bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strength and Durability of Superplasticizer Concrete Based on Different Component Parameters: An Experimental and Statistical Study
Authors: Tugrul Tunc Esra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Concrete, which forms the skeleton of buildings, is the most important building material to ensure the continuity of a building’s durability and to survive a possible earthquake. Concrete durability is directly related to its constituent materials. In this study, it was investigated how concrete aggregate and chemical admixture change the strength of concrete according to their type. The research question of this study is: what is the place and importance of aggregate and chemical admixture in increasing concrete strength? Recent earthquakes, especially in Turkey, have shown that most of the buildings that collapsed had poor-quality concrete. The aim of this study is to determine the concrete mix designs for the production of superplasticizer concrete for the production of concrete with the desired strength depending on the tested parameters. In this study, the effect of the parameters that make up the tested concrete content on concrete strength was investigated both experimentally and statistically. Water–cement ratio, aggregate type, Los Angeles abrasion resistance of aggregates, aggregate–cement ratio and new-generation polycarboxylate-supported superplasticizer chemical admixture are the parameters in the concrete content. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS, an up-to-date software, using the experimental findings. There was a very good agreement between both measured and predicted values. The equations with a coefficient of determination R
2 > 0.96 were derived. The developed statistical method was found to be unique and highly accurate. Thus, it is aimed to provide safe, economical, practical and time-saving pre-mix designs.
Parametric Analysis of a Retaining System Formed by Anchored Piles in Urban Excavations
Authors: Gil-Hernandez Jackson Andres , Suaza-Cortes Julián Alberto , Zapata-Medina David Guillermo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe earth-retaining system made up of discontinuous anchored piles is widely used in urban areas because it uses construction methods that are easy to install and low cost. These retention systems typically comprise a line of discontinuous piles, anchors, and a capping beam connecting all piles in the row. This study evaluated the influence of geometric parameters and horizontal deformations in the containment system comprising discontinuous piles. For the above, a three-dimensional Finite Element Model was calibrated based on the geomechanical characteristics of the soil profile and the deformations in the retaining system. Variations were made to the numerical model in the values of the surcharge, the inclination of the anchors, the diameter of the piles, the embedment of the pile, and the use of the capping beam. The results showed that the surcharge, the piles' embedment, and the piles' diameter directly affect the retention system's horizontal deformations. It was observed that the optimal inclination of the anchors is 10°–20° concerning the horizontal, and the use of the capping beam plays an essential role in the control of deformations at the top of the retaining system.
Advantages of Using a Seismic Piezocone Penetration Test for Analysis of a Single Screw In Situ Displacement Pile in Silty Soils
Authors: Leetsaar Lehar , Korkiala-Tanttu Leena 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe determination of pile bearing capacity using the load–settlement relationship has been widely recognised as an effective means of directly determining the bearing capacity of a pile through in situ tests. Among the various techniques available for such investigations, the seismic cone penetration test (SCPTu) stands out as one of the most reliable. One key advantage of this test is its ability to measure the shear wave velocity (Vs) during the sounding process. In this study, the range of Vs values was examined specifically in silty soils. The data for this study were obtained from six SCPTu soundings and load tests conducted on seven screw in situ displacement piles. In addition to the four known correlations between the cone penetration test (CPTu) and Vs, three new correlations were developed, showing promising results for most of the soil layers examined. Moreover, a correlation between the normalised operative shear stiffness and the normalised pseudo-strain was established based on back-calculations using the results of static pile load tests. The findings of this study highlight the complexity of the correlation between CPTu readings and Vs in silty soils, emphasising the need for further research in this area.
E-learning Supporting Surgical Training in Low-Resource Settings
Authors: O’Flynn Eric , Ahmed Ahmed , Biswas Arushi , Bempong-Ahun Nefti , Perić Ines , Puyana Juan Carlos 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Surgical training is most needed in low-resource settings (LRSs) worldwide. Technological advances provide new tools to expand and enhance surgical training in these settings. Accessible technologies such as e-learning can achieve an immediate impact on training.

Recent Findings
LRS trainees regard both e-learning resources specifically designed for their context, and those designed for other contexts, as valuable. However, LRS trainees have some specific learning needs which are best addressed through LRS learner-centred content. Challenges to creating valuable educational experiences include infrastructural deficiencies, difficulties in finding and accessing resources, variable quality of material, incompleteness, repetition, and a lack of context- and curricula-focused material.

Summary
Future efforts should focus on improving the findability, quality, and contextual appropriateness of educational resources, while emphasizing sustainability and local ownership. The appropriateness, acceptability, and impact of available e-learning resources in LRSs should be evaluated.
Recent Progress in High-Efficiency Transparent Vacuum Insulation Technologies for Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Jung Wonyeong , Kim Dohyung , Ko Seung Hwan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEnhancing energy efficiency in buildings is a pivotal strategy for reducing energy consumption and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. As part of global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, there is a heightened focus on improving window insulation because windows are a significant source of thermal loss, representing nearly 40% of a building's heat dissipation. This study explores the development and application of vacuum insulation glazing (VIG), a cutting-edge insulation technology, to substantially reduce heat transfer through windows, thereby contributing to building energy savings. With its superior insulation performance, achieving thermal transmittance levels around 0.5W/m2·K, VIG technology presents a promising advancement over traditional double-glazed or gas-filled insulating glass units (IGUs). However, the adoption of VIG is challenged by economic factors, with costs significantly higher than standard IGUs and triple-glazed windows meeting passive house standards. The production of VIG, characterized by lengthy evacuation times and high processing temperatures, contributes to its elevated price. This research identifies the potential for cost reduction through optimizing manufacturing processes, including using low-melting-point solders for hermetic sealing and localized heating techniques to shorten production times. Despite the high initial cost, the potential for integrating VIG with other smart technologies suggests a promising future for achieving carbon neutrality in buildings. The study calls for further research and standardization in VIG production to overcome current technical and economic barriers, paving the way for its wider adoption and realizing next-generation energy-efficient building materials.
Fuzzy graphs and their applications in finding the best route, dominant node and influence index in a network under the hesitant bipolar-valued fuzzy environment
Authors: Raja Jambi Ratna , Lee Jeong Gon , Dhotre Dhanraj , Mane Pravin , Rajankar Omprakash Sugdeo , Kalampakas Antonios , Jambhekar Navin D. , Bhalke D. G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper introduces the concept of hesitant bipolar-valued fuzzy graph (HBVFG), which captures the two opposing perspectives, namely the positive and negative opinions. The novelty, importance and implications of this concept are illustrated by some results, examples, and graphical representations. There are, respectively, some theoretical terms of graphs such as partial directed hesitant bipolar-valued fuzzy subgraph (HBVFSG), directed HBVFSG, directed spanning HBVFSG, strong directed HBVFG and complete directed HBVFG which are introduced. The operations, such as Cartesian, direct, lexicographical, and strong products, are also defined between two HBVFGs with examples. The mapping relations, such as homomorphism, isomorphism, weak isomorphism, and co-weak isomorphism, are derived with an example. The applications of directed HBVFGs with algorithms for finding the optimal path in a network and the dominant node and influence of index with the self-persistence degree of a node in a social network are presented. For each problem, an algorithm is developed and its effectiveness is demonstrated by examples. The proposed concept is assessed in terms of theory and practice. The benefits of the proposed solution are highlighted and a clear comparison is made with the existing methods.
A review on modeling nutrient dynamics and loadings in forest-dominated watersheds under cold climate conditions
Authors: Liu Yongbo , Shrestha Rajesh , Fong Phil , Yerubandi Ram 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis review summarized the past and current studies on forest nutrient export and existing watershed water quality models that are capable of predicting nutrient loadings from forest-dominated watersheds. Emphasis was given to the watershed models used under cold climate conditions and their capacities and limitations in assessing the impacts of forest best management practices (BMPs) and climate change scenarios on nutrient loadings at a watershed scale. The nutrient export rates in forest-dominated watersheds were found to vary significantly controlled by local climate and landscape conditions. Some watershed water quality models can estimate nutrient loadings from forests either with a simplified forest growth function or without a forest growth component. No existing watershed water quality models have explicit representation forest BMP functions. Combining or coupling with a forest growth model is required for a realistic simulation of nutrient dynamics and assessing the impact of forest BMPs in a forest-dominated watershed. The review also considered the suitability of models for exploring the potential effects of climate change on hydrologic and nutrient processes relevant to forest management. Discussions on the challenges and limitations of forested watershed water quality models and recommendations for future development were made following the review. The findings of this study can provide valuable references for water quality modeling studies in forest-dominated watersheds under cold climate conditions.
Slope instability mechanism with differential rock mass structure along a fault: a mine landslide from Southwest China
Authors: Wei Tao , Chen GuoQing , Zhu Zhou , Tang Peng , Yan Ming 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMine slope stability and mining sustainability are related to the local geological structures, which could change the rock mass structure in deep mining. After 20 years mining in a mudstone mine, western China, the slope structure transforms from anti-dipping structure into a bedding structure by a recently discovered fault (F1), further inducing the two landslides (Landslide #I and Landslide #II). Landslide investigation suggested the residual deposits in Landslide #I first slid over 100 m and overburdened the rear of Landslide #II. The bedding rock with weak interlayers at footwall is separated from the anti-dipping rock at the hanging wall by F1. After excavation, a weak interlayer was exposed and softened by rainfall, resulting in the slip of footwall rock mass and further inducing large scale toppling deformation. The fragmented rock mass sliding along a weak interlayer triggers consequent deformation of adjacent slope, reducing safety reserve of the open mine. The discrete element analysis reveals that the bedding rock mass of footwall slid once the weak interlayer was exposed by mining. And retrogressive deformation transmitted to the hanging wall and induced bending and toppling deformation of anti-dipping rock mass. Mine feasibility assessment should recognize the potential deep geological structures as important in the future.
Exploring the different stages of treated wastewater on various cement types
Authors: ElGazzar Moemn , Elnemr Amr 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecycled wastewater in construction presents an opportunity to ease freshwater scarcity while advancing sustainability. This study investigated the influences of cement type and treated wastewater source on setting time and mechanical properties of cement paste and mortar. Three cement types, ordinary Portland cement (CEM I), CEM III/A, and CEM IV/A-P, were encountered. Four plants treated wastewater versus potable water as control. Fifteen mixes were encountered; every 5 mixes addressed certain cement types along with specified treated water types. Two phases were designed; Phase I evaluated setting time in pastes and Phase II evaluated the flexural and compressive strengths of mortar specimens at 2 and 28 days of age. The significant impact of both variables was observed. CEM III/A displayed the fastest setting among the other mixes, while CEM I was the slowest. Wastewater accelerated setting versus distilled water. The mechanical performance also varied based on the cement–wastewater combination. CEM IV/A-P provided optimal strength enhancement up to 50% in flexural and 35% in compressive strength with wastewater compared to CEM I control. Results were attributed to cement–water interactions influencing hydration and microstructure. While CEM I achieved low mechanical strength with wastewater; CEM III/A, and CEM IV/A-P benefits, especially at early ages. Considerable variability highlights the complex interplay of factors governing performance. Coupled chemical-microstructural analysis was recommended to elucidate underlying mechanisms. Overall, tailored cement–wastewater selection shows promise for sustainable concrete, pending further optimization and durability testing. The study provides a platform for context-specific development of eco-efficient construction materials utilizing locally available resources.
Multi-decade land cover/land use dynamics and future predictions for Zambia: 2000–2030
Authors: Chisanga Charles Bwalya , Phiri Darius , Mubanga Kabwe Harnadih 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHuman LULCC is the many driver of environmental changes. Accurate and up-to-date current and predicted information on LULCC is important in land use planning and natural resource management; however, in Zambia, detailed information on LULCC is insufficient. Therefore, this study assessed the dynamics of LULC change (2000–2020) and future projections (2020–2030) for Zambia. The ESA CCI land cover maps, which have been developed from Sentinel-2 images were used in this study. This dataset has a grid spatial resolution of 300 m for the 2000, 2010 and 2020. The 31 ESA CCI Classification were reclassified into ten (10) local Classifications using the r.class module in QGIS 2.18.14. The 2000 and 2010 LULC maps were used to simulate the 2020 LULC scenario using Artificial Neural Network (Multi-layer Perception) algorithms in Modules for Land Use Change Evaluation (MOLUSCE) plugin in QGIS 2.18.14. The 2010 and 2020 maps were used to predict the 2030 LULC classes. The reference 2020 and predicted 2020 LULC maps were used to validate the model. Predicted against observed 2020 LULC map, Kappa (loc) statistic was 0.9869. The 2020 LULC patterns was successfully simulated using ANN-MLP with accuracy level of 95%. LULC classes were predicted for 2030 using the 2010–2020 calibration period. The predicted 2030 LULC types shows an increase in built-up (71.44%) and decrease in cropland (0.73%) with reference to 2020 LULC map. Dense forest (0.19%), grassland (0.85%) and bare land (1.37%) will reduce from 2020–2030. However, seasonally flooded, sparse forest, shrub land, wetland and water body will increase marginally. The largest LULC change is from forest into other LULC types. The insights from this study show that ANN-MLP can be used to predict LULCC, and that the generated information can be employed in land use planning and National Adaptation Plans at regional and national scale.
Assessing Radiative Impacts of African Smoke Aerosols Over the Southeastern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Logan Timothy , Dong Xiquan , Xi Baike , Zheng Xiaojian , Wu Lily , Abramowitz Aidin , Goluszka Amanda , Harper Maeland 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBiomass burning smoke aerosols are efficient at attenuating incoming solar radiation. The Layered Atlantic Smoke Interactions with Clouds campaign was conducted from June 2016 to October 2017. The U. S. Department of Energy mobile Atmospheric Radiation Measurement site located on Ascension Island (AMF‐ASI) identified several instances of smoke plume intrusions. Increases in surface and column measurements of aerosol loading were directly related to increases in fine mode fraction, number concentrations of aerosols (Na), and cloud condensation nuclei (NCCN). During periods of weak lower tropospheric stability, smoke particles were more likely to be advected downward either by boundary layer turbulence or cloud top entrainment under non‐overcast sky conditions. Backward trajectory analysis illustrated that smoke aerosols reaching the AMF‐ASI site were fine mode, less aged, strongly absorbing, and had shorter boundary layer trajectories while longer boundary layer trajectories denoted mixtures of weakly absorbing smoke and coarse mode marine aerosols. The most polluted smoke cases of August 2016 and 2017 revealed a notable contrast in radiative forcing per unit aerosol optical depth or radiative forcing efficiency (ΔFeff) at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) and near‐surface (BOA). The weakly (strongly) absorbing 2016 cases exhibited weaker (stronger) ΔFeff at the TOA and BOA suggesting a warming (cooling) effect within the boundary layer. The 2017 cases featured the strongest ΔFeff suggesting more of a cooling effect at the TOA and BOA due to mixing of fresh smoke with marine aerosols during transport.
Deglacial Carbon Escape From the Northern Rim of the Southern Ocean
Authors: Umling N. E. , Sikes E. , Rafter P. , Goodkin N. F. , Southon J. R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Southern Ocean regulates atmospheric CO2 and Earth's climate as a critical region for air‐sea gas exchange, delicately poised between being a CO2 source and sink. Here, we estimate how long a water mass has remained isolated from the atmosphere and utilize 14C/12C ratios (Δ14C) to trace the pathway and escape route of carbon sequestered in the deep ocean through the mixed layer to the atmosphere. The position of our core at the northern margin of the Southern Indian Ocean, tracks latitudinal shifts of the Southern Ocean frontal zones across the deglaciation. Our results suggest an expanded glacial Antarctic region trapped CO2, whereas deglacial expansion of the subantarctic permitted ventilation of the trapped CO2, contributing to a rapid atmospheric CO2 rise. We identify frontal positions as a key factor balancing CO2 outgassing versus sequestration in a region currently responsible for nearly half of global ocean CO2 uptake.
Antarctic Vortex Dehydration in 2023 as a Substantial Removal Pathway for Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai Water Vapor
Authors: Zhou Xin , Dhomse Sandip S. , Feng Wuhu , Mann Graham , Heddell Saffron , Pumphrey Hugh , Kerridge Brian J. , Latter Barry , Siddans Richard , Ventress Lucy , Querel Richard , Smale Penny , Asher Elizabeth , Hall Emrys G. , Bekki Slimane , Chipperfield Martyn P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe January 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai (HTHH) injected a huge amount (∼150 Tg) of water vapor (H2O) into the stratosphere, along with small amount of SO2. An off‐line 3‐D chemical transport model (CTM) successfully reproduces the spread of the injected H2O through October 2023 as observed by the Microwave Limb Sounder. Dehydration in the 2023 Antarctic polar vortex caused the first substantial (∼20 Tg) removal of HTHH H2O from the stratosphere. The CTM indicates that this process will dominate removal of HTHH H2O for the coming years, giving an overall e‐folding timescale of 4 years; around 25 Tg of the injected H2O is predicted to still remain in the stratosphere by 2030. Following relatively low Antarctic column ozone in midwinter 2023 due to transport effects, additional springtime depletion due to H2O‐related chemistry was small and maximized at the vortex edge (10 DU in column).
The Upper Crustal Deformation Field of Greece Inferred From GPS Data and Its Correlation With Earthquake Occurrence
Authors: Chousianitis Konstantinos , Sboras Sotirios , Mouslopoulou Vasiliki , Chouliaras Gerasimos , Hristopulos Dionissios T. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe present a new geodetic strain rate and rotation rate model for Greece that has been derived using a highly dense GPS velocity field. The spatial distribution and the resolved rates of the various velocity gradient tensor quantities provided updated constraints on the present‐day upper crustal deformation in the region and revealed new details not reported previously. The spatial distribution of the second invariant demonstrated that the overall magnitude of strain rates is highest across two well‐defined provinces. The first follows the North Anatolian Fault and its two branches within the north Aegean, crosses central Greece and through the Gulf of Corinth it terminates in western Greece, while the second encompasses the extensional province of western Turkey and the eastern Aegean Sea islands. Our estimates revealed that shearing affects some of the fault‐bounded grabens of central Greece that lie to the SW of the North Aegean Basin implying considerable oblique extension. We identified a narrow region of counterclockwise rotation whose location and kinematics have been induced by the net effect across the intersection of the clockwise rotating domains of western and central Greece. The Aegean microplate and the Anatolian plate are separated by a wide transition zone which accommodates the curved stretching of the entire plate system. In both edges of the Hellenic forearc the dominant mode of crustal strain is E‐W extension. We found that earthquakes of M ≥ 5.6 are spatially well‐correlated with high‐strain areas, indicating that strain rate mapping could be used to inform future probabilistic seismic hazard analyses.