bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Protection Properties of Multi-Band Non-Regularized Highly Reflective Films
Authors: Deng Xiaohong , Su Junhong
Published: October 2022

With the increasing exploitation of lasers, single-band laser protection has been extensively studied. However, single-band laser protection techniques have remained expensive and failed to meet protection requirements for multi-band lasers. In addition, the actual use of protective films requires a specific transmittance, which is generally not met by regular films. Here, we deposited three non-regularized highly reflective films using SiO2 as the low-refractive-index material and TiO2, HfO2, and Ta2O5 as the high-refractive-index materials by thermal evaporation for achieving multi-band laser protection. To verify the effectiveness of the films, the variation in transmittance, damage threshold, standing-wave electric field, and damage morphology of the films were analyzed at two laser wavelengths, and their protection mechanisms were evaluated based on optical properties and damage resistance. The results showed that the reflectances of the prepared non-regularized films at 1064 nm and 532 nm were greater than 99%, and the laser-induced damage thresholds for TiO2/SiO2, HfO2/SiO2, and Ta2O5/SiO2 films were 5.99, 5.89, and 9.99 J/cm2 at 1064 nm and 3.04 J/cm2, 1.48 J/cm2, and 4.93 J/cm2 at 532 nm, respectively, demonstrating good laser protection. The present work provides a practical and effective solution for multi-band laser protection and the prepared films may be used in numerous laser applications.
Transient Analysis of the Electro-Osmotic Flow of Multilayer Immiscible Maxwell Fluids in an Annular Microchannel
Authors: Escandón Juan P. , Torres David A. , Hernández Clara G. , Gómez Juan R. , Vargas René O.
Published: October 2022

This work investigates the transient multilayer electro-osmotic flow of viscoelastic fluids through an annular microchannel. The dimensionless mathematical model of multilayer flow is integrated by the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation, the Cauchy momentum equation, the rheological Maxwell model, initial conditions, and the electrostatic and hydrodynamic boundary conditions at liquid-liquid and solid-liquid interfaces. Although the main force that drives the movement of fluids is due to electrokinetic effects, a pressure gradient can also be added to the flow. The semi-analytical solution for the electric potential distribution and velocity profiles considers analytical techniques as the Laplace transform method, with numerical procedures using the inverse matrix method for linear algebraic equations and the concentrated matrix exponential method for the inversion of the Laplace transform. The results presented for velocity profiles and velocity tracking at the transient regime reveal an interesting oscillatory behavior that depends on elastic fluid properties via relaxation times. The time required for the flow to reach steady-state is highly dependent on the viscosity ratios and the dimensionless relaxation times. In addition, the influence of other dimensionless parameters on the flow as the electrokinetic parameters, zeta potentials at the walls, permittivity ratios, ratio of pressure forces to electro-osmotic forces, number of fluid layers, and annular thickness are investigated. The findings of this study have significant implications for the precise control of parallel fluid transport in microfluidic devices for flow-focusing applications.
Haor-Based Floodplain-Rich Freshwater Ichthyofauna in Sylhet Division, Bangladesh: Species Availability, Diversity, and Conservation Perspectives
Authors: Sarker Fanindra Chandra , Rahman Md. Khaled , Sadat Md. Ashfaq , Shahriar Al , Nowsad Alam A. K. M.
Published: October 2022

Biodiversity assessment is important for evaluating community conservation status. The haor basin in Sylhet Division represents a transitional zone with high species availability, rare occurrences and endemism. As a result, this study aims to describe the haor-based freshwater fish composition, including habitat, trophic ecology, availability and conservation status. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on fish samples through focus group discussions, field surveys, and interviews with fisheries stakeholders on a monthly basis. We identified 188 morpho-species, of which 176 were finfish and 12 shellfish, distributed into 15 orders and 42 families where 29%, 42%, 15%, and 14% species were commonly available, moderately available, abundantly available, and rarely available, respectively. Cypriniformes was the dominant order in both total species and small indigenous species identified. Approximately 45.34% of species were riverine, 31.58% floodplain residents, 12.55% estuarine, 2.83% migratory, and 7.69% were exclusively hill stream residents. Carnivores and omnivores were the most dominant trophic groups. A total of 87.76% species were used as food, 12.23% as ornamental and 6.91% as sport fish. Approximately 50 species were threatened (7 critically endangered, 23 endangered and 20 vulnerable) at the national level, most of them belonging to Cypriniformes and Siluriformes. Based on endemism, 16 species were endemic of which Sygnathidae, Cobitidae, Olyridae, Cyprinidae and Balitoridae fell under the threatened category. Minimizing intense fishing efforts, banning indiscriminate fishing and destructive fishing gear, initiating fish sanctuaries and beel nurseries, and implementing eco-friendly modern fishing technology are suggested to conserve the threatened species. This study represents a guideline for assessing the availability and conservation of freshwater fish in the Sylhet belt and serves as a reference for decision-makers in order to allow for the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources within an ecosystem-based framework.
Motivation, Intention and Action: Wearing Masks to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Authors: Kaine Geoff , Wright Vic , Greenhalgh Suz
Published: October 2022

Governments are seeking to slow the spread of COVID-19 by implementing measures that encourage, or mandate, changes in people’s behaviour such as the wearing of face masks. The success of these measures depends on the willingness of individuals to change their behaviour and their commitment and capacity to translate that intention into actions. Understanding and predicting both the willingness of individuals to change their behaviour and their enthusiasm to act on that willingness are needed to assess the likely effectiveness of these measures in slowing the spread of the virus. We analysed responses to two different regional surveys about people’s intentions and behaviour with respect to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in New Zealand. While motivations and intentions were largely similar across the regions, there were surprisingly large differences across the regions regarding the frequency of wearing face masks. These regional differences were not associated with regional differences in demographics (or in Alert levels) but were associated with regional differences in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19. The results highlight the importance to policy design of distinguishing the factors that might influence the formation of behavioural intentions from those that might influence the implementation of those intentions.
Mathematical Modeling of Nucleation and Growth Processes of Ellipsoidal Crystals in Binary Melts
Authors: Nikishina Margarita A. , Alexandrov Dmitri V.
Published: October 2022

The transient behavior of an ensemble of ellipsoidal particles in a supercooled binary melt is considered. The model laws, based on the Fokker-Planck type kinetic equation for the particle-volume distribution function, the thermal and mass integral balances for the binary melt temperature and solute concentration, as well as the corresponding boundary and initial conditions, are formulated and solved analytically. We show that the temperature and concentration increase with time due to the effects of impurity displacement and latent heat emission by the growing ellipsoidal particles. These effects are also responsible for metastability reduction. As this takes place, increasing the initial solute concentration in a metastable binary melt increases the intensity of its desupercooling. The theory is developed for arbitrary nucleation frequency with special consideration of two important nucleation kinetics according to the Meirs and Weber-Volmer-Frenkel Zel’dovich mechanisms. An analytical solution to the integrodifferential model equations is found in a parametric form. The theory contains all limiting transitions to previously developed analytical approaches. Namely, it contains the growth of spherical crystals in binary melts and ellipsoidal crystals in single-component melts.
Farming Beginning in Southwestern Transylvania (Romania). Subsistence Strategies in Mureş Valley during the Early Neolithic
Authors: Malaxa Daniel Ioan , Stanc Margareta Simina , Bărbat Ioan Alexandru , Gâza Oana , Păceşilă Doru , Bejenaru Luminița , Danu Mihaela
Published: October 2022

Early Neolithic communities penetrated in southwestern Transylvania and were established in the Mureș Valley where they found suitable territories for domestic animal herds and probably plant cultivation. The present study tries to answer questions related to the beginnings of the neolithisation in this area, from an interdisciplinary perspective, valuing archeozoologically and archeobotanically the Starčevo-Criș site of Soimuș-Teleghi (Hunedoara County), dating to the 7th–6th millennium BC. Animal skeletal remains and phytoliths are the proxies analysed in this paper, offering data about the palaeoeconomy and palaeoenvironment of the Early Neolithic settlement. In the archaeozoological samples, the remains coming from domestic mammals are the most frequent, being identified as cattle (Bos taurus), sheep/goat (Ovis aries/Capra hircus), pig (Sus domesticus), and dog (Canis familiaris). The fact that pig remains are almost absent in the samples is significant, suggesting a mobility of the evaluated communities. The skeletal remains of wild mammal species are rare, belonging to red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), aurochs (Bos primigenius), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and polecat (Mustela putorius). The strong dominance of grasses is attested through the phytoliths’ assemblages. ELONGATE DENDRITIC phytoliths are well represented. This morphotype, which originates from the inflorescence or the husk of Poaceae, is most likely derived from cultivated plants (cereals such as wheat, barley, etc.). Archaeozoological and archaeobotanical data resulting from this study suggest an open environment around the Early Neolithic settlement, where communities of the Starčevo-Criș culture mainly raised herds of cattle and sheep/goat. Sporadically, hunting and gathering molluscs were practised by the inhabitants, as indicated by archaeozoological results.
Study of Energy Loss for Distributed Power-Flow Assignment in a Smart Home Environment
Authors: Khwanrit Ruengwit , Lim Yuto , Javaid Saher , Kittipiyakul Somsak , Tan Yasuo
Published: October 2022

Today, renewable energy resources are a critical component of distributed energy systems. However, their intermittent nature makes them unstable energy sources, making them very difficult to use optimally in any energy system. Battery storage is a viable solution for this issue. In this paper, we consider distributed power-flow assignment consisting of unstable power generators, unpredictable power loads, and multiple energy storage systems (ESSs), with different combinations of logical power connections between them. We propose power-flow assignment (PFA) algorithms to deal with single and multiple loads to address the possibility of reducing energy loss and improving distributed power-flow assignment with the presence of ESSs in a smart home environment. Simulation results reveal that the increment of logical power connections between generators, loads, and storage systems can significantly reduce energy loss. The proposed PFA algorithms can reduce energy loss by about 67% compared to a power-flow assignment for which all the generated power is stored in an ESS directly during winter. The results further show that spring has the highest energy loss and stored energy in ESS compared to other seasons.
A Diagnostic of Acquired Hemophilia Following PD1/PDL1 Inhibitors in Advanced Melanoma: The Experience of Two Patients and a Literature Review
Authors: Gidaro Antonio , Palmieri Giuseppe , Donadoni Mattia , Mameli Lucia A. , La Cava Leyla , Sanna Giuseppe , Castro Dante , Delitala Alessandro P. , Manetti Roberto , Castelli Roberto
Published: October 2022

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare bleeding disorder caused by the development of specific autoantibodies against factor VIII (FVIII). Immunotherapy is a recent therapeutic option that targets the patient’s self-tolerance against tumor cells. Because therapeutic effects of the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are mediated by enhancing the immune response to restore antitumor immunity, autoimmune-related adverse effects can be seen in up to 80% of patients during treatment and after treatment. A rare hematologic ICIs-related adverse event is AHA. Hereafter we report two cases of AHA developed during anti-PD-1 immunotherapy for advanced melanoma: one secondary to treatment with nivolumab and one secondary to pembrolizumab. Both patients were treated with activated FVII (Novoseven®, Novo Nordisk, Bagsværd, Denmark) as hemostatic treatment combined with the eradication of antibodies anti-FVIII obtained with rituximab. In the last few years these drugs have significantly improved the therapeutic armamentarium for the management of AHA. Indeed, while FVIIa has proven to be an effective and safe tool for the treatment of acute bleeding related to FVIII autoantibodies, rituximab is a promising alternative for the autoantibodies’ elimination and the restoration of normal hemostasis. Our finding supports the use of this combination even in AHA secondary to ICIs treatment.
Genetic Factors for Coronary Heart Disease and Their Mechanisms: A Meta-Analysis and Comprehensive Review of Common Variants from Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Zarkasi Khairul Anwar , Abdullah Noraidatulakma , Abdul Murad Nor Azian , Ahmad Norfazilah , Jamal Rahman
Published: October 2022

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have discovered 163 loci related to coronary heart disease (CHD). Most GWAS have emphasized pathways related to single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that reached genome-wide significance in their reports, while identification of CHD pathways based on the combination of all published GWAS involving various ethnicities has yet to be performed. We conducted a systematic search for articles with comprehensive GWAS data in the GWAS Catalog and PubMed, followed by a meta-analysis of the top recurring SNPs from ≥2 different articles using random or fixed-effect models according to Cochran Q and I2 statistics, and pathway enrichment analysis. Meta-analyses showed significance for 265 of 309 recurring SNPs. Enrichment analysis returned 107 significant pathways, including lipoprotein and lipid metabolisms (rs7412, rs6511720, rs11591147, rs1412444, rs11172113, rs11057830, rs4299376), atherogenesis (rs7500448, rs6504218, rs3918226, rs7623687), shared cardiovascular pathways (rs72689147, rs1800449, rs7568458), diabetes-related pathways (rs200787930, rs12146487, rs6129767), hepatitis C virus infection/hepatocellular carcinoma (rs73045269/rs8108632, rs56062135, rs188378669, rs4845625, rs11838776), and miR-29b-3p pathways (rs116843064, rs11617955, rs146092501, rs11838776, rs73045269/rs8108632). In this meta-analysis, the identification of various genetic factors and their associated pathways associated with CHD denotes the complexity of the disease. This provides an opportunity for the future development of novel CHD genetic risk scores relevant to personalized and precision medicine.
Outcome Measures and Biomarkers for Disease Assessment in Takayasu Arteritis
Authors: Misra Durga Prasanna , Jain Neeraj , Ora Manish , Singh Kritika , Agarwal Vikas , Sharma Aman
Published: October 2022

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a less common large vessel vasculitis where histopathology of involved arteries is difficult to access except during open surgical procedures. Assessment of disease activity in TAK, therefore, relies on surrogate measures. Clinical disease activity measures such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) score, the Disease Extent Index in TAK (DEI.TAK) and the Indian TAK Clinical Activity Score (ITAS2010) inconsistently associate with acute phase reactants (APRs). Computerized tomographic angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or color Doppler Ultrasound (CDUS) enables anatomical characterization of stenosis, dilatation, and vessel wall characteristics. Vascular wall uptake of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose or other ligands using positron emission tomography computerized tomography (PET-CT) helps assess metabolic activity, which reflects disease activity well in a subset of TAK with normal APRs. Angiographic scoring systems to quantitate the extent of vascular involvement in TAK have been developed recently. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein have a moderate performance in distinguishing active TAK. Numerous novel biomarkers are under evaluation in TAK. Limited literature suggests a better assessment of active disease by combining APRs, PET-CT, and circulating biomarkers. Validated damage indices and patient-reported outcome measures specific to TAK are lacking. Few biomarkers have been evaluated to reflect vascular damage in TAK and constitute important research agenda.
Molecular Analysis of Pancreatic Cyst Fluid for the Management of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms
Authors: Turner Ronald C. , Melnychuk Jared T. , Chen Wei , Jones Daniel , Krishna Somashekar G.
Published: October 2022

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal human cancers. Early detection and diagnosis of precursor lesions for pancreatic malignancy is essential to improve the morbidity and mortality associated with this diagnosis. Of the cystic precursor lesions, branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is the most frequently identified lesion and has a wide range of malignant potential. Currently, Carcinogenic embryonic antigen (CEA) levels in the cyst fluid and cytology are the two most often utilized tools to diagnose these lesions; however, their diagnostic and risk stratification capabilities are somewhat limited. Within the last decade, the use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration has opened the door for molecular analysis of cystic fluid as an option to enhance both the diagnosis and risk stratification of these lesions. The first step is to differentiate branch duct IPMNs from other lesions. KRAS and GNAS alterations have been shown to be accurate markers for this purpose. Following cyst type identification, mutational analysis, telomere fusion, microRNAs, long non-coding RNA, and DNA methylation have been identified as potential targets for stratifying malignant potential using the cystic fluid. In this review, we will examine the various targets of cyst fluid molecular analysis and their utility in the diagnosis and risk stratification of branch duct IPMNs.
Checking Consistency and Comparing Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods in the Evaluation of Museums’ Websites
Authors: Kabassi Katerina , Bekatoros Stelios , Botonis Athanasios
Published: October 2022

The need to evaluate museum websites is an issue that has been highlighted by several researchers. In this paper, we focus on museums’ website evaluation and use as a case study the evaluation of natural history museums’ websites. For this evaluation experiment, MCDM methods are combined and compared. The focus of this paper is twofold: (1) checking the consistency of AHP for calculating the weights of criteria and (2) comparing Fuzzy TOPSIS and Fuzzy VIKOR with each other and with a usability evaluation questionnaire.
Correction: Sookram et al. The Conceptualization of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Ship–Shore Delivery Service for the Maritime Industry of Trinidad. Drones 2021, 5, 76
Authors: Sookram Noel , Ramsewak Deanesh , Singh Sukhjit
Published: October 2022

There was an error in the original publication [...]
New Challenges for Classical and Quantum Probability
Authors: Accardi Luigi
Published: October 2022

The discovery that any classical random variable with all moments gives rise to a full quantum theory (that in the Gaussian and Poisson cases coincides with the usual one) implies that a quantum–type formalism will enter into practically all applications of classical probability and statistics. The new challenge consists in finding the classical interpretation, for different types of classical contexts, of typical quantum notions such as entanglement, normal order, equilibrium states, etc. As an example, every classical symmetric random variable has a canonically associated conjugate momentum. In usual quantum mechanics (associated with Gaussian or Poisson classical random variables), the interpretation of the momentum operator was already clear to Heisenberg. How should we interpret the conjugate momentum operator associated with classical random variables outside the Gauss–Poisson class? The Introduction is intended to place in historical perspective the recent developments that are the main object of the present exposition.
Generalized Species Richness Indices for Diversity
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi
Published: October 2022

A generalized notion of species richness is introduced. The generalization embeds the popular index of species richness on the boundary of a family of diversity indices each of which is the number of species in the community after a small proportion of individuals belonging to the least minorities is trimmed. It is established that the generalized species richness indices satisfy a weak version of the usual axioms for diversity indices, are qualitatively robust against small perturbations in the underlying distribution, and are collectively complete with respect to all information of diversity. In addition to a natural plug-in estimator of the generalized species richness, a bias-adjusted estimator is proposed, and its statistical reliability is gauged via bootstrapping. Finally an ecological example and supportive simulation results are given.
Book Review: Hui, C.; Richardson, D. Invading Ecological Networks; Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK, 2022; ISBN: 9781108778374
Authors: Favretti Marco
Published: October 2022

The book addresses the problem of describing the dynamics of the interaction of alien species with an ecosystem using modern network theory [...]
Engaging Students in Learning the Relations of Geographical Elements through GIS-Enabled Property Price Visualization
Authors: Wang Chuanbing , Yang Daihu , Xu Huimin
Published: October 2022

Understanding the relations of urban elements is important in secondary school geography. Based on the price data of 22,684 listed apartments, this article aims to enable students to understand how geographical elements are related to the distribution of apartment prices through spatial analysis using ArcGIS 10.8. The spatial analysis showed that apartment prices are related to their proximity to government offices, schools, hospitals and main traffic roads. The content analysis of field notes, interviews and discussions suggests that students favor geographic information system (GIS)-based teaching and feel geospatial technology is useful to visualize the relationship of apartment prices to other geographical elements. Moreover, GIS-based teaching not only improves students’ skill of generating datasets and raster maps, but also provides more room for students’ enquiries compared to conventional teaching.
Principles of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in STEM Education: Using Expert Wisdom and Research to Frame Educational Practice
Authors: Smith Kathy , Maynard Nicoleta , Berry Amanda , Stephenson Tanya , Spiteri Tabetha , Corrigan Deborah , Mansfield Jennifer , Ellerton Peter , Smith Timothy
Published: October 2022

Developing teacher knowledge, skills, and confidence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is critical to supporting a culture of innovation and productivity across the population. Such capacity building is also necessary for the development of STEM literacies involving the ability to identify, apply, and integrate concepts from STEM domains toward understanding complex problems, and innovating to solve them. However, a lack of visible models of STEM integration has been highlighted by teachers as a challenge to successfully implementing integrated STEM education in schools. Problem Based Learning (PBL) has been well-established in higher education contexts as an approach to learning in the STEM disciplines and may present an effective way to integrate knowledge and skills across STEM disciplines in school-based STEM education and support the development of students as capable, self-directed learners. However, if PBL is to effectively contribute to STEM education in schools and build teacher capacity to teach STEM, then this approach needs to be better understood. This paper aims to generate a set of principles for supporting a PBL model of STEM education in schools based on insights from the literature and expert focus groups of PBL professionals. Four principles of PBL emerged from the data analysis: (a) flexible knowledge, skills, and capabilities; (b) active and strategic metacognitive reasoning; (c) collaboration based on intrinsic motivation; and (d) problems embedded in real and rich contexts. The study outcomes provide evidence-informed support for teachers who may be considering the value of adopting a PBL approach in school-based STEM education.
Capacity Building for Engineering Training and Technology via STEAM Education
Authors: Jantassova Damira , Churchill Daniel , Shebalina Olga , Akhmetova Dinara
Published: October 2022

This paper reports the “Capacity building for innovative engineers through STEAM education” project conducted at Kazakhstan’s Saginov Technical University (‘STU’) and funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. AR09260338). The problem of intercultural communication and the ability to collaborate, the issues of critical thinking development, and using the creative approach to solving professional tasks remain weak in the system of engineering higher education in Kazakhstan. STEAM Education appears to serve a role in overcoming the problem. Conducting a comprehensive study of the world experience and developing strategies for introducing STEAM into the educational process at Kazakhstani universities based on multifactor SWOT analysis made it possible to form several STEAM approaches for innovative engineering education. In the paper, we present the STEAM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Mathematics) Education framework for innovative training of engineers developed based on the best practices from around the world. This framework focuses on sustainable engineering education for intercultural communication, creative industry, and creative cooperation. In developing the STEAM Education framework, the researchers applied a methodology that included classification and comparison of international STEAM Education practices, analysis of regulatory documents, and statistical data in the sphere of education and multifactor SWOT analysis.
Entity-Based Integration Framework on Social Unrest Event Detection in Social Media
Authors: Shen Ao , Chow Kam Pui
Published: October 2022

Social unrest events have been an issue of concern to people in various countries. In the past few years, mass unrest events appeared in many countries. Meanwhile, social media has become a distinctive method of spreading event information. It is necessary to construct an effective method to analyze the unrest events through social media platforms. Existing methods mainly target well-labeled data and take relatively little account of the event development. This paper proposes an entity-based integration event detection framework for event extraction and analysis in social media. The framework integrates two modules. The first module utilizes named entity recognition technology based on the bidirectional encoder representation from transformers (BERT) algorithm to extract the event-related entities and topics of social unrest events during social media communication. The second module suggests the K-means clustering method and dynamic topic model (DTM) for dynamic analysis of these entities and topics. As an experimental scenario, the effectiveness of the framework is demonstrated using the Lihkg discussion forum and Twitter from 1 August 2019 to 31 August 2020. In addition, the comparative experiment is performed to reveal the differences between Chinese users on Lihkg and Twitter for comparative social media studies. The experiment results somehow indicate the characteristic of social unrest events that can be found in social media.
Meta Classification Model of Surface Appearance for Small Dataset Using Parallel Processing
Authors: Kazoom Roie , Birman Raz , Hadar Ofer
Published: October 2022

Machine learning algorithms have become a very essential tool in the fields of math and engineering, as well as for industrial purposes (fabric, medicine, sport, etc.). This research leverages classical machine learning algorithms for innovative accurate and efficient fabric protrusion detection. We present an approach for improving model training with a small dataset. We use a few classic statistics machine learning algorithms (decision trees, logistic regression, etc.) and a fully connected neural network (NN) model. We also present an approach to optimize a model accuracy rate and execution time for finding the best accuracy using parallel processing with Dask (Python).
Improved YOLOv3 Model for Workpiece Stud Leakage Detection
Authors: Cong Peichao , Lv Kunfeng , Feng Hao , Zhou Jiachao
Published: October 2022

In this study, a deep convolutional neural network based on an improved You only look once version 3 (YOLOv3) is proposed to improve the accuracy and real-time detection of small targets in complex backgrounds when detecting leaky weld studs on an automotive workpiece. To predict stud locations, the prediction layer of the model increases from three layers to four layers. An image pyramid structure obtains stud feature maps at different scales, and shallow feature fusion at multiple scales obtains stud contour details. Focal loss is added to the loss function to solve the imbalanced sample problem. The reduced weight of simple background classes allows the algorithm to focus on foreground classes, reducing the number of missed weld studs. Moreover, K-medians algorithm replaces the original K-means clustering to improve model robustness. Finally, an image dataset of car body workpiece studs is built for model training and testing. The results reveal that the average detection accuracy of the improved YOLOv3 model is 80.42%, which is higher than the results of Faster R-CNN, single-shot multi-box detector (SSD), and YOLOv3. The detection time per image is just 0.32 s (62.8% and 23.8% faster than SSD and Faster R-CNN, respectively), fulfilling the requirement for stud leakage detection in real-world working environments.
Intelligent Campus System Design Based on Digital Twin
Authors: Han Xu , Yu Hua , You Wenhao , Huang Chengxu , Tan Baohua , Zhou Xingru , Xiong Neal N.
Published: October 2022

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, prevention and control measures became normalized, prompting the development of campuses from digital to intelligent, eventually evolving to become wise. Current cutting-edge technologies include big data, Internet of Things, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence drive campus innovation, but there are still problems of unintuitive scenes, lagging monitoring information, untimely processing, and high operation and maintenance costs. Based on this, this study proposes the use of digital twin technology to digitally construct the physical campus scene, fully digitally represent it, accurately map the physical campus to the virtual campus with real-time sensing, and remotely control it to achieve the reverse control of the twin virtual campus to the physical campus. The research is guided by the theoretical model proposed by the digital twin technology, using UAV tilt photography and 3D modelling to collaboratively build the virtual campus scene. At the design stage, the interactive channel of the system is developed based on Unity3D to the realize real-time monitoring, decision making and prevention of dual spatial data. A design scheme of the spiral optimization system life cycle is formed. The modules of the smart campus system were evaluated using a system usability scale based on student experience. The experimental results show that the virtual-real campus system can enhance school management and teaching, providing important implications for promoting the development and application of campus intelligent systems.
Research on UAV Safety Distance Warning Technology Based on Electric Field Ring Rate of Change
Authors: Zhou Nianrong , Li Jian , Zhang Wenbin , Zhao Jiawen , Zhao Jingjing
Published: October 2022

With the increasing scale of transmission lines, drone inspection has become a major method of transmission line inspection. In the process of UAV inspection, the safety distance warning of UAV and transmission lines is crucial, and the existing UAV safety distance warning methods have difficulties, such as high cost, low environmental adaptability, and data processing. In this paper, we propose a safety distance warning method based on the rate of change of electric field ring ratio, which can be applied to the inspection process of transmission lines of different voltage levels. In order to accurately measure the electric field strength around the transmission lines, a three-dimensional electric field measurement system for measuring the electric field in space is designed in this paper. Finally, a 10 kV three-phase transmission line experimental platform was built to verify the feasibility of the method proposed in this paper.
Predictive Control Applied to Matrix Converters: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Toledo Sergio , Caballero David , Maqueda Edgar , Cáceres Juan J. , Rivera Marco , Gregor Raúl , Wheeler Patrick
Published: October 2022

Power electronic devices play an important role in energy conversion. Among the options, matrix converters, in combination with predictive control, represent a good alternative for the power conversion stage. Although several reviews have been undertaken on this topic, they have been conducted in a non-systematic manner, without indicating how the studies considered were chosen. This paper presents results from a systematic literature review on predictive control applied to matrix converters that included 142 primary papers, which were selected after applying a defined protocol with clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study provides a detailed classification of predictive control methods and strategies applied to different matrix converter topologies. Research findings require to be understood in combination to develop a common understanding of the topic and ensure that future research effort is based on solid premises. In light of this, this study identifies and characterizes different predictive control techniques and matrix converter topologies through systematic literature review. The results of the review indicate that interest in the area is increasing. A number of open questions in the field are discussed.
Investigation on Flowback Behavior of Imbibition Fracturing Fluid in Gas–Shale Multiscale Pore Structure
Authors: Bai Jiajia , Wang Guoqing , Zhu Qingjie , Tao Lei , Shi Wenyang
Published: October 2022

To investigate the influence of flowback time and flowback difference on flowback behavior of shale fracturing fluid, we carried out the permeability test experiment of Longmaxi Formation shale under different flowback pressure gradients and analyzed the retention characteristics of water phase in shale pores and fractures after flowback by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instrument. The results indicate that after flowback under the pressure gradient ranges of 0.06~0.18 MPa/cm, the content of retained water phase in shale samples ranges from 9.68% to 16.97% and the retention of fracturing fluid in shale does not decrease with the increase of flowback pressure difference. Additionally, increasing the flowback pressure difference will reduce the shale permeability damage rate, but the permeability damage rate is still above 80%. After the flowback, the water phase mainly stays in the pore space with D < 100 nm, especially in the pore space with 2~10 nm and 10~50 nm. It is extremely difficult for the water phase in the pores with D < 100 nm to flow back out. The experimental results show that the critical flowback pressure gradient for particle migration of rock powder in shale fracture surface is 0.09 MPa/cm. The research results have important guiding significance for shale gas well flowback.
CO2 Sequestration Overview in Geological Formations: Trapping Mechanisms Matrix Assessment
Authors: Al Hameli Fatima , Belhaj Hadi , Al Dhuhoori Mohammed
Published: October 2022

This review focuses on the consequences of the early and rapid deployment of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage (CCS) technologies, which is currently recognized as a critical problem in fulfilling climate change mitigation objectives and as a viable alternative for countries throughout the world. Currently, the geological storage of CO2 is the most effective and, in many cases, the only viable short- to medium-term alternative for considerably moving towards CO2 sequestration in geological sinks and, thus, lowering net carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Furthermore, this review explores the global and environmental measurements of CO2 emissions, as well as the emphasis behind more efficient energy usage. The components of the CCS system are briefly examined, with an emphasis on the technologies that have been developed by previous scholars to support carbon capture, as well as the kinds of carbon geological formations that are suitable sinks for CO2. Additionally, the importance of carbon interaction and sequestration in unconventional formations are examined through case studies that are applied to coalbed seams and shale gas reservoirs. Numerous trapping processes are grouped and introduced in a constructive matrix to easily distinguish the broad trapping mechanisms, which are (1) chemical, (2) physicochemical, and (3) physical trapping, and each of these categories are further classified in depth based on their contribution to CO2 storage.
Frequency of Damage of Low Voltage Apparatus Due to Lightning Flashes to Ground Nearby HV Overhead Lines
Authors: Kisielewicz Tomasz , Piparo Giovanni Battista Lo , Mazzetti Carlo
Published: October 2022

The paper deals with a simplified approach to evaluate the frequency of damage of low voltage apparatus powered by a in housing HV/LV transformer against overvoltages due to nearby lightning flashes (source of damage S4 according to IEC 62,305 standard). The approach is based on computer simulations with validated models according to the current state of the art. The paper evaluates: the overvoltages stressing the HV/LV transformer due to lightning-induced over-voltages on the supplying HV overhead line; the voltage transferred to low voltage circuit through the power transformer and the influence of the transformer characteristics and of the LV circuits feeding the apparatus; the influence of the characteristics and the number of LV circuits on the frequency of damage of the apparatus. The different contributions to the voltage at the apparatus terminals, namely, the voltage transferred by the HV/LV transformer and the voltage induced by lightning current in the circuit downstream the transformer, are recognized. The voltage drop along the earthing system between the points where the transformer and the apparatus are earthed is, in the case considered, not effective because the apparatus and the transformer are bonded at the same point to the earthing system of the electrical installation. Even if these voltage components exhibit different shape and time at peak, for safety, they are added. When the resulting voltage is higher than the rated impulse voltage of apparatus insulation, damage of apparatus occurs. The evaluation allows to conclude that the frequency of damage of the LV apparatus supplied by circuits in a multipolar cable is about a thousand times lower than the one relevant to circuits in plastic conduit. If the tolerable frequency of damage of the LV apparatus is kept in the range of 0.01 damage/year, the adoption of protection measures against overvoltages caused by the source S4 is practically not necessary, except for the case of long circuits in conduit, powered by long HV overhead lines in areas with high values of lightning flash density. As this matter has not yet been considered in the IEC 62305 standard series, the results presented in this paper will be useful in the light of the revision of requirements of this standard.
Building Energy: Economics and Environment
Authors: Dylewski Robert , Adamczyk Janusz
Published: October 2022

Decreasing the negative impact of buildings on the environment is a major challenge [...]
Modified Cascaded Controller Design Constructed on Fractional Operator ‘β’ to Mitigate Frequency Fluctuations for Sustainable Operation of Power Systems
Authors: Gulzar Muhammad Majid , Murawwat Sadia , Sibtain Daud , Shahid Kamal , Javed Imran , Gui Yonghao
Published: October 2022

The demand for energy is increasing at an abrupt pace, which has highly strained the power system, especially with high share of power generation from renewable energy sources (RES). This increasing strain needs to be effectively managed for a continuous and smooth operation of the power system network. Generation and demand exhibit a strong correlation that directly creates an impact on the power system frequency. Fluctuations and disruptions in load frequency can manifest themselves as over-voltages and physical damages in the power grid and, in the worst case, can lead to blackouts. Thus, this paper proposed an effective solution to mitigate the load frequency problem(s), which is initiated by the changing load demand under high penetration of RES. This paper presented an improved cascaded structure, the proportional integral with a fractional operator coupled with proportional derivative PI−FOP+PD. The proposed FOP+PD modifies the (1+PD) controller by introducing fractional properties that improve its tracking efficiency and mitigate frequency fluctuations taking minimal time. The introduction of FOP β diversifies its tracking and overall controlling ability, which translates it as a significant controller. The controller optimal parameters are extracted by deploying a dragonfly search algorithm (DSA). The study of the results illustrates that the proposed design displays efficient performance under any disturbance or uncertainty in the power system.
Fault Location Based on Comprehensive Grey Correlation Degree Analysis for Flexible DC Distribution Network
Authors: Ma Tianxiang , Hu Ziqi , Xu Yan , Dong Haoran
Published: October 2022

Flexible DC distribution networks have a strong capacity for new energy consumption and have received extensive attention from scholars in recent years, but fault location for DC distribution lines is a difficult task. To solve this problem, we propose using a comprehensive grey correlation degree analysis to analyze the similarity of aerial mode traveling differential current waveforms at the first and last ends of a DC line, thus achieving fault location by obtaining the optimal time shift. Additionally, we built a six-terminal flexible DC distribution network model in Matlab/Simulink for simulation and validation, showing that the method can complete the rapid and accurate location of all types of faults on a DC line, and that it possesses an anti-transition resistance capability, making it suitable and highly reliable for cases of low sampling frequency.
Transition Metal Carbides Filler-Reinforced Composite Polymer Electrolyte for Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries at Room Temperature: Breakthrough
Authors: Al Alwan Basem , Wang Zhao , Fawaz Wissam , Ng K. Y. Simon
Published: October 2022

All solid-state room-temperature lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have gained increasing attention due to their ability to eliminate the polysulfides shuttle effects and the safety dangers associated with the liquid electrolytes. Herein, a novel composite solid-state electrolyte, which is nickel-tungsten carbides (NiWC) over mesoporous silica (SBA-15) filled polyethylene oxide (PEO), was developed and investigated for Li-S batteries. The filler minimizes the crystallinity of the PEO and increases the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte, resulting in lowering the AC impedance of electrolyte composite from 26,256 ohm to 2416 ohm and to 5734 ohm after adding the electrolyte material with Ni/W ratios of 1:1 and 9:1, respectively. A high initial specific capacity of 1305 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention of 66.7% after 8 cycles at C/10 was obtained at room temperature after adding NiWC/SBA-15 with a Ni/W ratio of 1:1. This novel composite solid-state electrolyte shows a remarkable long-term performance at high current rates (1, 2, 4, and 5C) and rate capabilities at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and back to 0.1C. The battery was able to recover 77% of the initial specific capacity at 0.1C. The materials were characterized by XRD and SEM-EDX to study the crystallinity and elemental distributions, respectively.
Optimal Loss of Load Expectation for Generation Expansion Planning Considering Fuel Unavailability
Authors: Diewvilai Radhanon , Audomvongseree Kulyos
Published: October 2022

In generation expansion planning, reliability level is the key criterion to ensure enough generation above peak demand in case there are any generation outages. This reliability criterion must be appropriately optimized to provide a reliable generation system with a minimum generation cost. Currently, a method to determine an optimal reliability criterion is mainly focused on reserve margin, an accustomed criterion used by several generation utilities. However, Loss of Load Expectation (LOLE) is a more suitable reliability criterion for a generation system with a high proportion of renewable energy since it considers both the probabilistic characteristics of the generation system and the entire load’s profile. Moreover, it is also correlated with the reserve margin. Considering the current fuel supply situation, a probabilistic model based on Bayes’ Theorem is also proposed to incorporate fuel supply unavailability into the probabilistic criterion. This paper proposes a method for determining the optimal LOLE along with a model that incorporates fuel supply unavailability into consideration. This method is tested with Thailand’s Power Development Plan 2018 revision 1 to demonstrate numerical examples. It is found that the optimal LOLE of the test system is 0.7 day/year, or shifted to 0.55 day/year in the case of considering the fuel supply unavailability.