bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Energy-Efficient Adaptive Speed-Regulating Method for Pump-Controlled Motor Hydrostatic Drive Powertrains
Authors: Wang Huashuai , Zhang Yanbin , An Zhangshun , Liu Rongsheng
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a closed hydrostatic drive powertrain (HSDP) composed of an engine, a variable pump, a variable motor, and an energy-efficient adaptive speed-regulating controller (ADC) based on power following is proposed and investigated. The controller can more than guarantee accurate regulation of motor speed through online efficiency estimation based on established loss models of the pump and the motor. It also facilitates the optimal efficiency control of the engine and hydrostatic system through two redundant control freedoms of the HSDP system, making an energy-saving adjustment of the motor speed. At the same time, the controller can prevent engine overload stall and high system pressure by limiting the displacement of the pumps and motors in real time based on the system loads to improve the automatic adaptability of the system to varying loads. Field testing experiments performed by means of a heavy transportation vehicle under different conditions were conducted to verify the efficacy of the proposed controller. The results showed that the average errors of motor speed were 3.3% under empty load conditions and 9.6% under heavy load conditions. In terms of energy saving, comparison tests involving a rule-based controller (RBC) and the ADC were carried out, and the results showed that the energy-saving ratio of the ADC was at least 11.5% and up to 25.8% under empty load conditions and at least 2.8% and up to 9% under heavy load conditions. The ADC controller showed good performance in terms of speed control, load adaptability, and energy saving and a superior advantage due to its simple structure and ease of implementation. Therefore, the proposed controller is an excellent choice for the real-time control of machinery with an HSDP system, especially heavy-duty machinery.
Smart Design of Hip Replacement Prostheses Using Additive Manufacturing and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Milone Dario , D’Andrea Danilo , Santonocito Dario
Published: December 2023

The field of additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing, has ushered in a significant transformation in the realm of joint arthritis treatment through prosthetic surgery. This innovative technology allows for the creation of bespoke prosthetic devices that are tailored to meet the specific needs of individual patients. These devices are constructed using high-performance materials, including titanium and cobalt-chrome alloys. Nevertheless, the routine physical activities of patients, such as walking, sitting, and running, can induce wear and tear on the materials comprising these prosthetic devices, subsequently diminishing their functionality and durability. In response to this challenge, this research has endeavored to leverage novel techniques. The primary focus of this study lies in the development of an algorithm designed to optimize hip replacement procedures via the mechanical design of the prosthesis. This optimization process exploits the capabilities of machine learning algorithms, multi-body dynamics, and finite element method (FEM) simulations. The paramount innovation in this methodology is the capacity to design a prosthetic system that intricately adapts to the distinctive characteristics of each patient (weight, height, gait cycle). The primary objective of this research is to enhance the performance and longevity of prosthetic devices by improving their fatigue strength. The evaluation of load distribution on the prosthetic device, facilitated by FEM simulations, anticipates a substantial augmentation in the useful life of the prosthetic system. This research holds promise as a notable advancement in prosthetic technology, offering a more efficacious treatment option for patients suffering from joint arthritis. The aim of this research is to make meaningful contributions to the enhancement of patient quality of life and the long-term performance of prosthetic devices.
The Catechism through Andean Eyes: Reflections on Post-Tridentine Reform in Inca Garcilaso de la Vega’s Comentarios reales
Authors: Charles John
Published: December 2023

The depiction of Andean religion in the Comentarios reales de los incas (1609, 1617) has centered on Garcilaso de la Vega’s providential interpretation of Inca pagan governance and the influence of the Christian humanist traditions that he mastered as an adult in Spain. However, scholars have not adequately recognized his attention to the ecclesiastical debates regarding the persistence of Inca cult beliefs and practices in the colonial Andean society of his day. This paper examines a new source for understanding the chronicler’s portrayal of Inca religion, the catechisms and canon decrees of South America’s definitive post-Tridentine assembly, the Third Provincial Council of Lima (1582–1583), which established the Church’s official stance on the fundamental “idolatry” of Inca morality and ritual customs and the need for their extirpation. It will be argued that Garcilaso’s knowledge of natural and canon law provided the basis for his defense of the Incas’ religion and justice system and his criticisms of the anti-Inca tenor of the council’s directives on Andean custom and intercultural dialogue. The chronicler’s response to the council’s pronouncements on the ritual of penance, in particular, offers novel insights about the indigenous reception of the Church’s missionary regime within an orthodox and culturally-integrated vision for Andean Christianity.
I Am Young, Religious and/or Spiritual—Is It Beneficial to Me? Association of Religiosity, Spirituality and Images of God with Meaning in Life and Self-Esteem in Adolescents
Authors: Kosarkova Alice , Roubalova Marcela Fojtikova
Published: December 2023

Religiosity and spirituality (R/S) have been suggested to be positive factors in adolescents’ well-being and development. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship of R/S and images of God with meaning in life and self-esteem in adolescents in a secular environment. A sample of Czech adolescents (n = 984, mean age 16.61, SD 1.21; 28% male) participated in an online survey. We measured religiosity, religious affiliation (Raf), religious attendance (Ratt), spirituality, images of God (IMG), meaning in life (ML), subdivided into components of presence (ML-P) and search (ML-S), and adolescents’ self-esteem (ASE). Religiosity, Raf, Ratt, and a higher level of spirituality were associated with ML-P, with odds ratios (OR) ranging from 1.56 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34–1.80) for spirituality to 1.88 (1.27–2.80) for church affiliation. ML-S was associated with religiosity, OR 1.41 (1.10–1.82), and spirituality, OR 1.73 (1.51–2.00). No associations were found for self-esteem. The combination of spirituality with Raf and Ratt led to associations with ML-P, ML-S, and ASE for those who were spiritual and affiliated/non-affiliated, with ORsof 2.14–6.00, as well as for those who were spiritual and attending/non-attending, with ORs of 1.84–4.84. Respondents who reported positive images of God were more likely to report an increase in ML-P, ML-S, and ASE, whereas those reporting negative images were more likely to report a decrease. Our findings suggest that R/S, in particular their mutual interactions with higher levels of spirituality and images of God, are associated with adolescent development and encourage the internalisation of R/S values among youth.
Biopolitics, Immunity, and Religion: A Brief Critical Reading of Roberto Esposito
Authors: Duque João Manuel
Published: December 2023

In Western culture, it is possible to trace an archeology of the political as an effect of theological-political devices (essentially Christian-inspired). If we add to this the evolution of politics, in modern times, towards biopolitics, then this relationship focuses on very concrete topics. This is the case of the immunological process—from a personal, social, and philosophical perspective—thoroughly analyzed by the Italian philosopher Roberto Esposito. In the context of his philosophical immunology, the place of religion is mainly archaeological and is interpreted critically: either as an immunization mechanism that results in self-immunization, destroying what it intends to defend; or in another way, from a perspective closer to the Christian tradition, as a “theological–political machine”, based on the “person” device, which ends up giving rise to binarisms that dissolve themselves into the One, by the domain of one of the poles. This article aims to critically analyze his position on both aspects, proposing a reading close to his thought but which is, at the same time, somewhat different. This proposal is directly inspired by neither a binarian nor an immunological, but rather a “ternary” trinitarian theology. The originality of the article lies in evaluating the place of religion within Esposito’s philosophical immunology—which has not been worked on—as well as in a critical discussion on his interpretation either of religion or of some theological–political devices; this critical approach is based on an alternative reading of the same topics.
Tiantai’s Reception and Critique of the Laozi and Zhuangzi
Authors: Kantor Hans-Rudolf
Published: December 2023

The article addresses the ambivalent relationship of Tiantai Buddhist thought to Daoist ideas from the Daode jing and the Zhuangzi. On the one hand, Tiantai incorporates Daoist rhetoric and some concepts of the Daoist-influenced Xuanxue 玄學 into its Buddhist doctrine of mind contemplation (guanxin 觀心); on the other, drawing on the Buddhist notion of the tetralemma (catuṣkoṭi, siju 四句), Tiantai criticizes the Daoist ineffable as a misconception that does not really transcend linguistic representation. Thus, Tiantai attempts to develop the view that Buddhist inconceivable liberation (bukesiyi jietuo 不可思議解脫) is neither separate from nor identical with linguistic meaning, implying the recognition of the non-duality of the real and the unreal. In this way, according to the Tiantai teaching, the doctrinal exegesis of the sūtra and śāstra texts can serve as an exercise in spiritual contemplation that frees the practitioners’ minds from the shackles of their self-induced delusions, but this liberation does not mean eradicating unreality. To illustrate that view, Tiantai draws on Daoist parables and combines them with Buddhist imagery. Hence, the article attempts to clarify the intricate relationship between Tiantai’s reception and critique of Daoist ideas.
Interreligious Competence (IRC) in Students of Education: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Aneas Assumpta , Carmona Carmen , Shuali Trachtenberg Tamar , Montané Alejandra
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: The purpose of this study is to present a scale for the assessment of interreligious competence (IRC) and to make a first descriptive appraisal of future educators, focused on their capacity to cope with conflicts. (2) Results: The relationship between IRC and strategies to cope with conflict is noteworthy. Significant correlations have been found between interreligious competence and coping strategies, mainly in emotional IRC. (3) Methods: A survey study included 1175 undergraduate students in educational science. Descriptive, correlational, and regression analyses were performed. (4) Conclusions: The IRC scale received empirical support regarding its validity and reliability and contributes to the repertoire of assessment tools which facilitate quantitative analysis of IRC. The results demonstrate that one’s ability to manage the emotional climate that arises from conflict and interaction with others is in part explained by three types of coping associated with emotional IRC. Coping with conflicts due to involving individuals from different backgrounds, particularly in terms of religion, requires a multifaceted and culturally competent approach. Developing interreligious competence is crucial in fostering understanding, mitigating tensions, and promoting emotional and harmonious coexistence.
Radiometric Signatures of Gold Mineralization Zone in Pongkor, West Java, Indonesia: A Baseline for Radiometric Mapping Application on Low-Sulfidation Epithermal Deposit
Authors: Syaeful Heri , Ciputra Roni Cahya , Adimedha Tyto Baskara , Sumaryanto Agus , Sukadana I Gde , Indrastomo Frederikus Dian , Pratiwi Fadiah , Sucipta Sucipta , Pratama Hendra Adhi , Mustika Deni , Widana Kurnia Setiawan , Widodo Susilo , Burhannudinnur Muhammad , Syafri Ildrem , Sutopo Bronto
Published: December 2023

Radiometric mapping could play a prominent role in locating the host rock or alteration that leads to gold mineralization. Nevertheless, in low-sulfidation epithermal gold deposits, the radiometric signatures have to be priorly characterized due to their geometry. It is comprised of a small ore vein system within the large alteration zones. The Pongkor gold mine is a low-sulfidation epithermal deposit and was selected for this purpose. The method started with the surface identification of radiometric signatures on altered and unaltered rocks near Pongkor using portable spectrometers. They are followed by the characterization of the underground mining front, which is comprised of different types of veins and host rocks. The results show that the altered rocks were characterized by a high K% and a low eTh/K ratio. Vice versa, the mineralized veins show low radioelement concentrations. Following the characterization of the geometry of alteration zones and mineralized veins, a study of the relationship between radioelements detected by radiometric mapping and gold pathfinder elements was conducted. Gold pathfinders of Mn, Fe, Zn, As, and Pb were selected for correlation studies with the radioelement. The pathfinders and radioelements were more significantly correlated in veins compared to the host rock. Based on this study, radiometric mapping has the potential and benefit of being applied in the exploration of low-sulfidation epithermal gold deposits. An alteration zone could be delineated by K or eTh/K as an anomaly indicator, and the vein bodies could also be delineated using low K or eTh as an anomaly indicator.
Infrared Dim and Small Target Detection Based on Superpixel Segmentation and Spatiotemporal Cluster 4D Fully-Connected Tensor Network Decomposition
Authors: Wei Wenyan , Ma Tao , Li Meihui , Zuo Haorui
Published: December 2023

The detection of infrared dim and small targets in complex backgrounds is very challenging because of the low signal-to-noise ratio of targets and the drastic change in background. Low-rank sparse decomposition based on the structural characteristics of infrared images has attracted the attention of many scholars because of its good interpretability. In order to improve the sensitivity of sliding window size, insufficient utilization of time series information, and inaccurate tensor rank in existing methods, a four-dimensional tensor model based on superpixel segmentation and statistical clustering is proposed for infrared dim and small target detection (ISTD). First, the idea of superpixel segmentation is proposed to eliminate the dependence of the algorithm on selection of the sliding window size. Second, based on the improved structure tensor theory, the image pixels are statistically clustered into three types: corner region, flat region, and edge region, and are assigned different weights to reduce the influence of background edges. Next, in order to better use spatiotemporal correlation, a Four-Dimensional Fully-Connected Tensor Network (4D-FCTN) model is proposed in which 3D patches with the same feature types are rearranged into the same group to form a four-dimensional tensor. Finally, the FCTN decomposition method is used to decompose the clustered tensor into low-dimensional tensors, with the alternating direction multiplier method (ADMM) used to decompose the low-rank background part and sparse target part. We validated our model across various datasets, employing cutting-edge methodologies to assess its effectiveness in terms of detection precision and reduction of background interference. A comparative analysis corroborated the superiority of our proposed approach over prevailing techniques.
A Novel Chaotic-NLFM Signal under Low Oversampling Factors for Deception Jamming Suppression
Authors: Li Jianyuan , Wang Pei , Zhang Hongxi , Luo Chao , Li Zhenning , Wei Yihai
Published: December 2023

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a high-resolution imaging radar. With the deteriorating electromagnetic environment, SAR systems are susceptible to various forms of electromagnetic interference, including deception jamming. This jamming notably impacts SAR signal processing and subsequently worsens the quality of acquired images. Chaotic frequency modulation (CFM) signals could effectively counteract deception jamming. Nevertheless, due to the inadequate band-limited performance of CFM signals, higher oversampling factors are needed for achieving optimal low sidelobe levels, leading to increased system costs and excessively high data rates. Additionally, not all chaotic sentences meet the CFM signal requirements. In response, this paper proposes a novel signal modulation method called chaotic-nonlinear frequency modulation (C-NLFM) that enhances band-limited performance. The optimum parameters for C-NLFM signals are selected using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. In this way, C-NLFM signals attain ideal low sidelobe levels even when faced with reduced oversampling factors. Meanwhile, this chaotic coding mode retains its capability to effectively suppress deception jamming. Moreover, C-NLFM signals demonstrate versatility in adapting to various chaotic sequences, thereby enhancing their flexibility to modify the signals as required. Through comprehensive simulations, data analysis, and a semi-physical experiment, the effectiveness and superiority of this proposed method have been confirmed.
Extracting Citrus-Growing Regions by Multiscale UNet Using Sentinel-2 Satellite Imagery
Authors: Li Yong , Liu Wenjing , Ge Ying , Yuan Sai , Zhang Tingxuan , Liu Xiuhui
Published: December 2023

Citrus is an important commercial crop in many areas. The management and planning of citrus growing can be supported by timely and efficient monitoring of citrus-growing regions. Their complex planting structure and the weather are likely to cause problems for extracting citrus-growing regions from remote sensing images. To accurately extract citrus-growing regions, deep learning is employed, because it has a strong feature representation ability and can obtain rich semantic information. A novel model for extracting citrus-growing regions by UNet that incorporates an image pyramid structure is proposed on the basis of the Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. A pyramid-structured encoder, a decoder, and multiscale skip connections are the three main components of the model. Additionally, atrous spatial pyramid pooling is used to prevent information loss and improve the ability to learn spatial features. The experimental results show that the proposed model has the best performance, with the precision, the intersection over union, the recall, and the F1-score reaching 88.96%, 73.22%, 80.55%, and 84.54%, respectively. The extracted citrus-growing regions have regular boundaries and complete parcels. Furthermore, the proposed model has greater overall accuracy, kappa, producer accuracy, and user accuracy than the object-oriented random forest algorithm that is widely applied in various fields. Overall, the proposed method shows a better generalization ability, higher robustness, greater accuracy, and less fragmented extraction results. This research can support the rapid and accurate mapping of large-scale citrus-growing regions.
Monitoring Spatio-Temporal Variations of Ponds in Typical Rural Area in the Huai River Basin of China
Authors: Ji Zhonglin , Ren Hongyan , Zha Chenfeng , Adem Eshetu Shifaw
Published: December 2023

Ponds constitute a pivotal component of aquatic ecosystems. The aquatic ecosystem of the Huai River Basin (HRB) in China was once damaged by severe pollution, and numerous ponds in the basin have not been secured. In this paper, Shenqiu County, a typical county in HRB with many ponds, is selected. Based on high-resolution images with ALOS in 2010, GF-2 in 2016, and GF-1 in 2022, we employed discriminant analysis (DA), classification and regression tree, support vector machine, and random forest to extract the ponds based on object-oriented and further analyzed the spatial-temporal variations of the ponds in this county. The results of the DA in these three years exhibited a higher kappa coefficient (>0.7), and overall accuracy (>75%), signifying superior performance when compared to the other three methods. There were 4625, 5315, and 4748 ponds in 2010, 2016, and 2022, with a total area of 12.87, 11.99, and 9.37 km2, respectively. The number of ponds had a trend of rising in the initial period (2010–2016) and falling later (2016–2022), while the total area revealed a continuous decline. Meanwhile, these ponds showed a clustering phenomenon with three main clustering areas, and the scope of the clustering areas also changed to a certain extent from 2010 to 2022. Our study offers valuable methodological support for the ecological monitoring and management of water environments in regions characterized by a dense concentration of ponds. The crucial data related to ponds in this study will help inform both environmental and social development initiatives within the area.
Assessing Shallow Soft Deposits through Near-Surface Geophysics and UAV-SfM: Application in Pocket Beaches Environments
Authors: Galone Luciano , D’Amico Sebastiano , Colica Emanuele , Iregbeyen Peter , Galea Pauline , Rivero Lluís , Villani Fabio
Published: December 2023

This study employs a multimethod approach to investigate the sediment distribution in two pocket beaches, Ramla Beach and Mellieha S Beach, in Malta. Both study sites were digitally reconstructed using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry. For each case, an ERT and a dense network of ambient seismic noise measurements processed through a horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) technique were acquired. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) analysis enables the estimation of sediment thickness in each beach. HVSR analysis revealed peaks related to beach sediments overlying limestone rocks in both sites and also indicated a deeper stratigraphic contact in Mellieha S Beach. Based on ERT measurements, sediment thickness is calculated for each HVSR measurement. Interpolation of results allows for bedrock surface modelling in each case study, and when combined with digital terrain models (DTMs) derived from photogrammetric models, sediment volumes are estimated for each site. The geometry of this surface is analyzed from a geological perspective, showing structural control of sediment distribution due to a normal fault in Mellieha S Beach and stratigraphic control facilitated by a highly erodible surface in Ramla Beach. The results emphasize the importance of adopting a three-dimensional perspective in coastal studies for precise sediment volume characterization and a deeper understanding of pocket beach dynamics. This practical multimethod approach presented here offers valuable tools for future coastal research and effective coastal management, facilitating informed decision making amidst the growing vulnerability of coastal zones to climate change impacts.
Progress and Limitations in the Satellite-Based Estimate of Burnt Areas
Authors: Laneve Giovanni , Di Fonzo Marco , Pampanoni Valerio , Bueno Morles Ramon
Published: December 2023

The detection of burnt areas from satellite imagery is one of the most straightforward and useful applications of satellite remote sensing. In general, the approach relies on a change detection analysis applied on pre- and post-event images. This change detection analysis usually is carried out by comparing the values of specific spectral indices such as: NBR (normalised burn ratio), BAI (burn area index), MIRBI (mid-infrared burn index). However, some potential sources of error arise, particularly when near-real-time automated approaches are adopted. An automated approach is mandatory when the burnt area monitoring should operate systematically on a given area of large size (country). Potential sources of errors include but are not limited to clouds on the pre- or post-event images, clouds or topographic shadows, agricultural practices, image pixel size, level of damage, etc. Some authors have already noted differences between global databases of burnt areas based on satellite images. Sources of errors could be related to the spatial resolution of the images used, the land-cover mask adopted to avoid false alarms, and the quality of the cloud and shadow masks. This paper aims to compare different burnt areas datasets (EFFIS, ESACCI, Copernicus, FIRMS, etc.) with the objective to analyse their differences. The comparison is restricted to the Italian territory. Furthermore, the paper aims to identify the degree of approximation of these satellite-based datasets by relying on ground survey data as ground truth. To do so, ground survey data provided by CUFA (Comando Unità Forestali, Ambientali e Agroalimentari Carabinieri) and CFVA (Corpo Forestale e Vigilanza Ambientale Sardegna) were used. The results confirm the existence of significant differences between the datasets. The subsequent comparison with the ground surveys, which was conducted while also taking into account their own approximations, allowed us to identify the accuracy of the satellite-based datasets.
Sub-Nanosecond UTC Dissemination Based on BDS-3 PPP-B2b Service
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Sun Baoqi , Wang Kan , Han Xiaohong , Yang Haiyan , Wang Ge , Wu Meifang , Wang Yuanxin , Geng Changjiang , Yang Xuhai
Published: December 2023

The BeiDou-3 system (BDS-3) broadcasts PPP-B2b signals to provide real-time PPP service. Compared with the traditional PPP technique, the PPP-B2b service broadcasts corrections through satellite links, covers a wide area, and is independent of the internet. With the PPP-B2b service, users can obtain high-precision positioning information through the real-time PPP. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the positioning performance of PPP-B2b. In theory, high-precision timing information could also be obtained through PPP-B2b. With the development of science and technology, the need for highly accurate time measurement, even at the sub-nanosecond level, is experiencing significant growth. However, the GNSS standard timing service can hardly meet these requirements. This contribution analyzes the timing performance of the PPP-B2b service and proposes a sub-nanosecond precise timing method of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) based on the PPP-B2b service. BDS-3 and GPS observations from nine tracking stations and real-time collected PPP-B2b corrections over 516 days were used to analyze the performance of the proposed timing method. The results show that: (1) The difference between the PPP-B2b-restored UTC, which was realized by one-way timing with the UTC offsets in broadcast ephemeris, and UTC (NTSC), fluctuates within a few ns. (2) The timing uncertainty of the zero baseline based on the proposed method is better than 0.2 ns. (3) Compared with the post-processed PPP time transfer, the UTC dissemination uncertainty of the short and long baseline with the proposed method is better than 0.7 ns. The experiment results verified the feasibility of the proposed sub-nanosecond level precise UTC dissemination method based on the PPP-B2b service.
Global Terrestrial Evapotranspiration Estimation from Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Data
Authors: Xie Zijing , Yao Yunjun , Tang Qingxin , Zhang Xueyi , Zhang Xiaotong , Jiang Bo , Xu Jia , Yu Ruiyang , Liu Lu , Ning Jing , Fan Jiahui , Zhang Luna
Published: December 2023

It is a difficult undertaking to reliably estimate global terrestrial evapotranspiration (ET) using the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) at high spatial and temporal scales. We employ deep neural networks (DNN) to enhance the estimation of terrestrial ET on a global scale using satellite data. We accomplish this by merging five algorithms that are process-based and that make use of VIIRS data. These include the Shuttleworth–Wallace dual-source ET method (SW), the Priestley–Taylor-based ET algorithm (PT-JPL), the MOD16 ET product algorithm (MOD16), the modified satellite-based Priestley–Taylor ET algorithm (MS-PT), and the simple hybrid ET algorithm (SIM). We used 278 eddy covariance (EC) tower sites from 2012 to 2022 to validate the DNN approach, comparing it to Bayesian model averaging (BMA), gradient boosting regression tree (GBRT) and random forest (RF). The validation results demonstrate that the DNN significantly improves the accuracy of daily ET estimates when compared to three other merging methods, resulting in the highest average determination coefficients (R2, 0.71), RMSE (21.9 W/m2) and Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE, 0.83). Utilizing the DNN, we generated a VIIRS ET product with a 500 m spatial resolution for the years 2012–2020. The DNN method serves as a foundational approach in the development of a sustained and comprehensive global terrestrial ET dataset. The basis for characterizing and analyzing global hydrological dynamics and carbon cycling is provided by this dataset.
Enhancing Object Detection in Remote Sensing: A Hybrid YOLOv7 and Transformer Approach with Automatic Model Selection
Authors: Ahmed Mahmoud , El-Sheimy Naser , Leung Henry , Moussa Adel
Published: December 2023

In the remote sensing field, object detection holds immense value for applications such as land use classification, disaster monitoring, and infrastructure planning, where accurate and efficient identification of objects within images is essential for informed decision making. However, achieving object localization with high precision can be challenging even if minor errors exist at the pixel level, which can significantly impact the ground distance measurements. To address this critical challenge, our research introduces an innovative hybrid approach that combines the capabilities of the You Only Look Once version 7 (YOLOv7) and DEtection TRansformer (DETR) algorithms. By bridging the gap between local receptive field and global context, our approach not only enhances overall object detection accuracy, but also promotes precise object localization, a key requirement in the field of remote sensing. Furthermore, a key advantage of our approach is the introduction of an automatic selection module which serves as an intelligent decision-making component. This module optimizes the selection process between YOLOv7 and DETR, and further improves object detection accuracy. Finally, we validate the improved performance of our new hybrid approach through empirical experimentation, and thus confirm its contribution to the field of target recognition and detection in remote sensing images.
General Knowledge and Attitudes about Safety and Emergency Evacuation: The Case of a Higher Education Institution
Authors: Carvalhais Carlos , Dias Ricardo , Costa Carla , Silva Manuela V.
Published: December 2023

The implementation of a safety culture and awareness of emergency issues in buildings has been growing in more developed societies. It is essential that all occupants know how to act in an emergency situation, particularly during an emergency evacuation. In higher education institutions (HEIs), which annually host not only their many employees, but also national and international students, it is essential to know and understand the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that the academic community demonstrates in this matter. This study aimed to characterize the perception of occupants regarding safety, specifically in the emergency evacuation phase, within the academic community of an HEI. In this observational cross-sectional study, data on general knowledge and attitudes regarding safety and actions during emergency situations were collected through an anonymous questionnaire targeting students, faculty, and non-teaching staff, which was sent via institutional email. Valid responses were received from 392 participants and then scored and assessed on different domains. The results obtained showed that, despite a reasonable average regarding the general level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the occupants on the subject, the community falls somewhat short in terms of training. It is noteworthy that approximately 64% of the sample has never received awareness or training related to emergency evacuation, and around 68% are unaware of the location of their institution’s meeting/gathering point. Finally, by identifying the most common gaps, namely the training dimension, some simple measures could be improved, such as the dissemination of safety instructions accessible through QR codes placed in strategic locations or even conducting small drills during class sessions, as well as learning with simulation concerning different scenarios of emergency.
Quality and Nutraceutical Features of Cicer arietinum L. Stored under Nitrogen Atmosphere
Authors: Moncini Lorenzo , Guerriero Gea , Simone Gabriele , Vita Chiara , Berni Roberto
Published: December 2023

Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea, or garbanzo bean) is one of the most consumed legumes worldwide. It is a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, minerals and vitamins with very low cholesterol. From a nutritional point of view, despite the low content of fats, the seeds contain various unsaturated acids, such as linoleic and oleic acids, as well as bioactive compounds, like antioxidants, with reactive oxygen species-scavenging activities. It is known that long periods of storage can drastically affect the preservation of these compounds in seeds. For this reason, in the last few years, different methods have been tested with the aim of increasing the shelf life of economically relevant beans, seeds and cereals. A promising and eco-friendly alternative to traditional storage is the use of a controlled atmosphere, represented by N2-pressurized silos. The present study aims at evaluating the content of different compounds, e.g., fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and molecules of nutraceutical interest, in chickpeas stored at ambient temperature in N2-pressurized silos (98.5 ± 0.5% (v/v)) and control ones (standard storage) in long-term kinetics (1 year). The results show the stable content of most compounds during the kinetics. However, vitamin E decreased in samples stored under both standard and controlled atmosphere conditions, with a more pronounced and significant decrease under standard conditions as compared to the controlled atmosphere. Additionally, samples stored under a controlled atmosphere show a total higher content of quinic, indole butyric and benzoic acid, as well as their derivates.
Child-Led Research with Young Children: Challenging the Ways to Do Research
Authors: Tisdall E. Kay M. , Clarkson Emma , McNair Lynn J.
Published: December 2023

Child-led research is gaining increasing attention. Such research involves children leading throughout the research process, from research design to dissemination. Child-led research has tested adult-centric research assumptions, with debates in the literature about researchers’ expertise and responsibilities. If these debates are testing for child-led research undertaken with older children and young people, they are even more so for young children below school-starting age. This article examines child-led research undertaken in a Froebelian early years setting, over 11 months, with 36 children aged between 2 and 5 years, from the adult facilitators’ perspectives. The article utilises the research’s documentation, including mind maps, photographs and story books, songs and video recordings, and an interview undertaken with the facilitating early years practitioner and supporting academic. Learning from this, the article challenges the assumption, in much of the literature on child-led research, that adults need to transmit their knowledge of research methods to children. Instead, a ‘slow pedagogy’ can build on children’s own knowledge, collectively, with time to come to research understandings. The article concludes that child-led research is feasible with young children, but the research process can include or exclude certain forms of children’s communication, making some children more ‘competent’ to undertake research than others.
Female Athletes and the Menstrual Cycle in Team Sports: Current State of Play and Considerations for Future Research
Authors: Vogel Kurt , Larsen Brianna , McLellan Chris , Bird Stephen P.
Published: December 2023

Over the past ten years there has been a dramatic rise in female sport participation and accompanying female professional national leagues across multiple sports, yet research has not followed suit. Although there are known variations between female and male physiology, training protocols in female sport are predominantly underpinned by research undertaken in male athletes. The hormonal variability experienced by women across the menstrual cycle, as well as the menstrual cycle variability between women, may contribute to the complexity of conducting rigorous physiological studies, leading to a paucity of robust sports-specific research that can be confidently applied to female athletes. Moreover, barriers exist in female sport that potentially limit the ability to conduct research, including the lack of full-time programs and limited resources. Recently, there has been increased interest in the potential effects of fluctuations in the female sex hormones, progesterone and oestrogen, on sport performance across different phases of the menstrual cycle. However, current research evaluating the menstrual cycle and physical performance (such as strength, speed, aerobic fitness, and athletes’ perception of their performance) have shown inconsistent results. Additionally, methodological design across studies has shown little consistency, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions, which potentially prevents female athletes optimising their physical and sporting performance. It further impacts coaches and sports science researchers in their ability to provide appropriate training recommendations and educational opportunities. It is important to progress in female athlete research with an understanding of how the unique physiology of female athletes may influence their ability to physically perform in their respective sport, which requires representation in sports science research. This paper will provide an overview on current evidence and limitations within menstrual cycle research and provide considerations and directions for future research in this space within team sports.
Economic Analysis of Gas Turbine Using to Increase Efficiency of the Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Matuszewska Dominika
Published: December 2023

In this research, a modified organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system has been presented and examined. This system incorporates a gas turbine as an additional subsystem to boost the enthalpy of geothermal brine. The primary objective of this study is to perform an economic evaluation of the modified ORC system, wherein a gas turbine is utilized to enhance the quality of geothermal steam. The suggested modified ORC system is particularly well-suited for areas abundant in geothermal resources with low to medium temperatures. It offers a more effective utilization of such resources, resulting in improved efficiency. The study considered 10 different working fluids and 8 types of gas turbines used to heat the geothermal water brine witch, the temperature vary of which varies between 80–130 °C. Various flue gas temperatures behind the heat exchanger, as well as temperatures of the return of the geothermal water to the injection hole, were examined. Based on that, 990 variations of configuration have been analyzed. The research showed that the lowest simple payback time (SPBT) values were achieved for the SGT-800 gas turbine and the working fluid R1336mzz(Z), for example, for an electricity price equal 200 USD/MWh and a natural gas price equal to 0.4 USD/hg, resulting in a SPBT value of 1.45 years. Additionally, for this variant, the dependence of SPBT on the price of electricity and the depth of the geothermal well was calculated; assuming the depth of the geothermal well is 2000 m, SPBT changes depending on the adopted gas prices and so for 150 USD/MWh it is 2.2 years, while at the price of 100 USD/MWh it is 5.5 years. It can be concluded that a decrease in SPBT is observed with an increase in the price of electricity and a decrease in the depth of the geothermal well. The findings of this study can help us to better understand the need to utilize low and medium temperature geothermal heat by using combined cycles (including gas turbines), also from an economic point of view.
Resource and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Effects through Recycling of Platinum-Containing Waste
Authors: Hwang HyeonJeong , Kweon Tackkwan , Kang HongYoon , Hwang YongWoo
Published: December 2023

When disposing of waste metal resources in landfills, environmental issues such as soil contamination may arise. Recycling these resources not only recovers valuable metals but also mitigates environmental pollution. Platinum (Pt), a valuable metal used in fuel cells for its high water production activity, will see increased future demand as a fossil fuel alternative. This study analyzes the environmental and resource reduction effects of recycled Pt, considering the growing emphasis on its recycling for stable supply and demand of Pt. The environmental impact and resource consumption of recycled Pt with primary Pt (from natural mines) were compared and analyzed using the Life Cycle Assessment technique. The results revealed that resource consumption for primary Pt was 8.25 × 101 kg Sb-eq./kg, significantly more than the 5.45 × 100 kg Sb-eq./kg for recycled Pt. This represents an environmental reduction effect of approximately 93%. In the case of greenhouse gas emissions, primary Pt emitted 1.35 × 104 kg CO2-eq./kg, while recycled Pt emitted 6.94 × 102 kg CO2-eq./kg, resulting in an environmental reduction effect of approximately 95%. In conclusion, recycling Pt, compared to primary extraction, offers substantial environmental and resource reduction benefits. This study underscores the significance of recycling and highlights the potential environmental improvements achievable through sustainable practices.
Experimental Investigation and Mechanism Analysis of Direct Aqueous Mineral Carbonation Using Steel Slag
Authors: Zhu Fuxia , Cui Longpeng , Liu Yanfang , Zou Liang , Hou Jili , Li Chenghao , Wu Ge , Xu Run , Jiang Bo , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: December 2023

The carbonation of industrial calcium-rich byproducts such as steel slag demonstrates significant potential for CO2 sequestration. This technique aids in reducing carbon emissions while also promoting waste recycling. Despite its advantages, gaps remain in the understanding of how steel slag characteristics and operational parameters influence the carbonation process, as well as the underlying mechanism of direct aqueous carbonation. We evaluated the carbonation performance of three types of steel slag at temperatures below 100 °C. The slag with the highest CO2 sequestration capacity was chosen for a systematic evaluation of the effects of operating conditions on carbonation efficiency. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the reactivity of CaO and Ca(OH)2 with CO2 exceeded that of CaO·SiO2 and 2CaO·SiO2. Under conditions of 85 °C, a particle size less than 75 μm, an initial CO2 pressure of 0.5 MPa, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 5 mL/g, and a stirring speed of 200 rpm, the steel slag achieved a sequestration capacity (K) of 283.5 g(CO2)/kg and a carbonation efficiency (ζCa) of 51.61%. Characterization of the slag before and after carbonation using X-ray diffraction, SEM-EDS, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry confirmed the formation of new carbonates. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the rate-limiting step initially involved the mass transfer of CO2, transitioning to Ca2+ mass transfer as time progressed. Our research provides a viable technique for CO2 capture and a beneficial approach for reutilizing waste steel slag. Furthermore, solid residues after capturing CO2 have the potential for conversion into carbon-negative building materials, offering a sustainable strategy for steel companies and other enterprises with high carbon emissions.
A Traceability Platform for Monitoring Environmental and Social Sustainability in the Textile and Clothing Value Chain: Towards a Digital Passport for Textiles and Clothing
Authors: Alves Luís , Sá Miguel , Cruz Estrela Ferreira , Alves Toni , Alves Marcelo , Oliveira João , Santos Manuel , Rosado da Cruz António Miguel
Published: December 2023

Textile and clothing is one of the most important industrial sectors, not only due to the significant number of jobs generated, but also because it addresses one of the people’s fundamental needs (clothing). It is, however, a sector with a huge global environmental impact, and also an important negative social impact, especially in developing countries. Sustainability in the textile and clothing value chain is a known issue, concerning both environmental and economic-social facets of sustainability. One way to improve sustainability in this sector is by measuring and monitoring the environmental, economic and social impacts of activities along the value chain and, ultimately, computing an environmental and circular score for each batch of textile and clothing product, and an economic and social score for each involved company, reflected in their products. The consumer will then have the opportunity and responsibility for selecting products with the least negative environmental, economic and social impact. This article aims to propose a decentralized traceability platform for the textile and clothing value chain, based on blockchain technology, for tracing textile product batches and activities, along the value chain, classifying them with a score, which measures their environmental and social impact. The environmental, economic and social impact scores are based on a set of proposed indicators. The results are assessed through two test scenarios, namely a face towel (home textile) and a T-shirt (clothing).
Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure and Stock Market Liquidity: The Case of Jordan
Authors: Haddad Ruwaidah H. , Haddad Ayman E. , Haddad Ayham , Sawalha Nabeel
Published: December 2023

This study aims to evaluate the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure in the annual reports of Jordanian companies, and to examine its impact on stock market liquidity. The findings indicate a significant variation in the extent of CSR disclosure among the companies, with an average disclosure rate of 48.12% of the applicable items. The regression analysis results show no significant relationship between CSR disclosure and the bid–ask spread. The study concludes that investors do not heavily rely on CSR disclosures when making decisions about trading involving Jordanian companies. This lack of dependence may be attributed to such information’s perceived inaccuracy or incompleteness. Investors may turn to alternative sources of information, such as news sources, and even advice from their networks.