bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism and prevention of coal bursts in gob-side roadway floor under thick and hard roof in the deep mining area of Ordos
Authors: Zhou Jinlong , Pan Junfeng , Xia Yongxue , Du Taotao , Liu Wengang , Zhang Chenyang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe complex stress environment in deep roadways, often exacerbated by thick and hard strata, frequently precipitates coal bursts, posing significant safety hazards. This paper investigates the mechanisms and preventive methods for coal bursts in the gob-side roadway floor (GSRF) under thick and hard roof in the Ordos region, China. First, the stress-distributing characters of GSRF were analyzed then a stress calculation formula was derived. A mechanical model was developed to determine the critical stress for buckling failure of the roadway floor strata. Criteria for the bursting instability of GSRF were then established. The lateral static load from the adjacent gob, the advancing static load from the working face, and the disturbance load from overlying thick and hard roof fractures combine to transmit high loads and energy to the roadway floor via the “roof → rib → floor” pathway, causing increased stress concentration and energy accumulation. When the conditions satisfy the criteria for bursting instability, coal bursts can occur on the roadway floor. To mitigate dynamic load disturbances, the paper proposes roof regional fracturing and abrasive water jet axial roof cutting. Hydraulic reaming of gutters in the roadway ribs and deep hole blasting at the roadway bottom corners are offered to alleviate the static loads on the surrounding rock. The implementation of targeted prevention measures for dynamic and static loads effectively reduces coal bursts in GSRF. These findings offer an example of preventing and controlling coal bursts in other mines of the Ordos region with comparable geological conditions.
The ‘Good Farmer’ concept and the diffusion of innovations in rural Africa
Authors: Pronti A. , Mancinelli S. , Mazzanti M. , Crudeli L. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEndogenous agricultural development is needed to improve food productivity and address the socioeconomic and environmental challenges facing Africa in the near future. Considering the failure of past top-down development policies, the integral development of Africa’s agricultural sector, requires tailoring technological and technical improvements to the local rural realities while respecting their cultural identities and social norms. This paper focuses on the “Good Farmer” concept in a framework of symbolic interactionism, social capital production and shared identity. The study analyzes how the “Good Farmer” concept is perceived in rural Africa through textual analysis of a 2019 survey conducted in Mozambique. The results are compared with the definition of the “Good Farmer” in Western Countries from a Structured Literature Review. The analysis reveals that there is a key difference in Western and rural African conceptions of what is considered being a “Good Farmer”. In rural Africa, there is strong emphasis on community aspects and knowledge transfer, which can be of great importance in influencing the diffusion of innovation processes for its rural development.
Microinverter Power System to Feed Grid-Isolated AC Loads Using Fuel Cells
Authors: Ramos-Paja Carlos Andrés , Villegas-Ceballos Juan Pablo , Saavedra-Montes Andrés Julián 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMicrogrids based on fuel cells are used to produce energy due to their zero emissions, stand-alone operation, and compact size that facilitates mobility; making research in fuel cell applications essential to support their widespread adoption. This paper proposes two main contributions: the adaptation of a TMDSSOLARUINVKIT microinverter for integration into a microgrid powered by a fuel cell, and the design and implementation of adaptive controllers. The controllers ensure the proper operation of the microgrid and avoid the fuel cell starvation. The microgrid comprises a fuel cell emulator, a TMDSSOLARUINVKIT microinverter, and AC linear and nonlinear loads. The research methodology follows three steps. First, a hardware-in-the-loop approach is proposed to emulate the fuel cell using a real-time target machine and a power interface, utilizing a model derived from the fuel cell manufacturer’s specifications. Then, a detailed model of a flyback converter is obtained to design and implement a control system, consisting of two adaptive controllers, one for regulating the current of the fuel cell and another for controlling the DC-link voltage. The current controller adapts a proportional gain to ensure a desired cut-off frequency and the DC-link voltage controller adapts a proportional and integral gains due changes in the duty cycle, ensuring the proper operation in any operating condition. Finally, the functionality of the microgrid based on a fuel cell is validated through four experiments. The results confirm the effective operation of the controllers ensuring the safe operation of the fuel cell. One experiment is designed to demonstrate the capability of the proposed solution to meet the requirements of rural areas in Colombia.
Synthesis of Novel Graphene Oxide-chitosan-silicon Dioxide Nanocomposite Embedded in Polysulfone Membrane for Oily Water Treatment
Authors: Yasir Ahmed T. , Alshaibi Nadeen , Ndame Nchwa , Youssef Hind Ben , Ba-Abbad Muneer M. , Benamor Abdelbaki 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOil and gas exploration activities result in generation of large quantities of produced water. Globally, for each barrel of oil, three barrels of produced water is generated. The oil content in produced water can vary between 3 and 20% depending on the location and age of the hydrocarbon well. Due to their hydrophobic nature, conventional hydrophobic polymeric membranes struggle to effectively separate oil from produced water. In this work, an innovative strategy is suggested by employing a hydrophilic/super-oleophobic nanocomposite to develop novel polymeric membranes able to effectively separate oil content from produced water without negatively affecting the other membrane properties such as the total flux and fouling. Graphene oxide-chitosan-silicone oxide (GO-CH-SiO2) nanocomposite was synthesized by functionalizing graphene oxide (GO) with chitosan (CH) and silicon dioxide (SiO2). To improve the membrane flux, anti-fouling propensity, and oil rejection, the synthesized nanocomposites were doped in the polysulfone membranes matrix. The effect of GO-CH-SiO2 concentration, GO:CH ratio, and GO-CH:SiO2 ratio on the performances of developed membranes was experimentally assessed, and morphology of the synthesized membrane was investigated using appropriate characterization techniques. The experimental results showed that the membrane with GO:CH of 1:2 and GO-CH: SiO2 ratio of 1:6.5 showed the highest pure water permeation flux of 28.35 LMH/bar with a comparable flux recovery rate of 76% and oil rejection efficiency of 98.5%. The study’s findings underscore the potential of GO-CH-SiO2 nanocomposite membranes for oil–water separation research, presenting a promising solution for treating produced water in the oil and gas industry. Further research is needed to scale up this technology and improve membrane performance by optimizing the nanocomposite composition and conducting long-term performance tests.
Exploring effects of supplementary cementitious materials on setting time, strength, and microscale properties of mortar
Authors: Romero Lenin Miguel Bendezu , Bahrami Alireza , Awoyera Paul O. , Fadire Oluwapamilerin , Velarde Alan Yordan Valdivieso , Mydin Md Azree Othuman , Arunachalam Krishna Prakash 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe concept of sustainability has become a crucial concern for safeguarding the planet. The current research has focused on developing affordable and eco-friendly mortar by using industrial wastes. This study explores the use of fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), byproducts of steelmaking and coal burning, in mortar production. It examines their impacts on the compressive strength and setting times, when utilizing varying proportions of the materials. The study also evaluates water requirements for the workability, thus demonstrating the sustainability of these waste products in construction. The cementitious materials were employed in finely ground form and were replaced with further tertiary mixes including both supplements at 10%, 30%, and 50% of each. The mixtures were allowed to cure for 7, 14, and 28 days by immersion in water. The results showed improvements in the compressive strength of mortar samples incorporating FA and GGBFS at various curing ages. However, the water requirement and workability of mortar samples were altered as a result of utilizing these supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). These findings will serve as a standard for environmentally responsible mortar using GGBFS and/or FA as SCMs.
Navigating the future of healthcare with innovations and challenges in implantable battery technology for biomedical devices
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Umapathi , Lakshmipathy Priya , Ramya Manohar , Fayek Hady H. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractHuman Machine Interfaces and biomedical prosthetics are advancing rapidly, merging human and machine capabilities. These innovations offer tremendous benefits, but the effectiveness of implantable medical devices (IMDs) hinges on the reliability of their batteries. This article explores the various battery technologies used to power IMDs. The review focuses on the unique characteristics, identifies current challenges and future opportunities in the design and enhancement of batteries for IMDs. The review delves into different battery technologies, emphasizing advancements in electrode materials, biocompatible electrolytes, innovative power delivery systems, and novel energy harvesting techniques. It explores the potential of incorporating new nanomaterials, wireless charging solutions, and bio-energy harvesting methods in battery design. Furthermore, the review discusses recent progress in AI-powered implantable battery health monitoring. The study identifies key challenges in existing battery technologies, such as issues with energy density, cycling stability, and longevity, and points out possible enhancements facilitated by introducing advanced materials and cutting-edge technologies. The review also highlights the promise of AI techniques in improving the health monitoring of implantable batteries. The review highlights the critical need to address the stringent requirements of implantable battery design to drive the advancement of healthcare technologies. By adopting novel materials, innovative charging, and energy harvesting methods, along with AI-driven health monitoring, substantial improvements in implantable battery performance can be achieved, thereby enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of biomedical prosthetics and implantable devices.
Graphical abstract
A multi-period capacitated facility location problem with maximum travel time and backup service for locating and sizing EMS stations
Authors: Zhang Guangli , Ma Rui , Kong Yunfeng , Lian Chenchen , Guo Hao , Zhai Shiyan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEmergency medical services (EMS) is a system that provides emergency medical care for incidents involving serious illness or injury. The location of EMS stations plays an essential role in delivering effective and efficient medical services. Numerous location models have been developed for locating and sizing EMS stations. However, it remains challenging to satisfy all EMS planning criteria within a single location model. In this study, a multi-period capacitated facility location problem with maximum travel time and backup service (EMSLSP) is proposed for locating and sizing EMS stations. The most important criteria for EMS planning are taken into account in EMSLSP: the demand changes due to population mobility, the maximum service capacity of an ambulance, the maximum number of ambulances at each EMS station, the maximum travel time from each EMS station to the locations it serves, the full coverage of dynamic demand, the minimum percent of population covered by EMS service in a specific travel time, and a backup station for each demand location in case of need. A case study in Zhengzhou, a large city in China, demonstrates that effective and efficient locations and sizes of EMS stations can be determined by solving the EMSLSP with various planning parameters. Compared with the existing EMS systems, the average ambulance travel time and the percentage of the population served are significantly improved. Simulations of ambulance scheduling confirm that the relocated and resized EMS stations perform better than those in the existing system. The evaluation-optimization-simulation method outlined in this paper provides a comprehensive and effective approach for EMS station planning.
Balancing power and prosperity: China’s geo-economic engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council
Authors: Al Shidhani Roa , Baig Saranjam 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSince the 1990s, China’s engagement beyond its geographical periphery, especially with Asian regions, has grown exceptionally, which is best evident in the Gulf sub-region and Western Asian nations. Indeed, energy-based interactions were the first to be established with Gulf Arab countries, and today, more than two decades after the Cold War, such relationships have evolved into tighter partnerships and engagement networks. Thus, in the last decade, China has increased its economic and political footprint in the Gulf region, as it has become one of the region’s largest external investors and trade partners. In its relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, China faces varying challenges as each country pursues its interests, making the Chinese strategy in the region more complex. The Gulf countries have had to balance their relationship between the US as a security guarantor and China as an important economic partner. They strive to maximize their political and economic interests in the process. The main contention of this paper is that the GCC should not be viewed as a homogenous entity and that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a flexible approach designed to bolster China’s economic objectives in each Gulf country. Our research scrutinizes China’s geo-economic strategy and geopolitical aims about the Gulf States’ aspirations to maximize their economic ties with China. Against this background, this paper discusses the political and economic relationships between the People’s Republic of China and the Gulf Arab states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Dynamics and control of a high-altitude balloon with slung load
Authors: Chen L. , Song Z. , Lin J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe high-altitude balloon proposed in this paper is a long-life balloon carrying a payload through a cable that flies at 20km altitude in near space. A dynamic model of the system, including the thermodynamics of the buoyancy body coupled with a hanging model of the pod, is developed using the Newton–Euler method. The buoyancy body consists of a helium balloon and a ballonet. A differential pressure difference-based altitude adjustment is achieved by tracking the pressure difference at the target altitude. A dynamic simulation of the buoyancy body with a slung pod in autonomous vertical takeoff and altitude regulation processes is presented. The internal thermodynamic variations and pressure differential of the buoyancy body are given. The air mass exchange and blower flow control of the ballonet are validated. The altitude holding error is analysed. The maximum pull force that the cable can withstand is calculated, and the maximum attitude angles of the pod during the ascending and descending processes are depicted. Simulation results provide basic knowledge for the structural design and payload installation of pods.
Improved bidirectional attention flow (BIDAF) model for Arabic machine reading comprehension
Authors: Biltawi Mariam M. , Awajan Arafat , Tedmori Sara 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMachine reading comprehension (MRC) refers to the process of instructing machines to comprehend and respond to inquiries based on a provided text. There are two primary methodologies for achieving this: extracting answers directly from the text or predicting them. Extracting answers involves anticipating the specific segment of text containing the answer, pinpointed by its starting and ending indices within the paragraph. Despite the increasing interest in MRC, exploration within the framework of the Arabic language faces limitations due to various challenges. A significant impediment arises from the inadequacy of resources available for Arabic textual content, which impedes the development of effective models. Furthermore, the inherent intricacies of Arabic, manifesting in its diverse linguistic forms including classical, modern standard, and colloquial, present distinctive hurdles for tasks involving language comprehension. This paper proposes an enhanced version of the bidirectional attention flow (BIDAF) model for Arabic MRC, constructed upon the Arabic Span-Extraction-based Reading Comprehension Benchmark (ASER). ASER comprises 10,000 sets of questions, answers, and passages, partitioned into a training set constituting 90% of the data and a testing set making up the remaining 10%. By introducing a new input feature based on parts-of-speech (POS) word embeddings and replacing Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (bi-LSTM) with bidirectional gated recurrent unit, significant improvements were observed. Eight different POS word embeddings were generated using both Continuous Bag of Words (CBOW) and Skip-gram methods, with varying dimensionalities. Evaluation metrics, including exact match (EM) and F1-measure, were utilized to assess model performance, with emphasis on the latter for its accuracy. The proposed enhanced BIDAF model achieved a remarkable accuracy of 75.22% on the ASER dataset, demonstrating its efficacy in Arabic MRC tasks. Additionally, rigorous statistical evaluation using a two-tailed paired samplest-test further validated the findings, highlighting the significance of the proposed enhancements in advancing Arabic language processing capabilities.
A leader I can(not) trust: understanding the path from epistemic trust to political leader choices via dogmatism
Authors: von Mohr Mariana , Hackenburg Kobi , Tanzer Michal , Fotopoulou Aikaterini , Campbell Chloe , Tsakiris Manos 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
There is growing concern about the impact of declining political trust on democracies. Psychological research has introduced the concept of epistemic (mis)trust as a stable disposition acquired through development, which may influence our sociopolitical engagement. Given trust’s prominence in current politics, we examined the relationship between epistemic trust and people’s choices of (un)trustworthy political leaders. In two representative samples in the UK and US (N = 1096), we tested whether epistemic trust predicts political leader choices through three political dimensions: dogmatism, political trust, and ideology. Although epistemic trust did not directly predict choices of political leaders, it predicted dogmatism and political ideology, which in turn predicted choices of political leaders. A network analysis revealed that epistemic trust and political dimensions only interact through their common connection with dogmatism. These findings suggest that cognitive and affective development may underlie an individual’s political ideology and associated beliefs.
On Tour with Rachmaninoff: Analysing the Programmes from his 1924/25 Season
Authors: Davie Scott 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Sergei Rachmaninoff is widely regarded as one of the great pianists of the twentieth century. In a research project that has stretched over two decades, I have compiled data on Rachmaninoff’s performance career, comprising research in archives as well as published sources in Russian and English languages. The resulting Rachmaninoff Performance Diary has been publicly available online since 2011. A missing link in the data has been the complete programmatic details of over 1,080 solo recitals. In 2006, I discovered research that was apparently unrecognized in its completeness in an archive of the Library of Congress, undertaken and donated by Rachmaninoff’s sister-in-law, Dr Sophia Satina. In this article, I examine the details of the 1924/25 season, which was a critical time for Rachmaninoff: after the collapse of his personal fortune caused by the Russian Revolution, he at last had achieved sufficient success and financial security from his hectic touring to allow him to return to composition the following year, his ‘sabbatical’ break of 1926. From the data, a clearer picture emerges of how Rachmaninoff varied his repertoire in his many concert appearances and recording sessions, showing how frequency of performance and, in instances, apparent self-assessment of his own music, were key factors.
Ritual Violence and Traditions of Origin: Mung'aro in Mijikenda History
Authors: Dingley Zebulon 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article analyzes the transformation of an image of ritual violence on the Kenyan coast from the sixteenth century to the present. Drawing on a range of sources, it shows how understandings of “mung'aro” — a ritual of senior male initiation among Mijikenda-speaking peoples — changed as it became an object of inquiry for generations of missionaries, explorers, colonial administrators, local intellectuals, and foreign historians and anthropologists. In the mid-twentieth century, mung'aro became a key feature of Mijikenda traditions of origin in Singwaya, but in such a way that it reversed the direction of a specific form of ritual violence described in nineteenth-century traditions. By focusing on the transposition and recombination of ritual motifs across practical and discursive modalities (namely, ritual and narrative), this article offers a new approach to “the limits of invention” regarding traditions of origin.