bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on SAR Active Anti-Jamming Imaging Based on Joint Random Agility of Inter-Pulse Multi-Parameters in the Presence of Active Deception
Authors: Chen Shilong , Liu Lin , Wang Xiaobei , Wang Luhao , Yang Guanglei
Published: September 2024

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) inter-pulse parameter agility technology involves dynamically adjusting parameters such as the pulse width, chirp rate, carrier frequency, and pulse repetition interval within a certain range; this effectively increases the complexity and uncertainty of radar waveforms, thereby countering active deceptive interference signals from multiple dimensions. With the development of active deceptive interference technology, single-parameter agility can no longer meet the requirements, making multi-parameter joint agility one of the main research directions. However, inter-pulse carrier frequency agility can cause azimuth Doppler chirp rate variation, making azimuth compression difficult and compensation computationally intensive, thus hindering imaging. Additionally, pulse repetition interval (PRI) agility leads to non-uniform azimuth sampling, severely deteriorating image quality. To address these issues, this paper proposes a multi-parameter agile SAR imaging scheme based on traditional frequency domain imaging algorithms. This scheme can handle joint agility of pulse width, chirp rate polarity, carrier frequency, and PRI, with relatively low computational complexity, making it feasible for engineering implementation. By inverting SAR images, the echoes with multi-parameter joint agility are obtained, and active deceptive interference signals are added for processing. The interference-suppressed imaging results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Furthermore, simulation results of point targets with multiple parameters under the proposed processing algorithm show that the peak sidelobe ratio (PSLR) and integrated sidelobe ratio (ISLR) are improved by 12 dB and 10 dB, respectively, compared to the traditional fixed waveform scheme.
AoI Analysis of Satellite–UAV Synergy Real-Time Remote Sensing System
Authors: Wang Libo , Zhang Xiangyin , Qin Kaiyu , Wang Zhuwei , Zhou Jiayi , Song Deyu
Published: September 2024

With the rapid development of space–air–ground integrated networks (SAGIN), the synergy between the satellite and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in sensing environmental status information reveals substantial potential. In SAGIN, applications such as disaster response and military operations require fresh status information to respond effectively. The freshness of information, quantified by the age of information (AoI) metric, is crucial for an effective response. Therefore, it is urgent to investigate the AoI in real-time remote sensing systems leveraging satellite–UAV synergy. To this end, we first establish a comprehensive system model, corresponding to the satellite–UAV “multiscale explanation” synergy remote sensing system in SAGIN, in which we focus on the typical information transmission and fusion strategies of the system, the analysis framework of AoI, and the temporal evolution of AoI. Subsequently, the time-varying process of the system model is transformed into a corresponding finite-states continuous-time Markov chain, enabling a precise analysis of its stochastic behavior. By employing the stochastic hybrid system (SHS) approach, the moment generating functions (MGFs) and mean AoI, offering quantitative insights into the freshness of status information, are derived. Following this, a comparative analysis of AoI under different queuing disciplines, highlighting their respective performance characteristics, is conducted. Furthermore, considering transmit power and bandwidth constraints of the system, the AoI performances under full frequency reuse (FFR), and frequency division multiple access (FDMA) strategies are analyzed. The energy advantage and spectrum advantage associated with AoI are also examined to explore the superior AoI-related performance of the FFR strategy in SAGIN.
DRA-UNet for Coal Mining Ground Surface Crack Delineation with UAV High-Resolution Images
Authors: Wang Wei , Du Weibing , Song Xiangyang , Chen Sushe , Zhou Haifeng , Zhang Hebing , Zou Youfeng , Zhu Junlin , Cheng Chaoying
Published: September 2024

Coal mining in the Loess Plateau can very easily generate ground cracks, and these cracks can immediately result in ventilation trouble under the mine shaft, runoff disturbance, and vegetation destruction. Advanced UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) high-resolution mapping and DL (Deep Learning) are introduced as the key methods to quickly delineate coal mining ground surface cracks for disaster prevention. Firstly, the dataset named the Ground Cracks of Coal Mining Area Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (GCCMA-UAV) is built, with a ground resolution of 3 cm, which is suitable to make a 1:500 thematic map of the ground crack. This GCCMA-UAV dataset includes 6280 images of ground cracks, and the size of the imagery is 256 × 256 pixels. Secondly, the DRA-UNet model is built effectively for coal mining ground surface crack delineation. This DRA-UNet model is an improved UNet DL model, which mainly includes the DAM (Dual Dttention Dechanism) module, the RN (residual network) module, and the ASPP (Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling) module. The DRA-UNet model shows the highest recall rate of 77.29% when the DRA-UNet was compared with other similar DL models, such as DeepLabV3+, SegNet, PSPNet, and so on. DRA-UNet also has other relatively reliable indicators; the precision rate is 84.92% and the F1 score is 78.87%. Finally, DRA-UNet is applied to delineate cracks on a DOM (Digital Orthophoto Map) of 3 km2 in the mining workface area, with a ground resolution of 3 cm. There were 4903 cracks that were delineated from the DOM in the Huojitu Coal Mine Shaft. This DRA-UNet model effectively improves the efficiency of crack delineation.
Pressure Sensors for Evaluating Hand Grasp and Pinch
Authors: Bergeron Vance , Kajganic Petar
Published: September 2024

This study addresses the need for highly sensitive tools to evaluate hand strength, particularly grasp and pinch strength, which are vital for diagnosing and rehabilitating conditions affecting hand function. Current devices like the Jamar dynamometer and Martin Vigorimeter, although reliable, fail to measure extremely low force or pressure values required for individuals with severe hand impairments. This research introduces a novel device, a modified Martin Vigorimeter, utilizing an ultra-soft latex chamber and differential pressure measurement to detect minute pressure changes, thus significantly enhancing sensitivity. The device offers a cost-effective solution, making advanced hand strength evaluation more accessible for clinical and research applications. Future research should validate its accuracy across diverse populations and settings, exploring its broader implications for hand rehabilitation and occupational health.
Variable Structure Controller for Energy Savings in an Underwater Sensor Platform
Authors: Falcão Carneiro João , Bravo Pinto João , Gomes de Almeida Fernando , Cruz Nuno A.
Published: September 2024

This paper introduces a new variable structure controller designed for depth control of an autonomous underwater sensor platform equipped with a variable buoyancy module. To that end, the prototype linear model is presented, and a finite element-based method is used to estimate one of its parameters, the hull deformation due to pressure. To manage potential internal disturbances like hull deformation or external disturbances like weight changes, a disturbance observer is developed. An analysis of the observer steady-state estimation error in relation to input disturbances and system parameter uncertainties is developed. The locations of the observer poles according to its parameters are also identified. The variable structure controller is developed, keeping energy savings in mind. The proposed controller engages when system dynamics are unfavorable, causing the vehicle to deviate from the desired reference, and disengages when dynamics are favorable, guiding the vehicle toward the target reference. A detailed analysis determines the necessary switching control actions to ensure the system reaches the desired reference. Finally, simulations are run to compare the proposed controller’s performance with that of PID-based controllers recently developed in the literature, assessing dynamic response and energy consumption under various operating conditions. Both the VBM- and propeller-actuated vehicles were evaluated. The results demonstrate that the proposed controller achieves an average energy consumption reduction of 22% compared to the next most efficient PID-based controller for the VBM-actuated vehicle, though with some impact on control performance.
Using Wearable Sensors to Study Musical Experience: A Systematic Review
Authors: Volta Erica , Di Stefano Nicola
Published: September 2024

Over the last few decades, a growing number of studies have used wearable technologies, such as inertial and pressure sensors, to investigate various domains of music experience, from performance to education. In this paper, we systematically review this body of literature using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method. The initial search yielded a total of 359 records. After removing duplicates and screening for content, 23 records were deemed fully eligible for further analysis. Studies were grouped into four categories based on their main objective, namely performance-oriented systems, measuring physiological parameters, gesture recognition, and sensory mapping. The reviewed literature demonstrated the various ways in which wearable systems impact musical contexts, from the design of multi-sensory instruments to systems monitoring key learning parameters. Limitations also emerged, mostly related to the technology’s comfort and usability, and directions for future research in wearables and music are outlined.
Effect of Damping on the Identification of Bridge Properties Using Vehicle Scanning Methods
Authors: Erduran Emrah , Gonen Semih
Published: September 2024

Vehicle scanning methods are gaining popularity because of their ability to identify modal properties of several bridges with only one instrumentation setup, and several methods have been proposed in the last decade. In the numerical models used to develop and validate such methods, bridge damping is often overlooked, and its impact on the efficacy of vehicle scanning methods remains unknown. The present article addresses this knowledge gap by systematically investigating the effects of bridge damping on the efficacy of vehicle scanning methods in identifying the modal properties of bridges. For this, acceleration responses obtained from a numerical model of a bridge and vehicle are used. Four different scenarios are considered where vehicle damping, presence of road roughness, and traffic on the bridge are varied. Bridge damping is modeled using mass-proportional, stiffness-proportional, and Rayleigh damping models. The impacts of ignoring bridge damping or considering one of these damping models on the modal frequencies and mode shapes identified using the vehicle response are investigated by comparing the results. The outcomes of the numerical analysis show that ignoring bridge damping in vehicle scanning applications can significantly increase the efficacy of these methods. They also show that the identifiability of the bridge frequencies and bridge mode shapes from the vehicle response decreases significantly when bridge damping is considered. Further, the damping model used impacts which bridge modes can be identified because different damping models provide different modal damping ratios for each mode. The results highlight the importance of correctly simulating damping behavior of bridges, which is often ignored, to be able to correctly evaluate the efficacy of vehicle scanning methods, and they provide an important stepping stone for future studies in this field.
Point Cloud Densification Algorithm for Multiple Cameras and Lidars Data Fusion
Authors: Winter Jakub , Nowak Robert
Published: September 2024

Fusing data from many sources helps to achieve improved analysis and results. In this work, we present a new algorithm to fuse data from multiple cameras with data from multiple lidars. This algorithm was developed to increase the sensitivity and specificity of autonomous vehicle perception systems, where the most accurate sensors measuring the vehicle’s surroundings are cameras and lidar devices. Perception systems based on data from one type of sensor do not use complete information and have lower quality. The camera provides two-dimensional images; lidar produces three-dimensional point clouds. We developed a method for matching pixels on a pair of stereoscopic images using dynamic programming inspired by an algorithm to match sequences of amino acids used in bioinformatics. We improve the quality of the basic algorithm using additional data from edge detectors. Furthermore, we also improve the algorithm performance by reducing the size of matched pixels determined by available car speeds. We perform point cloud densification in the final step of our method, fusing lidar output data with stereo vision output. We implemented our algorithm in C++ with Python API, and we provided the open-source library named Stereo PCD. This library very efficiently fuses data from multiple cameras and multiple lidars. In the article, we present the results of our approach to benchmark databases in terms of quality and performance. We compare our algorithm with other popular methods.
Building a Sustainable Future: Enhancing Construction Safety through Macro-Level Analysis
Authors: Feng Rui , Zhang Zhuqing , Li Zonghao , Meng Ge , Liu Jian
Published: September 2024

Accidents are events that occur unexpectedly during production or daily activities, causing personal injury or property damage. Analyzing accident trends and their influencing factors is crucial for policymakers to develop effective management systems and preventive measures, thereby significantly enhancing accident prevention strategies and promoting sustainability in construction practices. This study focuses on accidents in China’s construction industry from 2008 to 2020, examining the macro factors that influence the growth rate of construction accidents and their underlying mechanisms. By employing a system dynamics model with incorporated delay functions, this study simulates the impact of 15 macro factors on the accident growth rate. The findings reveal that improvements in factors such as the power equipment rate and safety investments not only substantially reduce accident frequency, but also contribute to the sustainable development of construction practices by promoting safer and more resource-efficient methods. Furthermore, the introduction of delay functions validates the lag effects of various factors, emphasizing their long-term cumulative impact on both safety and sustainability. The simulation results demonstrate that the system dynamics model accurately reflects the actual growth trends of construction accidents, providing robust scientific evidence for policymakers. This study enhances the understanding of the mechanisms driving construction safety accidents and offers theoretical support for the formulation of effective and sustainable safety management policies.
Literature Review on Collaborative Project Delivery for Sustainable Construction: Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Babalola Olabode , Alam Bhuiyan Mohammad , Hammad Ahmed
Published: September 2024

This paper aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis and traditional literature review concerning collaborative project delivery (CPD) methods, with an emphasis on design-build (DB), construction management at risk (CMAR), and integrated project delivery (IPD) Methods. This article seeks to identify the most influential publications, reveal the advantages and disadvantages of CPD, and determine the most suitable CPD methods for sustainable construction. This research involves the application of bibliometric instruments in R, which is a powerful statistical computing language that can be used to perform complex data analyses and visualizations on bibliographic data to scrutinize academic journals retrieved from the Scopus database. Google Scholar is also utilized for an in-depth analysis as part of this study. Relevant articles are identified and screened for review. Our analysis is grounded on an extensive dataset of 927 journal articles collected from the year 2000 up to September 2023, providing a robust foundation for a comprehensive examination. Citation analysis identified highly cited publications that have significantly influenced the discourse on CPD. The analysis further established the advantages and disadvantages of CPD methods to suggest the most suitable CPD technique for sustainable construction. The results of this analysis offer insights into future directions and opportunities for further research through a comprehensive overview of the existing discourse on the subject. The paper classifies CPD through collaborative contracting, particularly through early contractor involvement (ECI), groups the design-build and construction manager at risk methods under CPD, and aligns their advantages with the critical success factors for sustainable construction in order to select the most suitable CPD technique. This research can serve as a guide for industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers, providing a structured path for collaborative endeavors and facilitating coordinated efforts toward collaborative project delivery methods and sustainable construction.
Analysis of Techno-Functional Properties of Fermented and Non-Fermented Buttermilk-Containing Ice Creams
Authors: Nyulas-Zeke Ildikó Csilla , Hidas Karina Ilona , Pásztor-Huszár Klára , Dalmadi István , Szücs Enikő , Pap Rebeka , Csurka Tamás
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the utilization of buttermilk, a by-product of butter production, in ice cream. Butterfly pea flower, which provides natural coloring and antioxidant properties, was added to buttermilk for investigating its improving effect on the techno-functional and sensory attributes of ice cream. Ice cream mixes were prepared with varying buttermilk concentrations (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%) as the first factor of the research. In addition, the effect of fermentation was also investigated as the second factor of the experiment. The ingredients included buttermilk, milk, cream, sucrose, dextrose, locust bean gum, butterfly pea flowers, and vanilla extract. The preparation involved the extraction of the butterfly flowers, fermentation in case of the fermented samples, homogenization, pasteurization, freezing, and hardening. Quality attributes such as dry matter content, pH, color, rheological properties of the ice cream mixes, overrun, melting properties, and ice cream hardness were analyzed to determine the maximal substitution level of milk by buttermilk without compromising ice cream quality. Our results explore the impact of buttermilk content and fermentation on the techno-functional properties of ice cream. As buttermilk concentration increased, dry matter content decreased, ranging from 34.4 g/100 g at 0% buttermilk to 31.9 g/100 g at 100% buttermilk. pH levels were lower in the fermented samples, decreasing from 6.5 in the non-fermented to 4.6 in the fermented samples. L* decreased with higher buttermilk content, while a* and b* values increased slightly. The butterfly pea flower provided a blue hue across all samples; the blue hue increased by 20% with a higher buttermilk content. Increasing the buttermilk concentration led to a 40% decrease in the yield stress and consistency coefficient, indicating a less viscous mix. The flow behavior index slightly increased, suggesting a more Newtonian-like flow at higher buttermilk levels. Overrun decreased with a higher buttermilk content, from 45% at 0% buttermilk to 30% at 100% buttermilk, indicating reduced air incorporation. The meltdown rate increased with a higher buttermilk content, meaning the ice cream melted more rapidly. The hardness of the ice cream decreased as buttermilk concentration increased, from 15 N at 0% buttermilk to 10 N at 100% buttermilk. The fermented sample groups were on average 44% harder than the non-fermented sample groups. The findings suggest that up to 100% of buttermilk can effectively replace milk in ice cream formulations without compromising quality, providing a sustainable and health-beneficial use for this dairy by-product.
New Roadmap toward Social Sustainability, from Physical Structures to Perceived Spaces
Authors: Al-saedi Abdulrazaq Zamil Menshid , Rasul Hoshyar Qadir
Published: September 2024

This article explores the intricate relationship between urban density and social sustainability by examining the impacts of both physical and perceived density on key social sustainability criteria. Physical density is defined by measurable attributes such as building height, spacing, and population. Perceived density, on the other hand, is shaped by residents’ subjective experiences influenced by visual, functional, social, and spatial factors. This study analyzes data from the literature using the thematic analysis method. It reveals that social sustainability can be negatively affected by increased density, depending on how residents perceive high density. Key factors such as building design, green spaces, availability of amenities, and street layout are crucial in shaping residents’ perceptions of density. These perceptions, in turn, affect inclusivity, community engagement, quality of life, cultural diversity, and social cohesion within urban areas. The research highlights the importance of integrating green spaces, public areas, and community amenities to mitigate negative perceptions of density and enhance overall quality of life. The findings suggest that achieving social sustainability requires a nuanced understanding of both physical and perceived density. This paper provides a comprehensive framework for understanding these complex relationships and offers valuable insights for creating socially sustainable urban environments.
Comparative Study of Fertilization Value and Neutralizing Power of Lime Materials of Carbonate and Silicate Natures on Plants of the Families Gramíneae, Brassicáceae, and Leguminósae
Authors: Litvinovich Andrey , Lavrishchev Anton , Bure Vladimir M. , Zhapparova Aigul , Kenzhegulova Sayagul , Tleppayeva Aigul , Issayeva Zhanetta , Turebayeva Sagadat , Saljnikov Elmira
Published: September 2024

The dissolution of Ca and Mg in soil and their translocation in plants from different families when using different doses of liming materials of industrial waste origin have not yet been sufficiently studied. In this study, the influence of increasing doses of ameliorants of carbonate (dolomite flour—DF) and silicate (blast furnace slag—BFS) natures on the change in acid–base properties of soddy-podzolic light loamy soil, yield, and chemical composition of plants of the families Gramíneae (spring wheat), Brassicáceae (spring rapeseed), and Leguminósae (vetch and beans) was studied in five-year pot experiments. In the five-year experiments, the ameliorant of a carbonate nature showed greater effect on soil acid–base properties than that of a silicate nature. A return to the initial state of soil pH was not established in any of the treatments. Both ameliorants showed similar effects on wheat straw biomass, but DF had a greater positive effect on wheat grain yield than BFS. Regardless of the dose of DF applied, the accumulation of Ca and Mg by the plants throughout the study period was higher than when BFS was applied. Among the studied plants, those of the family Brassicáceae were the most responsive to liming and, at the same time, showed high ecological adaptability. Differences in the effects of the two ameliorants on the soil chemical properties were more significant than differences in their effects on plant productivity.
Correction: Kumar et al. Winter Tolerance Potential of Genetically Diverse Sugarcane Clones under Subtropical Climate of Northern India. Sustainability 2022, 14, 11757
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Meena Mintu Ram , Dhansu Pooja , Karuppaiyan R. , Appunu C. , Kulshreshtha Neeraj , Kaushik Prashant , Ram Bakshi
Published: September 2024

Affiliation Update: [...]
The Impact of Street Elements on Pedestrian Stopping Behavior in Commercial Pedestrian Streets from the Perspective of Commercial Vitality
Authors: Mu Xuanming , Mu Liqiang , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2024

As urban design increasingly emphasizes livable environments, research on pedestrians and walking environments has been revisited at the street level. Although existing studies have shown that street environments impact pedestrians, there remains a significant gap in our knowledge regarding which street elements affect pedestrian walking behavior, to what degree, and which walking characteristics are influenced. This study aims to validate the close relationship between street elements and pedestrian stopping behavior by measuring the influence of different street element environments on walking characteristics. Research methods include a literature review and field research, categorizing street elements into 32 types and pedestrian stopping behaviors into 10 characteristics. By collecting effective walking data from 1587 pedestrians and conducting data processing and regression analysis, we found that rational street design can effectively promote commercial activity and enhance street vitality. Based on the experimental conclusions, we propose urban design recommendations to further enhance the vitality of commercial pedestrian streets, including optimizing street landscape design, improving pedestrian facilities, and increasing leisure spaces. This research provides valuable references for further exploring how to enhance the vitality of commercial pedestrian streets, helping urban planners and designers better understand the relationship between street elements and urban vitality, thereby creating more attractive and vibrant urban spaces and promoting sustainable urban development.
Extreme Rainfall Events in July Associated with the Daily Asian-Pacific Oscillation in the Sichuan-Shaanxi Region of China
Authors: Liao Rongwei , Liu Ge , Lei Yangna , Zhu Yuzhou
Published: September 2024

Rainfall variability and its underlying physical mechanisms are crucial for improving the predictive accuracy of July rainfall patterns in the Sichuan-Shaanxi (SS) region of Southwestern China. This study utilized observational 24 h accumulated rainfall data from China in conjunction with reanalysis products sourced from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between daily variations in the daily Asian-Pacific Oscillation (APO), atmospheric circulation, and daily rainfall patterns in the SS region, and to evaluate the impact of atmospheric circulation anomalies on these relationships. The results reveal a discernible intensification in the sea–land thermal contrast associated with atmospheric circulation anomalies transitioning from the daily extremely low APO (ELA) to the extremely high APO (EHA) days. These conditions lead to an increased presence of water vapor and widespread anomalies in rainfall that exceed normal levels in the SS region. Concurrently, the increase in stations experiencing extreme rainfall events (EREs) accounts for 21.3% of the overall increase in stations experiencing rainfall. The increase in rainfall amount contributed by EREs (RA-EREs) accounts for 73.5% of the overall increase in the total rainfall amount (TRA) across the SS region. Specifically, heavy rainfall (HR) and downpour rainfall (DR) during EREs accounted for 65.7% (HR) and 95.3% (DR) of the overall increase in the TRA, respectively. Relative to the ELA days, there was a substantial 122.6% increase in the occurrence frequency of EREs and a 23.3% increase in their intensity. The study suggests that the daily APO index emerges as a better indicator of July rainfall events in the SS region, with EREs significantly contributing to the overall increase in rainfall in this region. These findings indicate the importance of improving predictive capabilities for daily variability in the APO index and their correlation with rainfall events in the SS region. The results may inform the development of effective adaptation and mitigation strategies to manage the potential impacts of EREs on agriculture, water resources, sustainable development, and infrastructure in the region.
Regional Variations in Urban Trash: Connections between Litter Communities and Place
Authors: Kachef Randa L. , Chadwick Michael A.
Published: September 2024

Litter is a pervasive social and environmental issue that continues to evade effective and sustainable mitigation strategies. As the nature of waste items can influence methods and rates of littering, an understanding of litter typologies associated with specific sites has the potential to inform targeted anti-littering efforts. In this study, data analysis methods from ecology were applied to litter surveys to evaluate patterns among urban litter items found in two types of streets in England (High Streets and Central Business Districts). The results indicate that sites characterised as a High Street (predominantly leisure activities such as shopping and dining) contained lower densities and less variety yet featured litter items with a higher potential for environmental contamination than sites categorised as Central Business Districts (identified by high numbers of professional workers and transport links). Although litter was significantly different between sites, the litter community structure was not. Our results suggest that litter typologies and associated activities can lead to specific knowledge of key influential items in a site and inform future evidence-based and sustainable mitigation systems.
Closing the City Cycle: An Approach for Defining Cross-Sectoral Circular Actions to Be Included in a Circular Urban Plan
Authors: Paoli Federica , Pirlone Francesca
Published: September 2024

The topic of the circular economy and its potential applications to urban areas is currently widely discussed as it is seen as a possible solution to the state of environmental, economic, and social unsustainability resulting from the previous consumption model. However, although many contributions focus on one or more key sectors affecting the urban environment (Mobility, Waste, Built Environment, Water, Energy, and Food), few attempts address the topic comprehensively, promoting a broad vision that encompasses all sectors and evaluates their interrelation. This paper aims to meet this need by first providing an overview of the topic of circular cities, best practices, and circular actions, and subsequently defining a synergistic methodological framework of intersectoral circular actions that considers the interrelation of the various key sectors and that can be used as a tool to contribute to the overall closure of the urban cycle of a city. The city of Genoa is proposed as a case study for a first application. This research should be incorporated into a possible Urban Circular Action Plan aimed at implementing current international strategies.
An Innovative Vision-Guided Feeding System for Robotic Picking of Different-Shaped Industrial Components Randomly Arranged
Authors: Giannoccaro Nicola Ivan , Rausa Giuseppe , Rizzi Roberta , Visconti Paolo , De Fazio Roberto
Published: September 2024

Within an industrial plant, the handling of randomly arranged objects is becoming increasingly popular. The technology industry has introduced ever more powerful devices to the market, but they are often unable to meet the demands of the industry in terms of processing times. Using a multi-component feeder, which facilitates the automatic picking of objects arranged in bulk, is the ideal element to speed up the identification of objects by the vision system. The innovative designed feeder eliminates the dead time of the vision system since the feeder has two working surfaces, thus making the viewing time hidden in relation to the total handling cycle time. In addition, the step feeder integrated into the feeder structure allows for control over the number of objects that fall onto the work surface, optimizing the material flow. The feeder was designed to palletize aluminum hinge fins but can also handle other products with different shapes and sizes. A two-dimensional (2D) vision system is integrated into the robotic cell to identify the components to be palletized, obtaining a reduced cycle time. The innovative feeder is fully adaptable to industrial applications and allows for easy integration into the robotic cell in which it is installed; by testing its operation with different aluminum fins, male and female, significant results were obtained in terms of cycle times ranging from 1.44 s to 1.68 s per piece, with an average productivity level (PL) of 1175 pcs every 30 min.
A Joint Classification Method for COVID-19 Lesions Based on Deep Learning and Radiomics
Authors: Ma Guoxiang , Wang Kai , Zeng Ting , Sun Bin , Yang Liping
Published: September 2024

Pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus is an acute respiratory infectious disease. Its rapid spread in a short period of time has brought great challenges for global public health. The use of deep learning and radiomics methods can effectively distinguish the subtypes of lung diseases, provide better clinical prognosis accuracy, and assist clinicians, enabling them to adjust the clinical management level in time. The main goal of this study is to verify the performance of deep learning and radiomics methods in the classification of COVID-19 lesions and reveal the image characteristics of COVID-19 lung disease. An MFPN neural network model was proposed to extract the depth features of lesions, and six machine-learning methods were used to compare the classification performance of deep features, key radiomics features and combined features for COVID-19 lung lesions. The results show that in the COVID-19 image classification task, the classification method combining radiomics and deep features can achieve good classification results and has certain clinical application value.
Characterization of Avian Influenza Viruses Detected in Kenyan Live Bird Markets and Wild Bird Habitats Reveal Genetically Diverse Subtypes and High Proportion of A(H9N2), 2018–2020
Authors: Munyua Peninah , Osoro Eric , Jones Joyce , Njogu George , Yang Genyan , Hunsperger Elizabeth , Szablewski Christine M. , Njoroge Ruth , Marwanga Doris , Oyas Harry , Andagalu Ben , Ndanyi Romona , Otieno Nancy , Obanda Vincent , Nasimiyu Carolyne , Njagi Obadiah , DaSilva Juliana , Jang Yunho , Barnes John , Emukule Gideon O. , Onyango Clayton O. , Davis C. Todd
Published: September 2024

Following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in countries bordering Kenya to the west, we conducted surveillance among domestic and wild birds along the shores of Lake Victoria. In addition, between 2018 and 2020, we conducted surveillance among poultry and poultry workers in live bird markets and among wild migratory birds in various lakes that are resting sites during migration to assess introduction and circulation of avian influenza viruses in these populations. We tested 7464 specimens (oropharyngeal (OP) and cloacal specimens) from poultry and 6531 fresh fecal specimens from wild birds for influenza A viruses by real-time RT-PCR. Influenza was detected in 3.9% (n = 292) of specimens collected from poultry and 0.2% (n = 10) of fecal specimens from wild birds. On hemagglutinin subtyping, most of the influenza A positives from poultry (274/292, 93.8%) were H9. Of 34 H9 specimens randomly selected for further subtyping, all were H9N2. On phylogenetic analysis, these viruses were genetically similar to other H9 viruses detected in East Africa. Only two of the ten influenza A-positive specimens from the wild bird fecal specimens were successfully subtyped; sequencing analysis of one specimen collected in 2018 was identified as a low-pathogenicity avian influenza H5N2 virus of the Eurasian lineage, and the second specimen, collected in 2020, was subtyped as H11. A total of 18 OP and nasal specimens from poultry workers with acute respiratory illness (12%) were collected; none were positive for influenza A virus. We observed significant circulation of H9N2 influenza viruses in poultry in live bird markets in Kenya. During the same period, low-pathogenic H5N2 virus was detected in a fecal specimen collected in a site hosting a variety of migratory and resident birds. Although HPAI H5N8 was not detected in this survey, these results highlight the potential for the introduction and establishment of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in poultry populations and the associated risk of spillover to human populations.
Demonstration of Insect Vector-Mediated Transfer of a Betasatellite between Two Helper Viruses
Authors: Fouad Noun , Granier Martine , Blanc Stéphane , Thébaud Gaël , Urbino Cica
Published: September 2024

Begomoviruses, transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, pose significant threats to global agriculture due to their severe impact on various crops. Among the satellite molecules associated with begomoviruses, betasatellites play a crucial role in enhancing disease severity and yield losses. The spread and association of these molecules with helper viruses in host plants are thus matters of concern. Here, we focus on the propagation of betasatellites and, more specifically, on their transfer between different helper viruses and hosts through vector transmission. Our results show that the cotton leaf curl Gezira betasatellite (CLCuGeB), initially acquired with its helper virus cotton leaf curl Gezira virus (CLCuGeV) from an okra plant, can be transmitted and assisted by a different helper virus, tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), in a different host plant (tomato plant). The new association can be formed whether TYLCV and CLCuGeB encounter each other in a host plant previously infected with TYLCV or in whiteflies having acquired the different components separately. Our findings reveal two pathways by which betasatellites can be transferred between helper viruses and host plants and highlight the ability of betasatellites to spread in begomovirus-infected environments.
Topical Protease Inhibitor Increases Tumor-Free and Overall Survival in CD4-Depleted Mouse Model of Anal Cancer
Authors: Yao Evan , Gunder Laura , Moyer Tyra , Matkowskyj Kristina A. , Fox Kathryn , Zhou Yun , Haggerty Sakura , Johnson Hillary , Sherer Nathan , Carchman Evie
Published: September 2024

Patients with immunodeficiencies and older age are at an increased risk of anal cancer. Transgenic K14E6/E7 mice with established high-grade anal dysplasia were treated topically at the anus with the protease inhibitor saquinavir (SQV) in the setting of CD4+ T-cell depletion to mimic immunodeficiency. To ensure tumor development, specific groups were treated with a topical carcinogen (7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)). The treatment groups included the vehicle (control), DMBA only, topical SQV, and topical SQV with DMBA, as well as the same four groups with CD4 depletion. The mice were monitored weekly for tumor development. Upon reaching 20 weeks of treatment, the mice were sacrificed, and their anal tissue was harvested for histological analysis. None of the mice in the SQV or control groups developed overt anal tumors, except three mice that were CD4-depleted. The CD4-depleted mice treated with DMBA had significantly increased tumor-free survival and overall survival as well as decreased tumor-volume growth over time when treated with SQV. These data suggest that topical SQV, in the setting of CD4 depletion and high-grade anal dysplasia, can increase tumor-free and overall survival; thus, it may represent a viable topical therapy to decrease the risk of progression of anal dysplasia to anal cancer.
COVID-19 Vaccine: A Potential Risk Factor for Accelerating the Onset of Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Pira Anna , Mariotti Feliciana , Moro Francesco , Didona Biagio , Scaglione Giovanni Luca , Panebianco Annarita , Abeni Damiano , Di Zenzo Giovanni
Published: September 2024

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune bullous disease, whose main autoantigens are hemidesmosomal components BP180 and BP230. Although recent studies found no association between COVID-19 vaccines and BP, since mass vaccinations started, more than 90 vaccine-associated BP cases have been reported. To find an agreement among real-life clinical observations and recent epidemiologic data, we further investigated this topic. A total of 64 patients with BP onset in 2021 were demographically, clinically, and serologically characterized: 14 (21.9%) vaccine-associated patients (VA) developed BP within 5 weeks from the first/second vaccine dose. VA and vaccine-non-associated (VNA) patients had similar demographics and clinical and immunological characteristics. Noteworthy, the monthly distribution of BP onset during mass vaccinations paralleled vaccine administration to the elderly in the same catchment area. Additionally, in 2021, BP onsets in April–May and June–July significantly increased (p = 0.004) and declined (p = 0.027), respectively, compared to the three years before vaccination campaigns (2018–2020). Interestingly, VA and VNA patients showed statistically significant differences in the use of inhalers and diuretics. Our findings suggest that the COVID-19 vaccine may constitute an accelerating factor that, together with other triggering factors, could act in genetically predisposed individuals with possible sub-clinical autoreactivity against BP antigens, slightly accelerating BP onset.
Investigating the Association between Steatotic Liver Disease and CKD in a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Lai Mason , Lai Jennifer C. , Allegretti Andrew S. , Patidar Kavish R. , Cullaro Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

Key Points

CKD is more common among those with steatotic liver disease compared with those without liver disease in the United States.

Higher degrees of liver fibrosis are associated with greater prevalence of CKD independent of other common risk factors of kidney disease.

Background

Steatotic liver disease (SLD) and CKD are common conditions that are strongly associated. Yet, there is a paucity of data regarding the prevalence of this overlap and the factors that may drive its occurrence.

Methods

Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we examined trends among adult participants from 2005 to 2020 that defined SLD using the Fatty Liver Index. We completed correlative analyses among adult participants from 2017 to 2020 that defined SLD on the basis of FibroScan results. We used multivariable survey-weighted binomial generalized linear models to determine the factors that were associated with CKD, defined as eGFR <60 or urine albumin-creatinine ratio >30.

Results

Among the 76,496 participants included in

trend analyses, the estimated prevalence of CKD was 15.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.2% to 16.2%) and SLD was 42.3% (95% CI, 41.4% to 43.2%). As compared with those without SLD, those with SLD had a significantly higher estimated prevalence of CKD (SLD, 15.7%; 95% CI, 14.9% to 16.5%; versus no SLD, 11.2%; 95% CI, 10.7% to 11.7%). In multivariate analyses of 3667 participants who underwent FibroScan and had SLD defined using the Fatty Liver Index, adjusting for control and presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia, compared with those with normal liver stiffness, those with moderate scarring (F2) had similar odds of CKD (1.53; 95% CI, 0.91 to 2.56), those with severe scarring (F3) had higher odds of CKD (2.28; 95% CI, 1.20 to 4.32), and those with cirrhosis had higher odds of CKD (2.21; 95% CI, 1.13 to 4.32).

Conclusions

Our findings highlight that CKD is common among patients with SLD and that higher degrees of hepatic fibrosis are associated with CKD independent of other comorbidities of the metabolic syndrome.
تأثير السن الزمني والسن العقلي على السلوك الشرائي للقهوة في السوق الكويتي
Authors: الوقيان عادل عبدالله , بليشكو لاري ب.
Published: September 2024

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى بحث اختلافات السن الزمني (Chronological Age) عن السن العقلي (Cognitive Age) لدى العملاء الكويتيين المستهلكين للقهوة في المقاهي ذات الطابع الغربي في دولة الكويت لعينة احتمالية (613 مفردة) باستخدام الاستقصاء المباشر. بينت نتائج التحليل أن الزمن العقلي يختلف عن الزمن النفسي لأفراد العينة عموما، وأن هذه الاختلافات شملت من هم في الفئات الدنيا والعليا للسن على حد سواء. كما تبين تأثير مفهومي السن وكذلك حجم الفرق بينهما على عدة متغيرات شرائية واتجاهات نفسية للعملاء تجاه ماركات القهوة. تفيد هذه النتائج في تحديد أدق للقطاعات السوقية المستهدفة ورفع فاعلية أدوات المزيج التسويقي.
تأثير العوامل الشخصية على توجهات ونوايا وإنتاجية أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية بجامعة الكويت ومعوقات البحث العلمي لديهم
Authors: خليل عمر
Published: September 2024

تعد معرفة تأثير العوامل الشخصية على إنتاجية البحث العلمي لدى أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية ومعوقات ذلك ضرورة لترشيد الجهود المبذولة لتحسين الإنتاجية البحثية في مؤسسات التعليم العالي. غير أن الدراسات السابقة تناولت في معظمها أثر العوامل الشخصية على الإنتاجية البحثية لأعضاء الهيئة التدريسية، ولم تهتم كثيراً بدراسة تأثير العوامل نفسها على التوجهات والنوايا البحثية لهم ومعوقات البحث العلمي من وجهة نظرهم. لذا ، قامت هذه الدراسة بتحليل أثر الجنس، والعمر، والجنسية، والرتبة الأكاديمية، والخبرة الأكاديمية، ومجال التخصص الأكاديمى، والوقت المنفق في البحث العلمى، والوقت المنفق في التدريس في توجهات ونوايا وإنتاجية ومعوقات البحث العلمي لدى أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية بجامعة الكويت. وأوضحت نتائج الدراسة أنه برغم من أن أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية لديهم توجهات إيجابية نحو البحث العلمي وعندهم عزم قوي للانغماس في أنشطة بحثية مستقبلية فإن إنتاجيتهم البحثية خلال السنوات الثلاث الماضية كانت نسبيا منخفضة. كما أفاد أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية أن الانشغال الدائم بأنشطة غير بحثية، وعدم توافر الحوافز الملائمة، وندرة الموارد اللازمة للبحث من أهم معوقات البحث العلمي. وأوضحت نتائج الدراسة أيضاً أن مجال التخصص الأكاديمي، والوقت المنفق فى البحث، والوقت المنفق في التدريس، والرتبة الأكاديمية من أهم العوامل الشخصية تأثيرا على توجهات ونوايا وإنتاجية ومعوقات البحث العلمي لدى أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية. وقد تمثل هذه النتائج أساسا ملائما لاقتراح سياسات تهدف إلى تحسين الإنتاج العلمي في جامعة الكويت وغيرها من الجامعات المماثلة.