bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mechanical Surface Treatment on Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets to 3D Printed and Milled CAD/CAM Provisional Materials: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Alzaid Abdulaziz A. , Alanazi Khalid K. , Alyahya Lulu A. , Alharbi Maha N. , Alqarni Hatem , Alsaloum Mohammed , Alfallaj Hayam A. , Alotaibi Ghada S.
Published: November 2024

The aim of the study is to assess the impact of mechanical surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded to three-dimensional (3D) printed and milled CAD/CAM provisional materials. Sixty cylindrical samples were fabricated for each provisional material. Samples were treated with one of the following surface treatments: aluminum oxide airborne particle abrasion, diamond bur rotary instrument roughening, and phosphoric acid etching (control). Stainless steel brackets were bonded to the samples, and then SBS was tested using a universal testing machine. SEM and digital microscopy were utilized to examine the bonding interface and the failure modes. Two-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD, and independent sample t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results revealed significant differences in SBS between 3D printed and milled samples and significant differences in SBS among most surface treatments, with rotary instrument roughening resulting in the highest values for 3D printed, while airborne particle abrasion leading for milled samples. Digital microscopy indicated that more adhesive remained on 3D-printed samples. SEM analysis revealed varying surface roughness across treatments. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that different surface treatments improve the bonding of orthodontic brackets to provisional crowns.
Enhancing Physical and Cognitive Efficiency in Elderly Individuals at Risk for Dementia Using Whole-Body Electrostimulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Centorbi Marco , Di Martino Giulia , Della Valle Carlo , Buonsenso Andrea , Calcagno Giuseppe , Fiorilli Giovanni , di Cagno Alessandra
Published: November 2024

Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to assess the impact of a 12-week intervention of two 20-min sessions per week, combining aerobic exercise with whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), on physical and cognitive performance in the elderly. Methods: A total of 61 participants (age = 71 ± 5.64 years), healthy or at risk for dementia, were randomly assigned to an experimental training group (ETG, n = 33) and a control group (CON, n = 28). Participants underwent 20-min aerobic training sessions, with intensity increasing from 60% to 80% of heart rate reserve (HRR), with and without continuous WB-EMS stimulation (35 Hz, 350 μs). Results: Significant time/effects for both the ETG and CON were found in the physical performance tests, with significant time*group interactions favoring the ETG for the arm curl test (p < 0.001) and the sit-to-stand test, with significant differences between groups (p = 0.001), as well as for the hand grip test (p < 0.001) and the 6-min walking test (p < 0.001), with significant time*group interactions (p = 0.003). Both groups improved their performance on the soda pop test (p < 0.001). ETG outperformed CON in memory performance (PROSA, p = 0.046; RAVLT immediate recall, p < 0.001) and on selective attention and visuospatial processing (attention matrices, p = 0.014). Some cognitive tests showed no significant improvement, likely due to the short intervention period for cognitive function (MMSE, p = 0.628; TMT, p = 0.698; Stroop error, p = 0.188) or memory performance (PROSA, p = 0.338). Conclusion: The absence of decline suggests a protective effect of physical activity. WB-EMS, combined with aerobic training, enhances the benefits of physical activity and helps counteract cognitive decline in older adults.
Experimental Investigation on Wave Dissipation of Perforated Pipe Breakwater Under Regular Wave Conditions
Authors: Yang Shaopeng , Yang Lipeng , Shi Bing , Na Jing , Guo Yakun
Published: November 2024

The permeable breakwater is an innovative, eco-friendly coastal protection structure that reduces wave impact while minimizing “dead water” and environmental harm. This study introduces a perforated pipe breakwater design with an increasing pipe diameter from top to bottom, evaluated through physical model tests using transmission coefficient Kt and reflection coefficient Kr serving as the primary parameters. The results indicate that Kt decreases as the relative width (B/L), wave steepness (H/L), and relative water depth (h/L) increase, but rises with a steeper breakwater slope. When B/L exceeds 0.3, H/L surpasses 0.06, or the h/L ratio is greater than 0.3, Kt gradually declines until reaching a stable state, resulting in a more pronounced wave reduction. As B/L and H/L increase, the coefficient Kr initially drops, then rises. The slope ratio of 1:1.5 demonstrates the most effective wave energy dissipation, with primary dissipation occurring on the front slope. The mixed pipe diameter design shows superior wave absorption over a uniform diameter. Compared to a porous horizontal plate, the perforated pipe breakwater exhibits better wave absorption. These findings offer valuable guidance for designing eco-friendly coastal protection projects.
Numerical Study on the Influence of Drift Angle on Wave Properties in a Two-Layer Flow
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxing , Shi Liuliu , Chen Eryun
Published: November 2024

This study examines the influence of drift angle on the wave and flow field generated by a submarine navigating through a density-stratified fluid. Employing a numerical methodology, this research computed the viscous flow field around the SUBOFF bare hull under conditions of oblique shipping maneuvers. The analytical framework relies on the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations, supplemented by the Re-Normalization Group (RNG) k-ε turbulence model and the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method. The initial phases of this study involved verifying grid convergence and the accuracy of the numerical methods used. Subsequently, numerical simulations were performed across a spectrum of drift angles while maintaining a fixed Froude number of Fn = 0.5, with submergence depths set at 1.1 D and 2.0 D. The analysis focused on the wave profiles at both the free surface and the internal surface. The results indicate that the presence of a drift angle produces significant alterations in the characteristics of the free surface and internal surface when compared with straight-ahead motion. Specifically, the asymmetry in the flow field is enhanced, and the variability in the roughness of the free surface is pronounced.
Sensitivity Assessment on Satellite Remote Sensing Estimates of Primary Productivity in Shelf Seas
Authors: Zhao Xiaolong , Sun Jianan , Fu Qingjun , Yan Xiao , Lin Lei
Published: November 2024

The vertically generalized production model (VGPM) is one of the most important methods for estimating marine net primary productivity (PP) using remote sensing. However, different data sources and parameterization schemes of the input variables for the VGPM can introduce uncertainties to the model results. This study compared the PP results from different data sources and parameterization schemes of three major input variables (i.e., chlorophyll-a concentration (Copt), euphotic depth (Zeu), and maximum photosynthetic rate (PoptB)) and evaluated the sensitivity of VGPM in the Yellow and Bohai Seas on the inputs. The results showed that the sensitivity in the annual mean PP was approximately 40%. Seasonally, the sensitivity was lowest in the spring (35%), highest in the winter (70%), and approximately 60% in the summer and autumn. Spatially, the sensitivity in nearshore water (water depth < 40 m) was more than 60% and around two times higher than that in deep water areas. Nevertheless, all VGPM results showed a decline trend in the PP from 2003 to 2020 in the Yellow and Bohai Seas. The influence of PoptB and Copt was important for the magnitude of annual mean PP. The PP seasonal variation pattern was highly related to the parameterization scheme of PoptB, whereas the spatial distribution was mostly sensitive to the data sources of Copt.
Doppler Compensation Techniques for M-Ary Sequence Spread Spectrum Signals Based on Correlation Cost Factors in Mobile Underwater Acoustic Communication
Authors: Han Yubo , Han Shuping , Zhao Heng , Hu Yaohui , Xu Jingfeng , Yang Gang
Published: November 2024

Unlike terrestrial radio, the speed of sound in the ocean is relatively slow, which results in mobile underwater M-ary spread spectrum communication typically exhibiting significant and variable multipath effects along with strong Doppler effects, leading to rapid carrier phase shifts in the received signal that severely impact decoding accuracy. This study aims to address the issue of rapid carrier phase shifts caused by significant time-varying Doppler shifts during mobile underwater M-SS communication. This paper innovatively proposes a method for updating matched filters based on correlation cost factors. By calculating the correlation cost factors for each received symbol, the method guides the direction of Doppler estimation and updates the matched filters. After identifying the optimal match, the received symbols are shifted, correlated, and decoded. Simulation and sea trial results indicate that this method demonstrates higher computational efficiency and improved decoding accuracy compared to traditional Doppler estimation matched filters under low signal-to-noise ratio conditions, and exhibits greater robustness under complex motion conditions.
Analysis of Key Factors and Correlations Influencing the Adoption of Autonomous Ships by Shipping Companies—A Study Integrating Revised DEMATEL-AHP with BOCR
Authors: Ho Tien-Chun , Lee Hsuan-Shih
Published: November 2024

In response to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Climate Action (#13) and Life Below Water (#14), the promotion of autonomous shipping technologies has advanced from the experimental stage to specific regional implementation, presenting the maritime industry with rapid and significant changes and challenges. In the future era, where autonomous vessels dominate shipping, with automated operation systems taking the lead, how successfully shipping companies harness these new maritime transport modes will critically impact the safety, efficiency, and reliability of future vessel operations. With the emergence and development of autonomous vessels, it is crucial to effectively assess the importance and correlation of key factors influencing shipping companies’ adoption of autonomous ships. This study utilizes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Revised Decision Making and Trial Evaluation Laboratory (RDEMATEL) to survey senior managers in container and bulk shipping from Taiwan, China, Japan, and the European Union. Through a literature review on the benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks brought by autonomous shipping, this study aims to understand the critical factors important to shipping companies in adopting autonomous shipping, as well as the correlation between these influencing factors across different shipping sectors. The research findings indicate that “emergency response capability” is a critical factor influencing overall and bulk shipping in the adoption of autonomous vessels, while “incomplete regulations” are the primary factor influencing container shipping in the adoption of autonomous ships. Regarding the correlation of critical influencing factors, “vessel technology development” is the main influencing factor for overall, container, and bulk shipping; “operational performance enhancement” is the primary affected factor for overall and container shipping; and “enhancing personnel and vessel safety” is the main affected factor for bulk shipping. It is hoped that the results of this study can serve as a guide for shipping companies in understanding the benefits and opportunities to be emphasized when adopting autonomous shipping and assist in developing effective strategies to reduce costs and risks.
Current Status and Future Trends in Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Floating Wind Turbines
Authors: Hu Mingfeng , Shi Jinkun , Yang Sheng , Chen Mingsheng , Tang Yichang , Liu Suqian
Published: November 2024

The installation and operation phases are critical stages in the lifecycle of offshore wind turbines, with costs associated with the installation and maintenance of floating wind turbines accounting for approximately 50% of the total investment. This paper presents the latest advancements in the technologies for the installation and maintenance of floating wind turbines. First, it discusses the installation techniques and relevant research related to the foundations and components of floating wind turbines. Next, it explores various operational strategies for offshore wind turbines and studies on major component replacements. The interrelationship of research in the installation and maintenance fields for floating wind turbines is examined. Furthermore, this paper investigates various tools and equipment used for the installation and maintenance of offshore wind turbines. It also addresses the relevant regulations and standards governing offshore operations for floating wind turbines. Finally, this paper provides a forward-looking perspective on the installation and maintenance of floating wind turbines.
Characteristics and Preparation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers
Authors: Queiroz Marjorie de Carvalho Vieira , Muehlmann Luís Alexandre
Published: November 2024

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have emerged as promising systems for delivering active ingredients. They are derived from physiological, biodegradable, and biocompatible lipids, offering benefits such as sustained release promotion and increased drug stability. These systems are apt for the efficient transport of therapeutic drugs to target tissues while also providing advantages such as facilitating large-scale industrial production, bioavailability, and protection against degradation. The preparation of these nanoparticles involves utilizing diverse types of lipids, surfactants, and solvents. Common lipid varieties encompass triglycerides, steroids, and fatty acids, selected based on the active ingredient for stabilization within the lipid matrix. Preparation methods can be categorized into high-energy and low-energy approaches. This study investigated the differences between the main methodologies used, comparing SLN and NLC systems, and scrutinizing their respective advantages, disadvantages, and applications.
Comparative Effects of Monascin and Monascinol Produced by Monascus pilosus SWM-008 on Pro-Inflammatory Factors and Histopathological Alterations in Liver and Kidney Tissues in a Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide-Induced Rat Model
Authors: Yang Pei-Xin , Hsu Ya-Wen , Pan Tzu-Ming , Lee Chun-Lin
Published: November 2024

Monascinol (Msol), an analog of monascin (MS) produced by Monascus pilosus, possesses potential anti-inflammatory properties. This study compares the effects of M. pilosus SWM-008 fermented red mold rice, which contains the functional components MS and Msol, on liver and kidney damage related to diabetic complications in rats. An animal model of liver and kidney injury was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 65 mg/kg body weight combined with nicotinamide (NA) at 150 mg/kg body weight. Our findings indicate that Msol significantly reduces STZ-NA induced pro-inflammatory markers, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in both liver and kidney tissues. Significant improvements were noted in the histopathological assessments. Msol was more effective than MS in suppressing renal IL-1β and COX-2 expressions. In summary, the findings indicate that Msol shows potential as a novel therapeutic agent for treating liver and kidney injuries associated with diabetic complications.
The Impact of Rebalancing Strategies on ETF Portfolio Performance
Authors: Bányai Attila , Tatay Tibor , Thalmeiner Gergő , Pataki László
Published: November 2024

This research explores the efficacy of rebalancing strategies in a diversified portfolio constructed exclusively with exchange-traded funds (ETFs). We selected five ETF types: short-term U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. equities, global commodities, U.S. real estate investment trusts (REITs), and a multi-strategy hedge fund. Using a 10-year historical period, we applied a unique simulation model to generate random portfolios with varying asset weights and rebalancing tolerance bands, assessing the impact of rebalancing premiums on portfolio performance. Our study reveals a significant positive correlation (r = 0.6492, p < 0.001) between rebalancing-weighted returns and the Sharpe ratio, indicating that effective rebalancing enhances risk-adjusted returns. Support vector regression (SVR) analysis shows that rebalancing premiums have diverse effects. Specifically, equities and commodities benefit from rebalancing with improved risk-adjusted returns, while bonds and REITs demonstrate a negative relationship, suggesting that rebalancing might be less effective or even detrimental for these assets. Our findings also indicate that negative portfolio rebalancing returns combined with positive rebalancing-weighted returns yield the highest average Sharpe ratio of 0.4328, highlighting a distinct and reciprocal relationship between rebalancing effects at the asset and portfolio levels. This research highlights that while rebalancing can enhance portfolio performance, its effectiveness varies by asset class and market conditions.
Evaluating the Impact of Geopolitical Risk on the Financial Distress of Indian Hospitality Firms
Authors: Gupta Vandana
Published: November 2024

The study investigates the effect of geopolitical risk (GPR) on the financial distress of tourism & hospitality firms in India. Using two-step GMM, this study evaluates the impact of GPR, GPR Threat, GPR Action and GPR India on financial distress using Altman score for emerging markets as proxy for financial distress. Further, robustness is checked using Żmijewski score and financial distress ratio as proxies for financial distress. The study is extended by examining the impact of GPR specifically on firm life cycle (age) and firm size and on private and public firms. Our empirical investigation demonstrates that all measures of geopolitical risk increase the chances of financial distress of hospitality firms and our findings are robust to alternative measures of financial distress. By considering GPR as an alternate measure of uncertainty in the hospitality industry, this study contributes to the emerging literature on the factors influencing financial distress of hospitality firms. The study also identifies three accounting measures for proxies of financial distress. Policymakers, regulators and management can pre-empt the impact of uncertain external factors by formulating suitable plans and measures as also for post recovery measures to safeguard firms against bankruptcy. Firms can plan their financing decisions and cash management proactively to reduce financial risk.
Variation Characteristics of Land Use Change Within the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region During 1985–2022
Authors: Wang Huijuan , Qi Zhiguo , Yan Haiming , Yang Huicai
Published: November 2024

Land use change generally varies greatly among functional zones in a large area. This study reveals land use change characteristics across seven functional zones in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region during 1985–2022 based on the latest land use planning data, with the land use dynamic degree, transfer matrix, and comprehensive index of land use intensity. Results suggested cropland, forest land, grassland, and built-up land were dominant land use types in most functional zones, generally with significant decreases in cropland and grassland and noticeable increases in built-up land and forest land. Besides, single land use dynamics of built-up land and forest land were generally above 2.00% and 0.40%, while that of grassland and cropland was generally below zero in most functional zones. Comprehensive land use dynamics were very high in the Central Core Functional Zone (Region IV), Bashang Plateau Ecological Protection Zone (Region I), and Eastern Coastal Development Zone (Region III), peaking above 0.70%, and were low in other functional zones. Additionally, the land use degree increased slowly from 267.28 in 1985 to 274.17 in 2022 on average, varying remarkably among various functional zones. These findings provide a firm foundation for formulating more targeted land management policies across various functional zones.
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of the Coupling Coordination of Urban Ecological Resilience and New Quality Productivity at the Provincial Scale in China
Authors: Yang Li , Xu Yue , Zhu Junqi , Sun Keyu
Published: November 2024

Enhancing urban ecological resilience (UER) is important in promoting sustainable urban development, and developing new quality productivity (NQP) is an intrinsic requirement to promote industrial change and high-quality development. The coordinated development of UER and NQP can help realize the green transformation and upgrading of various industries. This study considered 30 provinces in China as research objects, quantified their UER from nature, economy, and society, and explored the essential connotation of NQP under the guidance of Marx’s productivity theory. The entropy weight-CRITIC method and TOPSIS model were used to comprehensively measure the development levels of the UER and NQP from 2011 to 2022, and their coupling coordination degree (CCD) of UER and NQP was measured by combining the coupling coordination degree model. Consequently, the Global Moran’s I index and Geographical and Temporal Weighted Regression (GTWR) model were used to explore the effects of different influencing factors on the CCD from the spatiotemporal variability perspective. The results indicated the following: (1) UER and NQP improved during the study period but with large differences between the regions. (2) The overall CCD evolved from a mild imbalance to primary coordination. The average CCD values ranged from low to high in the northeastern, western, central, and eastern regions. (3) The GTWR results showed that the levels of economic development, urbanization rate, and technological innovation contributed positively to the CCD, with the urbanization rate having the strongest positive effect. Foreign investment, environmental regulations, and industrial structure generally negatively inhibit the CCD.
Characteristics of Urban–Rural Integration at the County-Scale Interface: The Case of Linqu County, China
Authors: Yang Guiqing , Wang Liyao , Huang Huang
Published: November 2024

Urban–rural integration (URI) has emerged as a crucial strategy to bridge urban and rural disparities and promote more sustained urbanisation paradigms in China and abroad. The urban–rural interface, where urban and rural spaces and daily activities are closely intertwined, reflects the complex and evolving dynamics of this integration, serves as a focal point for studying URI, and requires unique considerations in spatial planning. This study focuses on the scale of the county level and the basic spatial units for spatial planning practice in China to examine different types of urban–rural interfaces and their URI dynamics at a county level. By taking Linqu County as a case study region, land use data from Landsat remote sensing datasets were collected every 5 years from 2000 to 2020 to support the analysis of changes in the urban–rural interface. Three dimensions of land mixed-use features were employed, including the area and density, edge and shape, and aggregation and dispersion of the construction land in the region. When combined with the proportion of rural land use, the urban–rural interfaces were identified using the entropy method. This study then employed spatial analysis, the standard deviation ellipse method, and spatial autocorrelation to recognise URI dynamics, and three driving forces were identified and further analysed to support suggestions for county-level spatial planning. This research empirically enriches the understanding of the urban–rural interfaces and URI dynamics of Linqu, China. The methods and suggestions derived from the empirical study can offer potential solutions to promote URI in China and enhance urban–rural linkage in the global context to reach more sustained development.
Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Driving Factors of 777 Traditional Villages in Yunnan Province: A Study Based on GWR Model and Geodetector
Authors: Yuan Xi , Li Yijiao , Song Yuhong , Lu Hongyi , Wang Yi , Ge Beichen , Wang Jing
Published: November 2024

Traditional villages (TVs) are clusters for the conservation of farming civilization heritage with multiple values. Studying their spatial distribution and driving mechanisms is conducive to formulating conservation and development strategies. In this study, 777 TVs in Yunnan Province were examined. Spatial analysis methods such as the nearest neighbor index (NNI), kernel density estimation (KDE), and Moran’s I were used to investigate their spatial distribution patterns. Twelve driving factors were selected from natural, spatial, social, and cultural aspects. The driving mechanisms affecting the distribution of TVs were explored by employing the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model and Geodetector combined with mathematical and statistical methods to systematically study the spatial autocorrelation and heterogeneity of TVs in Yunnan. The results of this study indicate that: (1) The 777 TVs in Yunnan Province are evidently clustered in the overall distribution, presenting a contiguous and concentrated distribution pattern of “3 high-density areas + multiple medium-density belts”. However, the distribution of TVs is unbalanced. The spatial distribution is significantly positively correlated globally, and there exist three types of clustering in local areas. (2) The spatial layout of TVs in Yunnan Province is jointly influenced by multiple factors, with obvious spatial heterogeneity. Regional cultural factors are the key ones. TVs tend to be distributed in areas with medium–high elevation, flat slops, sunny slopes, moderate precipitation and temperatures, and a certain distance from water sources and roads. A large number of TVs are distributed in areas with a high proportion of ethnic minorities. (3) The main factors affecting the distribution of national-level TVs in Yunnan are intangible cultural heritage, cultural relic protection units, followed by factors such as transportation, slope, and elevation. The interaction between intangible cultural heritage (X11) and cultural relic protection units (X12) reveals the strongest interactive driving force. This study reveals the diverse characteristics of the spatial distribution of national-level TVs in Yunnan and their influencing mechanisms, which can provide a scientific decision-making basis for the future protection and development of TVs in Yunnan and guide the sustainable development of TV cultural heritage clusters.
The More Advanced, the Better? A Comparative Analysis of Interpretation Effectiveness of Different Media on Environmental Education in a Global Geopark
Authors: Zheng Shuhui , Zhu Liqun , Weng Lisheng , Gu Xiuyu
Published: November 2024

Tourism interpretation serves as a bridge and link between tourism resources and tourists. Through interpretation, visitors can be effectively conveyed knowledge about environmental education, local history, society and culture, etc. Despite extensive study on tourism interpretation, insufficient attention has been directed towards the medium of interpretation and the variances of interpretation effectiveness across different media. Using Yandang Mountain Global Geopark, Zhejiang Province, China, as a case study, the present study investigates the differences in pre- and post-interpretation and the interpretation effectiveness of different media on visitors’ perceived knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions. A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed during two data collection periods, resulting in 554 valid responses. The results indicate that respondents that engaged in tourism interpretation related to environmental education demonstrated superior performance across all three dimensions compared to those who were not exposed to such interpretation. Additionally, the findings suggest that while the novelty of virtual reality may draw increased attention from tourists, the changes in perceived knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions regarding the destination following VR exposure do not exceed those prompted by brochures and videos. The present study can enrich the research on the tourism interpretation of environmental education and offer references for managers to select appropriate media and provide good practices in geopark management.
Pronunciation and Spelling Accuracy in English Words with Initial and Final Consonant Clusters by Arabic-Speaking EFL Learners
Authors: Altakhaineh Abdel Rahman Mitib , AL-Junaid Najwa Ahmad , Younes Afakh Said
Published: November 2024

Arabic phonotactics significantly differ from English phonotactics in that they usually follow a framework that forbids the presence of consonant clusters in syllabic onsets. This study examines the relationship between Arabic-speaking EFL learners’ spelling accuracy and pronunciation, concentrating on the difficulties caused by consonant clusters in initial and final positions. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving audio recordings to assess pronunciation accuracy and a spelling test to evaluate spelling performance. According to the results, words with initial consonant clusters (clusters at the beginning of a syllable, or onset) are harder to pronounce and spell than words with final consonant clusters (clusters that follow the vowel). Initial consonant clusters are considered to demand a quick transition in consonants at the start of a syllable, requiring more exact articulation. On the other hand, final clusters allow for a more progressive and straightforward articulation by involving a consonant transition following the initial vowel sound. Additionally, epenthesis may be used as a method to break up consonant clusters in L1 phonological interference, which is consistent with Arabic phonotactic patterns.
Narrow Focus Without Prosody: Some Observations from the Written Italian of University Students
Authors: Di Domenico Elisa
Published: November 2024

In this work, we analyze the narrow focus strategies in the written Italian of university students. Although prosodic prominence is a characterizing feature of focus—functionally more important than morphosyntactic marking, according to some authors—we assume that prosody is essential for language comprehension and hence, in the written modality, focus prosody is assigned by the reader on the basis of the morphosyntactic cues that mark focus. The data on which we base our analysis are selected from two existing corpora, containing more formal and less formal monological texts produced by students attending university throughout Italy. The investigation brings to light a similar pattern, as well as some differences, between the two sub-corpora examined. Besides a widespread use of focus particles, and the virtual absence of the O(S)V strategy, we noticed many instances of focalization inside the copular domain, particularly in the more formal sub-corpus. This pattern is discussed in relation to some of the relevant literature and the nature of the texts examined.
Assessing the Comparative Efficacy of Sentinel Lymph Node Detection Techniques in Vulvar Cancer: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vida Balázs , Lintner Balázs , Várbíró Szabolcs , Merkely Petra , Lőczi Lotti Lúcia , Ács Nándor , Tóth Richárd , Keszthelyi Márton
Published: November 2024

This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol aims to evaluate the comparative efficacy of different sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection techniques in the management of vulvar cancer. Vulvar cancer, though rare, predominantly affects older women and requires effective management strategies. The SLN technique has become a standard approach for early-stage cases, offering reduced morbidity compared to complete lymphadenectomy. Currently, various SLN detection methods exist, including the use of Technetium-99m (Tc99m), Indocyanine Green (ICG), and superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO), but there is a lack of comprehensive comparison of their efficacy. This review will systematically search relevant databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science and Embase following PRISMA guidelines, to gather data from clinical trials. The primary outcome will be the detection rates of SLN techniques with secondary outcomes examining patient characteristics and procedural factors. The analysis will utilize random-effects models to compare detection rates across studies. The results of this study aim to provide insights into the optimal SLN detection method with potential implications for clinical practice guidelines in vulvar cancer management. The protocol is registered under the PROSPERO registration number CRD42024590774.
Influence of Internal Architecture and Ink Formulation on the Thermal Behavior of 3D-Printed Cementitious Materials
Authors: Kosson Michael , Brown Lesa , Thorne Garrett , Sanchez Florence
Published: November 2024

Cement-based 3D printing provides an opportunity to create cement-based elements with a hierarchy of structures and patterns that are not easily achievable using traditional casting techniques, thereby providing new possibilities for improving thermal control and energy storage in cement-based materials. In this study, the influence of internal architecture and ink formulation on the thermal behavior of 3D-printed cement composite beams was investigated using infrared thermal imaging and a conceptual one-dimensional heat transfer model based on cooling fins in convective media. Three-dimensional printed beams with rectilinear, three-dimensional honeycomb, and Archimedean chord infill patterns and cement ink formulations with and without 5% halloysite nanoclay were exposed to a heating source at one end. The thermal behavior of the beams was found to be predominantly influenced by their internal architecture rather than the cement ink formulation, with differences in void structures and heat transfer pathways among the different architectures resulting in a hierarchy of apparent thermal conductivity. The internal architecture resulted in a reduction in apparent thermal conductivity by up to 75%, while the incorporation of halloysite nanoclay in the cement ink led to a reduction of up to 14%. Among the tested internal architecture, the rectilinear architecture showed a 10–15% higher apparent thermal conductivity compared to the three-dimensional honeycomb architecture and a 35–40% higher apparent thermal conductivity than the Archimedean architecture. The research demonstrates a promising strategy for fabricating and evaluating cement-based materials with thermal management capabilities using 3D printing methods.
Improving Recovery of Diatoms Bio-Silica Using Chemical Treatment with VAUSTM
Authors: Suh Se Ryung , Lee Joo Hun , Go Gyung Min , Lee Jaeyoung , Kong Hyunjoon , Park Eun-Jin
Published: November 2024

High-temperature baking is a typical method to remove organic matter from diatoms, but it is not suitable for bio-silica because of the high crystallinity. This study provides a method using the VAUSTM to remove organic matter from diatoms more quickly and biocompatibly. The optimal frequency for organic matter removal was investigated for domestically produced M. nummuloides. The removal efficiency of TOC/TN was calculated and analyzed. The C and Si elements were analyzed in EDS, and organic matter removal was analyzed by XRD. TOC RE% at a frequency of 35 kHz exhibited the highest value, indicating a statistically significant difference. XRD analysis demonstrated that the organic matter was nearly entirely removed using NaOCl compared to high-temperature-baked M. nummuloides. In the EDS analysis, there were significant differences in the C and Si elements with respect to frequency. This is very similar to the values from the positive control group, high-temperature-baked M. nummuloides. Ultrasonic treatment and frequency adjustments were found to significantly impact the chemical removal of organic matter from M. nummuloides. Although vacuum application was initially considered, it did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect according to TOC analysis.
Hydrogels Based on Polyacrylamide and Pectin Containing Rice Husk Ash: Preparation, Characterization and Application in Formulation of Cementitious Materials
Authors: Rodrigues Ruth Hevellen Sousa , de Almeida Edson Araujo , Kruger Fábio Rodrigo , Silva-Filho Edson Cavalcanti , Muniz Edvani Curti
Published: November 2024

Superabsorbent polymers (PSAs) have been extensively studied to act as internal curing agents in cementitious materials, as they have the characteristic of absorbing and releasing water in a controlled manner, which can contribute to the hydration process of a cementitious medium during its consolidation. Thus, hydrogels consisting of polyacrylamide (PAAm), pectin (Pec) and rice husk ash (RHA) were synthesized to be applied in cementitious matrices. In addition, the PSAs were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and XRD. For evaluating the usage of hydrogels as internal curing agents, different hydrogel contents—0.03, 0.06, and 0.1 (wt-%, relative to cementitious components)—were used for mortar preparation. The mechanical strengths of the cementitious materials were evaluated at day 7 and day 28 during the curing process. The addition of PSAs to the mortars caused an increase in mechanical resistance such that the 0.06% content presented better performance at day 7 of curing (4.07% higher) and at day 28 of curing (8.06% higher) when compared with the reference mortar (without the addition of PSAs) in the same curing periods. This work demonstrates that the addition of PSAs contributes to the hydration of a cementitious material, improving the mechanical resistance of the studied mortars.
Use of Image Recognition and Machine Learning for the Automatic and Objective Evaluation of Standstill Marks on Rolling Bearings
Authors: Grebe Markus , Baral Alexander , Martin Dominik
Published: November 2024

One main research area of the Competence Centre for Tribology is so-called standstill marks (SSMs) at roller bearings that occur if the bearing is exposed to vibrations or performs just micromovements. SSMs obtained from experiments are usually photographed, evaluated and manually categorized into six classes. An internal project has now investigated the extent to which this evaluation can be automated and objectified. Images of standstill marks were classified using convolutional neural networks that were implemented with the deep learning library Pytorch. With basic convolutional neural networks, an accuracy of 70.19% for the classification of all six classes and 83.65% for the classification of pairwise classes was achieved. Classification accuracies were improved by image augmentation and transfer learning with pre-trained convolutional neural networks. Overall, an accuracy of 83.65% for the classification of all six standstill mark classes and 91.35% for the classification of pairwise classes was achieved. Since 16 individual marks are generated per test run in a typical quasi standstill test (QSST) of the CCT and the deviation in the prediction of the classification is a maximum of one school grade, the accuracy achieved is already sufficient to carry out a reliable and objective evaluation of the markings.
Fault-Tolerant Closed-Loop Controller Using Online Fault Detection by Neural Networks
Authors: Alanis Alma Y. , Alvarez Jesus G. , Sanchez Oscar D. , Hernandez Hannia M. , Valdivia-G Arturo
Published: November 2024

This paper presents an online model-free sensor fault-tolerant control scheme capable of tolerating the most common faults affecting an induction motor. This approach involves using neural networks for fault detection to provide the controller with sufficient information to counteract adverse consequences due to sensor faults, such as degradation in performance, reliability, and even failures in the control system. The proposed approach does not consider the knowledge of the nominal model of the system or when the fault may occur. Therefore, a high-order recurrent neural network trained online by the Extended Kalman Filter is used to obtain a mathematical model of the system. The obtained model is used to synthesize a discrete-time sliding mode control. Then, the fault-detection and -isolation stage is performed by independent neural networks, which have as input the signal from the current sensor and the position sensor, respectively. In this way, the neural classifiers continuously monitor the sensors, showing the ability to know the sensor status. The combination of controller and fault detection maintains the operation of the motor during the time of the fault occurrence, whether due to sensor disconnection, degradation, or connection failure. In fact, the MLP neural network achieves an accuracy between 95% and 99% and shows an AUC of 97% to 99%, and this neural network correctly classifies true positives with acceptable performance. The Recall value is high, between 97% and 99%, and the F1 score confirms a good performance. In contrast, the CNN shows a higher accuracy, between 96% and 99% in accuracy and 98% to 99% in AUC. In addition, its Recall and F1 reflect a better balance and capacity to handle complex data, demonstrating its superiority to MLP in fault classification. Therefore, neural networks are a promising approach in areas such as fault-tolerant control.
Cross-Shaped Peg-in-Hole Autonomous Assembly System via BP Neural Network Based on Force/Moment and Visual Information
Authors: Ma Zheng , Hu Xiaoguang , Zhou Yulin
Published: November 2024

Currently, research on peg-in-hole (PiH) compliant assembly is predominantly limited to circular pegs and holes, with insufficient exploration of various complex-shaped PiH tasks. Furthermore, the degree of freedom for rotation about the axis of the circular peg cannot be constrained after assembly, and few studies have covered the complete process from autonomous hole-searching to insertion. Based on the above problems, a novel cross-shaped peg and hole design has been devised. The center coordinates of the cross-hole are obtained during the hole-searching process using the three-dimensional reconstruction theory of a binocular stereo vision camera. During the insertion process, 26 contact states of the cross-peg and the cross-hole were classified, and the mapping relationship between the force-moment sensor and relative errors was established based on a backpropagation (BP) neural network, thus completing the task of autonomous PiH assembly. This system avoids hand-guiding, completely realizes the autonomous assembly task from hole-searching to insertion, and can be replaced by other structures of pegs and holes for repeated assembly after obtaining the accurate relative pose between two assembly platforms, which provides a brand-new and unified solution for complex-shaped PiH assembly.
A Fuzzy Variable H Strategy Based Ripple-Spreading Algorithm to Find the k Shortest Paths
Authors: Zhang Yingfei , Hu Xiaobing , Li Hang , Zhang Gongpeng , Zhang Chi , Leeson Mark S.
Published: November 2024

Ripple-spreading Algorithm (RSA) is a relatively new, nature-inspired, multi-agent based method for path optimization. This paper demonstrates that by modifying the micro-level behaviors of nodes and ripples, RSA achieves good scalability for solving the k shortest paths problem (k−SPP). Initially, each node may generate k or more ripples to guarantee optimality. To improve computational efficiency for large-scale problems, we propose an approximate RSA (ARSA), where nodes generate no more than h ripples (1≤h<k). While this reduces optimality, it significantly improves efficiency. Further, we introduce a fuzzy variable H strategy, FVHSRSA, to strike a better balance between optimality and efficiency. The optimality/efficiency of ARSA may still suffer if it uses a constant h too small/large. This strategy allows nodes closer to the destination to generate more ripples, while nodes farther away use fewer ripples. By dynamically adjusting h, FVHSRSA achieves a better trade-off between optimality and efficiency. Comprehensive experiments on 4 common network categories validate the effectiveness and efficiency of FVHSRSA in solving the k−SPP.
Numerical Study of an Automotive Crash Box in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Material Using Chang Failure Criteria
Authors: Gouzi Mohammed Berrada , EL Fakkoussi Said , Khalfi Ahmed El , Vlase Sorin , Scutaru Maria Luminita
Published: November 2024

This paper discusses novel numerical techniques for studying the damage to automotive safety components in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) deployed in the automotive industry to protect passengers, high voltage batteries and powertrains from rear impacts. The idea proposed in the manuscript is to use Newmark’s methodology with the FEM for the numerical description of the explicit dynamic model of the components facing the standard impactor, following the Euro NCAP protocol. Using an explicit dynamic Radioss rear crash box, we have successfully demonstrated normal behavior for CFRP materials, where the value of kinetic energy is close to the theoretical value. Moreover, the simulation provides a behavior consistent with previous successful studies because the maximum dynamic time is the same as the total damage (0.10 ms).
Analytical Models of Experimental Artefacts in an Ill-Posed Nonlinear ODE System
Authors: Henrici Andreas , Robbiani Marcello
Published: November 2024

We discuss different approaches for the analytical description of a mechanical system used in control theory, aiming at the analytical modelling of experimental artefacts observed in the implementation of ideal searched trajectories. Starting from an established analytical solution, we develop an alternative analytical model for this solution with minimal deviations and then extend this starting point to a more flexible toolbox that incorporates a variety of phenomena that typically occur in real implementations of this mechanical system, thus providing an important step towards bridging the gap between theoretical models and experimental reality.