bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formation Control and Obstacle Avoidance Algorithm for Multi-USV System Based on Improved DWA
Authors: Zhang Kun , Li Yongguo , Wang Yuanrong , Xie Jia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges of multiple unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to maintain formation and effectively avoid obstacles in unknown and complex marine environments. To this end, a novel formation control and obstacle avoidance strategy based on the virtual structure and artificial potential field (VSAPF) approach is proposed in this paper. The core concept is to apply the improved dynamic window approach (IDWA) to the formation control algorithm at the virtual reference unmanned surface Vessel(VRUSV).We name this algorithm IDWA-VSAPF.First, the DWA algorithm is improved. This includes a revision of the velocity window and three existing evaluation functions, while a new evaluation function is introduced. This new function expands the sampling range of velocity and improves the scoring of favorable trajectories. In addition, adaptive weighting coefficients are employed to enhance the USV's target navigation and global search capabilities in unknown environments and to effectively mitigate the local minima problem. The proposed approach is applicable to USV formations with various virtual structures. Finally, extensive simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the IDWA-VSAPF algorithm. The results show that the approach achieves stable formation maintenance, flexible obstacle avoidance and transformation. In addition, the improved DWA greatly improves the passage efficiency and global search capability of USVs in unknown environments.
Lifestyles, health expenditure and the production of healthcare: Evidence from Greece
Authors: Kastrinaki Zafeira 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study examines the determinants of health outcomes in Greece, with a focus on life expectancy at birth from 1988 to 2022. We model a production function where life expectancy is influenced by health expenditure and behavioral risk factors such as sugar, tobacco, and fat consumption. Using regional data analysis, we explore the relationship between health spending and various risky behaviors. Our findings show that health expenditure significantly impacts health outcomes. Furthermore, sugar and tobacco consumption exhibit adverse effects on life expectancy, whereas fat consumption appears to have no influence. While on a national level, healthcare expenditure can lead to improvements in health outcomes, a deeper analysis at the regional level shows that this expenditure is driven by unhealthy consumption patterns. Hence, the relationship on the national level partially originates from unhealthy lifestyle choices. This leads to the conclusion that increases in healthcare expenditure do not necessarily enhance health outcomes proactively but rather mitigate the negative effects of unhealthy consumption, leading to increases in life expectancy. These empirical insights underline the importance of policy intervention to promote a shift towards less risky alternatives. Encouraging the adoption of reduced-sugar or sugar-free products, as well as alternative options like e-cigarettes, emerges as a viable strategy for improving public health outcomes in Greece.
Response of different cotton genotypes to salt stress and rewatering
Authors: Zhao Kang , Yang Tao , Pang Bo , Wang Honggang , Yang Zhining , Liang Weiwei , Rui Cun , Gao Wengwei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Cotton is a vital economic crop and reserve material and a pioneer crop planted on saline-alkaline soil. Improving the tolerance of cotton to saline alkaline environments is particularly important.
Results: Salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive cotton plants at the three-leaf stage were subjected to 200 mM NaCl stress treatment, and microstructural observations and physiological and biochemical analyses were performed on cotton leaves at 0 h (CK), 48 h (NaCl) and re-watering (RW) for 48 h. Salt-tolerant materials showed better salt tolerance and faster recovery after re-watering than sensitive materials. Transcriptome analysis was performed on cotton leaves under salt stress and re-watering conditions. A total of 32,390 DEGs were identified between the two materials under the different treatments. KEGG analysis revealed that the response of cotton to salt stress and its adaptation to re-watering may be related to interactions such as photosynthesis (ko 00195), photosynthesis-antenna protein (ko 00196), plant hormone signal transduction (ko 04075), starch and sucrose metabolism (ko 00500), and porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism (ko 00860). A gray coexpression module associated with cotton restoration under salt stress was enriched according to WGCNA.
Conclusions: Salt stress not only affected the physiological and biochemical levels of cotton but also induced structural changes in cells and tissues, and re-watering alleviated the physiological and biochemical changes in cotton plants under salt stress. WGCNA revealed enriched gray coexpression modules related to the recovery of cotton plants under salt stress, and screening of the pivotal genes in the gray module revealed five critical hubs, namely, GH_A01G1528, GH_A08G2688, GH_D08G2683, GH_D01G1620 and GH_A10G0617. Overall, our findings can provide new insights into enhancing cotton salt tolerance and exploring salt tolerance genes in cotton.
Analysis of pesticide and heavy metal bioaccumulation in earthworms from Central plain zone of Punjab
Authors: Devika Devika , Aulakh Randeep Kaur , Sharma Ragini , Rani Neeraj 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to estimate the pesticide residue and heavy metal contents of agricultural soil samples to analyse their bioaccumulation in earthworm tissues and genotoxic effects from different locations of central plain zone of Punjab, India. Monitoring of four locations of Punjab showed the concentrations of heavy metals in the soil and earthworm tissue followed similar trend, and were in the order of Mn > Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Cd. Soil samples of Bhogiwal and Jassian village were detected with chlorpyrifos and Tebuconazole; and chlorpyrifos respectively. Bioaccumulation factor for heavy metals was found to be highest for Cadmium in earthworms of Bhogiwal village of Malerkotla (9.19 ± 0.55), followed by Zinc (1.43 ± 0.01 to 2.07 ± 0.12), and lowest for Chromium and Cobalt in village Bhogiwal of Malerkotla and in village Balrampur of Ropar respectively. Damaged DNA was observed in earthworm samples of Jassian and Bhogiwal villages, providing insights to the genotoxic effects of pesticide and heavy metal contamination.
Infrared and visible military image fusion strategies and applications based on composite decomposition and multi-fuzzy theory
Authors: Wang Shuai , Du Yuhong , Lin Jingxuan , Zhao Shuaijie , Dong Guangyu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

It is found in infrared military targets’detection that some of the collected images are greatly affected by the environment, and they are still not provide targets’detailed information after preprocessing, which limits the detection effect. In this paper, we establish a military infrared-visible dataset and propose a military image fusion strategy based on composite decomposition and multi-fuzzy theory. Firstly, the source infrared and visible images are decomposed by using the two-scale and Latent Low-rank representation composite method, and the underlying optimal information of the images is mined. Secondly, for low-frequency detail images, the Gaussian fuzzy function is used to adjust the visual saliency map weighting function; for low-frequency salient images, the Cauchy fuzzy function is used to adjust the image energy weighting; and for high-frequency images, an improved intuitionistic fuzzy set function is used as the fusion rule as proposed. Finally, four sets of typical images are used to test the proposed method and make both subjective and objective comparisons with the other four mainstream fusion methods. The application experiment results show that the proposed military image fusion strategy can more effectively improve the clarity of the data source and thus improve military targets’detection accuracy.
Nonadiene Isomers as Potential Green Flavor Components of Autoxidizing Fish Oil
Authors: Faraji Habibollah , Lindsay Robert C. , Wada Shun , Ibrahim Salam A , Aminzare Majid , Tahergorabi Reza 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The autoxidation of fish oil occurs via free radical mechanisms, producing hydroperoxide intermediates and their decomposition products, which include volatile aldehydes, unsaturated ketones, and furan derivatives. Identifying these compounds can lead to strategies for suppressing fishy off-notes. Therefore, in the search for new compounds, menhaden oil was oxidized under three different conditions: exposure to light for 11 days, exposure to 121°C for 80 minutes, or storage in the dark at 40°C for 48 hours. These conditions resulted in the production of at least three isomers of nonadiene, confirmed by mass spectra and retention indices (RI) using various GC columns. The potent green compound 2,4-nonadiene has an aroma threshold in water of 7.8 ppb. Although 2,4-nonadiene can be derived from omega-3 fatty acids, it appears to be predominantly generated from omega-6 fatty acids. The presence of green compounds between C4 and C5 ethyl esters, was confirmed by olfactory detection of volatiles from oxidized menhaden oil off the gas chromatograph using a packed column. However, mass spectra and RIs did not align with the occurrence of green isomers of nonadiene in oxidized menhaden oil. This discrepancy may be partly due to co-elution with other compounds that obscured their detection by GC-MS.
Potential Applications of Granite-Cement Composite Based on Granite Powder Waste for Radioactive Wastes Solidification: Impact of freezing-thawing treatment
Authors: Bayoumi Talat A. , Tawfik Magda E. , Eskander Samir 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The freezing/thawing (F/T) reliability of radioactive final waste form (FWF) is experiencing progressive important structural task during the long term disposal period. In this study, a cement-granite composite matrix (GCC) based on granite (G) scrape wastes, at 20% to the mass of the cement (C) mixed at 35 mass% plain water relative to both C & G masses, was developed. The frost resistance of the developed composite was evaluated through freezing and thawing cycling. The F/T integrity of the GCC was assessed through the evaluation and determination of the mass losses, compressive strength and porosity values. The alterations in internal microstructures of granite-cement composite were examined by applying X-Ray diffraction (X-RD), thermal analysis (TA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was dedicated that ameliorations in the characters of the GCC, under consideration, due to freezing/ thawing treatments could be differentiated into three steps: slow-impairment step, fast-spoil step, and stable step. The obtained experimental results, after 180 days of F/T treatment, recommended a basis for the suitability of the developed granite–cement composite and candidate it for solidification/stabilization of some low and medium radioactive wastes. However, evaluation of frost stability in large-scale composite structures is mandatory.
Ulvan from Ulva ohnoi macroalgae : Green extraction method and physicochemical characterization of the ulvan
Authors: Crescencio Kessi , Amaral Venâncio , Souza Alexandro , Barros Cecilia , Souza Juliana , Baldo Denicezar , Oliveira José , Horta Paulo , Bastos Eduardo , Behling Ronan , Batain Fernando , Severino Patricia , Almeida Thais , Souto Eliana , Chaud Marco 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ulvan belongs to the class of sulfated heteropolysaccharide and is the main component of the seaweed Ulva ohnoi (U. ohnoi). Ulvan has a chemical structure similar to fucoidan, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid, which are commonly used to develop drug delivery systems. Due to the potential biomedical applications of sulfated and non-sulfated polysaccharides, this work aimed to develop an environmentally friendly method for extracting ulvan from U. ohnoi with high yield and purity. A novel method for the extraction of ulvan is proposed and demonstrated successfully. Various characterization techniques were employed to evaluate the presence of sulfated ions, proteins, elements trace, and crystallinity. The structure, morphology, and physical-chemical properties of ulvan were characterized by electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (DRX), Infra-red spectrometry (FTIR), DSC-calorimetry and hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR). Analysis of the results revealed a fibrous, semi-crystalline structure with regular pores, a yield greater than 25%, and a degree of purity greater than 94%. A search for chemical compounds revealed low protein content, high sulfur content, presence of mineral salts, and total absence of heavy metals. Besides, the results demonstrate that the methodology employed allowed to obtain ulvan with a high degree of purity.
“Changing Landscape of Undernutrition in Reproductive-Age Indian Women: Analysis of the nationally representative data, 1998-2021”
Authors: Chaudhuri Sirshendu , Agiwal Varun , AY Nirupama , Kumar Yashaswini 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aim: This study investigates the national and regional distribution and trend of undernutrition among non-pregnant reproductive age-group (15-44 years) women in India based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data round 2 (1998-99) to round 5 (2019-21).
Subject and Methods: Undernutrition was defined as a body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2. Association between undernutrition and socio-demographic variables including caste, place of residence (Rural and urban as reported in NFHS), marital status, educational level, and wealth index were examined using multiple logistic regression with multi-level modelling (MLM) and reported adjusted odds ratio (aOR).
Results: A total of 461,093 women’s record was analyzed. The prevalence of undernutrition among women in the country reduced from 32.8% (n=22,890) in NFHS-2 to 27.1% (n=42,401) in NFHS-5 (average decadal reduction 2.7%). High intrastate variations (difference between highest and lowest prevalence district >20%) were noted across the country. NFHS-5 data shows that women belong to the poorest wealth index (aOR 1.68; 1.6, 1.76), up to preschool education (aOR 1.29; 1.23, 1.36), and unmarried women (aOR 1.54; 1.49, 1.59) are at risk of having undernutrition.
Conclusion: Undernutrition among non-pregnant women has remained high in India. Inter-state and intra-state disparities and inequalities among the various social groups visibly exist for this ignored health issue.
Study on the characteristics of intestinal digestive enzymes activities of three local chicken breeds in South China
Authors: Wu Qiong , Fu Langlang , Li Yuting , Wang Chengwei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This experiment aimed to research the intestinal α-amylase and lipase activities of three local chicken breeds from Jiangxi Province in South China, and to investigate the highest enzyme activity sites of digestive enzymes. Six each of Taihe silky fowls, Ningdu three-yellow chickens and Chongren partridge chickens with similar body weights were selected and slaughtered. For each chicken, six portions of chyme were respectively taken from duodenum and jejunum at equal distances, and then α-amylase and lipase activities were determined in these 12 portions of chyme. The results indicated that the α-amylase and lipase activities of the three local chicken breeds did not change significantly in the duodenum, while in the jejunum they gradually increased and then declined. In the meantime, the highest α-amylase activities were found in the 2nd section of the jejunum in Ningdu three-yellow chicken and Chongren partridge chicken, and α-amylase activity in Taihe silky fowl was highest in the 3rd section of the jejunum. The highest lipase activity was observed in the 3rd section of the jejunum for both Taihe silky fowl and Chongren partridge chicken, whereas Ningdu three-yellow chicken exhibited the highest lipase activity in the 2nd section of the jejunum. Both α-amylase and lipase activities reached their maximum in the mid-anterior jejunum of the three chickens, but the location of their highest enzyme activities and digestive enzyme activities were different, with the highest α-amylase activity in Ningdu three-yellow chicken and the highest lipase content in Taihe silky fowl.
Kernel-based Response Extraction Approach for Efficient Configurable Ring Oscillator PUF
Authors: ABULIBDEH ENAS , Saleh Hani , Mohammad Baker , Qutayri Mahmoud Al , Hussain Asif 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) is an emerging hardware security primitive that provides a promising solution for lightweight security. PUFs can be used to generate a secret key that depends on the manufacturing process variation for authentication and device identification. However, the resource requirements of PUFs pose challenges for their application in resource-constrained Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This work proposes a new approach for response extraction in Configurable Ring Oscillator (CRO) PUFs that contributes to reducing area and power consumption by eliminating the need for duplicating Ring Oscillators (ROs) and decreasing associated switching activity. The kernel-based response extraction approach exploits the phase shift of the delay elements and the frequency of ROs to generate unique responses effectively. The extraction approach uses a time-based kernel that enables the internal counters of PUF and evaluates the propagated signals within ROs for a predefined period. The extraction approach has been implemented and verified on a design variant of CRO PUF, which is also proposed within the scope of this work. The proposed PUF has been implemented in 22nm FDSOI technology using Synopsys tools. A comprehensive security analysis has been conducted utilizing Challenge-Response Pairs (CRPs) were collected from 8 chips. The extracted responses achieve an average of 49.42%, 38.25%, 9.95%, and 45.5% for uniformity, diffuseness, reliability, and uniqueness, respectively. Compared with state-of-the-art designs, the proposed design achieves a 75% reduction in area and a 65.1% reduction in power consumption while delivering 2(4n+log2n) CRPs, classified as a strong PUF. Finally, 12 tests of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and machine learning modeling are conducted to verify the security of responses. The NIST tests are successfully passed, and the average prediction accuracy of machine learning models is found to be 65.1%.
Artificial Intelligence Powered Memristive Average Value Calculator and its Real-time Applications
Authors: Raj P Michael Preetam , Vittapu Sravan K. , Chinnasamy P , Divya N. , Gupta Manu , Rao Pinapati Lakshmana 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Recently, disasters due to floods based on extreme rainfall have resulted in over 2 million deaths and US$ 3.64 trillion loss of property over the last five decades globally. On the other side, researchers have been increasing interest in employing large language models (LLMs) to generate solutions for numerous real-time applications. This work proposes memristor-based electronic circuits for flood alert indication developed through LLM after training through an example. Initially, an average value calculator was designed to record the rainfall associated with four consecutive days. Importantly, a memristor-based electronic circuit was developed to provide extreme rainfall alert indication during heavy rain. Most importantly, the employment of LLM was advantageous in terms of ease and reduction in code complexity by 98.94%. Furthermore, the power consumed by our proposed circuit resulted in ~ 99.9% improvement, whereas the circuit complexity was reduced by ~ 99% when compared to their existing transistor-based counterparts.
Active Contour Model Based on Fuzzy C-Means and Local Pre-fitting Energy for Image Segmentation
Authors: Huang Keya , Ouyang Jingzhi , Weng Guirong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Active contour models (ACM) have achieved remarkable results in image segmentation. However,existing ACMs have some shortcomings such as over-dependence on the initial contour, complexparameter adjustments, and difficulty in balancing segmentation accuracy and speed. To furtherimprove the performance of ACM, this paper proposes an active contour model based on fuzzy c-means and local pre-fitting (FLPF) function. Firstly, a linear weighted image is defined as a samplefor the fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering algorithm to pre-fit the image intensity. A pre-processingoperation is proposed to improve the FCM clustering algorithm and increase the computation speed.Then, second-order differential data-driven terms are designed to guide the curve evolution rapidlyand adaptively toward the target boundary. In addition, adaptive regularization functions are constructed to optimize and normalize the data-driven terms and level set functions, which improves therobustness of the proposed model. Finally, an improved parameter tuning framework based on thedeep learning algorithm YOLOv5 is proposed for the FLPF model to achieve automated parameteradjustments. Compared to other 6 models, our model has advantages in segmentation speed and accuracy, decreasing the average segmentation time by 77.5% and improving the average segmentationaccuracy by more than 7.6% of 10 images.
Loose circle and rock mass strength tests of extremely thin layered surrounding rock in large deformation tunnels
Authors: Peng Feng , Yuan Xiqiang , Li Tianbin , Yuan Yang , Ma Chunchi , Yang Ping , Luo Hong , Deng Changzhong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The scope of the surrounding rock loosening and its mechanical properties can significantly affect the analysis of the excavation loosening range, stress-strain state partitioning, and surrounding rock mass stability. Investigating the mechanical properties and failure modes of the surrounding rock mass, optimizing the support design, and ensuring safety during the tunnel construction and operation have significant engineering value. Therefore, the tests on loose circle and mechanical properties of the rock mass were conducted, yielding the following results. (1) The sonic wave testing method and ground penetrating radar (GPR) detection were more suitable for loose circle testing of extremely thin-layered phyllite than the True Reflection Tomography (TRT) method and borehole camera method. (2) The loose circle zone ranges for the test sections were 4.9m and 6.8m, respectively. (3) The cohesive force and internal friction angle of the test sections were less than 0.3276 MPa and 19.0°, respectively. The test results were consistent with the predominant phyllite composition of the surrounding rock. This study combined in situ tests and site conditions to analyze the causes of tunnel deformation and instability, offering recommendations for tunnel support. These findings served as valuable guidance for similar tunnel support design and construction, and play a crucial role in ensuring constructor safety.