esa-sceva/satcom-chunk-collection huggingface dataset:
# Improvement of [PERSON]'s Stripe Noise Suppression Method for Side-Scan Sonar Images
## 5 Conclusions  
In this paper, an improved Criminisi algorithm for removing stripe noise from side-scan sonar images is proposed, and its effectiveness and superiority were validated through experiments. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) The proposed algorithm outperforms traditional methods such as guided filter, wavelet decomposition, and median filtering in stripe noise removal, achieving significant improvements in the PSNR and SSIM metrics. It surpasses the Fourier transform in denoising effectiveness and image texture preservation, effectively removing stripe noise without leaving residual shadows. (2) The importance of data terms, priority functions, and matching criteria in enhancing algorithm performance was validated. Improvements in each component significantly enhance the effectiveness of denoising. (3) The proposed algorithm excels in removing real stripe noise, particularly wide stripes, but it may have limitations in certain scenarios. Combining the proposed algorithm with the Fourier transform for further smoothing could yield better results.  
Overall, the proposed improved algorithm demonstrates clear advantages and effectiveness in removing stripe noise from side-scan sonar images, providing substantial technical support and a reference for image and signal processing in related fields. Future research could explore its applicability and optimization in broader scenarios. At the same time, it is necessary to carry out research on fringe noise suppression in side-scan sonar images using intelligent algorithms, such as machine learning and deep learning, and to identify the intelligent algorithms suitable for this task. Additionally, the Criminisi algorithm could be combined with intelligent algorithms in future research.  
Conceptualization, S.J.; methodology, H.X.; formal analysis, G.B.; resources, C.P. and W.Z.; writing--original draft preparation, H.X.; writing--review and editing, S.J., Y.C. and G.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. This research received no external funding.  
Not applicable.  
Sample data are included in the article.  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
###### Abstract  
Returning crop residues to agricultural fields can accelerate nutrient turnover and increase N\({}_{2}\)O and NO emissions. Increased microbial respiration may lead to formation of local hotspots with anoxic or microoxic conditions promoting denitrification. To investigate the effect of litter quality on CO\({}_{2}\), NO, N\({}_{2}\)O, and N\({}_{2}\) emissions, we conducted a laboratory incubation study in a controlled atmosphere (He/O\({}_{2}\), or pure He) with different maize litter types (_Zaa mays_ L., young leaves and roots, straw). We applied the N\({}_{2}\)O isotopocube mapping approach to distinguish between N\({}_{2}\)O emitting processes and partitioned the CO\({}_{2}\) efflux into litter- and soil organic matter (SOM)-derived CO\({}_{2}\) based on the natural \({}^{13}\)C isotope abundances. Maize litter increased total and SOM derived CO\({}_{2}\) emissions leading to a positive priming effect. Although C turnover was high, NO and N\({}_{2}\)O fluxes were low under oxide conditions as high O\({}_{2}\) diffusivity limited denitrification. In the first week, nitrification contributed to NO emissions, which increased with increasing net N mineralization. Isotopocule mapping indicated that bacterial processes dominated N\({}_{2}\)O formation in litter-amended soil in the beginning of the incubation experiment with a subsequent shift towards fungal denitrification. With onset of anoxic incubation conditions after 47 days, N fluxes strongly increased, and heterotrophic bacterial denitrification became the main source of N\({}_{2}\)O. The N\({}_{2}\)O/(N\({}_{2}\)O+N\({}_{2}\)) ratio decreased with increasing litter C:N ratio and C\({}_{\text{org}}\):NO\({}_{3}\)\({}^{-}\) ratio in soil, confirming that the ratio of available C:N is a major control of denitrification product stoichiometry.  
Keywords:fungal denitrification; nitrification; isotopocules; priming effect; nitric oxide; nitrous oxide; dinitrogen; greenhouse gas; decomposition +
Footnote †: journal: Applied Sci.
## 3 Critical and Rare Metals in Greece
### Rare Earth Elements (REE)  
The demand for rare earth elements (REE) has been increased in the last years due to their applications in a wide range of consumer products such as automotive catalytic converters, photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, flat panel displays (cell phones, screen TVs, computers, portable DVDs), permanent magnets, hybrid and electric vehicles. They are also strategic raw materials with important defense uses in jet fighter engines, space-based satellites and communication systems. China controls approximately 95% of the global supply of rare earths and recently imposed quotas on exports in order to preserve its resources for domestic consumption. This has caused concerns in the EU, USA and Japanese markets regarding future REE supplies.  
Recently it was announced that by 2013 USA will be able to meet a majority of its demands from North American sources [38]. European industry imports more than 90% of its REE needs and consumes about 30% of the global annual production [38]. The abandoned mines in Greece could relieve European industry problems [39] and this is in accordance with the recent investigation results in several areas of Greece.  
Significant reserves of REE are found in the placer deposits along the coast of Northeastern Greece between the peninsula of Chalkidiki and Kavala, with 240 km coastal length [40; 41; 42]. Geochemical investigations revealed up to 8000 ppm in REE with 93.5% consisting of the light REE mainly Ce, La, Nd and Pr, with allanite being the main REE-bearing mineral phase [40]. It is very probable that the primary sources of these LREE bearing placers are located at the nearby Kavala or Pangeon Mt. intrusion-related systems. Recently, one metallurgical scoria from old smelting furnaces (possibly from Ottoman period) at the Pangeon Mt., revealed 6171 ppm La, 10,883 ppm Ce, 1062 ppm Pr, 3249 ppm Nd, 334 ppm Sm and 214 ppm Eu [43]. Further geological and geochemical research could help locate the extremely high LREE-enriched source rocks, possibly on Pangeon Mt. It should be however mentioned that the heavy REE are the more highly sought after in the world industry.  
Of major importance for future REE exploration-exploitation can also be considered the bauxite deposits of Parnasos Mt, with REE contents reaching 6300 ppm [3], the Pb-Zn-Cu bearing granitic dikes from Plaka deposit in Lavrion with 428 ppm La and 976 ppm Ce [36], and the porphyry Cu-Au system of Vathi/Kilkis with relatively high content of La (500 ppm) and Ce (715 ppm) [this study].
## 2 Sampling and Methods  
### Mine Sampling Locations  
The study area encompasses three major Carboniferous coal mines of Lenin, Saradyr, and Bogatyr in northeast Kazakhstan (see Figure 1A-C) and two Jurassic coal mines of Maikuben and Shubarkol (Figure 1D,E). Sampling at these mines was specifically chosen due to their status as the country's oldest and relatively young coal deposits, featuring extensive sedimentary deposition, various ash yield, substantial reserves, and significant mining activity, which makes them crucial for both industrial applications and environmental studies. A total 105 samples were collected and studied from working and exposed coal seams at the five active coal mines located in central and northeast Kazakhstan. Sampling was conducted across five operational coal mines of Lenin, Bogatyr, Saradyr, Maikuben, and Shubarkol (Figure 1A-E). A total of 105 grab samples were collected, with approximately 5 samples composited to form each of the 21 composite samples. Sampling was conducted at vertical intervals of 0.2-0.5 m for all mines, except at Bogatyr, where horizontal intervals were used due to mining area constraints. All samples were stored in plastic bags to minimize potential contamination and oxidation. The dataset includes 69 samples of Carboniferous hard coals obtained from three of these mines, and 36 samples of Jurassic brown coals sourced from the remaining two mines. Using a grab sampling method, samples were collected from active and mining coal seams at each mine and then combined through composite sampling to conduct a comprehensive analysis, which involved integrated inorganic geochemical investigations within general views of mineralogical content.  
A total of 105 coal samples were selected: 26 samples from the workable coal seam \(N\) 6 within the Dolyn coal formation, collected from the underground Lenin mine (located in Shahtinsk town) at a depth of approximately 700 m, and 43 samples from the Saradyr (near Yerementau town) and Bogatyr (near Ekbastuz city) open-pit coal mines, at depths ranging from 140 to 260 m. Additionally, 36 Jurassic coal samples were collected from the Shubarkol (150 km northeast of Jezgazgan city) and Maikuben (160 km southwest of Pavlodar city, and 65 km southeast of the Bogatyr mine) open-pit mines, where coal production occurs at depths of around 150 m. The coal samples are labeled as DL and DU (from the Lower and Upper Dolyn seams) from the Lenin mine, B1, B2, and B3 (from three coal seams) from the Bogatyr mine, and S (from a single seam) from the Saradyr mine. For the Jurassic coals, samples are labeled SH and SP (from three coal seams in the western and central parts) from the Shubarkol mine, and M sample label (from the Shoptykol coal formation) is from the Maikuben mine.
# A Low-Complexity Ordered Statistics Decoding Algorithm for Short Polar Codes
## 7 Extend to Long Polar Codes  
In this section, we describe how to apply TH-OSD to longer polar codes. Direct use of TH-OSD on long codes is not practical since the number of possible codewords grows too fast. [PERSON] et al. [16] decomposed the overall polar code into an inner code and an outer code. We can apply TH-OSD as the decoder of the outer code and SC as the decoder of the inner code. Figure 2 shows the structure of the hybrid TH-OSD-SC decoding algorithm. We should restrict the length of the outer code (e.g., 64, 128, and 256) in order to apply TH-OSD. Based on the analysis in Section 5, we conclude that this hybrid decoding algorithm provides lower WER and faster decoding speed than SC dose.
# Predicting Pedestrian Crashes in Texas' Intersections and Midblock Segments
## 5 Results and Discussion
The distance to hospitals in the Austin model is not relevant, likely due to the small area selected for the model, where multiple hospitals are located across the city. The exposure variable for transit presence is significant (midblock) and suggests a positive correlation with the number of pedestrian crashes. However, the variables related to transit are not as sensitive in this model compared to the Texas model. Land use variables, such as population density, employment density, and average household income were approximated using the CAMPO data at the TAZ level to analyze the effects on the city's pedestrian crash rate. Population density has a positive and significant effect, as expected. One standard deviation increase (3.3 thousand individuals per square mile) led to a 15% (intersections) and 21% (midblock) increase in crash rates. The employment density, in contrast, does not have an effect on the intersections model. A significant finding suggests that areas with a higher average household income tend to present fewer pedestrian crashes. An increase of USD 41,000 in average household income led to a reduction of 32% (intersections) and 39% (midblock) in pedestrian crash rates. Finally, an indicator variable of the CBD in the city highlights the importance of this area, with midblock crashes being more sensitive (240%) in this area than intersection crashes (78%), but both models showing a relevant effect. The models developed in this study provide a micro-level analysis framework that can be used in studies, such as BCAs. For example, the models can be used to provide an estimate for the number of crashes at specific intersections and midblock segments in future years, e.g., by projecting expected DVMT and WMT growth. The expected number of pedestrian crashes can then be used to compare the crashes that can be reduced by applying countermeasure treatments (such as pedestrian refuge islands, raised crosswalks, and leading pedestrian intervals) in each of the crash hot-spot locations. Economic analysis of the cost of the treatments and the reduced number of crashes can then inform BCAs for various uses.
# Swarm Intelligence Techniques for Mobile Wireless Charging
## 2 Related Works and Comparison
### Energy Provisioning Using MCs in WRSNs
The first solution employed a greedy charging scheme to solve the TCP, while the second solution proposed a heuristic algorithm to address the TAP. The authors conducted simulations to evaluate the performance of their solutions. However, their solutions were focused on investigating the minimum MCs problem and their routes taken to recharge their sensor-nodes, which may not significantly improve the network lifetime. Our solution is designed to critically evaluate the issues affecting efficient wireless mobile charging in LS-WSNs to maintain a continuous network operation. Moreover, while their solution is limited to sensor-charging, ours can be exploited for both wireless charging and data collection schemes. The work in [9] proposed the use of two different kinds of vehicles, one for data collection and one for wireless charging. Apart from the problem of scheduling two different types of vehicles to a given network, this technique also incurred an increase in the energy consumption of the network, arising from an increase in the vehicles' movement energy consumption. Moreover, this technique was not cost effective. On the contrary, our approach can exploit the same mobile elements for both the data collection and the energy provisioning to the sensor-nodes to further minimize energy consumption and the cost of deployments. Owing to the potential hazards caused by a high exposure to EM radiation, the paper [40] gave safety considerations to the use of multiple MCs and proposed a safe charging algorithm for WRSNs. This algorithm was meant to create a balance in the relationship between safe charging and radiation safety. The authors in [41] introduced collaborative mobile charging, whereby MCs can also charge each other (in contrast to our model, where we do not address chargers charging each other). Most of the works in the literature are advancing the topic but are failing to address the capability of a network infrastructure supporting more than one MC, thus creating scalability problems. Such a capability is crucial regarding extending the operational lifetime of a large-scale sensor network containing thousands of sensor-nodes through exploiting multiple MCs. Others overlooked the need to comprehensively address some critical issues and important tradeoffs affecting efficient wireless mobile charging, as is currently being investigated in this study. Compared to existing approaches, our method employs a distributed approach that exploits SI-based techniques for mobile wireless charging in a large-scale wireless sensor network, utilizing local and global network knowledge. Moreover, the multiple MCs approach will handle the scalability problem arising from the single MC technique, which is characterized by high latency times and high node death rates in LS-WSN scenarios.
# Experimental Characterization of Thermal Conductivity with a New Compact Hot-Box Prototype
## 2 Materials and Methods
### Instrumentation and Control  
Thermal conductivity was determined from experimental measurements obtained under conditions close to steady-state operation. This approach ensured a uniform temperature distribution on the specimen surfaces over a period. The temperature gradient and uniformity of temperature distribution were achieved by creating artificial atmospheres within the hot and cold chambers.  
In the hot chamber, the internal atmosphere was established by supplying a thermal load using an electric resistance array to heat the air. To ensure homogeneous airflow, an axial fan was positioned near the thermal resistance to force air circulation by convection. The heating elements were helical resistances, each with a resistance of approximately 96 \(\Omega\) and a power rating of 100-125 W. The electrical power supply and fan speed were controlled by adjusting the supply voltage using a dimmer (Table 2).  
Figure 2: Thermographic images of the outer contour of the experimental cell during a test. (**a**) Front, (**b**) Side, (**c**) Top.  
Inside the hot chamber, at 32 cm from the specimen and 22 cm from the fan, a 0.5 cm plywood vertical shield was installed to protect the specimen from internal radiation effects generated by the resistance and direct airflow. Additionally, the entire inner perimeter of the hot chamber was lined with a hardboard, a low-emissivity material, which helped mitigate radiation effects and prevented the expanded polystyrene layer from coming into direct contact with the thermal resistance.  
To maintain steady-state operating conditions, a control system was required by the hot chamber to adjust the thermal load based on internal air temperature. Since the prototype's hot chamber exhibited high thermal inertia, a control strategy was needed to optimize response time for each test. For this reason, a lead compensator with integral action was implemented to reduce steady-state error without significantly affecting settling time. A PWM-based thermal regulation system, using an array of electric resistances, was employed to control heat flux within the hot chamber, maintaining near-steady-state conditions.  
In the cold chamber, the internal atmosphere was directly influenced by laboratory conditions, as it was open to the surrounding environment. Consequently, the air temperature was affected by the ambient conditions. To enhance control over the laboratory atmosphere, a dedicated space of 215 cm (width) \(\times\) 300 cm (length) \(\times\) 275 cm (height) was allocated, equipped with an air-conditioning system exclusively dedicated to the laboratory.
## 3 Empirical Results
### Robustness Test
#### 3.6.2 Change Estimation Method  
To alleviate the estimation errors caused by bidirectional causality and legacy variables and overcome the inconsistency of estimators in maximum likelihood estimation, the generalized spatial two-stage least squares method (GS2 SLS) is applied in this paper. Explanatory variables and their spatial lag terms are taken as instrumental variables to alleviate the endogeneity problem as far as possible [46]. The estimation result shows no change substantially, indicating that the results of this paper are robust.
# Experimental Investigation and Mechanism of Fly Ash/Slag-Based Geopolymer-Stabilized Soft Soil+
## 3 Response Surface Analysis  
### UCS of Geopolymer-Stabilized Soft Soils  
#### 3.1.1 Effect of Slag on UCS of Stabilized Soil  
The variations in the UCS of the stabilized soil with the curing age after the addition of different proportions of blast furnace slag are shown in Figure 1. It can be seen that the strength of the geopolymer-stabilized soil gradually increased with age. When the slag content was increased from 10% to 50%, the UCS of the geopolymer solidified soil increased slightly. When the content was 50%, the strength of the solidified soil cured for 28 d was 1.53 MPa. When the slag content was increased from 50% to 90%, the UCS of the stabilized soil increased dramatically, reaching 7.20 MPa at 90%. This shows that the excitation effect of the alkali activator on slag was significantly stronger than that of the FA, and the excitation of the slag played a major role in the increase in the strength of the stabilized soil specimens [27]. The reason for this is that the slag contained more vitreous than the FA, and the SiO\({}_{4}\)\({}^{4-}\) in the vitreous was easily depolymerized and hydrated by the other substances under the alkaline environment. In addition, the CaO content of the slag was several times higher than that of the FA. The Si and Al ions polymerized with Ca\({}^{2+}\) and formed a large number of overlapping gel products, which were beneficial to the strength development of the stabilized soil [28].
# Short-Term Deformability of Three-Dimensional Printable EVA-Modified Cementitious Mortars
## 2 Summary of the Author's Previous Research
### Buildability  
Buildability was evaluated by measuring the stacked height and its vertical deformation over time after stacking 10 layers with a unit length of 50 cm per layer. According to the buildability test results, the EVA-modified cementitious mortars proposed in this study showed excellent buildability because the stacked heights experienced a minimal decrease, even though changes were made to the EVA/cement ratio. Among the EVA/ratios tested in this study, the buildability was the most stable when the EVA/ratio was 0.15; no vertical deformation was observed. Figure 4 shows the results of the buildability test when the flow of the EVA-modified cementitious mortar samples was 65%. Based on the observations made, no cracks occurred on the surface of the stacked layers at the point where the direction of the nozzle head was changed. However, there were cracks when the EVA/cement ratio was 0 (i.e., plain mortar). The best buildability was observed when the EVA/cement ratio was 0.15--not only were there no cracks, but also the surface at the point where the direction of the nozzle head was changed was smooth. According to the data collected, the occurrence of cohesion due to the viscosity provided excellent resistance to both bleeding and segregation, even though the polymer-modified cementitious mortars had more substantial flowability characteristics as compared to ordinary cementitious mortars [18]. Similar results were observed in a buildability test completed in the earlier study.  
Figure 4: Results of the buildability test at a 65% flow and different ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)/cement ratios [15].  
Figure 3: Elapsed time versus flow [15].  
In prior research by the author, the properties of fresh EVA-modified cementitious mortars were experimentally investigated with regard to whether those mixtures might be applicable to the 3 DCP process. According to the results, it was experimentally determined that EVA-modified cementitious mortars could be employed as 3 DCP material. However, the dimensional stability of the EVA-modified cementitious mortars tested could not be estimated because at the time, there had been no study examining the material's deformation properties. Thus, the present research experimentally investigated their dimensional stability.