bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Studies of FH Family Members in Soybean (Glycine max) and Their Responses under Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Zhang Zhenbiao , Zhang Zhongqi , Shan Muhammad , Amjad Zarmeena , Xue Jin , Zhang Zenglin , Wang Jie , Guo Yongfeng
Published: January 2024

Formins or formin homology 2 (FH2) proteins, evolutionarily conserved multi-domain proteins in eukaryotes, serve as pivotal actin organizers, orchestrating the structure and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. However, a comprehensive investigation into the formin family and their plausible involvement in abiotic stress remains undocumented in soybean (Glycine max). In the current study, 34 soybean FH (GmFH)family members were discerned, their genomic distribution spanning the twenty chromosomes in a non-uniform pattern. Evolutionary analysis of the FH gene family across plant species delineated five discernible groups (Group I to V) and displayed a closer evolutionary relationship within Glycine soja, Glycine max, and Arabidopsis thaliana. Analysis of the gene structure of GmFH unveiled variable sequence lengths and substantial diversity in conserved motifs. Structural prediction in the promoter regions of GmFH gene suggested a large set of cis-acting elements associated with hormone signaling, plant growth and development, and stress responses. The investigation of the syntenic relationship revealed a greater convergence of GmFH genes with dicots, indicating a close evolutionary affinity. Transcriptome data unveiled distinctive expression patterns of several GmFH genes across diverse plant tissues and developmental stages, underscoring a spatiotemporal regulatory framework governing the transcriptional dynamics of GmFH gene. Gene expression and qRT–PCR analysis identified many GmFH genes with a dynamic pattern in response to abiotic stresses, revealing their potential roles in regulating plant stress adaptation. Additionally, protein interaction analysis highlighted an intricate web of interactions among diverse GmFH proteins. These findings collectively underscore a novel biological function of GmFH proteins in facilitating stress adaptation in soybeans.
Plant Heterotrophic Cultures: No Food, No Growth
Authors: Puzanskiy Roman K. , Romanyuk Daria A. , Kirpichnikova Anastasia A. , Yemelyanov Vladislav V. , Shishova Maria F.
Published: January 2024

Plant cells are capable of uptaking exogenous organic substances. This inherited trait allows the development of heterotrophic cell cultures in various plants. The most common of them are Nicotiana tabacum and Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant cells are widely used in academic studies and as factories for valuable substance production. The repertoire of compounds supporting the heterotrophic growth of plant cells is limited. The best growth of cultures is ensured by oligosaccharides and their cleavage products. Primarily, these are sucrose, raffinose, glucose and fructose. Other molecules such as glycerol, carbonic acids, starch, and mannitol have the ability to support growth occasionally, or in combination with another substrate. Culture growth is accompanied by processes of specialization, such as elongation growth. This determines the pattern of the carbon budget. Culture ageing is closely linked to substrate depletion, changes in medium composition, and cell physiological rearrangements. A lack of substrate leads to starvation, which results in a decrease in physiological activity and the mobilization of resources, and finally in the loss of viability. The cause of the instability of cultivated cells may be the non-optimal metabolism under cultural conditions or the insufficiency of internal regulation.
Physicochemical and Sensory Stability Evaluation of Gummy Candies Fortified with Mountain Germander Extract and Prebiotics
Authors: Vojvodić Cebin Aleksandra , Bunić Magdalena , Mandura Jarić Ana , Šeremet Danijela , Komes Draženka
Published: January 2024

Health-conscious consumers seek convenient ways of incorporating different functional ingredients into their diets. Gummy candies are among the most popular confectionery products but generally regarded as nutritionally empty. A gelatin–sugar matrix, providing a highly appreciated sensory experience of sweetness and chewiness, could be used to deliver various bioactive compounds, especially those carrying an unpleasant taste. This work aimed to formulate gelatin gummies based on the mountain germander extract (MGe) as a source of phenylethanoid glycosides (PhEG). Sucrose and glucose syrup contents were partially or completely substituted with combinations of xylitol, maltitol and prebiotic poly- and oligosaccharides. Chemical, textural and sensory parameters were evaluated after production and 2 months of storage. Formulations containing fructooligosaccharides and xylooligosaccharides maintained a characteristic appearance during storage at all three levels of sugar (high, low and none), whereas inulin-added and plain (i.e., without prebiotic) candies suffered from mold contamination or appearance/textural changes. The color of the candies noticeably changed and appeared darker. The PhEG were shown to be stable during the candies’ production (approximately 90%) and generally maintained their contents during storage. Texture parameters, except hardness, exhibited high positive correlations and resembled the commercial product. Sensory-wise, a moderate bitterness intensity with a decreasing tendency, along with the high transparency and preservation of the characteristic shape facilitated high general acceptance. Gummy candies with prebiotics were shown to be a highly suitable matrix for the bitter MGe, delivering up to 40 mg of PhEG and 4.5 g of prebiotics in one serving size. This study provides a reference for implementing herbal extracts and emerging prebiotics (XOS) in functional confectionery.
Improving the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Mycelium-Based Green Composites Using Paper Waste
Authors: Teeraphantuvat Thana , Jatuwong Kritsana , Jinanukul Praween , Thamjaree Wandee , Lumyong Saisamorn , Aiduang Worawoot
Published: January 2024

The growing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable materials has led to the invention of innovative solutions aiming to reduce negative impacts on the environment. Mycelium-based green composites (MBCs) have become an alternative to traditional materials due to their biodegradability and various potential uses. Although MBCs are accepted as modern materials, there are concerns related to some of their physical and mechanical properties that might have limitations when they are used. This study investigates the effects of using paper waste to improve MBC properties. In this study, we investigated the physical and mechanical properties of MBCs produced from lignocellulosic materials (corn husk and sawdust) and mushroom mycelia of the genus Lentinus sajor-caju TBRC 6266, with varying amounts of paper waste added. Adding paper waste increases the density of MBCs. Incorporating 20% paper waste into corn husks led to the enhancement of the compression, bending, and impact strength of MBCs by over 20%. Additionally, it was also found that the MBCs produced from corn husk and 10% paper waste could help in reducing the amount of water absorbed into the material. Adding paper waste to sawdust did not improve MBC properties. At the same time, some properties of MBCs, such as low tensile strength and high shrinkage, might need to be further improved in the future to unlock their full potential, for which there are many interesting approaches. Moreover, the research findings presented in this publication provide a wealth of insightful information on the possibility of using paper waste to improve MBC performance and expand their suitability for a range of applications in sustainable packaging materials and various home decorative items. This innovative approach not only promotes the efficient utilization of lignocellulosic biomass but also contributes to the development of environmentally friendly and biodegradable alternatives to traditional materials.
Assessment of Microsilica as a Raw Material for Obtaining Mullite–Silica Refractories
Authors: Kenzhaliyev Bagdaulet , Biryukova Alla , Dzhienalyev Tolebi , Panichkin Alexander , Imbarova Akerke , Uskenbaeva Alma , Yusoff Abdul Hafidz
Published: January 2024

The possibility of using microsilica in the production of mullite–silica refractories was assessed. The chemical and mineralogical compositions of the raw materials, refractory Arkalyk clay and microsilica, were studied. It has been found that primary mullite and quartz formation occurs due to dehydration of kaolinite with the formation of intermediate metakaolinite. The introduction of alumina and microsilica into the charge composition promotes the formation of secondary mullite due to the interaction of aluminum oxide and highly dispersed chemically active microsilica. Free silica in compositions undergoes polymorphic transformations with the formation of cristobalite and tridymite. Mullite–silica refractories with an open porosity of 21%, a compressive strength of 42 MPa, and a thermal deformation temperature under the load of 0.2 MPa–1350 °C were obtained.
Workshop Facility Layout Optimization Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhao Yanlin , Duan Danlu
Published: January 2024

With the rapid development of intelligent manufacturing, the application of virtual reality technology to the optimization of workshop facility layout has become one of the development trends in the manufacturing industry. Virtual reality technology has put forward engineering requirements for real-time solutions to the Workshop Facility Layout Optimization Problem (WFLOP). However, few scholars have researched such solutions. Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is effective in solving combinatorial optimization problems in real time. The WFLOP is also a combinatorial optimization problem, making it possible for DRL to solve the WFLOP in real time. Therefore, this paper proposes the application of DRL to solve the dual-objective WFLOP. First, this paper constructs a dual-objective WFLOP mathematical model and proposes a novel dual-objective DRL framework. Then, the DRL framework decomposes the WFLOP dual-objective problem into multiple sub-problems and then models each sub-problem. In order to reduce computational workload, a neighborhood parameter transfer strategy is adopted. A chain rule is constructed for the appealed sub-problem, and an improved pointer network is used to solve the bi-objective WFLOP of the sub-problem. Finally, the effectiveness of this method is verified by using the facility layout of a chip production workshop as a case study.
Study on the Behavior and State of Viscous Fractured Leakage Bridging and Plugging Slurry during the Pump-In and Pressurization Process
Authors: Wu Yanhui , Han Cheng , Huang Yi , Zhang Wandong , Luo Ming , Xu Peng , Liu Qinglin
Published: January 2024

Clarifying the process of bridging and plugging slurry during pumping and squeezing can effectively improve the efficiency and accuracy of fractured leakage treatment while minimizing impacts on safety and the environment. In this paper, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation and experimentation (hydrostatic settling method) are combined to evaluate the dynamic settlement process of different types of plugging slurry through sedimentation changes, sedimentation volume, sedimentation velocity and sedimentation height for factors such as viscosity, particle size, density and concentration of plugging slurry. The formula of particle sedimentation velocity is combined to obtain the following: When the viscosity of plugging slurry is more than 30 mPa·s, the particle diameter is 1.5 mm (particle size is half the fracture width), and the particle density is 2.0–2.6 g/cm3; it shows good dispersion and plugging performance under pumping pressure and while holding and squeezing after lifting the bit. The simulation results show that the particle density should not exceed two times the plugging slurry density, and the particle concentration has little influence on the particle settling volume.
Principal Preferred Orientation Evaluation of Steel Materials Using Time-of-Flight Neutron Diffraction
Authors: Xu Pingguang , Zhang Shuyan , Harjo Stefanus , Vogel Sven C. , Tomota Yo
Published: January 2024

Comprehensive information on in situ microstructural and crystallographic changes during the preparation/manufacturing processes of various materials is highly necessary to precisely control the microstructural morphology and the preferred orientation (or texture) characteristics for achieving an excellent strength–ductility–toughness balance in advanced engineering materials. In this study, in situ isothermal annealing experiments with cold-rolled 17Ni-0.2C (mass%) martensitic steel sheets were carried out by using the TAKUMI and ENGIN-X time-of-flight neutron diffractometers. The inverse pole figures based on full-profile refinement were extracted to roughly evaluate the preferred orientation features along three principal sample directions of the investigated steel sheets, using the General Structure Analysis System (GSAS) software with built-in generalized spherical harmonic functions. The consistent rolling direction (RD) inverse pole figures from TAKUMI and ENGIN-X confirmed that the time-of-flight neutron diffraction has high repeatability and statistical reliability, revealing that the principal preferred orientation evaluation of steel materials can be realized through 90° TD ➜ ND (transverse direction ➜ normal direction) rotation of the investigated specimen on the sample stage during two neutron diffraction experiments. Moreover, these RD, TD, and ND inverse pole figures before and after the in situ experiments were compared with the corresponding inverse pole figures recalculated from the MUSASI-L complete pole figure measurement and the HIPPO in situ microstructure evaluation, respectively. The similar orientation distribution characteristics suggested that the principal preferred orientation evaluation method can be applied to the in situ microstructural evolution of bulk orthorhombic materials and spatially resolved principal preferred orientation mappings of large engineering structure parts.
Jürgen Habermas’s Translation of the Human Being as Created in the Image of God: Perspectives from Joseph Ratzinger and Alasdair MacIntyre
Authors: McKenna Mary Frances
Published: January 2024

This paper considers Habermas’s translation proviso, which requires religious concepts to be translated into secular language when in the public sphere. Translation, for Habermas, protects the state from religious interference and elicits essential aspects of pre-rational thought—that is, religious and metaphysical thought, which post-metaphysics cannot generate for itself, e.g., social solidarity. The task undertaken by Habermas’s translation proviso is illustrated through his own work of translation: that of the translation of the biblical image of humanity as created in the image of God into the identical dignity of each human being. To provide context to and to highlight the difficulties involved in Habermas’s translation proviso, consideration is given to the thought of Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI and Alasdair MacIntyre on these themes. What is demonstrated is that Habermas’s translation is, in essence, assimilation and re-appropriation. In practice, it manifests itself as the truncation of Christian metaphysics, in which the divine Logos is replaced by or collapsed into the logos of intersubjective human language. The relational image of humanity as a creature distinct from the Creator, in which human reason is analogous to divine reason, is erased, leaving autonomous human beings, from which human reason emerges out of the discursive communication of the logos of intersubjective human language. The conclusion is that the translation proviso fails in its objective. An alternative to Habermas’s translation proviso, the presupposition proviso, is presented as a more apt approach to addressing the underlying issues involved: facilitating human flourishing in an orderly, free, and just society.
Coronary Artery Disease Is Related to Methylation Disorders Caused by the c.1286A>C MTHFR Polymorphism and to Low Serum 5-MTHF and Folic Acid Concentrations—Preliminary Results
Authors: Pietruszyńska-Reszetarska Agnieszka , Pietruszyński Robert , Majsterek Ireneusz , Popławski Tomasz , Skrzypek Maciej , Kolesińska Beata , Waśko Joanna , Kapusta Joanna , Watała Cezary , Irzmański Robert
Published: January 2024

Background: Single nucleotide polymorphisms in gene encoding is the key enzyme in the folates pathway, methyltetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), which causes methylation disorders associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). We evaluated associations between methylation disorders caused by MTHFR gene polymorphisms and the blood folate concentrations (folic acid, 5-MTHF) in CAD patients. Methods: Study group: 34 patients with CAD confirmed by invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Controls: 14 patients without CAD symptoms or significant coronary artery stenosis, based on ICA or multislice computed tomography (MSCT) with coronary artery calcification (CAC) scoring. Real-time PCR genotyping was assessed using TaqMan™ probes. Folic acid and 5-MTHF concentrations in blood serum were determined using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Results: The c.[1286A>C];[1286A>C] MTHFR polymorphism occurred significantly more often in (CAD+) patients compared to the (CAD−) cohort and to the selected general European “CEU_GENO_PANEL” population sample. The concentration of 5-MTHF and folic acid in subgroups of CAD+ patients with methylation disorders categorized by genotypes and CAD presence (CAD+) was always lower in CAD+ subgroups compared to non-CAD individuals (CAD−). Conclusions: Further studies on a larger scale are needed to implicate the homozygous c.1286A>C MTHFR variant as CAD genetic marker and the 5-MTHF as CAD biomarker. Identification of high CAD risk using genetic and phenotypic tests can contribute to personalized therapy using an active (methylated) form of folic acid (5-MTHF) in CAD patients with MTHFR polymorphisms.
Multivariate Spectral Backtests of Forecast Distributions under Unknown Dependencies
Authors: Balter Janine , McNeil Alexander J.
Published: January 2024

Under the revised market risk framework of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, the model validation regime for internal models now requires that models capture the tail risk in profit-and-loss (P&L) distributions at the trading desk level. We develop multi-desk backtests, which simultaneously test all trading desk models and which exploit all the information available in the presence of an unknown correlation structure between desks. We propose a multi-desk extension of the spectral test of Gordy and McNeil, which allows the evaluation of a model at more than one confidence level and contains a multi-desk value-at-risk (VaR) backtest as a special case. The spectral tests make use of realised probability integral transform values based on estimated P&L distributions for each desk and are more informative and more powerful than simpler tests based on VaR violation indicators. The new backtests are easy to implement with a reasonable running time; in a series of simulation studies, we show that they have good size and power properties.
Fiber Jamming of Magnetorheological Elastomers as a Technique for the Stiffening of Soft Robots
Authors: Atakuru Taylan , Kocabaş Fatih , Pagliarani Niccolò , Cianchetti Matteo , Samur Evren
Published: January 2024

There has been a notable focus on the adoption of jamming-based technologies, which involve increasing the friction between grains, layers, or fibers to achieve variable stiffness capability in soft robots. Additionally, magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) that show magnetic-field-dependent viscoelasticity have great potential as a material for varying stiffness. This study proposes a hybrid method (magnetic jamming of MRE fibers) for enhancing the stiffness of soft robots, combining a jamming-based with a viscosity-based method. First, a fiber jamming structure is developed and integrated into a soft robot, the STIFF-FLOP manipulator, to prove the concept of the magnetic jamming of MRE fibers. Then, based on the proposed method, a variable stiffness device actuated by electro-permanent magnets is developed. The device is integrated into the same manipulator and the electronically controlled magnetic jamming and stiffening of the manipulator is demonstrated. The experimental results show that stiffness gain in bending and compression is achieved with the proposed method. The outcomes of this investigation demonstrate that the proposed hybrid stiffening technique presents a promising avenue for realizing variable and controllable stiffness in soft robots.
Stability and Safety Learning Methods for Legged Robots
Authors: Arena Paolo , Li Noce Alessia , Patanè Luca
Published: January 2024

Learning-based control systems have shown impressive empirical performance on challenging problems in all aspects of robot control and, in particular, in walking robots such as bipeds and quadrupeds. Unfortunately, these methods have a major critical drawback: a reduced lack of guarantees for safety and stability. In recent years, new techniques have emerged to obtain these guarantees thanks to data-driven methods that allow learning certificates together with control strategies. These techniques allow the user to verify the safety of a trained controller while providing supervision during training so that safety and stability requirements can directly influence the training process. This survey presents a comprehensive and up-to-date study of the evolving field of stability certification of neural controllers taking into account such certificates as Lyapunov functions and barrier functions. Although specific attention is paid to legged robots, several promising strategies for learning certificates, not yet applied to walking machines, are also reviewed.
Manipulation Planning for Cable Shape Control
Authors: Almaghout Karam , Klimchik Alexandr
Published: January 2024

The control of deformable linear objects (DLOs) such as cables presents a significant challenge for robotic systems due to their unpredictable behavior during manipulation. This paper introduces a novel approach for cable shape control using dual robotic arms on a two–dimensional plane. A discrete point model is utilized for the cable, and a path generation algorithm is developed to define intermediate cable shapes, facilitating the transformation of the cable into the desired profile through a formulated optimization problem. The problem aims to minimize the discrepancy between the cable configuration and the targeted shape to ensure an accurate and stable deformation process. Moreover, a cable dynamic model is developed in which the manipulation approach is validated using this model. Additionally, the approach is tested in a simulation environment in which a framework of two manipulators grasps a cable. The results demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method, offering a promising direction for robotic manipulation of cables.
Electrical Structure of Southwestern Longmenshan Fault Zone: Insights into Seismogenic Structure of 2013 and 2022 Lushan Earthquakes
Authors: Zhan Yan , Sun Xiangyu , Zhao Guoze , Zhao Lingqiang , Yang Xiaoping , Yang Haibo , Jiang Dawei , Lou Xiaoyu
Published: January 2024

On 1 June 2022, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the southern segment of the Longmenshan fault zone on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, once again causing casualties and economic losses. Understanding the deep-seated dynamic mechanisms that lead to seismic events in the Lushan earthquake area and assessing the potential hazards in seismic gap areas are of significant importance. In this study, we utilized 118 magnetotelluric datasets collected from the Lushan earthquake area and employed three-dimensional electromagnetic inversion with topographic considerations to characterize the deep-seated three-dimensional resistivity structure of the Lushan earthquake area. The results reveal that the Shuangshi–Dachuan fault in the Lushan earthquake area can be divided into two relatively low-resistivity zones: a western zone dipping southeastward and an eastern zone with a steeper slightly northwestern dip. These two zones intersect at a depth of approximately 20 km, forming an extensional pattern resembling a “Y” shape. The epicenters of both the 2013 and 2022 Lushan earthquakes are primarily located in the upper constricted portion of the pocket-like low-resistivity body at depth. The distribution of seismic aftershocks is confined within the region enclosed by the high-resistivity body, following the pattern of the Y-shaped low-resistivity zone.
Slope Stability Analysis and Soil Mechanical Properties of Impact Craters around the Lunar South Pole
Authors: Huang Yantong , Zhang Jiang , Li Bo , Chen Shengbo
Published: January 2024

Water ice has been found in the permanently shadowed regions of impact craters around the lunar South Pole, which makes them ideal areas for in situ exploration missions. However, near the rim of impact craters, construction and exploration activities may cause slope instability. As a result, a better understanding of the shear strength of lunar soil under higher stress conditions is required. This paper mainly uses the finite element method to analyze slope stability to determine the position and shape of the slip surface and assess the safety factor. The height and gradient of the slope, the shear strength of lunar soil, and the lunar surface mission all influence the stability of the slope. We also analyze the soil mechanical properties of a soil slope adjacent to the traverse path of the Chang’E-4 Yutu-2 rover. Determining the stability of the slope at the lunar South Pole impact crater under various loading conditions will enhance the implementation of the lunar surface construction program. In this respect, this paper simulates a lunar mission landing at the Shackleton and Shoemaker craters and indicates that areas with higher cohesion lunar soil may be more stable for exploration in the more complex terrain of the South Pole.
Preliminary Retrieval and Validation of Aerosol Optical Depths from FY-4B Advanced Geostationary Radiation Imager Images
Authors: Zhou Dong , Wang Qingxin , Li Siwei , Yang Jie
Published: January 2024

Fengyun-4B (FY-4B) is the latest Chinese next-generation geostationary meteorological satellite. The Advanced Geostationary Radiation Imager (AGRI) aboard FY-4B is equipped with 15 spectral bands, from visible to infrared, suitable for aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval. In this study, an overland AOD retrieval algorithm was developed for the FY-4B AGRI. Considering the large directional variation in the FY-4B AGRI reflectances, a bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) database was built, through which to estimate land surface reflectance/albedo. Seasonal aerosol models, based on four geographical regions in China, were developed between 2016 and 2022 using AERONET aerosol products, to improve their applicability to regional distribution differences and seasonal variations in aerosol types. AGRI AODs were retrieved using this new method over China from September 2022 to August 2023 and validated against ground-based measurements. The AGRI, Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI), and Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) official land aerosol products were also evaluated for comparison purposes. The results showed that the AGRI AOD retrievals were highly consistent with the AERONET AOD measurements, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.88, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.14, and proportion that met an expected error (EE) of 65.04%. Intercomparisons between the AGRI AOD and other operational AOD products showed that the AGRI AOD retrievals achieved better performance results than the AGRI, AHI, and MODIS official AOD products. Moreover, the AGRI AOD retrievals showed high spatial integrity and stable performance at different times and regions, as well as under different aerosol loadings and characteristics. These results demonstrate the robustness of the new aerosol retrieval method and the potential of FY-4B AGRI measurements for the monitoring of aerosols with high accuracy and temporal resolutions.
Evaluating the Reconstructed All-Weather Land Surface Temperature for Urban Heat Island Analysis
Authors: Zhang Xuepeng , Meng Chunchun , Gou Peng , Huang Yingshuang , Ma Yaoming , Ma Weiqiang , Wang Zhe , Hu Zhiheng
Published: January 2024

With the continuous improvement of urbanization levels in the Lhasa area, the urban heat island effect (UHI) has seriously affected the ecological environment of the region. However, the satellite-based thermal infrared land surface temperature (LST), commonly used for UHI research, is affected by cloudy weather, resulting in a lack of continuous spatial and temporal information. In this study, focusing on the Lhasa region, we combine simulated LST data obtained by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with remote sensing-based LST data to reconstruct the all-weather LST for March, June, September, and December of 2020 at a resolution of 0.01° while using the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST as a reference (in terms of accuracy). Subsequently, based on the reconstructed LST, an analysis of the UHI was conducted to obtain the spatiotemporal distribution of UHI in the Lhasa region under all-weather LST conditions. The results demonstrate that the reconstructed LST effectively captures the expected spatial distribution characteristics with high accuracy, with an average root mean square error of 2.20 K, an average mean absolute error of 1.51 K, and a correlation coefficient consistently higher than 0.9. Additionally, the heat island effect in the Lhasa region is primarily observed during the spring and winter seasons, with the heat island intensity remaining relatively stable in winter. The results of this study provide a new reference method for the reconstruction of all-weather LST, thereby improving the research accuracy of urban thermal environment from the perspective of foundational data. Additionally, it offers a theoretical basis for the governance of UHI in the Lhasa region.
Extracting Shrubland in Deserts from Medium-Resolution Remote-Sensing Data at Large Scale
Authors: Zhong Bo , Yang Li , Luo Xiaobo , Wu Junjun , Hu Longfei
Published: January 2024

Shrubs are important ecological barriers in desert regions and an important component of global carbon estimation. However, the shrubland in deserts has been hardly presented, although many high-quality land cover datasets with a 10 m scale based on remote-sensing data have been publicly released products. Therefore, the underestimation of carbon storage is inevitable with the absence of desert shrublands. The existing land-cover datasets have been analyzed and compared, and it has been found that the reason for missing the shrubland in deserts is mainly indued by the absence of shrubland samples, which are easy to neglect and difficult to retrieve. In this study, we developed a semi-automatic method to extract shrubland samples in deserts as the updated input for the machine-learning method. Firstly, the initial samples of desert shrublands were identified from the very high spatial-resolution (0.3~0.5 m) imagery on GEE, and the maximum NDVI from Sentinel-2 was used for double-checking. Secondly, a feature-based method was used to learn the feature from the initial samples and a similarity-based searching method was employed to automatically expand the samples. Finally, the expanded samples and their corresponding time-series satellite images were inputted into different machine-learning methods at a large region (1.63 × 106 km2) for extracting the shrubland in the desert. It was found that different combinations of feature variables and time-series combinations have different impacts on the overall accuracy (OA) of the classification results, as well as the performance of identifying and classifying the different land-cover types. Compared to the existing global-scale land-cover products, the proposed method can better identify the shrubland in deserts and show better overall accuracy.
Thiran Filters for Wideband DSP-Based Multi-Beam True Time Delay RF Sensing Applications
Authors: Perera Sirani M. , Rathnasekara Gayani , Madanayake Arjuna
Published: January 2024

The ability to sense propagating electromagnetic plane waves based on their directions of arrival (DOAs) is fundamental to a range of radio frequency (RF) sensing, communications, and imaging applications. This paper introduces an algorithm for the wideband true time delay digital delay Vandermonde matrix (DVM), utilizing Thiran fractional delays that are useful for realizing RF sensors having multiple look DOA support. The digital DVM algorithm leverages sparse matrix factorization to yield multiple simultaneous RF beams for low-complexity sensing applications. Consequently, the proposed algorithm offers a reduction in circuit complexity for multi-beam digital wideband beamforming systems employing Thiran fractional delays. Unlike finite impulse response filter-based approaches which are wideband but of a high filter order, the Thiran filters trade usable bandwidth in favor of low-complexity circuits. The phase and group delay responses of Thiran filters with delays of a fractional sampling period will be demonstrated. Thiran filters show favorable results for sample delay blocks with a temporal oversampling factor of three. Thiran fractional delays of orders three and four are mapped to Xilinx FPGA RF-SoC technologies for evaluation. The preliminary results of the APF-based Thiran fractional delays on FPGA can potentially be used to realize DVM factorizations using application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technology.
Channel Features and API Frequency-Based Transformer Model for Malware Identification
Authors: Qian Liping , Cong Lin
Published: January 2024

Malicious software (malware), in various forms and variants, continues to pose significant threats to user information security. Researchers have identified the effectiveness of utilizing API call sequences to identify malware. However, the evasion techniques employed by malware, such as obfuscation and complex API call sequences, challenge existing detection methods. This research addresses this issue by introducing CAFTrans, a novel transformer-based model for malware detection. We enhance the traditional transformer encoder with a one-dimensional channel attention module (1D-CAM) to improve the correlation between API call vector features, thereby enhancing feature embedding. A word frequency reinforcement module is also implemented to refine API features by preserving low-frequency API features. To capture subtle relationships between APIs and achieve more accurate identification of features for different types of malware, we leverage convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and long short-term memory (LSTM) networks. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of CAFTrans, achieving state-of-the-art performance on the mal-api-2019 dataset with an F1 score of 0.65252 and an AUC of 0.8913. The findings suggest that CAFTrans improves accuracy in distinguishing between various types of malware and exhibits enhanced recognition capabilities for unknown samples and adversarial attacks.
Theoretical Calculations and Experimental Investigation of Separation of Dy3+, Er3+, Tm3+ and Yb3+ by Cascade Extraction in TOGDA–Kerosene/Hydrochloric Acid System
Authors: Bai Yuzhen , Gong Aijun , Qiu Lina , Wang Yiwen , Gao Ge , Zhao Weiyu , Liu Yang , Yin Jiayi , Huang Xinyu , Chen Yiyang
Published: January 2024

The hot spot extraction agent N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyl-3-oxoglutaramide (TODGA) has the advantages of novelty, high efficiency and environmental protection in the separation of rare earths by tandem extraction. In this paper, the characteristic parameters for the separation of dysprosium, erbium, thulium and ytterbium ions in the TOGDA–kerosene/hydrochloric acid system for tandem extraction were calculated. Using a 10% TODGA–kerosene/5 mol·L−1 hydrochloric acid extraction system, the mixture containing Dy3+ 0.258 mol·L−1, Er3+ 0.252 mol·L−1, Tm3+ 0.248 mol·L−1 and Yb3+ 0.242 mol·L−1 can be separated by three separation steps, and four products of Dy3+, Er3+, Tm3+ and Yb3+ can be obtained. The purity of the four products was 99.80%, 99.20%, 99.70% and 99.70%, and the yields were 99.03%, 98.97%, 97.88% and 96.98%, in order. In this paper, the reasons were analyzed for the differences in the ability of the TODGA system to extract heavy rare earth ions (REEs) in terms of density functionality, complex structure and bond valence model. These will provide more basic data and guidance for the industrial application of TODGA.
Tackling Gender-Related Violence: How Can Theory Inform International Professional Education Projects?
Authors: guizzo gigi , Alldred Pam
Published: January 2024

Is it helpful to share feminist theory with youth practitioners and is there room for it on short training courses such as in EU Action Projects? Can theoretical work on intersectionality, and the concept of gender-related violence (GRV) which grew from it, be shared in training interventions with professionals who work with children and young people? This article is based on the findings of the EU co-funded GAP Work Project that sought to improve GRV intervention and referral through training for practitioners in everyday (rather than specialist) contact with children or young people in four countries. Summarising how the project worked, and how theory informed it, including a brief account of how the concept of GRV worked in practice, guides the selection of material from the wider Project Final Report and offers a reflection on how educators used theory in the training, sometimes explicitly in the sessions. It therefore contributes our experiences to discussions about the design and implementation of education and training about violence and abuse. It concludes by sharing resources for designing and implementing training on sexual harassment, violence and hate crime, including from other recent projects that offer resources for incorporating an intersectional perspective when developing local government plans, programmes, and projects.
To Be Scared or Not to Be Scared: Social Representations of COVID-19 in Young People (A Cross-Cultural Study)
Authors: Novikova Irina , Berezina Elizaveta , Sachkova Marianna , Dvoryanchikov Nikolay , Novikov Alexey , Bovina Inna
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious global threat to the world’s population. The aim of the presented exploratory study was to reveal and analyse social thinking about COVID-19 in two different cultural contexts: Russia and Malaysia. Social representation (SR) theory is a promising framework to analyse the symbolic response to the global health emergency. This exploratory study was conducted at the time of new COVID-19 variants’ emergence, accompanied by quarantine measures, and mass vaccination was not elaborated yet (12 October–15 December 2020). The total sample (convenience sampling) consisted of 349 young adults from Malaysia (n = 195, 35.4% males, 64.6% females) and Russia (n = 154, 10% males, 90% females) aged 17–36 years. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants, and an online version of the questionnaire was proposed to participants. The free association technique was used as the main tool in order to reveal the content of SRs. This prototypical analysis allowed us to reveal a hypothetical structure of SRs in the two cultural groups. These SR structures in each sample were crystallised around mostly negative elements. While in the Malaysian sample, the key elements were troubling and disturbing (death, pandemic, virus, quarantine), in the Russian sample (quarantine, disease), these elements could be seen as a rationalisation (or even a denial) of the COVID-19 threat.
Microwave Absorption Properties of Ceramics Based on BiFeO3 Modified with Ho
Authors: Astafev Pavel , Andryushin Konstantin , Pavelko Aleksey , Lerer Alexander , Reizenkind Yakov , Glazunova Ekaterina , Shilkina Lidiya , Andryushina Inna , Nagaenko Alexandr , Reznichenko Larisa
Published: January 2024

Ceramic samples of Bi1−xHoxFeO3, where x = 0.00–0.50, with a modifier concentration variation step ∆x = 0.05–0.10, were prepared by a two-step solid-phase synthesis followed by sintering using conventional ceramic technology. X-ray phase analysis showed that all the solid solutions studied were formed in the presence of impurities. With increasing Ho concentration, a non-monotonic shift in all loss maxima towards the low-frequency region is observed, as well as an increase in their half-width. An increase in the external temperature leads to a monotonic shift in the absorption maxima towards the low-frequency region, which enables the necessary control of the microwave parameters in the X band. A conclusion has been drawn on the feasibility of using the data obtained in the design of new functional materials based on BiFeO3, as well as devices with thermally controlled frequency.
Influence of Bentonite and Polypropylene Fibers on Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Waqas Rana Muhammad , Zaman Shahid , Alkharisi Mohammed K. , Butt Faheem , Alsuhaibani Eyad
Published: January 2024

Bentonite is one of the SiO2-rich pozzolanic clay types that has been enormously employed as a cost-effective and eco-friendly supplementary cementitious material in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete. However, the use of bentonite in geopolymer concrete (GPC) has not been explored very widely. Further, the research available on the effect of utilizing treated bentonite in GPC is limited. The practical application of GPC is also very limited due to its significant shrinkage and high brittleness compared to OPC concrete. There are several studies available that have highlighted the use of polypropylene fibers (PPF) in improving the mechanical properties of GPC by reducing drying shrinkage and enhancing ductility. However, the effect of PPF on the durability properties of GPC needs to be addressed. Further, the effect of the combined integration of bentonite and PPF on the mechanical and durability properties of GPC has not been reported yet. The aim of this study is, therefore, to investigate the individual and combined effect of bentonite and PPF on the workability, mechanical properties, and durability of fly ash (FA)-based GPC. Bentonite replaced 10% of FA, and PPF was added at varying proportions (0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%) for raw and treated bentonite. Slump test was used to assess workability, while compressive, tensile, and flexural tests were utilized to evaluate the mechanical properties. Water absorption, acid attack, and abrasion resistance tests were used to evaluate durability. The results showed that bentonite and PPF significantly enhance mechanical properties, especially when combined with treated bentonite, with the highest improvement observed for mixtures with 1% PPF. The compressive strength was improved by an extent of 10% and 18% for raw bentonite-GPC and treated bentonite-GPC, respectively, compared to the control mix without bentonite. The durability test results revealed that water absorption of raw and treated bentonite-GPC mixtures at the age of 90 days was decreased by 16% and 21%, respectively, compared to the control mix (without bentonite). The mass loss of raw and treated bentonite-GPC mixtures in sulphuric acid solution was 5% and 10% lower, respectively, than the control mix (without bentonite). The mass loss of raw and treated bentonite-GPC mixtures in abrasion resistance tests was 6% and 12% lower, respectively, than the control mix (without bentonite). For durability performance, mixtures with 0.5% PPF perform the best, while higher PPF contents negatively impact the GPC durability.
The Impacts of Urban Morphology on Urban Heat Islands in Housing Areas: The Case of Erzurum, Turkey
Authors: Güller Cansu , Toy Süleyman
Published: January 2024

The growing importance of climate change underlines the need to comprehend Urban Heat Islands (UHI), particularly those influenced by urban morphology. As progress has been made in understanding the macroscale relationship between urban morphology and UHIs, the microscale effects are often overlooked. This study, conducted in the city of Erzurum in Turkey, delves into the complex relationship between urban morphology and UHI intensity in different housing areas with distinct microclimates, focusing particularly on street networks, building systems, and land use. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationships between morphological indicators and UHIs in different housing areas. Key findings include that (1) noticeable UHI effects were observed, especially in dense areas with high-rise buildings. (2) UHIs reveal a strong correlation with both 2D and 3D urban morphological indicators. A moderate-to-high Sky View Factor (SVF) tends to reduce UHIs, while an extremely high SVF aggravates UHIs. (3) Enhancing street network integration emerges as a more effective strategy for mitigating UHI effects in mid-rise buildings compared to other morphological factors. The Normalised Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI) and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) may not reliably indicate UHIs in housing areas with a predominantly rural character. Consequently, this article recommends that urban morphology optimisation for UHI mitigation should prioritise spatial and indicator specificity in urban design and spatial planning for cities. Future research endeavours should investigate the influence of morphological indicators on UHI dynamics in different seasons, including various remote sensing indicators related to morphological structure, to enrich our understanding of daily UHI fluctuations within urban morphology research.