bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fostering the Conversation About Complementary Medicine: Acceptability and Usefulness of Two Communication-Supporting Tools for Patients with Cancer
Authors: Mentink Marit , Noordman Janneke , Timmer-Bonte Anja , Busch Martine , van Dulmen Sandra
Published: November 2024

Both patients and providers experience barriers to discussing complementary medicine during oncology consultations. This study describes the development of two communication tools—a question prompt sheet and a visual slideshow—and aims to evaluate their acceptability, perceived usefulness, and intention to use among patients with cancer. Nine (former) patients with breast cancer were involved in the development of the tools as co-researchers. The 15-item evaluation questionnaire was completed by 144 participants recruited from three Dutch hospitals, a patient panel, and the Dutch Breast Cancer Society. The tools’ content and layout were generally acceptable, although suggestions were made to include items on exercise and diet in the question prompt sheet. About half of the participants found the tools useful, while the other half felt they were unnecessary, either because they could already discuss complementary medicine with their healthcare provider or had no interest in the topic. The tools were considered particularly helpful for fellow patients. The tools were well received though minor modifications were suggested. The lack of perceived need by half of the participants may have influenced the results. For effective use of the tools, it is important to identify patients who need extra support in discussing complementary medicine.
From Polylithic to Monolithic: The Design of a Lightweight, Stiffened, Non-Rotational, Deep-Drawn Automotive Product
Authors: Chirinda Gibson P. , Matope Stephen , Sterzing Andreas , Nagel Matthias
Published: November 2024

The transition from polylithic (composed of many parts) to monolithic (one part) design in automotive components presents an opportunity for a reduction in part count, weight, processing routes, and production time without compromising performance. The traditional design approaches for rooftop tents assemble various sheet metal and extrusions together using different joining processes such as welding, adhesive bonding, bolting, and riveting. This is often associated with disadvantages, such as increased weight, high production time, and leaking joints. This research, therefore, presents the development of a monolithic, lightweight, stiffened, non-rotational automotive rooftop tent that is manufactured via the deep-drawing process. An onsite company case study was conducted to analyze the polylithic product and its production process to determine its limitations. This was followed by the design of a lightweight, non-rotational monolithic product whose purpose is to eliminate the identified disadvantages. The stiffness geometries were developed to enhance the overall structural integrity without adding unnecessary weight. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to analyze and evaluate alternative layouts against criteria such as complexity, tool design, symmetry, rigidity, and cost. Simulations conducted using NX 2024 software confirmed the effectiveness of this design. The results show that the monolithic rooftop tent has a comparable stiffness performance between the lightweight, monolithic rooftop tent and the heavy, polylithic rooftop tent. At the same time, the part count was reduced from twenty-three (23) single parts (polylithic) to a one (1) part (monolithic) rooftop tent, the weight was reduced by 15.6 kg, which translates to a 30% weight reduction without compromising the performance, processing routes were reduced from eight (8) to three (3), production time was reduced by 120 min, and leaking was eliminated. It can, therefore, be concluded that the design and manufacturing of monolithic rooftop tents leads to a lighter and stronger product.
Early Experience with Inner Branch Stent–Graft System for Endovascular Repair of Thoraco-Abdominal and Pararenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Cuozzo Simone , Marzano Antonio , Martinelli Ombretta , Jabbour Jihad , Molinari Andrea , Brizzi Vincenzo , Sbarigia Enrico
Published: November 2024

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the technical and clinical outcomes of the E-nside stent graft for thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) and pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (PAAA) endovascular treatment at our University Hospital Center. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients electively treated by inner branched EVAR (iBEVAR) between 05/2021 and 03/2023. Demographic, procedural, and clinical data were analyzed. The technical success and clinical outcomes, such as access-site-related complications were reported. The perioperative and early mortality rate, freedom from aortic reintervention, target vessels’ (TVs) patency, and the endoleak rate were evaluated during the follow-up. The technical aspects (external iliac artery diameter, iliac tortuosity, extent of aortic coverage) were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Twenty-two patients were included (age 75.9 ± 5.5; 72.7% male). The aneurism extent was Crawford I = 4 (18.2%), III = 8 (36.4%), IV = 5 (22.7%), V = 1 (4.5%), and PAAA = 4 (18.2%). The mean aortic diameter was 63.5 ± 9.9 mm. The technical success was 95.5% (assisted primary success 100%). The clinical success was 86.4%. The perioperative and early freedom from all-cause mortality rates were 90.9% and 90%, respectively. No case of inter-stage aortic-related mortality was reported, and there was no permanent/temporary spinal cord ischemia (SCI). Seventy-eight out of 81 patent TVs were incorporated through a bridging stent (96.3%). The TV success was 95.1%. The mean external iliac artery (EIA) diameter was 7.5 ± 1.1 mm. Twelve patients (54.5%, including all female patients) were considered outside the instructions for use (IFU) due to narrow iliac arteries. One access-site-related complication was reported. Conclusions: Our experience confirms that E-nside has promising technical and clinical success rates, as well as a low reintervention rate, but it requires a significant compromise of the healthy aortic tissue and adequate iliac arteries that still represents a limitation, especially among women. Mid- to long-term studies and prospective registries are mandatory to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety, as a comparison between E-nside and other alternative off-the-shelf solutions.
Comparison of Biomarkers Playing a Role in Pterygium Development in Pterygium and Recurrent Pterygium Tissues
Authors: Eroğul Özgür , Şen Serkan
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Pterygium is a nonneoplastic elastotic degeneration characterized by subepithelial growth. It manifests as an ocular lesion originating from the bulbar conjunctiva, extending to the corneal surface, and reaching the visual axis in some cases. Although the exact cause is unknown, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation is considered the most significant contributing factor. Chronic irritation and actinic damage are likely responsible for the typical fibrovascular reactions observed in pterygium. Additionally, growth factors, cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases play roles in the pathogenesis of pterygium. This study compared recurrent and primary pterygium cases at the molecular level to gain new insights into the etiology of pterygium. Methods: Total protein was extracted from surgical samples of patients with primary and recurrent pterygium, and the levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-10 were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Target gene expression levels were analyzed using the ΔΔCt method after cDNA synthesis from isolated RNA, with normalization to GAPDH and quantification performed with SYBR Green PCR Master Mix. Results: Among the studied cytokines, IL-10 levels were higher in primary pterygium than in recurrent pterygium (722.0 ± 600.9/421.4 ± 266.8) (p = 0.0054). Other cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and TGF-β1) were detected at similar levels in both primary and recurrent pterygium (p = 0.2986). Additionally, the TGF-β1 gene expression was found to be significantly upregulated in recurrent pterygium tissue compared to primary pterygium tissue (p = 0.034). Conclusions: This increase suggests that TGF-β1 may contribute to the recurrence mechanisms of pterygium through processes such as fibroblast activation and tissue remodeling. The higher levels of IL-10 in primary pterygium compared to recurrent pterygium indicate an enhanced early protective response aimed at limiting pterygium progression and controlling the inflammatory process.
Impact of Resistance Training on Body Composition and Physical Function in Individuals with Down Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kuo Hou-Ting , Lee Ting-Hsu , Su Li-An , Wu Li-Yun , Mao Ping-Yan , Yang Ciao-Ci
Published: November 2024

Objectives: Down syndrome (DS) is associated with challenges like increased fat mass and reduced muscle tone. This study aims to analyze the impact of resistance training on improving muscle strength and physical function in individuals with DS. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for studies published up to August 2023. Standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were used to evaluate the efficacy of resistance training. Results: Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including 127 participants with DS, met the inclusion criteria. Resistance training significantly improved muscle strength in the knee extensors (SMD: 1.009, 95% CI: 0.505–1.513), knee flexors (SMD: 1.133, 95% CI: 0.106 to 2.16), and upper limbs (SMD: 0.748, 95% CI: 0.152–1.343). The SMD for upper limb function was 0.385 (95% CI: 0.004–0.765), showing a small improvement. For walking ability, the SMD was 0.259 (95% CI: −0.171–0.690), and for stair climbing ability, the SMD was 0.257 (95% CI: −0.189–0.703), both indicating no significant changes. Improvements in upper limb physical function were significant, but no notable improvements were seen in lower limb functions. Conclusions: Resistance training for more than four weeks enhances muscle strength in individuals with DS, with greater gains seen in younger participants. While improvements were noted in upper limb physical function, lower limb function remained largely unchanged. These findings suggest that resistance training is a valuable exercise for improving muscle strength and physical function in individuals with DS.
Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Services for Young Women with and Without Disabilities During a Pandemic
Authors: Hanass-Hancock Jill , Nzuza Ayanda , Padayachee Thesandree , Dunkle Kristin , Willan Samantha , Machisa Mercilene Tanyaradzwa , Carpenter Bradley
Published: November 2024

Young women with and without disabilities in South Africa experience challenges accessing sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services, and this may increase during a crisis. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study with 72 young women with and without disabilities (18–25 years) in eThekwini, South Africa (2020–2022) via a series of in-depth interviews including quantitative and qualitative data on participants’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and access to SRHR. Participants reported that barriers to accessing SRHR services included lockdown regulations, prioritization of COVID-19 at health care facilities, fear of COVID-19 infection, transport challenges, and youth-unfriendly clinics. Participants with disabilities experienced additional barriers to SRHR services, including ongoing (inaccessible services) and pandemic-specific (e.g., masks making lipreading impossible) barriers. Participants reported both non-partner and partner violence, with women with disabilities reporting this more frequently, physical and sexual partner violence, as well as physical and emotional abuse from caregivers. Participants with disabilities were not reporting incidents of violence to caregivers or officials because they had ‘normalized’ the experience of violence, were not believed when trying to disclose, feared that reporting would increase their problems, or could not access services due to disability-related barriers. Inclusive and accessible SRHR information, education, and services are needed. This includes disability-specific staff training, disability audits, and caregiver support and training.
Evaluating Craniofacial Morphology Ratios as Predictors of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity in Non-Obese Adult Males
Authors: Shimatsu Masasuke , Kawashima Shigeto , Suzuki Mitsuyoshi
Published: November 2024

Background: This study aimed to examine the connection between craniofacial morphology, particularly the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the mandible, and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in non-obese adult males by utilizing a cephalometric analysis and introducing a new skeletal ratio index. Methods: A cohort of 44 non-obese adult males with OSA, diagnosed via the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) from polysomnographic recordings, was evaluated using a lateral cephalometric analysis. OSA severity was classified as mild (5 ≤ AHI < 15) in 19 patients, moderate (15 ≤ AHI < 30) in 15 patients, and severe (AHI ≥ 30) in 10 patients. The S-Go distance divided by the N-Me distance (S-Go/N-Me) was used as a vertical ratio of craniofacial morphology, the Go-Me distance divided by the S-N distance (Go-Me/S-N) was used as a horizontal ratio, and the results were compared between groups. Correlations between each ratio and craniofacial morphology based on the five factors from the Ricketts analysis were examined for each group. Results: A significant difference was found in the horizontal ratio Go-Me/S-N between the mild and moderate groups (p < 0.05) and the mild and severe groups (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences in Ricketts analysis factors were observed across OSA severity groups. Correlations between the Go-Me/S-N and Ricketts factors were identified in the mild and moderate groups but not in the severe group. The horizontal skeletal dimension Go-Me/S-N was strongly associated with OSA severity. Conclusions: The horizontal mandibular ratio Go-Me/S-N, independent of body shape, may offer a valuable morphological marker for differentiating OSA severity in non-obese males.
Deep Learning-Based Docking Scheme for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles with an Omnidirectional Rotating Optical Beacon
Authors: Li Yiyang , Sun Kai , Han Zekai , Lang Jichao
Published: November 2024

Visual recognition and localization of underwater optical beacons are critical for AUV docking, but traditional beacons are limited by fixed directionality and light attenuation in water. To extend the range of optical docking, this study designs a novel omnidirectional rotating optical beacon that provides 360-degree light coverage over 45 m, improving beacon detection probability through synchronized scanning. Addressing the challenges of light centroid detection, we introduce a parallel deep learning detection algorithm based on an improved YOLOv8-pose model. Initially, an underwater optical beacon dataset encompassing various light patterns was constructed. Subsequently, the network was optimized by incorporating a small detection head, implementing dynamic convolution and receptive-field attention convolution for single-stage multi-scale localization. A post-processing method based on keypoint joint IoU matching was proposed to filter redundant detections. The algorithm achieved 93.9% AP at 36.5 FPS, with at least a 5.8% increase in detection accuracy over existing methods. Moreover, a light-source-based measurement method was developed to accurately detect the beacon’s orientation. Experimental results indicate that this scheme can achieve high-precision omnidirectional guidance with azimuth and pose estimation errors of -4.54° and 3.09°, respectively, providing a reliable solution for long-range and large-scale optical docking.
A Ramsey-Theory-Based Approach to the Dynamics of Systems of Material Points
Authors: Bormashenko Edward , Shvalb Nir
Published: November 2024

We propose a Ramsey-theory-based approach for the analysis of the behavior of isolated mechanical systems containing interacting particles. The total momentum of the system in the frame of the center of masses is zero. The mechanical system is described by a Ramsey-theory-based, bi-colored, complete graph. Vectors of momenta of the particles p→i  serve as the vertices of the graph. We start from the graph representing the system in the frame of the center of masses, where the momenta of the particles in this system are p→cmi. If (p→cmi(t)·p→cmj(t))≥0 is true, the vectors of momenta of the particles numbered i and j are connected with a red link; if (p→cmi(t)·p→cmj(t))<0 takes place, the vectors of momenta are connected with a green link. Thus, the complete, bi-colored graph emerges. Considering an isolated system built of six interacting particles, according to the Ramsey theorem, the graph inevitably comprises at least one monochromatic triangle. The coloring procedure is invariant relative to the rotations/translations of frames; thus, the graph representing the system contains at least one monochromatic triangle in any of the frames emerging from the rotation/translation of the original frame. This gives rise to a novel kind of mechanical invariant. Similar coloring is introduced for the angular momenta of the particles. However, the coloring procedure is sensitive to Galilean/Lorenz transformations. Extensions of the suggested approach are discussed.
Causal Relativistic Hydrodynamics for Viscous Fluids
Authors: Calzetta Esteban
Published: November 2024

Relativistic viscous hydrodynamics [...]
Parameter Tuning Method for a Lattice Compensated Wireless Power Transfer System
Authors: Esfahani Ebrahim Nasr , Bhattacharya Indranil
Published: November 2024

This study presents a new charging system with lattice compensation for wireless power transfer (WPT) applications. A mathematical model is developed for the proposed system to accurately estimate power transfer capabilities. Furthermore, a linear programming algorithm is used to find the proper values for lattice compensation, which helps achieve high efficiency over a wide range of loads and zero voltage switching (ZVS) for the proposed system. The approach is validated through analysis, modeling, and simulation of a 3-kilowatt WPT system. Additionally, a 200-watt prototype with a 100 mm air gap was built and tested, showing an efficiency of 86.3% during charging. This method eliminates the need for an auxiliary DC–DC converter, ensuring efficient charging across various load conditions. The prototype’s performance closely matches the simulation results, indicating its potential for scaling up to electric vehicle (EV) battery charging applications.
The Total Cost of Reliable Electricity Distribution
Authors: Seppälä Joel , Kari Joonas , Järventausta Pertti
Published: November 2024

Clean transition increases the demand for reliable electricity distribution, but while the capacity can be improved through investments, responding to the demand increases costs for the customers. This study presents a methodological improvement to the assessment of the reasonability of pricing, by comprehensively analyzing pricing regulation data to define the total cost of electricity distribution by clustering. A novel systematic view on the volume and distribution of economic steering shows that according to the regulation data in Finland, the total annual cost of distribution for the present level of reliability varies from EUR 490/a in an urban environment to EUR 1220/a per customer in sparsely populated areas. The majority of the total costs of distribution stem from actual utility expenses. The approach and results may be used for implementing TOTEX models for future pricing regulation.
Harnessing Response Consistency for Superior LLM Performance: The Promise and Peril of Answer-Augmented Prompting
Authors: Wu Hua , Hong Haotian , Sun Li , Bai Xiaojing , Pu Mengyang
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces Answer-Augmented Prompting (AAP), an innovative approach that leverages the Response Consistency of History of Dialogue (HoD) phenomenon in Large Language Models (LLMs). AAP not only achieves significantly superior performance enhancements compared to traditional augmentation methods but also exhibits a stronger potential for “jailbreaking”, allowing models to produce unsafe or misleading responses. By strategically modifying the HoD, AAP influences LLM performance in a dual manner: it promotes accuracy while amplifying risks associated with bypassing built-in safeguards. Our experiments demonstrate that AAP outperforms standard methods in both effectiveness and the ability to elicit harmful content. To address these risks, we propose comprehensive mitigation strategies for both LLM service providers and end-users. This research offers valuable insights into the implications of Response Consistency in LLMs, underscoring the promise and peril of this powerful capability.
Design of a Cyber-Physical System-of-Systems Architecture for Elderly Care at Home
Authors: Galeas José , Tudela Alberto , Pons Óscar , Bandera Juan , Bandera Antonio
Published: November 2024

The idea of introducing a robot into an Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) environment to provide additional services beyond those provided by the environment itself has been explored in numerous projects. Moreover, new opportunities can arise from this symbiosis, which usually requires both systems to share the knowledge (and not just the data) they capture from the context. Thus, by using knowledge extracted from the raw data captured by the sensors deployed in the environment, the robot can know where the person is and whether he/she should perform some physical exercise, as well as whether he/she should move a chair away to allow the robot to successfully complete a task. This paper describes the design of an Ambient Assisted Living system where an IoT scheme and robot coexist as independent but connected elements, forming a cyber-physical system-of-systems architecture. The IoT environment includes cameras to monitor the person’s activity and physical position (lying down, sitting…), as well as non-invasive sensors to monitor the person’s heart or breathing rate while lying in bed or sitting in the living room. Although this manuscript focuses on how both systems handle and share the knowledge they possess about the context, a couple of example use cases are included. In the first case, the environment provides the robot with information about the positions of objects in the environment, which allows the robot to augment the metric map it uses to navigate, detecting situations that prevent it from moving to a target. If there is a person nearby, the robot will approach them to ask them to move a chair or open a door. In the second case, even more use is made of the robot’s ability to interact with the person. When the IoT system detects that the person has fallen to the ground, it passes this information to the robot so that it can go to the person, talk to them, and ask for external help if necessary.
Evaluating Causal Reasoning Capabilities of Large Language Models: A Systematic Analysis Across Three Scenarios
Authors: Wang Lei , Shen Yiqing
Published: November 2024

Large language models (LLMs) have shown their capabilities in numerical and logical reasoning, yet their capabilities in higher-order cognitive tasks, particularly causal reasoning, remain less explored. Current research on LLMs in causal reasoning has focused primarily on tasks such as identifying simple cause-effect relationships, answering basic “what-if” questions, and generating plausible causal explanations. However, these models often struggle with complex causal structures, confounding variables, and distinguishing correlation from causation. This work addresses these limitations by systematically evaluating LLMs’ causal reasoning abilities across three representative scenarios, namely analyzing causation from effects, tracing effects back to causes, and assessing the impact of interventions on causal relationships. These scenarios are designed to challenge LLMs beyond simple associative reasoning and test their ability to handle more nuanced causal problems. For each scenario, we construct four paradigms and employ three types of prompt scheme, namely zero-shot prompting, few-shot prompting, and Chain-of-Thought (CoT) prompting in a set of 36 test cases. Our findings reveal that most LLMs encounter challenges in causal cognition across all prompt schemes, which underscore the need to enhance the cognitive reasoning capabilities of LLMs to better support complex causal reasoning tasks. By identifying these limitations, our study contributes to guiding future research and development efforts in improving LLMs’ higher-order reasoning abilities.
Dynamic Client Clustering, Bandwidth Allocation, and Workload Optimization for Semi-Synchronous Federated Learning
Authors: Yu Liangkun , Sun Xiang , Albelaihi Rana , Park Chaeeun , Shao Sihua
Published: November 2024

Federated Learning (FL) revolutionizes collaborative machine learning among Internet of Things (IoT) devices by enabling them to train models collectively while preserving data privacy. FL algorithms fall into two primary categories: synchronous and asynchronous. While synchronous FL efficiently handles straggler devices, its convergence speed and model accuracy can be compromised. In contrast, asynchronous FL allows all devices to participate but incurs high communication overhead and potential model staleness. To overcome these limitations, the paper introduces a semi-synchronous FL framework that uses client tiering based on computing and communication latencies. Clients in different tiers upload their local models at distinct frequencies, striking a balance between straggler mitigation and communication costs. Building on this, the paper proposes the Dynamic client clustering, bandwidth allocation, and local training for semi-synchronous Federated learning (DecantFed) algorithm to dynamically optimize client clustering, bandwidth allocation, and local training workloads in order to maximize data sample processing rates in FL. DecantFed dynamically optimizes client clustering, bandwidth allocation, and local training workloads for maximizing data processing rates in FL. It also adapts client learning rates according to their tiers, thus addressing the model staleness issue. Extensive simulations using benchmark datasets like MNIST and CIFAR-10, under both IID and non-IID scenarios, demonstrate DecantFed’s superior performance. It outperforms FedAvg and FedProx in convergence speed and delivers at least a 28% improvement in model accuracy, compared to FedProx.
PLM-SLAM: Enhanced Visual SLAM for Mobile Robots in Indoor Dynamic Scenes Leveraging Point-Line Features and Manhattan World Model
Authors: Liu Jiale , Luo Jingwen
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes an enhanced visual simultaneous localization and mapping (vSLAM) algorithm tailored for mobile robots operating in indoor dynamic scenes. By incorporating point-line features and leveraging the Manhattan world model, the proposed PLM-SLAM framework significantly improves localization accuracy and map consistency. This algorithm optimizes the line features detected by the Line Segment Detector (LSD) through merging and pruning strategies, ensuring real-time performance. Subsequently, dynamic point-line features are rejected based on Lucas–Kanade (LK) optical flow, geometric constraints, and depth information, minimizing the impact of dynamic objects. The Manhattan world model is then utilized to reduce rotational estimation errors and optimize pose estimation. High-precision line feature matching and loop closure detection mechanisms further enhance the robustness and accuracy of the system. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of PLM-SLAM, particularly in high-dynamic indoor environments, outperforming existing state-of-the-art methods.
Attention Mechanism and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory-Based Real-Time Gaze Tracking
Authors: Dai Lihong , Liu Jinguo , Ju Zhaojie
Published: November 2024

In order to improve the accuracy of gaze tracking in real-time, various attention mechanisms and long short-term memory (LSTM) networks for dynamic continuous video frames are studied in-depth in the paper. A real-time gaze-tracking method (SpatiotemporalAM) based on attention mechanism and bidirectional LSTM (Bi-LSTM) is proposed. Firstly, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are employed to extract the spatial features of each image. Then, Bi-LSTM is adopted to obtain the dynamic temporal features between continuous frames to leverage the past and future context information. After that, the extracted spatiotemporal features are fused by the output attention mechanism (OAM), which improves the accuracy of gaze tracking. The models with OAM are compared with those with self-attention mechanism (SAM), which confirms the advantages of the former in accuracy and real-time performance. At the same time, a series of measures are taken to improve the accuracy, such as using cosine similarity in the loss function and ResNet50 with bottleneck residual blocks as the baseline network. A large number of experiments are performed on the Gaze360 and GazeCapture of public gaze tracking databases to verify the effectiveness, real-time performance, and generalization ability of the proposed gaze tracking approach.
Assessment of the Actual and Required Cooling Demand for Buildings with Extensive Transparent Surfaces
Authors: Kostyák Attila , Szekeres Szabolcs , Csáky Imre
Published: November 2024

Energy consumption in buildings with large, glazed facades rises markedly in the summer, driven by cooling demands that vary with structural characteristics and external climate conditions. This study is unique in examining daily cooling needs in lightweight and heavyweight constructions, utilizing meteorological data from 782 summer days in Debrecen, Hungary. Unlike standard approaches, which often overlook localized meteorological variables, this analysis focuses on actual “clear sky” scenarios across distinct summer day types: normal, hot, and torrid. The findings indicate that orientation and construction type significantly affect cooling demands, with east-facing rooms demanding up to 14.2% more cooling in lightweight structures and up to 35.8% in heavyweight structures during peak hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). This study reveals that for west-facing facades, extending use beyond 4 p.m. markedly increases energy loads. Furthermore, the cooling demand peak for heavyweight buildings occurs later in the day, driven by their higher thermal capacity. These insights underscore the importance of aligning HVAC system design with operational schedules and building orientation, offering data-driven strategies to enhance energy efficiency in buildings with diverse thermal and solar exposure profiles.
Research on the Weak-Bus Voltage Support Effect of Energy Storage Type Intelligent Soft Open Point
Authors: Yan Tao , Li Teng , Liang Zerong
Published: November 2024

With the integration of a high proportion of distributed generators (DGs), the imbalance between source and load power intensifies, causing the distribution grid to become ‘weak’ during certain periods, which can easily lead to voltage over-limit for the distribution grid. Due to the coupling of active and reactive power in weak power grids for voltage regulation, the effectiveness of single reactive voltage regulation for voltage over-limit is not satisfactory. This paper uses an Energy Storage type Intelligent Soft Open Point (E-SOP) with grid-forming controlled energy storage to simultaneously adjust the active and reactive power between different grid clusters to suppress voltage over-limit for a weak grid. Firstly, based on the system architecture and bus load characteristics, the distribution grid is divided into clusters, and the cluster Thevenin equivalent model is established. Then, different voltage support schemes are compared and analyzed through the cluster active power-voltage (P-V) curve. Through simulation verification of the IEEE 33-bus system containing DGs, it is concluded that the scheme of installing E-SOP in the distribution grid containing DGs enhances the active power transmission capability of the grid and provides better voltage support compared to traditional reactive power compensation and system capacity expansion schemes.
Energy and Ecological Concept of a Zero-Emission Building Using Renewable Energy Sources—Case Study in Poland
Authors: Barwińska-Małajowicz Anna , Banaś Marian , Piecuch Teresa , Pyrek Radosław , Szczotka Krzysztof , Szymiczek Jakub
Published: November 2024

Zero-emission buildings, which do not emit CO2 or other greenhouse gases throughout their entire life cycle, play a crucial role in sustainable development and the fight against climate change. Achieving carbon neutrality in construction requires considering emissions associated with material production, construction, operation, as well as demolition and disposal. These buildings utilize energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy sources, and low-carbon materials, minimizing their environmental impact. The building sector accounts for a significant percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a key area for climate action. In Poland, where aging and energy-inefficient buildings prevail, the need for a transition towards zero-emission buildings is particularly urgent. This paper assesses the feasibility and hurdles of retrofitting existing buildings to achieve zero emissions by utilizing renewable energy systems like solar photovoltaic and heat pump technologies. The publication discusses the technical, economic, and legal aspects of this transformation, with particular emphasis on the Polish context and available support programs. The purpose of this publication is to disseminate practical knowledge and foster innovation among architects, investors, and decision-makers engaged in the development of a sustainable built environment. A key example is Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs), which generate as much energy as they consume over a year through technologies such as photovoltaic panels, solar collectors, and heat pumps. NZEBs combine effective insulation, energy-efficient systems, and smart energy management to minimize consumption, and may even produce excess energy that feeds back into the grid. Despite challenges in construction and maintenance, the increasing adoption of zero-emission and NZEBs worldwide reflects their long-term ecological, economic, and health benefits. The focus of this publication is to analyze the potential for transforming standard buildings, as defined by current regulations, into zero-emission buildings powered entirely by renewable energy sources. This case study analyzes the energy potential of a residential building located in Krakow, Poland. The building’s energy efficiency potential was assessed through computer simulations using Audytor OZC software (version 7.0 Pro, Sankom), taking into account local climate conditions and building standards. The study analyzed the impact of various strategies, such as upgrading thermal insulation, using energy-efficient windows, and installing photovoltaic panels, on energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
A Novel Neural Network-Based Droop Control Strategy for Single-Phase Power Converters
Authors: Belgana Saad , Fortin-Blanchette Handy
Published: November 2024

Managing parallel−connected single−phase distributed generators in low−voltage microgrids is challenging due to the volatility of renewable energy sources and fluctuating load demands. Traditional droop control struggles to maintain precise power sharing under dynamic conditions and varying line impedances, leading to inefficiency. This paper presents a novel adaptive droop control strategy integrating artificial neural networks and particle swarm optimization to enhance microgrid performance. Unlike prior methods that optimize artificial neural network parameters, the proposed approach uses particle swarm optimization offline to generate optimal dq−axis voltage references that compensate for line effects and load variations. These serve as training data for the artificial neural network, which adjusts voltage in real time based on line impedance and load variations without online optimization. This decoupling ensures computational efficiency and responsiveness, maintaining voltage and frequency stability during rapid load changes. Addressing dynamic load fluctuations and line impedance mismatches without inter−generator communication enhances reliability and reduces complexity. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed strategy maintains stability, achieves accurate power sharing with errors below 0.5%, and reduces total harmonic distortion, outperforming conventional droop control methods. These findings advance adaptive control in microgrids, supporting seamless renewable energy integration and enhancing the reliability and stability of distributed generation systems.
Origin, Migration, and Accumulation of Crude Oils in the Chaoyang Step-Fault Zone, Fushan Depression, Beibuwan Basin: Insight from Geochemical Evidence and Basin Modeling
Authors: Shi Yang , Guo Hao , Li Xiaohan , Li Huiqi , Li Meijun , Wang Xin , Dong Surui , He Xi
Published: November 2024

The Fushan Depression is a hydrocarbon-rich depression in the Beibuwan Basin, South China Sea. In this study, 14 source rocks and 19 crude oils from the Chaoyang Step-Fault Zone and Southern Slope Zone were geochemically analyzed to determine their origins. The hydrocarbon generation, migration, and accumulation processes were also determined using two-dimensional basin modeling. Crude oils from the low-step area show a close relationship with the source rocks of the first and second members of the Eocene Liushagang Formation (Els1 and Els2). The oils from the middle-step area and the Southern Slope Zone are derived from the local source rocks in those areas, in the third member of the Eocene Liushagang Formation (Els3). Hydrocarbons generated from the Els3 source rocks of the Southern Slope Zone migrated along sand bodies to the Els3 reservoir. The fault system of the Chaoyang Step-Fault Zone controls hydrocarbon migration and accumulation in the low-step and middle-step areas. The resource potential of the middle-step area is limited by its shallow burial depth. The low-step area is a more favorable exploration area due to its proximity to the source kitchen.
AI-Driven Non-Destructive Testing Insights
Authors: Safhi Amine el Mahdi , Keserle Gilberto Cidreira , Blanchard Stéphanie C.
Published: November 2024

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is essential for evaluating the integrity and safety of structures without causing damage. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into traditional NDT methods can revolutionize the field by automating data analysis, enhancing defect detection accuracy, enabling predictive maintenance, and facilitating data-driven decision-making. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of AI-enhanced NDT, detailing AI models and their applications in techniques like ultrasonic testing and ground-penetrating radar. Case studies demonstrate that AI can improve defect detection accuracy and reduce inspection times. Challenges related to data quality, ethical considerations, and regulatory standards were discussed as well. By summarizing established knowledge and highlighting advancements, this paper serves as a valuable reference for engineers and researchers, contributing to the development of safer and more efficient infrastructure management practices.
Enhanced Production of Acid Phosphatase in Bacillus subtilis: From Heterologous Expression to Optimized Fermentation Strategy
Authors: Liu Yang , Shuai Wenjing , Xu Zheng , Yu Xiao , Yao Zhong , Wei Ping , Ni Fang , Sun Yang
Published: November 2024

Acid phosphatases (ACPase, EC 3.1.3.2) are hydrolytic enzymes widely distributed in both plant and animal tissues. Despite their ubiquitous presence, the production and specific activity of ACPase in these sources remain suboptimal. Consequently, the development of microbial cell factories for large-scale ACPase production has emerged as a significant research focus. In this study, we successfully expressed the phosphatase PAP2 family protein (acid phosphatase) from Acinetobacter nosocomialis 1905 in Bacillus subtilis 168. The specific activity of the crude enzyme solution was 59.60 U/mg. After purification, the enzyme activity increased to 86.62 U/mL, with a specific activity of 129.60 U/mg. Characterization of the enzyme revealed optimal activity at 45 °C and a pH of 6.0. The Km value was determined to be 0.25 mmol/L using p-nitrophenylphosphoric acid disodium salt as the substrate. Additionally, the enzyme activity was found to be enhanced by the presence of Ni2+. Dissolved oxygen and medium were subsequently optimized during fermentation on the basis of a commercially available 5 L bioreactor. The recombinant strain B. subtilis 168/pMA5-Acp achieved maximal volumetric enzyme activity of 136.9 U/mL after 12 h of fermentation under optimized conditions: an aeration rate of 1.142 VVM (4 lpm), an agitation speed of 350 rpm, and an optimal ratio of lactose to fish powder (7.5 g/L:12.5 g/L). These optimizations resulted in a 5.9-fold increase in volumetric enzyme activity, a 4.9-fold increase in enzyme synthesis per unit cell volume, and a 48.6% increase in biomass concentration. This study establishes a comprehensive technological framework for prokaryotic fermentation-based ACPase production, potentially addressing the bottleneck in industrial-scale applications.
Fire and Rescue Services’ Interaction with Private Forest Owners During Forest Fires in Sweden: The Incident Commanders’ Perspective
Authors: Björcman Frida , Nilsson Bengt , Elmqvist Carina , Fridlund Bengt , Blom Åsa Rydell , Svensson Anders
Published: November 2024

Forest fires, i.e., wildfires, often cause an inevitable strain on society and human living conditions. Incident Commanders (IC) at the Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) are challenged to handle forest fires and at the same time address the forest owners’ needs; this stipulates a need for collaboration, information, and communication. Hence, the aim of this study was to explore and describe the ICs’ experiences and actions in their interactions with forest owners during forest fires on private property. Interviews were conducted and analyzed using Flanagan’s Critical Incident Technique (CIT) to describe the experiences and actions of 22 ICs. The results showed that a firefighting operation needs clarity in information exchange with the forest owner as a stakeholder, not a victim. The trust between forest owner and IC accelerated the operational phase. The ICs demonstrate more care than the law stipulates, and they worry about the forest owners. Therefore, the FRS needs to form a strategic partnership with forest owners and their network on a local level. Also, future forest fire drills should not only include emergency stakeholders (i.e., police, ambulance, etc.) but also forest owners and local volunteer organizations. For a resilient community, FRS and forest owner collaboration is vital.
Non-Uniform Turbulence Modeling in Isolated Unsteady Diffuser Computational Models for a Vaned Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Holtmann Benjamin L. , Key Nicole L.
Published: November 2024

Recent advancements in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) enable new and more complex analysis methods to be developed for early design stages. One such method is the isolated unsteady diffuser model, which seeks to reduce the computational cost of unsteady CFD when modeling diffusion systems in centrifugal compressors with vaned diffusers by isolating the diffuser from the computational domain and prescribing an unsteady and periodic inlet boundary condition. An initial iteration of this computational methodology was developed and validated for the Centrifugal Stage for Aerodynamic Research (CSTAR) at the High-Speed Compressor Laboratory at Purdue University. However, that work showed discrepancies in flow structure predictions between full-stage and isolated unsteady CFD models, and it also presented a narrow scope of only a single loading condition. Thus, this work addresses the need for improvement in the modeling fidelity. The original methodology was expanded by including a more accurate, non-uniform definition of turbulence at the diffuser inlet and modeling several loading conditions ranging from choke to surge. Results from isolated unsteady diffuser models with non-uniform turbulence modeling were compared with uniform turbulence isolated unsteady diffuser models and full-stage unsteady models at four loading conditions along a speedline. Flow structure predictions by the three methodologies were compared using 1D parameters and outlet total pressure and midspan velocity contours. The comparisons indicate a significant improvement in 1D parameter and flow structure predictions by the isolated unsteady diffuser models at all four loading conditions when including more accurate non-uniform turbulence, without a corresponding increase in computational cost. Additionally, both isolated diffuser methodologies accurately track trends in 3D flow structures along the speedline.
Non-Newtonian Convective Heat Transfer in Annuli: Numerical Investigation on the Effects of Staggered Helical Fins
Authors: Pagliarini Luca , Bozzoli Fabio , Fallahzadeh Rasoul , Rainieri Sara
Published: November 2024

Despite non-Newtonian fluids being involved in many industrial processes, e.g., in food and chemical industries, their thermal treatment still represents a significant challenge due to their generally high apparent viscosity and consequent low heat transfer capability. Heat transfer in heat exchangers can be enhanced by passive systems, such as inserts or fins, to promote boundary layer disruption and fluid recirculation. However, most of the existing configurations cannot significantly improve the heat transfer over pressure drops in deep laminar flows. The present paper presents a numerical investigation on non-Newtonian flows passing through the annulus side of a double-pipe heat exchanger with staggered helical fins. The adopted geometry was conceptualized by merging the beneficial effects of swirling flow devices and boundary layer disruption. The numerical results were first validated against analytical solutions for non-Newtonian flows in annuli under a laminar flow regime. The finned geometry was therefore numerically tested and compared with the bare annulus to quantify the resulting heat transfer augmentation. When compared with the bare annuli, the proposed novel geometry greatly enhanced the heat transfer while mitigating friction losses.