bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas Exchange in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Relationships with Pulmonary Poorly Communicating Fraction and Alveolar Volume
Authors: Kiryukhina Larisa D. , Kokorina Elena V. , Gavrilov Pavel V. , Denisova Nina V. , Archakova Liudmila I. , Yablonskiy Petr K.
Published: June 2023

Tuberculosis-related lung damage is very different. Lung ventilation disorders have been studied in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) during the active process and after treatment, but the main causes of gas exchange changes have not been sufficiently studied. Investigation of diffusing lung capacity in combination with bodyplethysmography is useful for the interpretation of pulmonary gas exchange disorders. The aim was to determine the relationship of gas exchange with the value of alveolar volume (VA) and pulmonary poorly communicating fraction (PCF) in patients with pulmonary TB. A total of 292 patients (117/175 M/W) with verified pulmonary TB with smoking age less than 10 packs-years underwent spirometry, bodyplethysmography, and DLCO by the single-breath method. PCF was estimated calculating the difference between total lung capacity (TLC) and VA (% TLC). Patients with low DLCO had statistically significantly lower spirometric values (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, MMEF), lower TLC, higher airway resistance, RV/TLC, air-trapping volume, and PCF. The patients with low level of DLCO were divided into four groups depending on level VA and PCF. In most patients with infiltrative tuberculosis (50%), the leading syndrome of the DLCO decrease was alveolar-capillary damage. In patients with tuberculomas, the syndromes of alveolar capillary damage and pulmonary ventilation inhomogeneity were with the same frequency (43%). In patients with disseminated tuberculosis, the most frequent syndrome of the DLCO decrease was pulmonary ventilation inhomogeneity (33%), then alveolar-capillary damage (29%) and mixed (24%). In patients with cavernous tuberculosis, the leading syndrome of the DLCO decrease was mixed (39%), then alveolar capillary damage (25%) and pulmonary ventilation inhomogeneity (23%). The syndrome of gas exchange surface reduction in patients with disseminated and cavernous tuberculosis was less common (14%). In conclusion, an additional evaluation of the combination of PCF and VA increases the amount of clinical information obtained using the diffusion lung capacity measurements, since it allows identifying various syndromes of gas exchange impairment. The leading causes of diffusing capacity impairment vary by different types of pulmonary TB.
Classification of Lubricating Oil Types Using Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Linear Discriminant Analysis–Support Vector Machine Algorithm
Authors: Xu Jigang , Liu Shujun , Gao Ming , Zuo Yonggang
Published: June 2023

To realize the classification of lubricating oil types using mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used for the dimensionality reduction of spectrum data, and the classification model was established based on the support vector machine (SVM). The spectra of the samples were pre-processed by interval selection, Savitzky–Golay smoothing, multiple scattering correction, and normalization. The Kennard–Stone algorithm (K/S) was used to construct the calibration and validation sets. The percentage of correct classification (%CC) was used to evaluate the model. This study compared the results obtained with several chemometric methods: PLS-DA, LDA, principal component analysis (PCA)-SVM, and LDA-SVM in MIR spectroscopy applications. In both calibration and verification sets, the LDA-SVM model achieved 100% favorable results. The PLS-DA analysis performed poorly. The cyclic resistance ratio (CRR) of the calibration set was classified via the LDA and PCA-SVM analysis as 100%, but the CRR of the verification set was not as good. The LDA-SVM model was superior to the other three models; it exhibited good robustness and strong generalization ability, providing a new method for the classification of lubricating oil types by MIR spectroscopy.
Migration Behavior of Inclusions at the Solidification Front in Oxide Metallurgy
Authors: Yan Chunliang , Wang Fengming , Mo Wenling , Xiao Pengcheng , Zhang Qingjun
Published: June 2023

Distribution of inclusions plays an essential role in inducing intracrystalline ferrite, and the migration behavior of inclusions during solidification has a significant influence on their distribution. The solidification process of DH36 (ASTMA36) steel and the migration behavior of inclusions at the solidification front were observed in situ using high-temperature laser confocal microscopy. The annexation, rejection, and drift behavior of inclusions in the solid–liquid two-phase region were analyzed, providing a theoretical basis for regulating the distribution of inclusions. Analysis of inclusion trajectories showed that the velocity of inclusions decreases significantly as they near the solidification front. Further study of the force on inclusions at the solidification frontier shows three situations: attraction, repulsion, and no influence. Additionally, a pulsed magnetic field was applied during the solidification process. The original dendritic growth mode changed to that of equiaxed crystals. The compelling attraction distance for inclusion particles with a diameter of 6 μm at the solidification interface front increased from 46 μm to 89 μm, i.e., the effective length for the solidification front engulfing inclusions can be increased by controlling the flow of molten steel.
Improving the Mechanical Properties of Mg-5Al-2Ca-1Mn-0.5Zn Alloy through Rotary Swaging
Authors: Li Bin , Chen Hao , Ke Xiangnan , Wei Guobing , Yang Qingshan
Published: June 2023

To meet the demand for more extensive applications of Mg alloys, a Mg-5Al-2Ca-1Mn-0.5Zn alloy without RE was prepared in this paper, and its mechanical properties were further improved by conventional hot extrusion and subsequent rotary swaging. The results show that the hardness of the alloy decreases along the radial central region after rotary swaging. The strength and hardness of the central area are lower, but the ductility is higher. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the alloy in the peripheral area after rotary swaging reach 352 MPa and 386 MPa, respectively, while the elongation remains at 9.6%, exhibiting better strength–ductility synergy. The grain refinement and dislocation increase caused by rotary swaging promoted strength improvement. The activation of non-basal slips during rotary swaging is an important reason for the alloy to maintain good plasticity while improving strength.
Micro-CT Evaluation of Microgaps at Implant-Abutment Connection
Authors: Kowalski Jakub , Puszkarz Adam K. , Radwanski Mateusz , Sokolowski Jerzy , Cichomski Michal , Bourgi Rim , Hardan Louis , Sauro Salvatore , Lukomska-Szymanska Monika
Published: June 2023

The assessment of microgaps at the implant–abutment interface is an important factor that may influence clinical success. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the size of microgaps between prefabricated and customised abutments (Astra Tech, Dentsply, York, PA, USA; Apollo Implants Components, Pabianice, Poland) mounted on a standard implant. The measurement of the microgap was performed using micro-computed tomography (MCT). Due to 15-degree rotation of samples, 24 microsections were obtained. Scans were performed at four levels established at the interface between the abutment and the implant neck. Moreover, the volume of the microgap was evaluated. The size of the microgap at all measured levels varied from 0.1 to 3.7 µm for Astra and from 0.1 to 4.9 µm for Apollo (p > 0.05). Moreover, 90% of the Astra specimens and 70% of the Apollo specimens did not exhibit any microgaps. The highest mean values of microgap size for both groups were detected at the lowest portion of the abutment (p > 0.05). Additionally, the average microgap volume was greater for Apollo than for Astra (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that most samples did not exhibit any microgaps. Furthermore, the linear and volumetric dimensions of microgaps observed at the interface between Apollo or Astra abutments and Astra implants were comparable. Additionally, all tested components presented microgaps (if any) that were clinically acceptable. However, the microgap size of the Apollo abutment was higher and more variable than that of the Astra one.
Synthesis and Modification of Morphine and Codeine, Leading to Diverse Libraries with Improved Pain Relief Properties
Authors: Zarin Mona Kamelan Zargar , Dehaen Wim , Salehi Peyman , Asl Amir Ata Bahmani
Published: June 2023

Morphine and codeine, two of the most common opioids, are widely used in the clinic for different types of pain. Morphine is one of the most potent agonists for the μ-opioid receptor, leading to the strongest analgesic effect. However, due to their association with serious side effects such as respiratory depression, constriction, euphoria, and addiction, it is necessary for derivatives of morphine and codeine to be developed to overcome such drawbacks. The development of analgesics based on the opiate structure that can be safe, orally active, and non-addictive is one of the important fields in medicinal chemistry. Over the years, morphine and codeine have undergone many structural changes. The biological investigation of semi-synthetic derivatives of both morphine and codeine, especially morphine, shows that studies on these structures are still significant for the development of potent opioid antagonists and agonists. In this review, we summarize several decade-long attempts to synthesize new analogues of morphine and codeine. Our summary placed a focus on synthetic derivatives derived from ring A (positions 1, 2, and 3), ring C (position 6), and N-17 moiety.
Synergistic Effects and Mechanistic Insights into the Co-Hydropyrolysis of Chilean Oak and Polyethylene: Unlocking the Potential of Biomass–Plastic Valorisation
Authors: Puentes Bastián , Vallejo Fidel , Alejandro-Martín Serguei
Published: June 2023

This study employed a hydrogen atmosphere in an analytical reactor to investigate the thermochemical transformation of Chilean Oak (ChO) and polyethylene. Thermogravimetric assays and compositional analyses of the evolved gaseous chemicals provided valuable insights regarding the synergistic effects during the co-hydropyrolysis of biomass and plastics. A systematic experimental design approach assessed the contributions of different variables, revealing the significant influence of the biomass/plastic ratio and hydrogen pressure. Analysis of the gas phase composition showed that co-hydropyrolysis with LDPE resulted in lower levels of alcohols, ketones, phenols, and oxygenated compounds. ChO exhibited an average oxygenated compound content of 70.13%, while LDPE and HDPE had 5.9% and 1.4%, respectively. Experimental assays under specific conditions reduced ketones and phenols to 2–3%. Including a hydrogen atmosphere during co-hydropyrolysis contributes to enhanced reaction kinetics and reduced formation of oxygenated compounds, indicating its beneficial role in improving reactions and diminishing the production of undesired by-products. Synergistic effects were observed, with reductions of up to 350% for HDPE and 200% for LDPE compared to the expected values, achieving higher synergistic coefficients with HDPE. The proposed reaction mechanism provides a comprehensive understanding of the simultaneous decomposition of biomass and polyethylene polymer chains, forming valuable bio-oil products and demonstrating the how the hydrogen atmosphere modulates and influences the reaction pathways and product distribution. For this reason, the co-hydropyrolysis of biomass–plastic blends is a technique with great potential to achieve lower levels of oxygenated compounds, which should be further explored in subsequent studies to address scalability and efficiency at pilot and industrial levels.
Self-Assembled CNF/rGO/Tannin Composite: Study of the Physicochemical and Wound Healing Properties
Authors: Fernández Katherina , Llanquileo Aylen , Bustos Monserrat , Aedo Valentina , Ruiz Isleidy , Carrasco Sebastián , Tapia Mauricio , Pereira Miguel , Meléndrez Manuel F. , Aguayo Claudio , Atanase Leonard I.
Published: June 2023

In this study, a conductive composite material, based on graphene oxide (GO), nanocellulose (CNF), and tannins (TA) from pine bark, reduced using polydopamine (PDA), was developed for wound dressing. The amount of CNF and TA was varied in the composite material, and a complete characterization including SEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS, and TGA was performed. Additionally, the conductivity, mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, and in vitro wound healing of the materials were evaluated. A successful physical interaction between CNF, TA, and GO was achieved. Increasing CNF amount in the composite reduced the thermal properties, surface charge, and conductivity, but its strength, cytotoxicity, and wound healing performance were improved. The TA incorporation slightly reduced the cell viability and migration, which may be associated with the doses used and the extract’s chemical composition. However, the in-vitro-obtained results demonstrated that these composite materials can be suitable for wound healing.
Effect of SEBS Molecular Structure and Formula Composition on the Performance of SEBS/PP TPE for Automotive Interior Skin
Authors: Liu Shuwen , Qiu Jun , Han Lili , Luan Junping , Ma Xueyan , Chen Wenquan
Published: June 2023

The hydrogenated styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SEBS)/Polypropylene (PP)-blended thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is an ideal material for automotive interior skin applications due to its excellent elasticity, weather resistance, and environmentally friendly characteristics such as low odor and low volatile organic compounds (VOC). As a thin-wall injection-molded appearance skin product, it requires both high fluidity and good mechanical properties with scratch resistance. To optimize the performance of the SEBS/PP-blended TPE skin material, an orthogonal experiment and other methods were employed to investigate the impact of the formula composition and raw material characteristics, such as the styrene content and molecular structure of SEBS, on the TPE’s final performance. The outcomes revealed that the ratio of SEBS/PP had the most significant influence on the mechanical properties, fluidity, and wear resistance of the final products. The mechanical performance was enhanced by increasing the PP content within a certain range. The degree of sticky touch on the TPE surface was increased as the filling oil content increased, causing the increase in sticky wear and the decrease in abrasion resistance. When the SEBS ratio of high/low styrene content was 30/70, the TPE’s overall performance was excellent. The different proportions of linear/radial SEBS also had a significant effect on the final properties of the TPE. The TPE exhibited the best wear resistance and excellent mechanical properties when the ratio of linear-shaped/star-shaped SEBS was 70/30.
Negative Capabilities: Investigating Apophasis in AI Text-to-Image Models
Authors: Lucas Hannah
Published: June 2023

Through a case study of images generated by Swedish artist Steph Maj Swanson using an AI text-to-image (T2I) model, this article explores the strategy of negative weight prompting in T2I models as a phenomenon of apophasis. Apophasis is a linguistic strategy commonly deployed in texts of mystical theology to express the ineffability of God through negative concepts. In this article, a comparison of apophatic strategies in mystical texts and T2I models is engaged to highlight the mutual benefit of theorising AI with the help of religious theory and concepts. With this, the article builds on previous work on the New Visibility of Religion, enchantment, and post-secularism—especially the research of Beth Singler on religious continuities in representations of AI. Recent work on AI prompt engineering, computational linguistics, and computational geometry is invoked to explain the linguistic processes of T2I models. Poststructuralist semiotics is then employed to theorise the search for the Transcendental Signified in apophatic theology. The article concludes that linguistic theology can help to elucidate technological use cases, subsequently arguing for further dialogue between scholars in artificial intelligence and religious studies, and for a revaluation of religion in the technological sphere.
Smart(phone)-Monitoring (SPM): An Efficient and Accessible Method for Tracking Alien Plant Species
Authors: Pinzani Lorenzo , Ceschin Simona
Published: June 2023

The invasion of alien plant species outside of their home range constitutes an emerging problem threatening native plant diversity. The expansion of alien species is often favored in anthropogenic habitats, such as roads and urbanized areas, which allow the rapid colonization of new sites by these species. The development of suitable monitoring methods is fundamental both to keep pace with the fast expansion dynamics of these species and to enable appropriate and prompt control strategies. In this work, an efficient, accessible, and cost-effective method for monitoring alien plants using a smartphone is proposed (smartphone-monitoring—SPM). Using smartphones with a geolocation system, geographic coordinates of images matched to single plant records can be easily acquired and structured into exportable databases in a few steps. We tested the SPM method on three black-listed alien plants, Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Arundo donax L., and Robinia pseudoacacia L., along the road network and in major urban centers of the Tuscany region (central Italy).
Empirical Study on the Key Influencing Factors and Development Mechanisms for the Sustainability of Microfinance Institutions Based on a Survey of Chinese Microcredit Companies
Authors: Li Jiming , Li Xiaoxi , Wang Jile
Published: June 2023

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play a significant role in financial-inclusion and poverty-alleviation activities. A critical challenge facing MFIs is of how they all can build their own capacity for sustainable and healthy development. By using the data from the pilot survey of 65 microcredit companies in Zhejiang, China, this paper explores the factors affecting MFIs activities by principal component analysis and analyzes the key Influencing factors and sustainable development performance with the analysis of variance and multi-regression model. The results indicate that four key factors of operational technology, external environment, financial condition, and institution size have a significant positive effect on the economic sustainability performance of MFIs, while the adjusted institution size has an insignificant positive effect on operational sustainability performance, which means that key factors of MFI sustainability have a greater impact on economic sustainability performance than operational sustainability performance.
Urban Heritage in Saudi Arabia: Comparison and Assessment of Sustainable Reuses
Authors: Mazzetto Silvia , Vanini Fiorella
Published: June 2023

Saudi Arabia witnessed unprecedented urban development starting from the 1930s due to oil discovery, leading to the construction of new contemporary cities and high-tech buildings. Recently, starting from the late 1990s, an increasing feeling of esteem toward vernacular architecture and local traditions has promoted several heritage rehabilitation projects. This paper aims to assess selected urban heritage interventions to highlight the importance of sustainable approaches in heritage reuse. An assessment of sustainable reuse was conducted by adopting sustainability criteria and principles in compliance with Saudi Arabia’s national vision for 2030 (Saudi Vision 2030), which targets sustainable growth in the post-oil era. Analyses and data collection make it possible to compare four selected case studies based on materials and techniques for preservation, governmental institutions involved, the assessed methodologies of intervention, and relevant parameters (legibility, reversibility, overshadowing, alteration, replacement, and anastylosis). Results show how different institutions have adopted diverse approaches in conservative methodologies based on heritage values to provide flexibility in the reuse of buildings and adaptation to contemporary needs. Assessing the sustainable reuses of Saudi heritage can lead to a strategic change in national growth targeting social, economic, environmental, and ecologic results.
Production Strategy and Technology Innovation under Different Carbon Emission Polices
Authors: Mu Yinping , Zhao Juan
Published: June 2023

Given that the production process in the manufacturing industry is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, many governments have implemented carbon emission-related policies to incentivize manufacturers to optimize their production process or invest in green production technology, with the aim of reducing their carbon footprint. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the effectiveness of carbon policies considering manufacturers always tend to prioritize economic profits in their actual operations. We compare the effects of three different carbon emission policies—carbon tax, cap-and-trade, and intensity target—on manufacturers’ production strategies and technology innovation investments, which include production and carbon emission quantities, price of goods and emission permit, and technological innovation of the production improvement and the emission abatement. The study results show that the intensity target policy increases the carbon market price and decreases the carbon emission rate. For the manufacturers with higher (lower) initial emission intensity, intensity target policy induces them to decrease (increase) production quantities and carbon emission quantities. For the technology innovation choice, cap-and-trade induces more incentive on production improvement technology innovation for manufacturers with lower initial emission intensity and carbon emission abatement technology innovation for manufacturers with higher level initial emission intensity.
Effects of Metal Waste Strips on Strength Characteristics of Road Base Material
Authors: Ibrahim Osama Ragab , Sinani Mazoun Al , Sinani Israa Al , Shibli Bayan Al , Al Badi Amjaad , Maghawry Salma Al
Published: June 2023

Metal manufacturing produces various types of byproducts and metal waste that have been growing exponentially. The increasing amounts of metal waste are usually disposed of in landfills, which causes soil and water pollution and increases the amount of gas emissions. On the other hand, in the field of pavement construction, the demand for natural materials is increasing rather rapidly. Many studies have suggested utilizing aggregate-like waste material in pavement construction, but there is little to no literature documenting the use of metal strips of different types. The aim of this study is to investigate utilizing the metal waste produced by the Intag Sohar company in layers of flexible pavement. Selected types of metal waste were utilized in the construction of the material used for base and subbase road layers. Three main parameters were studied: the number of layers, the distance between strips, and the direction of the strips. The effect of the metal waste on the pavement material is evaluated using the standard California Bearing Ratio test (CBR), which is the most important indication of the strength of the pavement material. Results show that the highest-quality mix consisted of four layers of metal waste with 1 cm spacing in one direction with CBR% values equal to 118.807%.
Green Supply Chains and Digital Supply Chains: Identifying Overlapping Areas
Authors: D’Angelo Viviana , Belvedere Valeria
Published: June 2023

This article explores the overlapping between green supply chains and digital supply chains through a bibliometric analysis of the two scientific domains. Using articles’ bibliographic data, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the literature on green supply chains and digital supply chains to examine the intellectual structure of these research domains. By analyzing 131 studies belonging to five different clusters where digital supply chains and green supply chains overlap, our results reveal different overlapping intensity in the different clusters identified. These results reveal also grey areas in the academic research on green and digital supply chains and they may inspire further research explorations, such as addressing whether and how this approach could produce benefits for companies in terms of environmental and operational performance.
Construction of the Pilot Free Trade Zone and Chinese Green Total Factor Energy Efficiency
Authors: Zhang Haikuo , Zhou Chaobo
Published: June 2023

In the context of China’s “double carbon” target, paying attention to regional green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE) is crucial for ensuring a fundamental guarantee for China’s free trade zones for the promotion of sustainable development in China’s free trade zones. However, the existing literature lacks focus on the environmental effects of these zones. This study takes advantage of the pilot free trade zone (PFTZ) implemented in 2013 as a natural experiment, utilizing panel data from 2009 to 2020 for Chinese prefecture-level cities. It adopted a progressive difference-in-difference model to assess the effect of the PFTZ on GTFEE. The findings demonstrate a remarkable improvement in GTFEE due to the PFTZ, which remains robust even after conducting robustness checks, including the parallel trend test. The PFTZ achieves this improvement by facilitating industrial structure upgrading and promoting green technology innovation. The positive influence of the PFTZ on GTFEE is particularly prominent in coastal cities and non-resource-based cities. This study contributes to the understanding of the environmental effects of free trade zones, providing a direct response to the key question of whether the free trade zone policy can effectively support high-quality economic development in the new era. Moreover, it offers useful policy implications for advancing further openness, winning the battle against pollution, and boosting high-quality economic development.
Sustainability in Project Management and Project Success with Virtual Teams: A Quantitative Analysis Considering Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Management
Authors: Blak Bernat Gisele , Qualharini Eduardo Linhares , Castro Marcela Souto , Barcaui André Baptista , Soares Raquel Reis
Published: June 2023

Project success is crucial for businesses, but the impact of virtual teams on it is still not fully understood. The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has led to the widespread adoption of virtual environment solutions to support geographically dispersed project teams. The growth in the use of virtual or hybrid teams in projects is expected to continue, as it presents an irreversible trend. Furthermore, there has been a significant increase in interest in sustainability in project management in recent years, emphasizing the long-term perspective for project success. To address this gap and contribute to the project success theory, a quantitative study was conducted to examine the impact of stakeholder engagement, knowledge management, and sustainable practices in project management on project success in virtual work environments using structural equation modeling. Experienced Portuguese-speaking project management professionals were surveyed. No evidence was found to support the moderating role of virtual teams, concluding that the virtual nature of a team does not diminish stakeholder engagement, knowledge-sharing, or sustainability in project management and its influence on project success. This study provides valuable insights for enhancing project success in virtual work environments, as it is the first of its kind to quantitatively address the sustainable long-term approach of project success in virtual environments.
Bio-Based Polymeric Flocculants and Adsorbents for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Kolya Haradhan , Kang Chun-Won
Published: June 2023

With the growing demand for clean and safe water, there is a pressing need to explore novel materials for water treatment applications. In this regard, bio-based polymeric materials have emerged as a promising solution for water purification. This article highlights the numerous advantages offered by bio-based polymeric materials, including their biodegradability, low cost, and renewable nature. Moreover, it discusses in depth the two primary applications of these materials in water treatment, namely flocculation and adsorption, showcasing their effectiveness in removing contaminants. Furthermore, this review addresses the future prospects and challenges associated with the development of bio-based polymeric materials for water treatment applications. This review provides valuable insights for researchers in the field, driving further advancements in the utilization of bio-based polymeric materials to ensure clean and sustainable water resources.
Unravelling the Release Kinetics of Exchangeable Magnesium in Acid Soil of Nilgiris
Authors: Dash Munmun , Thiyageshwari Subramanium , Selvi Duraisamy , Anandham Rangasamy , Rajan Karuppusamy , Maduraimuthu Djanaguiraman , Singh Santosh Kumar , Muthumani Jagadesh , Singh Shivvendra , Pramanick Biswajit
Published: June 2023

Magnesium deficiency is a pervasive and recurrent factor that significantly restricts crop production, primarily attributable to the low levels of exchangeable magnesium (ex-Mg) present in acidic soil conditions. This deficiency exerts a pronounced negative influence on the sustainability and progress of agricultural development. Hence the current study aspired at modeling the kinetics of Exchangeable Magnesium release from 3 fertilizer sources i.e., Epsom salt (MgSO4·7H2O), Magnesite (MgCO3) and Dolomite [CaMg(CO3)2] in the acidic soil of the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu, India. Four mathematical models were verified—Power function, parabolic diffusion, Simple-Elovich, and first-order to explain cumulative Mg2+ release. Power function was noticed to be an outstanding empirical equation finely fitted to the experimental data. The intensity, as well as the modality of the release pattern, was predicted by the numerical parameters. The power function as well as Parabolic Diffusion portrayed the Mg2+ release kinetics best as verified by the maximum correlation coefficients (r2). The parabolic diffusion model also designated the data as suitable, signifying diffusion-controlled exchange. From the derived dissolution rates, it was conceivable to agree Epsom salt (MgSO4·7H2O) from which the release was faster than the other two magnesium sources. In conclusion, these outcomes provided an insight into the temporal dynamics of magnesium availability in acidic soil, highlighting the importance of understanding its release kinetics for sustainable agriculture development. The findings contribute to the broader knowledge of magnesium management strategies, aiding in the development of targeted interventions to alleviate magnesium deficiency and optimize crop productivity in acidic soil environments.
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Mechanical Performance of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete T-Section Beams
Authors: Li Jianluan , Yin Yonggao , Yan Jing
Published: June 2023

Aiming to investigate the mechanical performance of UHPC T-section beams, five specimens are fabricated and tested, considering the variable steel fiber volume fraction (SFVF). The code of the Association Francaise de Génie Civil (AFGC) is evaluated by test data. Additionally, based on Abaqus (2020), refined finite element analysis (FEA) models of specimens are established and validated by experimental data. Moreover, the parametric sensitivity analysis is carried out, which aims to further investigate the effect of shear span ratio, longitude reinforcement ratio, and stirrup ratio on the bending-shear behavior of T-section beams. The test results indicated that the ultimate load of the specimen improves with the increase of SFVF, and the use of steel fibers can greatly improve the shear capacity instead of the bending capacity. Furthermore, SFVF can change the failure mode; the specimens fail in shear failure when SFVF < 2%, while they fail in bending failure when SFVF ≥ 2%. From the evaluation of codes, the AFGC code is conservative in the prediction of ultimate capacity, which can guide the design of UHPC structures well. Additionally, from the parametric analysis of FEM, the failure mode transformed from shear failure to bending failure as the shear span ratio increased, particularly in specimens with SFVF ≥ 2.5%. Moreover, the stirrup ratio ρsv has a significant effect on the shear performance of structures with SFVF ≤ 1%, while it has less effect with SFVF ≥ 2%.
Evaluation of Pedestrian Comfort for a Footbridge with Hinged Piers
Authors: Yang Shuo , Yang Jianrong , Li Rui
Published: June 2023

To study the standardized evaluation method of vibration comfort of pedestrian bridges, the effect of the transient response term is ignored based on the generalized single degree of freedom (SDOF) method with reference to the American Institution of Steel Construction inc (AISC 11) specification. The resonance conditions between the crowd and the bridge structure are also considered, and the pedestrian bridge structure is simplified to an SDOF system. Then, the peak acceleration of the structure under crowd excitation is directly calculated using the generalized crowd load, and the comfort evaluation is carried out according to the German EN03 code and the Chinese code. For a new pedestrian bridge with hinged piers, human-induced vibration tests were carried out to obtain the structural acceleration time response data under various crowd load excitation conditions, and the acceleration values calculated with the numerical simulation method, the frequency response function method, the generalized SDOF method, and the proposed method were compared with field measurements. The results show that for the normal excitation condition with a crowd density less than or equal to 0.2 person/m2, the acceleration maximum error for the proposed method is between 4.22% and 13.28%. The error is only 6.35% compared with the finite element simulation results. The method can derive peak acceleration by performing only modal tests, eliminating errors caused by different testers and errors due to deflection measurements. It saves considerable time cost and economic cost, and improves the speed of pedestrian bridge comfort evaluation. Therefore, the method proposed for the first time in this study can accurately assess the human-caused vibration comfort of pedestrian bridges with articulated piers. Although the hinged-pier and column steel pedestrian bridge meets the code requirement of a vertical first-order frequency greater than 3 Hz, it is recommended to add TMD vibration damping measures to the bridge in order to improve pedestrian comfort.
Study on the Performance of Polyurea Anti-Seepage Spray Coating for Hydraulic Structures
Authors: Li Bingqi , Li Jianbo , Yin Xunqiang
Published: June 2023

The surfaces of hydraulic structures are vulnerable to damage and cracking, which can result in high-pressure reservoir water entering cracks and endangering the safety of the structures. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the anti-seepage treatment and protection on the surfaces of the structures. In this paper, we explore the tensile and high-water-pressure breakdown resistance properties of polyurea coating material. To do so, we independently designed and manufactured a high-water-pressure breakdown test device for coating. Our experimental results indicated that the thickness of the polyurea coating decreased with an increase in elongation. Furthermore, we found that the breakdown resistance of the polyurea coating was related to the coating thickness and the bottom free section width. We then fitted the stress–strain curve obtained from the experimental test using the Ogden constitutive model. Based on this, we numerically simulated the high-water-pressure breakdown performance of the polyurea coating using the finite element software ABAQUS 2022. We obtained the relationships among maximum displacement, free section width, and coating thickness under high water pressure. Our numerical findings indicated that the vertical displacement of the midpoint increased linearly with width in the case of the same coating thickness under water pressure load. Conversely, for the same free section width, the vertical displacement decreased with increasing coating thickness.
Coupling Machine and Deep Learning with Explainable Artificial Intelligence for Improving Prediction of Groundwater Quality and Decision-Making in Arid Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshehri Fahad , Rahman Atiqur
Published: June 2023

Recently, machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models based on artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged as fast and reliable tools for predicting water quality index (WQI) in various regions worldwide. In this study, we propose a novel stacking framework based on DL models for WQI prediction, employing a convolutional neural network (CNN) model. Additionally, we introduce explainable AI (XAI) through XGBoost-based SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values to gain valuable insights that can enhance decision-making strategies in water management. Our findings demonstrate that the stacking model achieves the highest accuracy in WQI prediction (R2: 0.99, MAPE: 15.99%), outperforming the CNN model (R2: 0.90, MAPE: 58.97%). Although the CNN model shows a relatively high R2 value, other statistical measures indicate that it is actually the worst-performing model among the five tested. This discrepancy may be attributed to the limited training data available for the CNN model. Furthermore, the application of explainable AI (XAI) techniques, specifically XGBoost-based SHAP values, allows us to gain deep insights into the models and extract valuable information for water management purposes. The SHAP values and interaction plot reveal that elevated levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), zinc, and electrical conductivity (EC) are the primary drivers of poor water quality. These parameters exhibit a nonlinear relationship with the water quality index, implying that even minor increases in their concentrations can significantly impact water quality. Overall, this study presents a comprehensive and integrated approach to water management, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to mitigate pollution levels and uphold water quality. By leveraging AI and XAI, our proposed framework not only provides a powerful tool for accurate WQI prediction but also offers deep insights into the models, enabling informed decision-making in water management strategies.
Novel Techniques to Study the Effect of Parapet Wall Geometry on the Performance of Piano Key Weirs
Authors: Shaker Majed , Yusuf Badronnisa , Khassaf Saleh , Mohamed Balqis , Alias Nor Azlina
Published: June 2023

Piano key weirs (PKWs) with crown parapet walls effectively manage water levels and maximize storage. However, their efficiency is compromised by interactions between water flow and submerged outlets during rising water levels. This study investigates novel parapet wall designs to improve PKW performance and reduce submergence effects. The experiment focuses on a PKW with a fixed 12.6 cm weir height. Three parapet wall configurations are tested: Mode 1 (walls on all apex), Mode 2 (walls fixed on sides and inlet), and Mode 3 (walls along the sides). Each mode includes three parapet wall profiles: rectangular (consistent form), triangular, and trapezoidal (varying characteristics). Results indicate that parapet wall design significantly affects water level variations with increasing wall height. Mode 3, featuring triangular and trapezoidal parapet walls, demonstrates the highest discharge capacity among the examined profiles. The discharge coefficient correlates with parapet wall height and form. Notably, the triangular wall in Mode 3 outperforms Modes 1 and 2 when parapet walls maintain an R/P ratio of 0.36. This study introduces innovative parapet wall designs to enhance PKW efficiency. By implementing advanced configurations, significant improvements in water control and discharge capacity can be achieved. These findings contribute to the state-of-the-art in PKW technology and offer valuable insights for practical engineering applications.
A Review of Hydromechanical Coupling Tests, Theoretical and Numerical Analyses in Rock Materials
Authors: Zhao Yanlin , Liu Qiang , Lin Hang , Wang Yixian , Tang Wenyu , Liao Jiao , Li Yang , Wang Xiaguang
Published: June 2023

The hydromechanical coupling behavior of rocks is widely present in the fields of rock mechanics and engineering studies. Analyzing and summarizing the relevant literature, the current status of experimental and coupling theory research on hydromechanical coupling is systematically described, the commonly used numerical simulation methods and their applications are briefly introduced, and the hydromechanical coupling problems in mining engineering, water conservancy, and hydropower engineering, slope engineering, tunneling engineering, and other fields are analyzed. Regarding the current status of studies on the hydromechanical coupling behavior of rocks, the test research aspect needs to further enhance the test studies on the triaxial shear permeability of rock material, and adopt a combination of macroscopic, fine, and microscopic methods to study the hydraulic coupling problems of rock materials from different scales. To couple theory, the traditional concepts are broken through, and new coupling theories and mathematical models are used to explain and solve the relevant practical problems. Meanwhile, the application of interdisciplinary approaches to solving coupling problems in the future is emphasized. In terms of numerical simulation and engineering applications, new large data algorithms are developed to improve the efficiency of simulation calculations. In addition, consideration should be given to the numerical simulation of coupling effects, the coupled rheological effects, and the coupled dynamic properties of rock masses under high-ground stress and high water pressure.
Optimal duct length of ducted fans for minimizing first blade-passing frequency noise
Authors: Kim Min-Hyeok , Hong Suk-Yoon , Song Jee-Hun , Joe Beom-Jin , Choi Woen-Sug
Published: June 2023

Fans generate tone noise and broadband noise. The first blade-passing frequency noise is a tone noise and is the most dominant; attaching a duct and a stator can reduce this noise. However, there has been no theoretical development in using structural characteristics to reduce the noise
generated by ducted fans. In this study, noise predictions using Lighthill's equation and Green's function were performed to determine the optimal duct length for a ducted fan's noise reduction. New formulations for predicting the length were derived using a modal noise analysis. Noise sources
were obtained from computational fluid dynamics data and wall pressure spectra. The formulations deduce a linear relationship between a duct's radius and length and can be used as a tool to indicate fan size at the design stage under space and weight constraints without high computational
costs.
luso-chineses de Moçambique: orientalismo e construção colonial da simpatia
Authors: Macagno Lorenzo
Published: June 2023

O artigo indaga as narrativas de simpatia que, durante o período tardo-colonial, construíram-se em torno dos chineses de Moçambique. A partir dessa experiência histórica específica, o ensaio explora as afinidades entre o orientalismo e o lusotropicalismo. Para tanto, parte do pressuposto de que tanto a imaginação orientalista quanto a lusotropicalista englobam um paradoxo intrínseco: aproximam e empatizam ao mesmo tempo que exotizam e marcam diferenças. Essa operação de aproximação-distanciamento foi realizada, sobretudo, pelos cronistas da época, que enxergavam os chineses como “bons portugueses” e bons esportistas. O esporte (as corporalidades, as sensualidades, as sociabilidades) foi o mapa cognitivo a partir do qual era possível ler e interpretar o caráter, o modo de ser e o ethos dos luso-chineses de Moçambique.
Premier et Second Mésolithique des massifs subalpins du Vercors et de la Chartreuse. Approche diachronique à travers l’étude des industries lithiques
Authors: Angelin Alexandre , Perrin Thomas , Nicod Pierre-Yves
Published: June 2023

Au cours des 50 dernières années, les recherches archéologiques sur le Mésolithique dans les Alpes françaises du Nord ont connu

un essor considérable : un premier cadre chronoculturel a été établi sur la base de séquences stratifiées de gisements en grotte ou abri et de nombreuses stations de plein air ont été découvertes dans les zones d’altitude. La réflexion sur les modalités et les schémas d’occupation des secteurs de montagnes a ainsi pu être amorcée, mais elle a été freinée par l’imprécision des contextes stratigraphiques de découverte et par le manque d’études abouties sur les industries lithiques. Depuis quelques années, la reprise des fouilles sur le gisement de la Grande Rivoire (Sassenage, Isère) permet d’aborder la question sous un angle nouveau. Situé dans le nord du massif du Vercors, à 580 m d’altitude, cet abri-sous-roche livre une nouvelle séquence chronoculturelle de référence pour le Premier et le Second Mésolithique. L’analyse spatiale de la répartition des vestiges anthropiques a conduit à individualiser en stratigraphie huit ensembles mésolithiques distincts. Sur la base de nouvelles datations radiocarbones et de

l’étude typotechnologique de 12 500 artéfacts lithiques, ces ensembles définissent aujourd’hui cinq phases chronologiques (entre

8450 et 6050 Cal. BC), trois pour le Premier Mésolithique et deux pour le Second Mésolithique. Ces résultats permettent de renouveler le cadre évolutif du Mésolithique régional et en particulier de cerner au demi-siècle près la phase de rupture entre les dernières industries à microlithes sur lamelles étroites et les premières pièces géométriques à bitroncatures sur lamelles larges.
Maddî Delillerden Hareketle Allah’ın Varlığının Temellendirilmesi: Şa‘râvî Örneği
Authors: YALÇIN Hamdi
Published: June 2023

Allah’ın varlığı meselesi her dönemde felsefî ve teolojik tartışmaların en önemli ve temel meselelerinden birini teşkil etmiştir. Allah’ın duyu ve tecrübeye konu olmaması varlığının temellendirilmesi için farklı yollara başvurmayı gerekli kılmıştır. İtikadın ispatı ve savunusu noktasında Şa‘râvî de dönemin ve şartların dinamiklerini zorlamış bu hususta kendine özgü bir metot benimseyerek Allah’ın varlığına dair deliller arz etmiştir. O, evrenin yapısından, Kur’ân’daki gaybî ve tarihî haberlerden hareketle mantığa dayalı, akla hitap eden ikna edici deliller sunmuş, Allah’ın varlığını temellendirmeye girişmiştir. Allah’ın varlığını inkâr eden natüralist, materyalist, ateist ve darwinist anlayışları reddederek evrendeki yaşamın kör tesadüflere ve maddeye bağlanılamayacağını tabiata ve maddeye hayat verenin yüce bir varlık ve kuvvet sahibi olması gerektiğini ve bunun da ancak Allah olabileceğini mantıkî delillerle ortaya koymuştur. Bu çalışmada Şa‘râvî’nin naklî delillerin yanı sıra astronomi, jeoloji, jeofizik ve oşinografi gibi pek çok bilim dalından hareketle Allah’ın varlığını nasıl temellendirdiği, mezkûr problemin izahına dair ortaya koyduğu farklı fikir, düşünce, analiz ve yaklaşım tarzının ne olduğunun tespiti amaçlanmaktadır.