bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The New Trend of Grassroots Social Governance: The Connotation Extension and Logical Deconstruction of The "three cooperatives" Model
Authors: Zhang Yupu
Published: November 2024

"Community, social organization and social worker" as the key element of "three community linkage" is the latest practice form and theoretical form of grassroots social governance, in the community needs satisfaction, community interest adjustment, community culture cultivation and community strength The cohesion and other aspects have achieved remarkable results. The "three cooperatives" is composed of community "two committees", social organizations and social workers in the main structure, presenting the "state-society-individual" linkage level, which is essentially to build a benign interactive relationship between government and society. In reality, a network matrix structure of "vertical to bottom, up and down interaction, horizontal to side, criss-cross, internal and external integration" has been formed, which finally realizes the structural embedding and functional coupling of various subjects. With the continuous deepening of theory and practice, the connotation of communities, social organizations and social workers should be expanded and extended, and the "linkage" relationship needs to be considered in multiple dimensions. Summarize and summarize the innovative modes and practices of linkage across the country in a timely manner, clarify the dilemmas and difficulties, and on this basis, deconstruct the thinking logic, operation logic and domain logic of the "three cooperatives" mode, and strive to understand and grasp the essential laws of grassroots governance.
The Professional Development of Primary School Teachers in Rural China
Authors: Jiang Yubei
Published: November 2024

The professional development of rural teachers is not only related to their personal growth, but also directly affects the improvement of rural education quality and the future development of rural students. Although the professional development of rural teachers is highly valued in today's society, there is still an issue of unequal education resources and investment between urban and rural areas in China. This study aims to determine the professional development of primary school teachers in rural China. This study used a questionnaire survey method to determine the career development in rural China. 600 teachers will be randomly assigned to 50 rural primary schools in Sichuan Province. After collecting data, this study will use SPSS for analysis to measure the professional development of participants. This has potential impacts on both policy and practice. In addition, this study provides a solid evidence foundation for policy-making on training opportunities.
The Ideological Perversion of Technological Progress: A Philosophical Reflection on Informal Employment
Authors: Li Yunyi , Lin Canni
Published: November 2024

This paper examines the ideological distortion brought about by technological progress, focusing on its impact on informal employment through the lens of Slavoj Žižek’s theory of perversion. As digital platforms like Upwork and Fiverr grow, providing flexible jobs for millions of freelancers, the number of informal workers has increased worldwide. While such platforms claim to provide flexibility and autonomy, informal workers confront significant challenges, including low wages, lack of social security, and job instability. This study explores how technological progress, under the guise of legitimacy and rationality, reshapes society's perception of remote outsourced work, using Žižek’s framework to uncover the hidden mechanisms of exploitation and control. Moreover, the analysis reveals that, although platforms promote innovation and efficiency, they strengthen workers’dependency through algorithmic surveillance, exacerbating exploitation. Furthermore, the paper calls for a critical reassessment of the societal and economic impacts of technological advancements on informal workers and advocates for improved working conditions and stronger social protections.
Analysis of the Impact of Digital Inclusive Finance on the Well-being of Rural Residents
Authors: Wang Mengqi
Published: November 2024

Improving the sense of well-being, gain, and security among rural residents has become one of the important tasks for promoting high-quality rural economic development and achieving rural revitalization. This paper, based on data from the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) from 2015 to 2019, constructs an Ordered Probit model to study and analyze the impact and mechanism of digital inclusive finance on the well-being of rural residents. The results indicate that digital inclusive finance can enhance the well-being of rural residents, and the indices of coverage breadth, usage depth, and digitalization all have significant positive effects on the well-being of rural residents. In terms of the mechanism, digital inclusive finance improves the income of rural residents, promotes entrepreneurship among them, and enhances their financial literacy, thereby increasing their well-being. At the same time, digital inclusive finance has a greater impact on the well-being of samples from rural areas in the central and eastern regions, as well as among rural women and middle-aged and elderly groups.
The Composition and Performance Analysis of Spring Nostalgia by Huang Tzu
Authors: Liu Shuang , Shao Yiyan
Published: November 2024

“Spring Nostalgia” is a classic piece among Huang Tzu’s art songs. The refined lyrics and beautiful melody demonstrate Huang Tzu’s skillful integration of Western compositional techniques with elements of traditional Chinese music. This paper analyzes the song’s lyrical imagery, musical form structure, and piano accompaniment. Additionally, it compares the live performance by Liao Changyong, baritone singer, with the studio recording by Dilber Yunus, soprano singer, offering insights for singers to perform the piece better.
Research on the Application of the Spirit of Huizhou Ancient Architectural Places in Modern Architectural Design
Authors: Ji Xu
Published: November 2024

This study aims to explore the application strategies of the spirit of Huizhou ancient architectural places in modern architectural design. Through in-depth analysis of the connotations of the spirit of Huizhou ancient architectural places, and analysis of its association with modern architectural design concepts, application strategies in aspects such as spatial layout, materials and textures, and decorative arts are proposed. Moreover, the problems faced during the application process and the corresponding solutions are discussed, so as to realize the organic integration of traditional culture and modern architectural design and promote the inheritance of regional culture and the innovative development of modern architecture.
Exploring a New CPD Model for Promoting Chinese Teachers’ Success: A Review Paper
Authors: Shi Lei , Balinas Elvira S.
Published: November 2024

People's ideas are constantly evolving with changes in society and the times. This attracted more attention to the issue of continuous professional development for Chinese teachers. The traditional approach to professional development only addresses issues relevant to the current situation and may not be sufficient to support teachers' growth in more complex and challenging contexts. This paper examines the environment and context of teacher professional development, focusing on both domestic and international educational theories and practices. It proposes a systematic solution that is aligned with the current state of teacher professional development in China.
Research on Global Illegal Wildlife Trade Based on Integrated Optimization Methodologies
Authors: Zhang Qianwei , Xu Shengzhou , Miao Kairui
Published: November 2024

To help improve the situation at this stage of the illegal wildlife trade, this article takes a comprehensive look at global data on Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) based on the background that illegal wildlife trade is still rampant at this stage. Through data-driven as well as mathematical modeling, feasible and effective measures are proposed. Firstly, we analyze the massive data through deep learning techniques, and neural networks are used to predict the subsequent trend of illegal wildlife trade. Immediately after that, we give two scenarios. The first is to stimulate people's awareness of protection through global advocacy, we establish a mathematical model of travelers, and the simulated annealing algorithm is used to solve the optimal routes, which gives the specific routes of global advocacy. Secondly, we analyze the important nodes of the global illegal wildlife trade, model the planning problem based on the greedy strategy, establish the global monitoring measures, and give the location of the corresponding monitoring points. Overall, we provide a general assessment of the global illegal wildlife trade and provide specific and feasible means to suppress it.
Investigation on Wireless Energy Harvesting Techniques for Internet of Things
Authors: Huang Jiayi
Published: November 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT), by collecting, processing, and uploading information from its surroundings, makes the preliminary base for the construction of a smart city. To utilize IoTs fully, establishing wireless sensor networks (WSNs) as a subset technology of the system is pivotal. Among all energy sources, the radio frequency energy, with its extensive coverage, easy accessibility, and characteristic of being free of spatial limitations, is the optimal choice for energy harvesting [1]. This project aims to conduct a thorough investigation on a wideband wireless energy harvester with high efficiency and verify its application prospect in portable power sources. I have comprehensively studied and modeled the components of a wireless energy harvesting system. I further fabricated the wireless energy harvester based on the optimized circuit diagram. It successfully featured a high sensitivity of 2701 V/W at 1.05 GHz or a wide bandwidth ranging from 0.5 GHz to 2.5 GHz. Finally, I used the devised sensor in real-life scenarios and successfully powered a thermos hygrometer and a LED. I built a network of multiple energy harvesters with an in-situ monitoring system, analogous to the IoT. In this work, I have proposed a methodology to fabricate wireless energy harvesters with high sensitivity and wide bandwidth. This research will bridge the gap between the scientific exploration for novel devices and their application in real-life scenarios.
Study on the Impact of Cultural Differences on Sino-US Business Negotiations under the Guidance of Cultural Dimensions Theory
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Li
Published: November 2024

The tide of economic globalization has led to an increase in the frequency of business negotiations between China and the United States, where cultural differences have emerged as a pivotal factor affecting the success or failure of negotiations. Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory provides an effective analytical framework for understanding and analyzing cultural differences. Guided by Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, this paper delves into the impact of cultural differences on the objectives, language, risk-taking, and decision-making in Sino-US business negotiations. The aim is to uncover the intrinsic mechanisms of cultural differences and their multidimensional effects on negotiations, thereby offering strategic recommendations to facilitate the successful Sino-US business negotiations.
Research and Exploration of Ideology and Politics in the Course of Emergency Critical Care
Authors: Liu Guijuan , Xu Jinmei , Fei Suding
Published: November 2024

In order to realize the fundamental task of “Setting up morality and cultivating people”, this study reports the ideological and political objectives, teaching design and effect of the course of emergency and critical care, and provides reference for the ideological and political education function of the specific course.
Research on 3D Model Calculation of Green and low-carbon New Buildings
Authors: Ren Xueying
Published: November 2024

Due to the widespread use of solid clay bricks in building houses in China, the annual destruction of farmland by burning bricks amounts to about 100000 acres. Faced with these problems, China has an extremely urgent demand for green and low-carbon buildings. Therefore, this article conducts computational research on the 3D model of a new type of green and low-carbon building. Due to the significant differences in the geometric form and texture representation of a large number of green and low-carbonl new buildings, it is difficult to uniformly quantify their level of detail. This article considers the usefulness and accessibility of 3D model calculation data separately. The shadow length is generally the distance from the selected building's facade roof to the end of the shadow, which can avoid the influence of building shape on its length. The determination of these two points and the calculation of the distance between them will directly affect the accuracy of shadow length calculation. Therefore, when users need to add an application subsystem to the system, they must add information such as the input and output data structures of the subsystem to the module. The height information calculation method uses the building and shadow imaging geometric modeling to calculate the building height by establishing the relationship between the shadow length and the corresponding building height.
Analysis of Jingdezhen Yaoli Ancient Town's Ceramic Culture: Historical Threads and Modern Inheritance
Authors: Zhong Na
Published: November 2024

This paper aims to thoroughly explore the unique status and contributions of Jingdezhen Yaoli Ancient Town as a significant birthplace of traditional Chinese ceramic culture. By analyzing its long history of ceramic production, exquisite craftsmanship techniques, extensive cultural influence, and paths of inheritance and development in modern society, it reveals the irreplaceable role of Yaoli Ancient Town in promoting Chinese and even global ceramic art and cultural exchanges.
“Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Concertos in the Context of Genre Development”
Authors: An Le
Published: November 2024

Aim of study is to consider Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s piano concertos in the context of genre development. To achieve this aim, the following objectives defined: 1) to trace concerto origins; 2) to identify solo concerto origins; 3) to reveal the peculiarities of the musical language of Mozart piano concertos. The thesis concept contains a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach that contributes to the multidimensional disclosure of the phenomenon of classical concert. Due to the need to determine the individual stylistic amplitude of Mozart's piano concertos, the analytical (structural-compositional, intonation) perspective of the study is updated. The problems of identifying the features of manifestations, ways and directions of development of the classical concert in Mozart's work were used by a comparative method to compare the piano concerto of composers of Mozart's predecessors and contemporaries.
The Origin, Development, and Characteristics of Multicultural Fusion in Quanzhou's Architectural Language
Authors: Sun Lu , Zhang Ying , Wang Mingyue
Published: November 2024

Unlike ordinary port cities, the historical particularity, cultural diversity, regional inclusiveness, and unique natural and human resources of Quanzhou in China have made its architecture unique in Chinese architecture. It is a typical paradigm of the long-term coexistence and mutual influence of Chinese traditional architecture and overseas culture. The research on the characteristics of the origin and development of Quanzhou architecture is helpful to the sustainable development of local cultural protection. This paper explores, organizes, and analyzes the development and characteristics of architectural language in Quanzhou.
Cross-Cultural Communication Strategies of the Thai Advertising Industry and Their Implications for the International Communication of Chinese Advertising
Authors: Liu Kaihong
Published: November 2024

Based on the theory of cultural adaptation, this paper explores the cross-cultural communication strategies and successes of Thailand’s advertising industry, analyzing their implications for China’s international advertising efforts. Through case studies and empirical analysis, the paper identifies key cross-cultural strategies in Thailand’s advertising industry, such as language adaptation, symbol interpretation, and cultural element integration, which effectively enhance advertising impact and audience acceptance. The study suggests that China’s advertising industry should draw from Thailand’s successes by aligning with target market cultural characteristics while maintaining Chinese cultural identity, achieving a balance of localization and internationalization. The paper also provides specific strategies for China’s advertising industry to enhance its cultural adaptation capabilities, addressing the challenges posed by globalization. The research aims to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for cultural adaptation strategies in China’s international advertising.
Practical Teaching Case: Experimental Eye-Tracking Study on Library Virtual Space Design
Authors: Li Li , Wan Sixuan , Zhu Xiao , Wang Luwei , Pan Ling
Published: November 2024

Eye-tracking experiments can be used to evaluate the popularity of design spaces. In this thesis, eye-tracking experiments are employed in the practical teaching of the “Ergonomics” course to provide feedback on the feasibility of library virtual space design. Firstly, in the course teaching, research subjects were selected and two virtual library spaces were built for eye-tracking experiments, with results showing that applying eye-tracking technology to space design is feasible, and participants prefer conventional library virtual spaces. Meanwhile, it is further confirmed that the use of design experiment feedback in practical teaching reform can improve students' subjective enthusiasm.
Innovative Application of Big Data Technology in New Media Personalized Service
Authors: Liu Ying
Published: November 2024

With the rapid development of big data technology, its application in the field of new media is becoming more and more extensive, especially in personalized service shows great potential. This paper discusses in depth the application, challenges and future development of big data technology in new media personalized service. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) Big data technology plays a key role in new media personalized service Big data technology can construct a refined user profile, realize personalized content recommendation, and improve user satisfaction and loyalty by collecting, analyzing and utilizing user behavioral data on new media platforms. (2) Big data technology faces multiple challenges in new media personalized services. Although big data technology shows great potential in new media personalized service, it still faces challenges in data privacy and security, data quality and accuracy, technology update and algorithm optimization, as well as regulatory compliance and ethics. (3) Innovative applications promote the development of big data technology in new media personalized services. With the continuous innovation and application of big data technology, new media personalized services are also developing and improving.
“What truth are you telling me about?”
Authors: Katsev Libbie
Published: November 2024

This article discusses two Belarusian music videos from 2020, “Shchuchynshchyna” and “Ne Smeshno” (“Not Funny”), both of which were framed by their creators as commentary on the 2020 protests. In “Ne Smeshno,” band Molchat Doma seemingly attempts to wake a city stricken by an epidemic of sleep—and fails, with one exception. The parody video “Shchuchynshchyna” debuted in a satirical web series, where Elena ZheludOk’s performance of state-approved pop entrances a rebellious rock guitarist. I discuss these videos through Almira Ousmanova’s work on defamiliarization in Belarusian art and politics and through Lauren Berlant’s thought on the allegory. I argue that both videos engage with the idea that art’s political potential is in its power to undermine the state’s hegemonic version of reality. However, in both videos, this break in perception is a secondary effect of music, a consequence of the new gendered, intimate relations that music directly sets in motion.
Impact of Serum Folate and Vitamin B12 on Mental Health in Patient Admitted at Razi Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Aml Koubas  , Huria Dardar  , Rajaa Alshwesh  , Zinab Elfituri
Published: November 2024

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is one of the essential vitamins that affect various systems in the body, including the central nervous system and plays an important role in the metabolism of the nervous system, although its exact role under pathological conditions is not fully understood. The present study aimed to assessing vitamin B12 & serum folate in patient admitted at Razi psychiatric hospital. A cross section study subjects were inpatients with psychiatric disorder, patients from 21 to 60 years old. In this group of 40 psychiatric patients, there is no evidence of clinically relevant changes in serum vitamin B12 and folate level. Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur despite “normal” serum cobalamin levels; therefore, measuring homocysteine and methyl malonic acid can decrease false-negative findings.
Chemical Oxygen Demand Reduction of The Spent Wash Condensate by Applying Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash
Authors:   Department of Biosystems Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka Belihuloya, Lankathilake L.J.M.U , Wijesekara E.R.J.M.D.D.P ,   Department of Biosystems Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka Belihuloya, Amarasinghe A.M.P.C ,   Department of Biosystems Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka Belihuloya
Published: November 2024

Distillery spent wash is a highly acidic waste generated during ethanol production in sugar industries. It makes a challenging industrial wastewater, due to its high organic content and complexity and it needs to treat before being released into the environment. The spent wash can evaporate, creating a thick slurry and vaporized liquid. The slurry can be used for different applications such as a fertilizer production. This vaporized fraction can be condensed, and this research study focuses on applying a sustainable waste management approach to reduce the COD of spent wash condensate by using ash generated from bagasse combustion. Four experiments were included in the study. First, H2O2-treated and untreated fly ash and bottom ash from the bagasse combusted boiler were mixed with the spent wash condensate and filtered out to determine the most suitable ash type for COD reduction. Then, the chosen ash type was used in various ratios and retention times to determine the optimum operation conditions. Finally, the COD reduction capacity of the boiler ash was determined by treating condensate multiple times. The results indicated that the optimum COD reduction spent wash condensate to treated bagasse fly ash ratio is 1: 50 (W/V), and the optimum retention time is 02 hours. Furthermore, the treated bagasse fly ash can be used twice to treat the condensate of distillery spent wash, and if it wants to be reused more, it should retreat with H2O2. The average COD value of raw spent wash was around 130,000 – 160,000 mg/L range, and it has reduced to approximately 70,000 mg/L in the spent wash condensate. After ash treatments the COD of spent wash condensate can be reduced to approximately 30,000 mg/L. This method can reduce the spent wash COD by about 75%; additional treatment is required to reduce it to an environmentally disposable level. Keywords: Ash, Bagasse, COD, Spent-wash, Sugar Cane, Waste management
Exploring The Factors Influencing Delays in Road and Building Projects in Sri Lanka
Authors:   Health System Enhancement Project, Sri Lanka, Abeywardhana S.S , Jeewandarage P.M ,   University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
Published: November 2024

The Sri Lankan road and building construction industry currently grapples with significant time overruns compared to the planned schedules. Project delays pose substantial challenges for contractors, consultants, and clients alike. This research aims to identify the key factors contributing to delays in the construction of buildings and roads. A thorough literature review revealed 48 primary causes of construction delays. A questionnaire survey was conducted, incorporating these 48 delay factors and categorizing them into four major groups: contractor related, client-related, consultant-related, and external factors. Responses were gathered from 160 professionals using the convenience sampling method and were subsequently analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) for ranking. The results highlight several critical factors responsible for construction delays in Sri Lanka. These include delays in payment progression, financial difficulties and economic challenges faced by clients, lack of proper planning and scheduling, difficulties in project financing by contractors, mistakes and discrepancies in contracts, slow implementation of inspections and testing by consultants, and changes in government policies and leadership. Additionally, interference by political leaders from external parties emerged as a significant factor contributing to delays. The implications of these findings underscore the need for realigning project management strategies to mitigate delays in road and building construction projects in Sri Lanka. This paper not only identifies key factors but also offers recommendations to minimize the impact of delays on construction projects in the country. These insights are crucial for enhancing the efficiency of project management in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Keywords: Causes of Construction Delays, Construction Delays, Road and Building Project Delays, Project Delays, Project Management Strategies
Tactile Sustainability: Exploring Sensory Perception in Sustainable Building Design
Authors:   Department of Estate Management and Valuation, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Kudaligama A , Udawattha C ,   Department of Estate Management and Valuation, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda
Published: November 2024

The built environment plays a pivotal role in shaping human behavior, emotions and well-being. Our sensory system demonstrates remarkable sensitivity in perceiving the textures of building walls, even when visual cues are absent. However, while the importance of material texture in the architectural perception is widely acknowledged, there remains a lack of empirical evidence regarding the specific influence of these textures on perceived spaciousness. This research explores the intricate realm of sensory perception within sustainable building design, with a focus on tactile experiences with spaciousness and material selection. Blindfolded participants tactually explored a range of sustainable building materials, including recycled wall putty, bamboo composite board, and rammed earth, characterized by varying textural qualities, smooth finish, semi-rough finish and rough finish respectively. Subsequent experiments introduced thermal stimulation, further enhancing participants' perceptual judgments. Findings demonstrate participants' ability to accurately identify these materials based solely on tactile cues, showcasing a pronounced preference for natural and eco-friendly options. The implications of these findings suggest integrating tactile considerations into sustainable design practices, promoting low-impact materials that offer tactile satisfaction and more spaciousness. These findings advance biophilic design principles, fostering connections with nature through tactile elements inspired by sustainability. Ultimately, the research highlights the significant role of tactile perception in shaping perceptions of sustainability and informs design strategies that prioritize sensory comfort and spaciousness and environmental responsibility in the built environment. These insights contribute to the ongoing evolution of sustainable design practices in the built environment not only meets functional needs but also enhances human well-being and ecological stewardship. Keywords: Material Selection, Sensory Perception, Spaciousness, Sustainable Building Designs, Textures, Sustainability
Vegetation Recovery, Susceptibility Mapping, and Modeling of Landslides Using Remote Sensing and GIS
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Premawansha R. G. U. I , Gomes P. I. A ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Li A ,   Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China., Zhao W ,   Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China.
Published: November 2024

Landslides may significantly damage communities and ecosystems. This study integrated remote sensing, field data collection, and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to map and model landslide susceptibility and vegetation recovery patterns. Remote sensing is the method of acquiring information about an object or activity without physically interconnecting can be referred to as remote sensing. Understanding the vegetation recovery process following landslides is crucial for assessing long-term stability and ecological restoration. The study implemented the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess the landslide susceptibility of different Agro-ecological regions in Sri Lanka, by analyzing data of 17 landslides occurred in 2014, 2016, and 2017. Alupathagala, Wanniwatta, Athwalthota, Niggaha, Digana, Ambalanpitiya, Hali-Ela, Meeriyabedda, Walapane, Aranayaka, Ambalakanda, and Ratanapura were among the places classified as having a very high risk of landslide susceptibility. Kobewela, Rilpola, and Imbulpe displayed a high risk and moderate risk, respectively Diddeniya Pahala and Bopetta were listed as having a moderate risk. Different levels of risk were caused by soil type, slope, aspect, rainfall, lithology, land use, and distance to streams and roads. The study evaluated recovery times, highlighting the distinctive patterns in different Agro-ecological zones. In the majority of instances, it took three to five years for the vegetative cover to return to pre-landslide values. However, the vegetation has not yet recovered in Alupathagala, Hailiela, or Imbulpe. The study revealed that vegetation cover changes in landslides are not only depend on the Agro-ecological zone, but also involve complex interactions within the same zone. In conclusion it can be stated, it is important to understand the complex interactions and causative factors that lead to vegetation recovery and risk of landslides. Keywords: Agro-Ecological Regions, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Landslide Susceptibility Mapping, Vegetation Recovery
Reinforced Fiber Polymer Composite with Palmyra Fiber and Waste Polythene
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Galagedara Ridmi Yasantha , Gangabadaarachchi Sajani Nimaya ,   University of Moratuwa, Halwatura Rangika U ,   University of Moratuwa
Published: November 2024

Natural fiber, a preferable replacement, is the most commonly used fiber in the composites industry. Most businesses employ natural fibers since they are equipped with a sustainability value and are increasingly evaluated as reinforcement for polymer-matrix composites. This study attempts to use thermoplastic/Palmyra fiber composites in the construction industry specifically in ceiling and wall panels. Before starting the material development process and applications for this fiber, it is important to consider the physical and mechanical properties of Palmyra fibers. Testing was conducted to determine the fiber's diameter, density, water absorption, and tensile strength. The density and diameter of Palmyra fiber were determined using the psychometric method and an optical microscope, respectively. An electronic tensometer was used to measure Young's modulus and tensile strength of the Palmyra fiber. The average diameter and density of Palmyra fibers were obtained as 523.01 μm and 0.88 g/cm3, and the fiber’s Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength were 53.94 MPa and 6.15 GPa, respectively. The 2.5 mm and 3.2 mm thick composite sheets were produced using a hot press machine, varying Palmyra fiber weight, and an applicable polymer matrix. Tensile and bending tests were attained to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of the composite material at this stage. ASTM D3039 and ASTM D790 were followed for testing the composite properties. When the Palmyra weight fraction varied from 10% of the total weight, the maximum tensile strength and the maximum bending strength were 14.778 N/mm2 and 19.478 N/mm2, respectively. The relevant mechanical properties differ from those of commercially available materials. Keywords: Palmyra fiber, Composite, Physical Characteristics, Mechanical Characteristics
Prosthetics and Sensitive Synthetic Skin
Authors:   International College of Business and Technology affiliated with Cardiff Metropolitan University, Muthukrishnana P. , Gunawardana S. A. G. L ,   ICBT Kandy Campus, D S Senanayake Veediya, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Published: November 2024

Prosthetics has been the growing speech when it comes to the modern world. It has been used by almost half of the world’s population even though more than 100 million people are in need of prosthetics. When looking at the term prosthetics which is an artificial body that has been added to the human body due to certain reasons for instance due to birth defects or if it was lost in an accident or due to being amputated. The most common cases of prosthetic uses are due to accidents or amputation, while birth defects are rare scenarios. But prosthetics can be further modified to make it look and act like a real skin with the novel technology of artificial sensitive synthetic skin technology which helps in imitating the real skin by allowing a vast number of features from sensing heat and pressure can be sensed. But there are people who have been shunned and looked weirdly due to their disability which is expressed by the peers and the society. This has caused a lot of psychological and psychosocial behaviors that can be considered to be rather negative in terms of mental health. The aim of this study is to create a positive awareness on prosthetics and artificial sensitive synthetic skin so that the introduction of such technologies can be considered as a reformative method in helping the people to cope with their mental situation that were led due to amputation and prosthetics. The objective is to create a proper understanding of amputations and prosthetics as well as indulging deeper into the topic of sensitive synthetic skin so that the affected has a clearer knowledge. Through this study we can get a thorough understanding about prosthetics, amputations and synthetic skin and how they can relate and solve psychological and psychosocial issues. Keywords: Amputations, Prosthetics, Psychological, Psychosocial, Sensitive synthetic skin
Determination of Shrinkage of Mud Concrete
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Kuruppu K.D.S , Dharmaratne P.D ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Galabada H.G ,   School of Engineering, ESOFT Metro Campus, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Published: November 2024

The research study systematically examined the shrinkage of mud concrete, aiming to evaluate its potential as an eco-friendly construction material. It investigated the influence of water-retarder admixture and coir fiber additions on dimensional changes, utilizing ASTM C157 as the test method. The study is required to address knowledge gaps in mud concrete shrinkage characteristics and provide guidance for its sustainable construction application. Three primary objectives were identified: analyzing shrinkage, determining optimal curing times for shrinkage minimization, and assessing the impact of fibers and admixtures on the shrinkage process. The mix design incorporated locally available soil, ordinary Portland cement, coconut fiber, water, and a water-retarder admixture (Plastolith 55R) to improve workability and structural integrity. Results indicated a consistent length reduction in all mud concrete compositions over time, with the water-retarder admixture and coir fiber effectively mitigating shrinkage. However, fiber addition was observed to increase shrinkage, necessitating further investigation. Wet curing conditions significantly reduced shrinkage compared to dry conditions, underscoring the importance of moisture content during curing. The study concluded by highlighting the crucial role of water-retarder admixture in reducing mud concrete shrinkage and enhancing longterm performance. It acknowledged the observed increase in drying shrinkage rate with fiber addition, emphasizing the need for additional research into underlying processes. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into sustainable construction practices by advocating for judicious additive use to optimize mud concrete compositions and calls for further research to explore fundamental mechanisms influencing shrinkage. Keywords: mud concrete, shrinkage, coir fiber, water retarder admixture, drying shrinkage
Evaluating the Threshold of Authenticity in Deepfake Audio and Its Implications Within Criminal Justice
Authors:   Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool, United Kingdom, Rodgers Jason , Jones Dr Karl O ,   Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool, United Kingdom, Robinson Colin ,   Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool, United Kingdom, Chandler Crnigoj Dr Sebastian ,   Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool, United Kingdom, Burrell Dr Helen ,   Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool, United Kingdom, McColl Dr Suzzanne ,   Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool, United Kingdom
Published: November 2024

Deepfake technology has come a long way in recent years and the world has already seen cases where it has been used maliciously. After a deepfake of UK independent financial advisor and poverty champion Martin Lewis was released on social media, a theory has been proposed where the deepfake target is accompanied by additional media to increase the authenticity of the file, for instance, ambient noise or processing to match how the deepfake would sound if it was recorded from a specific device such as a cellular/mobile phone. Focussing on deepfake audio, a critical listening experiment was conducted where participants were asked to identify the deepfake audio file from a set of three, across a number of sets of three files. A number of audio files were created using real voices with additional sounds added, volunteers recording their voice which is then put through a deepfake generation system, and voices taken from publicly available podcasts which were also applied to the deepfake software – the latter set mimics using web accessible voice recordings of prominent or famous people, such as the Prime Minister of the UK. The results show participants were able to successfully detect one third of the deepfake audio files presented, however they also incorrectly marked another one third of the real files as deepfakes whilst the remaining third were missed. Results also showed no definitive confirmation that audio and/or forensic professionals had any greater ability to successfully detect deepfake audio files when compared to others. The false positive result may also reinforce the scepticism and lack of trust created by what is known as “Liar’s Dividend”. The paper details how the files were created, the testing methodology, and the experimental results. Furthermore, a discussion on the future directions of research and the effects that deepfakes may have on the criminal justice system is presented. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Forensics, Synthetic Media, Deepfake, Media Forensics, Audio Forensics
A Comprehensive 5G NR V2X Simulator for Unicast, Multicast, and Broadcast Communication Modes
Authors:   Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, Dissanayaka D.M.S.D , Nethmini K.G.M ,   Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, Dharmarathne R.G.C.D.S ,   Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, Priyankara W.N.B.A.G ,   Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
Published: November 2024

As the field of vehicular communication continues to evolve, the need for reliable and realistic simulation tools becomes increasingly critical. This paper introduces a novel 5G New Radio Vehicle to Everything (NR V2X) simulator, a state-of-the-art tool to emulate unicast, multicast, and broadcast communication modes. The simulator is built upon the well-established ns-3 network simulator and integrates seamlessly with the Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO) traffic simulator. This integration allows for the creation and analysis of complex vehicular communication scenarios, enhancing the realism and applicability of the simulations. One of the key features of our simulator is its flexible architecture. This flexibility enables it to accommodate a wide range of scenarios, making it a versatile tool for researchers and practitioners in vehicular communication. In addition to its technical capabilities, the simulator boasts a user-friendly interface. This interface enhances its accessibility, making it an easyto- use tool for researchers of all levels of expertise. We present an in-depth analysis of the performance of different communication modes under various scenarios. Key performance indicators such as average throughput, delay, and packet loss are evaluated, providing valuable insights into the intricacies of nextgeneration vehicular communication systems. Our work contributes significantly to the advancement of 5G NR V2X research. The simulator is a useful resource for exploring and understanding the complexities of vehicular communication systems, paving the way for future advancements in this exciting field. Our work will inspire further research and development in vehicular communication, bringing us one step closer to realizing the full potential of intelligent transportation systems. Keywords: 5G NR V2X Communication, LENA, MODE 2, NUMEROLOGIES, SUMO
Facile and feasible synthesis of ZnO Nanorods Using Microwave Irradiation and their Morphology Dependent on Capping Agents
Authors:   Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, Sahajeewa L. K. N. N. , Bandara T. M. W. J ,   Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, Narangammana L. K ,   Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, Bandara K. M. S. P ,   Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Published: November 2024

In the recent past zinc oxide (ZnO) has gained a lot of attention as a piezoelectric material. Its low cost, relative abundance, and ease of processing have made it a promising candidate to be used in various applications. In addition to its functional properties, its chemical stability and biocompatibility make ZnO suitable to be used in different environments. The synthesis of nanowires, nanorods, and other nano-structured morphologies of ZnO is highly important for the development of piezoelectric devices and solar cells. There are numerous methods for ZnO nanorod synthesis. The present research focused on the investigation of simple and low-cost synthesis methods of ZnO nanorods, namely microwave irradiation and usage of capping agents. According to the literature, the device performance improves with decreasing widths and increasing aspect ratios of ZnO nanorods. ZnO nanorods with desired size was obtained by chemical precipitation, using the readily available chemicals, ZnSO4 and NaOH, as precursor solutions; separately following microwave irradiation and the using appropriate capping agents, to control the size of the nanorods. The dependence of the size of the nanorods on the microwave cycle time intervals (15 s, 30 s and 60 s) was investigated, and a relative decrease in the size of the ZnO rods with larger cycle time intervals was observed utilizing scanning microscopic images. A width of ~177.0 nm and aspect ratio of ~6.7 was observed for the rods microwaved in 60 s cycle time intervals. The effect of starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) was investigated as capping agents. Starch and PVA showed axial capping, increasing the width and decreasing the aspect ratio. PEG showed lateral capping, decreasing the width and increasing the aspect ratio; giving a width of ~182.4 nm and an aspect ratio of ~ 6.5. The XRD analysis of ZnO confirmed that the synthesized particles were in a Wurtzite phase. Hence, ZnO nanorods with the required wurtzite crystalline structure were synthesized in this research. Keywords: ZnO nanorods, Width, Aspect ratio, Microwave irradiation, Capping agents, Piezoelectricity
Driving Towards Sustainability During the Construction Phase of Roads in Sri Lanka by Mitigating CO2 Emission: A Systematic Literature Review Approach
Authors:   International College of Business & Technology, Kandy, Sri Lanka, Yaparathnea I.H.G.Y.M. Udari , Guruge Kavini ,   International College of Business & Technology, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Published: November 2024

Climate change has become a pressing concern for humanity in the contemporary era. Scientists believe that the acceleration of global warming and climate change is directly linked to the rising concentration of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). This has become a challenge for many developing countries. The construction industry is one of the sectors that significantly contributed to heightened carbon emissions into the environment. Road construction involves various activities and processes that release substantial amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Addressing these issues are crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and fostering sustainable development. The development of road infrastructure generates CO2 emissions across various stages. Notably, the construction stage is responsible for a significant portion of these emissions. Despite this, research efforts in Sri Lanka have primarily focused on reducing CO2 emissions in building construction projects, with limited attention to strategies specifically targeting road construction projects. The construction phase of road development has thus far been overlooked in terms of CO2 emission reduction strategies. Consequently, this study seeks to raise awareness among academics, professionals, and practitioners involved in road development projects about the factors influencing CO2 emissions during the road construction phase. The objectives of this study are to examine the factors affecting CO2 emissions during road construction development, identify the activities and processes contributing to CO2 emissions during the construction phase of road projects, explore existing sustainable strategies used in road construction to mitigate CO2 emissions, and assess their applicability to the Sri Lankan Road construction sector. A systematic literature review was conducted to achieve these objectives, selecting the fifty-six most relevant past research studies. Keywords: CO2, Construction, Road Construction, Sri Lanka