Reference Point Research Articles

Evaluating the Temperature Profile in a Branched Tunnel Fire with Various Ramp Slopes: An Experimental Study

ABSTRACT This study conduct a set of small-scale experiments to examine the combined impact of ramp slopes and bifurcation angles on the longitudinal temperature profile beneath the ceiling of a model of branched tunnel. A Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) fire was used to simulated car fires. The range of heat release rates for the experiments was 2.57 kW to 7.70 kW. The experiments also encompassed three bifurcation angles (5° to 15°) and five ramp slopes (0%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%). A simple model was developed to analyze the steady fire-produced ceiling jet in the branched tunnel. It has been found that the longitudinal temperature decay was not affected by the ramp slopes and bifurcation angles. However, the longitudinal temperature decay varied across different tunnel regions due to the dimensions of the tunnel cross section and the branched structure resulting in smoke divergence flow. In addition, the study established a modified model of longitudinal temperature decay based on the experimental results. The results could be used as a point of reference in developing smoke extraction tactics for branched tunnels.

Community perceptions of sustainability: (Re)framing what matters for more just, ethical, and liveable municipalities

ABSTRACT Municipal governments and community organisations are key stakeholders in the mobilisation of global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through opportunities to make and implement sustainability policies at local levels. However, as perceptions of sustainability are normalised through globalising, colonial, neoliberal, and capitalist discourses, alternative stories of sustainability become marginalised. In response, this article positions diverse, contrasting, and often conflicting perceptions of sustainability within a relational assemblage to map the affects of difference between normalising and alternative perceptions of sustainability in local governance contexts of Saskatchewan, Canada. This article adopts cartographic and diffractive storytelling to map diverse perceptions of sustainability gathered through a series of focus groups and a Skills Forum event, as part of the Governing Sustainable Municipalities (GSM) project. By reading perceptions of sustainability through each other, economic, social, and environmental pillars of sustainability and diverse perceptions of sustainability from diverse stakeholders come into an entangled/differentiated relationship. As there is no central point of reference in a relational assemblage, heterogeneous perceptions of sustainability are held together through complex patternings of diverse, multiple, and often sticky, uneven knottings that dislodge hierarchical assumptions about what counts as sustainability. Providing an emplaced and situated account of perceptions of sustainability, we illustrate how municipal and organisational actors can transform through co-implicated relationships with social and material forces. To this end, assemblage thinking provides important anticolonial possibilities for sustainability policy making and implementation in the municipal sector.

Acceptance of the metaverse: a laboratory experiment on augmented and virtual reality shopping

PurposeIn recent years, there has been significant interest in adopting XR (extended reality) technologies such as VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality), particularly in retail. However, extending activities through reality-mediation is still mostly believed to offer an inferior experience due to their shortcomings in usability, wearability, graphical fidelity, etc. This study aims to address the research gap by experimentally examining the acceptance of metaverse shopping.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducts a 2 (VR: with vs. without) × 2 (AR: with vs. without) between-subjects laboratory experiment involving 157 participants in simulated daily shopping environments. This study builds a physical brick-and-mortar store at the campus and stocked it with approximately 600 products with accompanying product information and pricing. The XR devices and a 3D laser scanner were used in constructing the three XR shopping conditions.FindingsResults indicate that XR can offer an experience comparable to, or even surpassing, traditional shopping in terms of its instrumental and hedonic aspects, regardless of a slightly reduced perception of usability. AR negatively affected perceived ease of use, while VR significantly increased perceived enjoyment. It is surprising that the lower perceived ease of use appeared to be disconnected from the attitude toward metaverse shopping.Originality/valueThis study provides important experimental evidence on the acceptance of XR shopping, and the finding that low perceived ease of use may not always be detrimental adds to the theory of technology adoption as a whole. Additionally, it provides an important reference point for future randomized controlled studies exploring the effects of technology on adoption.

Rays in the Shadows: Batoid Diversity, Occurrence, and Conservation Status in Fiji.

Over recent decades, elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and skates) have been increasingly recognized among the world's most threatened marine wildlife, leading to heightened scientific attention. However, batoids (rays and skates) are relatively understudied, especially in Large Ocean States of the Pacific. This synthesis compiles insights on batoid diversity and occurrence in Fiji's waters by integrating a literature review, participatory science programs such as the Great Fiji Shark Count (GFSC) Initiative, Projects Abroad Fiji (PA), Manta Project Fiji (MPF), and iNaturalist, along with environmental DNA. Nineteen batoid species from seven families were identified: 19 species from the literature, 12 from participatory science programs, and six from eDNA analysis. Notably, this study provides the first photographic evidence for the bentfin devil ray (Mobula thurstoni, Lloyd, 1908) in Fiji. GFSC data indicated the highest species diversity in the Western Division, with spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus ocellatus, Kuhl, 1823) and maskrays (Neotrygon sp.) being observed most. In-person interviews conducted by PA provided information on the occurrence of wedgefishes and potentially sawfishes. MPF records and iNaturalist uploads were dominated by reef manta rays (M. alfredi, Krefft, 1868), while the pink whipray (Pateobatis fai, Jordan and Seale, 1906) yielded the most DNA sequences. Overall, 68.4% of the species face an elevated extinction risk based on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List criteria. Although caution is warranted with older literature-based records for the giant guitarfish (Glaucostegus typus, Anonymous [Bennett], 1830), giant stingaree (Plesiobatis daviesi, Wallace, 1967), and the lack of sawfish verification, this synthesis highlights the effectiveness of a combined methodological approach in establishing a reference point for the diversity and occurrence of this understudied taxon in Fiji.

Renegotiating Work-Home Boundaries: Reconciliations of Remote Work and School During COVID-19

This article contributes to understanding the radical transformation of everyday lives when parents’ remote work and children’s remote school were reconciled in homes during the early moments of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The dataset comprises an online survey (n = 92) plus interviews, online diaries, and sampled experiences from 16 Finnish remotely working parents. Identified challenges to the parents’ remote work included interruptions and fragmentation of work tasks, non-optimal work ergonomics, and rescheduling of work times. We present the strategies parents used to create new rhythms and routines, a shared space under the same roof, peace, and privacy for daily work and school, as well as managing multiple simultaneous social roles. Parents’ rich experiences provide insights into the early steps of COVID-19-catalyzed remote work. Thus, the paper offers a reference point for exploring potential development trajectories in the increasingly common hybrid work setting.

A Comprehensive Review of Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Composite Materials.

The interaction between matter and microwaves assumes critical significance due to the ubiquity of wireless communication technology. The selective shielding of microwaves represents the only way to achieve the control on crucial technological sectors. The implementation of microwave shielding ensures the proper functioning of electronic devices. By preventing electromagnetic pollution, shielding safeguards the integrity and optimal performances of devices, contributing to the reliability and efficiency of technological systems in various sectors and allowing the further step forwards in a safe and secure society. Nevertheless, the microwave shielding research is vast and can be quite hard to approach due to the large number and variety of studies regarding both theory and experiments. In this review, we focused our attention on the comprehensive discussion of the current state of the art of materials used for the production of electromagnetic interference shielding composites, with the aim of providing a solid reference point to explore this research field.

Characteristics and Drivers of Vegetation Change in Xinjiang, 2000–2020

Examining the features of vegetation change and analyzing its driving forces across an extensive time series in Xinjiang are pivotal for the ecological environment. This research can offer a crucial point of reference for regional ecological conservation endeavors. We calculated the fractional vegetation cover (FVC) using MOD13Q1 data accessed through the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. To discern the characteristics of vegetation changes and forecast future trends, we employed time series analysis, coefficient of variation, and the Hurst exponent. The correlation between climate factors and FVC was investigated through correlation analysis. Simultaneously, to determine the relative impact of meteorological change and anthropogenic actions on FVC, we utilized multiple regression residual analysis. Furthermore, adhering to China’s ecological functional zone classification, Xinjiang was segmented into five ecological zones: R1 Altai Mountains-Junggar West Mountain Forest and Grassland Ecoregion, R2 Junggar Basin Desert Ecoregion, R3 Tianshan Mountains Mountain Forest and Grassland Ecoregion, R4 Tarim Basin-Eastern Frontier Desert Ecoregion, and R5 Pamir-Kunlun Mountains-Altan Mountains Alpine Desert and Grassland Ecoregion. A comparative analysis of these five regions was subsequently conducted. The results showed the following: (1) During the first two decades of the 21st century, the overall FVC in Xinjiang primarily exhibited a trend of growth, exhibiting a rate of increase of 4 × 10−4 y−1. The multi-year average FVC was 0.223. The mean value of the multi-year FVC was 0.223, and the mean values of different ecological zones showed the following order: R1 > R3 > R2 > R5 > R4. (2) The predominant spatial pattern of FVC across Xinjiang’s landscape is characterized by higher coverage in the northwest and lower in the southeast. In this region, 66.63% of the terrain exhibits deteriorating vegetation, while 11% of the region exhibits a notable rise in plant growth. Future changes in FVC will be dominated by a decreasing trend. Regarding the coefficient of variation outcomes, a minor variation, representing 42.12% of the total, is noticeable; the mean coefficient of variation stands at 0.2786. The stability across varied ecological zones follows the order: R1 > R3 > R2 > R4 > R5. (3) Factors that have a facilitating effect on vegetation FVC included relative humidity, daylight hours, and precipitation, with relative humidity having a greater influence, while factors that have a hindering effect on vegetation FVC included air temperature and wind speed, with wind speed having a greater influence. (4) Vegetation alterations are primarily influenced by climate change, while human activities play a secondary role, contributing 56.93% and 43.07%, respectively. This research underscores the necessity for continued surveillance of vegetation dynamics and the enhancement of policies focused on habitat renewal and the safeguarding of vegetation in Xinjiang.

A 6-DOF camera motion correction method using IMU sensors for photogrammetry and optical measurements

Environmental conditions such as wind and ground traffic introduce motion in camera measurement systems and affect measurement accuracy. Conventional camera motion correction methods track static reference points with one or multiple cameras, reducing applicability. This study proposes a novel 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) camera motion correction method using only an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor. A Kalman filter is adopted as a data fusion method to estimate the camera orientation and translation using IMU data. Six pinhole camera models are built to evaluate and correct 6-DOF camera motions. The motion correction efficiency and robustness are tested for different object distances and focal lengths of optical lenses. The motion correction ratio is statistically analysed and reaches approximately 80%. The object distance has little effect on the motion correction ratio. The rotation-induced pixel movement is independent of the object distance. More than 90% of the pixel movement noise is caused by camera rotation. The translation-induced pixel movement is inversely correlated with the object distance.

In Situ Cutting Methodology with 3D Measurement of Block Excesses in Shipbuilding

The ship construction process is characterized by a sequential workflow, with pivotal workstations playing a crucial role. Initially, steel plates are introduced to these stations in sheet form, undergoing a transformation process that culminates in the creation of segments known as blocks. These blocks are individually constructed and subsequently assembled at the final workstation, denoted as the block joining station. Upon completing block fabrication, a deliberate tolerance allowance is retained on the plates to accommodate deformations induced by heat treatment during the transformation from plates to blocks. The alignment process involves aligning the reference points (master reference line) of the blocks on a common axis, facilitating the identification of excess material and deformations. This alignment process encompasses aligning the blocks with each other, employing either a three-dimensional measurement device or manual methods to obtain necessary measurements for determining excess material. In an effort to optimize time spent on block alignment and machine usage, a comprehensive methodology has been developed. This methodology involves determining excess material cuts on the blocks, performing virtual alignment operations using laser scanning techniques in a virtual environment, and conducting the cutting process on the slipway prior to placing the block excesses on it.

Bibliometric Analysis: Augmented Reality in Science Education Research Trends

This research aims to analyze research trends related to the topic of Augmented Reality in 2019-2023* through bibliometric analysis with the Scopus database. Based on the criteria, 490 articles were obtained from 3906 documents. These articles have been translated from international journals indexed by Scopus. The selection references were then managed using reference management software, namely Mendeley. After working on the database, the researchers classified and visualized it using VOSviewer software. The results show that Augmented Reality research is gradually increasing every year. The United States and Germany contribute the most research globally. Visualizing Augmented Reality research trends for 2019-2023*, there are six clusters. The results of this research can support researchers regarding Augmented Reality research trends in the world and provide direction for further research. Overall, these reflections provide an excellent reference point for further research on Augmented Reality.

Multimedia Identification and Analysis Algorithm of Piano Performance Music Based on Deep Learning

In the biometric biomedical applications, the study presents a pioneering research endeavor focused on the development of a multimedia identification and analysis algorithm tailored for piano performance music. With the power of deep learning techniques, this algorithm has been designed to address the intricate challenges posed by the convergence of musical data analysis and biometrics. The core objectives encompass the extraction, recognition, and interpretation of biometric information from piano performances, exploring the intricate patterns, nuances, and individualistic characteristics inherent to musicians. The study focuses on the development of advanced biometric authentication and identification systems capable of capturing and analyzing a user's unique behavioral patterns across diverse modalities. These biometric modalities offer the potential for highly secure and non-intrusive user identification. Hence, this paper developed an architecture of Marker Controlled Point (MCP) Estimation for the computation of the gesture in biometric-based applications. This architecture utilizes markers or reference points to precisely track and analyze user gestures, resulting in accurate and reliable biometric data. The research details the architecture's implementation, integrating advanced deep-learning techniques for feature extraction, pattern recognition, and authentication. This system finds versatile applications in various domains, from healthcare and cybersecurity to finance, where secure and user-friendly authentication is paramount. Experimental results underscore the system's effectiveness and robustness, demonstrating its potential for enhancing biometric authentication. The proposed model represents a significant stride in biometric technology, offering secure, non-intrusive user identification through the synergy of behavior biometrics and emerging modalities.

High-speed target tracking control system based on short-time rotational reflection imaging.

High-speed tracking technology has wide applications in the military and aerospace industry. However, existing approaches, such as camera arrays or Doppler radar systems, suffer from high cost and inconvenience. This paper reports a high-speed target tracking control system based on short-time rotational reflection imaging, specifically aimed at overcoming certain limitations. In the system we designed, a high-speed camera coupled with a rotating reflector is used to achieve reliable high-speed target tracking. This paper first introduces the working principle and mathematical model of the system, then analyzes the key technologies, including motor response delay time and rotational speed curve fitting, and, finally, verifies the feasibility of the system and the correctness of the theory based on a series of experiments. Experimental results demonstrated that our work is efficient and accurate in target tracking and image clarity. The developed system demonstrates significant potential for widespread use across military and aerospace sectors. Furthermore, the insights gained from our investigation into key technologies could act as a reference point for fellow researchers in related scientific areas.

Accuracy of additively manufactured and steam sterilized surgical guides by means of continuous liquid interface production, stereolithography, digital light processing, and fused filament fabrication

Different printing technologies can be used for prosthetically oriented implant placement, however the influence of different printing orientations and steam sterilization remains unclear. In particular, no data is available for the novel technology Continuous Liquid Interface Production. The objective was to evaluate the dimensional accuracy of surgical guides manufactured with different printing techniques in vertical and horizontal printing orientation before and after steam sterilization. A total of 80 surgical guides were manufactured by means of continuous liquid interface production (CLIP; material: Keyguide, Keyprint), digital light processing (DLP; material: Luxaprint Ortho, DMG), stereolithography (SLA; Surgical guide, Formlabs), and fused filament fabrication (FFF; material: Clear Base Support, Arfona) in vertical and horizontal printing orientation (n = 10 per subgroup). Spheres were included in the design to determine the coordinates of 17 reference points. Each specimen was digitized with a laboratory scanner after additive manufacturing (AM) and after steam sterilization (134 °C). To determine the accuracy, root mean square values (RMS) were calculated and coordinates of the reference points were recorded. Based on the measured coordinates, deviations of the reference points and relevant distances were calculated. Paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA were applied for statistical analysis (significance p < 0.05). After AM, all printing technologies showed comparable high accuracy, with an increased deviation in z-axis when printed horizontally. After sterilization, FFF printed surgical guides showed distinct warpage. The other subgroups showed no significant differences regarding the RMS of the corpus after steam sterilization (p > 0.05). Regarding reference points and distances, CLIP showed larger deviations compared to SLA in both printing orientations after steam sterilization, while DLP manufactured guides were the most dimensionally stable. In conclusion, the different printing technologies and orientations had little effect on the manufacturing accuracy of the surgical guides before sterilization. However, after sterilization, FFF surgical guides exhibited significant deformation making their clinical use impossible. CLIP showed larger deformations due to steam sterilization than the other photopolymerizing techniques, however, discrepancies may be considered within the range of clinical acceptance. The influence on the implant position remains to be evaluated.

Fluid-assisted fused deposition modeling 3D printing of anisotropically thermally conductive polymer composites with precisely tunable heat transfer pathways

A fluid-assisted fused deposition modeling (FA-FDM) 3D printing technique was proposed and employed to create anisotropically thermally conductive polymer composites (aniso-TCPCs). These composites have precisely controllable heat conduction pathways achieved by spraying boron nitride (BN) on both sides of the FDM 3D printed POE/PP materials. At the same BN content (cBN), the thermal conductivity (λ) of the aniso-TCPCs is higher than that of the isotropic composites. When cBN = 60 wt%, the λ of the aniso-TCPCs could reach 1.43 W m−1 K−1, improved over 510 % as compared to the POE/PP matrix. Both experimental and simulation results show that the design of the anisotropically thermally conductive pathways can significantly improve the thermal conductivity of the polymer composites for efficient heat dispersion. Overall, the present study would provide a point of reference for the rational design of effective heat dissipation materials with highly and precisely tunable heat transfer pathways.

Fragility Assessment of a Long-Unit Prestressed Concrete Composite Continuous Girder Bridge with Corrugated Steel Webs Subjected to Near-Fault Pulse-like Ground Motions Considering Spatial Variability Effects

Prestressed concrete composite girder bridges with corrugated steel webs (PCCGBCSWs) are extensively employed in bridge construction because of their low dead weight, fast construction, and high prestressing efficiency. Moreover, PCCGBCSWs will experience deformation and failure of the corrugated steel webs, including steel fatigue and fracture, during earthquakes. These changes will introduce safety hazards, which can be addressed via bridge disaster prevention and mitigation. Because near-fault pulse-like ground motions (NFPLGMs) have high peak accelerations, these motions can easily cause damage to a bridge. Therefore, in this study, a seismic fragility assessment is performed for long-unit PCCGBCSWs subjected to NFPLGMs considering spatial variability effects, and a sensitivity evaluation of the seismic fragility is conducted considering girder type, bearing type, ground motion type, and apparent wave velocity to offer a point of reference for seismic design. The results show that PCCGBCSWs are less vulnerable than concrete bridges. The shock absorption effect of the friction pendulum bearing is better than that of the viscous damper. The impact of NFPLGMs on bridges is greater than that of near-fault non-pulse-like ground motions (NFNPLMs) and far-fault ground motions (FFGMs). The seismic fragility under nonuniform excitation conditions is greater than that under uniform excitation conditions, showing an increasing trend with decreasing apparent wave velocity.

School food, sustainability, and interdependence: learning from Japan’s Shokuiku?

ABSTRACT As the sustainability imperative looms, mainstream educational research in the English-speaking world continues a long tradition of failing to see food as integral to education. Japan’s tradition of Shokuiku (food education) stands in stark contrast, providing an external reference point to direct critical attention on Anglo-American school food philosophies, policy, and practice. This article analyses Shokuiku, tracing the genealogy of Japan’s 2005 Basic Law on Shokuiku, a landmark education policy that shifted the 1954 School Lunch Act away from the scientific and nutritional discourses of the mid-20th century and back to Japan’s school food cultural traditions. While still teaching nutrition, Japan’s Shokuiku emerges as distinctive in its broader goals of interdependence, gratitude towards nature, emphasis on culture, and awareness of relations between production, consumption, and sustainability. From a pragmatic perspective, Shokuiku may offer new ways to combat rising obesity worldwide, lessen meat consumption, and reduce humanity’s unsustainable ecological footprint.

Stock Assessment and Virtual Population Analysis of Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Al-Diwaniya River, Middle of Iraq

A total of 1128 individuals of C. auratus were collected from the Diwaniyah River, Iraq. Samples were collected between November 2016 and October 2017 using different fishing gears aiming to assess the stock assessment and virtual population analysis. Fish length ranged from 8.0 to 33.0 cm, with a length-weight relationship exhibiting positive allometric growth. Asymptotic length (L∞) was estimated at 33.0 cm, the growth coefficient (K) was 0.16, and the growth performance index (Ǿ) was 2.241. The values of total (Z), natural (M) and fishing (F) mortality rates were 0.89, 0.47, and 0.42, respectively. The exploitation rate (E) was 0.48. Length with a 50% probability of capture (LC50) was estimated at 18.7 cm and was higher than the length at first maturity (Lm50). The recruitment consisted of one seasonal pulse from April to July. The exploitation rate (E) was below the biological target reference points (E0.1 and Emax), indicating the stock was under exploitation state. The result of the virtual population analysis revealed that most of the fishing mortality happened in mid-lengths (18-26 cm) with a maximum rate at a length of 25 cm. Natural losses were highest among individuals within the length range of 8.0 to 15 cm and then decreased gradually to the length group of 30. For management purposes, this study suggests that more yields can be obtained by increasing the fishing activities on this invasive species, such as increasing the number of fishing boats and decreasing the mesh size to decline its abundance in the long term.

Virtual Reality Research in Office Management: A Bibliometric Analysis

Office digitization not only occurs in the aspect of using digital tools to facilitate the work of employees and office managers but also transfers all office activities to a virtual environment. This also invites the pros and cons. This study aims to provide an extensive bibliometric literature study on “virtual reality in office management”. The research articles were compiled from the Google Scholar database and the publishers Elsevier and Emerald. Of the 38 articles found in the database, from 2011 to 2021, 35 articles were analyzed in this study. The selected references were then managed using reference manager software, namely Zotero. After managing the database, the researcher performed classification and visualization using VOS viewer software. Overall, this literature study provides an appropriate reference point for further research on “virtual reality in office management.”&#x0D; Keywords: bibliometric analysis, future office, office management, virtual reality

Optimal Stimulus Properties for Steady-State Visually Evoked Potential Brain–Computer Interfaces: A Scoping Review

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) based on steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs) have been well researched due to their easy system configuration, little or no user training and high information transfer rates. To elicit an SSVEP, a repetitive visual stimulus (RVS) is presented to the user. The properties of this RVS (e.g., frequency, luminance) have a significant influence on the BCI performance and user comfort. Several studies in this area in the last one-and-half decades have focused on evaluating different stimulus parameters (i.e., properties). However, there is little research on the synthesis of the existing studies, as the last review on the subject was published in 2010. Consequently, we conducted a scoping review of related studies on the influence of stimulus parameters on SSVEP response and user comfort, analyzed them and summarized the findings considering the physiological and neurological processes associated with BCI performance. In the review, we found that stimulus type, frequency, color contrast, luminance contrast and size/shape of the retinal image are the most important stimulus properties that influence SSVEP response. Regarding stimulus type, frequency and luminance, there is a trade-off between the best SSVEP response quality and visual comfort. Finally, since there is no unified measuring method for visual comfort and a lack of differentiation in the high-frequency band, we proposed a measuring method and a division of the band. In summary, the review highlights which stimulus properties are important to consider when designing SSVEP BCIs. It can be used as a reference point for future research in BCI, as it will help researchers to optimize the design of their SSVEP stimuli.

Environmental Context and Organizational Aspiration Determination

AbstractThis research develops an attention‐based, environment‐inclusive model of organizational aspiration determination. The behavioural view embraces that organizations determine aspirations based on three reference points: past aspiration, past performance, and social reference group performance. We build hypotheses to explain how environmental munificence, dynamism, and complexity shape organizational attention allocation among these three reference points. Using data on US publicly traded firms (2006–16), we find that organizations, when determining sales aspirations, allocate (1) more attention to past aspiration and social reference group performance but less attention to past performance in more munificent environments; (2) more attention to past performance and social reference group performance but less attention to past aspiration in more dynamic environments; and (3) more attention to past performance but less attention to past aspiration and social reference group performance in more complex environments. Overall, we contribute to aspiration research by explicitly theorizing a previously understudied contingency, using direct aspiration measures from a wide range of industries, and providing evidence that organizations’ attention allocation rules are regulated by the external environment when determining aspirations.