bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Benefit of Perlingual Polybacterial Vaccines in Patients with Systemic Autoimmune Diseases and Active Immunosuppression
Authors: Pérez-Sancristóbal Inés , de la Fuente Eduardo , Álvarez-Hernández María Paula , Guevara-Hoyer Kissy , Morado Concepción , Martínez-Prada Cristina , Freites-Nuñez Dalifer , Villaverde Virginia , Fernández-Arquero Miguel , Fernández-Gutiérrez Benjamín , Sánchez-Ramón Silvia , Candelas Gloria
Published: April 2023

Introduction: We have previously shown that trained-immunity-based vaccines, namely TIbV, significantly reduce the rate of recurrent infections, both of the respiratory tract (RRTI) and urinary tract infections (RUTI) in SAD patients on disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs). Objective: We evaluated the frequency of RRTI and RUTI from 2018 to 2021 in those SAD patients that received TIbV until 2018. Secondarily, we evaluated the incidence and clinical course of COVID-19 in this cohort. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in a cohort of SAD patients under active immunosuppression immunized with TIbV (MV130 for RRTI and MV140 for RUTI, respectively). Results: Forty-one SAD patients on active immunosuppression that were given TIbV up to 2018 were studied for RRTI and RUTI during the 2018–2021 period. Approximately half of the patients had no infections during 2018–2021 (51.2% no RUTI and 43.5% no RRTI at all). When we compared the 3-year period with the 1-year pre-TIbV, RRTI (1.61 ± 2.26 vs. 2.76 ± 2.57; p = 0.002) and RUTI (1.56 ± 2.12 vs. 2.69 ± 3.07; p = 0.010) episodes were still significantly lower. Six SAD patients (four RA; one SLE; one MCTD) with RNA-based vaccines were infected with SARS-CoV-2, with mild disease. Conclusions: Even though the beneficial protective effects against infections of TIbV progressively decreased, they remained low for up to 3 years, with significantly reduced infections compared to the year prior to vaccination, further supporting a long-term benefit of TIbV in this setting. Moreover, an absence of infections was observed in almost half of patients.
Self-Esteem, Social Problem Solving and Intimate Partner Violence Victimization in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Cherrier Chloé , Courtois Robert , Rusch Emmanuel , Potard Catherine
Published: April 2023

Although there are many studies examining the psychosocial vulnerability factors of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in emerging adulthood, little is known about the life skills that may be involved, such as social problem solving (SPS) and self-esteem. The aim of the current study is to explore the relationships between SPS, self-esteem, and types (i.e., psychological, physical and sexual) and severity of IPV victimization in emerging adulthood. Based on a French online survey, 929 emerging adults (84.6% of whom were women with a mean age of 23.6) completed self-report questionnaires related to SPS (problem orientations and problem-solving styles), self-esteem and IPV victimization. The results showed that positive SPS skills and higher self-esteem were associated with lower severity of IPV. Multivariate analyses showed that the most associated factors of severe forms of IPV were avoidant and impulsive/carelessness styles. Minor sexual violence was positively associated with lower self-esteem and rational problem-solving skills, while minor psychological victimization was related to avoidant style. Upon completion of this study, it can be said that conflicts which escalate into IPV may be associated with dysfunctional conflict resolution styles, highlighting the importance of interventions that promote the development of life skills in order to prevent IPV.
Do Clowns Really Taste Funny? An Investigation of the Relationship between Humor and Playfulness in Clown Doctors
Authors: Dionigi Alberto , Fermani Alessandra , Canestrari Carla
Published: April 2023

Healthcare clowning represents a well-established method for relieving patients and their relatives of discomfort during hospitalization. Although studies concerning the effectiveness of this approach are increasing in number, state-of-the-art studies conducted to evaluate the psychological characteristics of clown doctors are scarce. In this cross-sectional study, a convenient sample of 210 clown doctors (143 females, 67 males) aged between 18 and 75 years (M = 47.34, SD = 12.31) completed a demographic questionnaire, the Comic Styles Markers, and the Short Measure for Adult Playfulness. The results demonstrated that clown doctors bring higher levels of fun, benevolent humor, and nonsense and a lower level of cynicism compared to the populace. Moreover, the participants with more experience tend to use less irony, sarcasm, and cynicism than those with less experience. Playfulness was primarily related to the lighter styles of humor, and specific differences between the Whiteface and the Auguste clown doctors were observed. The results are discussed with reference to previous studies conducted on groups of clown doctors.
A New Seismic Classification Procedure for Nonstructural Elements Based on Fragility Curves
Authors: Rota Maria , Zito Martino , Bianchi Federica , Dubini Paolo
Published: April 2023

Starting from considerations on the high seismic vulnerability of nonstructural elements, and at the same time the scarce consideration of their performance at the different stages of the design and assessment process, this paper proposes a very simple and ready-to-use seismic classification scheme for nonstructural elements. The proposed approach is based on a limited set of information, which may take advantage of the availability of a numerical model of the building and its results, although it may also rely on code formulations and evaluations of seismic performance from the literature. The different seismic classes are assigned to nonstructural elements by quantifying their expected seismic performance by means of fragility curves. This classification may be applied to newly designed nonstructural elements to help identify the best typology for the site and building of interest, and also for existing nonstructural elements that are already installed in existing buildings. In the latter case, the classification may help in defining a prioritization scheme for interventions required to make nonstructural elements safer for the building of concern. The feasibility of the proposed procedure is demonstrated by its application to two case studies, referring to existing buildings located at different seismicity sites.
Recent Development of Single-Atom Catalysis for the Functionalization of Alkenes
Authors: Yu Xuetong , Ji Yuxia , Jiang Yan , Lang Rui , Fang Yanxiong , Qiao Botao
Published: April 2023

The functionalization of alkenes is one of the most important conversions in synthetic chemistry to prepare numerous fine chemicals. Typical procedures, such as hydrosilylation and hydroformylation, are traditionally catalyzed using homogeneous noble metal complexes, while the highly reactive and stable heterogeneous single-atom catalysts (SACs) now provide alternative approaches to fulfill these conversions by combining the advantages of both homogeneous catalysts and heterogeneous nanoparticle catalysts. In this review, the recent achievement in single-atom catalyzed hydrosilylation and hydroformylation reactions are introduced, and we highlight the latest applications of SACs for additive reactions, constructing new C-Y (Y = B, P, S, N) bonds on the terminal carbon atoms of alkenes, and then mention the applications in single-metal-atom catalyzed hydrogenation and epoxidation reactions. We also note that some tandem reactions are conveniently realized in one pot by the concisely fabricated SACs, facilitating the preparation of some pharmaceutical compounds. Lastly, the challenges facing single-atom catalysis for alkene conversions are briefly mentioned.
Fabrication of FeTCPP@CNNS for Efficient Photocatalytic Performance of p-Nitrophenol under Visible Light
Authors: Li Shiyun , Guo Yuqiong , Liu Lina , Wang Jiangang , Zhang Luxi , Shi Weilong , Aleksandrzak Malgorzata , Chen Xuecheng , Liu Jie
Published: April 2023

A photocatalyst of iron–porphyrin tetra-carboxylate (FeTCPP)-sensitized g-C3N4 nanosheet composites (FeTCPP@CNNS) based on g-C3N4 nanosheet (CNNS) and FeTCPP have been fabricated by in situ hydrothermal self-assembly. FeTCPP is uniformly introduced to the surface of CNNS. Only a small amount of FeTCPP is introduced, and the stacked lamellar structure is displayed in the composite. As compared with pure CNNS, the FeTCPP@CNNS composites exhibit significantly improved photocatalytic performance by the photodegradation of p-nitrophenol (4-NP). At the optimum content of FeTCPP to CNNS (3 wt%), the photodegradation activity of the FeTCPP@CNNS photocatalyst can reach 92.4% within 1 h. The degradation rate constant for the 3% FeTCPP@CNNS composite is 0.037 min−1 (4-NP), which is five times that of CNNS (0.0064 min−1). The results of recycling experiments show that 3% FeTCPP@CNNS photocatalyst has excellent photocatalytic stability. A possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism of FeTCPP@CNNS composite for photocatalytic degradation of 4-NP has been proposed. It is shown that superoxide radical anions played the major part in the degradation of 4-NP. The appropriate content of FeTCPP can enhance the charge transfer efficiency. The FeTCPP@CNNS composites can provide more active sites and accelerate the transport and separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers, thus further enhancing the photocatalytic performance.
Study of H2O2/Cu2+ Catalyzed Oxidation Process of Maltodextrin
Authors: Dai Hao , Yao Wengao , Zhou Xiaohu , Tang Zhuo , Zhou Qiang , Li Xi
Published: April 2023

In this study, oxidized maltodextrins with a high concentration of carboxyl groups were produced using CuSO4 as a catalyst and H2O2 as an eco-friendly oxidant. Infrared spectroscopy, proton-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were utilized to examine the structure and properties of oxidized maltodextrins. The reaction conditions were optimized in terms of oxidant content, catalyst content, temperature, pH, and reaction time. The prepared oxidized maltodextrin had a carboxyl group content of 105% under the conditions of 200% molar H2O2, 1% molar catalyst, 55 °C, initial pH = 9.7, and 2 h reaction time. In comparison to the commonly used sodium hypochlorite oxidation process, the carboxyl group content was increased by 58%.
Recent Progress of MIL MOF Materials in Degradation of Organic Pollutants by Fenton Reaction
Authors: Xiao Keru , Shu Bao , Lv Kangle , Huang Peipei , Chang Qing , Wu Laiyan , Wang Songbo , Cao Lingling
Published: April 2023

In recent years, environmental pollution has become more serious, especially the organic pollutants. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials used to degrade pollutants recently. Among them, Materials Institute Lavoisier frameworks (MILs) have been widely engaged due to their good stability and unique structural characteristics. This paper systematically analyses and summarizes the progress of MILs in degradation of organic pollutant by Fenton reaction in recent years. The MILs, especially four types of MILs, including MIL-100, MIL-101, MIL-88, and MIL-53, are first described and classified. Then, the common synthesis methods (hydrothermal synthesis, steam-assisted synthesis, and microwave-assisted synthesis) of MIL are summarized and compared. Modification and activation of MILs to obtain good degradation effect are also introduced and discussed. Finally, the applications of MILs in Fenton reaction are reviewed and their future development is prospected.
Cu-Based Catalysts with Enhanced Thermal Stability for Cyclohexyl Acetate Hydrogenation: Studies on Cu+ and Cu0 Sites at Different Reduction Temperatures
Authors: Yu Xinyao , Xin Mudi , Yuan Hui , Gao Liang , Zheng Aiguo , Xing Enhui , Zhang Xiaoxin , Zhang Chengxi , Zong Baoning
Published: April 2023

Cyclohexene esterification–hydrogenation for the efficient production of cyclohexanol will be commercialized for the first time. Cu/MgO/Al2O3 catalysts with layered double hydroxides as precursors were developed, and the effect of altering the reduction temperature on the catalytic activity was explored. Fresh and spent Cu/MgO/Al2O3 catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic performance after thermal treatment during the hydrogenation of cyclohexyl acetate to cyclohexanol. STEM images showed that the Cu particles grew slightly, without obvious aggregation. Based on the results of XAES and in situ FTIR of the adsorbed CO method, optimal performance (conversion rate of 99.59% with 98.94% selectivity) was achieved, which was attributed to the synergistic effect on the surface-active Cu0 and Cu+ sites with Cu0/(Cu0 + Cu+) of around 0.70, and the ratios could be maintained at temperatures of 513–553 K. The morphology of Cu/MgO/Al2O3 catalysts was well preserved during the hydrogenation of cyclohexyl acetate, indicating potential industrial applications. The well-dispersed Cu/MgO/Al2O3 catalyst with a stable microstructure possesses an adjustable valence state and thermal stability during the hydrogenation of cyclohexyl acetate, giving it industrial application prospects.
Promoting Resilience in Early Childhood Education and Care to Prepare Children for a World of Change: A Critical Analysis of National and International Policy Documents
Authors: Furu Ann-Christin , Chan Angel , Larsson Jonna , Engdahl Ingrid , Klaus Sarah , Navarrete Anna May , Turk Niskač Barbara
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the sustainability crisis has raised interest in the concept of resilience, i.e., the capacity to persist, adapt, or transform in the face of change and challenge. However, to date, resilience has only been studied to a limited extent within early childhood education and care (ECEC). This paper reports on a study that used critical document analysis of national and international policies to explore if and how the concept of resilience within ECEC could contribute to sustainability in a world of rapid change. Five national and four international documents were analysed through the theoretical lenses of childism and place-based education. The results show that resilience is implicitly expressed in ECEC policies yet is rarely linked to sustainability issues. Instead, policies mainly limit resilience to the psychological dimension and the individual child. The conclusion is that ECEC is an apt context for supporting resilience in multiple ways. It suggests using a holistic understanding of resilience to advocate for ECEC policies that include diverse perspectives of families and local communities, incorporate indigenous voices, and recognise the interconnectedness between humans and the more-than-human world.
The Current Status and Future Perspectives of Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Engineered T Cell Therapy for the Management of Patients with Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Choi Ji-Young , Kim Tae-Jin
Published: April 2023

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a gynecological neoplasm that is increasing in occurrence and mortality rates. Although endometrial cancer in the early stages shows a relatively favorable prognosis, there is an increase in cancer-related mortality rates in the advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma population and patients in the metastatic setting. This discrepancy has presented an opportunity for research and development of target therapies in this population. After obtaining promising results with hematologic cancers, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell immunotherapy is gaining acceptance as a treatment for solid neoplasms. This treatment platform allows T cells to express tumor-specific CARs on the cell surface, which are administered to the patient to treat neoplastic cells. Given that CAR-T cell therapy has shown potential and clinical benefit compared to other T cell treatment platforms, additional research is required to overcome physiological limitations such as CAR-T cell depletion, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and the lack of specific target molecules. Different approaches and development are ongoing to overcome these complications. This review examines CAR-T cell therapy’s current use for endometrial carcinomas. We also discuss the significant adverse effects and limitations of this immunotherapeutic approach. Finally, we consolidate signal-seeking early-phase clinical trials and advancements that have shown promising results, leading to the approval of new immunotherapeutic agents for the disease.
AKR1B1 Represses Glioma Cell Proliferation through p38 MAPK-Mediated Bcl-2/BAX/Caspase-3 Apoptotic Signaling Pathways
Authors: Huang Yu-Kai , Chang Kun-Che , Li Chia-Yang , Lieu Ann-Shung , Lin Chih-Lung
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B1 (AKR1B1) in glioma cell proliferation through p38 MAPK activation to control Bcl-2/BAX/caspase-3 apoptosis signaling. AKR1B1 expression was quantified in normal human astrocytes, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines, and normal tissues by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The effects of AKR1B1 overexpression or knockdown and those of AKR1B1-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation and a p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) on glioma cell proliferation were determined using an MTT assay and Western blot, respectively. Furthermore, the AKR1B1 effect on BAX and Bcl-2 expression was examined in real-time by Western blot. A luminescence detection reagent was also utilized to identify the effect of AKR1B1 on caspase-3/7 activity. The early and late stages of AKR1B1-induced apoptosis were assessed by performing Annexin V-FITC/PI double-staining assays. AKR1B1 expression was significantly downregulated in glioma tissues and GBM cell lines (T98G and 8401). Glioma cell proliferation was inhibited by AKR1B1 overexpression but was slightly increased by AKR1B1 knockdown. Additionally, AKR1B1-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation and SB203580 reversed AKR1B1′s inhibitory effect on glioma cell proliferation. AKR1B1 overexpression also inhibited Bcl-2 expression but increased BAX expression, whereas treatment with SB203580 reversed this phenomenon. Furthermore, AKR1B1 induced caspase-3/7 activity. The induction of early and late apoptosis by AKR1B1 was confirmed using an Annexin V-FITC/PI double-staining assay. In conclusion, AKR1B1 regulated glioma cell proliferation through the involvement of p38 MAPK-induced BAX/Bcl-2/caspase-3 apoptosis signaling. Therefore, AKR1B1 may serve as a new therapeutic target for glioma therapy development.
Femtosecond Laser Surface Cleaning for Diamond Segmented Drill Bit Manufacturing
Authors: Kenéz Attila Zsolt , Lublóy Éva , Bagyinszki Gyula , Földes Tamás
Published: April 2023

Microsecond and nanosecond lasers have been studied in the past for laser cleaning applications and, today, femtosecond lasers are also being used successfully for removing paint, rust, and surface contamination. For diamond segmented drill bits, it may be also necessary to improve the mechanical properties of the laser-welded joint, i.e., to increase the tensile strength and toughness. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the possibility of using femtosecond lasers to clean the surface before laser welding to see what effect it has on the mechanical properties of the joint. The end surface of the thin-walled tube was pretreated to remove grease and oil before laser-beam welding a powder metallurgical segment onto it and the results are compared to an untreated sample. The laser-welded seams were investigated by micro-computer tomography, break-out test, and optical microscopy. Any defects in the seams were analyzed and, according to the results obtained in this study, no cracks were found by computer tomography, a shade of grey diagram shows, and all the pre-treated samples had a higher absorption than the untreated sample. Four of the six treating parameters had a significant effect, +30% on average, and two treating parameters had a positive effect, +13.5% on average, compared to the untreated sample. In addition, the break-out values showed that only one treating parameter had a significantly, +19%, higher effect than the other treating parameters. This test showed different results from the micro-CT scan. The optimal process parameters for oil and grease removal are discussed in the conclusion.
A Bi-FPN-Based Encoder–Decoder Model for Lung Nodule Image Segmentation
Authors: Annavarapu Chandra Sekhara Rao , Parisapogu Samson Anosh Babu , Keetha Nikhil Varma , Donta Praveen Kumar , Rajita Gurindapalli
Published: April 2023

Early detection and analysis of lung cancer involve a precise and efficient lung nodule segmentation in computed tomography (CT) images. However, the anonymous shapes, visual features, and surroundings of the nodules as observed in the CT images pose a challenging and critical problem to the robust segmentation of lung nodules. This article proposes a resource-efficient model architecture: an end-to-end deep learning approach for lung nodule segmentation. It incorporates a Bi-FPN (bidirectional feature network) between an encoder and a decoder architecture. Furthermore, it uses the Mish activation function and class weights of masks with the aim of enhancing the efficiency of the segmentation. The proposed model was extensively trained and evaluated on the publicly available LUNA-16 dataset consisting of 1186 lung nodules. To increase the probability of the suitable class of each voxel in the mask, a weighted binary cross-entropy loss of each sample of training was utilized as network training parameter. Moreover, on the account of further evaluation of robustness, the proposed model was evaluated on the QIN Lung CT dataset. The results of the evaluation show that the proposed architecture outperforms existing deep learning models such as U-Net with a Dice Similarity Coefficient of 82.82% and 81.66% on both datasets.
GCP and PPK Utilization Plan to Deal with RTK Signal Interruption in RTK-UAV Photogrammetry
Authors: Cho Jung Min , Lee Byoung Kil
Published: April 2023

When surveying a large target area with a real-time kinematic unmanned aerial vehicle (RTK-UAV), the RTK signal tends to be disconnected when city canyons or macrocells are included. Thus, the accuracy is reduced due to the lack of RTK signal or the fact that RTK signal is not available in certain areas. The available methods to solve this problem are costly. Therefore, we used one GCP and performed post-process kinematics (PPK) to verify whether the accuracy reduction caused by the lack of RTK signal in certain areas could be solved. A data set detailing the percentage of time during which the RTK signal was received (100%, 90%, 5%, and 0%) was obtained, and ATs were conducted both with and without PPK using GCPs located at the four corners and center. In 40 experiments, the trend of root mean square error (RMSE) values based on the distance between the GCP used and the 41 check points (CPs) was analyzed. In the absence of PPK, the error tended to increase depending on the distance between the GCP and CPs, but there was no significant difference after PPK as up to 10 cm horizontal error and up to 20 cm vertical error were observed within a 1 km radius of the GCP. As a result, even if the RTK signal is disconnected during shooting, it is possible to achieve an accuracy within 3 GSD up to a radius of 1 km from the GCP.
Collapse Models: A Theoretical, Experimental and Philosophical Review
Authors: Bassi Angelo , Dorato Mauro , Ulbricht Hendrik
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we review and connect the three essential conditions needed by the collapse model to achieve a complete and exact formulation, namely the theoretical, the experimental, and the ontological ones. These features correspond to the three parts of the paper. In any empirical science, the first two features are obviously connected but, as is well known, among the different formulations and interpretations of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, only collapse models, as the paper well illustrates with a richness of details, have experimental consequences. Finally, we show that a clarification of the ontological intimations of collapse models is needed for at least three reasons: (1) to respond to the indispensable task of answering the question ’what are collapse models (and in general any physical theory) about?’; (2) to achieve a deeper understanding of their different formulations; (3) to enlarge the panorama of possible readings of a theory, which historically has often played a fundamental heuristic role.
Higher-Order Interactions and Their Duals Reveal Synergy and Logical Dependence beyond Shannon-Information
Authors: Jansma Abel
Published: April 2023

Information-theoretic quantities reveal dependencies among variables in the structure of joint, marginal, and conditional entropies while leaving certain fundamentally different systems indistinguishable. Furthermore, there is no consensus on the correct higher-order generalisation of mutual information (MI). In this manuscript, we show that a recently proposed model-free definition of higher-order interactions among binary variables (MFIs), such as mutual information, is a Möbius inversion on a Boolean algebra, except of surprisal instead of entropy. This provides an information-theoretic interpretation to the MFIs, and by extension to Ising interactions. We study the objects dual to mutual information and the MFIs on the order-reversed lattices. We find that dual MI is related to the previously studied differential mutual information, while dual interactions are interactions with respect to a different background state. Unlike (dual) mutual information, interactions and their duals uniquely identify all six 2-input logic gates, the dy- and triadic distributions, and different causal dynamics that are identical in terms of their Shannon information content.
Flow Characteristics and Switching Mechanism of Bistable Slit Flow Actuated by Temperature
Authors: Nie Huacheng , Lv Yuexia , Du Tingting , Song Xinyu
Published: April 2023

The bistable flow is attractive as it can be analogous to a switch to realize flow control. Based on the previous studies on actuation technique, the present study first proposed temperature-driven switching of bistable slit flow. A two-dimensional numerical simulation was conducted to investigate the flow deflection characteristics and switching mechanism. It was concluded that the temperature gradient not only biases the slit flow but also locks it to the high-temperature side. The flow deflection angle became larger with the increase in temperature gradient. Being driven by the temperature, the flow can be switched from one side to the other. Furthermore, the fluid viscosity, which varies with temperature, determines the degree of flow deflection and the entire switching time. This research can enrich the active regulation of flow and has significant potential applications in thermal sensors, thermal detectors, microelectromechanical systems, biomedicine, and other equivalent fields.
Distributed Leadership in Irish Post-Primary Schools: Policy versus Practitioner Interpretations
Authors: Hickey Niamh , Flaherty Aishling , Mannix McNamara Patricia
Published: April 2023

School leaders have faced significant challenges since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Distributed leadership has become the default leadership response implemented by schools to manage increased pressure. While Irish schools have traditionally operated behind a ‘closed-door’, there has recently been a movement towards a shared model of leadership, and Irish school leadership policy currently endorses the adoption of a distributed leadership model. Increased interest and policy endorsement notwithstanding, distributed leadership remains an elusive concept. The aim of this study was to explore Irish post-primary school personnel’s interpretations of distributed leadership and analyse these interpretations through a teacher empowerment lens with respect to Irish school leadership policy. This study reports the results of a thematic analysis of 363 survey responses provided by post-primary school personnel. Short’s six dimensions of teacher empowerment were utilised to inform a framework for thematically analysing the participants’ interpretations. An initial framework for enacting distributed leadership through an empowerment lens was outlined. Interpretations were found to diverge regarding (i) what is shared, (ii) who it is shared with, and (iii) how it is shared. This paper adds to the corpus of knowledge concerning how distributed leadership is understood in practice and will aid in informing future school leadership policy documents.
Universities’ and Academics’ Resources Shaping Satisfaction and Engagement: An Empirical Investigation of the Higher Education System
Authors: Prodanova Jana , Kocarev Ljupco
Published: April 2023

Higher education research has claimed that the successful future of the educational service is highly dependent on the competencies and observations of the participants in the system, where service quality, employee satisfaction and engagement play an essential role in organizational competitiveness. Therefore, to contribute to the scarce investigation of the role of the institutions’ efforts in the support of engaged academics, we aim to assess the quality of higher education from an internal angle by investigating universities’ and academics’ resources as the antecedents of job satisfaction and engagement. The data from a survey with 322 academics from Macedonian public universities were analyzed using partial least squares structural equations modelling. The results of the estimated model reveal that institutional and educational capacities and academics’ adequate competencies are essential for accomplishing favorable perceptions, leading to a committed community dedicated to improving the higher education system. The implications underline that it is vital to recognize the institution’s potential by identifying and assessing the resources and capacities it possesses or can access. Moreover, to involve satisfied employees, universities must encourage academics’ position and integrity in the institution and promote harmonious collaboration while motivating their capacities and excellence development.
Learning by Co-Designing a Board Game to Make Chain Store Knowledge More Robust
Authors: Lee Kuan-Yin , Chang Yu-Hsin , Samanta Prasana Kumar
Published: April 2023

The modern student is used to visual information and needs an engaging, stimulating, and fun method of teaching to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Recently, more and more teachers are changing traditional teaching methods and incorporating the concept of learner-centered teaching into their courses. Students must actively identify gaps in self-knowledge, construct clear learning topics, and then integrate relevant information to explain or solve problems. In order to enhance students’ interest in learning and affect their learning effectiveness, the present study introduces students to problem-oriented and game-based learning methods for solving the development problems of chain board games. Students in the third year already possess basic theoretical knowledge and have achieved relevant learning achievements, such as competition awards, industry/academic experience, class cadre experience, community service, etc. Thus, 125 students from two classes participated in this study via quantitative questionnaires. Data analysis with SPSS data revealed significant differences between learning effectiveness and learning methods, social interaction, and subject engagement; students with good learning outcomes were significantly more likely to organize notes and use methods than those with poor learning outcomes.
Experimental Demonstration of Beam Scanning of Dual-Metasurface Antenna
Authors: Teodorani Lucia , Vernì Francesco , Giordanengo Giorgio , Gaffoglio Rossella , Vecchi Giuseppe
Published: April 2023

Beam-scanning antennas are employed in a wide range of applications, such as in satellite communications and 5G networks. Current commercial solutions rely mostly on electronically reconfigurable phased arrays, which require complex feeding networks and are affected by high losses, high costs, and are often power-hungry. In this paper, a novel beam scanning architecture employing a pair of planar metasurfaces, for use in thin reconfigurable antennas, is presented and experimentally demonstrated. The structure consisted of a radiative passive (non-reconfigurable) modulated metasurface, and a second metasurface that controls beam pointing, operating as a variable-impedance ground plane. Unlike other existing approaches, surface impedance variation was obtained by on-plane varactor diodes, no vias and a single voltage bias. This paper presents a design procedure based on an approximate theoretical model and simulation verification; a prototype of the designed antenna was fabricated for operation in X band, and a good agreement between measured results and simulations was observed. In the presented simple embodiment of the concept, the angular scanning range was limited to 10°; this limitation is discussed in view of future applications.
Four-Term Recurrence for Fast Krawtchouk Moments Using Clenshaw Algorithm
Authors: Honarvar Shakibaei Asli Barmak , Rezaei Maryam Horri
Published: April 2023

Krawtchouk polynomials (KPs) are discrete orthogonal polynomials associated with the Gauss hypergeometric functions. These polynomials and their generated moments in 1D or 2D formats play an important role in information and coding theories, signal and image processing tools, image watermarking, and pattern recognition. In this paper, we introduce a new four-term recurrence relation to compute KPs compared to their ordinary recursions (three-term) and analyse the proposed algorithm speed. Moreover, we use Clenshaw’s technique to accelerate the computation procedure of the Krawtchouk moments (KMs) using a fast digital filter structure to generate a lattice network for KPs calculation. The proposed method confirms the stability of KPs computation for higher orders and their signal reconstruction capabilities as well. The results show that the KMs calculation using the proposed combined method based on a four-term recursion and Clenshaw’s technique is reliable and fast compared to the existing recursions and fast KMs algorithms.
Large-Area Monitoring of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure Levels from Mobile Phone Base Stations and Broadcast Transmission Towers by Car-Mounted Measurements around Tokyo
Authors: Onishi Teruo , Esaki Kaoru , Tobita Kazuhiro , Ikuyo Miwa , Taki Masao , Watanabe Soichi
Published: April 2023

Car-mounted measurements of radiofrequency electromagnetic exposure levels were carried out in a large area around Tokyo. Prior to the electric field (E-field) measurements using a car, the effect of the car body was evaluated in an anechoic chamber. The measurements between May 2021 and February 2022 were carried out within a radius of 100 km centering on Nihonbashi, Tokyo, with a measurement distance of about 13,800 km. The measurement results were averaged in the reference area mesh (1 km2). It was found that the E-field strengths of FM/TV frequency bands are lower than that of mobile phone base stations. It was also found that the E-field strength of only the 5G frequency band is approximately 20–30 dB lower than that of all mobile phone systems. However, note that it is possible to depend on the data traffic of 5G. The E-field strength of all bands is higher in Tokyo than in other prefectures. Additionally, repeated measurements were carried out to investigate the reproducibility of the measured E-field. The standard deviation is less than 3 dB along the same route, and a similar tendency of E-field strength by the car to the time-averaged results of spot measurements in the past was confirmed. Finally, the relationship of E-field strength with population density was investigated. It was found that the E-field strength from mobile phone base stations has a positive relationship with population density.
Channel Allocation Algorithm Based on Swarm Intelligence for a Wireless Monitoring Network
Authors: Xia Na , Li Yu , Zhang Ke , Wang Peipei , Luo Linmei , Chen Lei , Yang Jun
Published: April 2023

In wireless networks, multiple monitoring nodes are used to collect users’ transmission data in real time, which can be used for fault diagnosis and analytical feedback of the wireless network. Due to the limited number of monitoring nodes, key issues include how to optimize and schedule the channel resources of each node to cover more users, obtain more network data, and maximize the quality of network monitoring. In this paper, a channel allocation algorithm based on swarm intelligence—“discrete bacterial foraging optimization”—is proposed based on the classic bacterial foraging optimization algorithm. The position of each dimension in the iterative process is discretized to binary 0 or 1 to encode and express the channel allocation problem of wireless monitoring networks, and the channel allocation scheme is optimized by location updates guided by bacterial foraging. Many simulation and practical experiments have proved the effectiveness of the algorithm, and it also has low complexity and provable convergence. Compared with similar algorithms, this algorithm improves monitoring quality by 1.428% while boosting speed by up to 32.602%. The algorithm has lower complexity, higher performance, and can converge to the optimal solution at a faster rate.
Advanced, Innovative AIoT and Edge Computing for Unmanned Vehicle Systems in Factories
Authors: Kuo Yen-Hui , Wu Eric Hsiao-Kuang
Published: April 2023

Post-COVID-19, there are frequent manpower shortages across industries. Many factories pursuing future technologies are actively developing smart factories and introducing automation equipment to improve factory manufacturing efficiency. However, the delay and unreliability of existing wireless communication make it difficult to meet the needs of AGV navigation. Selecting the right sensor, reliable communication, and navigation control technology remains a challenging issue for system integrators. Most of today’s unmanned vehicles use expensive sensors or require new infrastructure to be deployed, impeding their widespread adoption. In this paper, we have developed a self-learning and efficient image recognition algorithm. We developed an unmanned vehicle system that can navigate without adding any specialized infrastructure, and tested it in the factory to verify its usability. The novelties of this system are that we have developed an unmanned vehicle system without any additional infrastructure, and we developed a rapid image recognition algorithm for unmanned vehicle systems to improve navigation safety. The core contribution of this system is that the system can navigate smoothly without expensive sensors and without any additional infrastructure. It can simultaneously support a large number of unmanned vehicle systems in a factory.
Unidimensional and 3D Analyses of a Radial Inflow Turbine for an Organic Rankine Cycle under Design and Off-Design Conditions
Authors: Carrillo Caballero Gaylord , Cardenas Escorcia Yulineth , Venturini Osvaldo José , Silva Lora Electo Eduardo , Alviz Meza Anibal , Mendoza Castellanos Luis Sebastián
Published: April 2023

The organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is an efficient technology for electricity generation from low- and medium-temperature heat sources. In this type of power cycle, the radial inflow turbine is the option usually selected for electricity generation. As a critical ORC component, turbine performance markedly affects the efficiency of the system. Therefore, the challenge is to model the behavior of the radial inflow turbine operating with organic fluids for heat recovery applications. In this context, various groups of fluids are highlighted in the scientific literature, including R-123, R-245fa, and R-141b, which are the fluids used in this research. Since little research has focused on the turbine efficiency effect on the power cycle design and analysis, this study presents an analysis of a radial inflow turbine based on a mathematical model of a one-dimensional design of the turbine. From this analysis, geometric, thermal, and operating parameters were determined, as well as volute, stator, and rotor losses. For this purpose, an algorithm was implemented in MATLAB to calculate the one-dimensional parameters of the turbine. Using these parameters, a 3D model of the turbine was designed in ANSYS-CFX, with performance curves of each projected turbine under design and off-design conditions. The numerical results suggest that the isentropic efficiency of all the proposed turbines under design conditions can surpass 75%. Additionally, the findings indicate that different design conditions, such as specific speed, pressure ratio, and turbine size, can affect the efficiency of radial inflow turbines in ORC systems.
Performance Analysis of Overcurrent Protection under Corrupted Sampled Value Frames: A Hardware-in-the-Loop Approach
Authors: Sartori Ângelo , de Morais Adriano , Netto Ulisses , Lima Diomar , Bernardon Daniel , Hokama Wagner
Published: April 2023

The IEC 61850 standard aims at digitization substations and provides interoperability between various Intelligent Electronic Device vendors. The digitization process is accompanied by several challenges related to data transmission on the ethernet network and the protection behavior under these conditions. Among the challenges, we can mention packet loss, delay, and duplicate frame, which occurs when the merging units (publisher) transmit the sampled values and, for some reason, these packets do not reach the subscriber or are duplicated. Nowadays, most Intelligent Electronic Device manufacturers block the protection function when some sampled value packets are corrupted. The effects of blocking protection when packet loss occurs under normal operating conditions do not cause significant problems. However, when a fault occurs, the corrupted packets can cause a delay in fault clearance, causing even more damage to the grid. The purpose of this article is to present the effects of corrupted sampled values on the performance of overcurrent protection. All the evaluations were performed in real time using the hardware-in-loop simulation approach with a commercial Intelligent Electronic Device. The OP5700 hardware platform from OPAL-RT, with the library “IEC 61850 Data Integrity Manipulation”, was used. The results show that corrupted sampled value frames affect the functioning of the protections.
State of Health Estimation of Lithium-Ion Battery Based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Fan Maosong , Geng Mengmeng , Yang Kai , Zhang Mingjie , Liu Hao
Published: April 2023

Energy storage is an important technical means to increase the consumption of renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Electrochemical energy storage, represented by lithium-ion batteries, has a promising developmental prospect. The performance of lithium-ion batteries continues to decline in the process of application, and the differences between batteries are increasing. Therefore, accurate estimation of the state of health (SOH) of batteries is the key to the safe and efficient operation of energy storage systems. In this paper, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) characteristics of Li-ion batteries under different states of charge and health were studied. Three groups of Li-ion battery impedance module values under different frequencies were selected as characteristic parameters, and the SOH estimation model of Li-ion batteries was built by using the support vector regression (SVR) algorithm. The results show that: the model with the second group of frequency-point combinations as characteristic parameters takes into account both accuracy and efficiency; the cumulative time of the characteristic frequency test and SOH evaluation of lithium-ion batteries is less than 10 s; and this technology has good engineering application value.
Frequency Regulation Strategy of Two-Area Microgrid System with Electric Vehicle Support Using Novel Fuzzy-Based Dual-Stage Controller and Modified Dragonfly Algorithm
Authors: Singh Balvender , Slowik Adam , Bishnoi Shree Krishan , Sharma Mandeep
Published: April 2023

Energy in microgrids (MGs) can now be generated from a variety of renewable sources, but their effective and sustainable use is dependent on electrical energy storage (EES) systems. Consequently, the expansion of MGs is greatly reliant on EES systems. The high infiltration of electric vehicles (EVs) causes some problems for the smooth functioning of the electric power system. However, EVs are also able to offer ancillary services, such as energy storage, to power systems. The research presented in this paper aims to develop a novel frequency regulation (FR) approach for biogas diesel engines (wind), the organic Rankine cycle (ORC), and solar-based two-area islanded microgrids with EVs in both areas. This article discusses the introduction of a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) for FR with scaled factors configured as proportional integral (PI) and proportional derivative with filter (PDF), i.e., a FLC-SF-PI-PDF controller. A recently created modified dragonfly algorithm is used to determine the best values for the controller parameters. To justify the effectiveness of the proposed controller with the presence of EVs, the execution of the proposed controller is associated with and without the presence of EVs. This research also looks at the different uncertain conditions, non-linearities, and eigenvalue stability analysis to validate the supremacy of the proposed approach.
Willingness to Pay for Renewably-Sourced Home Heating in the Fairbanks North Star Borough
Authors: Roberts Georgia K. , Pride Dominique J. , Little Joseph M. , Mueller Julie M.
Published: April 2023

Space heating is a necessity in Alaska; however, the use of heating fuels carries both economic and environmental costs. In the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB), Alaska, most households utilize heating fuel oil as a primary source for home heating and firewood as a secondary source. In the FNSB, wood-burning devices are the principal source of fine particulate matter with a size of 2.5 microns or less, (PM2.5), but firewood is less expensive when compared to heating fuel oil. The FNSB has been designated as a nonattainment area for PM2.5, which has been linked to negative cardiopulmonary impacts and other adverse health consequences. Electric thermal storage heaters (ETSH) could help solve the PM2.5 problem by displacing firewood used for residential space heating. We use dichotomous choice contingent valuation (DC-CV) to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for an ETSH program which would allow FNSB residents to offset 100 gallons of heating fuel oil annually. Certainty correction is used to control for the presence of hypothetical bias. We find median WTP is USD 33.98 without certainty correction and USD 9.75 with certainty correction. Our results indicate that implementation of a special ETSH electricity rate based on the WTP estimate may lead to broader adoption of ETSH for space heating, which could improve air quality, reduce fuel poverty, and reduce the carbon footprint of residential space heating.