Technological Issues Research Articles

Mitigating Localized Corrosion in Complex Environments through Corrosion Probe Regulated Cathodic Protection

Although progresses in corrosion science and engineering made over the past decades have facilitated the effective control of uniform and general corrosion in many industrial structures, the management and control of localized corrosion in complex engineering environments remains a significant challenge. Localized forms of corrosion remain critical and tenacious threats to the integrity and safety of the huge network of civil and industrial infrastructure assets especially those exposed to complex and varying environmental conditions. An example is localized corrosion of buried steel pipelines that are affected not only by seasonal changes in soil moisture and oxygen levels, inhomogeneous coating defects and coating disbondment, but also by fluctuating stray currents and oscillating mechanical stresses. Another example is localized corrosion on offshore structures such as wind turbines and oil platforms that are affected by multi-zone and dynamically changing marine environmental conditions. Variable and complex environmental conditions can not only lead to changes in corrosion rates, but also in corrosion patterns and mechanisms. Unexpected changes in environment and mechanism could also cause suddenly accelerated localized corrosion damages that are not predictable by conventional laboratory testing and models. This paper reports a new approach to localized corrosion mitigation through the use of localized corrosion probe regulated closed-loop controlled cathodic protection.A new method based on the use of an electrochemically integrated multielectrode array and closed-loop cathodic protection control technologies have been developed over the recent years. This paper will present typical cases of using the method to mitigate localized corrosion of steel pipeline under disbonded coatings - a serious and difficult issue in the energy pipelines industry. Discussion is extended to future perspectives of using this approach to addressing critical issues in corrosion science and engineering, to preventing the pre-mature failure of engineering materials and to extending the safe operational life of engineering structures that that are vital for the provision of the world’s essential services and the maintenance of its economic activities. It is shown that localized corrosion control will play a critical role in the emerging renewable energy economy because localized corrosion is expected to significantly affect the safety, durability, and sustainability of essential infrastructure required for the production, delivery, storage and utilisation of renewable energy such as wind, solar, hydrogen, geothermal, hydropower, ocean and bioenergy. Future corrosion management of renewable energy infrastructure will need to effectively mitigate localized forms of corrosion by incorporating advanced corrosion monitoring tools, data analytics, artificial intelligence and predictive modelling in order to achieve quantitative, accurate and reliable localized corrosion prediction and closed-loop smart localized corrosion control.Key references:Y Tan, Heterogeneous Electrode Processes and Localized Corrosion, Wiley (2012)Y M Tan, Localized Corrosion in Complex Environments, Wiley (2023)

Extraction of Performance Factors for Clay-Type-Solid-State Batteries Based on Electrochemical Evaluation

Extraction of performance factors for clay-type-solid-state batteries based on electrochemical evaluation. Keigo Suzuki, Takaaki Ichikawa, Kento Okanishi, Rintaro Mogi, and Shiro Seki (Kogakuin Univ.) Introduction Performance development of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) has been desired due to high energy density, and is also expected to the engineering issues, such as huge mass loading of electrode sheet. To realize high-performance LIB with high energy density, clay-type solid-state batteries (CSSBs) with the composite electrode included electrolyte are attracting attention. CSSBs are easily prepared thick electrodes without adding a binder, and therefore, expected to increase energy density. In this study, we applied AC impedance measurements for clay into CSSBs to evaluate the factors for high-performance in the conduction pathways of electrode clay of high-performance with variations in electrolyte composition using the highly concentrated electrolyte with a wide potential window and a high Li-ion transference number1. Experimental method The clay electrode was prepared by using LiFePO4 (LFP) as the positive active material, acetylene black (AB) as the conductive additive, and (LiTFSA+4EC) as the electrolyte. LFP: AB was weighed to a weight ratio of 94.25:5.75, mixed in a mortar for 20 min, and then the electrolyte was added to the weight ratio of (100-x)(LFP+AB):x (LiTFSA+4EC) (x=0~100). Positive electrode clay was prepared after mixing for 10 min using a paste mixer. After that, the positive electrode clay was filled into the cell with [SUS | Positive electrode clay | SUS] and the AC impedance spectrum of the positive electrode clay was measured. The AC impedance measurements were conducted under constant temperature conditions of 30 ℃ with an amplitude of 100 mV and a frequency range of 200 kHz to 50 mHz. Temperature under temperature dependences were also evaluated for conditions of between -10 ℃ and 80 ℃ with an amplitude of 100 mV and a frequency range of 500 kHz to 50 mHz2. Result and Discussion Fig. 1 shows typical Nyquist plots of [SUS | Positive electrode clay | SUS] cells positive electrode clay for each electrolyte composition at 30 wt%. At 10 wt% electrolyte composition, resistance component (R E) attributed to the electronic conduction was only observed at low frequencies. In contrast, the resistance component (R I) attributed to the ionic conduction was observed at high frequencies at 80 wt% electrolyte composition. At 50 wt% electrolyte composition, two resistance components were observed on both the high and low frequencies, and considered to be resistance components desired to the electric composite electrode and ionic electrolyte components.Fig. 2 shows the temperature dependence of resistance changes for the 30 wt% electrolyte composition of the positive electrode clay. Electric conduction generally involves electrons being scattered by lattice vibrations and increases resistance with temperature. On the other hand, for ionic conduction, the mobility of ions always increases with temperature. On the low-frequency side, the increasing trend of resistance with temperature was observed, while on the high-frequency side, the opposite trend was also confirmed. In these results, we defined that R I corresponds to the high-frequency side and R E corresponds to the low-frequency side, respectively.Fig. 3 shows the Nyquist plots of [SUS | Positive electrode clay | SUS] cells (A) is an overview of Nyquist plots of [SUS | Positive electrode clay | SUS] cells, (B) and (C) are enlarged figures of (A). To analyze resistance components for electrode clay, obtained R E and R I were calculated and plotted against the percentage of the electrolyte composition.Fig. 4 shows the relationship between R E and R I of positive electrode clay for electrolyte composition. Only R E was observed in the region of (a) (electrolyte composition 0 ~ 20 wt%), and also only R I was observed in the composition region of (c) (electrolyte composition 70 ~ 100 wt%). In contrast, both R E and R I were observed in the region of (b) (electrolyte composition 30 ~ 60 wt%). In the composition region (a), only continuous electron conduction paths in the clay electrode should be formed. Also, in the composition region (c), only ionic conduction paths should be formed. On the other hand, in the composition region (b) was considered that both continuous electric and ionic conduction paths into the clay electrodes are provided by AB and LiTFSA+4EC electrolyte. In addition, in the composition region (b) was confirmed both electron conduction and ionic conduction coexist conditions, the smallest values of R E and R I at 30 wt%, suggesting that the optimal composition condition of positive electrode clay.(1) Y. Yamada, A. Yamada, J.Electrochem.Soc.,162, A2406-A2423 (2015).(2) R. Motoyoshi, et al., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 14, 45403−45413 (2022). Figure 1

Facilitators and barriers for digital screening and a supportive intervention within antenatal care among danish pregnant women facing intimate partner violence: A qualitative study nested in the STOP study

ObjectiveTo understand barriers and facilitators for participation in digital IPV screening and a digital supportive intervention among pregnant women. MethodsPregnant women attending standard antenatal care in the Region of Southern Denmark were systematically screened for IPV through a digital questionnaire. Those who screened positive were offered 3–6 video consultations with midwives and access to safety planning app. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with pregnant women who screened positive for IPV and participated in a digital supportive intervention. ResultsTwenty pregnant women were interviewed, and the following facilitators for participation were highlighted: The digital systematic screening approach was acceptable and helped acknowledge IPV exposure as women experienced it as more private and allowed for reflection time compared to risk-based, face-to-face screening. Video counselling was highly acceptable, as the digital approach eased conversations on sensitive topics and the flexibility boosted participation. Trust in the healthcare system, having a trained midwife as a counsellor, and familiarity with the digital tool enhanced participation. Barriers included concerns about disclosing IPV, technological issues, and the need for a private space for counselling. Additionally, women who had experienced digital violence were uncomfortable with the digital nature of the intervention. The safety app was perceived as being inefficient as it did not meet the needs of the women. ConclusionSystematic digital screening and supportive video counselling for IPV within antenatal care is well-received among pregnant women as it offers increased privacy and flexibility and facilitating discussions on sensitive topics. To enhance participation, barriers such as confidentiality concerns, technological challenges, and the need for private counselling spaces must be addressed. Incorporating digital tools into antenatal care can supplement other support services and increase the proportion of pregnant women who receive help.

Understanding ChatGPT: A Worldview Study

This study compares the Islamic worldview, which emphasizes religious authority and intuition as sources of knowledge, and the contemporary worldview, which focuses on rationalism and empiricism. From the Islamic perspective, the tradition of khabar shadiq, which is based on revelation and religious authority, serves as the foundation of knowledge, differing from the Western view that relies more on the scientific method and various data sources, including big data. Modern technology, such as ChatGPT, which utilizes big data, raises ethical and epistemological questions in the Islamization of science. ChatGPT itself faces limitations in its knowledge, while big data often encounters issues of inaccuracy and bias. Therefore, serious consideration is needed regarding ethics in developing and using technology like ChatGPT and its alignment with Islamic values in modern technology. This study highlights the importance of considering epistemological and ethical issues in modern technology to ensure a positive contribution to the advancement of Islamic civilization while maintaining the integrity of values from the Islamic worldview perspective.

What Are the Challenges and Opportunities of Integrating AI Into Existing Healthcare Infrastructure?

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare is revolutionizing diagnostics, offering important opportunities while emerging challenges. This essay explores the potential and obstacles of AI-based diagnostics. Key problems include technological and ethical issues such as data privacy, compatibility of devices , and regulatory issues. Ethical considerations also arise around patient privacy, accountability for AI errors, legal frameworks, and algorithm transparency. Despite these challenges, AI showcases substantial opportunities for the improvement of diagnostics and treatment techniques. Its capabilities include earlier disease detection, personalized treatment pathways, and healthcare professional support, particularly in radiology, pathology, and genomics. Additionally, AI can help and reduce the cost of healthcare access by streamlining resources, optimizing staff deployment, and facilitating remote monitoring and telemedicine, especially for developing countries. With the analysis of data from wearable devices and enabling remote consultations, AI helps us in the proactive management of chronic conditions. AI-based diagnostics can help overcome long term healthcare challenges, enhancing precision and treatment efficiency. A balanced approach is essential, addressing ethical, privacy, and legal considerations while emphasizing AI’s role as a support for healthcare professionals. Future research should focus on AI algorithm transparency, ethics, and the expansion of telemedicine, especially in underserved areas.

Thermo-Mechanically Coupled Settlement and Temperature Response of a Composite Foundation in Complex Geological Conditions for Molten Salt Tank in Tower Solar Plants

The degradation of complex geological structures due to thermo-mechanical cycling results in a reduction in bearing capacity, which can readily induce engineering issues such as uneven settlement, cracking, and even the destabilization of the foundations of molten salt storage tanks. This study establishes a foundational model for a molten salt storage tank through the use of COMSOL Multiphysics and conducts a numerical simulation analysis to evaluate the settlement deformation and temperature distribution of the foundation under the influence of thermo-mechanical coupling. Concurrently, the research proposes two distinct design approaches for the tank’s foundational structure. A comparative analysis of the results indicates that the use of a pile raft foundation in conjunction with a traditional foundation mode results in a reduction of settlement at the center of the foundation’s top surface by 380.1 mm, while also decreasing the maximum effective stress in the steel ring wall by 240.7 MPa. The thermal effects impact a depth of 10 m in the foundation soil and an influence radius of 20 m. Additionally, the foundation soil exhibits optimal thermal insulation properties, resulting in minimal energy loss. These findings indicate that the pile raft foundation in conjunction with a traditional foundation mode displays remarkable adaptability to complex geological conditions, with both settlement and temperature distribution of the foundation maintained within acceptable limits.

A Simulation Analysis of the Stability of Tall and Collapse-Prone Stopes: A Case Study of the Dongguashan Copper Mine

This study conducts a simulation analysis of the stability of tall and collapse-prone stopes at the Dongguashan copper mine, using the FLAC3D-3.0 software to investigate the stress distribution and deformation behavior of geological materials under different working conditions, providing an effective means of addressing complex mechanical issues in geotechnical engineering. In this paper, the stability of the tall stopes in the Dongguashan mining area was analyzed through numerical simulations using the FLAC3D finite difference method. First, a three-dimensional numerical model of the tall stopes was established based on the actual conditions of the mining area, simulating the mining conditions and environment. Next, the stress distribution, displacement variation, and potential instability zones under different mining schemes were studied, with a comparative analysis conducted between traditional mining methods and optimized schemes to clarify their respective advantages and disadvantages. Finally, based on the simulation results, the most suitable mining scheme for the area was identified, aimed at reducing the risk of stope collapse and improving the overall stability and safety of the mine. The findings provide technical support for the design and support of tall stopes in deep deposits and offer important reference points for mine safety management.

Responding to the ongoing pandemic-related challenges of individuals with brain injury through the perspective of community-service in Canada: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate brain injury (BI) associations’ perspectives regarding the impacts of the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with BI and BI associations services across Canada. Methods This qualitative descriptive study included 26 representatives of Canadian BI associations that participated in six online focus groups to discuss the effects of the second year of the pandemic on clients living with BI and on the provision of community services. Results Findings revealed three main themes: 1) ongoing pandemic-related challenges faced by clients living with BI, including worsening mental health and basic needs insecurities, difficulties faced by clients in adhering to safety measures, and ongoing technological issues; 2) ongoing adaptations to accommodate clients’ needs, including offering tailored services, ensuring consistent and transparent safety measures, and providing hybrid services; and 3) developing a sustainable ‘new normal’ aligned with association mandates and resources by expanding networks and building resilience. Conclusion The unfolding of the pandemic has brought increased challenges for people with BI and reinforced the need for adapted, clear, and accessible public health information to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations in times of crisis. It is essential to bolster community-based associations that provide direct care to people with BI.

How patient-reported outcomes and experience measures (PROMs and PREMs) are implemented in healthcare professional and patient organizations? An environmental scan

BackgroundPatient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) are becoming essential parts of a learning health system, and using these measures is a promising approach for value-based healthcare. However, evidence regarding healthcare professional and patient organizations’ knowledge, use and perception of PROMs and PREMs is lacking.ObjectivesThe objectives of the study were to: 1- Describe the current knowledge and use of PROMs and PREMs by healthcare professional and patient organizations, 2- Describe the determinants of PROMs and PREMs implementation according to healthcare professional and patient organizations.MethodsWe conducted an environmental scan using semi-structured interviews with representatives from healthcare professional and patient organizations. Interviews were recorded and live coded based on the Franklin framework. We used inductive and deductive thematic analysis to extract information about the main themes addressed during the interview (awareness of PROMs and PREMs, examples of implementation and use of PROMs and PREMs, tools used, vision for future implementation, barriers and facilitators to implementation and the best way to collect PROMs and PREMs data).Results63% of healthcare professional organizations (n = 19) and 41% of patient organizations (n = 9) that were contacted agreed to have a representative interviewed. The representatives from both the healthcare professional and patient organizations acknowledged the importance of assessing patients’ experience and outcomes. However, they considered the implementation of PROMs and PREMs tools to be scarce within their organizations, in clinical practice and in the education system. Patient organizations were worried that overuse of PROMs and PREMs could lead to depersonalization of practice. Barriers to implementing PROMs and PREMs included lack of awareness of tools, resistance to change and lack of motivation to complete or explain the questionnaire. Barriers also included factors such as lack of financial, technological and human resources and issues with integration of data and inconsistency of digital platforms.ConclusionsThis environmental scan revealed a lack of awareness of tools by healthcare professional and patient organizations’ representatives and limited implementation. Adequate training, technological integration, and demonstration of PROMs and PREMs benefits to foster broader adoption in clinical and organizational settings is dearly needed. Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing value-based care.

Caregivers' Perceptions and Willingness to Utilize Telerehabilitation for Outpatient Consultation and Therapy for Pediatric Patients in a COVID-Referral Center in a Developing Country: A Cross-sectional Study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation and quarantine measures set to control the spread of the infection paved for the increased utilization of virtual methods of consultation and follow-up. Telerehabilitation allows access to rehabilitation services despite distance and makes possible the continuation of rehabilitation services despite the lack of face-to-face interaction. This is difficult for pediatric patients who are dependent on their caregivers for understanding and making decisions regarding their health. Loss of continuity of rehabilitation services led to poorer outcomes in children with disabilities. Although advantageous for them, pediatric patients may not benefit from telerehabilitation if caregivers have negative perceptions of the process and are unwilling to utilize the service. This study determined caregivers' perceptions and willingness to participate in telerehabilitation as a method of outpatient follow-up for pediatric patients admitted to a COVID-referral center in a developing country. The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design. Respondents were adults (≥19 years old) caring for pediatric patients admitted at non-COVID wards of the Philippine General Hospital and who were referred for rehabilitation services. A survey tool adapted from a previous study on willingness to utilize telemedicine among caregivers of pediatric patients was translated into the Filipino language and used in the study. A dataset from Excel was imported in STATA 16 (StataCorp, Texas, USA) and was exhaustively checked for completeness, accuracy, and consistency before analysis. The association between patient characteristics and willingness to utilize telerehabilitation for any app was determined using Pearson's chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. The latter was used when more than 20% of the cells had an expected value of less than or equal to five. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant for all tests. Of 123 respondents, 92 (75%) reported willingness to utilize telerehabilitation for outpatient consultation and therapy using video calls or a customized telerehabilitation app when available. Among 31 (25%) respondents who were not willing or unsure of participation, the main reasons identified were preference for face-to-face, lack of financial resources/load, poor connectivity, and doubt about the effectiveness of telerehabilitation.Patients with younger age (Fisher's exact test, P=0.023), low usage of video call service (Fisher's exact test, P=0.020), and lack of available devices (Fisher's exact test, P=0.015) significantly reduced willingness to utilize telerehabilitation. Caregiver age, sex, educational attainment, estimated monthly income, number of devices used, speed of internet connectivity, and technological behaviors did not show statistical significance in association with willingness to participate in telerehabilitation.Most caregivers recognized the usefulness of a service allowing transmission of health data to and from the hospital, consultation with a doctor in case of an emergency, sending of reminders for medical visits and therapy, and provision of a list of home exercises and nutritional recommendations. Telerehabilitation was perceived advantageous, but concerns regarding privacy, trust, lack of human contact, and technological difficulty were also present. With high levels of willingness among caregivers, telerehabilitation is a viable method of providing rehabilitation services for the continuation of management after inpatient admission among pediatric patients. Limitations in its utilization include technological issues including the lack of devices, low level of service use, and slow internet connectivity. Although well perceived as advantageous, there are concerns regarding loss of human contact, difficulty in using technological devices, and trust and privacy issues that may affect utilization.

Telemedicine in Pediatric Neurology: A Survey of Patient and Provider Experience.

Over recent years there has been a shift in clinical practice to support care delivery via telemedicine. This study aims to highlight the patient and provider experience of telemedicine over 2.5 years within a Canadian Pediatric Neurology clinic. A REDCap survey was sent to all patients/parents and providers with a telemedicine appointment between March 2020 and September 2022. Seven providers and 272 patients responded. Ninety-one percent of patients and 100% of providers were satisfied with telemedicine. Ninety percent of patients and 100% of providers found telemedicine more convenient. Eighty-seven percent of patients and 100% of providers were interested in future telemedicine appointments. Main challenges were with performing a physical examination and technological issues. Our survey shows that the majority of patients and providers had highly positive experiences with telemedicine and were interested in continuing care via telemedicine. This study supports incorporating telemedicine into future pediatric neurology practice.

Based on the water-in-salt system, VOC is used as the cathode of the chloride ion batteries

Chloride ion batteries (CIBs) are considered promising candidates in the field of batteries. Safety concerns are a major issue in battery technology, which can be effectively addressed by using water-in-salt electrolyte. However, traditional CIBs suffer from issues such as poor lifespan and low cycling capacity. Therefore, our research proposes a novel aqueous CIB composed of a VOC (Vanadium pentoxide doped with graphite) cathode, a zinc anode, and (CH3)4NCl + LiCl aqueous electrolyte for the first time. The developed battery boasts advantages such as low cost, arbitrary folding, lightweight design, and overall safety. The battery exhibits a high discharge platform of approximately 2.5V and considerable discharge capacity, reaching a maximum of 3.49mAh cm−2 at a current density of 1A g−1. After 200 cycles, the capacity retention rate remains around 77 %. Notably, the battery is very simple to fabricate and burn in flames at a temperature of 1300 °C without explosion. And it is also able to work normally when subjected to folding, rolling, and piercing. This low-cost, flexible, and safe novel aqueous chloride-ion battery holds great application potential in portable devices, automotive, military, and other industries, opening up new possibilities for the future development of batteries.

Error governor for active fault tolerance in PID control of MIMO systems

Input saturation and actuator faults are common issues in control system engineering. This paper proposes an Error Governor (EG) policy that dynamically manages the feedback error to enhance the tracking error in Multiple Input-Multiple Output (MIMO) closed-loop system controlled by Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) regulators. By integrating an Adaptive Kalman Filter (AKF) for optimal fault estimation with the EG scheme, the solution enables fault-tolerant control without requiring modifications to the baseline controller, which can be impractical or unsuitable in certain applications. Furthermore, the proposed control scheme completely avoids windup, thereby replacing conventional Anti-Windup (AW) schemes for PIDs, and is computationally cheap and easy to implement, needing only the same inputs as conventional AW algorithms and the actuator fault estimation. Simulation results on the MIMO model of the Zagi flying-wing aerial vehicle show that the EG reduces the tracking error in presence of actuator faults by − 49.92 % in terms of Integral Absolute Error (IAE), outperforming conventional AW methods.

Pathways in the governance of shipping decarbonization from perspective of balancing the conflicting interests

The shipping industry is featured by high carbon emissions. The 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships sets forth the global goals of shipping decarbonization. Shipping decarbonization involves complicated issues of economy, technology, policy and law etc., and implies the conflicts between economic interests and environmental interests, between individual interests and public interests, between individual States’ interests and international common interests and between current interests and long-term interests. This research suggests that balancing such conflicting interests need to follow the principle of prioritizing the international public environmental interests while taking into account the other interests because protection of environmental interests should be taken as the basic value orientation in shipping decarbonization governance and the principle of collaborating governmental intervention and market mechanisms by reference to the theory on the relationship between government and market in economics. Under the guidance of these principle, by reference to the equilibrium analysis method in economics and following the progressive decision theory in management, this research demonstrates that the main pathways in achieving such balance may include: making strategic plan and basic policy for reducing GHG emissions from ships by the government, implementing economic incentive policies such as tax incentives and fiscal subsidies, implementing ship energy efficiency measures, prudently implementing shipping carbon emissions trading mechanism, accelerating the establishment of alternative marine fuel supply chain, innovating alternative marine fuel technology and ship propulsion technology, and actively engaging in international cooperation.

Anomaly-based Intrusion Detection System for smart lighting

Smart Lighting Systems (SLS) are essential to smart cities, offering enhanced energy efficiency and public safety. However, they are susceptible to security threats, potentially leading to safety risks and service disruptions, making the protection of this infrastructure critical.This paper presents an anomaly-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) designed for a real-world operational SLS. As commercial deployments vary in components, protocols, and functionalities, IDSs must be tailored to the specific characteristics of each deployment to perform effectively. Our anomaly-based IDS has been defined based on the properties of the available data and the types of attacks we aim to detect, offering both explainability and low complexity. The proposed system identifies anomalies in seven features of network traffic and in the telemetry data received at the central control (O&M) server. For the latter, we designed three customized detectors to identify abnormal data points, persistent deviations in street lamp power consumption, and abnormal power value based on the time of day. Validation with real-world data and simulated attacks demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach. Network attacks (e.g., DoS, scanning) were detected by at least one of the seven flow-related anomaly detectors, while simulated data poisoning attacks and operational technology (OT) issues were detected with nearly 90% accuracy. The datasets used in this work are publicly available and may serve as reference for the design of future IDSs. While our detectors were designed specifically for our dataset, the variables examined and vulnerabilities addressed are common in most commercial SLSs.

Cartographic animations, a supporting technology for education

Abstract. To date, basic theoretical and methodological ideas of animated cartography have been formed, as well as general schemes for animated maps compilation. However, the technological issue remains relevant in this domain due to the abundance of modern tools that can be used for compilation of animated maps. Particularly, most of currently implemented cartographic animation methodologies require the use of a variety of specialized software, including geographic information systems (GISs), vector and raster graphical editors, video effects editing software, and others. So the data processing and conversion techniques are extremely complicated in some cased, when data converted from one software platform to another.In our study, we established investigation of popular desktop GISs functionality application as a full-cycle animated cartography environment. In such a context, we discover approaches to improve methodology of animated maps automated compilation. To prototype a full-cycle animation in GIS environment, we developed a set of animation algorithms implemented in QGIS and documented the algorithms using UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagrams.

Roasted sesame oil: A review on production technology, flavor chemistry, and other related issues

AbstractSesame oil (SO) produced through roasting technology offers pleasant flavor, often named roasted sesame oil (RSO) in the market. During the RSO production process, roasting is an essential technology in determining the flavor of RSO, which directly influences the consumer acceptance. Therefore, the present work systematically offers current knowledge on flavors and related issues of RSO, which will focus on production technologies (i.e., roasting technology, extraction technology, subsequent processing technology), flavor characteristics and flavor compounds, formation pathways of major flavor compounds (i.e., Maillard reaction pathway, oil oxidation pathway, thermal degradation pathway), and effects of roasting on the nutrition and safety. In addition, the present work provides an outlook for the future development of RSO industry, including the establishment of a grading system for the evaluation of RSO flavors, high‐value utilization of by‐products from RSO processing, and how to improve production efficiency of RSO. This work could provide a better understanding of RSO roasting process and promising information for better production of aromatic, nutritious and safe RSO by controlling/innovating the roasting process.

Integrating local knowledge with ChatGPT-like large-scale language models for enhanced societal comprehension of carbon neutrality

Addressing carbon neutrality presents a multifaceted challenge, necessitating collaboration across various disciplines, fields, and societal stakeholders. With the increasing urgency to mitigate climate change, there is a crucial need for innovative approaches in communication and education to enhance societal understanding and engagement. Large-scale language models like ChatGPT emerge as transformative tools in the AI era, offering potential to revolutionize how we approach economic, technological, social, and environmental issues of achieving carbon neutrality. However, the full potential of these models in carbon neutrality is yet to be realized, hindered by limitations in providing detailed, localized, and expert-level insights across an expansive spectrum of subjects. To bridge these gaps, this paper introduces an innovative framework that integrates local knowledge with LLMs, aiming to markedly enhance the depth, accuracy, and regional relevance of the information provided. The effectiveness of this framework is examined from government, corporations, and community perspectives. The integration of local knowledge with LLMs not only enriches the AI’s comprehension of local specificities but also guarantees an up-to-date information that is crucial for addressing the specific concerns and questions about carbon neutrality raised by a broad array of stakeholders. Overall, the proposed framework showcases significant potential in enhancing societal comprehension and participation towards carbon neutrality.

Exploring Psychotherapists' Attitudes on Internet- and Mobile-Based Interventions in Germany: Thematic Analysis.

In recent years, internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) have become increasingly relevant in mental health care and have sparked societal debates. Psychotherapists' perspectives are essential for identifying potential opportunities for improvement, facilitating conditions, and barriers to the implementation of these interventions. This study aims to explore psychotherapists' perspectives on opportunities for improvement, facilitating conditions, and barriers to using IMIs. The study used a qualitative research design, utilizing open-ended items in a cross-sectional survey. A total of 350 psychotherapists were asked to provide their written opinions on various aspects of IMIs. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data and identify core themes. The analysis revealed 11 core themes related to the use of IMIs, which were categorized into 4 superordinate categories: "Applicability," "Treatment Resources," "Technology," and "Perceived Risks and Barriers." While many psychotherapists viewed IMIs as a valuable support for conventional psychotherapy, they expressed skepticism about using IMIs as a substitute. Several factors were perceived as hindrances to the applicability of IMIs in clinical practice, including technological issues, subjective concerns about potential data protection risks, a lack of individualization due to the manualized nature of most IMIs, and the high time and financial costs for both psychotherapists and patients. They expressed a desire for easily accessible information on evidence and programs to reduce the time and effort required for training and advocated for this information to be integrated into the conceptualization of new IMIs. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of considering psychotherapists' attitudes in the development, evaluation, and implementation of IMIs. This study revealed that psychotherapists recognized both the opportunities and risks associated with the use of IMIs, with most agreeing that IMIs serve as a tool to support traditional psychotherapy rather than as a substitute for it. Furthermore, it is essential to involve psychotherapists in discussions about IMIs specifically, as well as in the development of new methodologies in psychotherapy more broadly. Overall, this study can advance the use of IMIs in mental health care and contribute to the ongoing societal debate surrounding these interventions.

Students’ Challenges with Online Remote Teaching and Learning in South Africa

ABSTRACT Online remote teaching and learning strategies have become part of tertiary institutions worldwide. This knowledge delivery method became more profound during the COVID-19 era, forcing institutions to keep this method even after the COVID-19 pandemic. Most tertiary institutions in African countries, including South Africa, have also embraced online remote teaching and learning strategies. This study investigated the challenges of built environment tertiary students with online remote teaching and learning methods. A qualitative approach was adopted using open-ended interview questions to solicit the views of the built environment tertiary students regarding the challenges they experience with the online remote teaching and learning method. A thematic content analysis method was used to categorize the data into themes and sub-themes. The results show that students face several online remote teaching and learning challenges. These challenges were categorized into power, schedule, technology issues, lack of focus, communication, and cost-related issues. The tertiary institution authorities must address these challenges to ensure the sustainability of online remote learning and teaching as many students work and attend schools, thus relying on this method to acquire knowledge. The study used data from tertiary institutions in South Africa; hence, the findings may not be generalizable to other countries.