Search Results (822)

The legal and social perception of sexually motivated crimes has undergone profound transformations in the Czech lands from the Middle Ages to the present. Acts once considered grave moral transgressions, punishable by death, have been gradually decriminalised or even integrated into the realm of personal identity and cultural self-expression. This article examines the evolving legal frameworks and societal attitudes towards such offences, with a particular focus on their implications for family structures, inheritance rights, and genealogical continuity. By analysing historical judicial records—primarily early modern pitch books—alongside contemporary legislation, we highlight the shifting boundaries between crime, morality, and individual rights. Methodologically, this study combines a historical–legal analysis with comparative criminology to elucidate the changing regulatory mechanisms governing sexual behaviour. The findings illustrate that, while legal norms have progressively moved away from religious morality toward individual freedoms, some taboos persist, reflecting enduring social anxieties. The Czech case serves as a model for broader European trends, offering valuable insights into the interplay between law, social norms, and genealogical structures across different historical periods. Full article

The delimitation of an ecotone is an important reference for ecosystem conservation; however, the assessment of a marine ecotone from an ecological point of view represents a knowledge gap. The Yellow River Estuary (YRE) serves as both spawning and feeding grounds for numerous economically important organisms. Delineating the boundary of YRE and assessing the boundary change have great importance in maintaining its ecosystem health. This study attempts to apply a Moving Split Window (MSW) to determine marine boundary in YRE. Level 2 remote sensing satellite data spanning from 2012 to 2020 sourced from the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) were utilized. Chlorophyll-a, Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) were employed as variables, with Squared Euclidean Distance (SED) serving as the determinant for identifying the marine ecological ecotone within the Yellow Estuary and its adjacent waters. Results indicate the following: (1) SED values exhibit distinct peaks and valleys, facilitating the accurate identification of marine ecotones via MSW. (2) Evident ecotones are observable in both the gate and coastal regions. (3) The influence range of TSS on the gate spans between 10 km and 14 km. In synthesis, the ensuing conclusions are drawn: MSW proves to be a reliable method for quantitatively determining ecotones in marine environments. Furthermore, MSW introduces a novel approach to the delineation of marine ecotones. Full article

It is usually assumed that matter disappears together with the spacetime at the center of a Schwarzschild black hole (BH). Here, we find that if we impose a boundary condition that the field does not disappear at the BH center (that is, field flux into the singularity vanishes), the BH acts as a time mirror that totally reflects the infalling light and matter outside the BH. Namely, the reflected field propagates backward in time, passes the event horizon and moves away from the BH. In this case, a BH can be used as a time machine that allows us to send a signal into the past. We also show that de Sitter spacetime acts as a time mirror provided particles do not disappear from the spacetime at $r=\infty$. Full article

Global geomagnetic field models typically have low spatial resolution, whereas regional models are constrained by boundary effects and limited truncation levels. To address these limitations, this study introduces a novel regional geomagnetic anomaly field model called the regional associated Legendre polynomials magnetic model (R−ALPOLM). This model employs the associated Legendre polynomials method, which combines the QR decomposition approach and a comprehensive evaluation index formula to enhance the computational efficiency of parameter estimation. In addition, it allows for scientific and intuitive determination of the optimal truncation level of the model. The overall prediction accuracy of the model is significantly enhanced by identifying and re-predicting outliers using the exponential moving average approach. The results indicate that the degree 83 R−ALPOLM achieves a root mean square error (RMSE) of 3.21 nT. Compared to traditional models, the proposed model exhibits lower error rates, highlighting its superior efficiency and predictive accuracy. This underscores the potential value of the proposed model in both scientific research and practical applications. Full article

Revealing singular quantum phenomena in various non-Hermitian systems is a hot topic in condensed matter physics research, with the bulk-boundary correspondence being one of the core issues in non-Hermitian topological states. In addition, the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) applied to electrons moving in the electric field in the material can bring unique topological properties to the energy band of the material. We investigated the topological phase transition of a non-Hermitian Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model with SOC in the generalized Brillouin zone (GBZ). We demonstrate that SOC can alter the position and number of phase transition points. Due to the non-Hermitian skin effect, the bulk-boundary correspondence is broken, and the local positions of zero mode and bulk eigenstates will also change. By unitary transformation, two subspaces were obtained, and the exact solution of topological phase transition was obtained in the GBZ. The exact solution of non-Hermitian systems with the Dresselhaus and Rashba types of SOC is consistent with the numerical solutions. This result can be applied to more complex non-Hermitian models, providing a strong reference for experimental researchers in topological materials. Full article

This study investigates the effects of heat transfer and molten pool flow behavior on the final structure of laser filler wire welds, aiming to improve weld quality. Laser filler wire welding experiments and numerical simulations were performed on 2195 Al-Li alloy workpieces with varying welding parameters. Numerical simulation of the heat transfer and flow in the molten pool was carried out using the CFD method, and the moving filler wire was introduced from the computational boundary by secondary development. Simulation results indicated that reducing welding speed and increasing wire feeding rate enhanced the cooling rate of the weld. Additionally, energy absorbed by the filler wire contributed between 6% and 16% of the total energy input during the liquid bridge transition. Comparing experimental and simulation data revealed that the cooling rate significantly affected the weld’s micro-structure and hardness. Notably, the formation of the equiaxed grain zone (EQZ) was crucial for weld performance. Excessive cooling rates hindered EQZ formation, reducing flow in this critical region. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing welding parameters to enhance weld quality and performance. Full article

This paper studies numerical simulations of the input-output behavior of a geothermal energy storage used in residential heating systems. There, under or aside of a building a certain domain is filled with soil and insulated from the surrounding ground. Thermal energy is stored by raising the temperature of the soil inside the storage, and pipe heat exchangers filled with a moving fluid are used to charge and discharge the storage. Numerical simulations are required for the design, operation and optimal management of heating systems that are equipped with such a thermal storage system. They help to understand the storage response to charging and discharging processes, which depend crucially on the dynamics of the spatial temperature distribution in the storage medium. The latter is modeled mathematically by an initial boundary value problem for a linear heat equation with convection. The problem is solved numerically by finite difference discretization. Finally, the results of computer simulations are presented, which show the properties of the temperature distribution in the storage and its aggregated characteristics. Full article

Over the last 25 years, research on geoparks has moved from basic research to comprehensive multidisciplinary studies related to the creation and development of geoparks, integrating the principle of sustainability. This research focuses on exploring geoparks as the core subject. The aim of this study is to synthesize the heterogeneous body of knowledge about geoparks in an exhaustive way by leveraging a multi-database bibliometric approach. The methodology applied is based on quantitative bibliometric analysis using R, including its application for non-coders and ensuring reliability with the PRISMA Statement framework. Ten databases were taken as the sources of research papers: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Nature Journals, SpringerLink, Taylor & Francis, Wiley Journals, IEEE Xplore, and CABI. The method we used has limitations, providing a restricted number of trends aligned and scaled to the database boundary conditions used in analysis. The main goals of quantitative bibliometric analysis are as follows: (1) The impact of data integration—Evaluating how merging the data from the ten databases improves research coverage. (2) Global research trends—Identifying the evolution of geopark-related studies over time. (3) Three-year forecast—Predicting the upcoming research directions using a polynomial regression model. (4) Academic performance—Assessing geographical distribution, citation impact, and productivity using bibliometric laws. (5) Conceptual contribution—Identifying the key research themes that drive future studies and potential areas for exploration. Among these, we highlighted the key elements. The integration of the ten databases provides 63% greater insight into scientific research compared to that of the Web of Science (WoS) database. Geographically, the scientific output spans 102 countries, with China leading in production over the last two decades. The most impactful paper has accumulated 768 citations, while Ruben D.A. and Wu Fandong emerge as the most prolific authors. According to the bibliometric law, the core source of scientific output is Geoheritage. The future research directions are expected to address global challenges, particularly natural disasters in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, GIS-based subtopics leveraging advanced technologies for analyzing, mapping, and promoting geological resources represent a promising area for further exploration. The projections indicate that by the end of 2026, scientific production in this field could reach 5226 published papers, underscoring the growing significance of geopark research and interdisciplinary advancements. Full article

Unsupervised domain adaptation (UDA) enables training a model on labeled source data to perform well in a target domain without supervision, which is especially valuable in vision-based semantic segmentation. However, existing UDA methods often struggle with accurate semantic labeling at object boundaries and recognizing minor categories in the target domain. This paper introduces a novel UDA framework—SamDA—that incorporates the Segment Anything Model (SAM), a large-scale foundational vision model, as the mask generator to enhance edge segmentation performance. The framework comprises three core modules: a cross-domain image mixing module, a self-training module with a teacher–student network, and exponential moving average (EMA). It also includes a finetuning module that leverages SAM-generated masks for pseudo-label matching. Evaluations on the GTA5 and Cityscapes datasets demonstrate that SamDA achieves a mean IoU (mIoU) of 75.2, surpassing state-of-the-art methods such as MIC-DAFormer by 1.0 mIoU and outperforming all ResNet-based approaches by at least 15 mIoU. Moreover, SamDA significantly enhances the segmentation of small objects like bicycles, riders, and fences, with, respective, IoU improvements of 4.5, 5.2, and 3.8 compared to baseline models. Full article

A reverse-flow combustor has a larger liner surface area due to airflow turning, which complicates flow and cooling control, particularly heat transfer efficiency. Effective heat management is essential for maintaining uniform temperature distribution and preventing thermal gradients. This study explores the impact of axial position and diameter of primary holes on thermal performance and flow dynamics. Results indicate that as the primary holes move toward the dome, the recirculation vortex size decreases, leading to insufficient fuel mixing, a reduction in the high-temperature area in the primary zone, and an increase in the high-temperature area of the middle zone. On the other hand, moving the primary holes downstream enhances fuel mixing, increasing high-temperature areas in the primary zone and reducing them in the middle and dilution zones, thus improving thermal boundary layers and convective heat transfer rates. When the primary hole is moved 10 mm downstream, outlet temperature improves significantly with an outlet temperature distribution factor (OTDF) of 0.21 and a radial temperature distribution factor (RTDF) of 0.16. Additionally, reducing the upper primary hole diameter strengthens jet deflection, improving fuel–gas mixing at the dome and heat transfer to the central region. With a 2.1 mm hole diameter, the temperature gradient decreases, resulting in an OTDF of 0.184 and RTDF of 0.15. Furthermore, as the momentum flux ratio increases, the jet penetration depth initially rises and then stabilizes. Momentum flux ratios between 10.6 and 15.1 significantly affect jet penetration, while further increases result in smaller fluctuations. Higher momentum flux ratios create localized high- and low-temperature zones, reducing outlet temperature distribution quality. The optimal momentum ratio for the reverse-flow combustor, ensuring effective jet penetration and better temperature distribution, is between 10.6 and 14.7, with a corresponding penetration depth of 34.3 mm to 35.1 mm. These findings offer valuable insights for improving reverse-flow combustor design and performance. Full article

Gender-based violence and sexual harassment in the Nordic labor market prevails, despite decades of preventive work. The #Metoo movement has clearly challenged past and current notions of the Nordic countries as gender equal welfare states, but it also pointed at the inability of policy to overcome its own prerequisites. In this study, we analyze past research on sexual harassment in Nordic working life, especially targeting theoretical, methodological, and practical results and challenges. By taking this systematic Nordic research review as a point of departure, we also develop a framework to analyze and transgress existing boundaries of policy and research in several ways. By reimagining research practices, as well as neoliberal management protocols for prevention, we elaborate on ways forward through several analytical steps. Finally, we envisage a need to overcome an immanent paradox when performing social research, pointing towards a vision of critical research moving beyond contemporary research politics and policy. Full article

Overhead cranes are widely used for transportation in factories. They move slowly by manual operation to prevent the payload from swinging sharply or colliding with sudden obstacles. To address these issues and enhance work efficiency, this paper proposes a couple anti-swing obstacle avoidance control method for 5-DOF overhead cranes. Time polynomial fitting is employed for trajectory planning to achieve obstacle avoidance. To achieve anti-swing of the payloads, a coupled variable incorporating both actuated and underactuated states is defined, alongside a boundary for dynamic performance. Finally, MATLAB simulation and hardware experiments are carried out to verify the reliability and compared with some existing control methods. Full article

In this paper, we present an original numerical method for the solution of a Blasius problem with extended boundary conditions. To this end, we extend to the proposed problem the non-iterative transformation method, proposed by Töpfer more than a century ago and defined for the numerical solution of the Blasius problem. The proposed method, which makes use of the invariance of two physical parameters with respect to an extended scaling group of point transformations, allows us to solve the Blasius problem numerically with extended boundary conditions by solving a related initial value problem and then rescaling the obtained numerical solution. Therefore, our method is an initial value method. However, in this way, we cannot fix the values of the physical parameters in advance, and if we just need to compute the numerical solution for given values of the two parameters, we have to define an iterative extension of the transformation method. Thus, in this paper, for the problem under study, we define a non-ITM and an ITM based on Lie groups scaling invariance theory. Full article

Compound threats—two or more relatively rare and high-consequence events that co-occur in time and space, amplifying their effects—present difficult-to-predict events that can impose potentially grave consequences. While there has been increasing attention placed on modeling the probabilities and outcomes of compounding threats, there are no proposed governance models for compound threats, limiting the ability of policymakers and decisionmakers to manage such crises in the future. We visualize resilience for compound threats to understand how critical functioning and system utility to contain hazards, to absorb losses, and to recover from stressors shifts over time. Using North Carolina as a case study, we conduct a compound threats assessment for disaster risk to showcase its effectiveness in more accurately predicting disaster risk areas, as well highlight the limitations of existing risk models used by policymakers. We propose a resilience-augmented conceptual framework to rethink risk governance for compound threats that allows for speed (specifically flexibility and adaptability) in situations of high uncertainty while working within the rigid, slow-moving boundaries of government and bureaucracy. Finally, we discuss strategies for key actors to apply a resilience-augmented governance approach to compound threats into operational decision-making during crisis situations. Full article