bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Shear Characteristics of Anchoring Interface on Bearing Performance of Fully Grouted Bolts Based on Variable Controlling Method
Authors: Du Yunlou , Zhang Yujiang , Feng Guorui , He Lujin , Zhang Xihong
Published: March 2024

The shear strength parameter of an anchoring interface is one of the key parameters affecting the design of bolt support. To better realize the design of bolt support, the pullout model of fully grouted bolts was established by FLAC3D numerical software. The commonly used tri-linear bond-slip model of the anchoring interface was selected. The variable controlling method was used to investigate the effects of the shear strength parameters of the anchoring interface on the bearing performance of fully grouted bolts. The results show that, with the increase in the displacement at the peak shear stress, the bearing capacity and the energy absorption of fully grouted bolts decrease and the ability of the fully grouted anchoring system to resist external loads weakens. Meanwhile, the deformation capacity of fully grouted bolts increases, and the durability of the fully grouted anchoring system is enhanced. With the increase in the residual shear stress and the displacement at the residual shear stress, the bearing capacity and deformation capacity of fully grouted bolts both increase, and the energy absorption also increases. Increasing the post-peak bearing properties of the anchoring interface can help improve the bearing performance of fully grouted bolts and enhance the ability of the fully grouted bolts to resist failure. The results may provide guidance for support design and performance enhancement of fully grouted bolts.
Study on Slope Monitoring and Stability Based on Bolt–Cable Combined Support
Authors: Liu Yun , Lai Jie , Xu Jiangbo
Published: March 2024

To provide reference for the design and construction of anchoring measures in slope reinforcement and treatment projects, this article presents the on-site monitoring and analysis of the stress changes in anchor rods and anchor cables in a high-level layered rock slope of a deep excavation highway. Anchor rods and anchor cables are widely used reinforcement measures in slope reinforcement due to their simplicity and economy. In this article, we took the layered rock slope of a deep excavation highway as the monitoring object and installed monitoring equipment on slopes of different levels. Based on the monitoring data of slope anchor rods and anchor cables, the rationality of slope reinforcement and treatment measures was analyzed. This study shows that active support anchor cables have better reinforcement effects than the passive protection of anchor rods. The approximate position of the potential slip surface in the slope mass can be inferred according to the monitoring of slope anchor stress, which can guide a slope reinforcement and treatment project. Finally, FLAC3D V6.0 was used for numerical simulation analysis, which showed that the slope was in a stable state under the support of anchor rods and anchor cables.
Environmental Sustainability of Building Materials in Turkey: Reference Information Recommendations for European Green Deal Declarations
Authors: Ak Şerife , Aytekin Osman , Kuşan Hakan , Zorluer İsmail
Published: March 2024

This study provides weight and normalization reference information for declaring the environmental information of building materials produced and exported in Turkey. Reference information was first determined for the global warming potential based on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which is the subject of the European Union Green Deal Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). For a more holistic approach, reference information is also recommended for environmental impact categories acidification, air pollution, ecological toxicity, eutrophication, fossil fuel depletion, human health, indoor air quality, land use, ozone depletion, photochemical smog formation, and water depletion, in addition to GHG emissions. Reference information is determined based on the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology defined in the international standards ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. Semi-structured interviews were held with twenty-one industry stakeholders in Turkey to determine the weight reference values. The results obtained from the semi-structured interviews were combined using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. Normalization reference information was determined by compiling Turkey’s national emission values. The suggested reference information has been tested using a case study. Total environmental impact scores were calculated for floor coverings and exterior wall finishes, including global warming potentials based on GHG emissions, and eleven other environmental impact categories. The findings support the need to use regional reference information in Turkey. The reference information recommended in this study can be used both in declarations within the scope of the EU Green Deal and in other possible environmental impact declarations resulting from building materials.
Negative Temperature Coefficient Properties of Natural Clinoptilolite
Authors: Schiavo Loredana , Aversa Lucrezia , Verucchi Roberto , Castaldo Rachele , Gentile Gennaro , Carotenuto Gianfranco
Published: March 2024

Negative temperature coefficient (NTC) materials are usually based on ceramic semiconductors, and electrons are involved in their transport mechanism. A new type of NTC material, adequate for alternating current (AC) applications, is represented by zeolites. Indeed, zeolites are single charge carrier ionic conductors with a temperature-dependent electrical conductivity. In particular, electrical transport in zeolites is due to the monovalent charge-balancing cations, like K+, capable of hopping between negatively charged sites in the aluminosilicate framework. Owing to the highly non-linear electrical behavior of the traditional electronic NTC materials, the possibility to have alternative types of materials, showing linearity in their electrical behavior, is very desirable. Among different zeolites, natural clinoptilolite has been selected for investigating NTC behavior since it is characterized by high zeolite content, a convenient Si/Al atomic ratio, good mechanical strength due to its compact microstructure, and low toxicity. Clinoptilolite has shown a rapid and quite reversible impedance change under heating, characterized by a linear dependence on temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been used to identify the natural zeolite, to establish all types of crystalline phases present in the mineral, and to investigate the thermal stability of these phases up to 150 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis was used for the chemical characterization of this natural clinoptilolite sample, providing important information on the cationic content and framework composition. In addition, since electrical transport takes place in the zeolite free-volume, a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis of the mineral has also been performed.
Exploring Gender Moderation: The Impact of Neighborhood Factors on Adolescent Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms
Authors: Pei Fei
Published: March 2024

Limited previous studies investigated the influences of various types of neighborhood factors on adolescent behavior problems. Meanwhile, although previous theoretical frameworks suggested that gender played a significant role in terms of neighborhood impacts on adolescent behavioral problems, few studies investigated the gender differences in such neighborhood influences. Using the year 9 and year 15 data of the national dataset Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS, overly sampled participants from low-income families), this study examined how the neighborhood structural and process factors can affect adolescent behavioral problems (internalizing and externalizing symptoms) and whether gender worked as a significant moderator for such relationships in the U.S. Structural equation models and multigroup SEM were estimated (N = 3411). Findings suggested that residential instability was associated with increased levels of internalizing symptoms among adolescents at age 15, whereas neighborhood social cohesion was linked to reduced levels of externalizing symptoms throughout adolescence. Furthermore, the moderating effects of gender were found for the association between residential instability and internalizing symptoms. Implications of such findings are further discussed.
Physical Activity-Related Practices and Psychosocial Factors of Childcare Educators: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Adams Emma K. , Nathan Andrea , George Phoebe , Trost Stewart G. , Schipperijn Jasper , Christian Hayley
Published: March 2024

Limited research investigates early childhood education and care (ECEC) educators’ involvement in promoting physical activity. The aim was to identify distinct profiles based on physical activity-related practices and psychosocial factors in ECEC educators and examine how they relate to the amount of time allocated to children’s physical activity. A secondary analysis of educator-reported survey data from the Play Active study was undertaken. Educators (n = 532) reported on four practices and four psychosocial subscales adapted from the Environment and Policy Evaluation and Observation relating to the provision of physical activity in childcare. Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct groups of educators based on their practices and psychosocial factors. Logistic regression analysed associations between latent profiles and educator-reported time provided for children’s physical activity. Five profiles of educators’ physical activity-related practices and psychosocial factors were identified. Profiles with higher practice scores also had higher psychosocial scores. Educators in profiles characterised by higher scores had greater odds of meeting the best practice guidelines for daily time allocated to children for total physical activity and energetic play. This study highlights interventions which address multiple educator behaviour change determinants to improve children’s physical activity in childcare.
Incidental Prostate Cancer in Patients Treated for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Analysis from a Contemporary National Dataset
Authors: Bologna Eugenio , Licari Leslie Claire , Franco Antonio , Ditonno Francesco , Manfredi Celeste , De Nunzio Cosimo , Antonelli Alessandro , De Sio Marco , Leonardo Costantino , Simone Giuseppe , Cherullo Edward E. , Autorino Riccardo
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: Prostate Cancer (PCa) may be incidentally diagnosed during the microscopic evaluation of resected tissue from BPH surgeries, characterizing the clinical condition known as incidental PCa (iPCa). This study aims to assess the prevalence of iPCa following BPH surgery to evaluate the associated surgical procedures and to scrutinize preoperative and postoperative management. (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the PearlDiver™ Mariner database, containing patient records compiled between 2011 and 2021. International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were employed to identify the population and outcomes. Our primary objective was to assess the prevalence of iPCa, categorized by the type of procedures, and to evaluate the subsequent treatment strategies. The secondary aim was to assess the impact of prostate biopsy (PB) and prostate MRI on iPCa detection. (3) Results: The overall cohort, accounting for 231,626 patients who underwent BPH surgery, exhibited a 2.2% prevalence rate of iPCa. The highest rate was observed for TURP (2.32%), while the lowest was recorded for RASP (1.18%). Preoperative MRI and PB demonstrated opposing trends over the years. Of the 5090 patients identified with iPCa, nearly 68% did not receive active treatment. The most common treatments were RT and ADT; 34.6% underwent RT, 31.75% received ADT, and 21.75% were treated with RT+ADT. RP was administered to approximately 9% of patients undergoing endoscopic procedures. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed age and openSP as additional risk factors for iPCa. Conversely, PB and MRI before surgery were linked to a decreased risk. (4) Conclusions: The contemporary prevalence of iPCa after BPH surgery is <3%. The increase in the use of prostate MRI mirrors a decline in the PB biopsy prior to BPH surgery but without resulting in an increased detection rate of iPCa. In contemporary routine clinical practice, iPCa is mostly managed in a different way when compared to biopsy-detected PCa.
Evaluating Mortality Predictors in COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit Patients: Insights into Age, Procalcitonin, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Ferritin Lactate Index
Authors: Ince Fatma Meral , Alkan Bilik Ozge , Ince Hasan
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Numerous studies suggest that alterations in blood parameters, such as changes in platelet, lymphocyte, hemoglobin, eosinophil, and basophil counts; increased neutrophil counts; and elevated neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios, signal COVID-19 infection and predict worse outcomes. Leveraging these insights, our study seeks to create a predictive mortality model by assessing age and crucial laboratory markers. Materials and Methods: Patients were categorized into two groups based on their hospital outcomes: 130 survivors who recovered from their Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay (Group 1) and 74 who died (Group 2). We then developed a predictive mortality model using patients’ age, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), procalcitonin levels, and ferritin lactate (FL) index results. Results: A total of 204 patients were included. Patients in Group 2 had a notably higher mean age compared to those in Group 1 (76 ± 11 vs. 66 ± 15 years) (p < 0.001). Using specific cut-off values, our analysis revealed varying effectiveness in predicting COVID-19 mortality: Those aged over 73 years showed 74% sensitivity and 60% specificity, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.701. Procalcitonin levels above 0.35 ng/mL balanced true-positive and -negative identifications well, achieving an AUC of 0.752. The FL index, with a threshold of 1228 mg/dL, had 68% sensitivity and 65% specificity with an AUC of 0.707. A PLR higher than 212 resulted in 48% sensitivity and 69% specificity, with an AUC of 0.582. An NLR higher than 5.8 resulted in 55% sensitivity and 63% specificity, with an AUC of 0.640, showcasing diverse predictive accuracies across parameters. The statistical analysis evaluated the effects of age (>73), procalcitonin levels (>0.35), FL > 1228, PLR > 212, and NLR > 5.8 on mortality variables using logistic regression. Ages over 73 significantly increased event odds by 2.1 times (p = 0.05), procalcitonin levels above 0.35 nearly quintupled the odds (OR = 5.6, p < 0.001), high FL index levels more than tripled the odds (OR = 3.5, p = 0.003), a PLR > 212 significantly increased event odds by 3.5 (p = 0.030), and an NLR > 5.8 significantly increased event odds by 1.6 (p = 0.043). Conclusions: Our study highlights significant predictors of mortality in COVID-19 ICU patients, including advanced age, elevated procalcitonin, FL index levels, the PLR, and the NLR.
Ground Effect on the Thrust Performance of Staggered Rotor System
Authors: Zhu He , Wei Shaoxiong , Nie Hong , Du Yuhao , Wei Xiaohui
Published: March 2024

In this study, the thrust performance of a staggered rotor system in-ground effect (IGE) and out-of-ground effect (OGE) while considering the interaction on wake characteristics were investigated experimentally. A thorough comprehension of their performance holds significant importance for trajectory planning, aircraft design, landing safety, and energy-efficient landings. The complex interactions within staggered rotor systems and the impact of ground effects make rotor distance and ground interactions critical factors influencing near-ground flight performance. The study investigated the influence and enhancements of rotor thrust performance through an examination of rotor speed, lateral distance, and altitude. Experimental tests were conducted on two small-scale rotor models to assess the effects of these parameters. These experiments compared the performance of staggered rotor systems with isolated rotors, analyzing the competition mechanism between the thrust loss caused by interference and the thrust gain of rotors IGE. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on analyzing the thrust gain issues exhibited by staggered rotor systems under the condition of H = 2R. Additionally, the analysis was focused on identifying prominent relative positions for thrust performance and parameters for improving thrust performance in ground effects in staggered rotor systems.
Empowering Educators and Students to Flourish: Evaluating the Student Alliance for Flourishing Program in Middle and High Schools
Authors: Larson Kristine E. , Dunn Molly S. , Tek Beth-Ann , Justice Aubrie Lawler
Published: March 2024

There is a critical need to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of students and educators. In this article, we present findings from the second year of implementing the Student Alliance for Flourishing program, a school-wide initiative to promote the flourishing of students and educators. First, we highlight the connection between Ryan and Deci’s Self-Determination Theory and the Student Alliance for Flourishing (SAFF) program, emphasizing the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in supporting the psychological needs of educators and students. Then, we describe the SAFF program and present data that highlight the program’s impact on advisors and students, particularly as these data relate to participants’ flourishing. Finally, we conclude by emphasizing the significance of promoting flourishing in schools and the need for further empirical research in this area.
Insights into UK Teachers’ Wellbeing and Workload during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: Testimonies from the Silent Voices and Lessons Learnt
Authors: See Beng Huat
Published: March 2024

This paper presents the findings of a national survey of over 3400 teachers across all phases of education in England, 10 weeks into school closure. In this paper we report on the teachers’ experiences and their testimonies of the effects of the lockdown on their wellbeing as they navigate the situation, trying to cope with teaching and adjusting to the use of new technology to deliver lessons in the confines of their home. We present their voices as they related their experiences and emotions in real time as the event unfolded. Teachers reported an increased workload with a proportionately large amount of time spent on administrative duties and planning, but less on actual teaching. On average, these teachers spent 15 h a week marking during the lockdown. Under half of the respondents said they felt happy and cheerful often, while only 17% said they did not feel this way often. Almost all teachers said they felt that what they were doing was important and worthwhile. The most common emotions expressed by teachers were fear, isolation, neglect, anxiety, and confusion. The inconsistency and lack of clarity of government guidelines added to teachers’ anxiety. The negative media portrayal of teachers did not help. The majority of teachers reported little previous experience in online teaching and only a quarter were confident in using edtech to deliver remote teaching. Only a third of teachers said they were adequately supported for online teaching. This has implications for future teacher development and initial teacher training. However, there were equally numerous positive experiences reported by teachers. Active support from parents and consistent school-home communication were seen as important in ensuring students’ continued engagement with learning. These lessons are beneficial in supporting the long-term sick and school refusers post-lockdown.
The Vaccination Fear Scale (VFS-6): Adaptation, Cross-Cultural Validation, and Invariance among Genders and Six Different Cultures, Applying Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT)
Authors: Malas Olga , Boustani Nada Mallah , Duradoni Mirko , Omotoso Dayo , Avşar Asiye Şengül , Shyroka Anastasiia , Colombini Giulia , Blanch Angel
Published: March 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a meaningful impact on several areas of human activity. With respect to psychological assessment, the requirements to study the fear of vaccination as a means to diminish negative behaviour towards vaccination had been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the factorial invariance of the six-item Vaccination Fear Scale (VFS-6) across individuals and cultures. To achieve this goal, a sample of university students was recruited (n = 2535; mean age = 20.59, SD = 2.04; males: 26.75%, females: 73.25%) from Spain (n = 388; 15.3%), Italy (n = 376; 14.83%), Lebanon (n = 487; 19.21%), Nigeria (n = 561; 22.13%), Turkey (n = 410; 16.17%), and Ukraine (n = 313; 12.34%). The results showed that the most appropriate factorial structure, exhibiting excellent fit indices, was a model with two correlated factors (cognitive symptoms: items 1, 2, and 4; somatic symptoms: items 3, 5, and 6) for both the total sample and individual samples from each country and language (Spanish, Italian, Arabic, English, Turkish, and Ukrainian). Notably, the VFS-6 demonstrated configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance across sex. Regarding countries and languages, configural invariance was observed between them. Also, metric invariance was observed between Spain, Italy, and Ukraine and between Lebanon, Nigeria, and Turkey, which indicates the presence of two well-differentiated groups of countries and the possibility of inferential analysis between them. Item Response Theory analysis suggested an appropriate level of discrimination and difficulty of the test. These significant findings lay the groundwork for future investigations into vaccination fear across diverse cultural backgrounds, providing valuable insights for addressing vaccination-related concerns worldwide.
Assessment of Communication Resource Allocation by the Transmission Control Protocol for the Target Virtual Connection under Competitive Conditions
Authors: Kovtun Viacheslav , Kovtun Oksana , Grochla Krzysztof , Połys Konrad
Published: March 2024

The mathematical framework presented in this article focuses on the controlled-transmission protocol’s asynchronous process of bandwidth allocation for the target virtual connection implemented under competition for communication resources. The studied process is formalized as a two-dimensional discrete Markovian chain, taking into account the distributions of queue lengths of TCP data fragments from competing client nodes. Such a chain describes the dynamics of filling the stack of transmitted but unacknowledged data fragments of the investigated end device. Distributions of the chain states were found for various ratios of the target virtual-connection bandwidth, transmission-protocol parameters, and communication-channel characteristics. Analytical dependencies for computing the performance of the target virtual connection for different operating modes were obtained. The results of experiments conducted based on the obtained analytical constructions showed that the performance of the virtual connection with a selective repeat mode is mainly determined by the data-loss intensity, the queue size distribution in transit nodes, and the ratio between the protocol window size and the route length.
Electric Field-Driven Jetting and Water-Assisted Transfer Printing for High-Resolution Electronics on Complex Curved Surfaces
Authors: Sun Wenzheng , Li Zhenghao , Zhu Xiaoyang , Zhang Houchao , Li Hongke , Wang Rui , Ge Wensong , Chen Huangyu , Du Xinyi , Liu Chaohong , Zhang Fan , Wang Fei , Zhang Guangming , Lan Hongbo
Published: March 2024

High-resolution electronics on complex curved surfaces have wide applications in fields such as biometric health monitoring, intelligent aircraft skins, conformal displays, and biomimetics. However, current manufacturing processes can only adapt to limited curvature, posing a significant challenge for achieving high-resolution fabrication of electronics on complex curved surfaces. In this study, we propose a novel fabrication strategy that combines electric field-driven jetting and water-assisted transfer printing techniques to achieve the fabrication of high-resolution electronics on complex curved surfaces. The electric field-driven jetting enables the fabrication of high-resolution 2D electronics on sacrificial layer substrates. After dissolving the sacrificial layer, it is observed that the 2D electronics form a self-supporting structure with a certain rigidity and flexibility. During the water-assisted transfer printing process, this self-supporting structure undergoes stretching deformation with excellent conformity of the electronics to curved surfaces while effectively minimizing wrinkles. Finally, we successfully demonstrate the manufacture of 25 μm high-resolution electronics on highly curved surfaces (nautilus shell) and complex (scallop shell, stone) surfaces. The integrity of transferred circuit patterns and consistency of conductors are verified through infrared thermography analysis, confirming the feasibility of this manufacturing strategy. In addition, a protective film with strong adhesive properties is sprayed onto the transferred curved circuits to enhance their adhesion and resistance to extreme environments such as acids and alkalis. Our proposed technique provides a simple and effective new strategy for the fabrication of high-resolution electronics on complex curved surfaces.
A Fully Programmable DAQ Board of Vibrational Signals from IEPE Sensors: Hardware and Software Design, Performance Analysis
Authors: De Fazio Roberto , Spongano Lorenzo , Messina Arcangelo , Visconti Paolo
Published: March 2024

Vibration analysis is commonly used to assess machinery conditions, earthquake detection, and structural monitoring. Commercially available DAQs (Data Acquisition Systems) feature high costs and limited versatility in terms of end-user hardware/firmware customization, making it difficult to adapt them to the input signal features and add supplementary functionalities. Hence, this research aims to develop a custom acquisition board for detecting vibration signals via IEPE (Integrated Electronic Piezoelectric) sensors, considering the limitations of commercially available systems, and building upon solutions found in the literature. The DAQ board was intended for remote vibration monitoring of infrastructure and machinery for industrial applications, allowing the implementation of predictive maintenance strategies. The proposed DAQ board has two independent and fully configurable channels, which can be set for acquiring signals from IEPE sensors or generic voltage sources. The DAQ board relies on the STM32F401 microcontroller to manage the acquisition from high-speed ADCs, process data, and store them in mass memory (SD card). During acquisition, the DAQ implements a batch acquisition strategy based on a buffer flash memory for temporarily storing ADCs data, which are iteratively poured into mass memory. Also, the board has Bluetooth connectivity to transmit acquired data and receive commands remotely. A prototype of the DAQ board was developed and tested with several waveforms, including vibration signals. The tests showed that the board can acquire vibration signals and compute the FFT onboard. The DAQ demonstrated a good balance between performance, accuracy, flexibility, and cost, making it suitable for several industrial applications and allowing for scalability and integration potential.
A Structured Mesh Generation Based on Improved Ray-Tracing Method for Finite Difference Time Domain Simulation
Authors: Chen Juan , Guo Jiale , Mou Chunhui , Xu Zikun , Wang Jianguo
Published: March 2024

A structured mesh generation method based on an improved ray-tracing technique is proposed for finite time difference domain (FDTD) simulation in this paper. This method converts the triangular faces provided by the STL file into the structured mesh required by the FDTD method. The size of the generated structured mesh is determined by the size of the triangular element, so it is non-uniform and can adapt to the shape of the target. In addition, this method proposes an improved ray-tracing technique to avoid the singularities of the object, so it has much better accuracy than the conventional method. Two representative electromagnetic objects, an Su-30 aircraft and a complex bow-tie antenna, representing a typical electrically large model and fine structure, respectively, are used to validate the accuracy of the mesh generation method. The results show that the presented method has high accuracy, regardless of whether it is used for large targets or fine structures such as a small hole, strip, thin layer, etc.
Physical Insights into THz Rectification in Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Transistors
Authors: Palma Fabrizio
Published: March 2024

Metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) have proven to be effective devices for rectifying electromagnetic radiation at extremely high frequencies, approximately 1 THz. This paper presents a new interpretation of the THz rectification process in the structure of an MOS transistor. The rectification depends on the nonlinear effect of the carrier dynamics. The paper shows that the so-called self-mixing effect occurs within the interface region between the source and the channel. The basic tool used numerical TCAD simulations, which offer a direct interpretation of different aspects of this interaction. The complex, 2D effect is examined in terms of its basic aspects by comparing the MOS structure with a simplified case study structure. We demonstrate that a contribution to the output-rectified voltage detectable at the drain arises from the charging of the drain well capacitance due to the diffusion of excess electrons from the self-mixing interaction occurring at the source barrier. In addition, the paper provides a quantitative description of the rectification process through the definition of the output equivalent circuit, offering a new perspective for the design of detection systems.
TraModeAVTest: Modeling Scenario and Violation Testing for Autonomous Driving Systems Based on Traffic Regulations
Authors: Xia Chunyan , Huang Song , Zheng Changyou , Yang Zhen , Bai Tongtong , Sun Lele
Published: March 2024

Current testing methods for autonomous driving systems primarily focus on simple traffic scenarios, generating test cases based on traffic accidents, while research on generating edge test cases for complex driving environments by traffic regulations is not adequately comprehensive. Therefore, we propose a method for scenario modeling and violation testing using an autonomous driving system based on traffic regulations named TraModeAVTest. Initially, TraModeAVTest constructs a Petri net model for complex scenarios based on the combination relationships of basic traffic regulation scenarios and verifies the consistency of the model’s design with traffic regulation requirements using formal methods, to provide a representation of traffic regulation scenario models for the violation testing of autonomous driving systems. Subsequently, based on the coverage criteria of the Petri net model, it utilizes a search strategy to generate model paths that represent traffic regulations, and employs a parameter combination method to generate test cases that cover the model paths, to test the violation behaviors of autonomous driving systems. Finally, simulation experiment results on the Baidu Apollo demonstrate that the test cases representing traffic regulations generated by TraModeAVTest can effectively identify the behaviors of autonomous vehicles violating traffic regulations, and TraModeAVTest can effectively improve the efficiency of generating different types of violation scenarios.
Prediction of Coal Spontaneous Combustion Hazard Grades Based on Fuzzy Clustered Case-Based Reasoning
Authors: Pei Qiuyan , Jia Zhichao , Liu Jia , Wang Yi , Wang Junhui , Zhang Yanqi
Published: March 2024

Accurate prediction of the coal spontaneous combustion hazard grades is of great significance to ensure the safe production of coal mines. However, traditional coal temperature prediction models have low accuracy and do not predict the coal spontaneous combustion hazard grades. In order to accurately predict coal spontaneous combustion hazard grades, a prediction model of coal spontaneous combustion based on principal component analysis (PCA), case-based reasoning (CBR), fuzzy clustering (FM), and the snake optimization (SO) algorithm was proposed in this manuscript. Firstly, based on the change rule of the concentration of signature gases in the process of coal warming, a new method of classifying the risk of spontaneous combustion of coal was established. Secondly, MeanRadius-SMOTE was adopted to balance the data structure. The weights of the prediction indicators were calculated through PCA to enhance the prediction precision of the CBR model. Then, by employing FM in the case base, the computational cost of CBR was reduced and its computational efficiency was improved. The SO algorithm was used to determine the hyperparameters in the PCA-FM-CBR model. In addition, multiple comparative experiments were conducted to verify the superiority of the model proposed in this manuscript. The results indicated that SO-PCA-FM-CBR possesses good prediction performance and also improves computational efficiency. Finally, the authors of this manuscript adopted the Random Balance Designs—Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (RBD-FAST) to explain the output of the model and analyzed the global importance of input variables. The results demonstrated that CO is the most important variable affecting the coal spontaneous combustion hazard grades.
Nutritional Traits, Pasting Properties and Antioxidant Profile of Selected Genotypes of Sorghum, Oat and Maize Eligible for Gluten-Free Products
Authors: Gazza Laura , Menga Valeria , Taddei Federica , Nocente Francesca , Galassi Elena , Natale Chiara , Lanzanova Chiara , Paone Silvana , Fares Clara
Published: March 2024

The technological and nutritional traits of food-grade sorghum hybrids, hulled/naked oat varieties and maize genotypes of different colors were studied for novel and healthier gluten-free foods. Oat genotypes showed the highest protein content, followed by maize and sorghum. The total starch and the total dietary fiber content were quite similar among the three species. Great variation was found in the amylose content, and the highest was in sorghum (27.12%), followed by oat 16.71% and maize 10.59%. Regarding the pasting profile, the rank of Peak Viscosity was sorghum (742.8 Brabender Unit, BU), followed by maize (729.3 BU) and oat (685.9 BU). Oat and sorghum genotypes had similar average breakdown (407.7 and 419.9 BU, respectively) and setback (690.7 and 682.1 BU, respectively), whereas maize showed lower values for both parameters (384.1 BU and 616.2 BU, respectively). The total antioxidant capacity, only in maize, significantly correlated with total flavonoid, phenolic and proanthocyanidin contents, indicating that all the measured compounds contributed to antioxidant capacity. The study indicated the importance of sounding out the nutritional and technological characteristics of gluten-free cereals in order to select suitable cultivars to be processed in different gluten-free foods with better and healthier quality.
Application of Plant Oils as Functional Additives in Edible Films and Coatings for Food Packaging: A Review
Authors: Moghadas Hooman Chodar , Chauhan Ruchi , Smith J. Scott
Published: March 2024

Increasing environmental concerns over using petroleum-based packaging materials in the food industry have encouraged researchers to produce edible food packaging materials from renewable sources. Biopolymer-based edible films and coatings can be implemented as bio-based packaging materials for prolonging the shelf life of food products. However, poor mechanical characteristics and high permeability for water vapor limit their practical applications. In this regard, plant oils (POs) as natural additives have a high potential to overcome certain shortcomings related to the functionality of edible packaging materials. In this paper, a summary of the effects of Pos as natural additives on different properties of edible films and coatings is presented. Moreover, the application of edible films and coatings containing POs for the preservation of different food products is also discussed. It has been found that incorporation of POs could result in improvements in packaging’s barrier, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of POs could significantly improve the performance of edible packaging materials in preserving the quality attributes of various food products. Overall, the current review highlights the potential of POs as natural additives for application in edible food packaging materials.
Traditional and Domestic Cooking Dramatically Reduce Estrogenic Isoflavones in Soy Foods
Authors: Bensaada Souad , Peruzzi Gabriele , Cubizolles Laurent , Denayrolles Muriel , Bennetau-Pelissero Catherine
Published: March 2024

Soybean is a pulse which has considerable nutritional value due to its high protein, fibers and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents. It also contains phytoestrogenic compounds that definitely hinder its recommendation for general consumption. Contrary to ancient times, when soybeans were boiled, modern commercial soy foods can contain up to 150 mg/100g of estrogenic isoflavones. Interestingly, current estimations of isoflavone intake in the literature do not distinguish between the origins of soy food, i.e., whether it is homemade or commercial. As a result, the isoflavone exposure in Asian countries may well be overestimated. This study aims to demonstrate, based on step-by-step monitoring of isoflavones, that traditional and domestic treatments, leveraging isoflavones water-solubility, can indeed significantly reduce their content in soy foods. Indeed, when compared to commercial foods, the isoflavone content was found to be 20, 2.6, 4.5 and 9.8 times lower in “homemade” soy juice, tofu, tempeh and miso, respectively. Additionally, water soaking was found to reduce the isoflavones levels in soy-textured proteins by more than 70%. Hence, this simple process has the potential to help drastically reduce overall xenoestrogens exposure. This study could serve as a basis for establishing the isoflavones Reference Dose and issuing food safety guidelines.
Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Roller Bearings Based on Fractional Brownian Motion
Authors: Song Wanqing , Zhong Mingdeng , Yang Minjie , Qi Deyu , Spadini Simone , Cattani Piercarlo , Villecco Francesco
Published: March 2024

Roller bearing degradation features fractal characteristics such as self-similarity and long-range dependence (LRD). However, the existing remaining useful life (RUL) prediction models are memoryless or short-range dependent. To this end, we propose a RUL prediction model based on fractional Brownian motion (FBM). Bearing faults can happen in different places, and thus their degradation features are difficult to extract accurately. Through variational mode decomposition (VMD), the original degradation feature is decomposed into several components of different frequencies. The monotonicity, robustness and trends of the different components are calculated. The frequency component with the best metric values is selected as the training data. In this way, the performance of the prediction model is hugely improved. The unknown parameters in the degradation model are estimated by the maximum likelihood algorithm. The Monte Carlo method is applied to predict the RUL. A case study of a bearing is presented and the prediction performance is evaluated using multiple indicators.
Investigation of the Robust Fractional Order Control Approach Associated with the Online Analytic Unity Magnitude Shaper: The Case of Wind Energy Systems
Authors: Mseddi Amina , Abid Ahmed , Naifar Omar , Rhaima Mohamed , Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif , Mchiri Lassaad
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates the development of a novel analytic approach for computing Unity Magnitude (UM) shapers that deviates from established numerical methodologies. The experimental validation on a test bench confirms the practicality and benefits of the suggested UM shaper technique. The study extends the use of UM shapers to improve the control of wind conversion systems (WCSs), particularly those including hybrid excitation synchronous generators (HESGs), demonstrating their adaptability and versatility. Experimental validation guarantees real-world application, confirming the suggested UM shapers’ trustworthiness. Strict management is still required to assure the system’s efficiency and dependability. In reality, the dynamic equations of a turbine, as well as those of an HESG, are substantially nonlinear; most system parameters are very uncertain; and, finally, a WCS is always impacted by disturbance sources such as load variations, harmonics, and mechanical vibrations. Robust control measures must be used to overcome these issues. A CRONE controller (Robust Fractional Order Control) of the second generation is created. A comparative study performed on the Simulink platform reveals substantial gains brought about by UM shapers in real-world circumstances. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of UM-shaped inputs in mechanical stabilization and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), emphasizing both theoretical soundness and practical advantages. The analytic equations for UM shapers in undamped and damped systems, offered together with a real-time algorithm, contribute to the optimization of wind conversion systems.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Low-Emission Offshore Gas-to-Wire Firing CO2-Rich Natural Gas: Aspects of Carbon Capture and Separation Systems
Authors: Reis Alessandra de Carvalho , Araújo Ofélia de Queiroz Fernandes , de Medeiros José Luiz
Published: March 2024

Despite the growth of renewable energy, fossil fuels dominate the global energy matrix. Due to expanding proved reserves and energy demand, an increase in natural gas power generation is predicted for future decades. Oil reserves from the Brazilian offshore Pre-Salt basin have a high gas-to-oil ratio of CO2-rich associated gas. To deliver this gas to market, high-depth long-distance subsea pipelines are required, making Gas-to-Pipe costly. Since it is easier to transport electricity through long subsea distances, Gas-to-Wire instead of Gas-to-Pipe is a more convenient alternative. Aiming at making offshore Gas-to-Wire thermodynamically efficient without impacting CO2 emissions, this work explores a new concept of an environmentally friendly and thermodynamically efficient Gas-to-Wire process firing CO2-rich natural gas (CO2 > 40%mol) from high-depth offshore oil and gas fields. The proposed process prescribes a natural gas combined cycle, exhaust gas recycling (lowering flue gas flowrate and increasing flue gas CO2 content), CO2 post-combustion capture with aqueous monoethanolamine, and CO2 dehydration with triethylene glycol for enhanced oil recovery. The two main separation processes (post-combustion carbon capture and CO2 dehydration) have peculiarities that were addressed at the light shed by thermodynamic analysis. The overall process provides 534.4 MW of low-emission net power. Second law analysis shows that the thermodynamic efficiency of Gas-to-Wire with carbon capture attains 33.35%. Lost-Work analysis reveals that the natural gas combined cycle sub-system is the main power destruction sink (80.7% Lost-Work), followed by the post-combustion capture sub-system (14% Lost-Work). These units are identified as the ones that deserve to be upgraded to rapidly raise the thermodynamic efficiency of the low-emission Gas-to-Wire process.
Sustainable Retaining Wall Solution as a Mitigation Strategy on Steep Slopes in Soft Rock Mass
Authors: Jelušič Primož , Vlastelica Goran , Žlender Bojan
Published: March 2024

Steep slopes in soft rock are characterized by their susceptibility to instability (rockfall, rockslide) due to weathering and erosion of the slope surface. This article deals with the problem of adapting to the increasing height of the scree slope. The construction of a retaining wall in a scree slope in front of a slope of soft rock with a steep face, where a very rapid weathering and erosion process of weathered material takes place, and the simultaneous deposition of material in front of the steep slope is a common solution. Changes in the geometry of the slope and the front scree are taken into account, and at the same time, sufficient safety against rockfall must be ensured. The analysis is shown on a specific example of a steep flysch slope near Split, Dalmatia. The retaining wall solutions are compared in terms of function, cost and sustainability. The construction of a single colossal, reinforced concrete retaining wall shows that this solution is not feasible due to the high construction costs and CO2 emissions of the retaining wall. A model was therefore developed to determine the height of the retaining walls for different construction time intervals and distances from the original rock face. The critical failure modes were investigated for various retaining wall solutions with regard to the highest degree of utilization of the resistance, which also allows the cost-optimized solutions to be determined. By building two or more successive retaining walls at suitable intervals and at an appropriate distance from the original rock face, construction costs and CO2 emissions can be significantly reduced.
The Functional Neuroimaging of Autobiographical Memory for Happy Events: A Coordinate-Based Meta-Analysis
Authors: Testa Giulia , Sotgiu Igor , Rusconi Maria Luisa , Cauda Franco , Costa Tommaso
Published: March 2024

Neuroimaging studies using autobiographical recall methods investigated the neural correlates of happy autobiographical memories (AMs). The scope of the present activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis was to quantitatively analyze neuroimaging studies of happy AMs conducted with autobiographical recall paradigms. A total of 17 studies (12 fMRI; 5 PET) on healthy individuals were included in this meta-analysis. During recall of happy life events, consistent activation foci were found in the frontal gyrus, the cingulate cortex, the basal ganglia, the parahippocampus/hippocampus, the hypothalamus, and the thalamus. The result of this quantitative coordinate-based ALE meta-analysis provides an objective view of brain responses associated with AM recollection of happy events, thus identifying brain areas consistently activated across studies. This extended brain network included frontal and limbic regions involved in remembering emotionally relevant positive events. The frontal gyrus and the cingulate cortex may be responsible for cognitive appraisal processes during recollection of happy AMs, while the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus may be involved in pleasure reactions associated with recollection of happy life events. These findings shed light on the neural network involved in recalling positive AMs in healthy individuals, opening further avenues for future research in clinical populations with mood disorders.