < .01; research prepared, P = .01).

Conclusions

The AI chatbot gave answers to medical questions that were comparable in accuracy and clinical relevance to pathology faculty, suggesting promise for further development. Serious concerns remain, however, that without the ability to provide support with references, AI will face legitimate scrutiny as to how it can be integrated into medical decision-making.
A novel approach to assessing the joint effects of mercury and fish consumption on neurodevelopment in the New Bedford Cohort
Authors: Thurston Sally W , Ruppert David , Korrick Susan A
Published: June 2024

Understanding health risks from methylmercury (MeHg) exposure is complicated by its link to fish consumption, which may confound or modify toxicities. One solution is to include fish intake and a biomarker of MeHg exposure in the same analytical model, but resulting estimates do not reflect the independent impact of accumulated MeHg or fish exposure. In fish-eating populations, this can be addressed by separating MeHg exposure into fish intake and average mercury content of the consumed fish. We assessed the joint association of prenatal MeHg exposure (maternal hair mercury level) and fish intake (among fish-eating mothers) with neurodevelopment in 361 children aged 8 years from the New Bedford Cohort (New Bedford, Massachusetts; born in 1993-1998). Neurodevelopmental assessments used standardized tests of IQ, language, memory, and attention. Covariate-adjusted regression assessed the association of maternal fish consumption, stratified by tertile of estimated average fish mercury level, with neurodevelopment. Associations between maternal fish intake and child outcomes were generally beneficial for those in the lowest average fish mercury tertile but detrimental in the highest average fish mercury tertile, where, for example, each serving of fish was associated with 1.3 fewer correct responses (95% CI, −2.2 to −0.4) on the Boston Naming Test. Standard analyses showed no outcome associations with hair mercury level or fish intake.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.
O10 A national retrospective cohort study of the incidence and trends of 3061 cases of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in England between 2013 and 2020
Authors: Sheern Charlotte , Levell Nick J , Jeffrey Polly , Mistry Khaylen , Scorer Matthew J , Venables Zoe C
Published: June 2024

There are limited epidemiological data available for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). This retrospective, national cohort study reported CTCL incidence from 2013 to 2020, including the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. National data were extracted from the ‘Get Data Out’ National Disease Registration Service, haematological malignancies dataset. Crude incidence rates (CIRs) were reported per 100 000 person-years (PY) from 2013 to 2020. Joinpoint regression was used to assess trends and annual percentage change from 2013 to 2019. Incidence rate ratios with Poisson regression were used to assess the early impact of COVID-19 on CIR in 2020 vs. 2019. In total, 3061 new cases of CTCL were diagnosed in England between 2013 and 2020 (mean 383 new diagnoses per year). The CIR was 0.69 PY over the whole period, 0.75 PY [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68–0.83] in 2013, and 0.60 PY (95% CI 0.54–0.67) in 2020. Over the 8 years analysed, 38% of patients (1153 of 3061) were female and 62% (1908 of 3061) were male (ratio 1 : 1.7). Overall, 61% of patients (1858 of 3061) were aged < 70 years and 39% (1203 of 3061) were aged ≥ 70 years. The annual percentage change from 2013 to 2019 was −1.21% (95% CI −3.52 to 1.15) overall, −2.36% (95% CI −9.65 to 5.30) in those aged < 70 years, and −0.96% (95% CI −4.03 to 2.40) in those aged ≥ 70 years. During the early COVID-19 pandemic, the CIR fell significantly, by 15%, from 0.71 PY (95% CI 0.64–0.78) in 2019 to 0.60 PY (95% CI 0.54–0.67) in 2020 (P = 0.02, incidence rate ratio = 0.85). This is the first and largest national dataset to report the incidence of CTCL in England. The number of diagnoses per year reduced over the period, with a greater reduction seen in patients aged < 70 years; however, these trends were not significant. A fall in incidence was observed during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The time from first presentation to diagnosis of CTCL is approximately 6 years. The data were limited by the complex variety of clinical, histological and molecular features of CTCL, which make diagnosis challenging. Higher incidences have been described internationally, with a CIR of 0.86 PY reported in the USA, and 0.96 PY in France. Cases that did not have a histological diagnosis or dataset completed by a multidisciplinary team meeting may have been missed. Limitations of the study include a lack of data on ethnic groups and CTCL subtypes. These data are essential in expanding our knowledge of the changes in national CTCL epidemiology, and supporting ongoing research.