bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heat and Mass Transfer in Infrared Assisted Heat Pump Drying of Purple Yam
Authors: Kien Pham Van , Tan Nguyen Thanh , Nghia Pham Huu , Nguyen Van Tinh , Duc Le Anh , Hay Nguyen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study focused on an engineering problem of heat and mass transfer in infrared (IR) assisted heat pump (HP) drying of purple yam including both a drying experiment and theory of heat and mass transfer mathematical equations. The experimental drying of yam by the IR assisted HP drying method was performed to evaluate the effect of IR power on drying rate and heating rate. The input drying parameters included the drying air temperature of 50°C, drying air velocity of 2.5 m·s−1 and IR power of 0, 300 and 350 W, in which, at the IR power of 0 W, the HP-only drying mode was performed. The experimental drying results showed that the IR assisted HP drying method could improve the drying rate and heating rate as compared to HP-only drying. At the IR power of 350 W, the drying time was the shortest (150 minutes), followed by the IR power of 300 W (210 minutes) and HP-only drying (300 minutes). The IR assisted HP drying obtained the high heating rate as the time required for the drying material to reach the drying temperature was about 35 and 25 minutes corresponding to the IR power of 300 and 350 W. While in HP-only drying, it took about 270 minutes for the drying material’s temperature to reach nearly the drying air temperature value. Besides, the comparison between the predicted data by numerically solving the heat and mass transfer equations and experimental drying data was also conducted. The analysis results indicated that the predicted data could be used to predict the experimental data accurately. The theoretical results of heat and mass transfer in the IR assisted HP drying process as well as experimental drying results would be the basis for improving the IR assisted HP drying equipment to achieve the drying efficiency including the drying rate, quality of dried products, and energy consumption.
Google Trends of political parties in Europe: a fractal exploration
Authors: Gutierrez-Barroso Josue , Báez-García Alberto Javier , Flores-Muñoz Francisco , Ruiz Medina Luis Javier , Trujillo González Juan Vianney , Padrón-Armas Ana Goretty 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Google Trends, despite its controversial nature for some authors, can be considered an illustrative tool in exploring the political inclinations of a given audience. In the current European Union context, understanding the views and opinions of the public is of paramount importance. Through the analysis of search trends, Google Trends can provide valuable insights into the popularity of political parties in the context of the European Union along with other jurisdictions and how these trends change over time. Furthermore, by incorporating fractal dimensions and ARFIMA (Autoregressive Fractionally Integrated Moving Average) analysis into the data obtained, it is possible to reveal previously non-evident relationships, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of the audience‘s political leanings and their interest in specific political parties. The aim of this exploratory study is to assess the potential of ARFIMA, applied to Google Trends data, in characterizing political parties. Preliminary results indicate that this apparatus can be useful for that purpose.
Note on the compatibility of ICOS, NEON, and TERN sampling designs, different camera setups for effective plant area index estimation with digital hemispherical photography
Authors: Kaha Mihkel , Lang Mait , Zhang Shaohui , Pisek Jan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Environmental monitoring networks such as the Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) in Europe, the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) in the U.S., or the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) in Australia deploy different sampling schemes for in situ measurements. We report on the intercomparison of measurements of the canopy gap fraction with different digital hemispherical photography setups adopting ICOS, NEON, and TERN sampling schemes. The test was carried out at the Järvselja Radiation Transfer Model Intercomparison (RAMI) birch stand. Results show that spreading out sampling points which cover more of the plot is important for a good representation of the forest as a whole. The NEON tower plot layout scheme may be more prone to errors in overall canopy properties estimation than ICOS or TERN due to its compact sampling layout and should always be used in conjunction with its distributed plots. Different camera setups involving different camera operators, camera bodies, lenses and settings yield slightly varied results, and it is important to ensure that the images are taken in such a way that they would not be over or underexposed, or out of focus. As a conclusion we recommend always to carry out intercomparison measurements with old and new cameras when devices are upgraded. Our study contributes towards establishing the uncertainty and evaluating potential error budget stemming from collecting in situ measurements using different sampling schemes and camera setups.
Hariliku kuuse (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) kändude juurimise tootlikkus juurimisagregaadiga Pallari KH-160 neljal Eesti katsealal
Authors: Kurvits Vahur , Muiste Peeter , Padari Allar , Uri Veiko 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The aim of this paper was to provide an overview of the productivity of the stump lifting device Pallari KH-160, the distribution of working time, and to assess the dependence of the time and productivity of lifting operations on stump diameter in four different sample areas. Viru and Orguse sample areas were located in the Hepatica site type, Elva sample area in the Oxalis site type, and Rõuge test area in the Myrtillus site type. Viru sample area had smaller stumps compared to the others and had more stumps affected by decay. The highest productivity in terms of dry mass or volume was observed in stump lifting in Rõuge sample area, where 9.8 t of stumps were lifted per hour based on dry mass. The productivity of Viru and Orguse sample areas was lower, but these sample areas are located in the Hepatica site type, characterized by limestone substrates and leached soils. In contrast, Elva and Rõuge test areas are in the Oxalis and Myrtillus site types, respectively, with soils that are predominantly sandy. As the diameter of the stumps increased, the time required per stump increased, but the lifting speed per unit mass also increased. In other words, the productivity of lifting in stands with larger stumps is higher than in stands with smaller stumps. For example, the average productivity of lifting 10 cm diameter stumps is 0.8 t/h, for 20 cm stumps it is 2.2 t/h, and for 60 cm stumps it is 11.8 t/h.
The impact of extra long-term storage of logging residues on fuel quality in Estonian conditions – a case study
Authors: Padari Allar , Mitt Risto , Pärn Linnar , Kurvits Vahur , Kaasik Sander , Muiste Peeter 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions demands a significant increase in the use of wood as a renewable energy source. However, environmental restrictions determine limits on the further growth of harvesting volume. Therefore, a viable solution to enhance the share of energy wood in Estonia’s energy balance involves focusing on less exploited assortments of raw material and implementing precise logistics planning. In recent years, mild winters have posed challenges to the extraction of residues and local transport of wood fuels, taking place on soft and unfrozen soils. In such conditions, ensuring a reliable supply of wood fuels becomes rather complicated. When piles of logging residues on unfrozen soils are inaccessible, there is a need to process older piles. The quality of wood chips from such piles is lower compared to the norm. To investigate the impact of extra long-term storage of residues in piles, a study was conducted at the Järvselja Training and Experimental Forest Centre. In 2010, sample piles were created in birch and spruce final felling areas. Over an eight-year period, samples were regularly taken from the piles to analyse the properties of woody biomass during storage. The study results indicate that the quality of fuel from covered piles changes slowly during the first two years of storage. Subsequently, the degradation speed equalizes in both uncovered and covered piles. Despite extensive degradation and loss of dry matter during long-term storage (approximately 29% for Norway spruce and 55% for silver birch after eight years), the quality of dry fuels still meets standard requirements and remains acceptable for boiler houses.
Validation of saw log and technological wood assortment recovery and reduction predictions based on cut-to-length harvester data
Authors: Padari Allar , Kangur Ahto 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this study, assortment yields were studied for Scots pine, Norway spruce, birch spp. (silver and downy birch), European aspen, black alder, and grey alder stand elements. Theoretical assortment yields were calculated using the Ozolinš’ stem taper curve, incorporating tree diameters and heights. The modelled results were compared with actual yields provided by the State Forest Management Centre. During the study, differences in timber assortments and firewood yields were modelled compared to actual data. Changes in wood assortment yields, compared with undamaged and straight trees, depended on the tree species, stand site index, and stand element age. For Scots pine, depending on the stand site index and age, the reduction in log volume ranged from 7 to 28% of the total volume of all assortments. For Norway spruce, it was 5–30%, for birch spp. 30–70%, for aspen 50–90%, for black alder 20–50% and grey alder 5–30%. The increase in firewood volume according to the volume of all assortments was 3–4% for Scots pine, 5–14% for Norway spruce and birch spp., and 5–16% for European aspen. The difference between log and firewood changes represents the change in pulpwood. Over time, the need for new studies arises to adapt to evolving industry practices, including changes in log diameters and quality criteria. The appendix outlines steps that programmers can take to utilize the developed model.
Development of a footprint description tool utilizing SMEAR Estonia eddy-covariance data and footprint modelling in combination with remote sensed forest species and land cover data
Authors: Kollo Joonas , Padari Allar , Krasnova Alisa , Kangur Ahto , Noe Steffen M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Understanding how forest ecosystems respond to environmental factors, particularly in the context of global climate change, is essential for devising effective mitigation strategies. This study focuses on quantifying the interaction between forest ecosystems and atmospheric gases. To achieve our objectives, we are using the eddy covariance (EC) flux method to measure air turbulence and gas concentrations above the forest canopy at the Station for Measuring Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relations (SMEAR) in southern Estonia. We apply a flux footprint (FFP) model to describe the spatial extent and position of the surface area contributing to the turbulent flux measurements. The FFP analysis provides valuable insights into the long-term changes in SMEAR Estonia, the FFP and its relationship with forest management and land use changes. Our findings reveal that the FFP area varies from year to year due to changes in wind speed and direction, affecting the contribution of different land cover elements to the overall FFP. The average changes in the FFP area at a height of 30 meters were approximately 4.9%, while those at a height of 70 meters were only 1.6%. Moreover, human activities, such as thinning and clear-cutting, influence the growing stock and increment of forest stands.
Effects of four soil types on growth responses and nutrient stoichiometry in Phellodendron chinense seedlings
Authors: Ren Hong-yu , He Min , Qian Wen-zhang , Li Jia-xin , Guo Zi-han , Zhuang Guo-qing , Gao Shun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Phellodendron chinense is an extraordinary medicinal plant, and its stem bark is a famous traditional Chinese medicine in China, containing a number of phytochemicals with biological and pharmacological functions. Studies have shown that the medicinal ingredients in P. chinense from various regions are different, as soil types might be important factors affecting the growth and quality of P. chinense. In this study, the effects of acidic purple soil, alkaline purple soil, yellow soil and red soil on the growth, nutrient element accumulation and partitioning in P. chinense seedlings were studied. Our results showed that the biomass of leaves and stems in acidic purple soil was significantly higher than in other soils, and the root biomass was significantly lower than that in yellow soil. C, N, P and Ca contents cultured in acidic purple soil were the highest compared to other soils, and K and Mg content were the highest in yellow soil and red soil, respectively. The distribution of carbon between different organs can reflect environmental stress. N has become a limiting factor for the growth and development of P. chinense seedlings. C:N and C:P ratios in the leaves were significantly lower than those in the stem and roots. Among four soil types, the highest N:P ratio was 1.65 in P. chinense seedlings. These results suggest that four soil types may significantly affect the accumulation and distribution of biomass and nutrient elements in P. chinense seedlings. The characteristic patterns in different organs have different responses. Acidic purple soil is more suitable for the growth of P. chinense. These findings will help to understand the distribution characteristics and requirements of nutrient elements in P. chinense seedlings, and further provide a theoretical basis and reference for site selection and cultivation strategy.
Vegetation response to forest ditch reconstruction: Promoting a potential habitat for insect-pollinated plant species?
Authors: Gerra-Inohosa Linda , Lībiete Zane , Matisone Ilze 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In a managed forest landscape, the high degree of human intervention has caused significant shifts in natural processes, and preservation of remaining natural ecosystem features is crucial to safeguard ecosystem functioning and support ecosystem services. While drainage ditches, subject to regular maintenance, are anthropogenically created and maintained infrastructure elements, they may still support diverse environmental conditions and provide habitats for a variety of plant species, including flowering plants important for pollinators. We assessed vegetation composition changes on recently reconstructed and unmanaged forest ditches and ditch edges in a commercial forest in Central Latvia in two surveys (one and five years after the ditch reconstruction). We used generalized linear mixed-effects models to analyze the impact of environmental variables on species richness and detrended correspondence analysis to analyze plant species composition. We found higher total plant species richness and insect-pollinated plant species richness along recently reconstructed ditches. The differences were mainly explained by better light availability beside reconstructed ditches. Anthropogenically created and managed ecosystems may support biodiversity and directly and indirectly contribute to the provision of different ecosystem services, including pollination.
Study on Oil-Water Two-phase Flow in the Invisible Measuring Pipeline of the Horizontal Tri-electrode Capacitive Sensor
Authors: Li Lei , Wang Ming , Wang Dahai , Gao Xuewei , Zhu Qianhui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Based on the well logging requirements of horizontal stripper wells, the flow characteristics of the oil-water two-phase flow in the invisible horizontal tri-electrode capacitive sensor (HTCS) measurement pipeline are studied. First, an experimental device and a numerical validation model of a horizontal 20 mm glass pipeline are established to study the flow characteristics of the oil-water two-phase flow. Then, the flow characteristics of the horizontal oil-water two-phase flow in the measurement pipeline under different horizontal inclination angles are studied and the flow patterns and inclination angles suitable for the new tri-electrode capacitive sensor are discussed. Finally, using the horizontal oil-water two-phase flow loop platform of the largest oil and gas testing center in China, the dynamic response of the new capacitive sensor is studied under different inclination angles, flow rates, and water-cut conditions, and the dynamic response law is analyzed based on the simulation results.
A Cloud-Connected Digital System for Type-1 Diabetes Prediction using Time Series LSTM Model
Authors: Priyadarshini K. , Mazroa Alanoud Al , Alamgeer Mohammad , Subashree V. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Millions of people worldwide suffer from diabetes, a medical condition that is spreading at an accelerating pace. Numerous studies show that risk factors that may arise from diabetes can be avoided if the disease is detected early. The health-care monitoring system has benefited greatly from early diabetes prediction made possible by the integration of Deep Learning (DL) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. The objective of many early studies was to increase the prediction model accuracy. However, DL algorithms often cannot fully exploit the potential of the available datasets because they are too small. This study includes a very accurate DL model as well as a novel system that integrates cloud services and allows users to directly enhance an existing data set, which can increase the accuracy of DL techniques. Therefore, the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model with controller is chosen for efficient type-1 diabetes prediction. Experimental validation of the proposed Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC)_LSTM algorithm method is compared with other conventional DL algorithms. The proposed controller method achieves excellent blood glucose set point tracking and the proposed algorithms achieves 98.95% accuracy for the obtained data. It outperforms other existing methods with an increase in percentage accuracy compared to the Benchmark Pima Indian Diabetes Datasets (PIDD).
Study of a 2 kN·m Torque Transducer Tested at GUM and PTB, Including Creep Behaviour
Authors: Fidelus Janusz D. , Trych-Wildner Anna , Puchalski Jacek , Weidinger Paula 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This article presents a study carried out on a 2 kN·m torque transducer at the Central Office of Measures (GUM) and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). The weighted least squares method was used to generate the linear regression equations for this torque transducer. The Monte Carlo method and the law of uncertainty propagation were used to calculate the expanded uncertainty. In addition, a creep study was carried out at eight measurement points ranging from 200 N·m to 2000 N·m. The investigations showed that the highest readings of the torque transducer, expressed in electrical units as mV/V, occur within the initial few seconds of the test after the removal of the maximum reference torque.
‘Besolte Instrumentisten der Königlichen Stadt Breslaw’: The Hess Brothers’ Anthology (1555) and Its European Context*
Authors: Wieczorek Ryszard J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The paper focuses on a comprehensive dance collection compiled by two Wrocław/Breslau town musicians (Stadtpfeifer), the brothers Bartholomäus and Paul Hess. The anthology, partly preserved at Wrocław University Library, was published in 1555 at the Wrocław printing house of Crispin Scharffenberg and documents the transition of dance repertoire from the courtly realm to the private and public spheres, which was typical of the mid-sixteenth century. The Wrocław collection, scored for wind ensemble, contains 477 four- and five-part dances of German, Polish, French, and Italian provenance. The paper offers some new views on the repertoire from the collection. Particular attention has been given to the so-called Polish dances.
Prevention of sudden unexpected postnatal collapse (SUPC) of a newborn in relation to skin-to skin-contact
Authors: Machová Alena , Mágrová Milena , Hanzl Milan , Nováková Eliška , Červený Martin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aim. This study aimed to scoping review the existing literature on the Safe Utilization of Skin-to-Skin Contact (SSC) for neonates in the delivery room, focusing on interventions to enhance newborn safety and to prevent sudden unexpected postnatal collapse (SUPC).

Material and methods. A comprehensive scoping review in line with PRISMA-ScR guidelines was conducted, by searching for scholarly articles published between 2011 and 2022 in scientific databases like ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and PubMed.

Results. From an initial pool of 1,011 articles, relevant and topical ones were identified and categorized into four thematic areas: Knowledge and Proficiency of Delivery Room Nursing Staff; Use of Assessment Tools and Surveillance Strategies; Organizational Aspects of Delivery Rooms; Maternal Education and Active Participation.

Conclusions. To prevent SUPC-related issues, a holistic approach involving both clinical and mechanical monitoring is crucial, emphasizing maternal education and support from skilled nursing staff .
Teaching experiences of digital education during the pandemic – multicentre study
Authors: Filej Bojana , Poredoš Mojca , Simin Dragana , Kolnik Tamara Štemberger , Tomić Sanja , Vori Olja , Turuk Vesna , Bramhagen Ann-Cathrine , Vejzović Vedrana 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aim. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many teachers to switch from traditional face-to-face teaching to the use of various digital platforms in a short period of time. The research aimed to find out about teachers’ experiences of digital education at nursing faculties in four countries (Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden) which participated in the Erasmus+ Digital Education in Nursing project.

Material and methods. Qualitative research with semi-structured group interviews was used. A total of 28 nursing teachers participated. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed inductively, using qualitative content analysis. The interviews were analysed in accordance with the study aim by searching for codes which were grouped into subcategories and then into categories based on the similarity of the content.

Results. Three important themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: “conflicting feelings of teachers when switching to digital teaching”, “lack of digital competences”, “challenges for digital teaching in the future”.

Conclusions. Rapidly developing digital technology provides new possibilities and support for both teaching and learning. The research identified the need for further development of the digital competences of teachers, who recommended that a hybrid teaching method is the best for the education of nurses, since certain skills cannot be acquired by students solely in a digital way.