bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of CubeSat Clocks and Their Impacts on GNSS Radio Occultation
Authors: Allahvirdi-Zadeh Amir , Awange Joseph , El-Mowafy Ahmed , Ding Tong , Wang Kan
Published: January 2022

Global Navigation Satellite Systems’ radio occultation (GNSS-RO) provides the upper troposphere-lower stratosphere (UTLS) vertical atmospheric profiles that are complementing radiosonde and reanalysis data. Such data are employed in the numerical weather prediction (NWP) models used to forecast global weather as well as in climate change studies. Typically, GNSS-RO operates by remotely sensing the bending angles of an occulting GNSS signal measured by larger low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. However, these satellites are faced with complexities in their design and costs. CubeSats, on the other hand, are emerging small and cheap satellites; the low prices of building them and the advancements in their components make them favorable for the GNSS-RO. In order to be compatible with GNSS-RO requirements, the clocks of the onboard receivers that are estimated through the precise orbit determination (POD) should have short-term stabilities. This is essential to correctly time tag the excess phase observations used in the derivation of the GNSS-RO UTLS atmospheric profiles. In this study, the stabilities of estimated clocks of a set of CubeSats launched for GNSS-RO in the Spire Global constellation are rigorously analysed and evaluated in comparison to the ultra-stable oscillators (USOs) onboard the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC-2) satellites. Methods for improving their clock stabilities are proposed and tested. The results (i) show improvement of the estimated clocks at the level of several microseconds, which increases their short-term stabilities, (ii) indicate that the quality of the frequency oscillator plays a dominant role in CubeSats’ clock instabilities, and (iii) show that CubeSats’ derived UTLS (i.e., tropopause) atmospheric profiles are comparable to those of COSMIC-2 products and in situ radiosonde observations, which provided external validation products. Different comparisons confirm that CubeSats, even those with unstable onboard clocks, provide high-quality RO profiles, comparable to those of COSMIC-2. The proposed remedies in POD and the advancements of the COTS components, such as chip-scale atomic clocks and better onboard processing units, also present a brighter future for real-time applications that require precise orbits and stable clocks.
Effects and Prospects of the Vibration Isolation Methods for an Atomic Interference Gravimeter
Authors: Gong Wenbin , Li An , Huang Chunfu , Che Hao , Feng Chengxu , Qin Fangjun
Published: January 2022

An atomic interference gravimeter (AIG) is of great value in underwater aided navigation, but one of the constraints on its accuracy is vibration noise. For this reason, technology must be developed for its vibration isolation. Up to now, three methods have mainly been employed to suppress the vibration noise of an AIG, including passive vibration isolation, active vibration isolation and vibration compensation. This paper presents a study on how vibration noise affects the measurement of an AIG, a review of the research findings regarding the reduction of its vibration, and the prospective development of vibration isolation technology for an AIG. Along with the development of small and movable AIGs, vibration isolation technology will be better adapted to the challenging environment and be strongly resistant to disturbance in the future.
Dynamic Packet Duplication for Industrial URLLC
Authors: Segura David , Khatib Emil J. , Barco Raquel
Published: January 2022

The fifth-generation (5G) network is presented as one of the main options for Industry 4.0 connectivity. To comply with critical messages, 5G offers the Ultra-Reliable and Low latency Communications (URLLC) service category with a millisecond end-to-end delay and reduced probability of failure. There are several approaches to achieve these requirements; however, these come at a cost in terms of redundancy, particularly the solutions based on multi-connectivity, such as Packet Duplication (PD). Specifically, this paper proposes a Machine Learning (ML) method to predict whether PD is required at a specific data transmission to successfully send a URLLC message. This paper is focused on reducing the resource usage with respect to pure static PD. The concept was evaluated on a 5G simulator, comparing between single connection, static PD and PD with the proposed prediction model. The evaluation results show that the prediction model reduced the number of packets sent with PD by 81% while maintaining the same level of latency as a static PD technique, which derives from a more efficient usage of the network resources.
Physical Layer Components Security Risks in Optical Fiber Infrastructures
Authors: Spurny Vladimir , Munster Petr , Tomasov Adrian , Horvath Tomas , Skaljo Edvin
Published: January 2022

Optical fiber communications are essential for all types of long- and short-distance transmissions. The aim of this paper is to analyze the previously presented security risks and, based on measurements, provide the risk level evaluation. The major risk is the possibility of inserting a splitter into the optical distribution network and capturing a portion of the entire spectrum, i.e., all channels in the optical fiber. Another significant security risk is crosstalk on multiplexers in networks with wavelength division multiplexing. The paper covers the macrobend attenuation evaluation of fiber and back-reflection measurements. Based on the measurements, risks were evaluated for both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint networks and, lastly, the paper covers crosstalk measurements of an optomechanical switch. Finally, all individual risks are evaluated according to the severity, and a proposal for risk minimization is provided.
Deep Learning-Based Estimation of Reverberant Environment for Audio Data Augmentation
Authors: Yun Deokgyu , Choi Seung Ho
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes an audio data augmentation method based on deep learning in order to improve the performance of dereverberation. Conventionally, audio data are augmented using a room impulse response, which is artificially generated by some methods, such as the image method. The proposed method estimates a reverberation environment model based on a deep neural network that is trained by using clean and recorded audio data as inputs and outputs, respectively. Then, a large amount of a real augmented database is constructed by using the trained reverberation model, and the dereverberation model is trained with the augmented database. The performance of the augmentation model was verified by a log spectral distance and mean square error between the real augmented data and the recorded data. In addition, according to dereverberation experiments, the proposed method showed improved performance compared with the conventional method.
Power Spectral Density Analysis for Optimizing SERS Structures
Authors: Babich Ekaterina , Scherbak Sergey , Lubyankina Ekaterina , Zhurikhina Valentina , Lipovskii Andrey
Published: January 2022

The problem of optimizing the topography of metal structures allowing Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) sensing is considered. We developed a model, which randomly distributes hemispheroidal particles over a given area of the glass substrate and estimates SERS capabilities of the obtained structures. We applied Power Spectral Density (PSD) analysis to modeled structures and to atomic force microscope images widely used in SERS metal island films and metal dendrites. The comparison of measured and calculated SERS signals from differing characteristics structures with the results of PSD analysis of these structures has shown that this approach allows simple identification and choosing a structure topography, which is capable of providing the maximal enhancement of Raman signal within a given set of structures of the same type placed on the substrate.
Multipurpose Bio-Monitored Integrated Circuit in a Contact Lens Eye-Tracker
Authors: Massin Loïc , Lahuec Cyril , Seguin Fabrice , Nourrit Vincent , de Bougrenet de la Tocnaye Jean-Louis
Published: January 2022

We present the design, fabrication, and test of a multipurpose integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) in AMS 0.35 µm Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor technology. This circuit is embedded in a scleral contact lens, combined with photodiodes enabling the gaze direction detection when illuminated and wirelessly powered by an eyewear. The gaze direction is determined by means of a centroid computation from the measured photocurrents. The ASIC is used simultaneously to detect specific eye blinking sequences to validate target designations, for instance. Experimental measurements and validation are performed on a scleral contact lens prototype integrating four infrared photodiodes, mounted on a mock-up eyeball, and combined with an artificial eyelid. The eye-tracker has an accuracy of 0.2°, i.e., 2.5 times better than current mobile video-based eye-trackers, and is robust with respect to process variations, operating time, and supply voltage. Variations of the computed gaze direction transmitted to the eyewear, when the eyelid moves, are detected and can be interpreted as commands based on blink duration or using blinks alternation on both eyes.
The Validity of Wireless Earbud-Type Wearable Sensors for Head Angle Estimation and the Relationships of Head with Trunk, Pelvis, Hip, and Knee during Workouts
Authors: Kim Ae-Ryeong , Park Ju-Hyun , Kim Si-Hyun , Kim Kwang Bok , Park Kyue-Nam
Published: January 2022

The present study was performed to investigate the validity of a wireless earbud-type inertial measurement unit (Ear-IMU) sensor used to estimate head angle during four workouts. In addition, relationships between head angle obtained from the Ear-IMU sensor and the angles of other joints determined with a 3D motion analysis system were investigated. The study population consisted of 20 active volunteers. The Ear-IMU sensor measured the head angle, while a 3D motion analysis system simultaneously measured the angles of the head, trunk, pelvis, hips, and knees during workouts. Comparison with the head angle measured using the 3D motion analysis system indicated that the validity of the Ear-IMU sensor was very strong or moderate in the sagittal and frontal planes. In addition, the trunk angle in the frontal plane showed a fair correlation with the head angle determined with the Ear-IMU sensor during a single-leg squat, reverse lunge, and standing hip abduction; the correlation was poor in the sagittal plane. Our results indicated that the Ear-IMU sensor can be used to directly estimate head motion and indirectly estimate trunk motion.
Comprehensive Direct Georeferencing of Aerial Images for Unmanned Aerial Systems Applications
Authors: Correia Carlos A. M. , Andrade Fabio A. A. , Sivertsen Agnar , Guedes Ihannah Pinto , Pinto Milena Faria , Manhães Aline Gesualdi , Haddad Diego Barreto
Published: January 2022

Optical image sensors are the most common remote sensing data acquisition devices present in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). In this context, assigning a location in a geographic frame of reference to the acquired image is a necessary task in the majority of the applications. This process is denominated direct georeferencing when ground control points are not used. Despite it applies simple mathematical fundamentals, the complete direct georeferencing process involves much information, such as camera sensor characteristics, mounting measurements, attitude and position of the UAS, among others. In addition, there are many rotations and translations between the different reference frames, among many other details, which makes the whole process a considerable complex operation. Another problem is that manufacturers and software tools may use different reference frames posing additional difficulty when implementing the direct georeferencing. As this information is spread among many sources, researchers may face difficulties on having a complete vision of the method. In fact, there is absolutely no paper in the literature that explain this process in a comprehensive way. In order to supply this implicit demand, this paper presents a comprehensive method for direct georeferencing of aerial images acquired by cameras mounted on UAS, where all required information, mathematical operations and implementation steps are explained in detail. Finally, in order to show the practical use of the method and to prove its accuracy, both simulated and real flights were performed, where objects of the acquired images were georeferenced.
Radio Frequency over Fibre Optics Repeater for Mission-Critical Communications: Design, Execution and Test
Authors: Bărtuşică Răzvan-George , Mihai Mădălin , Halunga Simona , Fratu Octavian
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a technical solution that addresses mission-critical communications by extending the radio frequency coverage area using a flexible and scalable architecture. One of the main objectives is to improve both the reaction time and the coordination between mission-critical practitioners, also called public protection and disaster relief users, that operate in emergency scenarios. Mission-critical services such as voice and data should benefit from reliable communication systems that offer high availability, prioritization and flexible architecture. In this paper, we considered Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), the mobile radio standard used for mission-critical communications, as it has been designed in this respect and is widely used by first responder organizations. Even if RF coverage is designed before network deployment and continuously updated during the lifetime of the technology, some white areas may exist and should be covered by supplementary base stations or repeaters. The model presented in this paper is an optical repeater for TETRA standard that can offer up to 52.6 dB downlink, 65.6 dB uplink gain and up to 3.71 km coverage distance in a radiating cable installation scenario. The design in not limited, as it can be extended to several different mobile radio standards using the same principle. Flexibility and scalability attributes are taken into consideration, as they can build a cost-effective deployment considering both capital and operational expenditures.
Towards the Automation of Infrared Thermography Inspections for Industrial Maintenance Applications
Authors: Venegas Pablo , Ivorra Eugenio , Ortega Mario , Sáez de Ocáriz Idurre
Published: January 2022

The maintenance of industrial equipment extends its useful life, improves its efficiency, reduces the number of failures, and increases the safety of its use. This study proposes a methodology to develop a predictive maintenance tool based on infrared thermographic measures capable of anticipating failures in industrial equipment. The thermal response of selected equipment in normal operation and in controlled induced anomalous operation was analyzed. The characterization of these situations enabled the development of a machine learning system capable of predicting malfunctions. Different options within the available conventional machine learning techniques were analyzed, assessed, and finally selected for electronic equipment maintenance activities. This study provides advances towards the robust application of machine learning combined with infrared thermography and augmented reality for maintenance applications of industrial equipment. The predictive maintenance system finally selected enables automatic quick hand-held thermal inspections using 3D object detection and a pose estimation algorithm, making predictions with an accuracy of 94% at an inference time of 0.006 s.
A Novel Pulsed Eddy Current Criterion for Non-Ferromagnetic Metal Thickness Quantifications under Large Liftoff
Authors: Wang Haowen , Huang Jiangbo , Liu Longhuan , Qin Shanqiang , Fu Zhihong
Published: January 2022

The pulsed eddy current (PEC) inspection is considered a versatile non-destructive evaluation technique, and it is widely used in metal thickness quantifications for structural health monitoring and target recognition. However, for non-ferromagnetic conductors covered with non-uniform thick insulating layers, there are still deficiencies in the current schemes. The main purpose of this study is to find an effective feature, to measure wall thinning under the large lift-off variations, and further expand application of the PEC technology. Therefore, a novel method named the dynamic apparent time constant (D-ATC) is proposed based on the coil-coupling model. It associates the dynamic behavior of the induced eddy current with the geometric dimensions of the non-ferromagnetic metallic component by the time and amplitude features of the D-ATC curve. Numeral calculations and experiments show that the time signature is immune to large lift-off variations.
Novel Model Based on Artificial Neural Networks to Predict Short-Term Temperature Evolution in Museum Environment
Authors: Bile Alessandro , Tari Hamed , Grinde Andreas , Frasca Francesca , Siani Anna Maria , Fazio Eugenio
Published: January 2022

The environmental microclimatic characteristics are often subject to fluctuations of considerable importance, which can cause irreparable damage to art works. We explored the applicability of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to the Cultural Heritage area, with the aim of predicting short-term microclimatic values based on data collected at Rosenborg Castle (Copenhagen), housing the Royal Danish Collection. Specifically, this study applied the NAR (Nonlinear Autoregressive) and NARX (Nonlinear Autoregressive with Exogenous) models to the Rosenborg microclimate time series. Even if the two models were applied to small datasets, they have shown a good adaptive capacity predicting short-time future values. This work explores the use of AI in very short forecasting of microclimate variables in museums as a potential tool for decision-support systems to limit the climate-induced damages of artworks within the scope of their preventive conservation. The proposed model could be a useful support tool for the management of the museums.
Energy-Efficient Harmonic Transponder Based on On-Off Keying Modulation for Both Identification and Sensing
Authors: Palazzi Valentina , Roselli Luca , Tentzeris Manos M. , Mezzanotte Paolo , Alimenti Federico
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a novel passive Schottky-diode frequency doubler equipped with an on-off keying (OOK) modulation port to be used in harmonic transponders for both identification and sensing applications. The amplitude modulation of the second-harmonic output signal is achieved by driving a low-frequency MOSFET, which modifies the dc impedance termination of the doubler. Since the modulation signal is applied to the gate port of the transistor, no static current is drained. A proof-of-concept prototype was manufactured and tested, operating at 1.04 GHz. An on/off ratio of 23 dB was observed in the conversion loss of the doubler for an available input power of −10 dBm. The modulation port of the circuit was excited with a square wave (fm up to 15 MHz), and the measured sidebands in the spectrum featured a good agreement with the theory. Then, the doubler was connected to a harmonic antenna system and tested in a wireless experiment for fm up to 1 MHz, showing an excellent performance. Finally, an experiment was conducted where the output signal of the doubler was modulated by a reed switch used to measure the rotational speed of an electrical motor. This work opens the door to a new class of frequency doublers, suitable for ultra low-power harmonic transponders for identification and sensing applications.
A Dielectric Elastomer-Based Multimodal Capacitive Sensor
Authors: Zhu Yuting , Giffney Tim , Aw Kean
Published: January 2022

Dielectric elastomer (DE) sensors have been widely used in a wide variety of applications, such as in robotic hands, wearable sensors, rehabilitation devices, etc. A unique dielectric elastomer-based multimodal capacitive sensor has been developed to quantify the pressure and the location of any touch simultaneously. This multimodal sensor is a soft, flexible, and stretchable dielectric elastomer (DE) capacitive pressure mat that is composed of a multi-layer soft and stretchy DE sensor. The top layer measures the applied pressure, while the underlying sensor array enables location identification. The sensor is placed on a passive elastomeric substrate in order to increase deformation and optimize the sensor’s sensitivity. This DE multimodal capacitive sensor, with pressure and localization capability, paves the way for further development with potential applications in bio-mechatronics technology and other humanoid devices. The sensor design could be useful for robotic and other applications, such as fruit picking or as a bio-instrument for the diabetic insole.
Happy Sustainability: A Future Quest for More Sustainable Universities
Authors: Gamage Kelum A. A. , Munguia Nora , Velazquez Luis
Published: January 2022

For decades, sustainability researchers have tenaciously insisted on transforming higher education institutions into more sustainable and inclusive campuses. Yet, as the 2030 agenda seems unlikely to be achieved, universities are struggling to meet the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) before the 2030 deadline. In addition, the post-COVID-19 era demands quality and inclusive education that entails care for students experiencing high stress levels. So far, most of the significant achievements are within the environmental or economic dimensions of sustainable development, but strengthening the social dimension is still one pending task. The importance of happiness to sustainability initiatives on campus, and beyond, deserves further research. To this end, this article offers insights into incorporating the sustainability–happiness nexus into sustainable universities to enhance the social dimension of sustainability. COVID-19 reminds sustainability academics and stakeholders that teaching technical and scientific knowledge is necessary to become more sustainable. Still, it is not sufficient to achieve the goals in the 2030 agenda. Providing inclusive and sustainable quality education will be reached when more sustainable universities consider happiness the ultimate goal of human development.
Long-Term Biosolids Application on Land: Beneficial Recycling of Nutrients or Eutrophication of Agroecosystems?
Authors: McBride Murray B.
Published: January 2022

The impact of repeated application of alkaline biosolids (sewage sludge) products over more than a decade on soil concentrations of nutrients and trace metals, and potential for uptake of these elements by crops was investigated by analyzing soils from farm fields near Oklahoma City. Total, extractable (by the Modified Morgan test), and water-soluble elements, including macronutrients and trace metals, were measured in biosolids-amended soils and, for comparison, in soils that had received little or no biosolids. Soil testing showed that the biosolids-amended soils had higher pH and contained greater concentrations of organic carbon, N, S, P, and Ca than the control soils. Soil extractable P concentrations in the biosolids-amended soils averaged at least 10 times the recommended upper limit for agricultural soils, with P in the amended soils more labile and soluble than the P in control soils. Several trace elements (most notably Zn, Cu, and Mo) had higher total and extractable concentrations in the amended soils compared to the controls. A radish plant assay revealed greater phytoavailability of Zn, P, Mo, and S (but not Cu) in the amended soils. The excess extractable and soluble P in these biosolids-amended soils has created a long-term source of slow-release P that may contribute to the eutrophication of adjacent surface waters and contamination of groundwater. While the beneficial effects of increased soil organic carbon on measures of “soil health” have been emphasized in past studies of long-term biosolids application, the present study reveals that these benefits may be offset by negative impacts on soils, crops, and the environment from excessive nutrient loading.
Urban Form Dynamics and Modelling towards Sustainable Hinterland Development in North Cianjur, Jakarta–Bandung Mega-Urban Region
Authors: Jatayu Anoraga , Saizen Izuru , Rustiadi Ernan , Pribadi Didit Okta , Juanda Bambang
Published: January 2022

The urban form is the physical configuration of a city, developed over time and space. Urban form can be considered at different scales, from region to neighborhood, each carrying a different focus. North Cianjur serves as the hinterland and one of the conurbation corridors of the Jakarta–Bandung Mega-Urban Region, meaning that the balance between its function as an environmental buffer area and the destination of urban growth needs to be planned carefully. This paper explores the dynamics in North Cianjur and employs several model scenarios as a planning intervention using landscape dynamic tools and land-change modeling, with three scenarios employed: Business as Usual (BAU), Spatial Planning Policy (SPP), and Urban Containment (UCT). The result show that North Cianjur has transformed into a polycentric region with two urban zones, a peri-urban zone, and a rural zone in the northernmost part of the region. Urban form trends show a sprawling built-up pattern outside urban zones, and a compacted trend in urban zones due to expansion from the Jakarta and Bandung Metropolitan Area. UCT models appear to be the most optimal for implementation in North Cianjur, representing a way to accommodate urban growth and expansion inside the urban center while still maintaining regional sustainability.
Online Streaming Features Selection via Markov Blanket
Authors: Khan Waqar , Kong Lingfu , Brekhna Brekhna , Wang Ling , Yan Huigui
Published: January 2022

Streaming feature selection has always been an excellent method for selecting the relevant subset of features from high-dimensional data and overcoming learning complexity. However, little attention is paid to online feature selection through the Markov Blanket (MB). Several studies based on traditional MB learning presented low prediction accuracy and used fewer datasets as the number of conditional independence tests is high and consumes more time. This paper presents a novel algorithm called Online Feature Selection Via Markov Blanket (OFSVMB) based on a statistical conditional independence test offering high accuracy and less computation time. It reduces the number of conditional independence tests and incorporates the online relevance and redundant analysis to check the relevancy between the upcoming feature and target variable T, discard the redundant features from Parents-Child (PC) and Spouses (SP) online, and find PC and SP simultaneously. The performance OFSVMB is compared with traditional MB learning algorithms including IAMB, STMB, HITON-MB, BAMB, and EEMB, and Streaming feature selection algorithms including OSFS, Alpha-investing, and SAOLA on 9 benchmark Bayesian Network (BN) datasets and 14 real-world datasets. For the performance evaluation, F1, precision, and recall measures are used with a significant level of 0.01 and 0.05 on benchmark BN and real-world datasets, including 12 classifiers keeping a significant level of 0.01. On benchmark BN datasets with 500 and 5000 sample sizes, OFSVMB achieved significant accuracy than IAMB, STMB, HITON-MB, BAMB, and EEMB in terms of F1, precision, recall, and running faster. It finds more accurate MB regardless of the size of the features set. In contrast, OFSVMB offers substantial improvements based on mean prediction accuracy regarding 12 classifiers with small and large sample sizes on real-world datasets than OSFS, Alpha-investing, and SAOLA but slower than OSFS, Alpha-investing, and SAOLA because these algorithms only find the PC set but not SP. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis shows that OFSVMB is more accurate in selecting the optimal features.
Velocity-Free State Feedback Fault-Tolerant Control for Satellite with Actuator and Sensor Faults
Authors: Liu Mingjun , Zhang Aihua , Xiao Bing
Published: January 2022

A velocity-free state feedback fault-tolerant control approach is proposed for the rigid satellite attitude stabilization problem subject to velocity-free measurements and actuator and sensor faults. First, multiplicative faults and additive faults are considered in the actuator and the sensor. The faults and system states are extended into a new augmented vector. Then, an improved sliding mode observer based on the augmented vector is presented to estimate unknown system states and actuator and sensor faults simultaneously. Next, a velocity-free state feedback attitude controller is designed based on the information from the observer. The controller compensates for the effects of actuator and sensor faults and asymptotically stabilizes the attitude. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Experimental and Numerical Peeling Investigation on Aged Multi-Layer Anti-Shatter Safety Films (ASFs) for Structural Glass Retrofit
Authors: Mattei Silvana , Cozzarini Luca , Bedon Chiara
Published: January 2022

Anti-shatter safety films (ASFs) are often used for structural glass applications. The goal is to improve the response of monolithic elements and prevent fragments from shattering. Thus, the main reason behind their use is the possibility to upgrade safety levels against the brittle failure of glass and minimize the number of possible injuries. However, the impact response of glass elements bonded with Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-films and pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) still represents a research topic of open discussion. Major challenges derive from material characterization and asymmetrical variability under design loads and ageing. In particular, the measurement of interface mechanical characteristics for the adhesive layer in contact with glass is a primary parameter for the ASF choice optimization. For this reason, the present paper presents an experimental campaign aimed at calibrating some basic mechanical parameters that provide the characterization of constitutive models, such as tensile properties (yielding stress and Young modulus) for PET-film and adhesive properties for PSA (energy fracture and peel force). In doing so, both tensile tests for PET-films and peeling specimens are taken into account for a commercially available ASF, given that the peeling test protocol is one of most common methods for the definition of adhesion properties. Moreover, an extensive calibration of the Finite Element (FE) model is performed in order to conduct a parametric numerical analysis of ASF bonded glass solutions. Furthermore, a Kinloch approach typically used to determine the fracture energy of a given tape by considering a variable peel angle, is also adopted to compare the outcomes of calibration analyses and FE investigations on the tested specimens. Finally, a study of the effect of multiple aspects is also presented. The results of the experimental program and the following considerations confirm the rate dependence and ageing dependence in peel tests.
A Critical Review of Works Pertinent to the Einstein-Bohr Debate and Bell’s Theorem
Authors: Hess Karl
Published: January 2022

This review is related to the Einstein-Bohr debate and to Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen’s (EPR) and Bohm’s (EPRB) Gedanken-experiments as well as their realization in actual experiments. I examine a significant number of papers, from my minority point of view and conclude that the well-known theorems of Bell and Clauser, Horne, Shimony and Holt (CHSH) deal with mathematical abstractions that have only a tenuous relation to quantum theory and the actual EPRB experiments. It is also shown that, therefore, Bell-CHSH cannot be used to assess the nature of quantum entanglement, nor can physical features of entanglement be used to prove Bell-CHSH. Their proofs are, among other factors, based on a statistical sampling argument that is invalid for general physical entities and processes and only applicable for finite “populations”; not for elements of physical reality that are linked, for example, to a time-like continuum. Bell-CHSH have, furthermore, neglected the subtleties of the theorem of Vorob’ev that includes their theorems as special cases. Vorob’ev found that certain combinatorial-topological cyclicities of classical random variables form a necessary and sufficient condition for the constraints that are now known as Bell-CHSH inequalities. These constraints, however, must not be linked to the observables of quantum theory nor to the actual EPRB experiments for a variety of reasons, including the existence of continuum-related variables and appropriate considerations of symmetry.
Quantum Gravity Phenomenology from the Thermodynamics of Spacetime
Authors: Alonso-Serrano Ana , Liška Marek
Published: January 2022

This work is based on the formalism developed in the study of the thermodynamics of spacetime used to derive Einstein equations from the proportionality of entropy within an area. When low-energy quantum gravity effects are considered, an extra logarithmic term in the area is added to the entropy expression. Here, we present the derivation of the quantum modified gravitational dynamics from this modified entropy expression and discuss its main features. Furthermore, we outline the application of the modified dynamics to cosmology, suggesting the replacement of the Big Bang singularity with a regular bounce.
Dissecting the Mycobacterium bovis BCG Response to Macrophage Infection to Help Prioritize Targets for Anti-Tuberculosis Drug and Vaccine Discovery
Authors: Medley Jamie , Goff Aaron , Bettencourt Paulo J. G. , Dare Madelaine , Cole Liam , Cantillon Daire , Waddell Simon J.
Published: January 2022

New strategies are required to reduce the worldwide burden of tuberculosis. Intracellular survival and replication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis after macrophage phagocytosis is a fundamental step in the complex host–pathogen interactions that lead to granuloma formation and disease. Greater understanding of how the bacterium survives and thrives in these environments will inform novel drug and vaccine discovery programs. Here, we use in-depth RNA sequencing of Mycobacterium bovis BCG from human THP-1 macrophages to describe the mycobacterial adaptations to the intracellular environment. We identify 329 significantly differentially regulated genes, highlighting cholesterol catabolism, the methylcitrate cycle and iron homeostasis as important for mycobacteria inside macrophages. Examination of multi-functional gene families revealed that 35 PE/PPE genes and five cytochrome P450 genes were upregulated 24 h after infection, highlighting pathways of potential significance. Comparison of the intracellular transcriptome to gene essentiality and immunogenicity studies identified 15 potential targets that are both required for intracellular survival and induced on infection, and eight upregulated genes that have been demonstrated to be immunogenic in TB patients. Further insight into these new and established targets will support drug and vaccine development efforts.
Vaccination Schedule under Conditions of Limited Vaccine Production Rate
Authors: Książek Roger , Kapłan Radosław , Gdowska Katarzyna , Łebkowski Piotr
Published: January 2022

The paper is devoted to optimal vaccination scheduling during a pandemic to minimize the probability of infection. The recent COVID-19 pandemic showed that the international community is not properly prepared to manage a crisis of this scale. Just after the vaccines had been approved by medical agencies, the policymakers needed to decide on the distribution strategy. To successfully fight the pandemic, the key is to find the equilibrium between the vaccine distribution schedule and the available supplies caused by limited production capacity. This is why society needs to be divided into stratified groups whose access to vaccines is prioritized. Herein, we present the problem of distributing protective actions (i.e., vaccines) and formulate two mixed-integer programs to solve it. The problem of distributing protective actions (PDPA) aims at finding an optimal schedule for a given set of social groups with a constant probability of infection. The problem of distributing protective actions with a herd immunity threshold (PDPAHIT) also includes a variable probability of infection, i.e., the situation when herd immunity is obtained. The results of computational experiments are reported and the potential of the models is illustrated with examples.
Immunogenicity of a Two-Dose Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Schedule in HIV-Infected Adolescents with Immune Reconstitution
Authors: Rungmaitree Supattra , Thepthai Charin , Toh Zheng Quan , Musiwiraphat Noppasit , Maleesatharn Alan , Rermruay Rattanachai , Sungkate Sathida , Phongsamart Wanatpreeya , Lapphra Keswadee , Wittawatmongkol Orasri , Dharakul Tararaj , Mulholland Kim , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya
Published: January 2022

HIV-infected patients are at increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) acquisition and HPV-associated diseases. This study set out to determine whether a two-dose (2D) HPV vaccination schedule was sufficient in HIV-infected adolescents with immune reconstitution (IR) following antiretroviral treatment. Participants aged 9–15 years who had CD4 cell counts > 500 cells/mm3 and HIV-1 RNA < 40 copies/mL for at least one year were assigned to the 2D schedule, while older participants or those without IR received a three-dose (3D) schedule. Antibodies to HPV-16 and -18 were measured using a pseudovirion-based neutralization assay. A total of 96 subjects were enrolled; 31.3% and 68.7% received the 2D and 3D schedule, respectively. Of these, 66.7% and 57.6% of the 2D and 3D participants, respectively, were male. The seroconversion rates for HPV-16 and HPV-18 were 100% in all cases, except for HPV-18 in males who received the 3D schedule (97.4%). In males, the anti-HPV-16 geometric mean titers (GMTs) were 6859.3 (95% confidence interval, 4394.3–10,707.1) and 7011.1 (4648.8–10,573.9) in the 2D and 3D groups (p = 0.946), respectively, and the anti-HPV-18 GMTs were 2039.3 (1432.2–2903.8) and 2859.8 (1810.0–4518.4) in the 2D and 3D (p = 0.313) groups, respectively. In females, the anti-HPV-16 GMTs were 15,758.7 (8868.0–28,003.4) and 26,241.6 (16,972.7–40,572.3) in the 2D and 3D groups (p = 0.197), respectively, and the anti-HPV-18 GMTs were 5971.4 (3026.8–11,780.6) and 9993.1 (5950.8–16,781.1) in the 2D and 3D groups (p = 0.271), respectively. In summary, a 2D schedule is as immunogenic in young adolescents with IR as a 3D schedule in older subjects and those without IR.
Environmental Hazards of an Unrecultivated Liquid Waste Disposal Site on Soil and Groundwater
Authors: Mester Tamás , Szabó György , Sajtos Zsófi , Baranyai Edina , Szabó Gergely , Balla Dániel
Published: January 2022

Disposal sites without adequate engineering controls pose a significant risk to the environment. In the present study, the environmental hazards of an abandoned and unrecultivated liquid waste disposal are investigated with a special focus on soil and shallow groundwater contamination. After a period of operation from 1994 to 2010, when the wastewater collection of the municipality was regulated, the disposal site was subsequently decommissioned without further action. Eight monitoring wells have been established in the disposal basins and in the surrounding area to determine the contamination of the site. Sampling took place in the summers of 2020 and 2021. The results of the analysis of the soil and water samples collected showed a high level of contamination in the area. In the borehole profile of the infiltration basin, a well-developed leachate nitrate profile was observed, with a concentration above 3000 mg/kg NO3−. The soil phosphate content was also significant, with a value of over 1900 mg/kg in the upper 40 cm layer. Extremely high concentrations of ammonium (>45 mg/L) and organic matter (>90 mg/L) were detected in the groundwater of the basins, indicating that contaminated soil remains a major source of pollutants more than 10 years after closure. For all micro- and macroelements present in detectable concentrations, a significant increase was observed in the infiltration basin. Our results have revealed that the surroundings are also heavily contaminated. NO3− concentrations above the contamination limit were measured outside the basins. Recultivation of liquid waste disposal sites of similar characteristics is therefore strongly recommended.
Stochastic Flood Risk Assessment under Climate Change Scenarios for Toronto, Canada Using CAPRA
Authors: Rincón Daniela , Velandia Juan Felipe , Tsanis Ioannis , Khan Usman T.
Published: January 2022

Amongst all natural disasters, floods have the greatest economic and social impacts worldwide, and their frequency is expected to increase due to climate change. Therefore, improved flood risk assessment is important for implementing flood mitigation measures in urban areas. The increasing need for quantifying the impacts of flooding have resulted in the development of methods for flood risk assessment. The aim of this study was to quantify flood risk under climate change scenarios in the Rockcliffe area within the Humber River watershed in Toronto, Canada, by using the Comprehensive Approach to Probabilistic Risk Assessment (CAPRA) method. CAPRA is a platform for stochastic disaster risk assessment that allows for the characterization of uncertainty in the underlying numerical models. The risk was obtained by integrating the (i) flood hazard, which considered future rainfall based on the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5) for three time periods (short-term: 2020–2049, medium-term: 2040–2069, and long-term: 2070–2099); (ii) exposed assets within a flood-prone region; (iii) vulnerability functions, which quantified the damage to an asset at different hazard levels. The results revealed that rainfall intensities are likely to increase during the 21st century in the study area, leading to an increase in flood hazards, higher economic costs, and social impacts for the majority of the scenarios. The highest impacts were found for the climate scenario RCP 8.5 for the long-term period and the lowest for RCP 4.5 for the short-term period. The results from this modeling approach can be used for planning purposes in a floodplain management study. The modeling approach identifies critical areas that need to be protected to mitigate future flood risks. Higher resolution climate change and field data are needed to obtain detailed results required for a final design that will mitigate these risks.
Optimization and Analysis of Electric Vehicle Operation with Fast-Charging Technologies
Authors: Al-Saadi Mohammed , Mathes Manuel , Käsgen Johannes , Robert Koffrie , Mayrock Matthias , Mierlo Joeri Van , Berecibar Maitane
Published: January 2022

This work presents three demos, which include Electric Buses (EBs) from four various brands with lengths of 12 m and 18 m and an Electric Truck (E-truck) for refuse collection. The technical operation of these EVs were analyzed to implement further operational cost optimization on the demo vehicles. The Electric Vehicles (EVs) were tested against superfast-charging solutions based on Pantograph (Type A & Type B) on the route lines (and depots) and based on Combined Charging System Type 2 (CCS2, Combo2) from various brands to validate the interoperability among several vendors and support further EV integration with more affordable solutions. The optimization includes the calculation of the EBs’ consumption at various seasons and under various operating conditions in order to use optimum battery system design, heating system, optimum EB fleet operation and size and to find the charging solutions properly. The results showed that the EB consumption increases in some cases by 64.5% in wintertime due to heating systems, and the consumption in urban areas is more than that on the route lines outside cities. In the E-truck demo, where the electric heater was replaced with a heat-pump to optimize the energy consumption, it was found that the consumption of the heat-pump is about half of the electric heater under certain operating conditions. Under strict EB schedule, Pantograph charging solutions with power ratings of 300–600 kW have been adopted to charge the batteries of the EBs within 4–10 min. In order to minimize the cumulative costs of energy, (pantograph) charging infrastructure depreciation and battery degradation, as well as depot charging (at the bus operator’s depot), was adopted with a power level of 50–350 kW based on CCS2 and pantograph.
PLAN DE MARKETING INTEGRAL PARA LA COOPERATIVA DE AHORRO Y CRÉDITO SAN JOSÉ LTDA.
Authors: Velasteguí Bósquez Grace Alexandra , Estrada Miño Elsa Elisa
Published: January 2022

Se realizó un estudio en la entidad financiera Cooperativa San José Ltda., con el objetivo de proponer un Plan de Marketing Integral que permita acrecentar la rentabilidad social y financiera del lugar en estudio. Basada en una metodología aplicada, con un diseño, documental de campo; no experimental. Los enfoques aplicados fueron cualitativo y cuantitativo, los métodos empleados fueron inductivo, deductivo, analítico, sintético y sistemático. Se utilizó como técnica la entrevista estructurada y la etnografía. La muestra, se conformó por el gerente general, jefe de negocios y jefe de marketing, en caso de los socio, 16 representantes de la institución. El resultado se centró en la necesidad de actualizar y mejorar el plan de marketing en referencia a la dinámica actual del mercado. Se concluye que con la propuesta se fortalece la cultura institucional, medios de comunicación tradicionales y digitales, así que, se recomienda la aplicabilidad del Plan de Marketing Integral.
Сравнительный анализ эффективности дросселированных электрических ракетных двигателей постоянной мощности для межорбитальных перелетов на геоста
Authors: Васильев Игорь Юриевич , Кифоренко Борис Никитович , Ткаченко Ярослав Владимирович
Published: January 2022

Осуществление перелетов космических аппаратов в околоземном пространстве с промежуточных эллиптических орбит на геостационарную с использованием электрических ракетных двигателей (ЭРД) малой тяги является одной из самых актуальных задач современной космонавтики. ЭРД, скорость истечения реактивной струи которых на порядок больше, чем у химических РД, лучше для межорбитальных околоземных перелетов с максимальной полезной нагрузкой в случае, когда существенное увеличение продолжительности маневра является допустимым. Дросселирование тяги ракетного двигателя традиционно рассматривается как один из способов понижения массы двигательной установки и необходимого запаса топлива для выполнения заданного маневра. Использование концепции идеально регулируемого двигателя обеспечивает получение верхних оценок массы полезной нагрузки межорбитальных перелетов для выбранного уровня мощности. Учет свойств реальных двигателей приводит к необходимости рассмотрения математических моделей с более жесткими ограничениями на управление. Проведено исследование эффективности трех режимов управления тягой ЭРД при выполнении практически интересных перелетов с высокоэллиптических промежуточных околоземных орбит на геостационарные. Построена математическая модель релейного ЭРД постоянной мощности. Дана формулировка вариационной задачи типа Майера о выполнении заданного динамического маневра космического аппарата для дро-сельированного и нерегулируемого двигателей постоянной мощности. С использованием принципа максимума Понтрягина проведен анализ оптимальных управляющих функций, для которых выписаны конечные соотношения, позволившие записать систему дифференциальных уравнений оптимального движения космического аппарата, оснащенного релейным двигателем. Полученные численные и качественные результаты исследования эффективности различных режимов управления тягой для увеличения полезной нагрузки заданного орбитального маневра подтвердили корректность математических моделей дросселированного и релейного двигателей и, в целом, эффективность использования решений усредненных уравнений оптимального движения космического аппарата для численного решения соответствующих краевых задач в точной. постановке.