bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Performance of Tetranuclear Copper(I) Clusters Supported by 2-Mercaptobenz-zole-Type Ligands
Authors: Zhu Tingyu , Zhan Wangyuan , Fan Weibin , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: September 2024

Tetrahedral copper(I) clusters [Cu4(MBIZ)4(PPh3)2] (2), [Cu4(MBOZ)4(PPh3)4] (6) (MBIZ = 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, MBOZ = 2-mercaptobenzoxazole) were prepared by regulation of the copper-thiolate clusters [Cu6(MBIZ)6] (1) and [Cu8(MBOZ)8I]− (5) with PPh3. With the presence of iodide anion, the regulation provided the iodide-containing clusters [CuI4(MBIZ)3(PPh3)3I] (3) and [CuI4(MBOZ)3(PPh3)3I] (7). The cyclic voltammogram of 3 in MeCN (0.1 M nBu4NPF6, 298 K) at a scan rate of 100 mV s−1 shows two oxidation processes at Epa = +0.11 and +0.45 V with return waves observed at Epc = +0.25 V (vs. Fc+/Fc). Complex 3 has a higher capability to lose and gain electrons in the redox processes than complexes 2, 4, 4′, 6, and 7. Its thermal stability was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. The catalytic performance of 3 was demonstrated by the catalytic transformation of iodobenzenes to benzonitriles using AIBN as the cyanide source. The nitrile products show potential applications in the preparation of 1,3,5-triazine compounds for organic fluorescence materials.
Characterization of Camphene- and Fenchol-Based Hydrophobic Eutectic Solvents and Their Application in Aldehyde Extraction
Authors: Kaufmann Alexander , Häcker Lars , Mayer Jacob Michael , Weber Hansjörg , Kienberger Marlene
Published: September 2024

Binary terpenoid-based eutectic systems consisting of the natural substances camphene (CA), fenchol (FE), thymol (TH), menthol (ME), dodecanoic acid (DA), and 1-dodecanol (DO) are synthesized and screened for their Solid–Liquid Equilibrium (SLE) and eutectic compositions. Out of nine eutectic systems, 13 solvent compositions at eutectic points and next to them, in addition to the reference solvent, TH:ME, are synthesized and applied for the solvent extraction of the aromatic aldehydes vanillin (VAN), syringaldehyde (SYR), and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (HYD) from an acidic aqueous model solution. The extraction efficiency is determined from aldehyde concentrations measured by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), taking into consideration mutual solubility measured by Karl Fischer titration (KF) and a Total Organic Carbon-analysis (TOC). Physicochemical properties, such as the density, viscosity, and stability of the solvents, are evaluated and discussed. Additionally, 1H-NMR measurements are performed to verify hydrogen bonding present in some of the solvents. The results show that all synthesized eutectic systems have a strong hydrophobic character with a maximum water saturation of ≤2.21 vol.% and solvent losses of ≤0.12 vol.% per extraction step. The hydrophobic eutectic solvents based on CA exhibit lower viscosities, lower mutual solubility, and lower extraction efficiency for the aromatic aldehydes when compared with FE-based solvents. The highest extraction efficiencies for VAN (>95%) and for SYR (>93%) at an extraction efficiency of 92.61% for HYD are achieved by the reference solvent TH:ME (50:50 mol.%). With an extraction efficiency of 93.08%, HYD is most preferably extracted by the FE–DO-solvent (80:20 mol.%), where the extraction efficiencies for VAN and SYR reach their maximum at 93.37% and 90.75%, respectively. The drawbacks of the high viscosities of 34.741 mPas of the TH:ME solvent and 31.801 mPas of the FE–DO solvent can be overcome by the CA–TH solvent, which has a viscosity of 3.436 mPas, while exhibiting extraction efficiencies of 71.92% for HYD, >95% for VAN, and >93% for SYR, respectively.
Cross-Linked Polyvinylimidazole Complexed with Heteropolyacid Clusters for Deep Oxidative Desulfurization
Authors: Ren Zhuoyi , Sheng Jiangfen , Yuan Qibin , Su Yizhen , Zhu Linhua , Dai Chunyan , Zhao Honglei
Published: September 2024

The combustion of fuel with high sulfur concentrations produces a large number of sulfur oxides (SOx), which have a range of negative effects on human health and life. The preparation of catalysts with excellent performance in the oxidative desulfurization (ODS) process is highly effective for reducing SOx production. In this paper, cross-linked polyvinylimidazole (VE) was successfully created using a simple ontology aggregation method, after which a catalyst of polyvinylimidazolyl heteropolyacid clusters (VE-HPA) was prepared by adding heteropolyacid clusters. Polyvinylimidazolyl-phosphotungstic acid (VE-HPW) showed an outstanding desulfurization performance, and the desulfurization efficiency reached 99.68% in 60 min at 50 °C with H2O2 as an oxidant. Additionally, the catalyst exhibited recyclability nine consecutive times and remained stable, with a removal rate of 98.60%. The reaction mechanism was eventually proposed with the assistance of the free radical capture experiment and GC-MS analysis.
Design and Synthesis of an Azo Reductase Responsive Flavonol–Indomethacin Hybrid Used for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Colitis
Authors: Gu Yaqin , Yang Rui , Chen Jine , Fan Yu , Xie Wenna , Wu Hongyan , Ding Jinfeng
Published: September 2024

Human intestinal bacteria are the primary producers of azo reductase, and the content of azo reductase is closely associated with various intestinal diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC). The rapid detection of changes in azo reductase levels is crucial for diagnosing and promptly intervening in UC. In this study, a therapeutic agent, FAI, specifically targeting UC, was designed and synthesized. This agent was developed by linking the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin to flavonols with antioxidant activity via an azo bond (off–on). Breakage of the azo bond breaks results in the release of both fluorophores and drugs, achieving targeted tracing and integrated treatment effects. In vivo and in vitro fluorescence imaging experiments were used to demonstrate the potential of FAI in the diagnosis of UC, together with synergistic therapeutic effects through the release of both fluorophores and anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, this diagnostic agent shows promise as a potential tool for diagnosing and treating UC.
Is Micronutrient Supplementation Helpful in Supporting the Immune System during Prolonged, High-Intensity Physical Training?
Authors: Felice Francesca , Moschini Roberta , Cappiello Mario , Sardelli Gemma , Mosca Rossella , Piazza Lucia , Balestri Francesco
Published: September 2024

It is well known that during prolonged, high-intensity physical training, athletes experience a state of immunosuppression and that balanced nutrition can help maintain immunity. This review summarizes the effects (amplified by virus infection) of high-intensity, long-term exercise on immunity, critically presenting key micronutrients and supplementation strategies that can influence athletes’ performance and their immune system. The main conclusion is that micronutrient supplementation with diet could help to protect the immune system from the stress effects induced by intense physical activities. The importance of personalized supplementation has been also recommended.
Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine for Restoring Skin Barrier Functions
Authors: Yang Jieyi , Guo Jiageng , Tang Peiling , Yan Shidu , Wang Xiaodong , Li Huaying , Xie Jinling , Deng Jiagang , Hou Xiaotao , Du Zhengcai , Hao Erwei
Published: September 2024

The skin barrier is essential for maintaining the body’s internal homeostasis, protecting against harmful external substances, and regulating water and electrolyte balance. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers notable advantages in restoring skin barrier function due to its diverse components, targets, and pathways. Recent studies have demonstrated that active ingredients in TCM can safely and effectively repair damaged skin barriers, reinstating their proper functions. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms underlying skin barrier damage and explores how the bioactive constituents of TCM contribute to skin barrier repair, thereby offering a theoretical framework to inform clinical practices.
Collection of a Hyperspectral Atmospheric Cloud Dataset and Enhancing Pixel Classification through Patch-Origin Embedding
Authors: Yan Hua , Zheng Rachel , Mallela Shivaji , Russell Randy , Kursun Olcay
Published: September 2024

Hyperspectral cameras collect detailed spectral information at each image pixel, contributing to the identification of image features. The rich spectral content of hyperspectral imagery has led to its application in diverse fields of study. This study focused on cloud classification using a dataset of hyperspectral sky images captured by a Resonon PIKA XC2 camera. The camera records images using 462 spectral bands, ranging from 400 to 1000 nm, with a spectral resolution of 1.9 nm. Our preliminary/unlabeled dataset comprised 33 parent hyperspectral images (HSI), each a substantial unlabeled image measuring 4402-by-1600 pixels. With the meteorological expertise within our team, we manually labeled pixels by extracting 10 to 20 sample patches from each parent image, each patch consisting of a 50-by-50 pixel field. This process yielded a collection of 444 patches, each categorically labeled into one of seven cloud and sky condition categories. To embed the inherent data structure while classifying individual pixels, we introduced an innovative technique to boost classification accuracy by incorporating patch-specific information into each pixel’s feature vector. The posterior probabilities generated by these classifiers, which capture the unique attributes of each patch, were subsequently concatenated with the pixel’s original spectral data to form an augmented feature vector. We then applied a final classifier to map the augmented vectors to the seven cloud/sky categories. The results compared favorably to the baseline model devoid of patch-origin embedding, showing that incorporating the spatial context along with the spectral information inherent in hyperspectral images enhances the classification accuracy in hyperspectral cloud classification. The dataset is available on IEEE DataPort.
Research on Point Cloud Acquisition and Calibration of Deep Hole Inner Surfaces Based on Collimated Ring Laser Beams
Authors: Du Huifu , Zhao Xiaowei , Yu Daguo , Shi Hongyan , Zhou Ziyang
Published: September 2024

In this study, a ring light point cloud calibration technique based on collimated laser beams is developed, aiming to reduce errors caused by the position and attitude changes of traditional ring light measurement devices. This article details the generation mechanism of the ring beam and the principle of deep hole measurement. It introduces the collimated beam as a reference, building on traditional ring light measurement devices, to achieve the synchronous acquisition of the ring beam and collimated spot images by an industrial camera. The Steger algorithm is employed to accurately extract the coordinates of the point cloud contours of both the ring beam and the collimated spot. By analyzing the shape and position changes of the collimated spot contour, the spatial position and attitude of the measuring device are precisely determined. This technique is applied to the 3D reconstruction of the inner surface of deep holes, ensuring the accurate restoration of the spatial positional attitude of the ring beam by incorporating the spatial positional attitude parameters of the measuring device to precisely calibrate the cross-sectional point cloud coordinates. Experimental results with ring gauges and deep hole workpieces demonstrate that this technique effectively reduces the percentage of point cloud data outside the tolerance range, and improves the accuracy of the 3D reconstruction model by 6.287%, thereby verifying the accuracy and practicality of this technique.
Spectrum Sensing Method Based on STFT-RADN in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Wang Anyi , Zhu Tao , Meng Qifeng
Published: September 2024

To address the common issues in traditional convolutional neural network (CNN)-based spectrum sensing algorithms in cognitive radio networks (CRNs), including inadequate signal feature representation, inefficient utilization of feature map information, and limited feature extraction capabilities due to shallow network structures, this paper proposes a spectrum sensing algorithm based on a short-time Fourier transform (STFT) and residual attention dense network (RADN). Specifically, the RADN model improves the basic residual block and introduces the convolutional block attention module (CBAM), combining residual connections and dense connections to form a powerful deep feature extraction structure known as residual in dense (RID). This significantly enhances the network’s feature extraction capabilities. By performing STFT on the received signals and normalizing them, the signals are converted into time–frequency spectrograms as network inputs, better capturing signal features. The RADN is trained to extract abstract features from the time–frequency images, and the trained RADN serves as the final classifier for spectrum sensing. Experimental results demonstrate that the STFT-RADN spectrum sensing method significantly improves performance under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions compared to traditional deep-learning-based methods. This method not only adapts to various modulation schemes but also exhibits high detection probability and strong robustness.
A Quantitative Comparison of 31P Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy RF Coil Sensitivity and SNR between 7T and 10.5T Human MRI Scanners Using a Loop-Dipole 31P-1H Probe
Authors: Li Xin , Zhu Xiao-Hong , Chen Wei
Published: September 2024

In vivo phosphorus-31 (31P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) imaging (MRSI) is an important non-invasive imaging tool for studying cerebral energy metabolism, intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and redox ratio, and mitochondrial function. However, it is challenging to achieve high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) 31P MRS/MRSI results owing to low phosphorus metabolites concentration and low phosphorous gyromagnetic ratio (γ). Many works have demonstrated that ultrahigh field (UHF) could significantly improve the 31P-MRS SNR. However, there is a lack of studies of the 31P MRSI SNR in the 10.5 Tesla (T) human scanner. In this study, we designed and constructed a novel 31P-1H dual-frequency loop-dipole probe that can operate at both 7T and 10.5T for a quantitative comparison of 31P MRSI SNR between the two magnetic fields, taking into account the RF coil B1 fields (RF coil receive and transmit fields) and relaxation times. We found that the SNR of the 31P MRS signal is 1.5 times higher at 10.5T as compared to 7T, and the power dependence of SNR on magnetic field strength (B0) is 1.9.
High-Sensitivity Janus Sensor Enabled by Multilayered Metastructure Based on the Photonic Spin Hall Effect and Its Potential Applications in Bio-Sensing
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhang Haifeng
Published: September 2024

The refractive index (RI) of biological tissues is a fundamental material parameter that characterizes how light interacts with tissues, making accurate measurement of RI crucial for biomedical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. A Janus sensor (JBS) is designed in this paper, and the photonic spin Hall effect (PSHE) is used to detect subtle changes in RI in biological tissues. The asymmetric arrangement of the dielectric layers breaks spatial parity symmetry, resulting in significantly different PSHE displacements during the forward and backward propagation of electromagnetic waves, thereby realizing the Janus effect. The designed JBS can detect the RI range of 1.3~1.55 RIU when electromagnetic waves are incident along the +z-axis, with a sensitivity of 96.29°/refractive index unit (RIU). In the reverse direction, blood glucose concentrations are identified by the JBS, achieving a sensitivity of 18.30°/RIU. Detecting different RI range from forward and backward scales not only overcomes the limitation that single-scale sensors can only detect a single RI range, but also provides new insights and applications for optical biological detection through high-sensitivity, label-free and non-contact detection.
Large-Scale Indoor Visual–Geometric Multimodal Dataset and Benchmark for Novel View Synthesis
Authors: Cao Junming , Zhao Xiting , Schwertfeger Sören
Published: September 2024

The accurate reconstruction of indoor environments is crucial for applications in augmented reality, virtual reality, and robotics. However, existing indoor datasets are often limited in scale, lack ground truth point clouds, and provide insufficient viewpoints, which impedes the development of robust novel view synthesis (NVS) techniques. To address these limitations, we introduce a new large-scale indoor dataset that features diverse and challenging scenes, including basements and long corridors. This dataset offers panoramic image sequences for comprehensive coverage, high-resolution point clouds, meshes, and textures as ground truth, and a novel benchmark specifically designed to evaluate NVS algorithms in complex indoor environments. Our dataset and benchmark aim to advance indoor scene reconstruction and facilitate the creation of more effective NVS solutions for real-world applications.
Low-Cost Dynamometer for Measuring and Regulating Wrist Extension and Flexion Motor Tasks in Electroencephalography Experiments
Authors: Mohamed Abdul-Khaaliq , Aswat Muhammed , Aharonson Vered
Published: September 2024

A brain–computer interface could control a bionic hand by interpreting electroencephalographic (EEG) signals associated with wrist extension (WE) and wrist flexion (WF) movements. Misinterpretations of the EEG may stem from variations in the force, speed and range of these movements. To address this, we designed, constructed and tested a novel dynamometer, the IsoReg, which regulates WE and WF movements during EEG recording experiments. The IsoReg restricts hand movements to isometric WE and WF, controlling their speed and range of motion. It measures movement force using a dual-load cell system that calculates the percentage of maximum voluntary contraction and displays it to help users control movement force. Linearity and measurement accuracy were tested, and the IsoReg’s performance was evaluated under typical EEG experimental conditions with 14 participants. The IsoReg demonstrated consistent linearity between applied and measured forces across the required force range, with a mean accuracy of 97% across all participants. The visual force gauge provided normalised force measurements with a mean accuracy exceeding 98.66% across all participants. All participants successfully controlled the motor tasks at the correct relative forces (with a mean accuracy of 89.90%) using the IsoReg, eliminating the impact of inherent force differences between typical WE and WF movements on the EEG analysis. The IsoReg offers a low-cost method for measuring and regulating movements in future neuromuscular studies, potentially leading to improved neural signal interpretation.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Acoustic Emission Source Localization Using an Enhanced Guided Wave Phased Array Method
Authors: Sun Jiaying , Yu Zexing , Xu Chao , Du Fei
Published: September 2024

To detect damage in mechanical structures, acoustic emission (AE) inspection is considered as a powerful tool. Generally, the classical acoustic emission detection method uses a sparse sensor array to identify damage and its location. It often depends on a pre-defined wave velocity and it is difficult to yield a high localization accuracy for complicated structures using this method. In this paper, the passive guided wave phased array method, a dense sensor array method, is studied, aiming to obtain better AE localization accuracy in aluminum thin plates. Specifically, the proposed method uses a cross-shaped phased array enhanced with four additional far-end sensors for AE source localization. The proposed two-step method first calculates the real-time velocity and the polar angle of the AE source using the phased array algorithm, and then solves the location of the AE source with the additional far-end sensor. Both numerical and physical experiments on an aluminum flat panel are carried out to validate the proposed method. It is found that using the cross-shaped guided wave phased array method with enhanced far-end sensors can localize the coordinates of the AE source accurately without knowing the wave velocity in advance. The proposed method is also extended to a stiffened thin-walled structure with high localization accuracy, which validates its AE source localization ability for complicated structures. Finally, the influences of cross-shaped phased array element number and the time window length on the proposed method are discussed in detail.
Anomaly Detection for Power Quality Analysis Using Smart Metering Systems
Authors: Patrizi Gabriele , Garzon Alfonso Cristian , Calandroni Leandro , Bartolini Alessandro , Iturrino Garcia Carlos , Paolucci Libero , Grasso Francesco , Ciani Lorenzo
Published: September 2024

The problem of Power Quality analysis is becoming crucial to ensuring the proper functioning of complex systems and big plants. In this regard, it is essential to rapidly detect anomalies in voltage and current signals to ensure a prompt response and maximize the system’s availability with the minimum maintenance cost. In this paper, anomaly detection algorithms based on machine learning, such as One Class Support Vector Machine (OCSVM), Isolation Forest (IF), and Angle-Based Outlier Detection (ABOD), are used as a first tool for rapid and effective clustering of the measured voltage and current signals directly on-line on the sensing unit. If the proposed anomaly detection algorithm detects an anomaly, further investigations using suitable classification algorithms are required. The main advantage of the proposed solution is the ability to rapidly and efficiently detect different types of anomalies with low computational complexity, allowing the implementation of the algorithm directly on the sensor node used for signal acquisition. A suitable experimental platform has been established to evaluate the advantages of the proposed method. All the different models were tested using a consistent set of hyperparameters and an output dataset generated from the principal component analysis technique. The best results achieved included models reaching 100% recall and a 92% F1 score.
Temperature Dependence of the Sensitivity of PVDF Pyroelectric Sensors to THz Radiation: Towards Cryogenic Applications
Authors: Sinelnikov Artem N. , Melnikov Anatoly R. , Getmanov Yaroslav V. , Kolomeec Darya A. , Kalneus Evgeny V. , Fedin Matvey V. , Veber Sergey L.
Published: September 2024

The application of terahertz (THz) science in industrial technology and scientific research requires efficient THz detectors. Such detectors should be able to operate under various external conditions and conform to existing geometric constraints in the required application. Pyroelectric THz detectors are among the best candidates. This is due to their versatility, outstanding performance, ease of fabrication, and robustness. In this paper, we propose a compact pyroelectric detector based on a bioriented poled polyvinylidene difluoride film coated with sputtered metal electrodes for in situ absorption measurement at cryogenic temperature. The detector design was optimized for the registration system of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) endstation of the Novosibirsk Free Electron Laser facility. Measurements of the detector response to pulsed THz radiation at different temperatures and electrode materials showed that the response varies with both the temperature and the type of electrode material used. The maximum signal level corresponds to the temperature range of 10–40 K, in which the pyroelectric coefficient of the PVDF film also has a maximum value. Among the three coatings studied, namely indium tin oxide (ITO), Au, and Cu/Ni, the latter has the highest increase in sensitivity at low temperature. The possibility of using the detectors for in situ absorption measurement was exemplified using two typical molecular spin systems, which exhibited a transparency of 20–30% at 76.9 cm−1 and 5 K. Such measurements, carried out directly in the cryostat with the main recording system and sample fully configured, allow precise control of the THz radiation parameters at the EPR endstation.
Spatiotemporal Modeling of Rural Agricultural Land Use Change and Area Forecasts in Historical Time Series after COVID-19 Pandemic, Using Google Earth Engine in Peru
Authors: Chavez Segundo G. , Veneros Jaris , Rojas-Briceño Nilton B. , Oliva-Cruz Manuel , Guadalupe Grobert A. , García Ligia
Published: September 2024

Despite the importance of using digital technologies for resource management, Peru does not record current and estimated processed data on rural agriculture, hindering an effective management process combined with policy. This research analyzes the connotation of spatiotemporal level trends of eight different land cover types in nine rural districts representative of the three natural regions (coast, highlands, and jungle) of Peru. The effect of change over time of the COVID-19 pandemic was emphasized. Then, forecast trends of agricultural areas were estimated, approximating possible future trends in a post-COVID-19 scenario. Landsat 7, Landsat 8, and Sentinel 2 images (2017–2022) processed in the Google Earth Engine platform (GEE) and adjusted by random forest, Kappa index, and Global Accuracy. To model the forecasts for 2027, the best-fit formula was chosen according to the criteria of the lowest precision value of the mean absolute percentage error, the mean absolute deviation, and the mean squared deviation. In the three natural regions, but not in all districts, all cover types suggested in the satellite images were classified. We found advantageous situations of agricultural area dynamics (2017–2022) for the coast of up to 80.92 km2 (Guadalupe, 2022), disadvantageous situations for the Sierra, and indistinct situations for the Selva: between −91.52 km2 (Villa Rica, 2022) and 22.76 km2 (Santa Rosa, 2022). The trend analysis allows us to confirm the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the extension dedicated to agriculture. The area dedicated to agriculture in the Peruvian coast experienced a decrease; in the highlands, it increased, and in the jungle, the changes were different for the districts studied. It is expected that these results will allow progress in the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda in its goals 1, 2, and 17.
Structural Characteristics and Evolution of the Dual Network of Patent Technology Collaboration and Innovation in China–Japan–ROK
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Elvis Nguepi Tsafack , Cheng Hua
Published: September 2024

In the context of a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, inter-regional international cooperation is facing fierce competition and sustainable development pressure in domestic, geopolitical, and global industrial chains and that a rational division of labor and coordination of cooperative innovation subjects, key technology nodes, and technology subgroups are of great importance to improve and upgrade the industrial and supply chain cooperation of China–Japan–ROK, as well as to enhance the efficiency of cooperation and innovation. This study uses the patented technical cooperation and innovation dual network structure analysis model and social network analysis (SNA) to analyze the dual network relationship and evolution characteristics of patent technology cooperation and innovation at different stages, based on data from 5912 invention patents applied by China, Japan, and ROK. We find that the China–Japan–ROK patent technology collaboration network is unmatched in size, and the areas of cooperation are expanding on a daily basis. However, the network’s innovation activities have not yet stabilized, and there is still room for collaborative innovation among enterprises to grow and evolve. Multinational corporations in Japan and South Korea have occupied the network’s core position at various times, forming seven key innovation groups with high-tech enterprises such as Samsung Display, Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, NEC, and LEKIN as core nodes. Patents such as H01L, G02F, H04N, H01M, and G02B dominate the key technology nodes and technology subgroups, indicating that high-tech patents such as electronic information technology, semiconductors, displays, and automobile manufacturing are the primary areas of cooperation and innovation between China, Japan, and South Korea.
Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Soil Erosion in the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau during 2000–2030
Authors: Guo Jiahui , Liu Xiaohuang , Liu Jiufen , Zhang Wenbo , Yang Chaolei , Xing Liyuan , Li Hongyu , Luo Xinping , Wang Ran , Mamat Zulpiya , Wang Chao , Zhao Honghui
Published: September 2024

The assessment of soil erosion in a region can provide an effective reference for local ecological environment management. The Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau54 is an important ecological security barrier in southwest China, owing to its unique climatic and environmental characteristics and superior natural resource endowment. The current research focus is the spatial analysis of a certain area. In this study, soil erosion in the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau during 2000–2030 was analyzed and predicted from two aspects of structure and spatial layout by coupling several models. The report also analyzes the shift in the center of gravity of land use and analyzes the drivers of soil erosion, analyzing soil erosion by land use type. The study shows a decreasing trend in the soil erosion modulus from 2000 to 2020 from 1183.69 to 704.58 t·hm−2·a−1, but it is expected to have an increasing trend in the future and will increase to 877.72 t·hm−2·a−1. Analyzing the drivers of soil erosion allows for testing whether the factor affects the spatial distribution of the independent variable and to what extent it explains that dependent variable. This study showed that elevation had the highest explanatory power for soil erosion. Relatively high mountainous areas are often subject to greater soil erosion due to their steep topography, resulting in poorer vegetation cover. The north–south offset distance is greater than the east–west offset distance for forested land, water and unutilized land, and the east–west offset distance is greater than the north–south offset distance for cropland, grassland and built-up land in the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau. The purpose of this study is to identify areas of serious soil erosion vulnerability in the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, and to analyze the driving factors affecting soil erosion vulnerability, so as to provide a basis for regional soil erosion management, and, at the same time, to provide a reference for the government to formulate soil and water conservation measures.
A Framework to Adopt Modern Methods of Construction in Social Housing Projects in Egypt
Authors: Bakhaty Yamen , Udeaja Chika , Levatti Hector U.
Published: September 2024

Egypt, one of the largest countries in Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is facing a severe shortage of low-income housing. Despite implementing several housing policies, the deficit continued to grow, especially with the continuous increase in population and other economic and socio-cultural challenges. The rationale behind this research is to propose MMC as a solution to address the shortage of low-income housing as well as the challenges that the Egyptian construction sector is currently facing. A convergent parallel mixed method approach was adopted for data collection and analysis by merging qualitative and quantitative data to provide comprehensive results. From the results, a framework to adopt MMC in social housing projects was established, consisting of seven main pillars that cover the influencing factors on its implementation. The framework was divided into four phases to ensure successful implementation, including the role of the involved stakeholders during each stage.
Performance Evaluation of Compost of Windrow Turner Machine Using Agriculture Waste Materials
Authors: Hashim Sarfraz , Bashir Rehan , Khan Alamgir Akhtar , Mirani Asif Ali , Shoaib Muhammad , Razzaq Abdul , Ehsan Farrukh , Munir Faseeha
Published: September 2024

Composting is the decomposition of organic matter in an aerobic environment. The windrow turner machine is used to turn the compost piles for efficient composting. It effectively addresses important issues such as managing crop leftovers and disposing of animal waste. This paper evaluates a comparison between mechanized (pile 1) and conventional (pile 2) compost-turning processes and the need for windrow turner machines to manage waste effectively and turn it into nutrient-dense material. This approach not only delivers a practical solution, it also points out the potential for a significant increase in soil fertility and agricultural sustainability. Five samples were taken from each pile at 10 feet intervals for chemical analysis. A total 13,768 kg of the compost yield was collected from pile one and 11,512 kg from pile 2. The study’s findings show that the machine turned a greater cation exchange capacity (CEC) value than the compost manually turned. Pile 1 was turned using a compost windrow turner machine, and pile 2 was turned manually. The CEC values in pile 1 varied from 21.23 meq/100 g dry weight to 68.87 meq/100 g dry weight after eight weeks, while the CEC values in pile 2 increased from 21.23 meq/100 g dry weight to 33.28 meq/100 g dry weight. The value of electrical conductivity (EC) in pile 1 increased from 1.98 ds/m to 11.34 ds/m, whereas in pile 2 it climbed from 1.98 ds/m to 7.86 ds/m after 8 weeks. The C/N ratio of pile 1 dropped to approximately 15 and the concentration of micronutrients increased during the composting process, which indicate mature composted material. The outcomes of this research contribute that mechanical composting emerges as a highly suitable method for efficiently managing the composting process, ensuring uniform decomposition, enhanced aeration, and the production of high-quality compost.
The Issue of Scales for Measuring Parasocial Interaction and Parasocial Relationship between Followers and Influencers on Social Media
Authors: Bizjak Zabukovec Branka , Faganel Armand
Published: September 2024

Social media has introduced influencers and influencer marketing (IM), which is becoming increasingly popular among marketers. The effectiveness of IM is significantly influenced by parasocial interactions (PSI) and parasocial relationships (PSR) that develop between followers and influencers. Historically, a variety of scales have been used to measure PSI and PSR, raising concerns about the comparability of research results. Given the recent growth of IM and the importance of PSI and PSR within it, we aimed to examine how these constructs are measured in IM. We conducted a literature review, analyzing 72 studies focused on the empirical measurement of PSI and PSR. We found a significant heterogeneity in the measurement of PSI and PSR, identifying 26 scales for PSI and 29 scales for PSR, with two scales being used for measuring both PSI and PSR. This high degree of variability among scales that are supposed to measure the same constructs raises questions about the comparability of the results. We identified a critical need for clearer conceptual and empirical differentiation between PSI and PSR, which should be reflected in the development of measurement instruments. It is essential to develop reliable and valid scales that account for these differences and distinctly measure PSI and PSR in IM.
Inventory and Evaluation of Geosites: Case Studies of the Slovak Karst as a Potential Geopark in Slovakia
Authors: Kudla Miroslav , Javorská Miriama , Vašková Jana , Čech Vladimír , Tometzová Dana
Published: September 2024

This study analyzes and evaluates natural and anthropogenic geosites within the potential Geopark Slovak Karst using a slightly modified Geosite Assessment Model (GAM). It focuses on three case studies from this area: Jasovská Cave, Gombasecká Cave, and Domica Cave, including their surroundings. The aforementioned caves represent the primary points of interest and draw in high concentrations of visitors. We aim to highlight opportunities for dispersing visitors to other nearby geosites and encouraging their extended stay in the region. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the highest point values (from 22.5 to 23.5 points) are achieved by three UNESCO caves (Jasovská Cave, Domica Cave, and Baradla Cave). These caves have a high level of both main and additional values. Gombasecká Cave has a total point value of 20.5 points, with a high level of main values and a medium level of additional values. Other geosites reach total point values from 9 to 16 with different levels of main and additional values. The three accessible caves will continue to be the main object of interest for tourists. The networking of other nearby geosites with caves in the form of educational trails and their greater promotion could help visitors stay longer in the region and direct their attention to these geosites. The research methodology used in this study proved to be suitable and we can see its further use in the evaluation of geosites across the entire territory of the potential Geopark Slovak Karst.
Neural Network for Sky Darkness Level Prediction in Rural Areas
Authors: Martínez-Martín Alejandro , Jaramillo-Morán Miguel Ángel , Carmona-Fernández Diego , Calderón-Godoy Manuel , González Juan Félix González
Published: September 2024

A neural network was developed using the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) model to predict the darkness value of the night sky in rural areas. For data collection, a photometer was placed in three different rural locations in the province of Cáceres, Spain, recording darkness values over a period of 23 months. The recorded data were processed, debugged, and used as a training set (75%) and validation set (25%) in the development of an MLP capable of predicting the darkness level for a given date. The network had a single hidden layer of 10 neurons and hyperbolic activation function, obtaining a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.85 and a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 6.8%. The developed model could be employed in unpopulated rural areas for the promotion of sustainable astronomical tourism.
Coat Proteins of the Novel Victoriviruses FaVV1 and FaVV2 Suppress Sexual Reproduction and Virulence in the Pathogen of Fusarium Head Blight
Authors: Cao Shulin , Yang Xiaoyue , Xia Lele , Zhang Xing , Sun Haiyan , Deng Yuanyu , Shu Yan , Zhang Aixiang , Chen Huaigu , Li Wei
Published: September 2024

Fusarium head blight (FHB), a disease inflicted by Fusarium graminearum and F. asiaticum, poses a growing threat to wheat in China, particularly in the face of climate change and evolving agricultural practices. This study unveiled the discovery of the victorivirus FgVV2 from the F. asiaticum strain F16176 and comprehensively characterized the function of the two victoriviruses FaVV1 and FaVV2 in virulence. Through comparative analysis with a virus-free strain, we established that these mycoviruses markedly repress the sexual reproduction and pathogenicity of their fungal hosts. Furthermore, we synthesized the coat protein (CP) genes CP1 from FaVV1 and CP2 from FaVV2, which were fused with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene and successfully expressed in Fusarium strains in wild-type isolates of F. asiaticum and F. graminearum. Similar to virus-infected strains, the transformed strains expressing CPs showed a significant decrease in perithecia formation and pathogenicity. Notably, CP2 exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect than CP1, yet the suppression of sexual reproduction in F. graminearum was less pronounced than that in F. asiaticum. Additionally, the pathogenicity of the F. asiaticum and F. graminearum strains expressing CP1 or CP2 was substantially diminished against wheat heads. The GFP-tagged CP1 and CP2 revealed distinct cellular localization patterns, suggesting various mechanisms of interaction with the host. The findings of this study provide a significant research foundation for the study of the interaction mechanisms between FaVV1 and FaVV2 with their hosts, as well as for the exploration and utilization of fungal viral resources.
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN PJBL TERHADAP PROFIL PELAJAR PANCASILA PESERTA DIDIK SDK PENABUR KOTA WISATA
Authors: Nababan Tiurma , Ristanto Rizhal Hendi , Hakim Lukman El
Published: September 2024

Research describes the experiences of teachers and students in implementing the influence of the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model on the Pancasila student profile at SDK PENABUR Kota Wisata. The research employs a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data collection techniques were conducted through interviews. The analysis of student interview results indicates that students have experiences such as: (1) Students are required to be more creative so that the projects they produce can be interesting. (2) Learning with the PjBL model demands that students not only be creative but also innovative in producing a project. (3) Strengthening the values of togetherness with friends, as project work is carried out in groups. Meanwhile, the analysis of teacher interview results provides insights such as: (1) Teachers are greatly helped in exploring students' soft skills. (2) The PjBL model guides teachers to bring students into learning experiences that are relevant to their daily lives, making the learning very meaningful for both students and teachers. (3) Differences in character among students sometimes require students and teachers to work synergistically so that each group can enjoy the learning process. (4) The diverse levels of IQ and EQ among students demand that teachers, students, and parents work together to ensure the learning process runs well.
Analisis Perbandingan Metode Pra Pemrosesan Citra untuk Deteksi Tepi Canny pada Citra Berbagai Kondisi Jalan menggunakan Bahasa Pemrograman Python
Authors: Wicaksono Damar , Almeyda Diva Putra , Putra Irfan Mikola Muldiyanto , Malihatuningrum Letty
Published: September 2024

Edge detection is one of the essential techniques in digital image processing used to identify sudden changes in pixel intensity in an object. In the context of road marking detection on highways, accurate edge detection plays a crucial role in improving motorist safety and navigation. The Canny Edge Detection method has been proven effective in detecting edges with high accuracy in digital image processing. However, applying Canny Edge Detection on road images in various conditions still requires further research. This research aims to implement the Canny Edge Detection method in road marking detection on highway images. The main stages of this research include image pre-processing, where noise is removed, and the image is converted into a grayscale image to prepare the image before edge detection using the Canny method. In addition, a comparison will be made with several other image pre-processing methods, such as median and bilateral blur, to determine the most effective method for edge detection on road markings. Based on the research results, applying the Canny Edge Detection method with pre-processing using median blur is a practical approach to road marking detection on highway images. This method can produce accurate and optimized edge detection, which can be the basis for developing automatic road marking detection systems on highways. The findings can contribute to the improvement of motorist safety and navigation as well as the development of more accurate and effective edge detection technology on road markings.
Pengembangan Aplikasi Pengendalian ATK Dan Mobil Operasional Pada Departemen Umum Pelindo Regional 1 Menggunakan Metode Waterfall
Authors: Ganda Ricky , Hariyanto Eko , Kurniawan Fahmi
Published: September 2024

PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) is an integrated company based on government strategic initiatives. PT Pelindo Regional 1, which is headquartered at Belawan Port-Medan, has a vast working area covering four provinces, causing the need to support Pelindo Regional 1's operational activities to also be significant, such as office stationery (ATK) and operational cars. The use of ATK or operational cars greatly influences the company's operational costs, which can also affect the company's profits. This research aims to design and implement an application for controlling stationery demand and operational car usage so that it can be monitored effectively and efficiently. The methods used are Waterfall and Unified Modeling Language. The results of implementing this application can make it easier for each work division (user) to submit requests for ATK and use of operational cars and obtain application status information. This application makes it easy for the general department (admin) to control requests for stationery and operational cars and obtain information on the total costs used by each work division from requests for stationery and operational cars approved.
Penerapan Metode Simple Queue dalam manajemen Bandwith Jaringan Komputer Local Area Network (LAN) Pada PT. Uni Gemilang Sentosa Jakarta
Authors: Septyani Herlina , Noviriandini Astrid , Indriyani Luthfi
Published: September 2024

The Internet is a familiar part of business, government education, industry, and even offices, as at PT. Uni Gemilang Sentosa. Network system problems at PT. Ulni Gelmilang Selntosa is the absence of bandwidth management, which regulates the speed of the Internet for the Internet, so that the speed of the Internet is unstable between one and the other, which causes the use of the Internet not to be optimal, especially if someone is carrying out uploads and downloads. Bandwidth management controls and measures communications (network traffic and packets) on a network link to avoid congestion and poor performance. Simple queue is a method for limiting bandwidth by dividing bandwidth from small to medium and managing each user's upload and download bandwidth. One solution for bandwidth to be used more optimally is having bandwidth management using the simple queue method available on the network using MikroTik with bandwidth management at PT. Uni Gemilang internet access becomes smooth between one user and another according to their respective capacities.
Implementasi Aplikasi Penyaluran Pupuk Bersubsidi Pada Wilayah Kecamatan Unter Iwes Menggunakan Metode Rapid Application Development
Authors: Akhir Putra Juniardi , Annursida Arif , Mulyanto Yudi , - Yuliadi
Published: September 2024

Management of distribution and sales of subsidized fertilizer is critical to support farmers' productivity and income—however, the system used by UD. Wahyu, as a subsidized fertilizer distribution kiosk, is still manual, causing several problems. This research aims to design a web-based information system for distributing and selling subsidized fertilizer using the Rapid Application Development (RAD) method. The research method used is a web-based software development method using the RAD model. System specifications include admin, user and owner features. The data collection method uses a qualitative method with stages including observation, interviews and literature study. The system was developed using the Laravel framework and MySQL database. The research results are a web-based application to manage the distribution and sale of subsidized fertilizer. Applications can make it easier to record stock and sales, monitor distribution, and increase the transparency of the sales process. With this application, it is hoped to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of subsidized fertilizer management by UD. Revelation and provide benefits for farmers.