bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Method on Recognizing Drum Load of Elastic Tooth Drum Pepper Harvester Based on CEEMDAN-KPCA-SVM
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Qin Xinyan , Lei Jin , Zhai Zhiyuan , Zhang Jianglong , Wang Zhi
Published: July 2024

The operational complexities of the elastic tooth drum pepper harvester (ETDPH), characterized by variable drum loads that are challenging to recognize due to varying pepper densities, significantly impact pepper loss rates and mechanical damage. This study proposes a novel method integrating complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN), kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), and a support vector machine (SVM) to enhance drum load recognition. The method consists of three principal steps: the initial experiments with ETDPHs to identify the critical factors affecting drum load and to formulate classification criteria; the development of a CEEMDAN-KPCA-SVM model for ETDPH drum load recognition, where drum spindle torque signals are processed by CEEMDAN for decomposition and reconstruction, followed by feature extraction and dimensionality reduction via KPCA to refine the model’s accuracy and training efficiency; and evaluation of the model’s performance on real datasets, highlighting the improvements brought by CEEMDAN and KPCA, as well as comparative analysis with other machine learning models. The results describe four load conditions—no load (mass of pepper intake (MOPI) = 0 kg/s), low load (0 < MOPI ≤ 0.658 kg/s), normal load (0.658 < MOPI ≤ 1.725 kg/s), and high load (MOPI > 1.725 kg/s)—with the CEEMDAN-KPCA-SVM model achieving 100% accuracy on both training and test sets, outperforming the standalone SVM by 6% and 12.5%, respectively. Additionally, it reduced the training time to 2.88 s, a 10.9% decrease, and reduced the prediction time to 0.0001 s, a 63.6% decrease. Comparative evaluations confirmed the superiority of the CEEMDAN-KPCA-SVM model over random forest (RF) and gradient boosting machine (GBM) in classification tasks. The synergistic application of CEEMDAN and KPCA significantly improved the accuracy and operational efficiency of the SVM model, providing valuable insights for load recognition and adaptive control of ETDPH drum parameters.
Unveiling the Impact of Soil Prebiotics on Rhizospheric Microbial Functionality in Zea mays L.
Authors: Alahmad Abdelrahman , Edelman Lucas , Bouteiller Mathilde , Castel Lisa , Riah-Anglet Wassila , Bennegadi-Laurent Nadia , Thioye Babacar , Bernardon-Mery Aude , Laval Karine , Trinsoutrot-Gattin Isabelle
Published: July 2024

Prebiotics, a subset of biostimulants, have garnered attention for their potential to enhance soil conditions and promote plant growth, offering a promising alternative to conventional agricultural inputs. This study explores how two commercial prebiotics, K1® and NUTRIGEO L® (SPK and SPN), impact soil functions compared to a control (SP). The experiment involved agricultural soil amended with organic wheat straws and cultivated with Zea mays L. Previous research demonstrated substantial effects of these prebiotics on plant biomass, soil parameters, and microbial community ten weeks after application. The present study delves deeper, focusing on soil microbial abundance, enzyme activities, and metabolic diversity. Analysis revealed that SPN notably increased the fungi-to-bacteria ratio, and both prebiotics elevated the activity of several key enzymes. SPN enhanced α-glucosidase and β-galactosidase activities, while SPK increased arylsulfatase, phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and urease activities. Enzymatic indexes confirmed the positive impact on soil functional diversity and fertility. Additionally, prebiotic treatments showed distinct metabolic profiles, with SPK degrading eleven carbon sources more rapidly across five groups and SPN accelerating the decomposition rate of four carbon sources from three groups. These findings highlight the ability of prebiotics to shape microbial communities and enhance soil fertility by modulating their functional activity and diversity.
Antagonistic and Plant Growth-Promoting Properties of Streptomyces F2 Isolated from Vineyard Soil
Authors: Li Shengnan , Liang Weiqu , Huang Hao , Wu Hao , Luo Huajian , Mo Jianqiang , Zhang Zhixiang , Hu Shan
Published: July 2024

Streptomyces can produce secondary metabolites with a wide range of activities and is often used in agriculture as a biocontrol strain to control soil-borne diseases. Screening and isolation from infected soil is an effective method to obtain active strains. In this study, the best antagonistic inter-root growth-promoting bacteria were isolated from grapevine inter-root soil samples, and strain F2 was identified as Streptomyces sp. based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics as well as 16S rDNA sequencing results. The results showed that the fermentation broth/liquid and sterile filtrate of strain F2 exhibited antagonistic effects against 10 plant pathogens, with an inhibition rate reaching up to 80%. Notably, two of them exhibited remarkable inhibitory effects against Phytophthora capsici with inhibition rates of 80.58% and 87.71%, respectively. The P. capsici leaf control experiment revealed that the control effect of strain F2 fermentation liquid on P. capsici filaments was 61.09%. Furthermore, indoor pot experiments demonstrated that the fermentation liquid of strain F2 had a significant inhibitory effect on pepper blight, with a maximum inhibition of 83.31%. Antagonistic factor analysis indicated that strain F2 had specific organophosphorus hydrolysis, nitrogen fixation, extracellular protease secretion, and IAA production capabilities. Additionally, root treatment with strain F2’s fermentation liquid significantly enhanced capsicum growth. Taking together, Streptomyces F2 not only exhibits a wide-spectrum antagonistic effect against plant pathogens but also promotes plant growth, which suggests that Streptomyces F2 can be used as an effective biological control resource and provides important theoretical support for the application of Streptomyces F2.
Ultraviolet-to-Blue Light Conversion Film Affects Both Leaf Photosynthetic Traits and Fruit Bioactive Compound Accumulation in Fragaria × ananassa
Authors: El Horri Hafsa , Vitiello Maria , Ceccanti Costanza , Lo Piccolo Ermes , Lauria Giulia , De Leo Marinella , Braca Alessandra , Incrocci Luca , Guidi Lucia , Massai Rossano , Remorini Damiano , Landi Marco
Published: July 2024

The influence of light downconversion films (red, pink and blue films) on leaf physiological features and fruit bioactive compound accumulation was studied in strawberry plants. Red, pink and blue films were able to convert light less utilised by plants into more efficient light wavebands with various possibilities depending on the film characteristics (blue film shifts UV into blue radiation; red film shifts green into red radiation, pink film shifts UV and green into blue and red radiation but to a lesser extent than red film). Indeed, by enhancing the quality of light available for photosynthesis, the utilization of these films holds the potential to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. All of these light downconversion films resulted in higher plant fresh weight compared to a control colourless (Cnt) film, with plants grown under blue film (UV-to-blue light conversion) showing the most impressive results in terms of total leaf area (+25%), leaf thickness (+10%) and leaf mass per area (+15%). Simultaneously, during the flowering stage, plants under blue film had a higher net photosynthetic rate due to the increase in photosynthetically efficient wavelengths. Moreover, blue film resulted in the highest total phenolic (+40% and +28% than red and pink films, respectively) and flavonoid content (+54%, +84%, +70% than Cnt, red and pink films, respectively) in fruit, with specific effects on targeted phenols, i.e., quercetin, ellagic acid and its glycoside, ellagitannins, and procyanidins. In conclusion, the use of the UV-to-blue conversion light film tested herein represents an innovative solution to increase strawberry yield and promote fruit nutraceutical features, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food quality and security and sustainable agricultural practices.
Beyond Being Beneficial—Symbiotic Microbes in Insect Pests
Authors: Xu Letian
Published: July 2024

The long-standing arms race between plants and herbivores has led to the evolution of highly diverse mutual adaptation strategies, among which microbes play an indispensable role [...]
Prediction of Anthracnose Risk in Large-Leaf Tea Trees Based on the Atmospheric Environmental Changes in Yunnan Tea Gardens—Cox Regression Model and Machine Learning Model
Authors: Ye Rong , Shao Guoqi , Ma Zifei , Gao Quan , Wang Baijuan , Li Tong
Published: July 2024

Crop diseases pose a major threat to agricultural production, quality, and sustainable development, highlighting the importance of early disease risk prediction for effective disease control. Tea anthracnose can easily occur in Yunnan under high-temperature and high-humidity environments, which seriously affects the ecosystem of tea gardens. Therefore, the establishment of accurate, non-destructive, and rapid prediction models has a positive impact on the conservation of biodiversity in tea plantations. Because of the linear relationship between disease occurrence and environmental conditions, the growing environmental conditions can be effectively used to predict crop diseases. Based on the climate data collected by Internet of Things devices, this study uses LASSO-COX-NOMOGRAM to analyze the expression of tea anthracrum to different degrees through Limma difference analysis, and it combines Cox single-factor analysis to study the influence mechanism of climate and environmental change on tea anthracrum. Modeling factors were screened by LASSO regression, 10-fold cross-validation and Cox multi-factor analysis were used to establish the basis of the model, the nomogram prediction model was constructed, and a Shiny- and DynNOM-visualized prediction system was built. The experimental results showed that the AUC values of the model were 0.745 and 0.731 in the training set and 0.75 and 0.747 in the verification set, respectively, when the predicted change in tea anthracnose disease risk was greater than 30% and 60%, and the calibration curve was in good agreement with the ideal curve. The accuracy of external verification was 83.3% for predicting tea anthracnose of different degrees. At the same time, compared with the traditional prediction method, the method is not affected by the difference in leaf background, which provides research potential for early prevention and phenotypic analysis, and also provides an effective means for tea disease identification and harm analysis.
Effects of Enclosure Complexity and Design on Behaviour and Physiology in Captive Animals
Authors: Smith Andrew , Rose Paul , Mettke-Hofmann Claudia
Published: July 2024

Individual animals in managed populations are subject to controlled social and physical environmental conditions that impact their behaviour patterns, choice of social associates, ability to experience positive welfare states, and ultimately their overall health status and quality of life [...]
Farmers’ Biosecurity Awareness in Small-Scale Alpine Dairy Farms and the Crucial Role of Veterinarians
Authors: Toson Marica , Dalla Pozza Manuela , Ceschi Piera
Published: July 2024

Background: Biosecurity measures are essential to improve animal health and welfare, tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), minimize the burden of infectious diseases, and enhance the safety, security, and quality of sustainable agricultural products. However, the implementation of these measures in small mountain farms can be influenced by several factors, which probably differ from the main variables that affect intensive farming systems. Methods: This study investigated the awareness among farmers regarding the implementation of biosecurity measures at the local level in small dairy farms located in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen (Italy). In order to determine to what extent these measures are in line with the recommendations, a questionnaire was conceptualized and sent by post to a representative group of local farmers. The initiative was voluntary and anonymous. Results: A total of 50 farmers responded to the questionnaire, resulting in a response rate of 27.5%. This study confirms that most of the farmers are familiar with biosecurity, and 38% of them know its comprehensive definition. The results indicate that 77% of respondents are willing to implement preventive measures to reduce the use of antimicrobials, and 76% of them acknowledge that they would follow the recommendations provided by veterinarians. In agreement with other studies, the role of the veterinarian as a person of trust among farmers is confirmed. Conclusions: Main strengths and areas of improvement have been identified. Additional data and effective tools are needed to better investigate drivers toward biosecurity and to implement impactful and practical measures for mountain farming.
Impact of Heat Stress on the Balance between Oxidative Markers and the Antioxidant Defence System in the Plasma of Mid-Lactating Modicana Dairy Cows
Authors: Alberghina Daniela , Amato Annalisa , Brancato Giacoma , Cavallo Carmelo , Liotta Luigi , Lopreiato Vincenzo
Published: July 2024

Animal health is affected during heat stress as a result of impaired immune responses, increased production of reactive oxygen species, and/or a deficiency of antioxidants. This leads to an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants and results in oxidative stress. Heat stress is usually measured in dairy cattle via the temperature-humidity index (THI). In the present study, we aimed at assessing the influence of incremental THI on the balance between oxidative markers and the antioxidant defence system in the plasma of Modicana cows. Twenty-four multiparous, mid-lactating dairy cows were divided into two groups on the basis of different levels of mean THI reached in the period of the previous week up until the day of blood and milk sampling (April THI1:55, May THI2:68, June THI3:71, July THI4:80). The blood samples were collected to measure reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) and antioxidant defense markers (ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), paraoxonase (PON), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), plasma thiol groups (SHp), as well as lipid-soluble antioxidant pro-vitamin (β-carotene) and vitamins (tocopherol and retinol). Milk characteristics, haematological values, and plasma biochemical metabolites were also evaluated. Results showed a significant increase in ROM (p < 0.05) and a significant decrease in PON (p < 0.05), AOPP (p < 0.05), and β-carotene (p < 0.001). Incremental THI significantly decreased levels of milk fat content, red and white blood cells, plasma glucose, and non-esterified fatty acids, while significantly increasing monocytes and the concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate and creatinine, but not fructosamine. The results of the study show that heat stress significantly affects reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant parameters. Carotenoid supplementation should be considered to alleviate the impact of these effects.
Adherence to Antibiotic Prescription Guidelines in Four Community Hospitals in Germany
Authors: Biniek Joachim Peter , Schwab Frank , Graf Karolin , Vonberg Ralf-Peter
Published: July 2024

This retrospective study aimed to assess and compare guideline adherence and treatment costs in the management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bloodstream infections (BSIs) in German tertiary hospitals from January 2019 to December 2020. The study analyzed 586 patient records, with 65% diagnosed with UTIs and 35% with BSIs. Antibiotic treatment was given to 98% of patients, but only 65% received microbiological diagnostics. Bacterial growth was observed in 86% of patients with cultures taken, with Escherichia coli being the leading pathogen. The treatment was intravenous in 63% of cases, with Ceftriaxone as the leading antibiotic agent. The guideline adherence was found to be low, at 33%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with urogenital risk factors (OR = 1.589; p < 0.001) and increasing age (OR = 1.01; p = 0.007) were significantly more likely to receive guideline-concordant treatment for UTIs and BSIs. Additionally, complicating factors such as diabetes and renal dysfunction were associated with higher adherence rates, underscoring the importance of targeted antibiotic stewardship interventions.
Is Antimicrobial Stewardship Policy Effectively Implemented in Polish Hospitals? Results from Antibiotic Consumption Surveillance before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Durlak Urszula , Kapturkiewicz Cezary , Różańska Anna , Gajda Mateusz , Krzyściak Paweł , Kania Filip , Wójkowska-Mach Jadwiga
Published: July 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic posed numerous challenges to public health systems, particularly in antimicrobial stewardship. This study aimed to assess antibiotic consumption before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented antimicrobial stewardship program. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out at the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020. A total of 80,639 patients were enrolled. Antibiotic usage was measured as the percentage of patients receiving antibiotics and the number of days of therapy (DOTs). The World Health Organization (WHO) methodology and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) codes and AWaRe classification were utilized. The analyzed ATC antibiotic groups included penicillins (J01CA, J01CE, J01CF, J01CR, excluding piperacillin/tazobactam), piperacillin with tazobactam-beta-lactamase inhibitor (J01CR05), third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins (J01DD, J01DE), carbapenems (J01DH), macrolides (J01FA), fluoroquinolones (J01M), colistin (J01XB01), metronidazole (J01XD01) and others (J01DF, J01DI, J01E, J01G, J01XA, J01A). In the AWaRe classification, Access, Watch and Reserve groups of antibiotics were included. Results: In 2020, 79.2% of COVID-19 patients and 40.1% of non-COVID-19 patients were treated with antibiotics, compared to 28.8% in 2019. Also, in 2020, the antibiotic consumption in non-ICU COVID-19 patients was twice as high as in non-COVID-19 patients: 50.9 vs. 38.5 DOTs/100 patient days (pds). Conversely, in the ICU, antibiotic consumption in COVID-19 patients was 112.1 DOTs/100 pds compared to 248.9 DOTs/100 pds in non-COVID-19 patients. Significant increases were observed in the usage of third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins in 2020. The analysis according to the AWaRe system revealed the highest usage of the Watch group—ranging from 61.9% to 78.7%—and very high usage of the Reserve group—from 5.8% to 11.1%—in non COVID-19 and COVID-19 patients, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings highlight substantial issues with antibiotic use both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results underscore the urgent need for improved antimicrobial stewardship policy implementation.
Characterization and Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin-Loaded Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles for Interstitial Cystitis Management
Authors: Lin Yang-Chen , Liang Ya-Jyun , Zhang Chun-Hong , Liu Li-Jia , Lin Feng-Huei
Published: July 2024

Oxidative stress resulting from reactive oxygen species (ROS) is often considered to be the leading cause of interstitial cystitis (IC), which is a chronic inflammatory disease. Antioxidants have been proven to have promising therapeutic effects on IC. In this study, we present an antioxidant intervention for IC by introducing curcumin-loaded cerium oxide nanoparticles (Cur-CONPs). Recognizing oxidative stress as the primary contributor to IC, our research builds on previous work utilizing cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) for their outstanding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, given the need to effectively relieve acute inflammation, we engineered Cur-CONPs to harness the short-term radical-scavenging antioxidant prowess of curcumin. Through in vitro studies, we demonstrate that the Cur-CONPs exhibit not only robust antioxidant capabilities but also superior anti-inflammatory properties over CONPs alone. Furthermore, in vivo studies validate the therapeutic effects of Cur-CONPs on IC. Mice with IC subjected to the Cur-CONP treatment exhibited improved micturition behaviors, relief from pelvic pain sensitivity, and reduced expression of inflammatory proteins (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, Cox2). These findings suggest that the synergistic antioxidant properties of the Cur-CONPs that combine the sustained antioxidant properties of CONPs and acute anti-inflammatory capabilities of curcumin hold promise as a novel treatment strategy for IC.
Harnessing AI for Sustainable Shipping and Green Ports: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Durlik Irmina , Miller Tymoteusz , Kostecka Ewelina , Łobodzińska Adrianna , Kostecki Tomasz
Published: July 2024

The maritime industry, responsible for moving approximately 90% of the world’s goods, significantly contributes to environmental pollution, accounting for around 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This review explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in promoting sustainability within the maritime sector, focusing on shipping and port operations. By addressing emissions, optimizing energy use, and enhancing operational efficiency, AI offers transformative potential for reducing the industry’s environmental impact. This review highlights the application of AI in fuel optimization, predictive maintenance, route planning, and smart energy management, alongside its role in autonomous shipping and logistics management. Case studies from Maersk Line and the Port of Rotterdam illustrate successful AI implementations, demonstrating significant improvements in fuel efficiency, emission reduction, and environmental monitoring. Despite challenges such as high implementation costs, data privacy concerns, and regulatory complexities, the prospects for AI in the maritime industry are promising. Continued advancements in AI technologies, supported by collaborative efforts and public–private partnerships, can drive substantial progress towards a more sustainable and efficient maritime industry.
Little Learners Go 360: Evaluating the Impact of 360° Videos on Kindergarten Students’ Understanding of Wild Animals
Authors: Fokides Emmanuel , Vlachopoulou Christina
Published: July 2024

In recent years, 360° videos have gained the attention of researchers investigating their educational potential. Given the ongoing debate about their impact on learning, particularly with young students, where existing research is minimal, a comprehensive study was conducted to evaluate their effectiveness relative to other media forms. The study followed a within-subjects design and involved 44 kindergarten students learning about wild animals over nine sessions. The 360° videos were compared to printed materials and conventional videos. Evaluation tests were used for measuring knowledge acquisition, while questionnaires were used for collecting data related to students’ motivation, enjoyment/positive feelings, immersion, and ease of use. The findings suggest that, compared to printed materials, 360° videos enhance knowledge acquisition. However, this advantage does not extend to comparisons with conventional videos. Similarly, while enjoyment and motivation were higher for 360° videos compared to printed materials, they did not surpass those associated with conventional videos. Despite their potential, 360° videos were deemed the least easy to use, likely due to the employment of low-cost HMDs. Immersion emerged as the only factor where 360° videos excelled, demonstrating a notable influence on learning outcomes. The implications of the study are also discussed.
Improvement of Buildings’ Air Quality and Energy Consumption Using Air Purifying Paints
Authors: Maggos Thomas , Binas Vassiliοs , Panagopoulos Panagiotis , Skliri Evangelia , Theodorou Konstantinos , Nikolakopoulos Aristotelis , Kiriakidis George , Giama Effrosyni , Chantzis Georgios , Papadopoulos Agis
Published: July 2024

Among the existing techniques to mitigate the problem of contamination in the indoor environment, photocatalytic technology is considered to be the most promising solution in terms of effectiveness and cost. To that end, in the frame of the LIFEVISIONS project, a novel photocatalytic powder (photo-powder) was mixed in paints’ matrix, producing a photocatalytic building material (photo-paint) able to improve indoor air quality (IAQ), upon its application, without downgrading paint physical properties. As a result, of IAQ improvement, less energy will be needed from ventilation systems, addressing not only health issues related to air quality but also energy reduction targets. Many powder formulae were synthesized using different synthetic pathways, concentration of dopants, and TiO2 particles’ size. They were tested in a photocatalytic reactor (lab-scale tests), according to EN 16980-1:2021, under visible light and the results showed that the most promising photocatalytic performance degrades 85.4% and 32.4% of nitrogen oxide (NO) and toluene, respectively. This one was used for the production of two different kinds of paints, organic (with organic binder) and inorganic (with potassium silicate binder), in an industrial scale. Both were tested in the Demo Houses’ prototype demonstrator (real-scale tests) with an ultimate scope to estimate their effectiveness to degrade air pollutants under real-world conditions. In addition, the reduced energy consumption as a result of less ventilation needs was calculated in Demo Houses. More specifically, the energy reduction based on simulation results on Demo Houses was more than 7%. Although lab-scale tests showed better photocatalytic performance than the real scale, the efficiency of the paints under a more complicated environment was very promising.
Vision-Based Online Molten Pool Image Acquisition and Assessment for Quality Monitoring in Gas–Metal Arc Welding
Authors: Kim Gwang-Gook , Kim Young-Min , Kim Dong-Yoon , Park Jong-Kyu , Park Junhong , Yu Jiyoung
Published: July 2024

In gas–metal arc welding (GMAW), the welding quality is influenced by various factors, including the welding conditions and external environment. Achieving a high welding quality requires careful observation and control. Welding monitoring is crucial for validating a planned welding process and assessing its quality. This study introduces a vision system for the online acquisition of clear molten pool images. It uses a small camera equipped with a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor sensor during GMAW, as well as a method for constructing this system. The proposed vision system does not require triggering using devices such as field-programmable gate arrays, facilitating lower costs and online quality monitoring under various welding conditions during mild-steel GMAW. Accurate measurement of radiation from the weld is essential for clear observation of the molten pool during welding, emphasizing the importance of selecting an optical system with appropriate lenses and filters. In addition, appropriate digital camera parameters must be set for monitoring. High-quality images were successfully captured using the proposed method, and the image quality was evaluated using the blind/referenceless image spatial quality evaluator algorithm.
Experimental Thrust and Specific Impulse Analysis of Pulsed Detonation Combustor
Authors: Cojocea Andrei Vlad , Porumbel Ionuț , Gall Mihnea , Cuciuc Tudor
Published: July 2024

Detonation combustion represents a significant advancement in efficiency over traditional deflagration methods. This paper presents a Pulsed Detonation Combustor (PDC) model that is designed with an aerodynamic mixing chamber featuring Hartmann–Sprenger resonators and crossflow injection. This design enhances operational cycle frequency and enables sustained detonation over short distances (below 200 mm). The PDC’s performance was evaluated through a comprehensive full-factorial experimental campaign, incorporating four factors with four discrete levels each. Testing was conducted using both hydrogen/air and hydrogen/oxygen mixtures, highlighting the PDC’s potential as a carbon-free combustion chamber suitable for both air-breathing and space-based propulsion systems. One advantage is the versatility of our PDC breadboard, which lies in its applicability to both terrestrial and in-space applications, such as interplanetary travel or trajectory corrections. Thrust measurements were recorded using a load cell and time-averaged thrust levels were determined over the detonation cycle and are reported herein, together with the specific impulse. The results underscore the PDC’s promise as an efficient propulsion technology for future aerospace applications.
Copper Alloys Performance in High-Pressure and Low-Velocity Conditions Using a Custom Tribometer
Authors: da Silva Márcio Rodrigues , dos Santos Vinícius Torres , Lobo Flávia Gonçalves , Seixas Daniel Ayarroio , Machado Izabel Fernanda
Published: July 2024

A custom tribometer was developed to measure friction coefficient and temperature in high-pressure, low-velocity conditions, specifically for studying copper alloys used in sliding bearings for heavy equipment. Using this equipment, two commercial alloys were tested to evaluate friction coefficient, specific wear rate, thermal behavior, and subsurface strain. The results, validated through comparison with reference commercial equipment and uncertainty estimates, met acceptable criteria for tribological tests, with an uncertainty estimate value for the friction coefficient of 0.4%. The tribological tests confirmed the importance of solid lubrication in high-lead bronzes and the high wear resistance of Cu-Al-Ni-Fe alloys, which directly influence temperature, subsurface strain, and respective wear mechanisms.
The Influence of Monochromatic Illustrations on the Attention to Public Health Messages: An Eye-Tracking Study
Authors: Milošević Marina , Kovačević Dorotea , Brozović Maja
Published: July 2024

Past research suggests that images can be a useful tool in attracting people’s attention and improving public health communication. This is especially important for the effective transmission of health-related messages to the youth, who should be warned about risks of alcohol and tobacco use. This study explores the application of eye-tracking methodology to investigate the influence of monochromatic illustrations on youths’ visual attention to digital ads, with a particular emphasis on those presenting harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco consumption. Four digital ads were designed for the purpose of the experiment. Two ad topics (alcohol versus tobacco) and two ad contents (text-only versus text with a monochromatic illustration) were used as variables in the digital ad design. Analyses of eye fixations and viewing time revealed that more students noticed the digital ads with the illustration than the text-only ads. Furthermore, we found that the ads with illustrations had a longer viewing time and a higher number of fixations, regardless of the ad topic. The findings highlight the effectiveness of eye-tracking technology in examining the role of illustrations in digital ads, focusing on a better perception of addiction prevention campaigns whose message is targeted primarily toward young people.
Absorption and Reflection of Switchable Multifunctional Metamaterial Absorber Based on Vanadium Dioxide
Authors: Liu Enbo , Lv Taiguo , Wang Minghong
Published: July 2024

A dynamically tunable terahertz broadband absorber based on the metamaterial structure of vanadium dioxide (VO2) is proposed and analyzed. The absorber consists of two patterned VO2 layers and a metal bottom layer separated by two polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) dielectric layers. Simulation results show that the absorption exceeds 90% in the frequency range of 2.4–11 THz with a relative bandwidth of 128.4% under normal incidence. When VO2 is in the metal phase, the designed absorber functions as an ideal absorber. The absorption rate can be flexibly adjusted from 2% to 99% as vanadium dioxide transitions from the insulator phase to the metal phase. Therefore, the newly developed broad structure has the capability to seamlessly transition between functioning as an absorber or reflector through modifications in the conductivity of VO2 from the insulator phase to the metal phase. Moreover, further insight into the underlying physical processes can be gained by studying the insensitivity of the proposed absorber to the polarization of incident light and its ability to achieve high absorption across a wide range of incident angles. Impedance matching theory and electric field distribution of the absorber are investigated. The THz absorber has many potential applications in fields such as THz sensors, modulation, and switches.
Multi-Phase Stator Current Tracking with Gradual Penalization of Commutations
Authors: Arahal Manuel R. , Satué Manuel G. , Martínez-Heredia Juana M.
Published: July 2024

Energy efficiency in drives is an important issue. In converter-supplied variable-speed drives, switching losses can amount to a significant portion of all losses. This has been considered in Predictive Stator Current Control (PSCC), considering commutations at the power converter. However, in multi-phase drives, the computational burden limits the application of said techniques. Recent fast predictive algorithms have enabled shorter application times with enhanced tracking results. However, the switching frequency becomes larger with diminishing sampling periods. This paper presents a method that retains the fast computation of recent methods while reducing the switching frequency. The proposal revolves around a modification of the cost function to penalize commutations in a nonlinear way. For this task, a novel, gradual penalization is introduced. The method is experimentally applied to a five-phase induction motor. Experimental results show a significant reduction in switching frequency without compromising other control objectives. This results in an enhanced PSCC with a small sampling period and reduced switching losses.
Analysis of Bullet Impact Locations in the 10 m Air Pistol Men’s Competition Based on Covariance
Authors: Moon Ji-Yeon , Lee Euichul
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study was to quantify the bullet impact locations of the men’s 10 m air pistol competition and propose objective metrics for evaluating shooting techniques. We automatically collected data from the top 20 competitors’ shooting results using computer vision techniques. Metrics such as x-variance, y-variance, covariance, x-mean, y-mean, root mean square error (RMSE), x-mean score, and y-mean score were computed to investigate correlations among rankings, left–right and up–down shot groups, aiming relationships, and precision. Covariance analysis revealed significant interactions between horizontal and vertical aiming, highlighting the importance of balanced coordination between these directions for high performance. Athletes with lower covariance values, indicating less variation between horizontal and vertical aiming, tended to achieve higher rankings. Additionally, top-ranked athletes exhibited lower RMSE values, underscoring the importance of precision in achieving high scores. In conclusion, this study analyzed the correlation between x and y through covariance, examined its relationship with competition rankings, and proposed new indicators for training and performance enhancement. This study is novel in that it provides quantitative data to correct poor aiming and shooting habits by performing a covariance-based bidirectional correlation analysis, rather than simply analyzing bullet impact locations in a single horizontal or vertical direction. Our approach establishes a foundation for more data-driven and objective evaluations in the sport of shooting.
Cardiac Troponins I and T as Biomarkers of Cardiomyocyte Injury—Advantages and Disadvantages of Each
Authors: Osredkar Joško , Bajrić Amila , Možina Hugon , Lipar Luka , Jerin Aleš
Published: July 2024

Measurement of cardiac troponin in serum is an essential part of diagnosing myocardial infarction in the emergency department. The guidelines suggest that high-sensitivity techniques should be used for measuring cardiac troponin I (cTnI) or cardiac troponin T (cTnT). The aim of our study was to correlate the values of both troponins, and to ascertain which type of troponin is more in agreement with the diagnosis. The patients were classified into four groups: 43 patients in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), 7 in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 48 in Type 2 myocardial infarction, and 21 in the control group. A significant correlation between cTnI and cTnT was found in the NSTEMI (r = 0.70) and Type 2 (r = 0.75) groups while in the control group there was no association (r = −0.06). The ratios of cTnI and cTnT relative to their cut-off values were lower in Type 2 myocardial infarction compared to NSTEMI. This difference can be attributed to the pathophysiology of these two types of heart conditions. The ratio in the NSTEMI group was higher in female than in male patients (53.3 vs. 24.6 ng/L); the same difference was found for the ratio of cTnT (20.8 vs. 13.1 ng/L). In the same manner, the ratios in the Type 2 group were higher in female than in male patients for cTnI (25.6 vs. 12.7 ng/L) as well as for cTnT (19.0 vs. 6.73 ng/L). These differences could be due to biological differences, but they could also be influenced by other factors contributing to different damage responses.
Evaluation of Radiation Doses Received by Physicians during Permanent 198Au Grain Implant Brachytherapy for Oral Cancer
Authors: Inaba Yohei , Jingu Keiichi , Fujisawa Masaki , Otomo Kazuki , Ishii Hiroki , Kato Toshiki , Murabayashi Yuuki , Suzuki Masatoshi , Zuguchi Masayuki , Chida Koichi
Published: July 2024

Brachytherapy is a practical, effective procedure for the local treatment of cancer; it delivers a high radiation dose to a limited tissue volume while sparing the surrounding normal tissues. Although the clinical benefit of brachytherapy is clear, there have been very few studies on the radiation dose received by physicians during the procedure. Furthermore, no study has investigated the eye radiation dose received by physicians performing 198Au grain (seed) brachytherapy, using an eye dosimeter. Recently, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommended significantly reducing the occupational lens dose limit, from 150 to 20 mSv/yr (100 mSv/5 years). Therefore, it has become essential to evaluate the eye radiation doses of medical workers. We evaluated the eye radiation dose of a brachytherapy physician performing 198Au permanent grain implantation for tongue cancer; this is the first study on this topic. The maximum eye dose was ~0.1 mSv/procedure, suggesting that it is unlikely to exceed the ICRP limit (20 mSv/yr) for the lens, unless many procedures are performed with inappropriate radiation protection. To reduce the dose of radiation received by 198Au grain brachytherapy physicians, it is necessary to use additional lead shielding equipment when preparing the treatment needles, i.e., when loading the grains. This study provides useful information on radiation exposure of physicians conducting 198Au permanent grain brachytherapy.
A Key Node Mining Method Based on K-Shell and Neighborhood Information
Authors: Zhao Na , Feng Qingchun , Wang Hao , Jing Ming , Lin Zhiyu , Wang Jian
Published: July 2024

Mining key nodes in complex networks has always been a promising research direction in the field of complex networks. Many precise methods proposed by researchers for mining influential special nodes in networks have been widely applied in a plethora of fields. However, some important node-mining methods often use the degree as a node attribute indicator for evaluating node importance, while the clustering coefficient, as an important attribute of nodes, is rarely utilized. Some methods only consider the global position of nodes in the network while ignoring the local structural information of nodes in special positions and the network. Hence, this paper introduces a novel node centrality method, KCH. The KCH method leverages K-shell to identify the global position of nodes and assists in evaluating the importance of nodes by combining information such as structural holes and local clustering coefficients of first-order neighborhoods. This integrated approach yields an enhanced performance compared to existing methods. We conducted experiments on connectivity, monotonicity, and zero models on 10 networks to evaluate the performance of KCH. The experiments revealed that when compared to the collective influence baseline methods, such as social capital and hierarchical K-shell, the KCH method exhibited superior capabilities in terms of collective influence.
A Study on Deformation Characteristics and Stability of Soft Surrounding Rock for a Shallow-Buried Tunnel
Authors: Jia Jianqing , Xi Boqi , Wang Xin , Tenorio Victor O. , Liu Zhongshuai
Published: July 2024

The Heimaguan Tunnel in China serves as a case study to exemplify the variation laws related to surface settlement, deformation, and stress characteristics in a shallow-buried soft-rock tunnel, while emphasizing in the tunnel support requirements. The first stage of this study begins with monitoring the time-varying characteristics of surface settlement, vault subsidence, and the horizontal convergence of Grade V rock. In the second stage, Peck theory is used to calculate the distribution characteristics of surface settlement. The results of both stages are compared to create a vault settlement model, thus establishing the horizontal convergence based on exponential function, logarithmic function and hyperbolic function, and determining the optimal time of secondary lining construction. On this basis, the time-dependent variation laws and characteristics of vertical and horizontal displacement and principal stress of surrounding rock are studied. After this, using simulation and analysis, the proper support is recommended. The study reveals that the surface settlement, vault subsidence, and horizontal convergence of the shallow-buried soft-rock tunnel stabilize within 25–30 days. Peck theory closely aligns with predictions based on exponential functions, with only a 0.72% difference. The recommended time for secondary lining application is 26–27 days.
A Review of Recent Literature on Audio-Based Pseudo-Haptics
Authors: Abdo Sandy , Kapralos Bill , Collins KC , Dubrowski Adam
Published: July 2024

Immersive virtual learning environments (iVLEs), particularly serious games and virtual simulations, typically ignore psychomotor skills development, partly due to the difficulty and cost associated with accurately replicating touch. Simulating touch, also known as haptics, requires specialized haptic devices that are not widely accessible at the consumer-level. Using visual (and/or auditory) cues, pseudo-haptics aims to mimic touch sensations without haptic devices. Although pseudo-haptics has predominantly focused on visual cues, a 2019 review by Collins and Kapralos on pseudo-haptics emphasized the role of auditory cues and cross-modal interactions. Since then, great advancements, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic’s shift to remote learning, have been made. Here, we build upon the work of Collins and Kapralos with a narrative review on audio-based pseudo-haptics. This narrative review explores 17 articles obtained from the Google Scholar, RefSeek, Scopus, and PubMed databases, with the aim of providing a comprehensive summary of the progress in this field since 2019. Pseudo-haptics presents a viable alternative to simulate various aspects of touch, including weight, stiffness, roughness, dampness, force, and glossiness, when haptic devices are unavailable, enhancing immersion and providing the potential to improve psychomotor skill training within iVLEs.
Combining BioTRIZ and Multi-Factor Coupling for Bionic Mechatronic System Design
Authors: Wang Bingxin , Yu Dehong
Published: July 2024

To realize the design process of bionic mechatronic systems, involving mapping from engineering to biology and inversion from biology to engineering, a novel design paradigm is introduced that integrates BioTRIZ with multi-factor coupling bionics. In the mapping stage from engineering to biology, BioTRIZ is employed to frame the concrete engineering issue as a general conflicting problem. The biological solution is refined by amalgamating the BioTRIZ solution derived from the contradiction matrix with biological instances. In the inversion stage of biology to engineering, a novel approach is proposed for constructing a bionic multi-factor coupling model, drawing inspiration from the establishment of biological multi-factor coupling model. This allows for a seamless correspondence between biological elements, such as morphology and behavior, and their respective engineering counterparts, including structure and algorithms. This correspondence ultimately achieves the engineering conceptual model that is rooted in biological principles. The practical application of this methodology is exemplified through a multi-biometric fusion bionic active vision system, underscoring its feasibility and efficacy.
Parameter Optimization Method for Metal Surface pBRDF Model Based on Improved Strawberry Algorithm
Authors: Gong Xue , Wang Fangbin , Zhu Darong , Wang Feng , Zhao Weisong , Chen Song , Wang Ping , Zhang Shu
Published: July 2024

To study the polarization reflection characteristics of metal surfaces, a parameter optimization method for the polarization bidirectional reflection distribution function (pBRDF) model of metal surfaces based on the improved strawberry algorithm has been proposed. Firstly, the light scattering characteristics of metal surfaces were analyzed and a multi-parameter pBRDF model was constructed. Then, the working mechanism of the strawberry optimization algorithm was investigated and improved by introducing the chaotic mapping and Levy flight strategy to overcome the shortcomings, such as low convergence rate and easily falling into local optimum. Finally, the method proposed in this paper was validated by simulating open-source data from references and the obtained ones with a self-built experimental platform. The results show that the proposed method outperforms those by nonlinear least squares, particle swarm optimization and the original strawberry algorithm in fitting the detected degree of polarization (DOP) data, indicating the modeling accuracy was significantly improved and better suited to characterize the polarized reflection properties of metal surfaces.
Enhancing Asphalt Binder Performance and Storage Stability with Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA)
Authors: Vigneswaran Shyaamkrishnan , Yun Jihyeon , Kim Hyunhwan , Lee Moon-Sup , Lee Soon-Jae
Published: July 2024

This study delves into the transformative effects of Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA) on asphalt binders, revealing significant improvements in various performance metrics. Our findings indicate that TLA substantially increases binder viscosity and enhances rutting resistance, as evidenced by elevated G*/sin δ values in both original and RTFO-aged states. TLA-modified binders demonstrate superior rheological properties, including improved Jnr and percentage recovery, indicating enhanced resistance to permanent deformation and reduced fatigue cracking. However, an increase in TLA content correlates with higher G*·sin δ values, suggesting a trade-off with fatigue resistance and a higher susceptibility to cracking. Additionally, while TLA initially improves binder flexibility at low temperatures, excessive content can increase stiffness, adversely affecting stress relaxation properties. Notably, TLA enhances storage stability, ensuring minimal phase separation and excellent homogeneity. These insights underscore the need for the precise control of TLA content to optimize pavement durability. Future research should focus on fine-tuning TLA incorporation with additives like crumb rubber to maximize the structural integrity and longevity of asphalt pavements.