bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Experimental Studies on Polymer Melting and Flow in Injection Molding
Authors: Wilczyński Krzysztof , Wilczyński Krzysztof J. , Buziak Kamila
Published: May 2022

Injection molding, in addition to extrusion, is the most important technology in the polymer processing industry. When modeling injection molding, the global approach is necessary to take into account the solid polymer transport, polymer melting and the polymer melt flow. The model of polymer melting is fundamental for the development of such a global injection molding model. In the paper, the state-of-the-art of modeling and experimentation of the flow and melting in injection molding machines has been presented and discussed. It has been concluded that the existing mathematical models have no strong experimental basis. Therefore, experimentation of the polymer flow and melting in the injection molding machine has been performed, and the effect of processing conditions: the screw speed, the plasticating stroke and the back pressure on the process course has been investigated. Starving in the beginning sections of the screw has been observed, which was not presented in the literature so far. The novel concepts of injection molding modeling have been discussed.
Study of Oxidation of Ciprofloxacin and Pefloxacin by ACVA: Identification of Degradation Products by Mass Spectrometry and Bioautographic Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Żuromska-Witek Barbara , Żmudzki Paweł , Szlósarczyk Marek , Abram Michał , Maślanka Anna , Hubicka Urszula
Published: May 2022

The new RP-HPLC-DAD method for the determination of ciprofloxacin and pefloxacin, next to their degradation products after the oxidation reaction with 4,4′-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid) (ACVA) was developed. The method was validated according to the guidelines of the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) and meets the acceptance criteria. The experimental data indicate that the course of the oxidation process depends on the type of fluoroquinolone (FQ), the incubation time and temperature. The performed kinetic evaluation allowed us to state that the oxidation of FQs proceeds according to the second-order kinetics. The degradation products of the FQs were identified using the UHPLC-MS/MS method and their structures were proposed. The results obtained by the TLC-direct bioautography technique allowed us to state that the main ciprofloxacin and pefloxacin oxidation products probably retained antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli.
Logistics Service Provider Evaluation and Selection: Hybrid SERVQUAL–FAHP–TOPSIS Model
Authors: Luyen Le Anh , Thanh Nguyen Van
Published: May 2022

Production and business enterprises are aiming to improve their logistics activities in order to increase competitiveness. Therefore, the criteria and decision support models for selecting logistics service providers are significant to businesses. Fuzzy theory has been applied to almost all industrial engineering fields, such as decision making, operations research, quality control, project scheduling and many more. In this research, the authors combined fuzzy theory and a Multicriteria Decision Making (MCDM) model for the evaluation and selection of potential third-party logistics (3PL) providers. The goal is to take the advantages of these approaches and allow for more accurate and balanced (symmetric) decision making through their integration. The main contribution of this study is that it develops a complete approach to assessing the quality of the logistics service industry. The combined method of the SERVQUAL and FAHP–TOPSIS models not only provides reasonable results, but it also allows decision makers to visualize the impact of different criteria on the final outcome. Furthermore, this integrated model can provide valuable insights and methods for other areas to define service quality.
Membrane Chromatography and Fractionation of Proteins from Whey—A Review
Authors: Nath Arijit , Zin Moh Moh , Molnár Máté András , Bánvölgyi Szilvia , Gáspár Igor , Vatai Gyula , Koris András
Published: May 2022

Membrane chromatography (MC) is an emerging bioseparation technology combining the principles of membrane filtration and chromatography. In this process, one type of molecule is adsorbed in the stationary phase, whereas the other type of molecule is passed through the membrane pores without affecting the adsorbed molecule. In subsequent the step, the adsorbed molecule is recovered by an elution buffer with a unique ionic strength and pH. Functionalized microfiltration membranes are usually used in radial flow, axial flow, and lateral flow membrane modules in MC systems. In the MC process, the transport of a solute to a stationary phase is mainly achieved through convection and minimum pore diffusion. Therefore, mass transfer resistance and pressure drop become insignificant. Other characteristics of MC systems are a minimum clogging tendency in the stationary phase, the capability of operating with a high mobile phase flow rate, and the disposable (short term) application of stationary phase. The development and application of MC systems for the fractionation of individual proteins from whey for investigation and industrial-scale production are promising. A significant income from individual whey proteins together with the marketing of dairy foods may provide a new commercial outlook in dairy industry. In this review, information about the development of a MC system and its applications for the fractionation of individual protein from whey are presented in comprehensive manner.
A Method to Derive the Characteristic and Kinetic Parameters of 1,1-Bis(tert-butylperoxy)cyclohexane from DSC Measurements
Authors: Chang Tung , Hsueh Kuang-Hua , Liu Cheng-Chang , Cao Chen-Rui , Shu Chi-Min
Published: May 2022

A differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiment was carried out to determine the thermal characteristics of harmful substances. Most experimenters only use the results of measurement and rarely conduct in-depth research on the variety of information behind the measurement. This study used Wolfram’s Mathematica as a DSC measurement research tool to plot the peak curve and derive the characteristic parameters graphically for 1,1-Bis(tert-butylperoxy)cyclohexane. The research steps included raw data cleansing, peak curve normalization, characteristic parameter derivation, and total reaction heat calculation. The kinetic parameters of individual data were derived through the Borchardt and Daniels method, and the autocatalytic model was also verified. We applied the derived characteristic parameters to simulate the peak curve through the Gaussian curve model, which can be used for estimating the peak curve of other heating rates. The derived kinetic parameters were used to observe the effects on the peak curve. The simulation can be used to plan the test results at other rates in a similar temperature range and can also be used to explore the influence of different kinetic parameters on the configuration of the shape of the peak curve and a preliminary model test of materials for materials DSC research.
Integration of an Absorption Chiller to a Process Applying the Pinch Analysis Approach
Authors: Nemet Andreja , Kravanja Zdravko , Bogataj Miloš
Published: May 2022

In addition to the consumption of hot utilities, there is also a significant cost associated with the consumption of cold utilities when there is a high demand for cooling. A promising solution for cooling is an absorption chiller (AC), which uses heat instead of electricity for cooling. A thermodynamic approach for evaluating AC integrated with a process is presented in this work. A model for assessing the properties and duties of an AC cycle was developed. The integration of a combined process-AC system was evaluated using the Grand Composite Curve. Three different options of integration were analyzed: (i) above the Pinch, (ii) below the Pinch, and (iii) across the Pinch. AC represents the combined effect of a heat engine and a heat pump, as the generator together with the absorber and condenser has the function of a heat engine, while the evaporator combined with the absorber and condenser mimics the function of a heat pump. The comparison between the non-integrated and integrated process-AC systems has revealed that the proper placement of AC is across or below the Pinch and the improper is above the Pinch. If AC was entirely integrated below the Pinch, the integration would result in a complete (100%) reduction in the consumption of hot utility for the operation of AC. The most suitable placement of AC with double reduction of hot utility consumption and complete reduction of both hot and cold utility to operate AC is across the Pinch due to the pumping of heat through AC from below to above the Pinch.
Neolithic Ritual on the Island Archipelago of Malta
Authors: Stoddart Simon
Published: May 2022

This paper addresses the ritual of Neolithic Malta in its island context drawing on recent research by the FRAGSUS project. Ritualised club houses placed in horticultural enclosures formed the focal point of the prehistoric Maltese landscape in the fourth and third millennia BC, providing a stable exploitation of the islands by the small populations of the period. This was a period when connectivity was more challenging than in the Bronze Age which followed, when Malta became part of the wider ritual patterns of the central Mediterranean and beyond. The paper provides discussion of the leading issues and arguments applied to this rich case study of island ritual.
Faithful Stewards of God’s Creation? Swedish Evangelical Denominations and Climate Change
Authors: Edvardsson Björnberg Karin , Karlsson Mikael
Published: May 2022

Studies from the United States (U.S.) show that opposition to climate policy is strong among some Christian groups, especially White evangelical Protestants. Much of this opposition is channelled through organisations such as the Cornwall Alliance, which argue against climate measures on religious, economic and what they claim to be science-based grounds. In the present study, we investigated to what extent these convictions were present among Swedish evangelical denominations. Representatives from the Evangelical Free Church, the Pentecostal Alliance, the Swedish Alliance Mission, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church were interviewed to identify the denominations’ views on the scientific underpinnings of climate change and the moral implications of climate policy. Our data show that the denominations’ views differ markedly from those expressed by climate-oppositional evangelical groups in the U.S. The denominations held homogenous views on the legitimacy of climate science, expressed a clear biblical mandate for climate policy based on the notion of human stewardship, and believed that climate change was inextricably linked to poverty and, thus, had to be addressed. Our results point to the need for further studies on the factors behind acceptance and denial of climate science within and between faith-based and other communities in different countries.
Maize Yield Estimation in Intercropped Smallholder Fields Using Satellite Data in Southern Malawi
Authors: Li Chengxiu , Chimimba Ellasy Gulule , Kambombe Oscar , Brown Luke A. , Chibarabada Tendai Polite , Lu Yang , Anghileri Daniela , Ngongondo Cosmo , Sheffield Justin , Dash Jadunandan
Published: May 2022

Satellite data provide high potential for estimating crop yield, which is crucial to understanding determinants of yield gaps and therefore improving food production, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) regions. However, accurate assessment of crop yield and its spatial variation is challenging in SSA because of small field sizes, widespread intercropping practices, and inadequate field observations. This study aimed to firstly evaluate the potential of satellite data in estimating maize yield in intercropped smallholder fields and secondly assess how factors such as satellite data spatial and temporal resolution, within-field variability, field size, harvest index and intercropping practices affect model performance. Having collected in situ data (field size, yield, intercrops occurrence, harvest index, and leaf area index), statistical models were developed to predict yield from multisource satellite data (i.e., Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope). Model accuracy and residuals were assessed against the above factors. Among 150 investigated fields, our study found that nearly half were intercropped with legumes, with an average plot size of 0.17 ha. Despite mixed pixels resulting from intercrops, the model based on the Sentinel-2 red-edge vegetation index (VI) could estimate maize yield with moderate accuracy (R2 = 0.51, nRMSE = 19.95%), while higher spatial resolution satellite data (e.g., PlanetScope 3 m) only showed a marginal improvement in performance (R2 = 0.52, nRMSE = 19.95%). Seasonal peak VI values provided better accuracy than seasonal mean/median VI, suggesting peak VI values may capture the signal of the dominant upper maize foliage layer and may be less impacted by understory intercrop effects. Still, intercropping practice reduces model accuracy, as the model residuals are lower in fields with pure maize (1 t/ha) compared to intercropped fields (1.3 t/ha). This study provides a reference for operational maize yield estimation in intercropped smallholder fields, using free satellite data in Southern Malawi. It also highlights the difficulties of estimating yield in intercropped fields using satellite imagery, and stresses the importance of sufficient satellite observations for monitoring intercropping practices in SSA.
Remote Sensing and Field Survey Data Integration to Investigate on the Evolution of the Coastal Area: The Case Study of Bagnara Calabra (Southern Italy)
Authors: Alberico Ines , Casalbore Daniele , Pelosi Nicola , Tonielli Renato , Calidonna Claudia , Dominici Rocco , De Rosa Rosanna
Published: May 2022

Coastal areas worldwide are the result of a weak balance between man and the natural environment. They are exposed to strong anthropogenic pressure and natural hazard events whose intensity has increased in recent decades. In this frame, the satellite and drone monitoring systems as well as field survey are key tools to learn about the factors responsible for coastal changes. Here we describe the formation and dismantling of a fan delta at Sfalassà Stream mouth, Calabria Region (Southern Italy) to shed light on the environmental drivers modelling this coast. The flood event of 2 November 2015 placed approximately 25,000 m3 of coarse sand and gravel sediments in a few hours forming a fan-shaped delta, while three main storm surges, occurring from November 2015 to January 2016, caused its dismantling. Sentinel 2 images and several photographs captured the gradual erosion of fan delta highlighting its complete dismantling in about 3 months. The eroded sediments only partially feed the neighbouring beaches, as they were rapidly funnelled several hundred metres seaward by submarine channels whose heads cut back up at depths <10 m. This analysis showed that observing systems with high spatial and temporal resolution provide the proper knowledge to model the processes that characterise this transitional environment. They are fundamental tools for coastal zone management, which aims to ensure the sustainability of coastal zones by mitigating the effects of erosion and flooding.
Regional Ionospheric Corrections for High Accuracy GNSS Positioning
Authors: Dao Tam , Harima Ken , Carter Brett , Currie Julie , McClusky Simon , Brown Rupert , Rubinov Eldar , Choy Suelynn
Published: May 2022

Centimetre-level accurate ionospheric corrections are required for a high accuracy and rapid convergence of Precise Point Positioning (PPP) GNSS positioning solutions. This research aims to evaluate the accuracy of a local/regional ionospheric delay model using a linear interpolation method across Australia. The accuracy of the ionospheric corrections is assessed as a function of both different latitudinal regions and the number and spatial density of GNSS Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORSs). Our research shows that, for a local region of 5° latitude ×10° longitude in mid-latitude regions of Australia (~30° to 40°S) with approximately 15 CORS stations, ionospheric corrections with an accuracy of 5 cm can be obtained. In Victoria and New South Wales, where dense CORS networks exist (nominal spacing of ~100 km), the average ionospheric corrections accuracy can reach 2 cm. For sparse networks (nominal spacing of >200 km) at lower latitudes, the average accuracy of the ionospheric corrections is within the range of 8 to 15 cm; significant variations in the ionospheric errors of some specific satellite observations during certain periods were also found. In some regions such as Central Australia, where there are a limited number of CORSs, this model was impossible to use. On average, centimetre-level accurate ionospheric corrections can be achieved if there are sufficiently dense (i.e., nominal spacing of approximately 200 km) GNSS CORS networks in the region of interest. Based on the current availability of GNSS stations across Australia, we propose a set of 15 regions of different ionospheric delay accuracies with extents of 5° latitude ×10° longitude covering continental Australia.
An Extended Watershed-Based AHP Model for Flood Hazard Estimation: Constraining Runoff Converging Indicators via MFD-Derived Sub-Watershed by Maximum Zonal Statistical Method
Authors: Zhang Hongping , Shao Zhenfeng , Sun Jisong , Huang Xiao , Yang Jie
Published: May 2022

Floods threaten the sustainable development of areas with a high probability of hazard. A typical analytic hierarchy process (pixel-based AHP) based flood hazard estimation method may ignore the similar threat caused by neighborhood cells at the sub-watershed scale. This study proposed an extended watershed-based Zonal Statistical AHP for flood hazard estimation: Constraining converging related indicators by the sub-watersheds (WZSAHP-RC) model to improve this gap. Before calculating the flood hazard index, the proposed model uses the sub-watershed derived by the multiple flow direction method as a based unit to calculate the maximum zonal statistical value of runoff converging indicators. Moreover, taking the Chaohu basin of Anhui in China as the case study, the validation flooding ground-truthing was constructed from GF-3, and Landsat OLI images of the flood event from 20 July to 24 July 2020, which is the biggest flood recorded by the Zhongmiao station, which recorded a new water level, 0.82 m higher than the historical record. Compared with the validation, the results indicated the proposed method could improve the correct ratio by 38% (from 22% to 60%) and the fit ratio by 17% (from 18% to 35%) when considering the predicted flood hazard levels of “High” and “Very High” as flooded areas. Moreover, the flood hazard map derived by WZSAHP-RC demonstrated greater consistency in the flooded districts filtered by Baidu News than the pixel-based AHP. It revealed that considering two- or even multi-dimensional homogeneity may help to improve the accuracy of flood hazard maps on a catchment scale.
Precipitation-Use Efficiency and Its Conversion with Climate Types in Mainland China
Authors: Wang Suping , Zhang Qiang , Yue Ping , Wang Jianshun , Yang Jinhu , Wang Wei , Zhang Hongli , Ren Xueyuan
Published: May 2022

The impacts of climate change on ecosystem productivity and water resources over a long term in China are not well quantified. Precipitation-use efficiency (PUE) is a key parameter that describes carbon and water exchange in terrestrial ecosystems. Research on the response of regional PUE to climate change and its driving forces is of great significance to climate-change mitigation and the sustainable development of regional ecology. Based on an improved actual evapotranspiration (ETa) model, the responses of ETa, net primary productivity (NPP), and PUE to climate change in different climatic regions of China were analyzed; the contributions of various environmental factors to PUE changes were quantified; and the conversion characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of the PUE regime in different climatic regions were identified. The results indicate that the improved ETa model, after considering the limiting effect of energy on ETa in humid regions, can simulate the ETa distribution in China well. Over the past 58 years (1960–2017), ETa and NPP have increased in the western regions and decreased in the eastern regions, with the boundary at 103° E. PUE presents a “low-high-low” spatial distribution from northwest to southeast in China. It is noteworthy that there was a zonal distribution for a high value area of PUE, which coincided with the summer monsoon transition zone. The soil moisture (SM) increase in arid regions is the main driving force of the PUE increase, whereas the annual net radiation (Rn) change in humid regions is the main driving force of the PUE change. The transition zone is the conversion zone, where the prevailing factor limiting vegetation growth transitions from water to energy.
Impacts of Climate Change on a Coastal Wetland from Model Simulation Combining Satellite and Gauge Observations: A Case Study of Jiangsu, China
Authors: Dong Jihai , Dong Changming , Yu Kai
Published: May 2022

Coastal wetlands are affected by both natural processes and human activities. In the present study, the impacts of natural processes on wetland area variations along the Jiangsu coast in the East China Sea were investigated using a long-term high-resolution numerical model (55 years from 1955 to 2010) validated by satellite and gauge observations. In our 55-year simulation, a 1.33 km2 yr−1 decreasing trend of wetland area as a result of global warming was identified. It was found that the wetland area varied depending on the following temporal scales: intra-seasonal, seasonal, interannual, and decadal. Tides and steric sea level changes are responsible for the intra-seasonal and seasonal wetland variations, respectively. The long-term variations are attributable to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation. These basin-scale phenomena cause changes in the local wind patterns along the Jiangsu coast and impact the wetland variation on long-term scales.
Dynamics of the Evaporation of Intercepted Precipitation during the Last Two Decades over China
Authors: Yan Lingyun , Chen Jilong , He Lei , Ji Yongyue , Tang Qingqing , Fan Yuanchao , Tan Daming
Published: May 2022

The evaporation of intercepted precipitation (Ei) is an important component of evapotranspiration. Investigating the spatial and temporal variations of Ei and its driving factors can improve our understanding of water and energy balance in the context of China’s greening. This study investigated the spatial and temporal variation of Ei across China during 2001−2020 using PML ET product with a temporal resolution of 8 days and a spatial resolution of 500 m. The results showed that Ei generally decreased from southeast to northwest, which was contributed by the coupled effect of precipitation and vegetation coverage variation across China. Generally, Ei showed an increasing trend over the last two decades with an average changing rate of 0.45 mm/year. The changing rate varied greatly among different regions, with the most obvious change occurring in tropical and humid regions. Precipitation was the most important climatic factor driving the interannual change of Ei over the past two decades, with an average contribution rate of 30.18~37.59%. Relative humidity was the second most important climatic factor following precipitation. Temperature showed contracting contribution in different thermal regions. The contribution rates of NDVI and LAI followed a similar spatial pattern. Both the contribution rates of NDVI and LAI generally increased along the moisture gradient from east to west and generally increased from south to north.
Validating Precise Orbit Determination from Satellite-Borne GPS Data of Haiyang-2D
Authors: Guo Jinyun , Wang Guangzhe , Guo Hengyang , Lin Mingsen , Peng Hailong , Chang Xiaotao , Jiang Yingming
Published: May 2022

Haiyang-2D (HY-2D) is the fourth satellite in the marine dynamic satellite series established by China. It was successfully launched on 19 May 2021, marking the era of the 3-satellite network in the marine dynamic environment satellite series of China. The satellite’s precision orbit determination (POD) and validations are of great significance for ocean warning and marine altimetry missions. HY-2D is equipped with a laser reflector array (LRA), a satellite-borne Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS) receiver, and a satellite-borne dual-frequency GPS receiver named HY2 that was independently developed in China. In this paper, the quality of GPS data collected by the HY2 is analyzed based on indicators such as the multipath effect, cycle slips, and data completeness. The results suggest that the receiver can be used in POD missions involving low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites. The precise orbits of HY-2D are determined by the reduced-dynamics (RD) method. Apart from POD, validation of orbit accuracy is another important task for LEO POD. Therefore, two external validation methods are proposed, including carrier differential validation using one GPS satellite and inter-satellite differential validation using two GPS satellites. These are based on space-borne carrier-phase data, and the GPS satellites used for POD validation do not participate in orbit determination. The results of SLR range validation cannot illustrate the orbit accuracy in x, y, and z directions particularly, so to make validation results more intuitive, the SLR three-dimensional (3D) validation is proposed based on SLR range validation, and the RMSs in x, y, and z directions are 2.66, 3.32, and 2.69 cm, respectively. The results of SLR 3D validation are the same as those of SLR range validation, which proves that the new external validation method provided by SLR 3D is reliable. The RMSs of carrier differential validation and inter-satellite differential validation are 0.68 and 1.06 cm, respectively. The proposed validation methods are proved to be reliable.
Long-Term Spatiotemporal Patterns and Evolution of Regional Heat Islands in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Xu Hongchao , Li Chunlin , Wang Hao , Zhou Rui , Liu Miao , Hu Yuanman
Published: May 2022

With the continuous development of urbanization, the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon is becoming increasingly prominent. Especially with the development of various large urban agglomerations and the shrinking distance between cities, the regional thermal environment has attracted extensive attention. Therefore, we used Modis land surface temperature (LST) data and employed least squares, standard deviation and spatial autocorrelation analysis methods to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns and characteristics of summer daytime regional urban heat islands (RHI) in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration. Our results indicated that the relative land surface temperature (RLST) in the southeastern part of BTH with a relatively high level of urbanization showed a significant and continuous upward trend. With the continuous development of the level of urbanization in the southeast, the center of gravity (GC) of RHI gradually moved to the southeast, and the development direction of RHI changed from northwest–southeast to northeast–southwest. The area transfer of RHI was concentrated in no change and little change, indicating that the evolution trend of RHI was relatively stable. The high-high aggregation areas were mainly located in the more developed areas in the southeast. In addition, the methods and results of this study can provide reasonable and effective insights into the future development and planning of the BTH.
X-ray Diffraction and Piezoelectric Studies during Tensile Stress on Epoxy/SbSI Nanocomposite
Authors: Godzierz Marcin , Toroń Bartłomiej , Szperlich Piotr , Olesik Piotr , Kozioł Mateusz
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the performance of epoxy/SbSI nanocomposite under tensile stress was investigated. X-ray diffraction studies show the main stress mode has shear nature in the case of elastic deformation, while a combination of shear and tensile stress during plastic deformation caused lattice deformation of SbSI and shift of sulfur atoms along the c axis of the unit cell. Apart from that, the piezoelectric signals were recorded during tensile tests. Epoxy/SbSI nanocomposite responded to the applied tensile stress by generating a piezoelectric current with a relatively high value. The measured piezoelectric peak-to-peak current is relatively high (Ip-p = 1 pA) in comparison to the current flowing through the sample (8.16 pA) under an applied voltage of 100 V. The current level is independent of the deformation speed rate in contradistinction to complex stress states. The signal comes from the whole volume of the sample between electrodes and is generated by shear stress.
Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Successive Variational Mode Decomposition and the EP Index
Authors: Guo Yuanjing , Yang Youdong , Jiang Shaofei , Jin Xiaohang , Wei Yanding
Published: May 2022

Rolling bearing is an important part guaranteeing the normal operation of rotating machinery, which is also prone to various damages due to severe running conditions. However, it is usually difficult to extract the weak fault characteristic information from rolling bearing vibration signals and to realize a rolling bearing fault diagnosis. Hence, this paper offers a rolling bearing fault diagnosis method based on successive variational mode decomposition (SVMD) and the energy concentration and position accuracy (EP) index. Since SVMD decomposes a vibration signal of a rolling bearing into a number of modes, it is difficult to select the target mode with the ideal fault characteristic information. Comprehensively considering the energy concentration degree and frequency position accuracy of the fault characteristic component, the EP index is proposed to indicate the target mode. As the balancing parameter is crucial to the performance of SVMD and must be set properly, the line search method guided by the EP index is introduced to determine an optimal value for the balancing parameter of SVMD. The simulation and experiment results demonstrate that the proposed SVMD method is effective for rolling bearing fault diagnosis and superior to the variational mode decomposition (VMD) method.
Opportunities for Smartphone Sensing in E-Health Research: A Narrative Review
Authors: Kulkarni Pranav , Kirkham Reuben , McNaney Roisin
Published: May 2022

Recent years have seen significant advances in the sensing capabilities of smartphones, enabling them to collect rich contextual information such as location, device usage, and human activity at a given point in time. Combined with widespread user adoption and the ability to gather user data remotely, smartphone-based sensing has become an appealing choice for health research. Numerous studies over the years have demonstrated the promise of using smartphone-based sensing to monitor a range of health conditions, particularly mental health conditions. However, as research is progressing to develop the predictive capabilities of smartphones, it becomes even more crucial to fully understand the capabilities and limitations of using this technology, given its potential impact on human health. To this end, this paper presents a narrative review of smartphone-sensing literature from the past 5 years, to highlight the opportunities and challenges of this approach in healthcare. It provides an overview of the type of health conditions studied, the types of data collected, tools used, and the challenges encountered in using smartphones for healthcare studies, which aims to serve as a guide for researchers wishing to embark on similar research in the future. Our findings highlight the predominance of mental health studies, discuss the opportunities of using standardized sensing approaches and machine-learning advancements, and present the trends of smartphone sensing in healthcare over the years.
CAEVT: Convolutional Autoencoder Meets Lightweight Vision Transformer for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Zhang Zhiwen , Li Teng , Tang Xuebin , Hu Xiang , Peng Yuanxi
Published: May 2022

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been prominent in most hyperspectral image (HSI) processing applications due to their advantages in extracting local information. Despite their success, the locality of the convolutional layers within CNNs results in heavyweight models and time-consuming defects. In this study, inspired by the excellent performance of transformers that are used for long-range representation learning in computer vision tasks, we built a lightweight vision transformer for HSI classification that can extract local and global information simultaneously, thereby facilitating accurate classification. Moreover, as traditional dimensionality reduction methods are limited in their linear representation ability, a three-dimensional convolutional autoencoder was adopted to capture the nonlinear characteristics between spectral bands. Based on the aforementioned three-dimensional convolutional autoencoder and lightweight vision transformer, we designed an HSI classification network, namely the “convolutional autoencoder meets lightweight vision transformer” (CAEVT). Finally, we validated the performance of the proposed CAEVT network using four widely used hyperspectral datasets. Our approach showed superiority, especially in the absence of sufficient labeled samples, which demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of the CAEVT network.
Performance and Usability Evaluation of an Extended Reality Platform to Monitor Patient’s Health during Surgical Procedures
Authors: Arpaia Pasquale , De Benedetto Egidio , De Paolis Lucio , D’Errico Giovanni , Donato Nicola , Duraccio Luigi
Published: May 2022

An extended-reality (XR) platform for real-time monitoring of patients’ health during surgical procedures is proposed. The proposed system provides real-time access to a comprehensive set of patients’ information, which are made promptly available to the surgical team in the operating room (OR). In particular, the XR platform supports the medical staff by automatically acquiring the patient’s vitals from the operating room instrumentation and displaying them in real-time directly on an XR headset. Furthermore, information regarding the patient clinical record is also shown upon request. Finally, the XR-based monitoring platform also allows displaying in XR the video stream coming directly from the endoscope. The innovative aspect of the proposed XR-based monitoring platform lies in the comprehensiveness of the available information, in its modularity and flexibility (in terms of adaption to different sources of data), ease of use, and most importantly, in a reliable communication, which are critical requirements for the healthcare field. To validate the proposed system, experimental tests were conducted using instrumentation typically available in the operating room (i.e., a respiratory ventilator, a patient monitor for intensive care, and an endoscope). The overall results showed (i) an accuracy of the data communication greater than 99 %, along with (ii) an average time response below ms, and (iii) satisfying feedback from the SUS questionnaires filled out by the physicians after intensive use.
Anti-Osteoporotic Effect of Viscozyme-Assisted Polysaccharide Extracts from Portulaca oleracea L. on H2O2-Treated MC3T3-E1 Cells and Zebrafish
Authors: Fu Yunhua , Hu Xuan , Zhou Dongyue , Li Xue , Tao Xingyu , Yang Di , Zheng Fei , Dai Yulin , Yue Hao
Published: May 2022

This study aims to screen and characterize the protective effect of polysaccharides from Portulaca oleracea L. (POP) against H2O2-stimulated osteoblast apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. The enzymes viscozyme, celluclast, α-amylase, and β-glucanase were used to extract POPs. Among all enzyme-assisted POPs, the first participating fraction of viscozyme extract POP (VPOP1) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Hoechst 33342 and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining and flow cytometry of MC3T3 cells revealed that VPOP1 inhibited apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, VPOP1 increased the expression levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and decreased the expression levels of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) in H2O2-induced cells compared with their controls. The results of an in vivo experiment show that VPOP1 significantly reduced reactive oxygen species generation and lipid peroxidation in zebrafish at 72 h post-fertilization and promoted bone growth at 9 days post-fertilization. Furthermore, VPOP1 was identified via 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone derivatization as an acidic heteropolysaccharide comprising mannose and possessing a molecular weight of approximately 7.6 kDa. Collectively, VPOP1 was selected as a potential anti-osteoporotic functional food because of its protective activity against H2O2-induced damage in vitro and in vivo.
A Novel Centrifugal Filtration Device
Authors: Lin Chia-Cheng , Wu Jung-Ming
Published: May 2022

In the proposed centrifugal filtration device, a filter is mounted in the center of the centrifugal chamber. The particles move towards the centrifuge wall away from the filter under centrifugal force, so a filtration cake is unlikely to accumulate here. The working fluid is injected continuously, so the feed pressure is higher than the discharge pressure, which compels the light-phase fluid to leave through the filter as filtrate. The filtrate flux rate and the movement of particles in the centrifugal chamber of the proposed filtration device were investigated using different powder particle sizes, concentrations of working fluid, centrifugal chamber rotation speeds, and filters. With a higher centrifugal chamber rotation speed, the centrifugal force acting on the particles in the centrifugal chamber was stronger, and the particles were less likely to adhere to the central filter; hence, a larger amount of filtrate was produced.
Can Water Price Improve Water Productivity? A Water-Economic-Model-Based Study in Heihe River Basin, China
Authors: Zhou Qing , Zhang Yali , Wu Feng
Published: May 2022

Water demand management through price and market mechanisms is crucial for agricultural water management. However, how to set an appropriate agricultural water price remains unclear due to the uncertainty regarding the response of water demand to price changes and the complexity of the hydro-economic system. Thus, this study developed a water-economic model to examine both issues in the Heihe River Basin. The empirical results revealed that the basin’s agricultural water is currently price-inelastic, with a value of −0.26, but that at 0.27 yuan/m3, elasticity is gained. At this tipping point, water demand and economic output decline by up to 10.2% and 1.6%, respectively, while water productivity increases by 7.2%. It is noteworthy that the reallocation of water and land resources from agricultural sectors to non-agricultural sectors facilitated by a water price change is the main contributor towards water productivity improvement. This signifies the importance of managing water and land resources in an integrated framework to improve water productivity in the future. Our study contributes to the literature by suggesting that future policies for water-demand management should consider pricing that encourages water saving and the reallocation of water resources to high-value uses in order to increase water productivity.
Environmentally Responsible Business Approaches in Azerbaijan
Authors: Mammadli Mubariz
Published: May 2022

In the study; the eco-entrepreneurship and environmental sensitivity of companies operating in Azerbaijan were examined within the scope of environmental practices. For this purpose, companies operating in the country were invited to participate in a survey, and their sensitivity to the environment was examined from four main dimensions—consumption, production, financial, and technology. The mentioned dimensions were analyzed according to four aspects; namely, business field of activity, business size, operating year, and the level of implementation of environmentally friendly policies. According to the results of a one-way analysis of variance, carried out by field of activity, operating year, and the level of implementation of eco-friendly policy; it was found that there was no group that significantly differed from the overall group mean. A difference was found only in terms of the size of the enterprise. The study found that large businesses were more aware of environmental sensitivity than small- and medium-sized businesses.
Archaeology and Restoration of Costumes in Tang Tomb Murals Based on Reverse Engineering and Human-Computer Interaction Technology
Authors: Liu Kaixuan , Wu Hanhan , Ji Yanbo , Zhu Chun
Published: May 2022

This paper takes the tomb murals as the research object, and realizes the development of the costume patterns of the Tang tomb murals and the 3D simulation restoration of the costumes through 3D interactive clothing pattern-making technology and virtual simulation technology. Firstly, the 3D garment model is constructed in the virtual environment according to the costume outline of the Tang Dynasty tomb mural costume. Then, the structural curves of the garment are drawn on the 3D garment according to the characteristics of the Tang Dynasty tomb mural garment style, the 3D surface is expanded and surrounded by these curves into the 2D garment plane, and the expanded surface is adjusted to obtain the 2D garment plane pattern. We use 3D virtual simulation technology to sew the patterns of Tang Dynasty tomb mural costumes and realize the virtual simulation restoration of Tang Dynasty tomb mural costumes. Finally, we create a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of the restoration effect of the restored costumes. Compared with the traditional costume restoration methods, the method proposed in this paper reduces the technical requirements for operators in the restoration process without destroying cultural relics, and provides a new method for the rapid simulation and restoration of ancient Chinese costumes.
A Conceptual Approach to the Stakeholder Mapping of Energy Lab in Poor Urban Settings
Authors: Chen Xue-Qing , Musango Josephine K.
Published: May 2022

Various efforts are presently being undertaken to set up and maintain open, inclusive, participatory, and transparent processes, whilst at the same time, strengthening stakeholder partnerships in implementing SDGs remains a challenge. This paper enriched the discussion of multi-stakeholder approaches through a dynamic multi-level system view of stakeholder mapping, along with important theoretical frameworks and key empirical results to tackle the lack of security of energy services in poor urban settings. The study attempted to develop comprehensive cases for Africa-based experiences of the pilot project launched through a set-up of an energy living lab in the Groenheuwel community, as well as achieve an improved understanding of social-technical benefits of gendered energy security and innovative solutions at the household level. The contents are two-fold. The first part assesses the theoretical models available for stakeholders and outcome mapping. The second part focuses on the preliminary identification of stakeholders and their primary interests at all levels. The results of this study found that the energy living lab in poor urban settings recognised the importance of stakeholder mapping and the development of new solutions. Findings indicated that all stakeholders should support the government in the development of policies and strategies. Findings also suggested that key players should proactively agree and negotiate with the local government on energy outcome measures. It was also found that multi-stakeholder involvement improved transparency and accountability for decision making.
The Effects of Density on the Growth and Temperature Production of Tenebrio molitor Larvae
Authors: Deruytter David , Coudron Carl L. , Claeys Jonas
Published: May 2022

Tenebrio molitor larvae live, at least partially, inside their feed. Hence, they do not live on a 2D plane but in a 3D environment. However, previous studies mainly focused on the optimal number of larvae for a given surface area, not the available volume. The goal of this study was to assess the growth and survival of mealworms in a standardized semi-industrial setting with a varying density (cm3) and substrate height. A full factorial experimental design was used with five larval densities (0.5–8 larvae/cm3) and four feed heights (1–8 cm) in 60 × 40 cm crates. Furthermore, the in-crate temperature was monitored and linked to the density. The results of this study clearly indicate that mealworm larvae prefer a low density (cm3). At low larvae densities, the substrate height was less important, with a slight preference for a thicker layer. In contrast, at high(er) larval densities, a lower layer thickness resulted in better growth. The in-crate week temperature varied up to 14 °C (25–39 °C) between treatments and could be predicted well based on the number and size of the larvae. These results may help the industry to improve their production efficiency in terms of larvae density, substrate height and room temperature.
Lightning Protection, Cost Analysis and Improved Efficiency of Solar Power Plant for Irrigation System
Authors: Rahim Waqas , Ullah Irshad , Ullah Nasim , Alahmadi Ahmad Aziz
Published: May 2022

The constraints in the path of sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient photovoltaic power supply to the irrigation system in remote areas are addressed in this work. The intrinsic thermal losses in the PV system due to high working temperature and shading losses that are caused by dirt are mitigated through water cleaning mechanisms. Moreover, the protection against lightning strikes and surges is assimilated in the system to ensure the durability of the PV system. Lastly, cost analysis of 0.4 MW PV plant for the Area of 7444.69 m2 has been performed by the Homer Pro, and comparison is made with the same size of a Hydro power plant to estimate the economic feasibility of power generation for the purpose of irrigation through the pump house. The water-cooling mechanism resulted in the gain of one volt per panel of 260 W, which is a significant improvement with regard to collective PV plant generation. As the water cleaning mechanism for dust removal is accompanied with the cooling process, it results in the two volts rise per panel. Additionally, a cost analysis of 0.4 MW PV system provided a significant budget saving estimating USD ~2 million as compared to that of a Hydel power plant of the same size.