bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Abnormal Brain Functional Connectivity in Healthy Adults, Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder through EEG Signals: A Machine Learning Approach for Triple Classification
Authors: Fang Jiaqi , Li Gang , Xu Wanxiu , Liu Wei , Chen Guibin , Zhu Yixia , Luo Youdong , Luo Xiaodong , Zhou Bin
Published: March 2024

Depressive disorder (DD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), two prominent mental health conditions, are commonly diagnosed using subjective methods such as scales and interviews. Previous research indicated that machine learning (ML) can enhance our understanding of their underlying mechanisms. This study seeks to investigate the mechanisms of DD, GAD, and healthy controls (HC) while constructing a diagnostic framework for triple classifications. Specifically, the experiment involved collecting electroencephalogram (EEG) signals from 42 DD patients, 45 GAD patients, and 38 HC adults. The Phase Lag Index (PLI) was employed to quantify brain functional connectivity and analyze differences in functional connectivity among three groups. This study also explored the impact of time window feature computations on classification performance, including the XGBoost, CatBoost, LightGBM, and ensemble models. In order to enhance classification performance, a feature optimization algorithm based on Autogluon-Tabular was proposed. The results indicate that a 12 s time window provides optimal classification performance for the three groups, achieving the highest accuracy of 97.33% with the ensemble model. The analysis further reveals a significant reorganization of the brain, with the most pronounced changes observed in the frontal lobe and beta rhythm. These findings support the hypothesis of abnormal brain functional connectivity in DD and GAD, contributing valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying DD and GAD.
A Crime by Any Other Name: Gender Differences in Moral Reasoning When Judging the Tax Evasion of Cryptocurrency Traders
Authors: Grym Jori , Aspara Jaakko , Nandy Monomita , Lodh Suman
Published: March 2024

Tax evasion is a major issue for authorities worldwide. Understanding the factors that influence individuals’ intrinsic motivation to pay taxes, known as their tax morale, is important for improving tax compliance. This study investigated gender differences in judging tax evasion in the context of cryptocurrency trading. Specifically, a survey study explored whether different moral foundations, financial literacies, and political orientations among females vs. males might explain potential gender differences in judging tax evasion. In an online survey, 243 U.S. adults read a vignette about a friend evading taxes in a cryptocurrency trading context. In a correlational analysis, we found that females judged tax evasion harsher, as being more morally wrong than males. Of the psychographic factors, only individualizing moral foundation values (i.e., fairness and harm avoidance) explained the harsher moral judgment by females. That is, individualizing moral foundation values were at a higher level among females, which further predicted females’ harsher judgment of tax evasion. While females also had, on average, lower financial literacy and knowledge of cryptocurrencies than males, these did not predict their harsher judgment of tax evasion. The findings contribute to research on gender differences in moral judgments and highlight that a given transgression, or a specific crime, may violate different moral values in men and women. The results demonstrate to policy makers that it is important to take into account gender differences, in campaigns promoting tax morale and compliance.
Investigating Unhealthy Behaviors Associated with SF-36 Domains in Women with Endometriosis—Findings from a Web-Based Survey Data Set
Authors: Muselli Mario , Mancinelli Martina , Limoncin Erika , Lolli Chiara , Pelaccia Erika , Guido Maurizio , Fabiani Leila , Necozione Stefano , Cofini Vincenza
Published: March 2024

Unhealthy behaviors may contribute to the development and the progression of chronic diseases with negative consequences on patients’ quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between unhealthy behaviors (physical inactivity, tobacco consumption, and alcohol consumption) and health-related quality of life, measured with the SF-36 questionnaire, in women with endometriosis. To achieve this, data from a previous cross-sectional web survey among Italian adult women were analyzed. A total of 1045 responses were included in the analysis. Among the SF-36 subscales, the lowest score was recorded in the energy/fatigue domain: mean = 35.536 (Standard Deviation = 18.452). Smoking and physically inactive women had lower scores than non-smoking and physically active women, respectively, in each SF-36 domain. Women who drank more than one unit of alcohol a day, on average, reported lower scores than women with an alcohol intake <1 unit a day, for the following SF-36 domains: role limitations due to physical health, role limitations due to emotional problems, and emotional well-being. The multivariable analysis evidenced that employment, physical inactivity, and tobacco consumption were significant predictors for each SF-36 domain (p < 0.05). Physical inactivity and tobacco consumption had negative effects on the SF-36 subscales. Our results showed the need to monitor unhealthy behaviors to improve the overall well-being of women with endometriosis. Tailored strategies addressing smoking cessation, promoting physical activity, and moderating alcohol intake may aid in enhancing health-related quality of life in this vulnerable population.
Self-Consciousness as a Construction All the Way Down
Authors: Marraffa Massimo , Meini Cristina
Published: March 2024

Contemporary mind and brain sciences provide theories and data that seem to confirm a hypothesis about human nature that we might formulate as follows. Human life is conditioned by a need that is no less important than elementary biological needs (such as survival and reproduction) or universal forms of social competition: the need to build and, indeed, defend a subjective identity whose solidity and clarity are the foundation of our intra- and inter-personal equilibrium and therefore of psychological well-being and mental health. In this article, distancing ourselves from a neo-Cartesian position still prevalent in the philosophy of mind and approaching instead the outcomes of contemporary cognitive sciences, we sketch the complex interweaving of the cognitive, emotional, and affective elements that are constitutive of subjective identity, with a focus on the role played in self-identity construction by Theory-of-Mind abilities. We will suggest that, at every stage of self-construction, individuals engage in processes of understanding others that have a largely innate basis. In this perspective, a mature self-awareness is somewhat secondary to the knowledge of others, an evolutionarily refined acquisition primarily serving as a defense mechanism.
Structural, Exterior, and Interior Medium of Wood as a Holistic Museum Experience: A Case Study of OMM (Odunpazarı Modern Museum)
Authors: Yalçın Meryem , Dedeoğlu Esin Fakıbaba
Published: March 2024

The fundamental research inquiry in this study revolves around wood materials’ diverse facets, including structural identities, contextual considerations, interior and external spatial applications, and their user experiences. To address this research, a comprehensive literature review, case study, and survey were conducted. The objective being to elucidate technical, functional, sensory, perceptual, and psychological impacts of wood in a sample structure where it is the primary material in the overarching user experience. The Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM), conceptualized by architect Kengo Kuma and inaugurated in 2019 in Eskişehir, stands as a testament to the historical significance of the timber trade in the region. The deliberate choice of wood as the primary construction material serves as a tribute to this historical narrative. The conspicuous incorporation of wooden lath materials into both the external and interior spaces signify a conscious reference to the region’s historical heritage and aligns with sustainability principles in design. Factors such as form characteristics, dimensional distinctions, spatial arrangements, and the extent of surface interactions collectively contribute to the compelling effect of this integrative approach. Within the confines of the museum, unconventional partitioning is implemented, and the strategic arrangement of masses results in multiple facades, even in the absence of overt wooden surfaces. The exterior impact of the wooden shell complements its interior application. For this reason, OMM enabled the understanding and explanation of all dimensions of the wooden material, including physical, technical, and psychosocial.
Urban Green Systems for Improving Pedestrian Thermal Comfort and Walkability in Future Climate Scenarios in London
Authors: Taher Hashem , Elsharkawy Heba , Rashed Haitham Farouk
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this research is to investigate the thermal impact of urban green systems (UGS) (trees and living facades) and high albedo pavements on reducing the urban heat island (UHI) effect in London at the pedestrian street level. The research assesses the impact of UGS by suggesting practicable urban greenery-covering densities (25% and 50%) and using high albedo pavement in current and future climatic scenarios (2050 and 2080). This approach is intended to encourage pedestrians to walk longer distances for longer durations during the warmer months, following the Transport for London’s (TfL) 2017 Healthy Streets initiative. The research seeks to measure the advantages and assess the possible impact on the comfort and activities within urban streets. The study adopts a quantitative research design using ENVI-met modelling and questionnaires. Simulation results, the subject of this paper, confirmed that, across three climatic scenarios, the optimal UGS for thermal comfort is 50% trees followed by 25% trees, dependent on street orientation and solar access. Living facades (LF) with 25% and 50% covering had no discernible effect on the comfort of pedestrians, whereas high albedo pavement increases heat stress.
Implementing Circular Economy throughout the Construction Project Life Cycle: A Review on Potential Practices and Relationships
Authors: Gamage Iresha , Senaratne Sepani , Perera Srinath , Jin Xiaohua
Published: March 2024

The linear economy model that is generally practised in the construction industry is one of the main reasons hindering the achievement of sustainability in construction. Alternatively, the Circular Economy (CE) model is becoming a promising approach to achieve sustainable construction, in which materials and products are circulated at their highest economic value and, thereby, contribute towards mitigating the negative economic, social, and environmental impacts of the construction industry. For a successful transition towards CE in the construction industry, it is important not only to understand CE practices that could be implemented across different stages of the life cycle of construction projects, but also to understand how a particular practice relates to another at those stages. Having limited studies identifying such relationships, this study aims to improve the successful implementation of CE practices in the construction industry by comprehending the practices, along with their relationships, throughout the project life cycle. A qualitative research method consisting of a systematic literature review was adopted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to identify CE practices. Amongst the identified highly cited CE practices applicable to construction projects, design for disassembly, design for adaptability and flexibility, and design for manufacture and assembly ended up being the most significant ones. Consequently, a relationship matrix was developed, highlighting the relationships among the highly cited practices. The matrix emphasises that practices applied in the design stage relate frequently to ones at the following stages, necessitating projects to start with proper planning. This study ultimately assists construction industry stakeholders in successfully and rationally implementing CE practices throughout the project life cycle while enhancing the value addition on the economy, society, and environment.
Construction Solutions, Cost and Thermal Behavior of Efficiently Designed Above-Ground Wine-Aging Facilities
Authors: Gómez-Villarino María Teresa , Barbero-Barrera María del Mar , Cañas Ignacio , Ramos-Sanz Alba , Baptista Fátima , Mazarrón Fernando R.
Published: March 2024

The wine industry requires a considerable amount of energy, with an important fraction corresponding to the cooling and ventilation of above-ground aging warehouses. The large investments made in aging facilities can compromise the viability and competitiveness of wineries if their design is not optimized. The objective of this study was to provide guidance for the efficient design of new above-ground warehouses. To this end, multiple construction solutions (structure, envelopes, levels of integration, etc.) were characterized, and their costs and the resulting interior environments were analyzed. The results offer a comprehensive view of potential construction solutions and benchmark price ranges for viable and profitable designs. With a total cost of 300 EUR/m2, an average damping of 98% per day can be achieved. Increasing the costs does not imply better effectiveness. A double enclosure with internal insulation—with or without an air chamber—can achieve excellent results. Greater integration as a result of several enclosures being in contact with other rooms and/or the terrain allows for a high effectiveness to be achieved without air conditioning. Perimeter glazing and ventilation holes can reduce the effectiveness of the construction, resulting in greater instability and a lower damping capacity.
Enhancing Construction Safety Education: Insights from Student Perspectives
Authors: Alhammadi Yasir , Farouk Abdelrahman M. , Rahman Rahimi A.
Published: March 2024

Construction safety education is crucial as it ensures worker well-being, improves construction quality, and contributes to sustainable infrastructure development and safeguarding lives. This study aims to examine students’ perceptions of construction safety education. A structured questionnaire survey aligned with the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) safety topics was used to collect data from students on their understanding of construction safety topics (CSTs). Data were gathered from 161 students and analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha, mean calculations, standard deviation measurements, normalization value, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and correlation analysis. The findings reveal a strong awareness and interest in fire safety, with variations across engineering faculties, academic years, and specific topics, suggesting the need for tailored educational strategies to improve construction safety knowledge and align education with industry needs. This study represents the first investigation into students’ comprehension of CSTs in Saudi Arabia. The study insights can guide decisionmakers in refining existing curriculums, ensuring students develop a strong understanding of safety protocols in construction projects. By aligning education with industry requirements, policymakers can enhance the preparedness of graduates, promoting safer practices in engineering. This contributes to the overall economic and safety progress of nations.
Field Experimental Study on the Uplift and Lateral Capacity of Deep Helical Anchors and Grouped Helical Anchors in Clays
Authors: Yuan Chi , Hao Dongxue , Ding Shijun , Ding Mintao
Published: March 2024

This research aims to investigate the bearing capability of deep helical anchors and grouped helical anchors under uplift or lateral loads using field experiments. Grouped helical anchors may serve as a viable alternative to traditional deep foundations, offering increased resistance against uplift and lateral forces. The study of group effect primarily focuses on vertically installed helical anchors, with few data available on various configurations of grouped helical anchors. This research includes a total of 12 single-helix anchors, 4 double-helix anchors, and 4 grouped helical anchors, with anchor plate diameters of 400 mm and maximum embedment depths of 7.4 m. There are two configurations of grouped helical anchors, each with different platforms. This article studies the effect of some factors, including the embedment depth, the number of anchor plates, the spacing between anchor shafts, the selection of failure criteria, and the group effect. The primary findings indicate that adding the anchor plates to single-helix anchors without extending the shaft length does not increase uplift or lateral capacity. In this soil condition, the group efficiency of double-helix anchors is higher than 1. By comparing the group efficiency and economy of the G1 and G2 grouped helical anchors, it is highly recommended to use the G2 configuration. The data obtained from this work may also serve as a valuable tool for validating numerical models used to analyze interactions among grouped helical anchors.
Renewable Energy Use for Buildings Decarbonization Causes Inequity in Consumers? Comparative Analysis of Spain, Mexico, and Colombia
Authors: Valencia-Salazar Iván , Peñalvo-López Elisa , León-Martínez Vicente , Montañana-Romeu Joaquín
Published: March 2024

Building decarbonization strategy with Distributed renewable energy sources (DRES) is applied and extended worldwide for its climate change mitigation benefits, however, it generates debate regarding equity in sharing electric system operation costs. To analyze DRES effects on equity, it is conducted a case study, in which same residential consumer is evaluated in three different markets (Spain, Mexico, Colombia). We analyze not only electrical system technical variables, but we also include society’s economic, social, technological, and environmental characteristics. Next, energy, economic, and environmental benefits are obtained in each the three case studies, analyzing the impact of using DERS on equity to recover electric system operating costs. We also evaluate whether tariff mechanisms are equitable to motivate all consumers participation, as well as whether all consumers have equal opportunity for using DERS. We conclude that tariff mechanisms in Mexico and Colombia lead to inequity to recover market operating costs, favoring large consumers with high incomes. Furthermore, tariff mechanisms discourage the use of DERS by small and medium consumers due to economic, social, and technological aspects. In Spain, inequity arises due to increased difficulty for some consumers to use DERS, i.e., consumers in apartment buildings.
Feasibility of Introducing a Prehabilitation Program into the Care of Gynecological Oncology Patients—A Single Institution Experience
Authors: Dhanis Joëlle , Strijker Dieuwke , Drager Luuk D. , van Ham Maaike , van Laarhoven Cornelis J. H. M. , Pijnenborg Johanna M. A. , Smits Anke , van den Heuvel Baukje
Published: March 2024

Prehabilitation is an upcoming strategy to optimize patient’s functional capacity, nutritional status, and psychosocial well-being in order to reduce surgical complications and enhance recovery. This study aims to assess the feasibility of implementing a multimodal prehabilitation program into the standard care of gynecological oncology patients at an academic hospital in terms of recruitment, adherence, and safety, which were assessed by the number of patients eligible, recruitment rate, participation rate, and adherence to individual modalities. Data were derived from the F4S PREHAB trial, a single-center stepped-wedge trial implementing a multimodal prehabilitation program among various surgical specialties. All patients undergoing elective surgery as part of treatment for ovarian, uterine, and vulvar cancer at the Radboudumc, an academic hospital in The Netherlands, between May 2022 and September 2023 were considered eligible for the F4S PREHAB trial and, consequently, were included in this cohort study. The multimodal prehabilitation program comprised a physical exercise intervention, nutritional intervention, psychological intervention, and an intoxication cessation program. A total of 152 patients were eligible and approached for participation of which 111 consented to participate, resulting in a recruitment rate of 73%. Participants attended an average of six exercise sessions and adhered to 85% of possible training sessions. Respectively, 93% and 98% of participants adhered to the prescribed daily protein and vitamin suppletion. Ten participants were referred to a psychologist and completed consultations. Out of nine active smokers, two managed to quit smoking. A total of 59% adhered to alcohol cessation advice. No adverse events were reported. This study demonstrates that introducing a multimodal prehabilitation program into the standard care of gynecological oncology patients is feasible in terms of recruitment and adherence, with no serious adverse events.
From Pixels to Diagnosis: Algorithmic Analysis of Clinical Oral Photos for Early Detection of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Rabinovici-Cohen Simona , Fridman Naomi , Weinbaum Michal , Melul Eli , Hexter Efrat , Rosen-Zvi Michal , Aizenberg Yelena , Porat Ben Amy Dalit
Published: March 2024

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for more than 90% of oral malignancies. Despite numerous advancements in understanding its biology, the mean five-year survival rate of OSCC is still very poor at about 50%, with even lower rates when the disease is detected at later stages. We investigate the use of clinical photographic images taken by common smartphones for the automated detection of OSCC cases and for the identification of suspicious cases mimicking cancer that require an urgent biopsy. We perform a retrospective study on a cohort of 1470 patients drawn from both hospital records and online academic sources. We examine various deep learning methods for the early detection of OSCC cases as well as for the detection of suspicious cases. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of these methods in both tasks, providing a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition. When evaluated on holdout data, the model to predict OSCC achieved an AUC of 0.96 (CI: 0.91, 0.98), with a sensitivity of 0.91 and specificity of 0.81. When the data are stratified based on lesion location, we find that our models can provide enhanced accuracy (AUC 1.00) in differentiating specific groups of patients that have lesions in the lingual mucosa, floor of mouth, or posterior tongue. These results underscore the potential of leveraging clinical photos for the timely and accurate identification of OSCC.
Computational Imaging: The Next Revolution for Biophotonics and Biomedicine
Authors: Pan An , Yao Baoli , Zuo Chao , Liu Fei , Yang Jiamiao , Cao Liangcai
Published: March 2024

This Editorial is the preface for the topical collection of “Computational Imaging for Biophotonics and Biomedicine”, which collates the 12 contributions listed in Table 1 [...]
Global Solar Radiation and Its Interactions with Atmospheric Substances and Their Effects on Air Temperature Change in Ankara Province
Authors: Bai Jianhui , Wan Xiaowei , Arslan Erhan , Zong Xuemei
Published: March 2024

On the analysis of solar radiation and meteorological variables measured in Ankara province in Türkiye from 2017 to 2018, an empirical model of global solar radiation was developed. The global solar radiation at the ground and at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) was calculated and in good agreement with the observations. This model was applied to compute the losses of global solar radiation in the atmosphere and the contributions by atmospheric absorbing and scattering substances. The loss of global solar radiation in the atmosphere was dominated by the absorbing substances. The sensitivity test showed that global solar radiation was more sensitive to changes in scattering (described by a scattering factor S/G, S and G are diffuse and global solar radiation, respectively) than to changes in absorption. This empirical model was applied to calculate the albedos at the TOA and the surface. In 2017, 2018, and 2019, the computed albedos were 28.8%, 27.8%, and 28.2% at the TOA and 21.6%, 22.1%, and 21.9% at the surface, which were in reasonable agreement with satellite retrievals. The empirical model is a useful tool for studying global solar radiation and the multiple interactions between solar energy and atmospheric substances. The comparisons of global solar radiation and its loss in the atmosphere, as well as meteorological parameters, were made at some representative sites on the Earth. Some internal relationships (between G and the absorbing and scattering substances, air temperature and atmospheric substances, air temperature increase and latitude, etc.) were found. Thus, it is suggested to thoroughly study solar radiation, atmospheric substances, and climate change as a whole system and reduce the direct emissions of all atmospheric substances and, subsequently, secondary products (e.g., CO2 and non-CO2) in the atmosphere for the achievement of slowing down climate warming.
Thermal Sprayed Protective Coatings for Bipolar Plates of Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Water Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Liu Tao , Tao Youkun , Wang Yanli , Wu Mingfeng , Zhang Jin , Yu Yang , Wang Xingfu , Shao Jing
Published: March 2024

As one core component in hydrogen fuel cells and water electrolysis cells, bipolar plates (BPs) perform multiple important functions, such as separating the fuel and oxidant flow, providing mechanical support, conducting electricity and heat, connecting the cell units into a stack, etc. On the path toward commercialization, the manufacturing costs of bipolar plates have to be substantially reduced by adopting low-cost and easy-to-process metallic materials (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum or copper). However, these materials are susceptible to electrochemical corrosion under harsh operating conditions, resulting in long-term performance degradation. By means of advanced thermal spraying technologies, protective coatings can be prepared on bipolar plates so as to inhibit oxidation and corrosion. This paper reviews several typical thermal spraying technologies, including atmospheric plasma spraying (APS), vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) and high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying for preparing coatings of bipolar plates, particularly emphasizing the effect of spraying processes on coating effectiveness. The performance of coatings relies not only on the materials as selected or designed but also on the composition and microstructure practically obtained in the spraying process. The temperature and velocity of in-flight particles have a significant impact on coating quality; therefore, precise control over these factors is demanded.
A First Approach to Co-Design a Multimodal Pedagogic Conversational Agent with Pre-Service Teachers to Teach Programming in Primary Education
Authors: Pérez-Marín Diana , Hijón-Neira Raquel , Pizarro Celeste
Published: March 2024

Pedagogic Conversational Agents (PCAs) are interactive systems that engage the student in a dialogue to teach some domain. They can have the roles of a teacher, student, or companion, and adopt several shapes. In our previous work, a significant increase of students’ performance when learning programming was found when using PCAs in the teacher role. However, it is not common to find PCAs used in classrooms. In this paper, it is explored whether pre-service teachers would accept PCAs to teach programming better if they were co-designed with them. Pre-service teachers are chosen because they are still in training, so they can be taught what PCAs are and how this technology could be helpful. Moreover, pre-service teachers can choose whether they integrate PCAs in the teaching activities that they carry out as part of their degree’s course. An experiment with 35 pre-service primary education teachers was carried out during the 2021/2022 academic year to co-design a robotic PCA to teach programming. The experience validates the idea that involving pre-service teachers in the design of a PCA facilitates their involvement to integrate this technology in their classrooms. In total, 97% of the pre-service teachers that stated in a survey that they believed robot PCA could help children to learn programming, and 80% answered that they would like to use them in their classrooms.
Hydrate Formation with the Memory Effect Using Classical Nucleation Theory
Authors: Akkutlu I. Yucel , Arslan Emre , Khan Faisal Irshad
Published: March 2024

Methane hydrate formation is analytically studied in the presence of the water memory effect using the classical nucleation theory. The memory effect is introduced as a change in nucleation site from a three-dimensional heterogenous nucleation on a solid surface with cap-shaped hydrate clusters (3D-HEN) to a two-dimensional nucleation on the solid hydrate residue surface with monolayer disk-shaped hydrate clusters (2D-NOH). The analysis on the stationary nucleation of methane hydrate under isobaric conditions shows that the memory effect caused an average decrease of 4.4 K in metastable zone width, or subcooling. This decrease can be erased at higher dissociation temperatures (ΔT > 17.2 K) due to a decrease in the concentration of 2D-NOH nucleation sites. Moreover, the probability of hydrate formation is estimated for the purpose of quantifying risk associated with methane hydrate formation in the presence of the memory effect.
Experimental and Computational Study of Microhardness Evolution in the HAZ for Al–Cu–Li Alloys
Authors: Maritsa Stavroula , Deligiannis Stavros , Tsakiridis Petros E. , Zervaki Anna D.
Published: March 2024

The Laser Beam Welding (LBW) of aluminum alloys has attracted significant interest from industrial sectors, including the shipbuilding, automotive and aeronautics industries, as it expects to contribute to significant cost reduction associated with the production of high-quality welds. To comprehend the behavior of welded structures in regard to their damage tolerance, the application of fracture mechanics serves as the instrumental tool. However, the methods employed overlook the changes in the microstructure within the Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ), which leads to the degradation of the mechanical properties of the material. The purpose of this study is to simulate microhardness evolution in the HAZ of AA2198-T351 LBW. The material represents the latest generation of Al-Cu-Li alloys, which exhibit improved mechanical properties, enhanced damage tolerance behavior, lower density and better corrosion and fatigue crack growth resistance than conventional Al-Cu alloys. In this work, the microhardness profile of LBW AA2198 was measured, and subsequently, through isothermal heat treatments on samples, the microhardness values of the HAZ were replicated. The conditions of the heat treatments (T, t) were selected in line with the thermal cycles that each area of the HAZ experienced during welding. ThermoCalc and DICTRA were employed in order to identify the strengthening precipitates and their evolution (dissolution and coarsening) during the weld thermal cycle. The microstructure of the heat-treated samples was studied employing LOM and TEM, and the strengthening precipitates and their characteristics (volume fraction and size) were defined and correlated to the calculations and the experimental conditions employed during welding. The main conclusion of this study is that it is feasible to imitate the microstructure evolution within the HAZ through the implementation of isothermal heat treatments. This implies that it is possible to fabricate samples for fatigue crack growth tests, enabling the experimental examination of the damage tolerance behavior in welded structures.
Solvation, Hydration, and Counterion Effect on the Formation of Ag(I) Complexes with the Dipodal Ligand 2,6-Bis[(imidazol-2-yl)thiomethyl]naphthalene
Authors: Maria Losus Renny , Chaudhary Simran , Dobrzańska Liliana
Published: March 2024

A series of new Ag(I) complexes with 2,6-bis[(imidazol-2-yl)thiomethyl]naphthalene (L) and a range of counterions (X−) such as PF6− (1, 2), SbF6− (3), and CF3SO3− (4) was prepared. As shown by SCXRD studies, all of these are 1D coordination polymers with a waved chain motive and general formula {[AgL]X}n. Two methanol solvates containing PF6− (1) and SbF6− (3) counterions are isostructural. The triflate counterion leads to the formation of a topologically equivalent structural motive, with a different conformation of the ligand in the 1D chain and a different crystal packing as a result of the presence of another set of intermolecular interactions. The presence of water in 2 leads to a significant change in the conformation of the ligand. The naphthalene rings show a different orientation towards the imidazole rings, which is energetically less favorable but is stabilized by an extended net of intermolecular interactions with the counterion, which leads to an efficient crystal packing.
Magnifying Networks for Histopathological Images with Billions of Pixels
Authors: Dimitriou Neofytos , Arandjelović Ognjen , Harrison David J.
Published: March 2024

Amongst the other benefits conferred by the shift from traditional to digital pathology is the potential to use machine learning for diagnosis, prognosis, and personalization. A major challenge in the realization of this potential emerges from the extremely large size of digitized images, which are often in excess of 100,000 × 100,000 pixels. In this paper, we tackle this challenge head-on by diverging from the existing approaches in the literature—which rely on the splitting of the original images into small patches—and introducing magnifying networks (MagNets). By using an attention mechanism, MagNets identify the regions of the gigapixel image that benefit from an analysis on a finer scale. This process is repeated, resulting in an attention-driven coarse-to-fine analysis of only a small portion of the information contained in the original whole-slide images. Importantly, this is achieved using minimal ground truth annotation, namely, using only global, slide-level labels. The results from our tests on the publicly available Camelyon16 and Camelyon17 datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of MagNets—as well as the proposed optimization framework—in the task of whole-slide image classification. Importantly, MagNets process at least five times fewer patches from each whole-slide image than any of the existing end-to-end approaches.
Accuracy of Treatment Recommendations by Pragmatic Evidence Search and Artificial Intelligence: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Baig Zunaira , Lawrence Daniel , Ganhewa Mahen , Cirillo Nicola
Published: March 2024

There is extensive literature emerging in the field of dentistry with the aim to optimize clinical practice. Evidence-based guidelines (EBGs) are designed to collate diagnostic criteria and clinical treatment for a range of conditions based on high-quality evidence. Recently, advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have instigated further queries into its applicability and integration into dentistry. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop a model that can be used to assess the accuracy of treatment recommendations for dental conditions generated by individual clinicians and the outcomes of AI outputs. For this pilot study, a Delphi panel of six experts led by CoTreat AI provided the definition and developed evidence-based recommendations for subgingival and supragingival calculus. For the rapid review—a pragmatic approach that aims to rapidly assess the evidence base using a systematic methodology—the Ovid Medline database was searched for subgingival and supragingival calculus. Studies were selected and reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), and this study complied with the minimum requirements for completing a restricted systematic review. Treatment recommendations were also searched for these same conditions in ChatGPT (version 3.5 and 4) and Bard (now Gemini). Adherence to the recommendations of the standard was assessed using qualitative content analysis and agreement scores for interrater reliability. Treatment recommendations by AI programs generally aligned with the current literature, with an agreement of up to 75%, although data sources were not provided by these tools, except for Bard. The clinician’s rapid review results suggested several procedures that may increase the likelihood of overtreatment, as did GPT4. In terms of overall accuracy, GPT4 outperformed all other tools, including rapid review (Cohen’s kappa 0.42 vs. 0.28). In summary, this study provides preliminary observations for the suitability of different evidence-generating methods to inform clinical dental practice.
Ralph Kenna’s Scaling Relations in Critical Phenomena
Authors: Moueddene Leïla , Donoso Arnaldo , Berche Bertrand
Published: March 2024

In this note, we revisit the scaling relations among “hatted critical exponents”, which were first derived by Ralph Kenna, Des Johnston, and Wolfhard Janke, and we propose an alternative derivation for some of them. For the scaling relation involving the behavior of the correlation function, we will propose an alternative form since we believe that the expression is erroneous in the work of Ralph and his collaborators.
The WellComm Toolkit: Impact on Practitioner Skills and Knowledge and Implications for Evaluation Research
Authors: Dysart Erin , Code Aimee
Published: March 2024

The WellComm toolkit is used across many areas of the UK to identify and support early years children with their speech, language and communication. There is some evidence for positive outcomes for children who are assessed and supported using the toolkit. However, wider implications of implementing the toolkit have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to explore the impact of implementing the WellComm toolkit on practitioners, practically and for their knowledge and skills. An additional aim was to reflect on the impact this may have on evaluation research. Early years practitioners (EYPs) in the UK completed an online survey asking about their experiences of using the WellComm toolkit, and a sub-sample participated in interviews. Survey and interview respondents spanned different early years settings. Practitioners described positive ways in which using the WellComm toolkit had impacted their knowledge of speech, language and communication, supported improvements in practice, and the quality and specificity of speech and language referrals. Negative implications, such as time costs and staffing burdens, were also discussed but were found not to outweigh the benefits of use. The positive implications of using the WellComm toolkit on practitioners’ own development and knowledge are likely to support the outcomes of children, though the usefulness of the WellComm toolkit for children who speak English as an additional language (EAL) and children with special educational needs (SEND) is questioned. Such findings have implications for the work of evaluation researchers, who need to be sensitive to the use of such toolkits in settings where interventions are being evaluated.
Online Joint Optimization of Virtual Network Function Deployment and Trajectory Planning for Virtualized Service Provision in Multiple-Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicle Mobile-Edge Networks
Authors: He Qiao , Liang Junbin
Published: March 2024

The multiple-unmanned-aerial-vehicle (multi-UAV) mobile edge network is a promising networking paradigm that uses multiple resource-limited and trajectory-planned unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as edge servers, upon which on-demand virtual network functions (VNFs) are deployed to provide low-delay virtualized network services for the requests of ground users (GUs), who often move randomly and have difficulty accessing the Internet. However, VNF deployment and UAV trajectory planning are both typical NP-complete problems, and the two operations have a strong coupling effect: they affect each other. Achieving optimal virtualized service provision (i.e., maximizing the number of accepted GU requests under a given period T while minimizing the energy consumption and the cost of accepting the requests in all UAVs) is a challenging issue. In this paper, we propose an improved online deep reinforcement learning (DRL) scheme to tackle this issue. First, we formulate the joint optimization of the two operations as a nonconvex mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem, which can be viewed as a sequence of one-frame joint VNF deployment and UAV-trajectory-planning optimization subproblems. Second, we propose an online DRL based on jointly optimizing discrete (VNF deployment) and continuous (UAV trajectory planning) actions to solve each subproblem, whose key idea is establishing and achieving the coupled influence of discrete and continuous actions. Finally, we evaluate the proposed scheme through extensive simulations, and the results demonstrate its effectiveness.
Vulnerability Analysis of Power Transmission Grids Subject to Cascading Failures
Authors: Cadini Francesco , Lomazzi Luca , Zio Enrico
Published: March 2024

Cascading failures are a major threat to interconnected systems, such as electrical power transmission networks. Typically, approaches proposed for devising optimized control strategies are demonstrated with reference to a few test systems of reference (IEEE systems). However, this limits the robustness of the proposed strategies with respect to different power grid structures. Recently, this issue has been addressed by considering synthetic networks randomly generated for mimicking power transmission grids’ characteristics. These networks can be used for investigating the vulnerability of power networks to cascading failures. In this work, we propose to apply a recent algorithm for sampling random power grid topologies with realistic electrical parameters and further extend it to the random allocation of generation and load. Integration with a realistic cascade simulation tool, then, allows us to perform thorough statistical analyses of power grids with respect to their cascading failure behavior, thus offering a powerful tool for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of different grid classes. New metrics for ranking the control and mitigation effort requirements of individual cascade scenarios and/or of grid configurations are defined and computed. Finally, genetic algorithms are used to identify strategies to improve the robustness of existing power networks.
A Novel Impedance Matching of Class DE Inverter for High Efficiency, Wide Impedance WPT System
Authors: Wang Ping , Li Qian , Liu Yanming , Yuan Wei , Yan Kui , Pang Zixu
Published: March 2024

In high-frequency wireless power transfer (WPT) applications, Class D, E, and F inverters are most widely used. Class DE inverters combine the respective advantages of Class D and Class E inverters. However, the Class DE inverter is sensitive to changes in impedance, which can easily lead to the loss of soft switching characteristics, thereby reducing efficiency. In this paper, an impedance-matching compensation design method is proposed to expand the high-efficiency region of the Class DE inverter by matching impedance and parameters. The effect of the method on the zero-voltage switching (ZVS) characteristic of Class DE inverters is analyzed in detail. The proposed WPT system maintains a constant voltage and zero phase angle by employing PS/PS compensation topology. Theoretical analysis shows that the impedance can be compressed for the design of resonant network impedance, and the method can expand the high-efficiency region with a reasonable choice of parameters to match the phase. Finally, a 500 kHz, 1 kW WPT prototype was constructed with a coupling factor of 0.25–0.4 and a load range of 30–80 Ω. The inverter’s efficiency exceeds 95%, with optimal efficiency reaching 97.3%. The system efficiency is greater than 87%.
Enhanced Quick-Cooking Red Beans: An Energy-Efficient Drying Method with Hot Air and Stepwise Microwave Techniques
Authors: Thonglit Wisanukorn , Suanjan Surachet , Chupawa Prarin , Inchuen Sudathip , Duangkhamchan Wasan
Published: March 2024

This research introduced an energy-efficient drying method combining hot-air drying with stepwise microwave heating for producing quick-cooking red beans. Crucial parameters such as the effective diffusivity coefficient (De), and specific energy consumption (SEC) were examined across varying conditions with the aim of optimizing the drying condition. The results showed that De and SEC varied in a range of 0.53 × 10−9–3.18 × 10−9 m2·s−1 and 16.58–68.06 MJ·(kg·h−1)−1, respectively. The findings from the response surface methodology indicated that optimal drying conditions for cooked red beans are achieved at a hot air temperature of 90 °C, a microwave power of 450 W (corresponding to an initial intensity of 2.25 W·g−1), and a rotational speed of 0.2 Hz. These conditions lead to the maximum effective diffusivity coefficient and the lowest specific energy consumption. Further investigations into step-up (150–300 W to 300–450 W) and step-down (300–450 W to 150–300 W) microwave heating modes were conducted to refine the drying process for enhanced energy efficiency. The synthetic evaluation index revealed that step-down microwave heating strategies of 450 W-to-150 W and 300 W-to-150 W, applied at a temperature of 90 °C and a rotational speed of 0.2 Hz, were notably effective. These methods successfully minimized energy use while preserving the quality attributes of the final product, which were comparable to those of traditionally cooked and freeze-dried red beans. The combined approach of hot-air drying with step-down microwave heating presents a promising, energy-saving technique for producing quick-cooking beans that retain their rehydration qualities and texture.
Production Choices and Food Security: A Review of Studies Based on a Micro-Diversity Perspective
Authors: Huang Yanfang , Yang Yuying , Nie Fengying , Jia Xiangping
Published: March 2024

Given the ‘subsistence’ character of smallholder production, agricultural production diversification is often seen as an effective strategy for smallholders to improve their diets’ diversity and nutritional status, yet the existing evidence remains inadequate. The study applies bibliometric data from the “Web of Science” database to synthesize 46 papers from developing countries to explore the relationship between production diversity, dietary diversity, and nutrition in smallholder households. The study identifies the most influential journals, authors, organizations, and countries and reveals research themes related to agricultural production and food security. This data analysis can help researchers target potential collaborators and access influential literature in agricultural production diversity and dietary diversity research. In addition, the results showed that agricultural production diversity potentially influences households’ dietary diversity, with mixed results: Agricultural production diversification is the primary way to improve food and nutritional security among smallholder families with low socio-economic status, inaccessible transportation, and poverty; market access and trade have more potential to improve dietary diversity among smallholder households with well-developed markets and higher income levels; the significant measures of agricultural production diversity include Crop Counts, FGPD, SI, and SWDI; the significant measures of dietary diversity include HDDS and IDDS. This paper provides a roadmap for agricultural production and food security researchers by conducting a systematic review of the literature, summarizing some research methods and perspectives applicable to local socio-economic development.