bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RSE-YOLOv8: An Algorithm for Underwater Biological Target Detection
Authors: Song Peihang , Zhao Lei , Li Heng , Xue Xiaojun , Liu Hui
Published: September 2024

Underwater target detection is of great significance in underwater ecological assessment and resource development. To better protect the environment and optimize the development of underwater resources, we propose a new underwater target detection model with several innovations based on the YOLOv8 framework. Firstly, the SAConv convolutional operation is introduced to redesign C2f, the core module of YOLOv8, to enhance the network’s feature extraction capability for targets of different scales. Secondly, we propose the RFESEConv convolution module instead of the conventional convolution operation in neural networks to cope with the degradation of image channel information in underwater images caused by light refraction and reflection. Finally, we propose an ESPPF module to further enhance the model’s multi-scale feature extraction efficiency. Simultaneously, the overall parameters of the model are reduced. Compared to the baseline model, the proposed one demonstrates superior advantages when deployed on underwater devices with limited computational resources. The experimental results show that we have achieved significant detection accuracy on the underwater dataset, with an mAP@50 of 78% and an mAP@50:95 of 43.4%. Both indicators are 2.1% higher compared to the baseline models. Additionally, the proposed model demonstrates superior performance on other datasets, showcasing its strong generalization capability and robustness. This research provides new ideas and methods for underwater target detection and holds important application value.
VAE-WACGAN: An Improved Data Augmentation Method Based on VAEGAN for Intrusion Detection
Authors: Tian Wuxin , Shen Yanping , Guo Na , Yuan Jing , Yang Yanqing
Published: September 2024

To address the class imbalance issue in network intrusion detection, which degrades performance of intrusion detection models, this paper proposes a novel generative model called VAE-WACGAN to generate minority class samples and balance the dataset. This model extends the Variational Autoencoder Generative Adversarial Network (VAEGAN) by integrating key features from the Auxiliary Classifier Generative Adversarial Network (ACGAN) and the Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network with Gradient Penalty (WGAN-GP). These enhancements significantly improve both the quality of generated samples and the stability of the training process. By utilizing the VAE-WACGAN model to oversample anomalous data, more realistic synthetic anomalies that closely mirror the actual network traffic distribution can be generated. This approach effectively balances the network traffic dataset and enhances the overall performance of the intrusion detection model. Experimental validation was conducted using two widely utilized intrusion detection datasets, UNSW-NB15 and CIC-IDS2017. The results demonstrate that the VAE-WACGAN method effectively enhances the performance metrics of the intrusion detection model. Furthermore, the VAE-WACGAN-based intrusion detection approach surpasses several other advanced methods, underscoring its effectiveness in tackling network security challenges.
Smartphone Assessment of the Sitting Heel-Rise Test
Authors: Hoffmann Gustavo O. , Borba Edilson , Casarotto Eduardo H. , Devetak Gisele Francine , Jaber Ramzi , Buckley John G. , Rodacki André L. F.
Published: September 2024

The study presents a new approach for assessing plantarflexor muscles’ function using a smartphone. The test involves performing repeated heel raises for 60 s while seated. The seated heel-rise test offers a simple method for assessing plantarflexor muscles’ function in those with severe balance impairment who are unable to complete tests performed while standing. The study aimed to showcase how gyroscopic data from a smartphone placed on the lower limb can be used to assess the test. Eight participants performed the seated heel-rise test with each limb. Gyroscope and 2D video analysis data (60 Hz) of limb motion were used to determine the number of cycles, the average rise (T-rise), lowering (T-lower), and cycle (T-total) times. The number of cycles detected matched exactly when the gyroscope and kinematic data were compared. There was good time domain agreement between gyroscopic and video data (T-rise = 0.0005 s, T-lower = 0.0013 s, and T-total = 0.0017 s). The 95% CI limits of agreement were small (T-total −0.1118, 0.1127 s, T-lower −0.1152, 0.1179 s, and T-total −0.0763, 0.0797 s). Results indicate that a smartphone placed on the thigh can successfully assess the seated heel-rise test. The seated heel-rise test offers an attractive alternative to test plantarflexor muscles’ functionality in those unable to perform tests in standing positions.
Assessing the Relationship between Personality Traits and Clinical Aspects in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Meier Cosima , Edelmann Andreas , Pflüger Marlon , Calabrese Pasquale
Published: September 2024

Personality traits significantly impact chronic diseases, affecting disease management, coping strategies, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life. People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often exhibit dysfunctional personality traits associated with negative disease outcomes, including personality changes and disorders. Our study explored personality traits and their connection to clinical aspects and cognitive functioning in MS patients. We used two assessment tools: the NEO-FFI and the Lüscher Color Test, which is based on color preferences. The aim was to investigate the applicability of the Lüscher Color Test in MS patients. The study included 20 participants from the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Cohort. The results showed elevated scores in neuroticism, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness in MS patients, while there was no effect for extraversion. A significant positive correlation was found between neuroticism and the preference for green-blue color shades, as well as a rejection of orange-reddish color shades in the Lüscher Color Test, indicating avoidance of stimulation and engagement. Another notable positive association was found between openness and the preference for lighter shades in the Lüscher Color Test. Although this relation did not reach the level of statistical significance, it suggests a potential trend. Neuroticism on its own predicted anxiety and fatigue, while the preference for lighter shades in the Lüscher Color Test correlated with EDSS scores. No significant correlations were found between personality traits and cognitive aspects. Despite the limitations of this study, our results highlight the importance of assessing personality traits in MS patients, using either the NEO-FFI or the Lüscher Color Test, to improve treatment strategies and explore emotional conflicts related to the disease.
Beatriz Nascimento and the Erotics of the Quilombo in Times of Peril
Authors: Cosby Katherine
Published: September 2024

In October 2018, the election of an extreme right-wing politician as president of Brazil laid bare the histories of antidemocratic practices that guided the policies and rhetoric of the newly elected government. Black, poor, Indigenous, Northeastern, and LGBTQIA+ people were positioned as threats to the stability of the nuclear family and public safety that the government claimed it would protect. The subsequent COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 also put into stark view the antidemocratic practices and the blatant disregard for life in Brazil, which was particularly acute for people who had been marked as a threat. “Beatriz Nascimento and the Erotics of the Quilombo in Times of Peril” revisits the work of Beatriz Nascimento, a Black Brazilian thinker and scholar who lived through the repressive and antidemocratic period of the military dictatorship (1964–1985). Nascimento’s work offers perspective to the current extreme right-wing project and underscores the significance of Black scholars’ interventions when the lives of marginalized people are at stake. Specifically, her concept of the quilombo (maroon communities) uncovers the histories, relations of power, and the possibilities of social relations for Brazilians living in precarity that antidemocratic governments have attempted to diminish and erase.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Value Relevance of Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Park Ha-Yeon , Park Cheong-Kyu
Published: September 2024

This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on customer satisfaction and the value relevance of customer satisfaction. COVID-19 is an unprecedented pandemic that has changed all areas of business. Customer relations are one of the biggest paradigm shifts of this period. Companies have placed more attention on customer relations than on any other areas, and customer relations are an essential element in corporate sustainability. The value relevance directly represents the sustainability of corporations. It is very important for firms to retain their customers in the market, create a potential demand, and, thus, increase the firm value. We investigate whether companies financially benefit from customer relations. Employing the value relevance model, we regress firm value on the customer satisfaction scores with other control variables. We find that the customer satisfaction score has increased throughout the sample period, and that the value relevance of customer satisfaction has declined after the COVID-19 outbreak. Together, we interpret the results as indicating the impact of COVID-19 on the value relevance of customer satisfaction, especially the decreasing trends in value relevance. The results are robust even after controlling endogeneity and outliers. This study has several implications for practitioners and academia regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the value relevance of customer satisfaction.
Enhancing Smart Grid Sustainability: Using Advanced Hybrid Machine Learning Techniques While Considering Multiple Influencing Factors for Imputing Missing Electric Load Data
Authors: Hou Zhiwen , Liu Jingrui
Published: September 2024

Amidst the accelerating growth of intelligent power systems, the integrity of vast and complex datasets has become essential to promoting sustainable energy management, ensuring energy security, and supporting green living initiatives. This study introduces a novel hybrid machine learning model to address the critical issue of missing power load data—a problem that, if not managed effectively, can compromise the stability and sustainability of power grids. By integrating meteorological and temporal characteristics, the model enhances the precision of data imputation by combining random forest (RF), Spearman weighted k-nearest neighbors (SW-KNN), and Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation (LM-BP) techniques. Additionally, a variance–covariance weighted method is used to dynamically adjust the model’s parameters to improve predictive accuracy. Tests on five metrics demonstrate that considering various correlated factors reduces errors by approximately 8–38%, and the hybrid modeling approach reduces predictive errors by 12–24% compared to single-model approaches. The proposed model not only ensures the resilience of power grid operations but also contributes to the broader goals of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Effect of Silver Nanoparticles and Vermicompost on the Control of Longidorus elongatus (De Man, 1876) in Miscanthus × Giganteus and Its Growth and Development
Authors: Skwiercz Andrzej , Stefanovska Tatyana , Zhukov Olexander , Zapałowska Anita , Masłoń Adam
Published: September 2024

Miscanthus × giganteus biomass plays a crucial role in producing renewable energy and bio-based products, supporting global sustainability objectives. However, its introduction into the European Union has made it susceptible to the ectoparasitic needle nematode Longidorus spp., which are known vectors of severe viral diseases. The aim of the presented research was to assess the effectiveness of the following soil amendments: vermicompost from Eisenia fetida and silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) applied to the soil with Miscanthus plants following artificial inoculation of Longidorus elongatus. A two-year experiment was conducted at the National Institute of Horticulture Research in Skierniewice using concrete rings filled with medium sandy soil amended with 10% peat. Treatments included: control (no amendments), vermicompost (4 L of E. fetida vermicompost), and Ag-NPs (60 mg/L soil). Each treatment was replicated four times. Application of both vermicompost and Ag-NPs positively influenced soil parameters and crop yield while suppressing nematode populations. Significant reductions in L. elongatus density were observed: vermicompost reduced nematode population by 80% and Ag-NPs by 90% compared to the control (15%).
Effect of Pit and Soil Types on Growth and Development, Nutrient Content and Fruit Quality of Pomegranate in the Central Deccan Plateau Region, India
Authors: Vadivel Rajagopal , Reddy Kotha Sammi , Singh Yogeshwar , Nangare Dhananjay D.
Published: September 2024

To enhance pomegranate production on marginal gravelly lands, standardized planting techniques were evaluated in an 8-year-old orchard. Trenching, wider pit excavation, pit digging, and auger digs with dimensions of 1 and 2 m were employed. Utilizing native soil from barren land, with or without spent wash, and mixing it with black soil up to 1 m deep, growth parameters, leaf nutrients, fruit production, and fruit quality were assessed. The trench and wider pit methods outperformed others, yielding greater above-ground biomass (>70.3 kg tree−1), root biomass (>24.5 kg, tree−1), and cross-sectional area (>3.30 m2 tree−1). These methods also produced longer roots (>4.0 m tree−1) and higher leaf phosphorus (>0.28%) and potassium (>1.81%) levels, fruit juice content (>48.50%), and total soluble solids (>16.05°) compared to other planting methods. This resulted in higher and more sustainable fruit yield production under the trench and wider pit planting methods (>7.21 t ha−1). Similarly, the native and black soil mixture produced healthy fruit trees, improved fruit quality, and sustainably higher fruit yield over the native soil alone. In summary, the trench and wider pit methods (2–3 m3), combined with a soil mixture, are recommended for sustainable, high-quality fruit production in shallow gravelly terrains, thereby improving food security and the livelihoods of farmers in arid regions.
Enhancing Capacity to Comply with Sustainability Standards in the Milk Value Chain in East Africa: Challenges, Prospects, and Policy Implications
Authors: Kilima Fredy Timothy Mlyavidoga , Msalya George Mutani , Omore Amos
Published: September 2024

This paper addresses the need to contextualize sustainability standards and supply chain management in dairy value chains in East Africa, where milk perishability and limited cold storage significantly impact the industry. The study highlights the importance of localizing these standards, given the greater dependence on local supply chains following the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on milk standards literature and various interventions aimed at promoting systemic change, this review analyses the capacity of marginalized stakeholders in East Africa’s dairy value chains to meet sustainability standards, focusing particularly on the social dimensions of these standards. The findings indicate that compliance with sustainability and safety standards is predominantly restricted to formal dairy networks, which process less than 20 percent of milk produced in the region. Most milk sales occur through informal or unorganized markets, which face significant barriers to meeting international sustainability benchmarks. The review advocates for the alignment of international sustainability standards with the unique conditions of the informal markets dominating East Africa’s dairy sector. It suggests enhancing stakeholder capabilities and addressing regulatory barriers as necessary steps for improving compliance with these standards. The co-operative model is highlighted as a promising approach to integrating farmers and marginalized value chain actors into the formal sector, thereby facilitating incremental adoption of sustainability standards. The paper identifies strategic entry points for organizing and upgrading the supply chain, including capacity building, certification, and catalyzing farmer groups to compliance and productivity.
Building Student Sustainability Competencies through a Trash-Practice Nudge Project: Service Learning Case Study in Kuwait
Authors: Aljamal Ali , Speece Mark
Published: September 2024

This discussion describes an experimental behavioral economics class implemented in a service learning format. Students implemented two nudge interventions to influence public trash behavior, which is an issue throughout the Middle East/North Africa (MENA). The aim in one project was to encourage more use of trash bins in a multi-screen theater and in the other to sort plastic, glass, and paper when throwing trash in the public bins at a university. These two organizations paid the implementation costs, which were quite low, as common for most nudges. The class was co-taught by two university faculty and several personnel from governmental and UN offices responsible for building nudge capabilities in Kuwait. In each case, results in the student projects demonstrated that nudging resulted in a substantial improvement. Students gained strong competencies in applying sustainability principles to a specific problem and in carrying out a real-world project. They learned the importance of collaborating with stakeholders and got to see that their work was actually used in policy formation by the Kuwait government and the UNDP’s Kuwait office.
The Primacy Evaluation and Pattern Evolution Mechanism of the Central City in Nanjing Metropolitan Area
Authors: Chen Congjian , Zhong Qing , Cao Yang , Xu Guangfu , Chen Bing
Published: September 2024

Economic globalisation has accelerated the cross-regional flow of resource elements and broken through the constraints of traditional regional administrative boundaries. Urban agglomerations are core carriers that drive and accelerate regional integration development and can promote the division of urban functions and cooperation. This study considers the Nanjing metropolitan area as a case study to construct a comprehensive first-degree evaluation index system for cities from a factor-flow perspective, focusing on economic, cultural, and transportation connections. We found that (1) Nanjing, which has long been ranked first, shows a downward trending score, dropping from 0.956 in 2017 to 0.937 in 2023; (2) The comprehensive first-degree spatial structure of metropolitan-area cities presents a network hierarchical development feature of “one core, multiple centres, and multiple areas”. With Nanjing as the regional core city, Chuzhou (0.879), Yangzhou (0.915), and Wuhu (0.897) as sub-centre cities, and other cities as sub-regional nodes, the urban system structure gradually forms; (3) The indicators of economic (0.166 **), cultural (0.226 **), and transportation (0.644 ***) element connections were interrelated and mutually reinforced, forming a unified entity with internal connections. This study quantitatively measured the level of integrated development in the Nanjing metropolitan area and provided a reference for formulating regional policies.
Mechanism of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Generation and Potential Human Health Hazard during Mechanized Tunnel Driving in Organic-Rich Rocks: Field and Laboratory Study
Authors: Baldermann Andre , Boch Ronny , Reinprecht Volker , Baldermann Claudia
Published: September 2024

The monitoring of carbon emissions is increasingly becoming a sustainability issue worldwide. Despite being largely unnoticed, the toxic gas carbon monoxide (CO) is ubiquitous in mechanized tunnel driving, but the individual sources, release and enrichment mechanisms are often unknown. In this study, the generation of CO from organic matter containing sedimentary rocks was investigated during mechanized tunnel driving and by reacting claystone and sandstone with 10 mM NaCl solutions for 2 months at 70 °C and 140 °C. The mineralogical and geochemical evolution of the solids and fluids was assessed by CO measurements and the XRD, DTA, TOC, IC and ICP-OES methods. The CO concentration in the atmosphere reached up to 1920 ppm (100 ppm on average) during tunnel driving, which is more than three times higher than the legal daily average dose for tunnellers, thus requiring occupational safety operations. Mineral-specific dissolution processes and the rapid decomposition of labile organic matter upon thermal alteration contributed to the liberation of CO and also carbon dioxide (CO2) from the host rocks. In mechanized tunnel driving, frictional heat and ‘cold’ combustion with temperatures reaching 50–70 °C at the drill head is an important mechanism for increased CO and CO2 generation, especially during drilling in sedimentary rocks containing significant amounts of OM and when the ventilation of the tunnel atmosphere and air mixing are limited. Under such conditions, human health damage due to CO exposure (HHDCO) can be 30 times higher compared to tunnel outlets, where CO is emitted from traffic.
Some Possible Process Configurations for Modern Wastewater Treatment Plants for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) Removal
Authors: Jafarinejad Shahryar
Published: September 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been detected in the influent, effluent, and sludge/biosolids of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) globally. Due to their potential to bioaccumulate in humans, wildlife, and the environment over time owing to their seriously persistent nature and/or strong C-F bonds, PFASs can cause public health concerns. Conventional processes in full-scale WWTPs are usually inefficient in PFASs removal from wastewater and sludge, and advanced treatment technologies are needed for PFASs removal. This study intends to briefly (i) summarize the technologies for PFASs remediation in wastewater and sludge; (ii) review PFASs removal in full-scale WWTPs; (iii) discuss some possible theoretical configurations for the wastewater processing train of modern WWTPs for PFASs remediation; and finally (iv) provide future directions. Further research regarding the techno-economic assessment and optimization of treatment technologies in removing PFASs (especially short-chain PFASs) from real wastewater as well as the performance of full-scale WWTPs consisting of advanced innovative efficient treatment technologies for PFASs removal and associated costs (i.e., construction, operation, maintenance, chemical, energy, and amortization) is still required.
Teaching Innovation and Teaching–Learning Methods for Sustainable Tourism Development Education in the Bachelor of Tourism Degree
Authors: Pelegrín Entenza Norberto , Naranjo Llupart María Rosa , Ruiz Cedeño Sebastiana del Monserrate , Vázquez Pérez Antonio
Published: September 2024

Sustainable development has become the aspiration of many developing countries like Ecuador. The introduction of Bachelor of Tourism studies at the Technical University of Manabí is compatible with this interest and provides a challenge for teachers in the application of integrative and innovative teaching methods, which promote the training of professionals with high scientific, technical and professional rigor in the exercise of different professions. To achieve this, the pedagogical group started from three fundamental principles, which are based on the application of teaching work methods and procedures, based on the establishment of the interaction between the various factors that directly and indirectly influence the training process of professionals in the tourism sector. The results, both in the comprehensive evaluation processes of the academic performance of the teachers and in the level of satisfaction of the students of the course, support the application of these teaching–learning methods and highlight the convenience of extending these experiences and research results to other vocational training centers for tourism activity.
Exploring Pathways for Stimulating Cultural Services in Rural Ecosystems through Experiential Learning Education
Authors: Zhu Lin , Wu Li , Xu Xiran , Chen Xinyu
Published: September 2024

Culture is never static. In modern society, Chinese rural areas are constantly intertwined and dislocated in the processes of traditional culture and modern civilization, involving the equitable and mutually beneficial relationship between people and natural resources and the reconstruction of regional cultural genres in specific periods. The rural humanities and natural resources are important carriers of cultural services. Therefore, research on experiential learning education is important for realizing local cultural revitalization. The efforts of revitalization and renewal of cultural services in rural ecosystems can not only inherit traditional culture, but also promote ecological protection, enhance villagers’ scientific literacy, and realize a harmony between humans and nature. This paper takes Daheping Village in the Hunan Province as an example, combining the ideas of natural education and landscape thinking to explore new ways to activate and enhance the value of rural cultural services from the perspectives of cultural connotations, spatial patterns, basic facilities, and route design. This study provides a new practical guidance paradigm for rural cultural revitalization and future human settlement improvement.
Assessing Environmental Sustainability in the Transnational Basin of the Tumen River Based on Remote Sensing Data and a Geographical Detector
Authors: Jin Lin , Zhang Zhijie
Published: September 2024

Evaluating environmental sustainability in the transnational basin of the Tumen River (TBTR) is of great significance for promoting sustainable development in Northeast Asia. However, past research has mostly concentrated on a particular environmental element, making it impossible to thoroughly and effectively show the environmental sustainability dynamics in this transnational area. In this study, we attempted to reveal environmental sustainability trends in the TBTR from 2000 to 2021 using the Environmental Degradation Index (EDI) and analyze the driving forces using a geographical detector. It was found that the TBTR’s environmental sustainability decreased significantly, with a degraded region (13,174.75 km2) accounting for 31.01% of the whole area from 2000 to 2021. The dynamics of environmental sustainability on the three sides of China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and Russia have shown significant differences, with the most significantly improved in environmental sustainability being the subregion of China. On the Chinese side, the area that significantly improved in environmental sustainability accounted for 26.19% of the area on the Chinese side, which was 1.17 times higher than that of the DPRK’s side and 1.24 times higher than that of the Russian side. Land use intensity (LUI), land use and land cover (LULC), and population density (PD) were the most dominant driving forces for environmental sustainability dynamics on the three sides of China, the DPRK, and Russia. China, the DPRK, and Russia can improve international environmental cooperation to promote sustainable development in the TBTR and Northeast Asia.
Development of a Predictive Model Based on the Alignment Tool in the Early Stages of Projects: The Case of Saudi Arabia Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Bin Mahmoud Abdulrahman , Alrashdi Abdullah , Akhtar Salman , Altuwaim Ayman , Almohsen Abdulmohsen
Published: September 2024

The construction industry plays a substantial role in shaping the economies of many countries. Construction management faces various challenges that can lead to project failures, particularly in infrastructure projects struggling to meet cost and time requirements. Inadequate project planning and the intricate nature of construction projects can cause participants’ project goals to not align. It is crucial to address these challenges early in the planning stages to ensure project success. This research involved investigating previous studies to understand current practices for improving infrastructure project planning and selecting the best pre-project planning tool. Infrastructure projects in the Saudi construction industry are used as a case study. A questionnaire was prepared based on essential alignment issues affecting team alignment during pre-project planning. Participants rated the level of agreement with alignment issues and the overall success of a project they worked on. The study utilized descriptive and inferential analysis techniques to assess infrastructure project success rates and develop a predictive model driven by the alignment tool. Multiple linear regression techniques were used during the model’s development, and validation and reliability outputs were obtained. By evaluating all relevant stakeholders, the model generates a score to facilitate the pre-project planning process, increasing the likelihood of project success. The study found that the model’s predictive accuracy was 94%. This research is significant in creating a predictive model applicable to infrastructure projects, enhancing project management practices by enabling project teams to evaluate project progress, identify projects in need of corrective action, and ultimately improve project performance, leading to cost and time savings.
Optimizing EV Powertrain Performance and Sustainability through Constraint Prioritization in Nonlinear Model Predictive Control of Semi-Active Bidirectional DC-DC Converter with HESS
Authors: Praveena Krishna P. S. , Sabhahit Jayalakshmi N. , Rao Vidya S. , Saraswat Amit , Laugaland Hannah Chaplin , Nempu Pramod Bhat
Published: September 2024

The global transportation sector is rapidly shifting towards electrification, aiming to create more sustainable environments. As a result, there is a significant focus on optimizing performance and increasing the lifespan of batteries in electric vehicles (EVs). To achieve this, the battery pack must operate with constant current charging and discharging modes of operation. Further, in an EV powertrain, maintaining a constant DC link voltage at the input stage of the inverter is crucial for driving the motor load. To satisfy these two conditions simultaneously during the energy transfer, a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) consisting of a lithium–ion battery and a supercapacitor (SC) connected to the semi-active topology of the bidirectional DC–DC converter (SAT-BDC) in this research work. However, generating the duty cycle for the switches to regulate the operation of SAT-BDC is complex due to the simultaneous interaction of the two mentioned constraints: regulating the DC link voltage by tracking the reference and maintaining the battery current at a constant value. Therefore, this research aims to efficiently resolve the issue by incorporating a highly flexible nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) to control the switches of SAT-BDC. Furthermore, the converter system design is tested for operational performance using MATLAB 2022B with the battery current and the DC link voltage with different priorities. In the NMPC approach, these constraints are carefully evaluated with varying prioritizations, representing a crucial trade-off in optimizing EV powertrain operation. The results demonstrate that battery current prioritization yields better performance than DC link voltage prioritization, extending the lifespan and efficiency of batteries. Thus, this research work further aligns with the conceptual realization of the sustainability goals by minimizing the environmental impact associated with battery production and disposal.
Influence of Terrain on Windblown Sand Flow Field Characteristics around Railway Culverts
Authors: Xu Jiangang , Huang Ning , Zhang Jie , Zhang Xiaoan , Shi Guangtian , Li Xuanmin
Published: September 2024

Aeolian sand hazards are often a threat to culverts, which are important channels and pieces of infrastructure of the desert railway. In addition to wind speed, wind direction, and culvert structure, terrain may also be an important reason for the formation of culvert sand hazards. However, there are few studies on the effect of terrain on the sediment accumulation characteristics of culverts. This paper established computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of railway culverts (flat and concave culverts) based on Euler’s two-fluid theory. An analysis of the influence of terrain on the distribution law of the flow fields and sand accumulation around railway culverts was carried out. The results show that the horizontal wind speed curves changes in a “W” shape along the centre axis surface from the forecourt to the rearcourt within a range of 30 m~66.8 m. Low-speed backflow is formed at the inlet and outlet of the culvert, and the minimum wind speed reaches −3.6 m/s and −4.2 m/s, respectively, when the height from the bottom of the culvert is 1.0 m and 1.5 m, resulting in intensified sand sedimentation. In concave culverts, the lower the roadbed height, the easier it is for sand to accumulate at the culvert outlet, the rearcourt, and the track; the sand volume fraction is close to 0.63, affecting the normal operation of the trains. On the contrary, the higher the roadbed, the easier it is for sand to accumulate at the culvert inlet, hindering the passage of engineering vehicles and reducing the function of the culverts. These results reveal that terrain plays a pivotal role in the sand accumulation around culverts and that it should be one of the key considerations for the design of new railway culverts. This work can provide a theoretical basis for preventing and managing sand hazards in railway culverts.
Research Progress in Spatiotemporal Dynamic Simulation of LUCC
Authors: Wan Wenhao , Tian Yongzhong , Tian Jinglian , Yuan Chengxi , Cao Yan , Liu Kangning
Published: September 2024

Land Use and Land Cover Change (LUCC) represents the interaction between human societies and the natural environment. Studies of LUCC simulation allow for the analysis of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) patterns in a given region. Moreover, these studies enable the simulation of complex future LUCC scenarios by integrating multiple factors. Such studies can provide effective means for optimizing and making decisions about the future patterns of a region. This review conducted a literature search on geographic models and simulations in the Web of Science database. From the literature, we summarized the basic steps of spatiotemporal dynamic simulation of LUCC. The focus was on the current major models, analyzing their characteristics and limitations, and discussing their expanded applications in land use. This review reveals that current research still faces challenges such as data uncertainty, necessitating the advancement of more diverse data and new technologies. Future research can enhance the precision and applicability of studies by improving models and methods, integrating big data and multi-scale data, and employing multi-model coupling and various algorithmic experiments for comparison. This would support the advancement of land use spatiotemporal dynamic simulation research to higher levels.
The Use of Energy Simulations in Residential Design: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Sağdıçoğlu Mert Sercan , Yenice M. Serhat , Tel M. Zübeyr
Published: September 2024

The Industrial Revolution and technological advancements have led to the densification and expansion of cities. In urban environments, residential buildings are common, and optimizing energy use in these structures is achieved by focusing on key parameters during the early design phases. These parameters can be tested through simulations. This study aims to define the scope of energy simulations in residential design to contribute to design optimization and reduce energy consumption. A systematic literature review and qualitative analysis were employed, using the PRISMA protocol for data collection and Vosviewer and Bibliometrix tools for bibliometric analysis. The keywords obtained were subjected to qualitative analysis. The research revealed the absence of a standardized approach in simulation studies. To address this, a nine-step framework has been proposed. A discrepancy between the objectives of certain studies and the keywords used was identified. Themes were created based on the studies’ objectives, and keywords were recommended accordingly. Several studies have determined the energy potential of buildings during the occupancy phase. Simulations should be integrated into the early design phase to facilitate pre-design optimization. A framework for residential simulation methodology was developed, believed to enhance the validity of studies and facilitate result comparisons. Minimizing energy consumption is a primary objective in residential buildings. The recommendations developed align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Impacts of Urbanization on Energy Consumption in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Zone
Authors: Dev Tithy , Haghiri Morteza , Sabau Gabriela
Published: September 2024

Energy resources play a vital role in the process of urbanization, and the high level of energy consumption has significantly created an alarming situation for environmental degradation. Increased demand for energy consumption in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) zone is a core concern for decreasing the existing reserves of energy, especially nonrenewable energy, when the growth of urbanization is increasing also. This study investigates the impacts of urbanization on energy consumption in this region by identifying factors that influence energy use. We employed globally used econometric techniques to examine the relationship between energy use and urbanization. The results of the study indicate that all the independent variables used in the model (except urban population growth) were statistically significant with a 99% level of confidence. In addition, the findings of this study recognized three long-run causalities running from the GDP (gross domestic product) to energy consumption, energy consumption to GDP, and energy consumption to the industry’s share of the countries’ GDP. We recommend (i) taking the initiative to invest in renewable energy, (ii) implementing green energy-efficient technologies in the industrial sector, and (iii) raising public awareness of the negative effects of energy use on the environment through education.
Impact of Households’ Future Orientation and Values on Their Willingness to Install Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Gajanayake Ridmi , Johnson Lester , Daronkola Hassan Kalantari , Perera Chamila
Published: September 2024

Solar energy is increasing in popularity as a renewable energy source, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Even though many governments promote solar energy by giving various incentives, its adoption rate in households is slow. Psychological factors have been relatively overlooked in solar adoption, despite the importance of social and economic factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate how psychological determinants impact households’ willingness to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This study focusses on the future orientation and personal values (biospheric, altruistic, and egoistic values) of households’ and their willingness to install solar PV systems. The research draws from three environmental psychology theories: values orientation theory, value beliefs and norms theory, and the theory of planned behaviour to construct an integrative theoretical model. A survey involving 179 respondents in Australia was conducted and analysed applying the PLS-SEM technique. Findings revealed that future orientation and values are significant predictors of household willingness to install solar PV systems. Further, findings showed that attitude and perceived behavioural control play a significant role in installing solar. The findings will assist policymakers and solar companies in developing lucrative policies and marketing strategies to promote solar PV systems among households.
A Study on Network Anomaly Detection Using Fast Persistent Contrastive Divergence
Authors: Jeong Jaeyeong , Park Seongmin , Lim Joonhyung , Kang Jiwon , Shin Dongil , Shin Dongkyoo
Published: September 2024

As network technology evolves, cyberattacks are not only increasing in frequency but also becoming more sophisticated. To proactively detect and prevent these cyberattacks, researchers are developing intrusion detection systems (IDSs) leveraging machine learning and deep learning techniques. However, a significant challenge with these advanced models is the increased training time as model complexity grows, and the symmetry between performance and training time must be taken into account. To address this issue, this study proposes a fast-persistent-contrastive-divergence-based deep belief network (FPCD-DBN) that offers both high accuracy and rapid training times. This model combines the efficiency of contrastive divergence with the powerful feature extraction capabilities of deep belief networks. While traditional deep belief networks use a contrastive divergence (CD) algorithm, the FPCD algorithm improves the performance of the model by passing the results of each detection layer to the next layer. In addition, the mix of parameter updates using fast weights and continuous chains makes the model fast and accurate. The performance of the proposed FPCD-DBN model was evaluated on several benchmark datasets, including NSL-KDD, UNSW-NB15, and CIC-IDS-2017. As a result, the proposed method proved to be a viable solution as the model performed well with an accuracy of 89.4% and an F1 score of 89.7%. By achieving superior performance across multiple datasets, the approach shows great potential for enhancing network security and providing a robust defense against evolving cyber threats.
Concomitant Observer-Based Multi-Level Fault-Tolerant Control for Near-Space Vehicles with New Type Dissimilar Redundant Actuation System
Authors: Wang Meiling , Wang Jun , Huang Jian
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a concomitant observer-based multi-level fault-tolerant control (FTC) for near-space vehicles (NSVs) with a new type dissimilar redundant actuation system (NT-DRAS). When NSV flight control system faults occur in NT-DRAS and attitude-corresponding sensors, the NSV hybrid output states, including the concomitant observer usable states and the real system states, are applied to solve the FTC gain by using the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) technique. Furthermore, since NT-DRAS is used in NSVs, a multi-level (actuation system level and flight control level) FTC strategy integrating NT-DRAS channel switching and flight control LQR is proposed for complex and worsening fault cases. The most important finding is that though the proposed strategy is applicable for worsening fault cases in NSVs, systematic and accurate criteria for the process being performed are necessary and can improve the FTC efficiency with minimal FTC resources. Additionally, such criteria can improve the NSV’s responsiveness to comprehensive faults, provided that the real-time performance of the fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) scheme can be further optimized. The concomitant observer convergence and the multi-level FTC strategy have been verified by numerical simulations based on the Matlab/Simulink platform.
A New Multimodal Modification of the Skew Family of Distributions: Properties and Applications to Medical and Environmental Data
Authors: Reyes Jimmy , Rojas Mario A. , Cortés Pedro L. , Arrué Jaime
Published: September 2024

The skew distribution has the characteristic of appropriately modeling asymmetric unimodal data. However, in practice, there are several cases in which the data present more than one mode. In the literature, it is possible to find a large number of authors who have studied extensions based on the skew distribution to model this type of data. In this article, a new family is introduced, consisting of a multimodal modification to the family of skew distributions. Using the methodology of the weighted version of a function, we perform the product of the density function of a family of skew distributions with a polynomial of degree 4, thus obtaining a more flexible model that allows modeling data sets, whose distribution contains at most three modes. The density function, some properties, moments, skewness coefficients, and kurtosis of this new family are presented. This study focuses on the particular cases of skew-normal and Laplace distributions, although it can be applied to any other distribution. A simulation study was carried out, to study the behavior of the model parameter estimates. Illustrations with real data, referring to medicine and environmental data, show the practical performance of the proposed model in the two particular cases presented.
A Channel-Sensing-Based Multipath Multihop Cooperative Transmission Mechanism for UE Aggregation in Asymmetric IoE Scenarios
Authors: Chen Hua-Min , Fang Ruijie , Wang Shoufeng , Wang Zhuwei , Sun Yanhua , Zheng Yu
Published: September 2024

With the continuous progress and development of technology, the Internet of Everything (IoE) is gradually becoming a research hotspot. More companies and research institutes are focusing on the connectivity and transmission between multiple devices in asymmetric networks, such as V2X, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), environmental monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, and so on. The number of devices and business volume of these applications have rapidly increased in recent years, which will lead to a large load of terminals and affect the transmission efficiency of IoE data transmission. To deal with this issue, it has been proposed to perform data transmission via multipath cooperative transmission with multihop transmission. This approach aims to improve transmission latency, energy consumption, reliability, and throughput. This paper designs a channel-sensing-based cooperative transmission mechanism (CSCTM) with hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) for user equipment (UE) aggregation mechanism in future asymmetric IoE scenarios, which ensures that IoE devices data can be transmitted quickly and reliably, and supports real-time data processing and analysis. The main contents of this proposed method include strategies of cooperative transmission and redundancy version (RV) determination, a joint combination of decoding process at the receiving side, and a design of transmission priority through ascending offset sort (AOS) algorithm based on channel sensing. In addition, multihop technology is designed for the multipath cooperative transmission strategy, which enables cooperative nodes (CN) to help UE to transmit data. As a result, it can be obtained that CSCTM provides significant advancements in latency and energy consumption for the whole system. It demonstrates improvements in enhanced coverage, improved reliability, and minimized latency.