bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information in Explaining Cognition: How to Evaluate It?
Authors: Fresco Nir
Published: March 2022

The claims that “The brain processes information” or “Cognition is information processing” are accepted as truisms in cognitive science. However, it is unclear how to evaluate such claims absent a specification of “information” as it is used by neurocognitive theories. The aim of this article is, thus, to identify the key features of information that information-based neurocognitive theories posit. A systematic identification of these features can reveal the explanatory role that information plays in specific neurocognitive theories, and can, therefore, be both theoretically and practically important. These features can be used, in turn, as desiderata against which candidate theories of information may be evaluated. After discussing some characteristics of explanation in cognitive science and their implications for “information”, three notions are briefly introduced: natural, sensory, and endogenous information. Subsequently, six desiderata are identified and defended based on cognitive scientific practices. The global workspace theory of consciousness is then used as a specific case study that arguably posits either five or six corresponding features of information.
Virtual Reality and Aesthetic Experience
Authors: Diodato Roberto
Published: March 2022

The problem of aesthetic experience in a virtual environment could be reformulated as: what can we learn about aesthetics from the perspective of ‘aesthetic experience in virtual environments’, given the specific nature of such an environment? The discourse goes in circles, because it is always from theories elaborated in the field of the so-called ‘real’ that we develop the difference, but it is a process typically philosophical, that, on the other hand, can make sense only if it can be shown that the virtual is an existent being that has an ontological structure of its own. The ontology of this strange object–event, and of its relationship to space–time, must therefore be addressed: what are the conditions of identity for a virtual body? What are its limits? In what sense does it have borders? Also, its specific temporality and its connection to human and computer memories are arguable dimensions that deserve analysis, as they directly affect an ontology of the virtual body, the difference between the virtual and the possible, and the relationship between the human body and the virtual body. However, the specific character of the virtual is to be an intermediate entity between object and event, between thing and image, so that virtual bodies represent a hybrid, interactive world which can be visualized as synthetic image, an immersive hybrid engaging the corporeality of the user and merging with the virtual body’s image; this hybridization, between the body of the spectator–actor and the virtual space in which it is immersed, is difficult to define with singularity.
Causal Emergence: When Distortions in a Map Obscure the Territory
Authors: Eberhardt Frederick , Lee Lin Lin
Published: March 2022

We provide a critical assessment of the account of causal emergence presented in Erik Hoel’s 2017 article “When the map is better than the territory”. The account integrates causal and information theoretic concepts to explain under what circumstances there can be causal descriptions of a system at multiple scales of analysis. We show that the causal macro variables implied by this account result in interventions with significant ambiguity, and that the operations of marginalization and abstraction do not commute. Both of these are desiderata that, we argue, any account of multi-scale causal analysis should be sensitive to. The problems we highlight in Hoel’s definition of causal emergence derive from the use of various averaging steps and the introduction of a maximum entropy distribution that is extraneous to the system under investigation.
Heritability and Associations among Grain Yield and Quality Traits in Quality Protein Maize (QPM) and Non-QPM Hybrids
Authors: Amegbor Isaac Kodzo , van Biljon Angeline , Shargie Nemera , Tarekegne Amsal , Labuschagne Maryke T.
Published: March 2022

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the main staple cereal food crop cultivated in southern Africa. Interactions between grain yield and biochemical traits can be useful to plant breeders in making informed decisions on the traits to be considered in breeding programs for high grain yield and enhanced quality. The objectives of this study were to estimate the heritability of grain yield and its related traits, as well as quality traits, and determine the association between quality protein maize (QPM) with non-QPM crosses. Grain yield, and agronomic and quality trait data were obtained from 13 field trials in two countries, for two consecutive seasons. Significant genotypic and phenotypic correlations were recorded for grain yield with protein content (rG = 0.38; rP = 0.25), and tryptophan with oil content (rG = 0.58; rP = 0.25), and negative rG and rP correlations were found for protein with tryptophan content and grain yield with tryptophan content. Path analysis identified ear aspect, ears per plant, and starch as the major traits contributing to grain yield. It is recommended that ear aspect should be considered a key secondary trait in breeding for QPM hybrids. The negative association between grain yield and tryptophan, and between protein and tryptophan, will make it difficult to develop hybrids with high grain yield and high tryptophan content. Hence, it is recommended that gene pyramiding should be considered for these traits.
Phytohormone Profile of Medicago in Response to Mycorrhizal Fungi, Aphids, and Gibberellic Acid
Authors: Olson Drew , Berry Hannah M. , Riggs Jamie D. , Argueso Cristiana T. , Gomez Susana Karen
Published: March 2022

Although gibberellic acid (GA) is widely used in agriculture, it is unclear whether exogenous GA makes aphid-infested, mycorrhizal plants more susceptible to herbivory. This study investigates the role of GA in modulating defenses in barrel medic plants (Medicago truncatula) that are infested with pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) and colonized by the beneficial symbiont Rhizophagus intraradices. Mock- and R. intraradices-inoculated potted plants were grown in a topsoil: sand mix for 42 days and were treated with GA or solvent. Subsequently, plants were exposed to herbivory or no aphid herbivory for 36 h and 7 days. Afterwards, plant growth parameters, aphid fitness, and foliar phytohormone concentrations were measured. The results revealed that GA regulates plant defenses during arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus–plant–aphid interactions as aphids that fed for 7 days on mycorrhizal, GA-untreated plants weighed more than those that fed on mycorrhizal, GA-treated plants. No major differences were detected in phytohormone levels at 36 h. Overall, mycorrhizal plants showed more shoot biomass compared to non-mycorrhizal controls. The arbuscule density and fungal biomass of R. intraradices were not altered by exogenous GA and aphid herbivory based on molecular markers. This study indicates that exogenous GA may help reduce aphid fitness when feeding on mycorrhizal plants.
Selective Decomposition of Waste Rubber from the Shoe Industry by the Combination of Thermal Process and Mechanical Grinding
Authors: Xiao Qiao , Cao Changlin , Xiao Liren , Bai Longshan , Cheng Huibin , Lei Dandan , Sun Xiaoli , Zeng Lingxing , Huang Baoquan , Qian Qingrong , Chen Qinghua
Published: March 2022

A major challenge in waste rubber (WR) industry is achieving a high sol fraction and high molecular weight of recycled rubber at the same time. Herein, the WR from the shoe industry was thermo-mechanically ground via the torque rheometer. The effect of grinding temperature and filling rate were systematically investigated. The particle size distribution, structure evolution, and morphology of the recycled rubber were explored by laser particle size analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), sol fraction analysis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicate that the thermo-mechanical method could reduce the particle size of WR. Moreover, the particle size distribution of WR after being ground can be described by Rosin’s equation. The oxidation reaction occurs during thermal-mechanical grinding. With the increase of the grinding temperature and filling rate, the sol fraction of the recycled WR increases. It is also found that a high sol fraction (43.7%) and high molecular weight (35,284 g/mol) of reclaimed rubber could be achieved at 80 °C with a filling rate of 85%. Moreover, the obtained recycled rubber compound with SBR show a similar vulcanization characteristics to pure SBR. Our selective decomposition of waste rubber strategy opens up a new way for upgrading WR in shoe industry.
A Low-Cost Filament Winding Technology for University Laboratories and Startups
Authors: Andrianov Artem , Tomita Erika Kamada , Veras Carlos Alberto Gurgel , Telles Bruno
Published: March 2022

This paper systematically explains the methodology and results of empirical work on the development of a low-cost filament winding technology for manufacturing axisymmetric polymer composite structures with a high length-to-diameter ratio, such as tubes, motor casings, and pressure vessels. The principal objective was to examine the experiences and most optimal practices in the development of computer-controlled equipment and auxiliary tooling for the wet filament-winding process. To preclude expensive commercial software for the automated control of a winding machine, analytical equations were derived for the winding trajectory of a four-axis filament-winding machine. The feasibility of the proposed equations was successfully validated by laying the fiber along the geodesic path marked on the surface of a cylindrical mandrel with hemispherical ends. Moreover, the carbon/epoxy cylindrical casings with hemispherical ends and port openings of the same diameter were wound to determine the thickness distribution in the hemispherical dome. The fiber volume ratio in the wound composite parts was evaluated using an optical technique.
Visual, Non-Destructive, and Destructive Investigations of Polyethylene Pipes with Inhomogeneous Carbon Black Distribution for Assessing Degradation of Structural Integrity
Authors: Kim Taesik , Deveci Suleyman , Yang Inmo , Stakenborghs Bob , Choi Sunwoong
Published: March 2022

Carbon black (CB) is used in polyethylene (PE) pipes to protect against thermal and photooxidation. However, when CB is not properly dispersed in the PE matrix during processing, white regions having little or no CB concentration, known as “windows,” appear within the CB/PE mixed black compound. In some cases, windows can drastically affect the structural integrity of both the pipe and butt fusion joint. In this work, PE pipes with varying amounts of windows were investigated for their characteristic window patterns, as well as quantifying the area fraction of windows (% windows). Tensile test on specimens with known % windows determined a critical limit above which the fracture strain rapidly degrades. Micro-tensile and micro-indentation results showed tear initiation at the window–black PE matrix boundary; however, they did not confirm the mechanism of tear initiation. In support of this work, a method of making thin shavings of a whole pipe cross section was developed, and the best viewing windows under cross-polarized monochromatic light were identified. In addition, a phased array ultrasonic test (PAUT) and microwave imaging (MWI) were directly applied to the pipe and confirmed the presence and patterns of the windows.
Chemistry-Induced Effects on Cell Behavior upon Plasma Treatment of pNIPAAM
Authors: Satulu Veronica , Dinca Valentina , Bacalum Mihaela , Mustaciosu Cosmin , Mitu Bogdana , Dinescu Gheorghe
Published: March 2022

In the field of bioengineering, depending on the required application, the attachment of various biological entities to the biomaterial is either favored or needs to be prevented. Therefore, different surfaces modification strategies were developed in combination with the characteristics of the materials. The present contribution reports on the use of the specific surface property of a thermoresponsive polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) pNIPAAM obtained by spin coating in combination with plasma treatment for tuning cell behavior on treated polymeric surfaces. Topographical information for the plasma-treated pNIPAAM coatings obtained by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measurements evidenced a more compact surface for Ar treatment due to combined etching and redeposition, while for oxygen, a clear increase of pores diameter is noticed. The chemical surface composition as determined by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy showed the specific modifications induced by plasma treatment, namely strong oxidation for oxygen plasma treatment illustrated by eight times increase of O-C=O contribution and respectively an increase of C-N/O=C-N bonds in the case of ammonia plasma treatment. Structural information provided by FTIR spectroscopy reveals a significant increase of the carboxylic group upon argon and mostly oxygen plasma treatment and the increase in width and intensity of the amide-related groups for the ammonia plasma treatment. The biological investigations evidenced that L929 fibroblast cells viability is increased by 25% upon plasma treatment, while the cell attachment is up to 2.8 times higher for the oxygen plasma-treated surface compared to the initial spin-coated pNIPAAM. Moreover, the cell detachment process proved to be up to 2–3 times faster for the oxygen and argon plasma-treated surfaces and up to 1.5 times faster for the ammonia-treated surface. These results show the versatility of plasma treatment for inducing beneficial chemical modifications of pNIPAAM surfaces that allows the tuning of cellular response for improving the attachment-detachment process in view of tissue engineering.
Modified Poly(Lactic Acid) Epoxy Resin Using Chitosan for Reactive Blending with Epoxidized Natural Rubber: Analysis of Annealing Time
Authors: Kanthiya Thidarat , Kiattipornpithak Krittameth , Thajai Nanthicha , Phimolsiripol Yuthana , Rachtanapun Pornchai , Thanakkasaranee Sarinthip , Leksawasdi Noppol , Tanadchangsaeng Nuttapol , Sawangrat Choncharoen , Wattanachai Pitiwat , Jantanasakulwong Kittisak
Published: March 2022

Poly(lactic acid) was melt-blended with epoxy resin without hardener and chitosan (CTS) to prepare modified PLA (PLAEC). Epoxy resin 5% and CTS 1–20% (wt/wt) were incorporated into PLA during melt mixing. PLAEC was melt-blended with an epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) 80/20 wt. The PLAEC CTS 1% blended with ENR (PLAEC1/ENR) showed a high tensile strength (30 MPa) and elongation at break (7%). The annealing process at 80 °C for 0–15 min maintained a tensile strength of approximately 30 MPa. SEM images of the PLAE/ENR blend showed phase inversion from co-continuous to ENR particle dispersion in the PLA matrix with the addition of CTS, whereas the annealing time reduced the hole sizes of the extracted ENR phase due to the shrinkage of PLA by crystallization. Thermal properties were observed by DSC and a Vicat softening test. The annealing process increased the crystallinity and Vicat softening temperature of the PLAEC1/ENR blend. Reactions of −COOH/epoxy groups and epoxy/−NH2 groups occurred during PLAE and PLAEC preparation, respectively. FTIR confirmed the reaction between the −NH2 groups of CTS in PLAEC and the epoxy groups of ENR. This reaction increased the mechanical properties, while the annealing process improved the morphology and thermal properties of the blend.
Dual Modification of Sago Starch via Heat Moisture Treatment and Octenyl Succinylation to Improve Starch Hydrophobicity
Authors: Dewi Angela Myrra Puspita , Santoso Umar , Pranoto Yudi , Marseno Djagal W.
Published: March 2022

To elucidate the pretreatment of a heat moisture treatment that could increase the DS and hydrophobicity of OSA starch, the effect of the moisture level of the HMT process on the physicochemical properties was investigated. The higher moisture content (MC) in the HMT process led to a decreasing degree of crystallinity and gelatinization enthalpy and also produced surface damage and cracking of the granules. HMT pretreatment with the right moisture content resulted in OSA starch with the maximum DS value and reaction efficiency. Pre-treatment HMT at 25% MC (HMT-25) followed by OSA esterification exhibited the highest DS value (0.0086) and reaction efficiency (35.86%). H25-OSA starch has been shown to have good water resistance (OAC 1.03%, WVP 4.92 × 10−5 g/s m Pa, water contact angle 88.43°), and conversely, has a high cold water solubility (8.44%). Based on FTIR, there were two new peaks at 1729 and 1568 cm−1 of the HMT-OSA starch, which proved that the hydroxyl group of the HMT starch molecule had been substituted with the carbonyl and carboxyl ester groups of OSA.
Effect of the Addition of Thermoplastic Resin and Composite on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Epoxy Resin
Authors: Wu Jingyu , Li Chenggao , Hailatihan Bahetihan , Mi Longlong , Baheti Yeerna , Yan Yuze
Published: March 2022

When the thermoplastic composites reach the service limits during the service, the recovery and utilization are the key concerns. Meanwhile, the improvement of strength, toughness and durability of epoxy resin is the effective method to prolong the service life of materials and structures. In the present paper, three kinds of thermoplastic resins (polypropylene-PP, polyamide 6-PA6 and polyether-ether-ketone-PEEK) and composites (carbon fiber-PEEK, glass fiber-PA6 and glass fiber-PP) were adopted as the fillers to reinforce and toughen the epoxy resin (Ts). The mechanical, thermal and microscopic analysis were conducted to reveal the performance improvement mechanism of Ts. It can be found that adding thermoplastic resin and composite fillers at the low mass ratio of 0.5~1.0% brought about the maximum improvement of tensile strength (7~15%), flexural strength (7~15%) and shear strength (20~30%) of Ts resin. The improvement mechanism was because the addition of thermoplastic fillers can prolong the cracking path and delay the failure process through the load bearing of fiber, energy absorption of thermoplastic resin and superior interface bonding. In addition, the thermoplastic composite had better enhancement effect on the mechanical/thermal properties of Ts resin compared to thermoplastic resin. When the mass ratio was increased to 2.0~3.0%, the agglomeration and stress concentration of thermoplastic filler in Ts resin appeared, leading to the decrease of mechanical and thermal properties. The optimal addition ratios of thermoplastic resin were 0.5~1.0% (PEEK), 1.0~2.0% (PA6) and 0.5~1.0% (PP) to obtain the desirable property improvement. In contrast, the optimal mass ratios of three kinds of composite were determined to be 0.5~1.0%. Application prospect analysis indicated adding the thermoplastic resin and composite fillers to Ts resin can promote the recycling and reutilization of thermoplastic composites and improve the performance of Ts resin, which can be used as the resin matrix, interface adhesive and anti-corrosion coating.
Recent Advances of Microalgae Exopolysaccharides for Application as Bioflocculants
Authors: Moreira Juliana Botelho , Kuntzler Suelen Goettems , Bezerra Priscilla Quenia Muniz , Cassuriaga Ana Paula Aguiar , Zaparoli Munise , da Silva Jacinta Lutécia Vitorino , Costa Jorge Alberto Vieira , de Morais Michele Greque
Published: March 2022

Microalgae are used in flocculation processes because biopolymers are released into the culture medium. Microalgal cell growth under specific conditions (temperature, pH, luminosity, nutrients, and salinity) provides the production and release of exopolysaccharides (EPS). These biopolymers can be recovered from the medium for application as bioflocculants or used directly in cultivation as microalgae autoflocculants. The optimization of nutritional parameters, the control of process conditions, and the possibility of scaling up allow the production and industrial application of microalgal EPS. Therefore, this review addresses the potential use of EPS produced by microalgae in bioflocculation. The recovery, determination, and quantification techniques for these biopolymers are also addressed. Moreover, other technological applications of EPS are highlighted.
Compound Control on Constant Synchronous Output of Double Pump-Double Valve-Controlled Motor System
Authors: Zhu Chenhui , Zhang Hongmei , Wang Wanzhang , Li Kang , Zhou Zheng , He Hao
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a control method featuring double closed-loop compound robust is proposed to deal with the underperformances of double pump-double valve-controlled motors under external interference, such as poor stability of output speed, low controllability, and difficulties in managing synchronous output. By using this method, with the output speed of the hydraulic motor kept constant as the control objective, the sliding-mode controller of the single-channel motor is designed for the inner loop, while the double-channel cross-coupled enclosed-loop control is applied to the outer loop. Adjustments then are made to the speeds of the two motors, thus finally managing to realize the constant control on synchronous output of the two motors. Both simulation and test results indicate that this control method has produced higher control accuracy and robustness, with the system output speed difference lowered by 57.6%, the stability adjustment time shortened by 25% on average, and the synchronization error of the system output speed averaged only 1.25%, all of which have met the requirements of the stability and synchronous control on the output speed. Under the compound control method proposed in this paper, the output stability of the hydraulic servo valve-controlled motor system could be increased in complex circumstances featuring nonlinear input, and this method provides a reference for the control studies of the double-channel hydraulic servo valve-controlled motor system.
Christian Planetary Humanism in the Age of Climate Crisis
Authors: Kim Un-Hey
Published: March 2022

This paper attempts to reconstruct the ethics of human response-ability as a theological reflection on the current climate catastrophe, seeing humans as moral actors or a moral actor network. In the meantime, I will argue the relationality and interdependence of matter and discourse, nature and society, and humans and non-humans through crosstalk between ecofeminist theologies and new materialism. In doing so, I reinterpret the human subject as a potential for liberation from modern human exceptionalism, acknowledging the subversive power of the concept of the subject.
Application of a Modified Empirical Wavelet Transform Method in VLF/LF Lightning Electric Field Signals
Authors: Dai Bingzhe , Li Jie , Zhou Jiahao , Zeng Yingting , Hou Wenhao , Zhang Junchao , Wang Yao , Zhang Qilin
Published: March 2022

In this paper, to realize a better adaptive method for the lightning electric field signal denoising, we firstly compared the decomposition results of three methods called the EMD (empirical mode decomposition), the CEEMDAN (complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise), and the EWT (empirical wavelet transform) by artificial signals, respectively, and found that the EWT was better than the other two methods. Then, a MEWT (modified empirical wavelet transform) method based on the EWT was presented for processing the natural lightning signals data. By using our MEWT method, we processed three types of electric field signal data with different frequency bands radiated by the lightning step leader, the cloud pulse and the return stroke, respectively, and the VLF (very low frequency) lightning signals propagating different distances from 500 km to 3500 km, by using the data of the fast electric field change sensors from Nanjing Lightning Location Network (NLLN) in 2018 and the data of the fast electric field change sensors and the VLF electric antennas from the NUIST Wide-range Lightning Location System (NWLLS) in 2021. The results showed that our presented MEWT method could adaptively process different lightning signal data with different frequencies from the step leader, the cloud pulse, and the return stroke; for the lightning VLF signal data from 500 km to 3500 km, the MEWT also achieved a better noise reduction effect. After denoising the signal by using our MEWT, the detection ability of the fast electric field change sensor was improved, and more weak lightning signals could be identified.
Data Fusion of Observability Signals for Assisting Orchestration of Distributed Applications
Authors: Tzanettis Ioannis , Androna Christina-Maria , Zafeiropoulos Anastasios , Fotopoulou Eleni , Papavassiliou Symeon
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, various frameworks are emerging for supporting distributed tracing techniques over microservices-based distributed applications. The objective is to improve observability and management of operational problems of distributed applications, considering bottlenecks in terms of high latencies in the interaction among the deployed microservices. However, such frameworks provide information that is disjoint from the management information that is usually collected by cloud computing orchestration platforms. There is a need to improve observability by combining such information to easily produce insights related to performance issues and to realize root cause analyses to tackle them. In this paper, we provide a modern observability approach and pilot implementation for tackling data fusion aspects in edge and cloud computing orchestration platforms. We consider the integration of signals made available by various open-source monitoring and observability frameworks, including metrics, logs and distributed tracing mechanisms. The approach is validated in an experimental orchestration environment based on the deployment and stress testing of a proof-of-concept microservices-based application. Helpful results are produced regarding the identification of the main causes of latencies in the various application parts and the better understanding of the behavior of the application under different stressing conditions.
Design Guidelines for Sensors Based on Spiral Resonators
Authors: Elgeziry Mahmoud , Costa Filippo , Genovesi Simone
Published: March 2022

Wireless microwave sensors provide a practical alternative where traditional contact-based measurement techniques are not possible to implement or suffer from performance deterioration. Resonating elements are commonly used in these sensors as the sensing concept relies on the resonance properties of the employed structure. This work presents some simple guidelines for designing displacement sensors based on spiral resonator (SR) tags. The working principle of this sensor is based on the variation of the coupling strength between the SR tag and a probing microstrip loop with the distance between them. The performance of the sensor depends on the main design parameters, such as tag dimensions, filling factor, number of turns, and the size of probing loop. The guidelines provided herein can be used for the initial phase of the design process by helping to select a preliminary set of parameters according to the desired application requirements. The provided conclusions are supported using electromagnetic simulations and analytical expressions. Finally, a corrected equivalent circuit model that takes into account the phenomenon of the resonant frequency shift at small distances is provided. The findings are compared against experimental measurements to verify their validity.
A Novel Baseline-Free Damage Detection Method Based on Path Scanning of Lamb Waves Using Mobile Transducers
Authors: Yuan Hongqiang , Zhou Kai , Li Xiuquan , Wei Xiaolong , Yu Zeyu , Ma Qi , Du Guofeng
Published: March 2022

The baseline-free damage detection method of Lamb waves has the potential to obtain damage information efficiently in plate structures through damage scattering signals. However, the missing detection of damage occurs occasionally due to the angular scattering characteristic of Lamb waves. To solve this problem, a novel baseline-free damage detection approach based on path scanning at the detection region edges using mobile piezoelectric transducers is proposed herein. Several sensing points carrying separated damage scattering signals were picked out from the scanning paths. By removing the direct and boundary reflected signals, the damage signals were extracted and exported to a delay-and-sum imaging method to locate the damage. Two experiments with and without mobile transducers were conducted to validate the proposed method on an aluminum plate with artificially fabricated crack-like damage. The results show that the proposed baseline-free approach can locate the crack-like damage with high accuracy and efficiency and avoid potential loss of damage information. The proposed baseline-free method provides a novel and practical damage detection approach when considering the angular-dependent scattering characteristic of Lamb waves and can enhance the credibility of results in damage detection.
State of the Art Techniques for Water Quality Monitoring Systems for Fish Ponds Using IoT and Underwater Sensors: A Review
Authors: Manoj M. , Dhilip Kumar V. , Arif Muhammad , Bulai Elena-Raluca , Bulai Petru , Geman Oana
Published: March 2022

One of the major issues facing the world is the resource of safe water, which is decreasing rapidly due to climatic changes, contamination, and pollution. The most affected living beings are underwater life forms as they eventually take these toxins in and are thus prone to death, making continuously checking water quality a quintessential task. But traditional systems for checking water quality are energy-consuming, involving the initial collection of water samples from different locations and then testing them in the lab. One emerging technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), shows great promise related to this field. This paper presents a detailed review of various water quality monitoring systems (WQSN), using IoT, that have been proposed by various researchers for the past decade (2011–2020). In this instance, new calculations are made for potential clients to analyze the concerned area of research. This review acknowledges key accomplishments concerning quality measures and success indicators regarding qualitative and quantitative measurement. This study also explores the key points and reasons behind lessons learned and proposes a roadmap for impending findings.
Compact Finite Field Multiplication Processor Structure for Cryptographic Algorithms in IoT Devices with Limited Resources
Authors: Ibrahim Atef , Gebali Fayez
Published: March 2022

The rapid evolution of Internet of Things (IoT) applications, such as e-health and the smart ecosystem, has resulted in the emergence of numerous security flaws. Therefore, security protocols must be implemented among IoT network nodes to resist the majority of the emerging threats. As a result, IoT devices must adopt cryptographic algorithms such as public-key encryption and decryption. The cryptographic algorithms are computationally more complicated to be efficiently implemented on IoT devices due to their limited computing resources. The core operation of most cryptographic algorithms is the finite field multiplication operation, and concise implementation of this operation will have a significant impact on the cryptographic algorithm’s entire implementation. As a result, this paper mainly concentrates on developing a compact and efficient word-based serial-in/serial-out finite field multiplier suitable for usage in IoT devices with limited resources. The proposed multiplier structure is simple to implement in VLSI technology due to its modularity and regularity. The suggested structure is derived from a formal and systematic technique for mapping regular iterative algorithms onto processor arrays. The proposed methodology allows for control of the processor array workload and the workload of each processing element. Managing processor word size allows for control of system latency, area, and consumed energy. The ASIC experimental results indicate that the proposed processor structure reduces area and energy consumption by factors reaching up to 97.7% and 99.2%, respectively.
Advanced Computing Methods for Impedance Plethysmography Data Processing
Authors: Khoma Volodymyr , Kenyo Halyna , Kawala-Sterniuk Aleksandra
Published: March 2022

In this paper we are introducing innovative solutions applied in impedance plethysmography concerning improvement of the rheagraph characteristics and the efficiency increase of the developing rheograms using computer methods. The described methods have been developed in order to ensure the stability of parameters and to extend the functionality of the rheographic system based on digital signal processing, which applies to the compensation of the base resistance with a digital potentiometer, digital synthesis of quadrature excitation signals and the performance of digital synchronous detection. The emphasis was put on methods for determination of hemodynamic parameters by computer processing of the rheograms. As a result–three methods for respiratory artifacts elimination have been proposed: based on the discrete cosine transform, the discrete wavelet transform and the approximation of the zero line with spline functions. Additionally, computer methods for physiological indicators determination, including those based on wavelet decomposition, were also proposed and described in this paper. The efficiency of various rheogram compression algorithms was tested, evaluated and presented in this work.
Determination of Alternaria Toxins in Food by SPE and LC-IDMS: Development and In-House Validation of a Candidate Method for Standardisation
Authors: Gonçalves Carlos , Tölgyesi Ádam , Bouten Katrien , Cordeiro Fernando , Stroka Joerg
Published: March 2022

Alternaria toxins (ATs) are frequently found contaminants in foodstuffs (e.g., alternariol), often reaching high concentrations (e.g., tenuazonic acid). They can spoil a wide variety of food categories (e.g., cereals, vegetables, seeds and drinks) and storage at fridge temperatures does not prevent the growth of Alternaria fungi. Therefore, reliable and validated analytical methods are needed to protect human health and to ensure a transparent and fair trade. This paper describes new technical features that improved a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the analysis of ATs in tomato, wheat and sunflower seeds. This analytical method should be simple to implement in different laboratories across the EU and thus be an attractive candidate for standardisation. The major element for improvement was the use of isotopically labelled internal standards, only recently commercially available, thereby reducing the sample handling and improving the accuracy of the results. In addition, the sample extraction and the solid-phase extraction (SPE) enrichment/clean-up were fine-tuned, whereas a more suitable analytical column (XSelect HSS T3) with improved selectivity was also employed. Overall, this method shows adequate precision (repeatability < 5.7% RSD; intermediate precision < 7.0% RSD) and trueness (recoveries ranging from 74% to 112%). The limits of quantification in wheat (the most analytically demanding matrix) vary between 0.19 and 1.40 µg/kg. These figures were deemed satisfactory by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and have formed the basis for a subsequent interlaboratory validation study. The corresponding standard was published by CEN in 2021.
The Crosslinker Matters: Vinylimidazole-Based Anion Exchange Polymer for Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction of Phenolic Acids
Authors: Harder Matthias , Bakry Rania , Lackner Felix , Mayer Paul , Kappacher Christoph , Grießer Christoph , Neuner Sandro , Huck Christian W. , Bonn Günther K. , Rainer Matthias
Published: March 2022

Crosslinkers are indispensable constituents for the preparation of SPE materials with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and divinylbenzene (DVB) among the most prominent representatives. A crosslinker that has not yet been used for the preparation of SPE sorbents is 3,3’-(hexane-1,6-diyl)bis(1-vinylimidazolium) bromide [C6-bis-VIM] [Br]. In this study, we synthesized differently crosslinked vinylimidazole polymers with EGDMA, DVB and [C6-bis-VIM] [Br] and evaluated their extraction efficiencies towards phenolic acids. Dispersive SPE experiments performed with the [C6-bis-VIM] [Br] crosslinked polymers exhibited significantly higher extraction recoveries for the majority of analytes. Due to these promising results, the [C6-bis-VIM] [Br] crosslinked polymer was optimized in terms of the monomer to crosslinker ratio and an efficient dispersive SPE protocol was developed, with maximum recoveries ranging from 84.1–92.5% and RSD values ˂ 1%. The developed extraction procedure was also applied to cartridges resulting in recoveries between 97.2 and 98.5%, which were on average 5% higher than with the commercial anion exchange sorbent Oasis® MAX. Furthermore, the sorbent was regenerated showing a good reusability for the majority of analytes. In conclusion, this study clearly highlights the yet untapped potential of the crosslinker, [C6-bis-VIM] [Br], with respect to the synthesis of efficient anion exchange polymers for SPE.
The Show Must Go On: A Snapshot of Italian Academic Working Life during Mandatory Work from Home through the Results of a National Survey
Authors: Ghislieri Chiara , Sanseverino Domenico , Addabbo Tindara , Bochicchio Vincenzo , Musumeci Rosy , Picardi Ilenia , Tomio Patrizia , Guidetti Gloria , Converso Daniela
Published: March 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, universities worldwide have provided continuity to research and teaching through mandatory work from home. Taking into account the specificities of the Italian academic environment and using the Job Demand-Resource-Recovery model, the present study provides, through an online survey, for the first time a description of the experiences of a large sample of academics (N = 2365) and technical and administrative staff (N = 4086) working in Italian universities. The study analyzes the main differences between genders, roles or work areas, in terms of some job demands, recovery experiences, and outcomes, all important dimensions to achieve goals 3, 4, and 5 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The results support the reflections on gender equality measures in universities and provide a general framework useful for further in-depth analysis and development of measures in order to improve well-being (SDG 3), quality of education (SDG 4), and gender equality (SDG 5).
Construction of a Forest Ecological Network Based on the Forest Ecological Suitability Index and the Morphological Spatial Pattern Method: A Case Study of Jindong Forest Farm in Hunan Province
Authors: Tang Qian , Li Jiping , Tang Tao , Liao Pengcheng , Wang Danmei
Published: March 2022

Human activities and climate change have resulted in an increasing fragmentation of forest landscapes, and the conflict between biodiversity protection and economic development has become more pronounced. The establishment of forest ecological networks can be a vital part of biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest development. Using Jindong Forest Farm as the study area, this study combines the forest ecological suitability index, morphological spatial pattern analysis, the area method, and the landscape connectivity index (PC, IIC). This will identify ecological source areas in the study area, extract ecological corridors using the minimum cumulative resistance model and the gravity model, and construct a forest ecological network with ecological source areas as points and ecological corridors as edges. This study identified 11 forest patches in highly suitable habitat regions as ecological source regions, and 54 potential corridors were extracted. The study’s results show that a careful analysis of the forest landscape’s ecological suitability and morphological spatial pattern provides a scientific method for the rational selection of ecological source regions and serves as a reference for protecting forest species diversity and sustainable forest development.
Applying the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) to Assess Mangrove Soil Quality
Authors: Jimenez Laís Coutinho Zayas , Queiroz Hermano Melo , Cherubin Maurício Roberto , Ferreira Tiago Osório
Published: March 2022

Soil quality (SQ) refers to its capacity to perform its functions. Thus, the SQ index (SQI) is a potentially useful tool for monitoring soil changes induced by mangrove restoration initiatives. Although the soil management assessment framework (SMAF) is a well-developed tool for SQ assessments in diverse ecosystems, it has never been tested on mangrove soils. In this study, we tested the SMAF to evaluate the shifts in the SQ of mangroves in a reforestation initiative using three- and seven-year plantations, which were compared with degraded and mature mangroves. A minimum dataset, composed of the pH and available P as chemical indicators, bulk density as a physical indicator, and soil organic carbon as a biological indicator, was used to calculate the SQI. The SMAF scores facilitated the monitoring of improvement in the mangrove SQ with vegetation development, mainly driven by physical and biological indicators. The SMAF may be a useful tool for monitoring SQ in mangroves under protection and recovery initiatives. Nevertheless, we suggest the inclusion of additional biological and chemical indicators in the minimum dataset for future studies to better represent specific processes and functions (e.g., microbial redox reactions and contaminant immobilization) that can alter the SQ of mangroves.
Work-Family Interface in the Context of Social Responsibility: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Marôco Ana Lúcia , Nogueira Fernanda , Gonçalves Sónia P. , Marques Isabel C. P.
Published: March 2022

The literature on internal social responsibility, in which the work-family interface can be included, already has a robust tradition in scientific research. It is, therefore, important to systematize the path that has been taken and what the future may hold. This article aims to systematize the literature that simultaneously focuses on the work-family relationship and on the context of social responsibility and sustainability, with the purpose of mapping the research that has been produced on these intersections. A systematic review of the literature was conducted between the period 1968 and 2021. The search was performed on the SCOPUS database, and the analysis was conducted using the VOSviewer software, with 333 articles having been identified and subjected to a bibliometric and content analysis. As a result, 88 articles were analyzed in depth, focusing on the Work and Life Space dimension and the work-family relationship. The results indicate that corporate social responsibility has a positive effect on the work-family relationship, where an efficient balance between personal and professional life is often measured based on the adequacy of the adjustment of factors such as working hours and social and family commitments.
Evaluation of Transfer Learning and Fine-Tuning to Nowcast Energy Generation of Photovoltaic Systems in Different Climates
Authors: Almonacid-Olleros Guillermo , Almonacid Gabino , Gil David , Medina-Quero Javier
Published: March 2022

New trends of Machine learning models are able to nowcast power generation overtaking the formulation-based standards. In this work, the capabilities of deep learning to predict energy generation over three different areas and deployments in the world are discussed. To this end, transfer learning from deep learning models to nowcast output power generation in photovoltaic systems is analyzed. First, data from three photovoltaic systems in different regions of Spain, Italy and India are unified under a common segmentation stage. Next, pretrained and non-pretrained models are evaluated in the same and different regions to analyze the transfer of knowledge between different deployments and areas. The use of pretrained models provides encouraging results which can be optimized with rearward learning of local data, providing more accurate models.
Developing Sustainable Careers during a Pandemic: The Role of Psychological Capital and Career Adaptability
Authors: Zyberaj Jetmir , Seibel Sebastian , Schowalter Annika F. , Pötz Lennart , Richter-Killenberg Stefanie , Volmer Judith
Published: March 2022

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not only had negative effects on employees’ health, but also on their prospects to gain and maintain employment. Using a longitudinal research design with two measurement points, we investigated the ramifications of various psychological and organizational resources on employees’ careers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, in a sample of German employees (N = 305), we investigated the role of psychological capital (PsyCap) for four career-related outcomes: career satisfaction, career engagement, coping with changes in career due to COVID-19, and career-related COVID-19 worries. We also employed leader–member exchange (LMX) as a moderator and career adaptability as a mediating variable in these relationships. Results from path analyses revealed a positive association between PsyCap and career satisfaction and career coping. Furthermore, PsyCap was indirectly related to career engagement through career adaptability. However, moderation analysis showed no moderating role of LMX on the link between PsyCap and career adaptability. Our study contributes to the systematic research concerning the role of psychological and organizational resources for employees’ careers and well-being, especially for crisis contexts.
Risk Assessment and Prediction of Air Pollution Disasters in Four Chinese Regions
Authors: Deng Guoqu , Chen Hu , Xie Bo , Wang Mengtian
Published: March 2022

Evaluating the regional trends of air pollution disaster risk in areas of heavy industry and economically developed cities is vital for regional sustainable development. Until now, previous studies have mainly adopted a traditional weighted comprehensive evaluation method to analyze the air pollution disaster risk. This research has integrated principal component analysis (PCA), a genetic algorithm (GA) and a backpropagation (BP) neural network to evaluate the regional disaster risk. Hazard risk, hazard-laden environment sensitivity, hazard-bearing body vulnerability and disaster resilience were used to measure the degree of disaster risk. The main findings were: (1) the air pollution disaster risk index of Liaoning Province, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong Province increased year by year from 2010 to 2019; (2) the mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of each regional air pollution disaster risk index in 2019, as predicted by the PCA-GA-BP neural network, were 0.607, 0.317 and 20.3%, respectively; (3) the predicted results were more accurate than those using a PCA-BP neural network, GA-BP neural network, traditional BP neural network, support vector regression (SVR) or extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), which verified that machine learning could be used as a method of air pollution disaster risk assessment to a considerable extent.