bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards an arsenic-free oral treatment for human African trypanosomiasis due to Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense: a new tool for disease elimination
Authors: Baudin E , Mordt OV , Alves D , Seixas J , Lemerani M , Wamboga C , Lejon V , Signorell A , Matovu E
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense human African trypanosomiasis (r-HAT), the zoonotic, acute form of sleeping sickness in eastern Africa, is lethal if untreated. Today, only one arsenic- based, neurotoxic drug, melarsoprol, is available for treatment of the advanced meningo-encephalitic stage. A new oral treatment would simplify HAT elimination as proposed by WHO. Fexinidazole was recommended by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2018 as the first oral treatment for Trypanosoma brucei gambiense HAT, but it was not yet evaluated for r-HAT.

METHODS
This single-arm clinical trial, sponsored by DNDi, began in October 2019 and tested fexinidazole treatment in patients with r-HAT as an alternative to existing treatment in Malawi and Uganda. Patients (aged ≥6 years) with both stages of the disease were recruited up to the target of 34 patients with stage 2 disease evaluable at the end of hospitalization. Patients were hospitalised during the 10 days of treatment and followed up to 12 months after hospital discharge. The primary outcome was r-HAT-related or treatment-related fatality at the end of hospitalisation in patients with stage 2 disease and was compared with an unacceptable fatality rate of 8.5%, a threshold defined according to results from a previous clinical trial with melarsoprol. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03974178.

RESULTS
45 patients received treatment between 1 October 2019 and 28 November 2021 (35 [78%] had stage 2 disease and ten [22%] stage 1, 31 [69%] were male and 14 [31%] female, with median age of 24 years). The primary efficacy result of the clinical trial, analysed among the 34 evaluable patients, was achieved, with no r-HAT-related or treatment-related deaths during hospitalisation (0.0%, 95% CI 0.0–8.4), compared with a benchmark of 8.5% lethality attributable to melarsoprol. Safety was acceptable, with no severe adverse events related to fexinidazole; and one patient relapsed.

CONCLUSION
Fexinidazole, an oral treatment, was shown to be a good alternative to existing injectable and toxic drugs. Results were submitted for EMA regulatory review in preparation for use in endemic countries, and a positive scientific opinion was received in December 2023 to extend the indication of fexinidazole for the treatment of r-HAT. Fexinidazole is expected to be deployed in 2024 as a new r-HAT therapeutic.
Safety of hepatitis E vaccine in pregnancy: emulating a target trial following a mass reactive vaccination campaign in South Sudan
Authors: Nesbitt R , Azman AS , Asilaza VK , Edwards JK , Nkemenang P , Gakima P , Gitahi P , Biem D , Loro FB , Duncker J , Wamala JF , Albela M , Rumunu J , Staderini N , Rull M , Haile M , Ciglenecki I , Gignoux EM
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION
Hepatitis E causes high mortality among pregnant women, with case fatality risks over 30% and adverse fetal outcomes. There is an evidence gap on the safety of the only licensed vaccine, Hecolin®, in pregnancy. In 2015, WHO recommended vaccine use in response to outbreaks, including pregnant women. In 2022, the first mass reactive vaccination campaign against Hepatitis E was conducted in Bentiu displaced persons camp in South Sudan. We aimed to determine whether vaccination against hepatitis E in pregnancy increased the risk of fetal loss in a cohort of vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women.

METHODS
An exhaustive pregnancy census was conducted from 16 May 2022 until 30 June 2022 after the second vaccination round, and women were revisited 28 days after delivery date to document the pregnancy outcome. We used an emulated target trial framework to address biases inherent in observational studies. We matched (1:1, with replacement) vaccinated to unvaccinated women on age, gestational age, and vaccination propensity score, and we estimated cumulative incidence functions for fetal loss in vaccinated compared with unvaccinated women using the Nelson-Aalen estimator.

RESULTS
Among 2741 women who had a pregnancy outcome after the start of the vaccination campaign, 67 (2.4%) were vaccinated before conception, 2036 (74.3%) were vaccinated during pregnancy, and 638 (23.3%) were not vaccinated. Among the 2407 women retained in the matched analyses, the cumulative risk of fetal loss in women vaccinated during pregnancy was 6.38% (95% CI 4.93–7.26) compared with 6.26% (3.9–9.19) among unvaccinated women (risk ratio [RR] 1.02 [95% CI 0.64–1.53]). In an analysis restricted to women vaccinated during pregnancy with less than 90 days gestation, the cumulative risk of miscarriage was 11.01% (95% CI 8.45–13.13) among vaccinated women and 11.62% (6.45–17.09) among unvaccinated women (RR 0.95 [95% CI 0.59–1.66]). In sensitivity analyses, we explored the impact of different matching criteria on the estimated RR and found no qualitative differences with the main analyses, with no evidence of increased risk of fetal loss among vaccinated women.

CONCLUSION
We used an emulated target trial methodology with matching to simulate a vaccine trial in pregnant women after a reactive vaccination campaign. This robust analytical method simulating a vaccine trial attempts to control for bias inherent in observational data. We found no evidence for increased risk of fetal loss among women vaccinated during pregnancy.
Tomboy in Love
Authors: Lavin Maud
Published: May 2024

Maud Lavin follows the evolution of the lead in First Shop of Coffee Prince as the character navigates a romantic relationship that sits at the intersection of heterosexuality and queerness. Lavin unpacks the tomboy trope through analysis of the drama, fans, and autoethnography.
Introduction
Authors: Bachner Andrea , Chiang Howard , Lee Yu-lin
Published: May 2024

Shuttling back and forth between different disciplinary and conceptual perspectives, these pieces reinforce the experimental character of this volume in the form of theoretical and methodological reflections. They approach the problems raised from different disciplinary vantage points, using different vocabularies and methodologies. Rather than establishing Sinoglossia as a univocal, fixed concept, the book allow the frictions and consonances among these shorter essays to highlight the fluidity and flexibility inherent in our proposal to think through a Sinoglossic lens.
The Techne of Listening
Authors: Huang Junting
Published: May 2024

Is there a culturally specific understanding of sound—a “Chinese” sound? What are the implications of asking such questions? Sound, as an object of study, embodies ontological ambiguity. It operates simultaneously as an object, an event, and a relationship, necessitating a distinctive mode of thinking that addresses not only its medium specificity but also the listening practices that render these sounds as legible cultural experiences. This chapter explores the ontology of sound and the culturally contextualized practice of listening, especially within the Chinese cultural and philosophical context. It introduces the concept of “the techne of listening,” highlighting listening as a skillful, artful, and bodily practice that uncovers the dynamic interplay between materiality and signification. In particular, the chapter examines Wang Jing's concept of affective listening as a paradigm uniquely aligned with “Chinese” sensibilities, contrasting it with the Western notion of reduced listening, as conceptualized by Pierre Schaeffer. The discussion extends to the works of contemporary sound artists and cultural critics such as Yan Jun, Hsia Yu, and Qiu Zhijie, evaluating their engagement with sound theory through the perspectives of Chinese language, culture, and philosophy. Although “to listen” simply means to direct one’s attention toward a sound, the act of listening is both culturally and technologically mediated.
The Promise and Peril of Translation in the Taiwan Literature Award for Migrants
Authors: Hung Tzu-hui Celina
Published: May 2024

This chapter responds to the framework of Sinoglossia by illustrating how translingual practices significantly shape Taiwan’s new-millennial literary market. It examines the troubled politics of translation in the development of the Taiwan Literature Award for Migrants (TLAM), with a focus on its grassroots history, organization, selection process, storytelling patterns, debates about literary judgement, and implication for community formation. Launched in 2014, TLAM selects awardees annually (except in 2021 and 2022) from submissions of migrant-themed stories by Southeast Asians who came to Taiwan for work, marriage, and education, as well as by their Taiwan-born children. The organizing committee accepted entries in the Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, and Filipino languages during the first six years, and it added Burmese in 2020. While all submissions initially came from Taiwan-based migrants, in 2019 the call for entries was extended to those residing in several other Asian countries, and in 2020 the scope was broadened to all of Asia. Drawing on a genealogy of literary scholarship concerning translation, this chapter argues that TLAM’s selection and translation of Southeast Asian migrant writings cast light on some major contradictions underlying the collective making and rethinking of Taiwan literature, involving a network of migrant writers, translators, multilingual judges, public sector, and general readers. It further highlights how, just as language constitutes an important coordinate but not necessarily the sole or foremost factor in the overall tug-of-war of social relations, the award’s translational project also entails social investments that inevitably reflect existing biases and power asymmetries within Taiwan.
Kingston beyond Orientalism
Authors: Lye Colleen
Published: May 2024

What would it mean to read Maxine Hong Kingston's The Woman Warrior not as an example of Orientalist feminism but as an example of Sinoglossic feminism? In the former instance, our emphasis would be on the inescapability of Orientalist discourse, including for the US ethnic writer whose performance of ethnicity we would condemn for a derivative mimesis of Orientalism or praise for a critical mimicry of it. Attention to questions of colonialism, imperialism, and racism, and attention to gender are likely to be pitted against each other, such that each defines the methodological limit upon the other’s claim to a sufficient analysis. Reading The Woman Warrior as a case of Sinoglossic feminism, alternatively, we would take seriously Kingston’s text as a translation of the historical experience of Chinese feminism, wherein the projects of anti-imperial liberation and women’s liberation went hand in hand.
The Great Leap Forward
Authors: Lessard Bruno
Published: May 2024

This chapter draws on the work of social historians of China to contextualize the representation of survivors at the heart of Wang Bing’s “Anti-Rightist” trilogy, which serves as a unique audiovisual archive of the legacy of Maoist China, especially the representation of the Great Leap Forward and the ravages of the famine of 1958–1962. Bridging the gap between social history and film studies, this chapter seeks to provide a rich sociocultural background to Wang Bing’s work, and reflects on the erasure of historical events in twentieth-century China such as the Great Famine and the role that documentary film can play. The chapter pays special attention to forced labor and the prison camp (in both its laogai and laojiao forms) and touches on aspects of Chinese penology pertaining to Maoist camps such as Jiabiangou. Memoirs, microhistories, and scholarly studies mediate what remains of Maoist China and contextualize the films analyzed in subsequent chapters under the sign of oral history.
Non-Contact Magnetometric Diagnostics of Pipelines Using the Metal Magnetic Memory Method
Authors:   Energodiagnostika Co. Ltd., Dubov Anatoly ,   Energodiagnostika Co. Ltd., Dubov Alexander ,   Energodiagnostika Co. Ltd., Kolokolnikov Sergey ,   Mr Technology Sdn. Bhd., Kamarudin Mohd Noor Baharin Che
Published: May 2024

The non-contact magnetometric diagnostics (NCMD) of buried pipelines (oil and gas pipelines, heat lines, water
supply lines, etc.) has been developed by Energodiagnostika Co. Ltd. since 2000 based on the 25-year experience
of the metal magnetic memory (MMM) method application (ISO 24497-1:2007(E)). NCMD is based on
measurement along the pipeline route of the Earth’s magnetic field intensity (HEarth) distortions caused by variation
of the pipe metal magnetization in stress concentration zones (SCZs) and in zones of developing corrosion-fatigue
damages. The paper describes the experience of complex diagnostics of buried pipelines based on NCMD, the
MMM method and conventional methods of non-destructive testing. Based on NCMD results, the most strained
pipeline sections are determined for their opening and additional control by the MMM method, ultrasonic testing
and other NDT methods. On opened pipeline sections the MMM method is used to determine the presence of
defects and the mechanical properties of the metal by hardness parameters. Inadmissible defects are removed, and
the actual mechanical properties (yield strength and ultimate strength) are taken into account in check strength
calculations. The inspection should provide the answer to the following question: “Where and when should a
damage or an accident be expected?”. If this task is solved, then the possibility of timely replacement or repair of
a potentially hazardous section is provided. Application of NCMD in combination with additional inspection of
pipelines (UT, eddy current, etc.) in prospect holes determined by NCMD is aimed exactly at solution of this
problem. The paper presents the experience of NCMD of buried polyurethane foam insulated pipelines in order to
detect girth welded joints with developing damage.
The Curriculum in NDT Training Have to Include Basics Information Technology to Accomplish Reliability of Automated NDT Result's
Authors:   Velosi (M) Sdn. Bhd., Chakravarty Sujit
Published: May 2024

Automation in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is a reality of modern manufacturing and
quality assurance. Information technology applications are simultaneously developed and
applied to different fields of NDT methods. The future of doing reliability checks using
automated system is inevitable. The results are important to make a variety of decisions
regarding the quality of a product and/or service, hence affecting safety and reliability.
Depending on artificial intelligence and quantum device development, various NDT training
schemes have to adopt a new curriculum to address the issue of the basic knowledge of
information technology and automation in NDT. NDT operators are basically dependent on
the end results of software, in which the software developer uses a set of algorithms. These
are obtained in three categories; 1) Real time database; 2) Synthetic database and 3) Hybrid
or combination of them. The developers should know how the NDT systems run and NDT
operators in the other hand know the mechanism of the program, so that appropriate action
can be taken, in case there is a missed detection, or a detected indication is not very much
detrimental to the reliability of the part (Over sizing or wrongly evaluated). For example, a
set of algorithms are used to create the focal laws in a phased array ultrasonic test software in
space of 1˚ beam steering. Each has a limit of maximum up to 2nd Critical angle. Operators
try to copy the same algorithm and set up to 89˚ refraction angle, which will just create creep
wave with unreliable results to detect effective size the reflector. Programming knowledge of
the operator can effectively eliminate this type of unreliability. In various Schemes of NDT
Syllabus which are in common place to employ and train plus certify operators does not have
it; actually, the operators do the scope of work which does includes application of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and Software. With the development of Q coupler (Quantum Computing)
system, it is obvious to adopt the upcoming technology into the application of NDT industry.
Training needs to update the curriculum accordingly.
The current topic has intended to focus on the training gap and to address related kind of
unreliability.
Hybrid Inspection Method using Three Dimensional Scanning, Lock-in Thermography and Laser Shearography
Authors:   Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre, Jansen Patrick ,   Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre, Platenkamp Jacco ,   Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre, Hwang Jason
Published: May 2024

The proportion of composite materials (such as CFRP) to the metal used on the modern aircrafts is rising, imposing
different kind of failure modes. Since the composite structures are known to be sensitive to the impact loading,
there is need for means to assess the sub-surface damage in the structure rapidly. Royal Netherlands Aerospace
Centre NLR has an extensive track record on contactless non-destructive inspection (NDI) methods based on
optical sensors, such as 3D surface scanning, lock-in thermography and laser shearography. The combination of
these methods (multi-domain inspection) enables us to assess the structural integrity of an aircraft outer surface in
a short time, reducing inspection costs and the “down time” of the aircraft. Recently, NLR is working towards a
3D oriented mesh environment of an object, enhanced with NDI data, providing sub-surface damage information.
By automatically stitching the 3D object images, it is possible to expand this method for a complete scan of an
aircraft surface. Furthermore, the thermographic and shearography imaging information has been integrated into
the 3D surface accounting for the image distortion from the different measurement angles. In this paper, the results
from the various studies will be presented involving integration of the 2D measurements with the 3D scan mesh.
Keywords: Thermography, Shearography, 3D scanning, Data fusion
Measurement-based Detector Characteristics for Digital Twins in aRTist
Authors:   University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Reuter Tamara ,   University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Wohlgemuth Florian ,   BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Bellon Carsten ,   University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Hausotte Tino
Published: May 2024

Various software products for the simulation of industrial X-ray radiography have been developed in recent years
(e.g., aRTist 2, CIVA CT, Scorpius XLab, SimCT, Wilcore) and their application potential has been shown in
numerous works. However, full systematic approaches to characterise a specific CT system for these simulation
software products to obtain a truthful digital twin are still missing. In this contribution, we want to present two
approaches to obtain realistic grey values in X-ray projections in aRTist 2 simulations based on measured
projections. In aRTist 2, the displayed grey value of a pixel is based on the energy density incident on that pixel.
The energy density is calculated based on the X-ray tube spectrum, the attenuation between source and detector as
well as an energy-dependent sensitivity curve of the detector. The first approach presented in this contribution uses
the sensitivity curve as a free modelling parameter. We measured the signal response at different thicknesses of
Al EN-AW6082 at different tube voltages (i.e., different tube spectra). We then regarded the grey values displayed
by these projections as a data regression respectively an optimisation problem and obtained the sensitivity curve
that is best able to reproduce the measured behaviour in aRTist 2. The resulting sensitivity curve does not
necessarily hold physical meaning but is able to simulate the real system behaviour in the simulation software.
The second approach presented in this contribution is to estimate the sensitivity curve based on assumptions about
the characteristics of the scintillation detector (e.g., scintillator material, scintillator thickness and signal processing
characteristics). For this approach, a linear response function (linear relationship between the deposited energy per
pixel and the resulting grey value) is assumed. If the detector characteristics, which affect the simulated deposited
energy, are properly modelled, the slope and offset of the response function to match the measured grey values
should be the same for different tube spectra. As the offset is constant and given by the grey values measured at
no incident radiation, the slope is the remaining parameter to evaluate the success of the detector modelling. We
therefore adapted the detector characteristics by changing the detector setup until the slope was nearly the same
for all measured tube spectra. We are aware that the resulting parameters of the scintillator material and thickness
might not be the real ones, but with those modelling parameters we are able to simulate realistic grey values in
aRTist 2. Both of those approaches could potentially be a step forward to a full systematic approach for a digital
twin of a real CT system in aRTist 2.
Research on Optimization of Water Jet Coupling System Parameters in Automated Ultrasonic Phased Array Inspection
Authors:   Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Liu Wenjin ,   Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Liang Tian ,   Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Wang Le ,   Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Wang Shaofeng ,   Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Hai Wenjuan ,   Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Zhang Erqing
Published: May 2024

When ultrasonic testing is used for non-destructive testing of welded workpieces, the surface of the ultrasonic
transducer or wedge should have a good coupling effect with the measured surface of the workpiece. However,
in actual ultrasonic testing, it is difficult to ensure that the ultrasonic transducer completes uniform scanning,
resulting in poor coupling between the probe and the workpiece, resulting in low acoustic coupling stability of
ultrasonic testing. In view of the above problems, this paper designs and constructs an automated ultrasonic
phased array inspection platform using water jet coupling. By taking water flow rate, coupling distance, and
transducer center frequency as independent variable parameters of the water jet coupling system, and using the
received sound wave amplitude as the response variable for experimental comparison, a response surface
analysis is conducted on these parameters to optimize the detection resolution of the automated ultrasonic
inspection system. The results show that the most accurate system detection results are achieved when the water
flow rate is 0.4 L/min, the coupling distance is between 1.0-1.6 mm, and the transducer center frequency is 10
MHz. This effectively solves the problem of low stability in ultrasound detection coupling, improves the
detection efficiency, and provides guidance for further research on the imaging effect of automated ultrasonic
phased array inspection in subsequent studies.
Comprehensive Inspection Solution for Boiler Water Wall Tube Corrosion
Authors:   Guided Wave Ltd., Lee Ping-Hung ,   Guided Wave Ltd., Ma Pei Hua ,   Guidedwave (FBS Inc.), Owens Steven E. ,   Guidedwave (FBS Inc.), Borigo Cody
Published: May 2024

A substantial number of domestic coal-fired boilers, most of which have been in operation for numerous years, are
susceptible to corrosion and tube ruptures within their high-temperature environment, often resulting in unplanned
shutdowns. Despite the annual planned maintenance shutdowns, which involve routine inspections of water wall
and furnace tubes to detect potential corrosion and erosion, the current non-destructive testing methods are
generally localized. This approach, particularly with the considerable height variation of the water wall tubes
(ranging from approximately 10 to 25 meters), may overlook segments with severe corrosion during localized
ultrasonic thickness gauging. Although the experience of inspection teams reduces the chance of defect oversight,
the demand for a comprehensive and effective inspection technique remains a priority for boiler operators.
This study utilizes the characteristic of guided waves to propagate over a certain distance along pipelines, initiating
an exploration into a comprehensive inspection solution for water wall tubes. Finite element simulation results
demonstrate the suitability of utilizing a 120 kHz frequency for shear horizontal mode (SH0) testing on the fire
side of water wall tubes. This mode effectively screens for localized corrosion within a 3-meter range. In the field
of on-site boiler inspection, electromagnetic coils are employed to generate guided waves within water wall tubes.
The gathered signals from each electromagnetic guided wave testing (EMGWT) are consolidated into a
distribution map, indicating suspicious signal locations. Pulse eddy current testing (PECT) is employed to identify
potential issues with guided waves without requiring surface preparation. If PECT reveals anomalies, the affected
surface is polished, and phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) is conducted to quantitatively measure the
remaining wall thickness due to corrosion.
The theoretical exploration and on-site inspection outcomes affirm the feasibility of this approach, aimed at
enhancing operational safety for boiler water wall tubes and mitigating the risks of tube ruptures and leaks. This
comprehensive inspection solution amalgamates three advanced detection technologies, each capitalizing on its
unique inspection characteristics to facilitate corrosion screening, corrosion scanning, and wall thickness sizing.
Through the integration of these technologies, the overall inspection strategy ensures the utmost level of reliability.
Development of Environmental Monitoring Sensor for Steel Corrosion in Concrete based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
Authors:   Hokkaido University, Nithimethaporn Nicharin ,   Hokkaido University, Hashimoto K. ,   Saginomiya Seisakusho, Inc., Mitsuya Hiroyuki ,   Saginomiya Seisakusho, Inc., Ashizawa Hisayuki ,   Saginomiya Seisakusho, Inc., Ishiguro Takuma ,   Kasetsart University, Yodsudjai Wanchai
Published: May 2024

Many bridges located near marine environments usually have high risk to lose their structural performance due to
corrosion of reinforcing bars with chloride attack. While a huge amount of budget to maintain may be consumed
for the structural maintenance methodologies, an efficient monitoring system for Reinforced Concrete (RC)
structures in the corrosive environment is strongly demanded. Thus, structural health monitoring in real situations
is significant for bridge asset management. The alternative way for preventing severe damage propagation is
proactively monitoring the environmental condition containing chloride ion and its effect on the durability of
concrete structures, for which numerous methods have been conventionally suggested such as dry gauze method
to capture chlorides in air. In this study, Micro Energy Harvester (MEH) based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical
Systems (MEMS) is technically applied to develop a sensor to identify the corrosion environment with chlorides
in the exposure condition. MEMS is a rapidly evolving device, which enables to monitor the changes in natural
frequency and amplitude at nodal locations of the targeting structure due to vibration-based electrostatic power
generation induced by the corrosive environment. The purpose of this research is to develop a system for detecting
the high corrosion-prone areas and finding the suitable metal sheet material for various chloride ion conditions,
using the metal sheet as a cantilever structure for the MEMS device. 4 types of metal, aluminium, copper, iron and
zinc are considered for the parametric experiments. Several scenarios are considered including chloride ion
concentration, temperatures, and wet and dry conditions to compare the dominant frequency changes of each metal
sheet and determine their sensitivity to corrosion environment. From the preliminary results, iron and zinc have a
significant drop in frequency with the elapsed exposure period, which indicates that they are highly sensitive to
the external chloride ion environment. These results offer an innovative and proactive approach to structural health
monitoring for further developed applications. It enables prompt maintenance and early detection of potential
issues for corrosion of steel bars in concrete, ensuring the longevity and safety of RC bridge structures.
Continuous Wave Ultrasound Testing Techniques
Authors:   Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Stoev Krassimir ,   Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Sawadogo Teguewinde
Published: May 2024

Currently, the primary method employed for ultrasound inspection is based on sending and
detecting ultrasound pulses. Typically, pulse-based methods are essentially time-domain
back-reflection methods, and the time-of-flight is the main measured parameter. Recently,
continuous-wave methods have been developed in the radar and the fiber-optics fields, which
demonstrate significantly better spatial resolution, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and ability to
detect reflecting objects at very short distances. It is proposed to use the same approach to
develop continuous-wave ultrasound inspection systems. The two main differences between the
proposed continuous-wave ultrasonic testing and the classical pulsed ultrasound inspection
method are: (i) in the continuous-wave ultrasonic testing method, the transmitted and received
signals overlap in the time domain, while in the pulsed ultrasound inspection method the
transmitted and received signals are separated in the time; and (ii) in the pulsed ultrasound
inspection method the most important parameter is the time delay between the transmitted and
received signals, while in the continuous-wave ultrasonic testing method the most informative
parameters are the frequency and phase changes in the received signal in respect to modulated
transmitted signal. This allows for additional flexibility in the continuous-wave ultrasonic
measurements, through control of the frequency modulation. Also, the continuous-wave
ultrasonic method potentially offers improved detection range and resolution; improved
signal-to-noise ratio due to better energy efficiency and easier filtering; and reduced
requirements on the voltage applied to the transducer, which in turn allows the use of simplified
low-cost electronics. The theoretical basis of several continuous-wave ultrasound inspection
technique is explained, and their advantages and limitations are discussed. Implementation of
several prototype continuous-wave ultrasound testing systems is presented. Examples of the
use of the systems for non-destructive testing are described.
Experimental study on grouting inspection of PC tendons by means of Ultrasonic Pulse Echo Tomography method
Authors:   Kyoto University, Ogura Norihiko ,   CORE Institute of Technology Corp., Sagradyan Artur ,   Kyoto University, Shiotani Tomoki
Published: May 2024

Evaluation of grouting condition of post-tensioned tendons in Prestressed Concrete (PC) structures is an important
problem in a field of maintenance of civil engineering infrastructure. Existing methods of non-destructive testing
(NDT) used for grouting inspection have some limitations. For example, Impact-Echo method has comparatively
low accuracy and X-Ray method is expensive and time- and labor-consuming. At the same time, there are
promising alternative methods of NDT, which can be used for grouting inspection. The authors carried out an
experiment using several large-scale specimens simulating PC girders. Commercially available Ultrasonic Pulse
Echo Tomography device with an array of dry-contact sensors was used. Several cases of grouting condition, PC
sheath diameter and geometry and rebar placement were studied. It was confirmed that amplitude of reflected
ultrasonic pulse in the case of not grouted PC sheath is larger, as compared with a case of a grouted PC sheath.
However, depending on diameter of PC sheath, distance from PC sheath to concrete surface and presence of nearby
reinforcement, evaluating grouting condition based only on amplitude of reflected ultrasonic pulse can be
problematic. To solve this problem authors developed a more accurate method of evaluating grouting condition,
which uses multiple parameters, such as amplitude of ultrasonic pulse reflected from PC sheath, backwall and
phase of reflected ultrasonic pulse.
Numerical Investigation of Evaluating the Degree of Damage in Concrete Plate Cold Joints through Surface Wave Dispersion Velocity Profiles
Authors:   Chaoyang University of Technology, Lin Yung-Chiang ,   Chaoyang University of Technology, Cheng Chia-Chi ,   Chaoyang University of Technology, Lin Ting-Yu ,   Chaoyang University of Technology, Chang Chia-Yu
Published: May 2024

This study aims to develop a technology for assessing the interfacial condition of cold joints in concrete plates,
focusing on the dispersion velocity profile of surface waves. The methodology employs a small impact hammer
embedded with a piezoelectric element and a displacement receiver strategically positioned on either side of the
seam. In this initial investigation, numerical models were constructed using ANSYS LS-DYNA. The cold joint
zone was simulated by randomly removing elements with a predetermined void ratio. Displacement waveforms at
the sensor node underwent analysis using a short-time Fourier Transform and the reassigned method to derive the
dispersive velocity profile of surface waves. The study delves into the impacts of varying test-line lengths, impact
durations, and void distributions. Numerical findings indicate that cold joints are detectable with a void ratio of
40% or greater. For the 60% and 80% void ratios, surface wave velocities register notably lower for wavelengths
below 0.1 m and 0.2 m, respectively. Under the same porosity ratio for surface-observable cold joints, if their
extension depth is smaller, the wave velocity on the dispersion curve will be lower than that of a fully penetrated
cold joint. The current study reveals that a contact duration of 60 μs and an impactor-receiver distance of 0.82 m
yield the most distinguishable results for detecting the extension and porosity ratio of a cold joint. Accompanied
by tests with a hammer with a contact duration of 20 μs, additional information about the joint can be unveiled.
Finally, various void distributions in the cold joint predominantly influence the wave velocity at shorter
wavelengths.
Rail Structural Health Monitoring using ultrasonic guided waves: system design and deployment
Authors:   Commissariat Energie Atomique (CEA), Carpine Raphaël ,   Commissariat Energie Atomique (CEA), Baudis Quentin ,   Commissariat Energie Atomique (CEA), Fisher Clément ,   Commissariat Energie Atomique (CEA), Recoquillay Arnaud ,   Commissariat Energie Atomique (CEA), Albertini Julien ,   Commissariat Energie Atomique (CEA), Chapuis Bastien ,   Alstom Transport, Clement Sébastien
Published: May 2024

Railways are a central industrial infrastructure enabling people and goods transportation all across the globe and
their use is due to increase in the forthcoming years to reduce the overall carbon footprint of our modern societies.
Hence the need to ensure their reliable use, as traffic interruptions or accidents can have dire social, economic and
environmental impacts. In particular, rail breaks can produce such incidents and need to be monitored and
prevented if possible.
Ultrasonic guided waves are a promising physical phenomenon to monitor rails as they can enable the monitoring
of long portions with a limited number of sensors. This talk will present a SHM system relying on such waves for
rail monitoring which has been deployed for industrial tests on a subway line. The electronics, the sensors and
their coupling to the rail were optimized to ensure the measurement of guided waves after a long-range propagation
throughout the life of the system. Indeed, specific couplings are needed to enable long-time coupling, and so
ultrasound sensitivity of the system, while the rails are bearing high loads or dilating due to temperature changes.
An experimental campaign was carried out to evaluate the sensitivity of the system to rail breaks, and to
demonstrate its detection under representative, uncontrolled environmental conditions. Particular considerations
linked to pulse-echo inspections, inducing a sensitivity to cut-off frequencies and zero-group velocity modes, will
be presented.
Arrangement of Nondestructive Tests for Technical Inspection Process of Electrofusion Weld in Gas Polyethylene Pipe
Authors:   University of Isfahan, Rasooly Meysam ,   Isfahan Province Gas, Mohseni Ebrahim ,   Azad University, Hosseini Farnaz ,   Tehran province Gas Co, Salimnia Ali
Published: May 2024

Due to the reduction of operational costs, Non-corrosiveness, and ease of implementation, polyethylene pipes are
a suitable replacement for steel pipes in gas distribution networks. Considering the irreversible events of gas
leakage, effective and feasible non-destructive testing of electrofusion welding is an essential factor to avoid the
hazards of gas leakage. To control the quality of welds, the nature of the electrofusion structure leads us to
manufacture vacuum boxes, internal pressure devices, and Tapping Saddle Connector for testing polyethylene
joint leakages. This article focuses on the sequence of these non-destructive tests to monitor the health of
polyethylene electrofusion joint structures under gas network project implementation conditions. To examine the
testing chain and the proposed sequence of non-destructive tests, the data gathering process was performed, and
with respect to the sensitivity of the electrofusion weld to the operator's skill, welding process, and the condition
of the pipe and fittings, in each case the influential factors to find the key parameters were evaluated. The results
of laboratory tests in cases of short tests and long-life tests using artificial defects such as slow crack growth with
defective samples of on-site joints and defects reported in projects were compared. To validate leak detection, leak
location, and leak measurement, weld simulation with finite element and CFD software analysis conforming to
real conditions was considered. The test sequence, acceptance criteria, and calibration method of the tools
according to EN 1555 standard were argued for performing the final inspection steps. In this perspective, for each
leak testing technique, the average type, pressure level, test duration, and finally the acceptance criteria were
proposed. The main outcome is the technical specifications for electrofusion weld assessment and baseline risk-
based inspection scheme in gas supply projects. In this regard, a database software based on the proposed ITP
(Inspection and Testing Plan) has been developed, which is fundamental for monitoring the whole project from
the first stage of polyethylene granule control, pipe and fitting manufacture, and gas injection to the final stage in
network and commissioning. Operations to determine failure causes and suitability for performance assessment.
Another proposed idea is standardizing the recent technical specifications internationally. This idea will be
implemented when management realizes that non-destructive testing can lead to cost savings, protection of humans
and the environment, and when codes and standards encompass such requirements.
Snyder and Shapiro’s Critique of Pseudo-Singularity
Authors: Oliver Alexander , Smiley Timothy ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: May 2024

Call a term ‘pseudo-singular’ if it is syntactically singular but semantically plural. ‘The pair who wrote Principia’ is a good example, standing as it does for the two individuals, Whitehead and Russell. In this journal (2021), Eric Snyder and Stewart Shapiro launched an attack on the idea, calling it ‘linguistically and logically untenable.’ In this reply we rebut every one of their criticisms.
From volunteer ping to community map - The CHS’ Community Hydrography Program
Authors: Rondeau Mathieu , Breton Michel , Montpetit-Allard Gabriel , Leger Michel , Bilodeau Yan , Kasudluak Johnny
Published: May 2024

To support coastal communities in collecting and using bathymetric data in the nearshore areas they depend on for travel, hunting, and fishing, the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) launched its Community Hydrography Program in 2022. The Program was developed by examining the successes and shortcomings in the documentation of past community hydrography initiatives. Its method focuses on the timely generation of results, namely to maintain project participants’ motivation and engagement. A use case demonstrates how community-collected bathymetry data paired with satellite data led to the creation of a community map in just 18 days.
Exploration of hydrothermal venting sites using deep-towed multibeam echosounder data
Authors: Dufek Tanja , Freitag Rald , Kuhn Thomas , Sternberg Harald
Published: May 2024

The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) obtained a contract for the exploration of polymetallic sulphides from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in an area of 10,000 km2 located in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Since obtaining this contract of exploration in 2015, BGR has conducted annual research cruises to this area and continuously improves the exploration methods for seafloor sulphides deposits. One of the main instruments is HOMESIDE, a deep-towed multibeam echo sounder (MBES) sled. Its water column data allows to visualize and therefore locate discharge sites of hydrothermal fluid – active hydrothermal venting sites (or commonly also referred to as “black smokers”). Additionally, its bathymetric data is used for geological mapping and therefore greater analysis of the seafloor geomorphology. HOMESIDE is typically towed at an altitude of about 100 m above the seabed in a water depth of approximately 3,000 m, allowing a resolution of the derived digital terrain model (DTM) of 2 m. Due to malfunction of individual positioning sensors or operational errors, the navigation data might need to be further corrected in post-processing. Navigation offsets between adjacent lines are mostly apparent in overlapping swath data. The tool mbnavadjust of the open-source software MB-System showed to be a valuable tool to improve the data quality subsequently in areas with data overlap and systematic navigation offsets. Data mismatches of more than 10 m are processed with this tool and can, therefore, be reduced significantly. In this paper, firstly, the role of deep-towed MBES as exploration tool for hydrothermal sites is presented. Secondly, the importance of post-processing MBES navigation based on the swath data especially for this project is highlighted. The workflow as well as the results are presented and show significant improvement.
Enhancing Crop Water Management: A Logistic Regression Approach Integrated with IoT for Smart Irrigation
Authors: Gopathoti Kiran Kumar , Gopatoti Anandbabu , Swathi Nimma , Pendyala Shamili Srimani
Published: May 2024

This study explores the integration of logistic regression with Internet of Things (IoT) technology to optimize water management in agriculture. Efficient irrigation systems are vital for boosting crop yields while preserving water resources, which is becoming more important due to the growing demand for food and the challenges caused by climate change. The suggested method makes use of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to gather weather predictions, soil moisture levels, humidity, and temperature readings in real time. In order to determine how much water crops will use, this data is utilized to train a logistic regression model. Supervised learning is made possible by generating labelled data through the analysis of expert knowledge and past irrigation practices. The model's performance is evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Once validated, the logistic regression model is deployed within the IoT system to provide real-time predictions of crop water requirements. Through automation and data-driven decision-making, farmers can optimize irrigation schedules, minimize water wastage, and enhance crop productivity. This integrated approach represents a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and resource-efficient farming practices.
Google Analytics for User-Centered Design: A Case Study in Open And Distance e-Learning
Authors: Mir Kamran , Tahir Ali , Amir Hajrah
Published: May 2024

Data analytics is one of the content analysis techniques which are being used in many disciplines to make informed decisions by understanding the existing data. In education, learning analytics is a very popular term that is used to measure and analyze the learner’s data to make appropriate improvements in learning and teaching designs. In this study, data generated from an online student support system is being analyzed with the help of Google Analytics in order to recommend key parameters for learner-centered application design. One year of data is being acquired and examined based on the learner’s parameters. In particular, design attributes have been proposed for future applications to make them learner-centered. The basic yet effective parameters such as geographic location, device, operating system, browser, and system language are analyzed, which provides insight into users’ preferences. This knowledge is used to build advanced personalized learner-centered applications.
Students’ Perceived Learning Acquisition of the Enhanced Course for Digital Communication
Authors: RONQUILLO DIADEMA , Thaisurya Supot
Published: May 2024

The inevitable rapid transformation of technology has instantly defined the way of life people have today, particularly in the education sector, where academic experts are compelling to realign the curriculum and instructions with the existing technological trends. The study of the enhanced course for Digital Communication is presented in this undertaking to address the digital technology learning needs of Liberal Arts students in the new normal phenomena. Specifically, it examines the influence of students' perceived prior digital technology knowledge on their perceived cognitive learning and explores the differences in students' perceived learning acquisition. Data were generated from one hundred fifty-two (152) first-year Liberal Arts students of Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin. Cronbach's Alpha coefficient confirmed the high internal consistency of the personalized and partly adopted questionnaire. The finding reveals that students' perceived prior digital technology knowledge has significantly influenced their perceived cognitive learning acquisition. The diminished data variability strengthens the evidence that students' performance has dramatically improved in hybrid and blended learning. Correspondingly, the three groups of respondents highly favored affective learning acquisition over cognitive and psychomotor. It conveys that learners profoundly engage with others using digital technologies as they grasp the meaning of the subject matter. This paper, therefore, substantiates that the enhanced course for Digital Communication was designed ergonomically for effective learning.