bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing knowledge to enable learning individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: the missing piece on knowledge management
Authors: Almuaqel Ibraheem Abdulaziz
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to present a qualitative analysis of how higher education institutions (HEIs) faculties manage knowledge to facilitate the learning and engagement of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative research design to collect responses from 39 HEI faculties to understand how they manage knowledge to facilitate learning in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Data collection tools comprised a set of predetermined questions, soliciting written responses.

Findings

Coding of the collected data confirmed that there was a knowledge management process in HEIs for enabling higher education of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A total of six themes emerged, clarifying the knowledge management process. The four components of this process were creation, storage, sharing and use. In addition to the four process-related themes, two other themes that emerged were barriers to knowledge creation and supportive culture. This covers the relevant aspects of the set-up around the knowledge management process in HEIs trying to improve the higher education of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Originality/value

There is a need to improve the education of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which requires effective knowledge management. This paper reveals details of the steps in the knowledge management process relevant to this aim. This is a unique contribution, providing a basis for future research and the introduction of required knowledge management practices by HEIs dedicated to providing high-quality education to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Knowledge management towards sustainable competitive advantage in higher education: an analysis of productive and counter-productive behaviors
Authors: Javed Ansar , Latif Khawaja Fawad , Sahibzada Umar Farooq , Aslam Nadia
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Based on the knowledge-based view (KBV) and theory of planned behavior (TPB), the study aims to investigate the impact of sustainable leadership (SL) on knowledge management processes (KMPs) and the direct influence of KMPs on sustainable competitive advantage (SCA). Additionally, it aims to explore the mediating role of knowledge worker social responsibility (KWSR) in the relationship between KMPs and SCA. Furthermore, this study aims to evaluate the moderating effect of knowledge sabotage behavior (KSB) on the relationship between KMPs and KWSR.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample frame consisted of 354 academic and administrative workers from Pakistan’s higher education institutions. The hypothesized relationships were tested using the PLS-SEM approach.

Findings

The study found a significant positive effect of SL on KMPs as well as KMPs on SCA. Partial mediation of knowledge worker social responsibility between knowledge management processes and sustainable competitive advantage was confirmed. Furthermore, our findings indicate the negative moderating effect of knowledge sabotage behavior on the relationship between KMPs and KWSR.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this research strengthen the universities’ experience of Leadership and recommend how academics and administrators of higher education institutes can value knowledge management, which improves competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The originality of the study lies in elucidating the direct relationship of SL & KMPs with the moderating role of KSB in the link between KMPs and KWSR and the mediating effect of KWSR on the relationship between KMPs and SCA in the setting of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan. Furthermore, this study provides in-depth insights into the existing body of knowledge on the KBV and TPB about SL, KMPs, and SCA.
A novel multi-stream hand-object interaction network for assembly action recognition
Authors: Shaochen Li , Liu Zhenyu , Huang Yu , Liu Daxin , Duan Guifang , Tan Jianrong
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Assembly action recognition plays an important role in assembly process monitoring and human-robot collaborative assembly. Previous works overlook the interaction relationship between hands and operated objects and lack the modeling of subtle hand motions, which leads to a decline in accuracy for fine-grained action recognition. This paper aims to model the hand-object interactions and hand movements to realize high-accuracy assembly action recognition.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a novel multi-stream hand-object interaction network (MHOINet) is proposed for assembly action recognition. To learn the hand-object interaction relationship in assembly sequence, an interaction modeling network (IMN) comprising both geometric and visual modeling is exploited in the interaction stream. The former captures the spatial location relation of hand and interacted parts/tools according to their detected bounding boxes, and the latter focuses on mining the visual context of hand and object at pixel level through a position attention model. To model the hand movements, a temporal enhancement module (TEM) with multiple convolution kernels is developed in the hand stream, which captures the temporal dependences of hand sequences in short and long ranges. Finally, assembly action prediction is accomplished by merging the outputs of different streams through a weighted score-level fusion. A robotic arm component assembly dataset is created to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Findings

The method can achieve the recognition accuracy of 97.31% and 95.32% for coarse and fine assembly actions, which outperforms other comparative methods. Experiments on human-robot collaboration prove that our method can be applied to industrial production.

Originality/value

The author proposes a novel framework for assembly action recognition, which simultaneously leverages the features of hands, objects and hand-object interactions. The TEM enhances the representation of dynamics of hands and facilitates the recognition of assembly actions with various time spans. The IMN learns the semantic information from hand-object interactions, which is significant for distinguishing fine assembly actions.
From organs to algorithms: Redefining cancer classification in the age of artificial intelligence
Authors: Khozin Sean
Published: August 2024

Traditional cancer classification based on organ of origin and histology is increasingly at odds with precision oncology. Tumors in different organs can share molecular features, while those in the same organ can be heterogeneous. This disconnect impacts clinical trials, drug development, and patient care. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning and deep learning, offer promising avenues for reclassifying cancers through comprehensive integration of molecular, histopathological, imaging, and clinical characteristics. AI‐driven approaches have the potential to reveal novel cancer subtypes, identify new prognostic variables, and guide more precise treatment strategies for improving patient outcomes.
MB09, a denosumab biosimilar candidate: Biosimilarity demonstration in a phase I study in healthy subjects
Authors: Tomaszewska‐Kiecana Monika , Carapuça Elisabete , Florez‐Igual Amalia , Queiruga‐Parada Javier
Published: August 2024

This was a Phase I, randomized, double‐blinded, three‐arm, single‐dose, parallel study aimed to demonstrate pharmacokinetic (PK) similarity between MB09 (a denosumab biosimilar candidate) and reference denosumab (XGEVA® from European Union [EU‐reference] and United States [US‐reference]) in a healthy male population. The primary PK endpoints included: Area under the serum concentration versus time curve from time 0 to the last quantifiable concentration timepoint (AUC0–last); and maximum observed serum concentration (Cmax). Secondary endpoints included: AUC from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUC0–∞), time to reach maximum observed concentration, clearance, terminal phase half‐life, pharmacodynamic, safety, and immunogenicity assessments. A total of 255 subjects were randomized (1:1:1) to receive a subcutaneous 35 mg dose of MB09 or reference denosumab. Cmax was reached after denosumab administration, followed by a decline in the concentration with similar terminal phase half‐live across treatment arms. Systemic exposure of MB09 (AUC0–last and Cmax) was equivalent to the reference denosumab, as the 90% confidence intervals around the geometric least square mean ratios laid within the predefined acceptance limits (80.00%, 125.00%) across all comparisons. Pharmacodynamic parameters, based on the percent of change from baseline in serum C‐terminal telopeptide of Type 1 collagen levels, were similar across the three arms. The treatments were considered safe and generally well tolerated, with 92 treatment‐emergent adverse events reported (most Grade 2 and 3) and similarly distributed. Immunogenicity was low and similarly distributed. These results provide strong evidence that supports the biosimilarity between MB09 and denosumab reference products.
1107. Lepisorus boninensis (H.Christ) Ching
Authors: Vasques Diego T. , Ebihara Atsushi , Takenaka Keiko , Miyashita Miho
Published: August 2024

We describe and illustrate the evergreen and epiphytic fern Lepisorus boninensis (H.Christ) Ching, endemic to the Bonin Islands in Japan. This species can be recognised by the dimorphic leaves, the ovate and clathrate scales on the rhizome, and the irregularly‐shaped paraphyses growing between sporangia of the sori.
Trends in alcohol‐attributable morbidity and mortality in Germany from 2000 to 2021: A modelling study
Authors: Kraus Ludwig , Möckl Justin , Manthey Jakob , Rovira Pol , Olderbak Sally , Rehm Jürgen
Published: August 2024

Introduction

We aimed to assess: (i) trends in alcohol‐specific — that is, fully attributable — morbidity and mortality in the German adult population aged 15–69 between 2000 and 2021; and (ii) changes in alcohol‐attributable disease burden — that is, fully and partially alcohol‐attributable categories — for 2006, 2012, 2018 and 2021.

Methods

Morbidity data was pulled from hospitalisation and rehabilitation statistics and mortality data was pulled from the causes of death registry. Alcohol use, adjusted for unrecorded consumption, was estimated using the Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse and triangulated with per capita consumption from annual sales data. For major disease categories, alcohol‐attributable fractions were estimated for males and females by age groups (15–29, 30–49, 50–69 years) using the comparative risk assessment methodology.

Results

For males and females, the age‐standardised rate of alcohol‐specific morbidity peaked in 2012 and decreased thereafter showing a steep decline from 2019 to 2021. The rates of alcohol‐specific mortality decreased constantly from 2000 to 2019 but increased from 2019 to 2021. Compared to 2006 the age‐standardised alcohol‐attributable morbidity and mortality rates in males and females were lower in 2021. For both sexes, the age‐standardised alcohol‐attributable morbidity and mortality rates and the proportions of morbidity/mortality rates relative to all‐cause morbidity/mortality decreased between 2006 and 2021.

Discussion

The declines in alcohol‐attributable morbidity and mortality are in line with decreases in consumption and signal that the importance of alcohol in health service utilisation and mortality has weakened. Sex ratios in morbidity and mortality do not indicate a strong converging trend.
Altered O‐glycosylation of β1‐adrenergic receptor N‐terminal single‐nucleotide variants modulates receptor processing and functional activity
Authors: Tuhkanen Hanna E. , Haasiomäki Ilona J. , Lackman Jarkko J. , Goth Christoffer K. , Mattila S. Orvokki , Ye Zilu , Vakhrushev Sergey Y. , Magga Johanna , Kerkelä Risto , Clausen Henrik , Schjoldager Katrine T. , Petäjä‐Repo Ulla E.
Published: August 2024

N‐terminal nonsynonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are common and often affect receptor post‐translational modifications. Their functional implications are, however, largely unknown. We have previously shown that the human β1‐adrenergic receptor (β1AR) is O‐glycosylated in the N‐terminal extracellular domain by polypeptide GalNAc transferase‐2 that co‐regulates receptor proteolytic cleavage. Here, we demonstrate that the common S49G and the rare A29T and R31Q SNPs alter these modifications, leading to distinct effects on receptor processing. This was achieved by in vitro O‐glycosylation assays, analysis of native receptor N‐terminal O‐glycopeptides, and expression of receptor variants in cell lines and neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes deficient in O‐glycosylation. The SNPs eliminated (S49G) or introduced (A29T) regulatory O‐glycosites that enhanced or inhibited cleavage at the adjacent sites (P52↓L53 and R31↓L32), respectively, or abolished the major site at R31↓L32 (R31Q). The inhibition of proteolysis of the T29 and Q31 variants correlated with increased full‐length receptor levels at the cell surface. Furthermore, the S49 variant showed increased isoproterenol‐mediated signaling in an enhanced bystander bioluminescence energy transfer β‐arrestin2 recruitment assay in a coordinated manner with the common C‐terminal R389G polymorphism. As Gly at position 49 is ancestral in placental mammals, the results suggest that its exchange to Ser has created a β1AR gain‐of‐function phenotype in humans. This study provides evidence for regulatory mechanisms by which GPCR SNPs outside canonical domains that govern ligand binding and activation can alter receptor processing and function. Further studies on other GPCR SNPs with clinical importance as drug targets are thus warranted.
Genetic associations with consumption of palatable foods in the absence of hunger in response to food cues in children
Authors: Yeum Dabin , Renier Timothy J. , Masterson Travis D. , Carlson Delaina D. , Ballarino Grace A. , Lansigan Reina K. , Loos Ruth J. F. , Emond Jennifer A. , Gilbert‐Diamond Diane
Published: August 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate obesity‐related genetic factors in relation to excess consumption and assess if food cues modify associations.

Methods

Children (9–12 years) completed a randomized crossover experiment. During two visits, children ate a preload and then snacks ad libitum while watching television, embedded with food or non‐food advertisements to assess eating in the absence of hunger (EAH). Primary exposures were obesity‐associated genotypes, FTO rs9939609 and MC4R rs571312, and a paediatric‐specific polygenic risk score (PRS). Outcomes included consumption of all snacks (total EAH) and gummy candy only (gummy candy EAH). Linear mixed‐effects models tested whether genetic exposures related to EAH outcomes. We tested for effect modification by food cues using multiplicative interaction terms.

Results

Among 177 children, each FTO risk allele was associated with a 30% increase in gummy candy EAH (p = 0.025) in adjusted models. Food cue exposure exacerbated associations between the FTO variant with gummy candy EAH (p = 0.046). No statistically significant associations were found between MC4R and EAH.

Conclusion

The results suggest children with the FTO rs9939609 risk allele may be predisposed to excess consumption of candy and that this association may be exacerbated by food cues.
Planning in management: identifying alternative ways of improving performance toward best practices
Authors: Monge Juan F. , Ruiz José L.
Published: August 2024

Planning is an important part of the management of organizations, which deals with the setting of targets that guide the actions needed to improve performance. Decision making is at the essence of planning, as it involves the identification of alternative directions for improvement and the selection of a future course of action. Decision makers (DMs) appreciate information on different ways of improving performance toward best practices, so they can make a choice of the plan that is more closely aligned with management in an ex post evaluation of possibilities. This paper responds to the need of providing DMs with a few (manageable) alternatives when planning improvements. The proposed approach is developed within the framework of data envelopment analysis (DEA). Although DEA has been used for planning, there is a gap in the literature in the sense that we can find only a few papers that have the explicit aim of identifying alternatives. In order to deal with this issue, we explore the whole DEA strong efficient frontier through all of its maximal efficient faces, which allows us to handle targets determined by a broad range of reference sets, and then use location theory tools, namely a p‐median problem, for the selection of p representatives that define alternative directions for improvement. Eventually, DMs are provided with a decision‐support tool for planning improvements by learning from the best practices of others, without requiring prior information on preferences.
Experiences of Generation Z Nurses Adapting to Work in a Tertiary Hospital: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Moon Youngji , Lee Sunhee
Published: August 2024

Aim

To investigate the adaptation process of Generation Z nurses at a tertiary hospital in Korea.

Design

This qualitative study using grounded theory.

Methods

The participants were 17 Generation Z nurses who were working at tertiary hospitals in Korea. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews from September 2022 to July 2023.

Findings

Eight categories and 19 concepts were extracted. The core category was ‘accepting deficient myself as a nurse in a vertical culture’, which consisted of three phases: chaos, endeavouring to adapt and accepting myself. In the adaptation process at the tertiary hospital, most of the participants felt embarrassed by tasks. The most of them tended to stay away from stressors and endeavour to improve their competence. The participants who had familiarity and a sense of belonging and achievement tended to acknowledge themselves.

Conclusions

This study provides help in suggesting the importance of a horizontal organisational culture to Generation Z nurses. Also, the support of senior nurses is needed to encourage Generation Z nurses to accept deficient themselves.

Implications for the Profession

Generation Z nurses tended to feel confused by the vertical culture, uncertainty of work and daunting tasks; excessive criticism and rebuke seems to make Generation Z nurses feel a sense of shame. The family‐centred culture of nursing organisations could cause conflicts for Generation Z nurses who tend to separate their personal lives from work.

Impact

Generation Z nurses had no difficulty acquiring knowledge because they had the skills to search for the necessary information, but they experienced difficulty applying this knowledge in practice and becoming familiar with their role as a nurse.

Report Methods

We adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines of the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Involvement and Engagement

No patient or public involvement.
Genetic and phenotypic differentiation in Thamnophilus ruficapillus, a Neotropical passerine with disjunct distribution in the Andean and Atlantic forests
Authors: Bukowski Belén , Campagna Leonardo , Cabanne Gustavo S. , Tubaro Pablo L. , Lijtmaer Darío A.
Published: August 2024

The Andean and Atlantic forests are separated by the open vegetation corridor, which acts as a geographic barrier. However, these forests experienced cycles of connection and isolation in the past, which shaped the phylogeographic patterns of their biotas. We analysed the evolutionary history of the rufous‐capped antshrike Thamnophilus ruficapillus, a species with a disjunct distribution in the Atlantic and Andean forests and thus an appropriate model to study the effect of the open vegetation corridor and the Andes on the diversification of the Neotropical avifauna. We performed a phylogenetic/phylogeographic analysis, including the five subspecies, using mitochondrial and nuclear genomic DNA, and studied their differences in vocalizations and plumage coloration. Both the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA evidenced a marked phylogeographic structure with three differentiated lineages that diverged without signs of gene flow in the Pleistocene (1.0–1.7 million years ago): one in the Atlantic Forest and two in the Andean forest. However, the two Andean lineages do not coincide with the two disjunct areas of distribution of the species in the Andes. Vocalizations were significantly different between most subspecies, but their pattern of differentiation was discordant with that of the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. In fact, we did not find song differentiation between the subspecies of the Atlantic Forest and that of the northwestern Bolivian Andes, even though they differ genetically and belong to different lineages. Consistently, no differences were found in plumage coloration between the subspecies of the Atlantic Forest and that of the southern Andes. Our results suggest a complex evolutionary history in this species, which differentiated both due to dispersion across the open vegetation corridor, likely during a period of connection between the Andean and Atlantic forests, and the effect of the Bolivian Altiplano as a geographic barrier. In both cases, Pleistocene climatic oscillations appear to have influenced the species diversification.
Anxiety and aging: A marker of brain changes and potential treatment target to promote brain health
Authors: Karp Jordan F. , Lenze Eric J.
Published: August 2024

This editorial comments on the article by Khaing et al.
Mydriasis associated with ischemic cerebrovascular infarct affecting the ipsilateral cerebellar interposital nucleus in 2 dogs
Authors: Danciu Cecilia‐Gabriella , Fenn Joe , Beltran Elsa
Published: August 2024

A 10‐year‐old male neutered crossbreed dog and an 8‐year‐old female neutered greyhound presented after peracute onset of cerebellar dysfunction. The crossbreed dog had anisocoria with the left pupil being mydriatic, spontaneous conjugate rotatory nystagmus with fast phase to the left and delayed postural reactions on the left side. The greyhound had anisocoria with the left pupil being mydriatic, right positional ventral strabismus, absent menace response in the left eye and postural reaction deficits on the left side. For both dogs, the neuroanatomical localization was left cerebellum with paradoxical vestibular syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a left cerebellar ischemic territorial infarct of the rostral cerebellar artery, involving the region of the left interposital nucleus. Both dogs were given supportive care and at 2‐week follow‐up the anisocoria had resolved. Anisocoria with mydriasis can be a clinical sign in dogs with naturally‐occurring cerebellar ischemic infarcts in the region of the ipsilateral interposital nucleus.
Health beliefs and associated factors related to HPV and HPV vaccination in a sample of Turkish women: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gürdal Yağmur , İlhan Nesrin
Published: August 2024

This study was conducted to determine women's health beliefs about HPV and HPV vaccination and factors associated with health beliefs. This cross‐sectional study was conducted with 300 women aged 21–64 in Turkey. Data were collected using the human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge scale (HPV‐KS) and the health belief model scale for human papillomavirus and its vaccination (HBMS‐HPVV). The mean age of the women who participated in the study was 35.16 ± 9.52 years. Of them, 72.3% heard of the HPV test, 30.3% had an HPV test, 62% heard of HPV vaccination, and 9.7% had HPV vaccination. Educational level, hearing about the HPV vaccine, and HPV knowledge level were significant predictors of perceived benefit (p < .001). HPV knowledge level significantly predicted perceived susceptibility (p < .001). HPV knowledge level and hearing about HPV tests and vaccines were significant predictors of perceived severity (p < .001). A high level of education, a high level of HPV knowledge, and hearing about HPV tests and the HPV vaccine positively affect women's health beliefs. Health belief model‐based education programs should be used to improve women's HPV knowledge and health beliefs about HPV and the HPV vaccine. In addition to women's health beliefs, cervical cancers can only be prevented by including the HPV vaccine in national immunization programs and increasing the coverage of HPV screening tests.
How Does Illness Perception Affect the Quality of Life and Sun Protection Behaviors of Rosacea Patients?
Authors: Akin Gülfem , Akarsu Sevgi , Avcı Ceylan
Published: August 2024

Background

Previous studies have noted the link between rosacea severity and quality of life, but there is limited understanding of how disease perception impacts these aspects. Additionally, sun exposure is identified as a common trigger for rosacea flare‐ups, emphasizing the importance of sun protection practices in managing the condition. This cross‐sectional study aims to fill the gap in the literature by investigating the relationship between clinical severity, disease perception, quality of life, and sun protection behaviors in rosacea patients.

Methods

Questionnaires assessing the quality of life, illness perception, sun protection behaviors, sun protection decisional balance, and its potential predictors were completed by 120 rosacea patients and 120 controls.

Results

Patients exhibited a higher prevalence of sun protection behaviors than the control group (24.15 ± 5.76 vs. 17.63 ± 5.56, p < 0.001) and demonstrated greater determination in adhering to sun protection practices (13.43 ± 2.37 vs. 9.40 ± 3.09, p < 0.001). Hierarchical linear regression analyses showed that quality of life was related to clinical severity, illness perception (consequences, illness coherence, emotional representations), causal attribution (risk factors, immunity), and sun protection decisional balance variables (R2 = 0.45, F = 7.39, p < 0.001). Also, the perceived pros and cons of sun protection behaviors were predicted by illness perception (treatment control), causal attribution (risk factors, immunity, chance/accident), and quality of life variables (R2 = 0.24, F = 2.59, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Providing more information to rosacea patients can improve their disease perception and quality of life, increasing adherence to sun protection behaviors.
Genomics‐based plant disease resistance prediction using machine learning
Authors: Upadhyaya Shriprabha R. , Danilevicz Monica F. , Dolatabadian Aria , Neik Ting Xiang , Zhang Fangning , Al‐Mamun Hawlader A. , Bennamoun Mohammed , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David
Published: August 2024

Plant disease outbreaks continuously challenge food security and sustainability. Traditional chemical methods used to treat diseases have environmental and health concerns, raising the need to enhance inherent plant disease resistance mechanisms. Traits, including disease resistance, can be linked to specific loci in the genome and identifying these markers facilitates targeted breeding approaches. Several methods, including genome‐wide association studies and genomic selection, have been used to identify important markers and select varieties with desirable traits. However, these traditional approaches may not fully capture the non‐linear characteristics of the effect of genomic variation on traits. Machine learning, known for its data‐mining abilities, offers an opportunity to enhance the accuracy of the existing trait association approaches. It has found applications in predicting various agronomic traits across several species. However, its use in disease resistance prediction remains limited. This review highlights the potential of machine learning as a complementary tool for predicting the genetic loci contributing to pathogen resistance. We provide an overview of traditional trait prediction methods, summarize machine‐learning applications, and address the challenges and opportunities associated with machine learning‐based crop disease resistance prediction.
Revealing loneliness: Disentangling the interaction of gender and community stigma
Authors: Langenkamp Alexander , Schobin Janosch
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study investigates whether the perceived stigma of loneliness is positively associated with the concealment of loneliness and whether this association varies by the gender of the individual and their conversation partner.

Methods

Utilizing ordinal probit regression analysis on data from 1671 German survey participants with three‐way interactions, we analyze whether participants are more likely to conceal loneliness based on their perceived stigma of loneliness, their gender, and the gender of fictional, randomly assigned conversation partners.

Results

Our analysis finds that perceived stigma is positively associated with the concealment of loneliness, with this association being stronger among men compared to women. Additionally, while the influence of perceived stigma on concealment is not significant for women in same‐sex interactions, it is significantly stronger for men in same‐sex interactions.

Conclusion

The interaction of gender, interviewer characteristics, and perceived stigma should be considered when designing surveys and implementing effective interventions and policies to address and destigmatize loneliness.
Prediction of Touch-Trigger Probing Error Profiles by a Six-Axis Robot
Authors: Masamine Keisuke , Ibaraki Soichi , Hamamura Minoru , Takahara Osamu
Published: August 2024

There is a growing need for “in-line measurement” of geometric accuracy of the manufactured parts in the manufacturing line. An industrial robot with a touch-trigger probe installed to its end effector can be potentially applied to such an inline measurement as a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM). However, the absolute positioning accuracy of robots is often very poor compared to the conventional CMMs. This paper presents that the accuracy of robotic touch-trigger probing can be improved by using the kinematic model containing the angular positioning error of each rotary axis as error sources. The measurement accuracy of robotic touch-trigger probing is experimentally investigated in the straightness measurement of a pre-calibrated artefact, placed at various positions within the workspace of the robot. Significant influence of the rotary axis angular positioning errors on the straightness measurement by robotic probing is revealed.
Monitoring of Chip Flow State in Drilling With Tool Wear Progress
Authors: Matsumura Takashi , Tamura Shoichi
Published: August 2024

The chip flow control is a critical issue in the automated cutting operations because the chips scratch to deteriorate the finished surfaces. The chip clogging also induces tool breakage as well as human intervention in the automated production. The chip flow state, therefore, should be monitored to prevent from such the cutting troubles with forecasting the chip clogging. It is well known that chip flow state changes with the tool edge shape, which may be associated with the tool wear progress. The chip flow monitoring would also be effective in estimation of the tool wear size. This study discusses irregularity of cutting force associated with the chip flow change in the tool wear progress. The force signals were acquired in the direct (DC) and the alternating currents (AC). The AC signals of the horizontal components in the cutting force is sensitive to the chip flow change. The resultant of the horizontal components characterizes the irregularity of the chip flow state. The chip flow direction is also analyzed in a cutting force model, in which the chip flow angle is determined at the minimum cutting energy. In the model, the change in the chip flow angles is simulated with the tool feed in the hole. The chip flow direction changes toward the radial direction when the chisel and the thinning parts exit from the workpiece. When the tool wear becomes large, the chips flow toward the radial direction more and the chip clogging occurs in the flute.
Development of Sand Compaction Control System Using Admittance Control Approach in Sand Molding Robot
Authors: Ichiyanagi Haruki , Noda Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2024

This paper is concerned with an advanced control system of a sand molding robot in a casting industry. Sand molding machines have been mainly used in the foundries with mass production line. However, it is difficult to apply the conventional sand molding machines to foundries with cell production system which are required a high-mix low-volume production. Therefore, the sand molding robot system using a vertical articulated robot automating the sand molding process with the cell production system has been progressed more recently. In this robot system, the force control approach has been applied to the sand compaction process. However, the sand mold compacted by the robot was low strength and variation in the strength.

Therefore, we develop the sand compaction control system in the sand molding robot. The sand in the metal frame is molded by the robot equipped with thrusting and stamping tools. In this system, we propose the admittance control for compacting the sand with desired robot motion and force. The efficacy of the developed sand compaction control approach was verified by the experiments with the sand molding robot.
Repetitive Action Counting Through Joint Angle Analysis and Video Transformer Techniques
Authors: Chen Haodong , Zendehdel Niloofar , Leu Ming C. , Moniruzzaman Md , Yin Zhaozheng , Hajmohammadi Solmaz
Published: August 2024

The quantification of repetitive movements, known as repetitive action counting, is critical in various applications, such as fitness tracking, rehabilitation, and manufacturing operation monitoring. Traditional methods predominantly relied on the estimation of red-green-and-blue (RGB) frames and body pose landmarks to identify the number of action repetitions. However, these methods suffer from several issues, such as instability under varying camera viewpoints, propensity for over-counting or under-counting, challenges in differentiating sub-actions, and inaccuracies in recognizing salient action poses, etc. Our method integrates joint angles with body pose landmarks to address these issues, thereby surpassing the performance benchmarks of existing state-of-the-art repetitive action counting methodologies. The efficacy of our approach is underscored by a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.211 and an Off-By-One Accuracy (OBOA) of 0.599 on a public repetitive action counting data set, Rep-Count [1]. Comprehensive experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our method.
Effects of Vibration on Performance of Wire-Sawing of Rock in Vacuum
Authors: Furutani Katsushi , Takayama Yoshihiro , Okada Tatsuaki , Saiki Kazuto , Ohue Hiroyuki
Published: August 2024

This paper deals with the improvement of wire-sawing performance in vacuum by applying vibration to the saw wire. The performance of wire-sawing in vacuum has been investigated for future lunar and planetary explorations. Nickel fixing abrasives adhered on a rock specimen in vacuum and the abrasives slipped on it so that the rock was hardly cut. The vibration of a tool generally accelerates the removal rate. The flexural roller guide in the wire-sawing machine vibrated the saw wire, and the vibration improved the performance.
3D Scanning and Reconstruction of Objects Using Cobot System
Authors: Matheswaran Keerthivaasan , Shahzad Syed Ishaq , Li Cheryl Q.
Published: August 2024

This research introduces an innovative collaborative robot (cobot) system for 3D scanning, combining the Universal Robots UR3e cobot arm and Intel RealSense D435i depth camera. Targeting industries such as architecture and medicine, the system effectively addresses traditional 3D scanner limitations by offering cost-effective, precise on-site scanning capabilities. Seamless collaboration is ensured through integration with the Robot Operating System, while a trajectory algorithm guides the cobot for accurate scanning. The choice between RecFusion and KinectFusion algorithms strikes a balance between quality and accessibility. Ongoing hardware and algorithm advancement, along with potential applications in hazardous environments, underscores the system’s versatility. While acknowledging limitations, the paper presents a blueprint for future cost-effective, accurate scanning systems.
Development of a Digital Metal Forming System
Authors: Li Zongze , Tiwari Balark , Huang Cindy , Welch Tim , Landers Robert G.
Published: August 2024

Digital metal forming is being developed to reduce production time and increase product precision in low volume metal forming. This paper discusses the development of a novel digital metal forming system that incrementally works metal parts without specialty dies and tools. An electric ram is utilized to provide the bending force, and the die and workpiece position is controlled by a linear axis. A multi axis force sensor and a machine vision camera are equipped to monitor forces acting on the ram and the part bend angle, respectively, during the process. A C++ program is created to integrate the interpolation, motion control, and force and camera measurement tasks. The function of the system is demonstrated with a sheet metal bending experiment in which an aluminum bar is bent to 30° using an iterative learning controller. An analytical bending model estimating the springback angle after bending is utilized and the controller gain is obtained and adjusted based on the linearized gain of an analytical bending model. The results demonstrate the controller is able to bend the bar to the desired angle in under three iterations in spite of model uncertainties. The designed digital metal forming system is expected to coordinate monitoring system tasks, motion control tasks, and the iterative learning controller to obtain a part with a desired shape in a completely automated process for more types of free forming processes, such as incremental sheet forming.
Development of a Contactless Load Generator for Spindle Dynamic Compliance Measurement
Authors: Yokohara Kazuma , Yamato Shuntaro , Matsubara Atsushi
Published: August 2024

The stiffness of the spindle is known to vary depending on the operating conditions. A convenient measurement method is necessary to evaluate the dynamic stiffness of various spindles. In this study, a small electromagnetic load generator was developed to measure the dynamic compliance of the spindle. In this paper, we report the results of measuring dynamic compliance by exciting the spindle of an actual vertical machining center using this generator.
Multi-Fidelity Sensing and Digital Twin System for Automated Monitoring in Cooperative Robotic Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Rescsanski Sean , Nardi Tyler , Shah Vihaan , Tang Jiong , Imani Farhad
Published: August 2024

Cooperative robotic additive manufacturing (C-RAM) offers the fabrication of large-scale components through the integration of multiple out-of-bounds robotic systems. However, factors such as wear and tear, calibration drift, temperature fluctuations, and vibrations impact the precision of the robots, leading to anomalies including dimensional inaccuracies, layer morphology issues, or mechanical defects. These anomalies adversely affect the strength and fatigue life of components. Ensuring CRAM systems are robust to defects is critical to the reliability and scalability of large-scale systems. We introduce a novel C-RAM system equipped with multi-fidelity multi-scale sensing (i.e., in-situ thermal imaging and laser scanning) to characterize process quality of a robotic fused deposition modeling (FDM) process. Control and data acquisition are designed through a ROS2-based digital twin modified for FDM fabrication control, allowing robust control of process parameters such as feed rate and extrusion multiplier. The system is evaluated via a case study on the effect of extruder temperature on material deposition height. Sensing data is analyzed, displaying high and low-fidelity quality indicators across extruder temperatures.
Radio frequency side-gate nanoscale vacuum channel triode
Authors: Shen Zhihua , Li Qiaoning , Ge Bin , Wang Xiao , Wu Shengli
Published: August 2024

Nanoscale vacuum semiconductor devices utilize vacuum as an electron transport medium, offering the advantages of rapid response and immunity to extreme environments. In this study, we present a nanoscale vertical channel vacuum triode with a side-gate structure. The device employs vacuum as the gate insulating medium, which enhances its reliability compared to conventional vertical structure vacuum triodes. Furthermore, the side-gate design reduces the gate input capacitance to approximately 10−18 F, making it more suitable for high-frequency operations. We systematically investigate the impact of structural dimensions on device performance. Simulation results demonstrate that when the dielectric layer thickness is around 35 nm, the maximum transconductance of the device reaches 1.23 μS. Increasing the gate dielectric layer thickness leads to an increase in cut-off frequency but decreases channel current. Smaller gap widths between the cathode and gate result in higher transconductance and cut-off frequencies. However, when the gap width is less than 40 nm, noticeable gate leakage currents occur. Introducing negative offset of alignment between the anode and channel edge enhances transconductance and cut-off frequency but may introduce stability issues. These research findings provide valuable insights for developing high-frequency vacuum triode devices.
The Impact of Short-Term Mega Sporting Event Experiences on Student Learning
Authors: Buenaño Andrea , Warner Stacy , Moore E. Whitney G.
Published: August 2024

Short-term mega sporting events provide an opportunity for students to not only gain a memorable career experience but also enhance student skills and learning. However, very few (if any) researchers have explored students’ confidence related to key skills before and after such an event. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of experiential learning at the National Football League’s 2023 Super Bowl LVII mega event on students’ learning outcomes. Students (N = 103) responded to an online survey distributed to assess their self-confidence across 18 learning-outcome skills covering problem solving, communication, sport-industry knowledge, and professional development. Each dependent-sample t test done to examine the students’ self-confidence with the individual learning outcome skills was significant (p < .001) and had meaningfully increased (Cohen’s d range: 0.47–0.97) from pre- to postevent. The results suggest that students can experience a notable increase in self-confidence when volunteering at a short-term mega sporting event. From a practical standpoint, the results provide sport management educators with strong evidence of the meaningful student learning related to problem solving, communication, sport-industry knowledge, and professional development that can occur with a single short-term mega-event experience.
Dryland self-expansion enabled by land–atmosphere feedbacks
Authors: Koppa Akash , Keune Jessica , Schumacher Dominik L. , Michaelides Katerina , Singer Michael , Seneviratne Sonia I. , Miralles Diego G.
Published: August 2024

Dryland expansion causes widespread water scarcity and biodiversity loss. Although the drying influence of global warming is well established, the role of existing drylands in their own expansion is relatively unknown. In this work, by tracking the air flowing over drylands, we show that the warming and drying of that air contributes to dryland expansion in the downwind direction. As they dry, drylands contribute less moisture and more heat to downwind humid regions, reducing precipitation and increasing atmospheric water demand, which ultimately causes their aridification. In ~40% of the land area that recently transitioned from a humid region into a dryland, self-expansion accounted for >50% of the observed aridification. Our results corroborate the urgent need for climate change mitigation measures in drylands to decelerate their own expansion.
Linkage between role stress and work engagement among specialty nurses: a cross-sectional study of China
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Li Yaru , Li Songyao , Li Liming , Chang Shuying , Fang Ziru , Liang Fangfang , Zhang Hongmei
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Specialty nurses play a significant role in improving patient care; however, little is known about the factors affecting their work engagement. This study aimed to explore the relationship between role stress and work engagement among specialty nurses in China.

Design

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was applied in this study.

Setting

The study was conducted in the Henan Provincial People’s Hospital in China.

Participants

From March to April 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study, using convenience sampling to recruit 972 specialty nurses from 42 specialised fields in China.

Methods

An online questionnaire survey was conducted using the Basic Information Questionnaire, Role Stress Scale and Specialty Nurse Work Engagement Scale. The collected data were analysed by using SPSS 21.0 software. The differences in total work engagement scores between subgroups were investigated using a single-factor analysis of variance. A Spearman’s rank correlation and a Pearson’s correlation were used to determine the relationship between general information, role stress and work engagement. A ridge regression analysis explored the impact of role stress on work engagement.

Results

The total score of role stress was (52.44±19.92) and the total score of work engagement was (140.27±17.76). Among the scores of various dimensions of specialty nurses’ work engagement, the standardised score for work attitude was the highest (4.54±0.56), followed by work values (4.46±0.64); the standardised score of work enthusiasm and focus was the lowest (4.22±0.64). Additionally, role ambiguity (r=−0.352, p<0.001), role conflict (r=−0.367, p<0.001), role overload (r=−0.313, p<0.001) and role stress (r=−0.380, p<0.001) were negatively correlated with work engagement. The total score of role stress was negatively correlated with the total score of work engagement; the results of ridge regression analysis showed that age, professional title and role stress explain 14.6% of the variance in work engagement.

Conclusion

Our study found that specialty nurses’ work engagement was mid-level or above. Role stress was significantly and negatively correlated with specialty nurses’ work engagement, which was an important predictor of their work engagement. Nursing managers should instate effective measures to reduce role stress, thereby increasing work engagement.