bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trend Prediction and Operation Alarm Model Based on PCA-Based MTL and AM for the Operating Parameters of a Water Pumping Station
Authors: Shao Zhiyu , Mei Xin , Liu Tianyuan , Li Jingwei , Tang Hongru
Published: August 2024

In order to effectively predict the changing trend of operating parameters in the pump unit and carry out fault diagnosis and alarm processes, a trend prediction model is proposed in this paper based on PCA-based multi-task learning (MTL) and an attention mechanism (AM). The multi-task learning method based on PCA was used to process the operating data of the pump unit to make full use of the historical data to extract the key common features reflecting the operating state of the pump unit. The attention mechanism (AM) is introduced to dynamically allocate the weight coefficient of common feature mapping for highlighting the key common features and improving the prediction accuracy of the model when predicting the trend of data change for new working conditions. The model is tested with the actual operating data of a pumping station unit, and the calculation results of different models are compared and analyzed. The results show that the introduction of multi-task learning and attention mechanisms can improve the stability and accuracy of the trend prediction model compared with traditional single-task learning and static common feature mapping weights. According to the threshold analysis of the monitoring statistical parameters of the model, a multi-stage alarm model of pump unit operation condition monitoring can be established, which provides a theoretical basis for optimizing operation and maintenance management strategy in the process of pump station management.
Object Weight and Hand Dominance Impact Kinematics in a Functional Reach-to-Drink Task in School-Aged Children
Authors: Mazzarella Julia , Richie Daniel , Chaudhari Ajit M. W. , Pan Xueliang , Tudella Eloisa , Spees Colleen K. , Heathcock Jill C.
Published: August 2024

This study evaluates the effects of object weight and hand dominance on the end-point kinematics of the hand-to-mouth (withdrawal) movement in a functional reach-to-drink task for typically developing school-aged children. Using 3D motion capture, speed (average velocity and peak velocity), straightness (ratio), and smoothness (number of velocity peaks and log dimensionless jerk) of hand movements were calculated for the withdrawal motion with three different bottle weights (empty, half-filled, and full). Average velocity (550.4 ± 142.0 versus 512.1 ± 145.6 mm/s) and peak velocity (916.3 ± 234 versus 842.7 ± 198.4 mm/s) were significantly higher with the empty versus half-filled bottle and with the non-dominant (average: 543.5 ± 145.2 mm/s; peak: 896.5 ± 207 mm/s) versus dominant (average: 525.2 ± 40.7 mm/s; peak: 864.2 ± 209.2 mm/s) hand. There were no differences in straightness or smoothness. These findings indicate that increasing weight in reach-to-drink task puts greater constraints on the task. The slower movements with the dominant hand might denote better precision control than the non-dominant hand. The quantitative motion capture results show average values for the kinematic variables for a functional reach-to-drink task in a typically developing population of school-aged children with changing weights of the bottles that are relevant to a real-life scenario. These results could inform the design of individualized therapeutic interventions to improve functional upper-extremity use in children with neurodevelopmental motor disorders.
ZIF-8-Derived Multifunctional Triethylamine Sensor
Authors: Xiao Shuo , Jiao Zheng , Yang Xuechun
Published: August 2024

Triethylamine (TEA) is a typical volatile organic compound (VOC) widely present in air and water, produced in industrial production activities, with high toxicity and great harm. Fluorescence detection and resistive sensing are effective methods for detecting pollutants. Here, In-doped interpenetrating twin ZIF-8 and its annealed derivatives have been successfully designed and prepared as a multifunctional TEA sensor. On the one hand, ZIF-8-In exhibits excellent fluorescence emission enhancement at 450 nm in a dose-dependent manner to TEA in water within the concentration range of 1–100 ppm, with a detection limit as low as 1 ppm. On the other hand, the annealed ZIF-8-In derivative is ZnO/In2O3 with a porous hierarchical structure, which is a perfect sensitive material for manufacturing gas sensors. Within the concentration range of 1–100 ppm, the ZnO/In2O3 gas sensor has a high response for 100 ppm TEA, reaching 107.7 (Ra/Rg), and can detect TEA gas as low as 1 ppm. Furthermore, the response of ZnO/In2O3 sensors to TEA is at least 10 times that of the other four VOC gases, demonstrating excellent gas selectivity. This multifunctional sensor can adapt to complex detection situations, demonstrating good application prospects.
Metamaterial Broadband Absorber Induced by Synergistic Regulation of Temperature and Electric Field and Its Optical Switching Application
Authors: Yang Rundong , Liu Yun , Wang Xiangfu
Published: August 2024

Nowadays, metamaterial absorbers still suffer from limited bandwidth, poor bandwidth scalability, and insufficient modulation depth. In order to solve this series of problems, we propose a metamaterial absorber based on graphene, VO2, gallium silver sulfide, and gold-silver alloy composites with dual-control modulation of temperature and electric field. Then we further investigate the optical switching performance of this absorber in this work. Our proposed metamaterial absorber has the advantages of broad absorption bandwidth, sufficient modulation depth, and good bandwidth scalability all together. Unlike the single inspired layer of previous designs, we innovatively adopted a multi-layer excitation structure, which can realize the purpose of absorption and bandwidth width regulation by a variety of means. Combined with the finite element analysis method, our proposed metamaterial absorber has excellent bandwidth scalability, which can be tuned from 2.7 THz bandwidth to 12.1 THz bandwidth by external electrothermal excitation. Meanwhile, the metamaterial absorber can also dynamically modulate the absorption from 3.8% to 99.8% at a wide incidence angle over the entire range of polarization angles, suggesting important potential applications in the field of optical switching in the terahertz range.
Validity and Test–Retest Reliability of Spatiotemporal Running Parameter Measurement Using Embedded Inertial Measurement Unit Insoles
Authors: Riglet Louis , Orliac Baptiste , Delphin Corentin , Leonard Audrey , Eby Nicolas , Ornetti Paul , Laroche Davy , Gueugnon Mathieu
Published: August 2024

Running is the basis of many sports and has highly beneficial effects on health. To increase the understanding of running, DSPro® insoles were developed to collect running parameters during tasks. However, no validation has been carried out for running gait analysis. The aims of this study were to assess the test–retest reliability and criterion validity of running gait parameters from DSPro® insoles compared to a motion-capture system. Equipped with DSPro® insoles, a running gait analysis was performed on 30 healthy participants during overground and treadmill running using a motion-capture system. Using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the criterion validity and test–retest reliability of spatiotemporal parameters were calculated. The test–retest reliability shows moderate to excellent ICC values (ICC > 0.50) except for propulsion time during overground running at a fast speed with the motion-capture system. The criterion validity highlights a validation of running parameters regardless of speeds (ICC > 0.70). This present study validates the good criterion validity and test–retest reliability of DSPro® insoles for measuring spatiotemporal running gait parameters. Without the constraints of a 3D motion-capture system, such insoles seem to be helpful and relevant for improving the care management of active patients or following running performance in sports contexts.
Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Algorithms for Assessing Agricultural Product Quality Using NIRS
Authors: Ren Jiwen , Xiong Yuming , Chen Xinyu , Hao Yong
Published: August 2024

The success of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) analysis hinges on the precision and robustness of the calibration model. Shallow learning (SL) algorithms like partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) often fall short in capturing the interrelationships between adjacent spectral variables, and the analysis results are easily affected by spectral noise, which dramatically limits the breadth and depth of applications of NIRS. Deep learning (DL) methods, with their capacity to discern intricate features from limited samples, have been progressively integrated into NIRS. In this paper, two discriminant analysis problems, including wheat kernels and Yali pears as examples, and several representative calibration models were used to research the robustness and effectiveness of the model. Additionally, this article proposed a near-infrared calibration model, which was based on the Gramian angular difference field method and coordinate attention convolutional neural networks (G-CACNNs). The research results show that, compared with SL, spectral preprocessing has a smaller impact on the analysis accuracy of consensus learning (CL) and DL, and the latter has the highest analysis accuracy in the modeling results using the original spectrum. The accuracy of G-CACNNs in two discrimination tasks was 98.48% and 99.39%. Finally, this research compared the performance of various models under noise to evaluate the robustness and noise resistance of the proposed method.
Design and Validation of Single-Axis 3D-Printed Force Sensor Based on Three Nested Flexible Rings
Authors: Yang Pengfei , Xin Shiwei , Mao Yuqing , Dang Fei , Huang Feng
Published: August 2024

Force measurement is crucial in numerous engineering applications, while traditional force sensors often face problems such as elevated expenses or significant measurement errors. To tackle this issue, we propose an innovative force sensor employing three nested flexible rings fabricated through 3D additive manufacturing, which detects external forces through the displacement variations of flexible rings. An analytical model on the basis of the minimal energy method is developed to elucidate the force-displacement correlation with nonlinearity. Both FEM simulations and experiments verify the sensor’s effectiveness. This sensor has the advantages of low expenses and easy manufacture, indicating promising prospects in a range of applications, including robotics, the automotive industry, and iatrical equipment.
Research Progress on Saccharide Molecule Detection Based on Nanopores
Authors: Yin Bohua , Xie Wanyi , Fang Shaoxi , He Shixuan , Ma Wenhao , Liang Liyuan , Yin Yajie , Zhou Daming , Wang Zuobin , Wang Deqiang
Published: August 2024

Saccharides, being one of the fundamental molecules of life, play essential roles in the physiological and pathological functions of cells. However, their intricate structures pose challenges for detection. Nanopore technology, with its high sensitivity and capability for single-molecule-level analysis, has revolutionized the identification and structural analysis of saccharide molecules. This review focuses on recent advancements in nanopore technology for carbohydrate detection, presenting an array of methods that leverage the molecular complexity of saccharides. Biological nanopore techniques utilize specific protein binding or pore modifications to trigger typical resistive pulses, enabling the high-sensitivity detection of monosaccharides and oligosaccharides. In solid-state nanopore sensing, boronic acid modification and pH gating mechanisms are employed for the specific recognition and quantitative analysis of polysaccharides. The integration of artificial intelligence algorithms can further enhance the accuracy and reliability of analyses. Serving as a crucial tool in carbohydrate detection, we foresee significant potential in the application of nanopore technology for the detection of carbohydrate molecules in disease diagnosis, drug screening, and biosensing, fostering innovative progress in related research domains.
ACSwinNet: A Deep Learning-Based Rigid Registration Method for Head-Neck CT-CBCT Images in Image-Guided Radiotherapy
Authors: Peng Kuankuan , Zhou Danyu , Sun Kaiwen , Wang Junfeng , Deng Jianchun , Gong Shihua
Published: August 2024

Accurate and precise rigid registration between head-neck computed tomography (CT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images is crucial for correcting setup errors in image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) for head and neck tumors. However, conventional registration methods that treat the head and neck as a single entity may not achieve the necessary accuracy for the head region, which is particularly sensitive to radiation in radiotherapy. We propose ACSwinNet, a deep learning-based method for head-neck CT-CBCT rigid registration, which aims to enhance the registration precision in the head region. Our approach integrates an anatomical constraint encoder with anatomical segmentations of tissues and organs to enhance the accuracy of rigid registration in the head region. We also employ a Swin Transformer-based network for registration in cases with large initial misalignment and a perceptual similarity metric network to address intensity discrepancies and artifacts between the CT and CBCT images. We validate the proposed method using a head-neck CT-CBCT dataset acquired from clinical patients. Compared with the conventional rigid method, our method exhibits lower target registration error (TRE) for landmarks in the head region (reduced from 2.14 ± 0.45 mm to 1.82 ± 0.39 mm), higher dice similarity coefficient (DSC) (increased from 0.743 ± 0.051 to 0.755 ± 0.053), and higher structural similarity index (increased from 0.854 ± 0.044 to 0.870 ± 0.043). Our proposed method effectively addresses the challenge of low registration accuracy in the head region, which has been a limitation of conventional methods. This demonstrates significant potential in improving the accuracy of IGRT for head and neck tumors.
Non-Tectonic Geohazards of Guangdong Province, China, Monitored Using Sentinel-1A/B from 2015 to 2022
Authors: Liu Jincang , Fu Zhenhua , Zhou Lipeng , Feng Guangcai , Wang Yilin , Luo Wulinhong
Published: August 2024

Guangdong Province, home to 21 cities and a permanent population of 127.06 million people, boasts the largest provincial economy in China, contributing 11.76% to the national GDP in 2023. However, it is prone to geological hazards due to its geological conditions, extreme weather, and extensive human activities. Geohazards not only endanger lives but also hinder regional economic development. Monitoring surface deformation regularly can promptly detect geological hazards and allow for effective mitigation strategies. Traditional ground subsidence monitoring methods are insufficient for comprehensive surveys and rapid monitoring of geological hazards in the whole province. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology using satellite images can achieve wide-area geohazard monitoring. However, current geological hazard monitoring in Guangdong Province based on InSAR technology lacks regional analysis and statistics of surface deformation across the entire province. Furthermore, such monitoring fails to analyze the spatial–temporal characteristics of surface deformation and disaster evolution mechanisms by considering the local geological features. To address these issues, current work utilizes Sentinel-1A/B satellite data covering Guangdong Province from 2015 to 2022 to obtain the wide-area surface deformation in the whole province using the multi-temporal (MT) InSAR technology. Based on the deformation results, a wide-area deformation region automatic identification method is used to identify the surface deformation regions and count the deformation area in each city of Guangdong Province. By analyzing the results, we obtained the following findings: (1) Using the automatic identification algorithm we identified 2394 deformation regions. (2) Surface subsidence is concentrated in the delta regions and reclamation areas; over a 4 cm/year subsidence rate is observed in the hilly regions of northern Guangdong, particularly in mining areas. (3) Surface deformation is closely related to geological structures and human activities. (4) Sentinel-1 satellite C-band imagery is highly effective for wide-area geological hazard monitoring, but has limitations in monitoring small-area geological hazards. In the future, combining the high-spatial–temporal-resolution L-band imagery from the NISAR satellite with Sentinel-1 imagery will allow for comprehensive monitoring and early warning of geological hazards, achieving multiple geometric and platform perspectives for geological hazard monitoring and management in Guangdong Province. The findings of this study have significant reference value for the monitoring and management of geological disasters in Guangdong Province.
RetinaViT: Efficient Visual Backbone for Online Video Streams
Authors: Suzuki Tomoyuki , Aoki Yoshimitsu
Published: August 2024

In online video understanding, which has a wide range of real-world applications, inference speed is crucial. Many approaches involve frame-level visual feature extraction, which often represents the biggest bottleneck. We propose RetinaViT, an efficient method for extracting frame-level visual features in an online video stream, aiming to fundamentally enhance the efficiency of online video understanding tasks. RetinaViT is composed of efficiently approximated Transformer blocks that only take changed tokens (event tokens) as queries and reuse the already processed tokens from the previous timestep for the others. Furthermore, we restrict keys and values to the spatial neighborhoods of event tokens to further improve efficiency. RetinaViT involves tuning multiple parameters, which we determine through a multi-step process. During model training, we randomly vary these parameters and then perform black-box optimization to maximize accuracy and efficiency on the pre-trained model. We conducted extensive experiments on various online video recognition tasks, including action recognition, pose estimation, and object segmentation, validating the effectiveness of each component in RetinaViT and demonstrating improvements in the speed/accuracy trade-off compared to baselines. In particular, for action recognition, RetinaViT built on ViT-B16 reduces inference time by approximately 61.9% on the CPU and 50.8% on the GPU, while achieving slight accuracy improvements rather than degradation.
Green Wearable Sensors and Antennas for Bio-Medicine, Green Internet of Things, Energy Harvesting, and Communication Systems
Authors: Sabban Albert
Published: August 2024

This paper presents innovations in green electronic and computing technologies. The importance and the status of the main subjects in green electronic and computing technologies are presented in this paper. In the last semicentennial, the planet suffered from rapid changes in climate. The planet is suffering from increasingly wild storms, hurricanes, typhoons, hard droughts, increases in seawater height, floods, seawater acidification, decreases in groundwater reserves, and increases in global temperatures. These climate changes may be irreversible if companies, organizations, governments, and individuals do not act daily and rapidly to save the planet. Unfortunately, the continuous growth in the number of computing devices, cellular devices, smartphones, and other smart devices over the last fifty years has resulted in a rapid increase in climate change. It is severely crucial to design energy-efficient “green” technologies and devices. Toxic waste from computing and cellular devices is rapidly filling up landfills and increasing air and water pollution. This electronic waste contains hazardous and toxic materials that pollute the environment and affect our health. Green computing and electronic engineering are employed to address this climate disaster. The development of green materials, green energy, waste, and recycling are the major objectives in innovation and research in green computing and electronics technologies. Energy-harvesting technologies can be used to produce and store green energy. Wearable active sensors and metamaterial antennas with circular split ring resonators (CSSRs) containing energy-harvesting units are presented in this paper. The measured bandwidth of the matched sensor is around 65% for VSWR, which is better than 3:1. The sensor gain is 14.1 dB at 2.62 GHz. A wideband 0.4 GHz to 6.4 GHz slot antenna with an RF energy-harvesting unit is presented in this paper. The Skyworks Schottky diode, SMS-7630, was used as the rectifier diode in the harvesting unit. If we transmit 20 dBm of RF power from a transmitting antenna that is located 0.2 m from the harvesting slot antenna at 2.4 GHz, the output voltage at the output port of the harvesting unit will be around 1 V. The power conversion efficiency of the metamaterial antenna dipole with metallic strips is around 75%. Wearable sensors with energy-harvesting units provide efficient, low-cost healthcare services that contribute to a green environment and minimize energy consumption. The measurement process and setups of wearable sensors are presented in this paper.
A Survey on Multi-Sensor Fusion Perimeter Intrusion Detection in High-Speed Railways
Authors: Shi Tianyun , Guo Pengyue , Wang Rui , Ma Zhen , Zhang Wanpeng , Li Wentao , Fu Huijin , Hu Hao
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the safety issues of high-speed railways have remained severe. The intrusion of personnel or obstacles into the perimeter has often occurred in the past, causing derailment or parking, especially in the case of bad weather such as fog, haze, rain, etc. According to previous research, it is difficult for a single sensor to meet the application needs of all scenario, all weather, and all time domains. Due to the complementary advantages of multi-sensor data such as images and point clouds, multi-sensor fusion detection technology for high-speed railway perimeter intrusion is becoming a research hotspot. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no review of research on multi-sensor fusion detection technology for high-speed railway perimeter intrusion. To make up for this deficiency and stimulate future research, this article first analyzes the situation of high-speed railway technical defense measures and summarizes the research status of single sensor detection. Secondly, based on the analysis of typical intrusion scenarios in high-speed railways, we introduce the research status of multi-sensor data fusion detection algorithms and data. Then, we discuss risk assessment of railway safety. Finally, the trends and challenges of multi-sensor fusion detection algorithms in the railway field are discussed. This provides effective theoretical support and technical guidance for high-speed rail perimeter intrusion monitoring.
Enhancing the Longevity and Structural Stability of Humidity Sensors: Iron Thin Films with Nitride Bonding Synthesized via Magnetic Field-Assisted Sparking Discharge
Authors: Ručman Stefan , Tippo Posak , Panthawan Arisara , Jhuntama Niwat , Jumrus Nidchamon , Singjai Pisith
Published: August 2024

Developing long-lasting humidity sensors is essential for sustainable advancements in nanotechnology. Prolonged exposure to high humidity can cause sensors to drift from their calibration points, leading to long-term accuracy issues. Our research aims to develop a fabrication method that produces stable sensors capable of withstanding the environmental challenges faced by humidity sensors. Traditional iron-based nanoparticles often require complex treatments, such as chemical modification or thermal annealing, to maintain their properties. This study introduces a novel, one-step synthesis method for iron-based thin films with exceptional stability. The synthesized films were thoroughly characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to evaluate their phase stability and nitride formation. The method proposed in this study employs an electrical sparking discharge process within a pure nitrogen atmosphere under a 0.2 T magnetic field, producing thin films composed of nanoparticles approximately 20 nm in size. The resulting films demonstrate superior performance in humidity sensing applications compared to conventional methods. This straightforward and efficient approach offers a promising path toward robust and sustainable humidity sensors.
A Review of Gas Sensors for CO2 Based on Copper Oxides and Their Derivatives
Authors: Maier Christian , Egger Larissa , Köck Anton , Reichmann Klaus
Published: August 2024

Buildings worldwide are becoming more thermally insulated, and air circulation is being reduced to a minimum. As a result, measuring indoor air quality is important to prevent harmful concentrations of various gases that can lead to safety risks and health problems. To measure such gases, it is necessary to produce low-cost and low-power-consuming sensors. Researchers have been focusing on semiconducting metal oxide (SMOx) gas sensors that can be combined with intelligent technologies such as smart homes, smart phones or smart watches to enable gas sensing anywhere and at any time. As a type of SMOx, p-type gas sensors are promising candidates and have attracted more interest in recent years due to their excellent electrical properties and stability. This review paper gives a short overview of the main development of sensors based on copper oxides and their composites, highlighting their potential for detecting CO2 and the factors influencing their performance.
Exploring Sustainable Approaches for Electronic Textile Products and Prototypes
Authors: Perera Nishadi , Shahidi Arash M. , Marasinghe Kalana , Kaner Jake , Oliveira Carlos , Wickenden Rachael , Dias Tilak , Hughes-Riley Theo
Published: August 2024

This research investigated the sustainability of textile garments with integrated electronics and their potential impact on the environment. The electronic textiles (E-textiles) sector is booming, with many advancements in E-textile product designs and construction methods having been made in recent years. Although there is a rapidly increasing interest in the reusability and sustainability of textiles, work towards E-textile sustainability requires further attention. Vastly different components are combined when constructing an electronic textile product, which makes it challenging at the end of the life of these products to dispose of them in a responsible way. In this study, a teardown analysis was conducted using a structured method, which first mapped out the interactions between each component of the product with the environment, followed by using Kuusk’s sustainable framework to analyze sustainable strategies. The research provides a unique contribution to transitioning sustainability theories into practical applications in the area of E-textiles, and the method proposed in this work can be employed in modifying electronics-embedded textiles to improve longevity and reduce the negative environmental impact. The work has highlighted key points of improvement that could be applied to a series of commercial E-textile garments, as well as a prototype E-textile device. Beyond this, the work provides a systematic approach for implementing new E-textile product designs that can evaluate overall product sustainability from the design stage to material selection, construction, and the planning of the commercial approaches of a product.
Improved YOLOv5 Network for High-Precision Three-Dimensional Positioning and Attitude Measurement of Container Spreaders in Automated Quayside Cranes
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Song Yangchen , Zheng Luocheng , Postolache Octavian , Mi Chao , Shen Yang
Published: August 2024

For automated quayside container cranes, accurate measurement of the three-dimensional positioning and attitude of the container spreader is crucial for the safe and efficient transfer of containers. This paper proposes a high-precision measurement method for the spreader’s three-dimensional position and rotational angles based on a single vertically mounted fixed-focus visual camera. Firstly, an image preprocessing method is proposed for complex port environments. The improved YOLOv5 network, enhanced with an attention mechanism, increases the detection accuracy of the spreader’s keypoints and the container lock holes. Combined with image morphological processing methods, the three-dimensional position and rotational angle changes of the spreader are measured. Compared to traditional detection methods, the single-camera-based method for three-dimensional positioning and attitude measurement of the spreader employed in this paper achieves higher detection accuracy for spreader keypoints and lock holes in experiments and improves the operational speed of single operations in actual tests, making it a feasible measurement approach.
Back to Kindergarten? Paternalistic Care Behavior in Healthcare Contexts and Older Adults’ Mental Health
Authors: von Humboldt Sofia , Silva Sara , Leal Isabel
Published: August 2024

Objectives: Paternalistic care behavior in health contexts reduces involvement in the decision-making process and dissatisfaction in healthcare, which may negatively influence older adults’ mental health. This study comprised two main objectives: (1) to explore older adults’ experiences of paternalistic behavior in the context of health services and (2) analyze the influence of paternalistic behavior on older adults’ mental health. Methods: The sample involved 416 participants aged 65 to 81 (M = 70.1 ± 5.73) with three different nationalities (English, Brazilian ad Portuguese). All interviews went through content analysis. Results: For the first objective, content analysis identified seven themes: (1) perceived inattention to the uniqueness of each person (81%); (2) feeling a duality of supporting and suppressing independence (79%); (3) selective disclosure of information to keep the person’s spirit up (74%); (4) feeling neglected (66%); (5) feeling unable to make decisions (64%); (6) receiving opposition to the person’s requests (60%); and (7) routine actions being considered as the best action (57%). For the second objective, three main themes emerged: (1) feeling anxious and stressed (88%); (2) feeling frustration and despair (87%); and (3) feeling injustice and anger (72%). Conclusions: Healthcare paternalism negatively affects older adults’ mental health, emphasizing the need for their agency, involvement in decisions, and personalized care. These findings highlight the negative influence of paternalistic behavior on the mental health of older adults and may contribute to future targeted interventions and policy programs among the older population.
Conceptualizing the Patterns of Change in Cultural Values: The Paradoxical Effects of Modernization, Demographics, and Globalization
Authors: Yeganeh Hamid
Published: August 2024

This paper aims to conceptualize the patterns of cultural change. Building on the seminal work of the German sociologist Tönnies and using eight cultural dimensions from Inglehart, Hofstede, Schwartz, and GLOBE, the study analyzes the patterns of cultural change at three distinct levels: (1) socio-economic development/modernization, (2) birth/migration, and (3) globalization/contact. The paper suggests that the path of cultural change is complex and dialectical. While socio-economic development shifts cultural values from traditional to modern, demographic pressures and migratory movements have opposite effects and reinforce traditional cultural values. Moreover, globalization and increasing contact between traditional and modern cultures create a constant blend and conflict.
Concerted Community Engagement: Refugee Education and Parents’ Daily Acts of Resistance
Authors: Reddick Celia
Published: August 2024

Around the world, millions of young people and their families navigate education in settings of conflict and displacement. Despite the growing number of refugee families seeking educational opportunities outside their countries of origin, there is scant research on the efforts families undertake to ensure and improve this education. In this study, I seek to understand how families participate in refugee children’s education in displacement. Drawing on interviews with 16 refugee parents and caregivers living in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, I find that caregivers actively engage in their children’s schooling. Through what I am calling concerted community engagement, families choose, monitor, and supplement schools, working to ensure that refugee children benefit from the education they receive in exile as they build lives in the present and for the future.
Phage against the Machine: The SIE-ence of Superinfection Exclusion
Authors: Bucher Michael J. , Czyż Daniel M.
Published: August 2024

Prophages can alter their bacterial hosts to prevent other phages from infecting the same cell, a mechanism known as superinfection exclusion (SIE). Such alterations are facilitated by phage interactions with critical bacterial components involved in motility, adhesion, biofilm production, conjugation, antimicrobial resistance, and immune evasion. Therefore, the impact of SIE extends beyond the immediate defense against superinfection, influencing the overall fitness and virulence of the bacteria. Evaluating the interactions between phages and their bacterial targets is critical for leading phage therapy candidates like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for persistent and antibiotic-resistant opportunistic infections. However, comprehensive literature on the mechanisms underlying SIE remains scarce. Here, we provide a compilation of well-characterized and potential mechanisms employed by Pseudomonas phages to establish SIE. We hypothesize that the fitness costs imposed by SIE affect bacterial virulence, highlighting the potential role of this mechanism in the management of bacterial infections.
SCANellome V2: Update of the Primate Anellovirus Reference Sequences Database
Authors: Laubscher Florian , Kaiser Laurent , Cordey Samuel
Published: August 2024

Anelloviruses are ubiquitous in humans and represent a major component of the human virome. Its best-known representative is Torque teno virus (i.e., the Alphatorquevirus genus), which is considered a potential immunity biomarker. Recent metagenomic investigations revealed not only the extraordinary genomic diversity of anellovirus sequences, but also that co-detection of genera, genotypes, or species seems to be the rule in humans. SCANellome was developed to represent a user-friendly tool to analyze the primate (both human and non-human) anellovirus composition at the genus, species, and genotype level from metagenomics data based on an up-to-date database. This SCANellome update includes >900 additional reference sequences from GenBank. Using a clustering at 90% identity, the FASTA database was updated and generated 134 new representative sequences. Based on ORF1, the analysis of these new sequences indicates the presence of 206 potential new species, including four nonhuman primates, and adds four new non-human primate species which will be the subject of a proposal to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). In addition, SCANellome V2 provides now the user with an interactive up-to-date phylogenetic analysis (of ORF1) to show the distribution among the 12 human and nonhuman primate genera of these new potential species. Finally, the Anelloviridae taxonomy was updated to rename species names in binomial format as required by the ICTV.
The Conditions for the Formation of Strontium in the Water of Ancient Silicate Deposits Near the Arctic Coast of Russia
Authors: Malov Alexander I.
Published: August 2024

Strontium is a toxic chemical element widely distributed in groundwater. First of all, its appearance in water is associated with the dissolution of sulfate and carbonate rocks. The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of strontium concentration in ancient aluminosilicate deposits that were filled with sedimentogenic brines and seawater in different geological periods. Studies were conducted on 44 water samples, in which the chemical and isotopic composition was determined with the subsequent assessment of saturation indices in relation to the main rock-forming minerals and the residence time of groundwater in the aquifer. It was found that minimal strontium concentrations are characteristic of the least mineralized waters and arise mainly due to the dissolution of carbonates. After their saturation in relation to calcite, the process of carbonate dissolution was replaced by their precipitation and an increase in silicate dissolution with an increase in strontium concentration in more mineralized waters. The incongruent dissolution of aluminosilicates resulted in the appearance of new clay minerals in the aquifer, which together with iron hydroxides and newly formed calcium carbonates created opportunities for sorption and ion exchange processes. The contribution of seawater consisted of an increase in strontium concentrations by approximately 15–20%. The effect of the duration of the water–rock interaction on strontium concentrations in groundwater was expressed in the fact that over a thousand years they increased by 0.1 mg/L, which is 20–30 times less than in the waters of carbonate deposits located 100 km to the east. An assessment of the non-carcinogenic risk to human health of contact with the groundwater showed the safety of using the studied groundwater for drinking purposes.
Visual Detection of Traffic Incident through Automatic Monitoring of Vehicle Activities
Authors: Karim Abdul , Raza Muhammad Amir , Alharthi Yahya Z. , Abbas Ghulam , Othmen Salwa , Hossain Md. Shouquat , Nahar Afroza , Mercorelli Paolo
Published: August 2024

Intelligent transportation systems (ITSs) derive significant advantages from advanced models like YOLOv8, which excel in predicting traffic incidents in dynamic urban environments. Roboflow plays a crucial role in organizing and preparing image data essential for computer vision models. Initially, a dataset of 1000 images is utilized for training, with an additional 500 images reserved for validation purposes. Subsequently, the Deep Simple Online and Real-time Tracking (Deep-SORT) algorithm enhances scene analyses over time, offering continuous monitoring of vehicle behavior. Following this, the YOLOv8 model is deployed to detect specific traffic incidents effectively. By combining YOLOv8 with Deep SORT, urban traffic patterns are accurately detected and analyzed with high precision. The findings demonstrate that YOLOv8 achieves an accuracy of 98.4%, significantly surpassing alternative methodologies. Moreover, the proposed approach exhibits outstanding performance in the recall (97.2%), precision (98.5%), and F1 score (95.7%), underscoring its superior capability in accurate prediction and analyses of traffic incidents with high precision and efficiency.
Manual de prácticas de laboratorio virtual para la mejora del aprendizaje experimental de la Biología
Authors: Mejía Rosero Gissel Alejandra
Published: August 2024

El objetivo del trabajo fue desarrollar una propuesta metodológica para un manual de laboratorio virtual destinado al aprendizaje de Biología en estudiantes de décimo año de Educación General Básica. La investigación se basa en la hipótesis de que el desarrollo de habilidades en la aplicación de conocimientos biológicos puede mejorar el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes. Se utilizó un enfoque mixto con un alcance explicativo para recolectar datos cualitativos y cuantitativos. En la revisión bibliográfica, se realizó un análisis crítico de las metodologías existentes en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de Biología. Durante la aplicación y evaluación de la propuesta, se emplearon diversos métodos para asegurar la validez y confiabilidad científica del aporte práctico y obtener resultados adecuados. La plataforma CloudLabs fue seleccionada para realizar prácticas experimentales en línea, debido a sus ventajas tecnológicas y metodológicas. El manual de laboratorio virtual para Biología constituye una guía educativa que facilita la realización de experimentos en entornos virtuales, alineada con el currículo, al tiempo que proporciona instrucciones claras y recursos visuales promueve un aprendizaje autónomo y efectivo, reforzando la comprensión de conceptos científicos vinculados a esta ciencia natural.
PALABRAS CLAVE: Manual de laboratorio; Laboratorio virtual; Biología; Prácticas experimentales; Enseñanza-aprendizaje.
The Impact of Soiling on Photovoltaic Performance in Iraq: Review
Authors:   Southern Technical University, Rashak Zahraa , Hassan Kadhim ,   Southern Technical University
Published: August 2024

Solar power systems, also known as photovoltaic (PV) systems, are widely used as a clean and sustainable energy source worldwide. However, these systems can be affected by various factors that contribute to dust accumulation, which have been grouped into five categories: module characteristics, environmental factors, climatic conditions, exposure situations, and soiling properties. Dust accumulation can significantly impact photovoltaic modules' efficiency and power output, leading to a decrease in electricity generation. Airborne dust reduces the intensity of solar radiation by scattering and absorbing it, especially in hot and dry regions such as southern Iraq. This study provides an updated overview of the process of dust accumulation on photovoltaic modules south of Iraq. Moreover, it illustrates the methods used to measure dust accumulation and the performance of solar PV under soiling. Furthermore, it exemplifies the sources of the soiling generation. Additionally, it demonstrates the composition and size of dust particles. Finally, future research perspectives are discussed, and a thorough investigation of the impact of dust is suggested in all regions of Iraq and even in all countries of the world, especially those interested in clean energy. This research aims to understand the effect of dust soiling on PV performance. The outcome of this research will help design the PV module system while considering the most effective method to reduce or prevent dust accumulation in specific areas.
Analyzing Environmental Influences on New Structure of Solar Still Productivity: An Experimental Study in Basrah Iraq
Authors:   Southern Technical University, Murtadha Hawraa , Ateeq Adnan ,   Southern Technical University, Jabbar Tahseen ,   Southern Technical University
Published: August 2024

Solar desalination uses solar radiation to convert saline or seawater into clean water and is increasingly crucial due to growing pollution from industrial and automotive sources. Although solar stills offer a sustainable solution, they face challenges in terms of production efficiency. This study presents a new structural design for solar stills, which incorporates advanced insulation materials, a well-designed distillate channel, and an inclined base to enhance productivity. The research explores how different climatic conditions such as wind speed, solar radiation, and atmospheric humidity affect solar still performance. Seven experimental setups were evaluated, comparing traditional inclined stills with advanced closed-loop systems. The results demonstrated that closed-loop systems improved productivity by 28.6% compared to open-loop systems. Additionally, moderate wind speeds increased productivity by 20.82%, while partial cloud cover and light rain decreased productivity by 52.15% and 12.9%, respectively. However, light rain also enhanced condensation efficiency by cooling the glass surface. This study highlights the importance of incorporating environmental factors into the design and optimization of solar still systems for improved performance.
A Comprehensive Review for Swab and Surge Pressures in Oil Wells
Authors:   University of Baghdad, Assi Amel
Published: August 2024

Surge pressure is the additional pressure created when pipes move downward, and swab pressure is the pressure reduction that occurs when pipes move upward. When pipes are raised, it can result in a decrease in the pressure at the bottom of the hole due to the influence of pressure. An investigation showed that surge pressure is important for the circulation loss problem produced by unstable processes in Management Pressure Drilling (MPD) actions. Trip margin is an increase of mud density for providing overbalance so as to recompense the swabbing effect through pulling out the pipes of hole. Through trip margin there is an increase in the hydrostatic pressure of mud that compensates for the reduction of bottom pressure due to stop pumping and/or swabbing effect while pulling pipe out of hole. This overview shows suggested mathematical/numerical models for simulating surge pressure problem inside the wellbore with adjustable cross-section parts. To run the analyzed models, input data such as fluid speed around the drill pipe, pipe movement speed, hole diameter, drill pipe diameter, and internal drill pipe diameter are required. These data can be obtained from the drilling rig website. Swab pressures and surge pressures have been the primary causes of wellbore instability and blowouts in the oil industry for many years, resulting in pressure changes. This review focused on the most important basic theories for calculating the optimal factors related to surge and swab pressures and then linking them to the most important programs for calculating them. One of the most important conclusions from this review is that the optimal speed must be determined for the lowering and raising of pipes, to prevent kick or losses.
WAKAF HANDPHONE FOR STUDENTS IN REMOTE LEARNING TIMES
Authors: Wahyudi Dani
Published: August 2024

This article is related to the potential of hanphone waqf as a power for the development of the welfare of the people in the distance learning period. Waqf is no longer synonymous with land earmarked for educational institutions, tombs, places of worship or others, but waqf can also be used as a source of strength to realize the welfare of the people in economic empowerment or potential aids. The greater and more diverse the waqf assets that can be managed by nadzir professionally with proper management, the benefits that will be obtained from the management of waqf will be more widely used, thereby increasing the economy and welfare of the people.
MOSQUE-BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Sutanto Romi Wilham
Published: August 2024

The subject of this research is how to develop a mosque-based community towards social, educational and economic services at the Nurul Islam Islamic Center Mosque in Bekasi City. The type of research used in this research is qualitative. Qualitative research is research that intends to understand the phenomenon of what the research subjects experience holistically in a descriptive way in the form of words and language, in a special natural context by utilizing natural methods. The results of this study concluded that the Nurul Islam Islamic Center Mosque in Bekasi City serves and organizes all social services and programs for the community. Such as serving the implementation of mass circumcision, donating for Orphans and Dhuafa, providing and carrying out sacrificial animal slaughter, serving the care of corpses, serving the receipt of zakat, infaq, and shodaqoh. By accommodating all aspirations, orienting the results in carrying out worship and social activities, paying attention to the interests of the congregation and holding the mandate and responsibility for implementation through the vision and mission that have been implemented. In addition to social services, the Nurul Islam Islamic Center Mosque in Bekasi City is able to foster and serve educational programs, through TPQ education, Tahfidzul Qur'an Institution, routine recitation of the Taklim Council, Youth Recitation, Recitation of Women, Recitation of Fathers and Monthly Recitation. Then the last mosque Nurul Islam Islamic Center Bekasi City has a community development program in the economic field, such as Baitul Maal, zakat house, and others. Even the Nurul Islam Islamic Center Mosque in Bekasi City has also developed and fostered MSME players for the advancement of the Muslim economy.