Intelligent Civilizations Research Articles

Hazard Analysis for Massive Civil Aviation Safety Oversight Reports Using Text Classification and Topic Modeling

There are massive amounts of civil aviation safety oversight reports collected each year in the civil aviation of China. The narrative texts of these reports are typically short texts, recording the abnormal events detected during the safety oversight process. In the construction of an intelligent civil aviation safety oversight system, the automatic classification of safety oversight texts is a key and fundamental task. However, all safety oversight reports are currently analyzed and classified into categories by manual work, which is time consuming and labor intensive. In recent years, pre-trained language models have been applied to various text mining tasks and have proven to be effective. The aim of this paper is to apply text classification to the mining of these narrative texts and to show that text classification technology can be a critical element of the aviation safety oversight report analysis. In this paper, we propose a novel method for the classification of narrative texts in safety oversight reports. Through extensive experiments, we validated the effectiveness of all the proposed components. The experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms existing methods on the self-built civil aviation safety oversight dataset. This study undertakes a thorough examination of the precision and associated outcomes of the dataset, thereby establishing a solid basis for furnishing valuable insights to enhance data quality and optimize information.

MatGPT: A Vane of Materials Informatics from Past, Present, to Future.

Combining materials science, artificial intelligence (AI), physical chemistry, and other disciplines, materials informatics is continuously accelerating the vigorous development of new materials. The emergence of "GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) AI" shows that the scientific research field has entered the era of intelligent civilization with "data" as the basic factor and "algorithm + computing power" as the core productivity. The continuous innovation of AI will impact the cognitive laws and scientific methods, and reconstruct the knowledge and wisdom system. This leads to think more about materials informatics. Here, a comprehensive discussion of AI models and materials infrastructures is provided, and the advances in the discovery and design of new materials are reviewed. With the rise of new research paradigms triggered by "AI for Science", the vane of materials informatics: "MatGPT", is proposed and the technical path planning from the aspects of data, descriptors, generative models, pretraining models, directed design models, collaborative training, experimental robots, as well as the efforts and preparations needed to develop a new generation of materials informatics, is carried out. Finally, the challenges and constraints faced by materials informatics are discussed, in order to achieve a more digital, intelligent, and automated construction of materials informatics with the joint efforts of more interdisciplinary scientists.

A review of self-sensing ultra-high performance concrete: Towards next-generation smart structural materials

Today, the desired intelligent civil engineering structures urge the development of high-performance smart structural materials. Self-sensing ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) emerged in 2014 based on the observation that the concrete structures rendered with randomly distributed conductive additives exhibit electromechanical effects under external loading, and the demand of UHPC from high-strength to sustainable, intelligent, and multifunctional. This smart structural material has since grown greatly and has been considered as one of the potential alternatives to ordinary self-sensing concrete. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of self-sensing UHPC in terms of its raw materials, mixture design, manufacturing approaches, microstructural characteristics, mechanical properties, electrical resistivity, electromechanical properties, and applications, with a particular focus on stress-deformation/damage behaviour and changes in electrical conduction under external compression, tension, and bending. The novel uncertainties regarding electromechanical effects are thoroughly discussed from the perspective of the continuity of conductive network. Compared with ordinary self-sensing concrete, self-sensing UHPC exhibits significantly reduced porosity, exceptional strength, marginally lower stress/strain sensitivity, heightened damage sensitivity, insensitivity to humidity, and delayed cracking behaviour. In the end, this paper identifies research gaps, challenges, and recommendations in three aspects: (1) scale fabrication and cost control, (2) satisfactory and reliable properties, and (3) from smart structural materials to integrated components to civil engineering structures.

The Possibility of Detecting our Solar System through Astrometry

Searching for exoplanets with different methods has always been the focus of astronomers over the past few years. Among multiple planet detection techniques, astrometry stands out for its capability to accurately determine the orbital parameters of exoplanets. In this study, we examine the likelihood of extraterrestrial intelligent civilizations detecting planets in our solar system using the astrometry method. By conducting injection-recovery simulations, we investigate the detectability of the four giant planets in our solar system under different observing baselines and observational errors. Our findings indicate that extraterrestrial intelligence could detect and characterize all four giant planets, provided they are observed for a minimum of 90 yr with signal-noise ratios exceeding 1. For individual planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune, a baseline that surpasses half of their orbital periods is necessary for detection. However, Uranus requires longer observing baselines since its orbital period is roughly half of that of Neptune. If the astrometry precision is equal to or better than 10 μas, all 8707 stars located within 30 pc of our solar system possess the potential to detect the four giant planets within 100 yr. Additionally, our prediction suggests that over 300 stars positioned within 10 pc from our solar system could detect our Earth if they achieve an astrometry precision of 0.3 μas.

Extracting Domain-Specific Chinese Named Entities for Aviation Safety Reports: A Case Study

Aviation safety reports can provide detailed records of past aviation safety accidents, analyze their problems and hidden dangers, and help airlines and other aviation enterprises avoid similar accidents from happening again. In a novel way, we plan to use named entity recognition technology to quickly mine important information in reports, helping safety personnel improve efficiency. The development of intelligent civil aviation creates demands for the incorporation of big data and artificial intelligence. Because of the aviation-specific terms and the complexity of identifying named entity boundaries, the mining of aviation safety report texts is a challenging domain. This paper proposes a novel method for aviation safety report entity extraction. First, ten kinds of entities and sequences, such as event, company, city, operation, date, aircraft type, personnel, flight number, aircraft registration and aircraft part, were annotated using the BIO format. Second, we present a semantic representation enhancement approach through the fusion of enhanced representation through knowledge integration embedding (ERNIE), pinyin embedding and glyph embedding. Then, in order to improve the accuracy of specific entity extraction, we constructed and utilized the aviation domain dictionary which includes high-frequency technical aviation terms. After that, we adopted bilinear attention networks (BANs), the feature fusion approach originally used in multi-modal analysis, in our study to incorporate features extracted from both iterated dilated convolutional neural network (IDCNN) and bi-directional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) architectures. A case study of specific entity extraction for an aviation safety events dataset was conducted. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm, with an F1 score reaching 97.93%, is superior to several baseline and advanced algorithms. Therefore, the proposed approach offers a robust methodological foundation for the relationship extraction and knowledge graph construction of aviation safety reports.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Civil Engineering Applications and Programs

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in civil engineering programs and drawing techniques has the potential to revolutionize the industry. This study explores the benefits, challenges, and strategies for the effective utilization of AI in civil engineering. The research investigates the current state of AI integration, examines its applications in structural analysis, design, documentation, and project management, and identifies the barriers hindering widespread adoption. The study highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making, enhanced design visualization, improved accuracy and efficiency, streamlined documentation and communication, and enhanced project management and control. By addressing the challenges and providing insights into AI techniques, this study aims to bridge the gap between theoretical potential and practical implementation, paving the way for more sustainable and intelligent civil engineering projects.

Research on Strategies for Cultivating Innovation Literacy in High School Chemistry Experiment Teaching

In today's world, innovation ability is an important driving factor for social development and the source of power for the progress of the entire human intelligent civilization. The three elements of innovation literacy were discussed, including innovative personality, innovative thinking ability, and innovative practice ability. This paper discusses the strategies for cultivating students' innovative literacy in high school chemistry experiment teaching.

Philosophical and Scientific Implications of Astrobiology and Palaeontology in the Light of Hypothesising the Existence of Intelligent Pre-human Civilisations on Earth: Empiricist, Rationalist, and Positivist Approaches

In this paper, the scientific and philosophical implications of the theory that suggests the existence of an intelligent civilisation on Earth prior to mankind is discussed. All available scientific evidence which would constrain such theory is brought into discussion. Therefore, we first review the Drake Equation regarding this hypothesis. We summarily appraise the Shadow Biosphere within the scope of the theory. Subsequently, we thoroughly analyse important geochemical and sedimentological constraints of the proposal, mainly in the context of some Fossillagerstätten. This leads us to discuss the philosophical implications this theory may have for the fields of Astrobiology and Palaeontology, analysing them under empiricist, rationalist, and positivist approaches. We contextually examine the concepts of technological species, intelligence, and industrialisation, taking into account the scope of the theory. Furthermore, we debate on the validity of this hypothesis, considering all constraints it presents regarding the analysed concepts. Finally, we propose to appraise the hypothesis under an epistemological/positivist point of view.

Pedestrian Attributes and Activity Recognition Using Deep Learning: A Comprehensive Survey

In recent years, pedestrian attributes and activity recognition has attracted expanding research emphasis due to their considerable research importance and value of application in the intelligent civil and military domains. Owing to the inadequate image or frame quality of inexpensive cameras and the absence of obvious and stable feature information, direction of pedestrian movement, and so on, the complication of pedestrian attributes and activity recognition is expanded. However, with the comprehensive implementation of deep learning techniques, pedestrian attributes and activity recognition has made a substantial advance. This paper is the first of its kind because it combines the recognition of pedestrian attributes and activities separately, and reviews the works on pedestrian attributes and activities using deep learning in relation to datasets. The fundamental concepts, corresponding challenges, and popular solutions are also explained. Furthermore, in this community, metrics of evaluation and concise performance comparisons are given. In the end, the hotspots of the present research and the directions of the future research are summarized.

A first look at the advantages of building a new ecosystem of smart cabins

The construction work of smart civil aviation is an important initiative to promote the high-quality development of the civil aviation industry. The Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) attaches great importance to cabin-oriented Internet applications, and building smart cabins will become an important direction for differentiated development of airlines. This paper takes the Roadmap for the Construction of Intelligent Civil Aviation proposed by CAAC as the starting point, initially analyzes the advantages of building a new ecosystem of intelligent cabin, as well as the possible problems and risks, and puts forward suggestions for airlines.

Universe and Multiverse Transportation Possibilities Using Consciousness and Thought Travelling

Universe and Multiverse Transportation Possibilities Using Consciousness and Thought Travelling

The Fermi paradox: impact of astrophysical processes and dynamical evolution

AbstractThe Fermi paradox has given rise to various attempts to explain why no evidence of extraterrestrial civilizations was found so far on Earth and in our Solar System. Here, we present a dynamical model for the development of such civilizations, which accounts for self-destruction, colonization and astrophysical destruction mechanisms of civilizations including gamma-ray bursts, type Ia and type II supernovae as well as radiation from the supermassive black hole. We adopt conservative estimates regarding the efficiency of such processes and find that astrophysical effects can influence the development of intelligent civilizations and change the number of systems with such civilizations by roughly a factor of $2$; potentially more if the feedback is enhanced. Our results show that non-equilibrium evolution allows for solutions in-between extreme cases such as ‘rare Earth’ or extreme colonization, including scenarios with civilization fractions between $10^{-2}$ and $10^{-7}$. These would imply still potentially large distances to the next such civilizations, particularly when persistence phenomena are being considered. As previous studies, we confirm that the main uncertainties are due to the lifetime of civilizations as well as the assumed rate of colonization. For SETI-like studies, we believe that unbiased searches are needed considering both the possibilities that the next civilizations are nearby or potentially very far away.

The Number of Possible CETIs within Our Galaxy and the Communication Probability among These CETIs

Abstract As the only known intelligent civilization, human beings are always curious about the existence of other communicating extraterrestrial intelligent civilizations (CETIs). Based on the latest astrophysical information, we carry out Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the number of possible CETIs within our Galaxy and the communication probability among them. Two poorly known parameters have a great impact on the results. One is the probability of life appearing on terrestrial planets and eventually evolving into a CETI (f c ), and the other determines at what stage of their host star’s evolution CETIs would be born (F). In order to ensure the completeness of the simulation, we consider a variety of combinations of f c and F. Our results indicate that for optimistic situations (e.g., F = 25% and f c = 0.1%), there could be 42,777 − 369 + 267 CETIs and they need to survive for 3 − 2 + 17 yr ( 2000 − 1400 + 2000 yr) to achieve one-way communication (two-way communication). In this case, human beings need to survive 0.3 − 0.298 + 0.6 Myr to receive one alien signal. For pessimistic situations (e.g., F = 75% and f c = 0.001%), only 111 − 17 + 28 CETIs could be born and they need to survive for 0.8 − 0.796 + 1.2 Myr ( 0.9 − 0.88 + 4.1 Myr) to achieve one-way communication (two-way communication). In this case, human beings need to survive 50 − 49.6 + 250 Myr to receive one signal from other CETIs. Our results may quantitatively explain why we have not detected any alien signals so far. The uncertainty of the results has been discussed in detail and would be alleviated with the further improvement of our astronomical observation ability in the future.

From Literature to Image—Aesthetic Features of Space Megastructure Cities in American Sci-Fi Movies

The concept of Space megastructures is originated from science fiction novels. They symbolize the material landscape form of a comprehensive advancement of intelligent civilization after the continuous development of technology. Space megacity is actually an expansion process of human development in the future. It is not only a transformation of space colonization but also a mapping of self-help homeland. Therefore, it is a symbol of technological optimism and a future utopia in the context of technology. In contemporary times, sci-fi movies use digital technology to translate the giant imagination in literature into richer digital image landscapes. Space giant cities are one of the most typical digital images with spectacle view, which reflects the impact of American sci-fi movie scene design on the landscape and preference that human will be living in the future. The aesthetic preferences and design principles of the future picture, and the aesthetic value of science fiction as a medium of imagination are revealed. The aim of this article is to explore the digital design style of space megastructure with utopia sense in science fiction movies, and analyzes its aesthetic connotation.

Is There One Key Step in the Metastatic Cascade?

Simple SummaryTo successfully metastasize, cancer cells must complete a sequence of obligatory steps called the metastatic cascade. To model the metastatic cascade, we used the framework of the Drake equation, initially created to describe the emergence of intelligent life in the Milky way, using a similar logic of a sequence of obligatory steps. Then within this framework, we used simulations on breast cancer to investigate the contribution of each step to the metastatic cascade. We show that the half-life of circulating tumor cells is one of the most important parameters in the cascade, suggesting that therapies reducing the survival of those cells in the vascular system could significantly reduce the risk of metastasis.The majority of cancer-related deaths are the result of metastases (i.e., dissemination and establishment of tumor cells at distant sites from the origin), which develop through a multi-step process classically termed the metastatic cascade. The respective contributions of each step to the metastatic process are well described but are also currently not completely understood. Is there, for example, a critical phase that disproportionately affects the probability of the development of metastases in individual patients? Here, we address this question using a modified Drake equation, initially formulated by the astrophysicist Frank Drake to estimate the probability of the emergence of intelligent civilizations in the Milky Way. Using simulations based on realistic parameter values obtained from the literature for breast cancer, we examine, under the linear progression hypothesis, the contribution of each component of the metastatic cascade. Simulations demonstrate that the most critical parameter governing the formation of clinical metastases is the survival duration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs).

An algorithm for random generation of admissible horizontal alignments for optimum layout design

AbstractThis work deals with the design of horizontal alignments (HAs) for its application in intelligent civil systems. Two consecutive tasks are performed: the random generation of admissible horizontal alignments (AHAs; alignments verifying some geometric constraints set in advance) and the optimal design of layouts joining two given points. A rigorous mathematical analysis of the first task leads to a novel algorithm for random generation of alignments, which is used to develop the global optimization method proposed for the second task. The usefulness of this approach is shown on some practical applications. First, two problems with applications in robotics, pipe layout design, and forest road design are solved in realistic situations. Next, the random generation of AHAs in mountainous terrain is addressed. Finally, the model is extended to 3D alignments and a real case study is presented, designing a bypass on the N‐640 Spanish national road, surrounding the urban area of Monterroso.

Optimal control and learning for cyber‐physical systems

Optimal control and learning for <scp>cyber‐physical</scp> systems

Toward a Better Future: Building Back Better with Intelligent Civil Infrastructure — Smart Sensors and Self-Monitoring Civil Works

The United States needs to build better infrastructure. The current repairs and replacements are disorganized and patchwork, resulting in unsafe, costly, and inequitable roads, bridges, dams, sidewalks, and water systems. A strategic, smart infrastructure plan that integrates digital technology, sensors, and data not only addresses these issues but can mitigate risks and even improve the conditions and structures that shape our daily lives. By applying data analysis to intelligent infrastructure, which integrates digital technology and smart sensors, we can identify issues with the country’s roadways, buildings, and bridges before they become acute dangers. First, by identifying infrastructure weaknesses, smart infrastructure systems can address decades of deferred maintenance, a practice that has left many structures in perilous conditions. Sensors in pavement, bridges, vehicles, and sewer systems can target where these problems exist, allowing governments to allocate funding toward the neediest projects. From there, these sensors and other smart technologies will alert leaders to changes or issues before they pose a danger—and often before a human inspector can even see them. The many infrastructure emergencies in the U.S. cost thousands of lives and billions of dollars each year, so identifying and fixing these issues is a pressing security issue. Further, as the changing climate leads to more extreme weather and natural disasters, the safety and resiliency of the country’s infrastructure is an immediate concern. Sensor systems and other intelligent infrastructure technology can identify and mitigate these problems, saving money and lives. In addition, intelligent infrastructure can be layered onto existing infrastructure to address public health concerns, like monitoring sewer water for COVID-19 and other pathogens or installing smart sensors along dangerous interstates to automatically lower speed limits and reduce accidents. It can also be used to improve materials, like concrete, to reduce the carbon footprint of a project, ultimately contributing to better health and environmental outcomes. Finally, addressing inequities is a major reason to utilize intelligent infrastructure. Research shows that people of color in the U.S. are exposed to more pollutants, toxic chemicals, and physical danger through excess car emissions, aging water pipes, and poor road conditions. The implementation and funding of these intelligent infrastructure projects must consider where—and to whom—harm has traditionally been done and how building back better can measurably improve the quality of life in marginalized and vulnerable communities. While there are challenges to implementing a sweeping intelligent infrastructure plan, including upfront costs and security concerns, all levels of government play a role in achieving a safer society. At the federal level, with infrastructure funding bills being debated at this moment, the government must look beyond roads and bridges and consider that intelligent infrastructure is a : upheld, connected, and integrated by data. Through grants, incentives, and authorized funding, the federal government can effect monumental change that will improve how all residents experience their daily lives. At the state level, budgeting with intelligent infrastructure in mind will encourage innovative approaches to local infrastructure. And on a municipal level, cities and towns can invest in comprehensive asset management systems and training for local workers to best utilize the intelligent infrastructure data.

Space Age: Past, Present and Possible Futures

Since Gagarin’s flight on April 12th, 1961, the dream of making human space flight routine and making Homo sapiens a multiplanetary species seemed to have become closer to reality. Nonetheless, on average less than 10 human flights a year have happened along the past 60 years. Unmanned spacecrafts, on the other hand, have changed the way the human race sees itself and the universe it is surrounded by. They have explored all planets in the solar system, as well as comets, asteroids and the Sun. Presently, there are four unmanned spacecrafts on Mars’ surface and eight satellites in its orbit. Since the launching of Sputnik in 1957, more than 11,000 satellites have been sent into Earth’s orbit. Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine life on Earth without the services provided by the space-based infrastructure resulting from the Space Age. They have changed the modus vivendi of the human civilization and become a commodity, like potable water and electricity. The so-called satellite industry generates around US$ 300 billion a year, mostly related to the sale of satellite services and ground equipment. The era of exponential growth and disruption has reached Earth’s orbit, and beyond, through the minds, initiatives and boldness of the NewSpace generation, from which Elon Musk is its exponent. Twenty-five thousand satellites are expected to be launched in the next 10 years to provide, among other applications, worldwide broadband internet access. The scientific community and the military, however, have already expressed their concerns regarding space debris and, as a consequence, space sustainability. For the scientific community, the long-waited launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) promises to be the 2021 main event. In a time in which Spaceship Earth faces so many challenges, the dream of making its dwellers a multiplanetary species got a revival trough the minds and actions of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. There are those who, through public-private partnerships, intend to establish a 1,000 people community working and living in space by 2045. Cooperation among nations has been usual in space, but they are still shy when compared to the efforts required to colonize the Moon, Mars and other places in the solar system. As the 21st century advances, Spaceship Earth faces its greatest challenge ever. Space-based assets provide all the tools required to monitor Earth’s health, but if the human species intends to survive as the only identified intelligent civilization, it will have to think and act united in a truly cooperative way. Otherwise, the civilizational and technological effort hitherto undertaken may prove to be useless.

Transmissible cancers in mammals and bivalves: How many examples are there?: Predictions indicate widespread occurrence.

Transmissible cancers are elusive and understudied parasitic life forms caused by malignant clonal cells (nine lineages are known so far). They emerge by completing sequential steps that include breaking cell cooperation, evade anti-cancer defences and shedding cells to infect new hosts. Transmissible cancers impair host fitness, and their importance as selective force is likely largely underestimated. It is, therefore, crucial to determine how common they might be in the wild. Here, we draw a parallel between the steps required for a transmissible cancer to emerge and the steps required for an intelligent civilisation to emerge in the Milky Way using a modified Drake equation. Using numerical analyses, we estimate the potential number of extant marine and bivalve species in which transmissible cancers might exist. Our results suggest that transmissible cancers are more common than expected, and that new lineages can be found by screening a large number of species.