bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban Building Mesh Polygonization Based on Plane-Guided Segmentation, Topology Correction and Corner Point Clump Optimization
Authors: Liu Yawen , Guo Bingxuan , Wang Shuo , Liu Sikang , Peng Ziming , Li Demin
Published: September 2022

The lightweight representation of 3D building models has played an increasingly important role in the comprehensive application of urban 3D models. Polygonization is a compact and lightweight representation for which a fundamental challenge is the fidelity of building models. In this paper, we propose an improved polyhedralization method for 3D building models based on guided plane segmentation, topology correction, and corner point clump optimization. Improvements due to our method arise from three aspects: (1) A plane-guided segmentation method is used to improve the simplicity and reliability of planar extraction. (2) Based on the structural characteristics of a building, incorrect topological connections of thin-plate planes are corrected, and the lamellar structure is recovered. (3) Optimization based on corner point clumps reduces redundant corner points and improves the realism of a polyhedral building model. We conducted detailed qualitative and quantitative analyses of building mesh models from multiple datasets, and the results show that our method obtains concise and reliable segmented planes by segmentation, obtains high-fidelity building polygonal models, and improves the structural perception of building polygonization.
Lightweight On-Device Detection of Android Malware Based on the Koodous Platform and Machine Learning
Authors: Krzysztoń Mateusz , Bok Bartosz , Lew Marcin , Sikora Andrzej
Published: September 2022

Currently, Android is the most popular operating system among mobile devices. However, as the number of devices with the Android operating system increases, so does the danger of using them. This is especially important as smartphones increasingly authenticate critical activities(e-banking, e-identity). BotSense Mobile is a tool already integrated with some critical applications (e-banking, e-identity) to increase user safety. In this paper, we focus on the novel functionality of BotSense Mobile: the detection of malware applications on a user device. In addition to the standard blacklist approach, we propose a machine learning-based model for unknown malicious application detection. The lightweight neural network model is deployed on an edge device to avoid sending sensitive user data outside the device. For the same reason, manifest-related features can be used by the detector only. We present a comprehensive empirical analysis of malware detection conducted on recent data (May–June, 2022) from the Koodous platform, which is a collaborative platform where over 70 million Android applications were collected. The research highlighted the problem of machine learning model aging. We evaluated the lightweight model on recent Koodous data and obtained f1=0.77 and high precision (0.9).
Distribution Adaptation and Classification Framework Based on Multiple Kernel Learning for Motor Imagery BCI Illiteracy
Authors: Tao Lin , Cao Tianao , Wang Qisong , Liu Dan , Sun Jinwei
Published: September 2022

A brain-computer interface (BCI) translates a user’s thoughts such as motor imagery (MI) into the control of external devices. However, some people, who are defined as BCI illiteracy, cannot control BCI effectively. The main characteristics of BCI illiterate subjects are low classification rates and poor repeatability. To address the problem of MI-BCI illiteracy, we propose a distribution adaptation method based on multi-kernel learning to make the distribution of features between the source domain and target domain become even closer to each other, while the divisibility of categories is maximized. Inspired by the kernel trick, we adopted a multiple-kernel-based extreme learning machine to train the labeled source-domain data to find a new high-dimensional subspace that maximizes data divisibility, and then use multiple-kernel-based maximum mean discrepancy to conduct distribution adaptation to eliminate the difference in feature distribution between domains in the new subspace. In light of the high dimension of features of MI-BCI illiteracy, random forest, which can effectively handle high-dimensional features without additional cross-validation, was employed as a classifier. The proposed method was validated on an open dataset. The experimental results show that that the method we proposed suits MI-BCI illiteracy and can reduce the inter-domain differences, resulting in a reduction in the performance degradation of both cross-subjects and cross-sessions.
Smart Vehicle Path Planning Based on Modified PRM Algorithm
Authors: Li Qiongqiong , Xu Yiqi , Bu Shengqiang , Yang Jiafu
Published: September 2022

Path planning is a very important step for mobile smart vehicles in complex environments. Sampling based planners such as the Probabilistic Roadmap Method (PRM) have been widely used for smart vehicle applications. However, there exist some shortcomings, such as low efficiency, low reuse rate of the roadmap, and a lack of guidance in the selection of sampling points. To solve the above problems, we designed a pseudo-random sampling strategy with the main spatial axis as the reference axis. We optimized the generation of sampling points, removed redundant sampling points, set the distance threshold between road points, adopted a two-way incremental method for collision detections, and optimized the number of collision detection calls to improve the construction efficiency of the roadmap. The key road points of the planned path were extracted as discrete control points of the Bessel curve, and the paths were smoothed to make the generated paths more consistent with the driving conditions of vehicles. The correctness of the modified PRM was verified and analyzed using MATLAB and ROS to build a test platform. Compared with the basic PRM algorithm, the modified PRM algorithm has advantages related to speed in constructing the roadmap, path planning, and path length.
Measurement and Analysis of Shock Wave Pressure in Moving Charge and Stationary Charge Explosions
Authors: Ma Xuejiao , Kong Deren , Shi Yucheng
Published: September 2022

Shock wave pressure is one of the most important parameters in an explosion. However, there have been few experimental and analytical investigations of moving charge explosions. In this article, we present an experimental method to measure the shock wave pressure from a moving charge explosion. Tests of stationary charges and moving charges with speeds of 580 m/s, 703 m/s and 717 m/s were carried out. The shock wave pressure curves and parameters at different measurement points were obtained and analyzed. The theoretical calculation of the shock wave overpressure was studied and compared with the experimental result. The differences between the stationary charge and moving charge explosions were investigated. The results showed that the shock wave pressure distribution of a moving charge had strong directionality. The shock wave pressure parameters (including overpressure, arrival time, duration and impulse) were influenced by the charge’s moving velocity, direction angle and distance from the blast point. The shock wave overpressure value was greater than that of a stationary charge explosion at angles between 0° and 90°. The correlation model based on the velocity vector superposition method could describe the relationship of overpressure between the stationary charge and moving charge explosions.
Research Scenarios of Autonomous Vehicles, the Sensors and Measurement Systems Used in Experiments
Authors: Prochowski Leon , Szwajkowski Patryk , Ziubiński Mateusz
Published: September 2022

Automated and autonomous vehicles are in an intensive development phase. It is a phase that requires a lot of modelling and experimental research. Experimental research into these vehicles is in its initial state. There is a lack of findings and standardized recommendations for the organization and creation of research scenarios. There are also many difficulties in creating research scenarios. The main difficulties are the large number of systems for simultaneous checking. Additionally, the vehicles have a very complicated structure. A review of current publications allowed for systematization of the research scenarios of vehicles and their components as well as the measurement systems used. These include perception systems, automated response to threats, and critical situations in the area of road safety. The scenarios analyzed ensure that the planned research tasks can be carried out, including the investigation of systems that enable autonomous driving. This study uses passenger cars equipped with highly sophisticated sensor systems and localization devices. Perception systems are the necessary equipment during the conducted study. They provide recognition of the environment, mainly through vision sensors (cameras) and lidars. The research tasks include autonomous driving along a detected road lane on a curvilinear track. The effective maintenance of the vehicle in this lane is assessed. The location used in the study is a set of specialized research tracks on which stationary or moving obstacles are often placed.
Notes on Developing Research Review in Urban Planning and Urban Design Based on PRISMA Statement
Authors: Abusaada Hisham , Elshater Abeer
Published: September 2022

The point of view expressed in this article is theoretically grounded in the PRISMA statement, which is a tool for critically evaluating academic papers in public health. Bibliometrics analysis, systematic review, meta-analysis, and storytelling techniques (BSMS) were used to identify relevant studies and create a process for documented urban planning and design research. To promote the construction of new facts based on compelling evidence reported in earlier literature reviews, academics in urban planning and urban design are encouraged to build their own suitable review procedures to support the formation of conclusions based on compelling evidence. Providing a strategic approach and practice process is one of the significant contributions of this knowledge research.
Learning Patterns at the Time of COVID-19-Induced School Closures
Authors: Széll Krisztián , Károlyi Borbála , Fehérvári Anikó
Published: September 2022

Previous research has shown that COVID-19-induced school closures and the subsequent transition to online/digital distance education have had a negative effect on student achievement, and this is a negative effect particularly pronounced for students with low socioeconomic status, which foreshadows an increase in educational inequalities. In this study, we examined how students in schools at risk of dropout have adapted to this changed educational situation and what the individual, family and school-related characteristics are that differentiate their adaptation strategy. Our analysis is based on the responses of 3222 Hungarian seventh-grade students to an online survey. Cluster analysis was used to create four groups that illustrate differing perceptions of online/digital distance learning. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyse and compare the learning patterns of these student groups. Our results show that students have not responded in the same way to changes brought about by COVID-19. There are fundamental differences between the two groups facing difficulties and the two groups experiencing fewer difficulties, but the former and the latter two groups differ on several other factors too. Students with unfavourable individual and family factors were more likely to have learning difficulties. In their case, the extent of support provided by the school is very important.
A New Benford Test for Clustered Data with Applications to American Elections
Authors: Anderson Katherine M. , Dayaratna Kevin , Gonshorowski Drew , Miller Steven J.
Published: September 2022

A frequent problem with classic first digit applications of Benford’s law is the law’s inapplicability to clustered data, which becomes especially problematic for analyzing election data. This study offers a novel adaptation of Benford’s law by performing a first digit analysis after converting vote counts from election data to base 3 (referred to throughout the paper as 1-BL 3), spreading out the data and thus rendering the law significantly more useful. We test the efficacy of our approach on synthetic election data using discrete Weibull modeling, finding in many cases that election data often conforms to 1-BL 3. Lastly, we apply 1-BL 3 analysis to selected states from the 2004 US Presidential election to detect potential statistical anomalies.
Reservoir Units Optimization in Pneumatic Spray Delivery-Based Fixed Spray System for Large-Scale Commercial Adaptation
Authors: Sahni Ramesh K. , Ranjan Rakesh , Khot Lav R. , Hoheisel Gwen-Alyn , Grieshop Matthew J.
Published: September 2022

A pneumatic spray delivery (PSD)-based solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) consists of in-line reservoirs and micro-emitter assemblies distributed throughout perennial crop canopies. The existing PSD-based SSCDS uses a large number of reservoirs, i.e., one unit per 3 m of linear spacing, which resulted in high installation and maintenance costs. These reservoirs also produces up to 25% post-spray chemical losses. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize the volumetric capacity and functionality of the existing reservoir for an efficient spray performance and the large-scale commercial adaptation of PSD-based SSCDS. Three reservoirs with volumetric capacities of 370 (1×), 740 (2×), and 1110 mL (3×) were developed to cover a spray span of 3.0, 6.1, and 9.1 m, respectively. Five system configurations with modified reservoirs and spray outlets were evaluated in the laboratory for pressure drop and spray uniformity. The three best system configurations were then field evaluated in a high-density apple orchard. These configurations had reservoirs with 1×, 2×, and 3× volumetric capacity and micro-emitters installed in a three-tier arrangement. Each replicate configuration was installed as a 77 m loop length encompassing 50 apple trees trained in a tall spindle architecture. A pair of water-sensitive paper (WSPs) samplers (25.4 × 25.4 mm) were placed on the abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces in the bottom, middle, and top third of the canopy to evaluate the spray coverage (%). The PSD-based SSCDS showed no significant difference at the 5% level in terms of coverage among the three reservoir treatments. Coverage was more evenly distributed among the top, middle, and bottom zones for the 2× and 3× as compared to the 1× reservoir treatment. Overall, compared to the 1× reservoirs, the 2× and 3× reservoirs could potentially reduce the system costs by USD 20,000 and USD 23,410 ha−1, respectively, for tall spindle apple orchards and potentially reduce maintenance needs as well.
Zigbee-Based Low Power Consumption Wearables Device for Voice Data Transmission
Authors: AlShuhail Asma Shuhail , Bhatia Surbhi , Kumar Ankit , Bhushan Bharat
Published: September 2022

Short-range wireless technologies can transmit real-time voice, audio, picture, and video communications. Such networks’ energy usage and transmission reach are crucial, especially for portable and power autonomous devices. Voice over Zigbee technology’s goal is to create a competitive service that excels in these performance factors. IEEE standard 802.15.4 specifies two layers for low-rate WPANs: the physical layer and the media access control layer, with a data rate limit of 250 kbps. This partnership used low-level PHY and MAC layers as the foundation for developing the Zigbee network protocol, security, and applications. To overcome the problem of lowering costs and power usage to make this technology more accessible to the general public. This system displays the network’s operational data, such as wireless voice communication. This effort was made to minimize the overall cost of manufacturing such gadgets that contribute to home automation systems and related projects. The primary goal of the research was to communicate voice through low-power microcontrollers such as 8-bit microcontrollers using Zigbee. In this study, we developed a wireless sensor network (WSN) communication system based on Zigbee to securely transfer speech data over a medium-range distance (medium) and lower the equipment cost and communication expenses by 30% without compromising the data integrity. A testbed has been established to validate the fundamental functionality of the proposed ZigBee-based home network system. The suggested system’s network coverage capabilities were evaluated, as well as its packet loss and energy savings in long-term wireless network monitoring duties.
Rural E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Education in Higher Education Institutions: Model Construction via Empirical Analysis
Authors: Zeng Minling , Zheng Yanling , Tian Yu , Jebbouri Abdelhamid
Published: September 2022

Rural e-commerce entrepreneurship education (EE) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can effectively enhance the development of the rural e-commerce industry and improve the motivation of students to start or be employed in rural e-commerce, but how to conduct effective evaluation is an issue that remains to be clarified. The research objectives of this paper are as follows: to establish a “student-centered” evaluation model for EE in HEIs, to integrate rural e-commerce professional education with EE, and to provide practical guidance for the evaluated HEIs. This paper constructs an evaluation model of rural e-commerce EE in HEIs. The research method combines Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method. The questionnaire method was used to obtain 384 valid data for the empirical analysis of the education of the Software Engineering Institute of Guangzhou. The study’s results found that the final evaluation result of the school’s rural e-commerce EE grade was good. The indicators at the level of educational support and feedback effectiveness scored relatively high, but those at the level of learning input and educational process scored low. Based on the findings, recommendations were made in terms of developing more open feedback channels, providing a full range of services, and social flexibility of the training program.
Fertilization Regulates Grape Yield and Quality in by Altering Soil Nutrients and the Microbial Community
Authors: Zhu Qianqian , Xie Xiangwen , Xu Yongmei
Published: September 2022

Rational fertilization is a win-win strategy for rural incomes and environmental restoration in ecologically fragile regions. However, the long-term cumulative grape productivity response to soil fertility has rarely been quantified. Here, long-term fertilization experiments (over 15 years) in the desert–oasis transitional zone of Sinkiang, China, were used to evaluate the interactions among grape yield, quality, fertilization, soil nutrients, and microbial communities. There were five treatments, as follows: CK0 (no planting and no fertilizing); NP (synthetic nitrogen and phosphorus); M (manure only); NPM1 (0.25 times NP and 0.33 times M); and NPM2 (NP and 0.5 times M). The grape yield increased with the application of total nitrogen. The soluble solids and reducing sugar contents had significant positive linear correlations with grape yield, but the opposite trend was found between grape yield and titratable acidity and tannin contents. The redundancy analysis showed that fertilization, soil nutrients (soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, and dissolved organic nitrogen), and microbial communities (ratio of fungi to bacteria, ratio of Gram-negative bacteria to Gram-positive bacteria, and total phospholipid fatty acids) accounted for 31.9%, 19.7%, and 26.8% of the grape yield and nutritional ingredients, respectively. The path analysis identified that fertilization, soil nutrients, and the microbial communities were significantly positively associated with the grape yield, soluble solids, and reducing sugars, while their associations with titratable acidity, tannins, and phenols were significantly negative. These results suggested that fertilization is a viable strategy for regulating grape yields and grape quality because it alters soil fertility in ecologically fragile regions.
Branch-and-Price-and-Cut for the Heterogeneous Fleet and Multi-Depot Static Bike Rebalancing Problem with Split Load
Authors: Ding Ye , Zhang Jiantong , Sun Jiaqing
Published: September 2022

Heterogeneous Fleet and Multi-Depot Static Bike Rebalancing Problem with Split Load (HFMDSBRP-SD) is an extension of the Static Bike Rebalancing Problem, considering heterogeneous fleet multiple depots, allowing split load. It consists of finding a set of least-cost repositioning vehicle routes and determining each station’s pickup or delivery quantity to satisfy the demand of each station. We develop a branch-and-price-and-cut (BPC) where a tabu search column generator and a heuristic label-setting algorithm are introduced to accelerate the column generation procedure, the subset-row (SR) inequalities, the strong minimum number of vehicles (SMV) inequalities, and the enhanced elementary inequalities are extended fitting this problem and applied to speed up the global convergence rate. Computational results demonstrate the effectiveness of the BPC algorithm. Among 360 instances with a maximum size of 30, there are 298 instances capable of achieving optimality within two hour time limitation.
Building Climate Resilience in Coastal City Living Labs Using Ecosystem-Based Adaptation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tiwari Ananya , Rodrigues Luís Campos , Lucy Frances E. , Gharbia Salem
Published: September 2022

Climate change leads to an unequivocal rise in the intensity and frequency of natural disasters. This necessitates mainstreaming of climate adaptation strategies in the global movement on climate action. Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA) has become popular as an effective means of climate adaptation, which can be resilient and flexible compared to hard engineering-based measures. However, ecosystem-based approaches in disaster risk reduction still remain under-researched despite their growing popularity. This study delves into the utility of EBA in the context of the living lab, using a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) based Systematic Literature Review. A living lab (LL) is a participatory tool invented to foster innovation through real-life testing environments, such as individual cities. This study focuses on European coastal regions, as these are both highly populated and vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea-level rise, storms, flooding and erosion. This study identified multiple synergies between the EBA concepts, living lab and disaster-risk reduction and concludes that EBA schemes can be highly effective in the living lab set-up. It also demonstrates that increased stakeholder engagement and the consideration of socio-economic co-benefits as part of the EBA-LL model can lead to successful disaster risk reduction.
Assessing Design Ability through a Quantitative Analysis of the Design Process
Authors: Osgood Libby (Elizabeth) , Johnston Clifton R.
Published: September 2022

Current educational practices presume engineering students develop design skills through dedicated design courses and projects. There are many variations in how the courses and projects are implemented, causing disagreement between educators on the most effective methods. Few assessment tools exist to evaluate these claims, and no quantitative tools were found that provide students with an immediate formative evaluation of their design ability. We created an online, quantitative design ability assessment tool to compare the design approaches of students to experienced engineers. This article explores whether design ability can be assessed quantitatively through this tool. Significant findings include the following. Experienced engineers use fewer steps than students and estimate the project would require more time than both student groups. First-year students use extraneous steps, produce the wrong product, are least likely to iterate, and exceed the target number of hours. Second- through fourth-year students utilized the most time in developing alternative solutions and demonstrated design knowledge gained from previous experience. Because these findings align with the literature, we conclude that aspects of design ability can be assessed using a quantitative tool, which provides students with formative design development and educators with quantitative feedback on variations in their project or course.
Numerical Simulation to Determine the Largest Confining Stress in Longitudinal Tests of Cable Bolts
Authors: Chang Qingliang , Leng Qiang , Yao Xingjie , Shao Sihua , Qin Jianzhuang , Shi Xianyuan , Zhang Biao
Published: September 2022

Bolt support is an economic method of roadway support. However, due to the influence of mining disturbance, the stress of roadway-surrounding rock changes, thus resulting in varying degrees of confining pressure in the radial direction of bolt. In this manuscript, a numerical solution was proposed to determine the largest confining stress in longitudinal tests of cable tendons. FLAC3D was selected to simulate the longitudinal process of cable tendons. The structural pile element was selected to simulate the cable tendon. The loading behavior of the cable was controlled by the cohesive and the frictional behavior of the cable/grout surface. To confirm the credibility of this numerical solution, the loading behavior of a normal cable and an improved cable was simulated. Experimental longitudinal tests were selected to validate the numerical results, showing that there was a satisfactory agreement between numerical and experimental results. The loading behavior of normal cables and improved cables was numerically simulated. Under the same test conditions, when the improved cable was used, the confining medium can generate much higher confining stress compared with normal cable tendons. Consequently, higher confining stress can result in a larger loading capacity of cable tendons.
A 3D Printing Triboelectric Sensor for Gait Analysis and Virtual Control Based on Human–Computer Interaction and the Internet of Things
Authors: Zhu Yongsheng , Sun Fengxin , Jia Changjun , Huang Chaorui , Wang Kuo , Li Ying , Chou Liping , Mao Yupeng
Published: September 2022

Gait is the information that can reflect the state index of the human body, and at the same time, the leg is the organ with the maximum output power of the human body. Effective collection of maximum mechanical power output and gait information can play an important role in sustainable energy acquisition and human health monitoring. In this paper, a 3D printing triboelectric nanogenerator (3D printed TENG) is fabricated by 3D printing technology, it is composited of Poly tetra fluoroethylene (PTFE) film, Nylon film, and 3D printing substrate. Based on the principle of friction electrification and electrostatic induction, it can be used as the equipment for human sustainable mechanical energy collection and gait monitoring. In order to solve the problems of energy collection, gait monitoring, and immersion experience, we conducted the following experiments. Firstly, the problem of sustainable energy recovery and reuse of the human body was solved. Three-dimensionally printed TENG was used to collect human mechanical energy and convert it into electric energy. The capacitor of 2 μF can be charged to 1.92 V in 20 s. Therefore, 3D printed TENG can be used as a miniature sustainable power supply for microelectronic devices. Then, the gait monitoring software is used to monitor human gait, including the number of steps, the frequency of steps, and the establishment of a personal gait password. This gait password can only identify a specific individual through machine learning. Through remote wireless transmission means, remote real-time information monitoring can be achieved. Finally, we use the Internet of Things to control virtual games through electrical signals and achieve the effect of human–computer interaction. The peak search algorithm is mainly used to detect the extreme points whose amplitude is greater than a certain threshold and the distance is more than 0.1 s. Therefore, this study proposed a 3D printed TENG method to collect human mechanical energy, monitor gait information, and then conduct human–computer interaction, which opened up a multi-dimensional channel for human energy and information interaction.
Adsorptive Removal of Lead and Chromate Ions from Water by Using Iron-Doped Granular Activated Carbon Obtained from Coconut Shells
Authors: Jaber Lubna , Ihsanullah Ihsanullah , Almanassra Ismail W. , Backer Sumina Namboorimadathil , Abushawish Alaa , Khalil Abdelrahman K. A. , Alawadhi Hussain , Shanableh Abdallah , Atieh Muataz Ali
Published: September 2022

In this study, a low-cost granular activated carbon doped with Fe2O3 nanoparticles (Fe–GAC) was prepared via a modified sol-gel technique and utilized for the elimination of lead (Pb(II)) and chromium (Cr(T)) ions from synthetic and actual brackish water. The effect of adsorption parameters on the removal of Pb(II) and Cr(T) ions from the water was evaluated in batch adsorption tests. The characterization results validated the distribution of well-defined Fe2O3 nanoparticles onto the GAC surface. GAC loaded with 5 wt.% of Fe2O3 (Fe–GAC 5) exhibited a maximum surface area of 848.2 m2 g−1. The equilibrium data of Cr(T) adsorption were in close agreement with the Langmuir and Sips models with R2 values of 0.95 and 0.96, respectively. However, the R2 values of the equilibrium data for Pb(II) adsorption were greater than 0.91 for all four models, i.e., Langmuir, and Sips, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson. The maximum Langmuir adsorption capacities of Pb(II) and Cr(T) by Fe–GAC 5 at pH 5.6 and room temperature were 11.9 and 22.1 mg g−1, respectively. Pseudo-second order (R2Pb(II) = 0.99, R2Cr(T) = 0.99) and Elovich kinetic models (R2Pb(II) = 1, R2Cr(T) = 1) were found the most suitable for describing the adsorption kinetics data of Pb(II) and Cr(T) using Fe–GAC 5. The adsorption/desorption studies illustrated that the Fe–GAC is reusable and can be regenerated using 1.0 M HCl. Moreover, the Fe–GAC 5 was found effective to reduce heavy metals loading in actual brackish water to the allowed international standards of drinking water. Accordingly, the Fe–GAC could be a promising material for large-scale applications for the elimination of heavy metals from water.
Green Technology Solution for Small-World Communication Using Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) and Light Emitting Diode (LED)—Design and Application
Authors: Ab-Rahman Mohammad Syuhaimi , Safnal Hadiguna , Kaharudin Iszan Hana , Hwang I-Shyan
Published: September 2022

Plastic optical fiber (POF) has become a dominant technology, with potential to be fully utilized in a small-world communication system because it has many advantages over existing systems. Among several high-speed solutions, POF can be considered as one of the most promising technologies because of its attractive features, such as efficiency, user friendly, environmentally friendly, low maintenance and economic metric, compared to silica fiber optics. POF devices are divided into several types based on fabrication techniques and continue to spread to a number of applications that have a high impact in the world of communication today. This paper will discuss the overall POF technology and sustainable solutions for small-world communication from device fabrication, device types, configurations and applications. Discussion will focus on the technologies that have been developed in our laboratory concerning a user-friendly approach, energy efficiency, ease of maintenance and high-performance solution. The performance of our optical splitter is comparable to commercialized devices that are less than 5 dB of insertion loss and 0.53 dB of excess loss. This sustainable solution in high-speed communication is the first reported up to this time.
Research on the ECC of Chengdu–Chongqing’s Urban Agglomeration in China Based on System Dynamics
Authors: Ci Xiaohu , Zhang Liping , Wang Tongxiang , Xiao Yi , Xia Jun
Published: September 2022

The ecological carrying capacity (ECC) is a prerequisite for China’s regional and green developments. Since the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration (CCUA) is an important economic area, it is important to study the development of its ECC in order to establish its green development and to promote its regionally coordinated development in China. This paper first establishes the ECC evaluation index system based on the Pressure–State–Response (PSR) model and AHP-TOPSIS. Secondly, it estimates the ECC of the CCUA between 2000 and 2018. Thirdly, it constructs a system dynamics model of the ECC and, finally, it simulates and predicts the ECC from 2021 to 2050 based on shared socioeconomic pathways. The results show that the ECC indices of 16 cities in the CCUA have increased significantly in 18 years and the annual ECC indices from 2021 to 2050 all show significant growth trends. This paper will show that the CCUA should select the most suitable development mode to be adopted in the different periods. The development should follow SSP2 from 2021 to 2025, SSP1 from 2026 to 2035, and the development characteristics of SSP5 should be referred to at levels between 2036 and 2050, based on the CCUA’s overall development in accordance with SSP1.
Research Trends, Hotspots and Frontiers of Ozone Pollution from 1996 to 2021: A Review Based on a Bibliometric Visualization Analysis
Authors: Hou Yongjiang , Shen Zheng
Published: September 2022

A total of 2932 publications in the field of ozone pollution were obtained from the Web of Science and briefly reviewed using a bibliometric analysis and WOS-based citation reports. CiteSpace 5.7.R3 (64 bit) was used to perform a visualization of knowledge mapping by keywords co-words, burst analysis, co-cited reference analysis, and cooperation network analysis. Research topics in this field have mainly focused on three aspects: risk assessment of ozone pollution for both humans and plants under short-term and long-term exposure; ozone pollution characterization and modeling of ozone transport on different scales; and elucidating the mechanism of ozone formation and source apportionment. By clustering the co-cited references using the data from 2016 to 2021, the frontiers are found to be: (1) VOCs’ precursors and ozone transformation mechanism; (2) modeling of source apportionment and source-oriented chemical transport considering meteorological influence to predict ozone concentration at different spatial and temporal scales; and (3) premature mortality and health burden with relation to ozone exposure. It should be mentioned that an emerging research hotspot is the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., machine learning, deep learning, etc.) to facilitate the modeling of big data at different scales.
Sustainability of Soil/Ground Environment under Changes in Groundwater Level in Bangkok Plain, Thailand
Authors: Intui Sutasinee , Inazumi Shinya , Soralump Suttisak
Published: September 2022

The groundwater level is a significant factor when assessing the sustainability of soil/ground environmental factors, such as bearing capacity behavior and soil surface displacement. Normally, groundwater level changes depend on deep-well pumping in industrial and economic development areas in many countries, especially Bangkok, Thailand. Groundwater level changes are related to pore water pressure changes and soil surface displacement, called land subsidence or rebound displacement. Changing soil strength and soil surface displacement during groundwater level changes depend on many factors. This study analyzes the behavior of soil around a single pile when the groundwater level changes and assesses the behavior of soil displacement when the groundwater level rises to the ground surface after prohibiting groundwater pumping. This research evaluates the behavior of soil by using a centrifuge machine and theoretical calculations (soil displacement analysis only). The results of both the centrifuge test and theoretical calculations were compared with the results from the Department of Groundwater Resources (DGR) and previous research conducted by other researchers. The soil surface displacement behavior in the centrifuge test showed a similar trend compared with the field measurement results of DGR. Meanwhile, the results of the theoretical calculations and the results of previous researchers showed a similar trend regarding the rebound in soil surface displacement. Furthermore, the bearing capacity of a single pile in stiff clay increased when the groundwater level decreased, and the bearing capacity in stiff clay increased further upon groundwater recovery or the rise to the ground surface. In medium-density sand, the bearing capacity increased when the groundwater level decreased and decreased when the groundwater level recovered to the ground surface.
Thermodynamical Aspects of the LGGR Approach for Hadron Energy Spectra
Authors: Biró Tamás S. , Néda Zoltán
Published: September 2022

The local growth global reset (LGGR) dynamical model is reviewed and its performance in describing the hadron energy spectra in relativistic collisions is demonstrated. It is shown that even for dynamical processes a temperature-like quantity can be defined and distributions resembling statistical equilibrium can be reached. With appropriate growth and reset rates the LGGR model is capable of describing the right energy spectra. These findings draw a certain picture of quark–gluon plasma development with random hadronization and re-swallowing steps and signals the fact that observing an exponential spectrum does not necessarily prove thermal equilibrium in the experiment.
Genomic Analysis of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli O157 Cattle and Clinical Isolates from Alberta, Canada
Authors: Bumunang Emmanuel W. , Zaheer Rahat , Stanford Kim , Laing Chad , Niu Dongyan , Guan Le Luo , Chui Linda , Tarr Gillian A. M. , McAllister Tim A.
Published: September 2022

Shiga toxin (stx) is the principal virulence factor of the foodborne pathogen, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 and is associated with various lambdoid bacterio (phages). A comparative genomic analysis was performed on STEC O157 isolates from cattle (n = 125) and clinical (n = 127) samples to characterize virulence genes, stx-phage insertion sites and antimicrobial resistance genes that may segregate strains circulating in the same geographic region. In silico analyses revealed that O157 isolates harboured the toxin subtypes stx1a and stx2a. Most cattle (76.0%) and clinical (76.4%) isolates carried the virulence gene combination of stx1, stx2, eae and hlyA. Characterization of stx1 and stx2-carrying phages in assembled contigs revealed that they were associated with mlrA and wrbA insertion sites, respectively. In cattle isolates, mlrA and wrbA insertion sites were occupied more often (77% and 79% isolates respectively) than in clinical isolates (38% and 1.6% isolates, respectively). Profiling of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the assembled contigs revealed that 8.8% of cattle (11/125) and 8.7% of clinical (11/127) isolates harboured ARGs. Eight antimicrobial resistance genes cassettes (ARCs) were identified in 14 isolates (cattle, n = 8 and clinical, n = 6) with streptomycin (aadA1, aadA2, ant(3’’)-Ia and aph(3’’)-Ib) being the most prevalent gene in ARCs. The profound disparity between the cattle and clinical strains in occupancy of the wrbA locus suggests that this trait may serve to differentiate cattle from human clinical STEC O157:H7. These findings are important for stx screening and stx-phage insertion site genotyping as well as monitoring ARGs in isolates from cattle and clinical samples.
Study of Competitive Displacement of Curcumin on α-zearalenol Binding to Human Serum Albumin Complex Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Yifang , Tan Hongxia , Zhou Hongyuan , Guo Ting , Zhou Ying , Zhang Yuhao , Liu Xiaozhu , Ma Liang
Published: September 2022

α-zearalenol (α-ZOL) is a mycotoxin with a strong estrogen effect that affects the synthesis and secretion of sex hormones and is transported to target organs through human serum albumin (HSA). Additionally, it has been reported that curcumin can also bind to HSA with high affinity at the same binding site as α-ZOL. Additionally, several studies reported that reducing the bound fraction of α-ZOL contributes to speeding up the elimination rate of α-ZOL to reduce its hazard to organs. Therefore, to explore the influence of a nutrition intervention with curcumin on α-ZOL effects, the competitive displacement of α-ZOL from HSA by curcumin was investigated using spectroscopic techniques, ultrafiltration techniques and HPLC methods. Results show that curcumin and α-ZOL share the same binding site (subdomain IIA) on HSA, and curcumin binds to HSA with a binding constant of 1.12 × 105 M−1, which is higher than that of α-ZOL (3.98 × 104 M−1). Ultrafiltration studies demonstrated that curcumin could displace α-ZOL from HSA to reduce α-ZOL’s binding fraction. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that curcumin could reduce the hydrophobicity of the microenvironment of an HSA–α-ZOL complex. This study is of great significance for applying curcumin and other highly active foodborne components to interfere with the toxicokinetics of α-ZOL and reduce its risk of its exposure.
Barriers and Challenges to Waste Management Hindering the Circular Economy in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Debrah Justice Kofi , Teye Godfred Kwesi , Dinis Maria Alzira Pimenta
Published: September 2022

More and more, waste generated in most parts of the Western world has been recycled and transformed into new circularity products. However, managing waste within Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), such as in Ghana, has become a challenge due to the continued practice of the old traditional linear waste economy, that is, the taking, making and disposing methods of management, representing a threat to global environmental sustainability. Despite the need to revise current linear waste management (WM) in order to turn to the circular economy (CE) model, which consists of the concept of renew, remake and share, to advance sustainable development, a number of factors restrict the CE realization in practice, specifically in developing countries. An integrative methodology was used in this article to identify some of the challenges that hinder the achievement of CE in SSA countries. The results revealed the absence of educational programs and public awareness of waste management activities. The findings also highlight the lack of political will, funding and national policies on WM as some of the most significant issues. The study contributes to further encouraging policymakers and policy implementers, entrepreneurs and relevant interested groups to commit resources to sustainable WM services aiming to advancing CE in SSA countries.
Early Dynamics of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-DNA and Surface Antigen (HBsAg) in Ramp-Up Phase of Viremia: Implications for Performance Evaluation of Blood Screening Assays
Authors: van Drimmelen Harry , Lelie Nico
Published: September 2022

The Common Specifications/EU 2017/746 regulation for market approval of class D in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs) intended for detection of blood borne viruses requires testing of the International Standard and 10–30 seroconversion panels to demonstrate ‘state of the art’ assay performance. We examined whether these requirements for performance evaluation are reasonable for HBV-DNA and HBsAg assays. For this purpose, we quantified HBsAg and HBV-DNA (genotype A) in the ramp-up phase of five seroconversion panels and demonstrated a remarkably parallel increase in the Log concentration of both analytes over time. Testing of seroconversion panels by three nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) methods in multiple replicates and probit analysis with sufficient critical samples from all five panels taken together showed detection limits in copies/mL that were comparable to those on a HBV-DNA genotype A standard dilution panel. This indicates that the viral doubling time in the ramp-up phase is equal above and below the quantification limit of the viral load assay. The geometric mean HBsAg (PRISM) cutoff crossing point was 20 days later than the 50% NAT (Ultrio Plus) conversion point equivalent to 1500 (range: 1100–2200) and 4.8 (CI: 3.7–6.4) HBV-DNA copies/mL, respectively. Analytical sensitivity data of different NAT assay versions obtained over a decade demonstrated that the detection limit on the International Standard is not representative of all genotyped reference samples. From our detailed mathematical analysis, we conclude that HBV-DNA and HBsAg standard dilution series are functionally equivalent to seroconversion panels. A general requirement of a 95% detection limit ≤100 HBV-DNA copies/mL for different viral genotypes would be a better-defined regulation for EU market approval of NAT blood screening assays than the testing of multiple seroconversion panels to claim ‘state of the art’ performance.
Dynamics of Trust and Consumption of COVID-19 Information Implicate a Mechanism for COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Uptake
Authors: Juarez Ruben , Kang Zheng , Okihiro May , Garcia Blane K. , Phankitnirundorn Krit , Maunakea Alika K.
Published: September 2022

Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant barrier to achieving herd immunity and preventing the further spread of COVID-19. Understanding contributors to vaccine hesitancy and how they change over time may improve COVID-19 mitigation strategies and public health policies. To date, no mechanism explains how trust in and consumption of different sources of information affect vaccine uptake. A total of 1594 adults enrolled in our COVID-19 testing program completed standardized surveys on demographics, vaccination status, use, reliance, and trust in sources of COVID-19 information, from September to October 2021, during the COVID-19 Delta wave. Of those, 802 individuals (50.3%) completed a follow-up survey, from January to February 2022, during the Omicron-wave. Regression analyses were performed to understand contributors to vaccine and booster uptake over time. Individuals vaccinated within two months of eligibility (early vaccinees) tended to have more years of schooling, with greater trust in and consumption of official sources of COVID-19 information, compared to those who waited 3–6 months (late vaccinees), or those who remained unvaccinated at 6 months post-eligibility (non-vaccinees). Most (70.1%) early vaccinees took the booster shot, compared to only 30.5% of late vaccinees, with the latter group gaining trust and consumption of official information after four months. These data provide the foundation for a mechanism based on the level of trust in and consumption of official information sources, where those who increased their level of trust in and consumption of official information sources were more likely to receive a booster. This study shows that social factors, including education and individual-level degree of trust in (and consumption of) sources of COVID-19 information, interact and change over time to be associated with vaccine and booster uptakes. These results are critical for the development of effective public health policies and offer insights into hesitancy over the course of the COVID-19 vaccine and booster rollout.