bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cystic intracranial solitary fibrous tumor: a case report
Authors: Li Yongzhe , Li Dongxue , Yang Li , Zhang Jiaren , Gu Xiaoyu , Song Linfeng , Tian Binlin , Li Tingchao , Jiang Lin
Published: July 2024

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare spindle cell tumor originating from mesenchymal tissue, and even rarer when it occurs intracranially. This case report described a 42-year-old man who presented with headache and limb weakness for more than 10 days. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a well-defined multicompartmental cystic space-occupying lesion in the left occipital region, with surrounding edema and a compressed left lateral ventricle, the mass growing across the cerebellar vermis, which was initially diagnosed as hemangioblastoma. Neurosurgery was utilized to successfully remove the mass, and intracranial solitary fibrous tumor (ISFT) was identified by postoperative pathological analysis. Here, this article describes the imaging manifestations and pathologic features of a case of cystic intracranial solitary fibrous tumor, aiming to improve the understanding and diagnosis of this disease in order to provide an accurate therapy plan.
Predicting immune checkpoint therapy response in three independent metastatic melanoma cohorts
Authors: Szadai Leticia , Bartha Aron , Parada Indira Pla , Lakatos Alexandra I.T. , Pál Dorottya M.P. , Lengyel Anna Sára , de Almeida Natália Pinto , Jánosi Ágnes Judit , Nogueira Fábio , Szeitz Beata , Doma Viktória , Woldmar Nicole , Guedes Jéssica , Ujfaludi Zsuzsanna , Pahi Zoltán Gábor , Pankotai Tibor , Kim Yonghyo , Győrffy Balázs , Baldetorp Bo , Welinder Charlotte , Szasz A. Marcell , Betancourt Lazaro , Gil Jeovanis , Appelqvist Roger , Kwon Ho Jeong , Kárpáti Sarolta , Kuras Magdalena , Murillo Jimmy Rodriguez , Németh István Balázs , Malm Johan , Fenyö David , Pawłowski Krzysztof , Horvatovich Peter , Wieslander Elisabet , Kemény Lajos V. , Domont Gilberto , Marko-Varga György , Sanchez Aniel
Published: July 2024

Introduction

While Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy shows significant efficacy in metastatic melanoma, only about 50% respond, lacking reliable predictive methods. We introduce a panel of six proteins aimed at predicting response to ICI therapy.

Methods

Evaluating previously reported proteins in two untreated melanoma cohorts, we used a published predictive model (EaSIeR score) to identify potential proteins distinguishing responders and non-responders.

Results

Six proteins initially identified in the ICI cohort correlated with predicted response in the untreated cohort. Additionally, three proteins correlated with patient survival, both at the protein, and at the transcript levels, in an independent immunotherapy treated cohort.

Discussion

Our study identifies predictive biomarkers across three melanoma cohorts, suggesting their use in therapeutic decision-making.
Autonomous or controlled interpreters? Model of Werktreue internalization for classical musicians
Authors: Fujimoto Marie , Uesaka Yuri
Published: July 2024

Self-regulated learning—a cyclical process in which a learner sets a goal, monitors, and self-reflects on one’s learning to set the next goal—is vital in instrumental learning. However, many conservatory students fail to initiate self-regulated learning; they take lessons passively, practice ineffectively, and fail to give satisfactory performance. These learning experiences could harm students’ well-being, and physical and mental health problems are widespread among students. Nevertheless, factors contributing to self-regulated learning remain unknown. We hypothesized that musicians’ autonomy in musical interpretation, which we refer to as interpretive autonomy, plays a pivotal role in self-regulated learning. Without developing interpretation, musicians fail to set personal goals, monitor, and self-evaluate their performances in terms of musicality. Although previous studies imply that interpretation plays a significant role in self-regulated learning, this has not been clearly demonstrated. Studies on interpretive autonomy are scarce due to a complicated discourse surrounding performers’ freedom in interpretation. The ideology of Werktreue underpins the classical music field, and classical music performances are evaluated based on how faithfully a performer interpreted the composer’s intention. Yet musicians hold various beliefs regarding the meaning of faithful interpretation, thus the degree of interpretive autonomy cannot be assessed unless its clear definition is provided. In addition, the mechanisms that promote or hinder interpretive autonomy in learning remain unexplained. To address these issues, we proposed a model of Werktreue internalization by applying self-determination theory. The model defines interpretive autonomy based on internalization types, identifies its effects on musicians’ learning behavior and well-being, and reveals the mechanisms that promote or hinder interpretive autonomy in learning experiences. This model allows researchers and educators to assess the degree of interpretive autonomy, attribute impaired learning behavior and well-being to a lack of interpretive autonomy, and promote interpretive autonomy by supporting students’ psychological needs in interpretation.
A scoping review of the research evidence of the developmental assets model in Europe
Authors: Martin-Barrado Antonio David , Gomez-Baya Diego
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a strength-based perspective that focuses on the resources to promote a successful transition to adulthood, derived from the Relational Developmental Systems theory. In this line, the Developmental Assets (DA) model focuses on describing the personal resources (Internal Assets) and contextual resources (External Assets) that help to reach PYD. Most research from this approach has been carried out in United States and, to a lesser extent, in the European continent. The aim of this scoping review was to examine the evidence collected for the DA model in Europe.

Methods

Web of Science database was used to search for articles published between 2013 and February 2024. Initially, there were 55 possible articles to be included, but after applying the exclusion criteria, this number was reduced to 11.

Results

The findings suggested that the evidence for DA in Europe was in line with North American research, so that a higher presence of DA was related to higher well-being, better psychological adjustment, and lower risk behaviors. Internal Assets were the most influential assets, with the Positive Identity category being especially remarkable. Commitment to Learning and Social Competencies were also highlighted in the studies included in the review. Concerning External Assets, Positive Boundaries-expectations and Empowerment were emphasized as protective factors in youth development. These assets were found to present a protective effect against risk behaviors and were positively associated with PYD and socioemotional skills.

Discussion

Thus, these findings support the applicability of the DA framework in promoting PYD in European context, and some intervention strategies are discussed considering cultural diversity.
Perspectives on climate action and the changing burden of infectious diseases among young Italian doctors and students: a national survey
Authors: Segala Francesco Vladimiro , Di Gennaro Francesco , Giannini Lucia A. A. , Stroffolini Giacomo , Colpani Agnese , De Vito Andrea , Di Gregorio Stefano , Frallonardo Luisa , Guido Giacomo , Novara Roberta , Amendolara Angela , Ritacco Ilenia Annunziata , Ferrante Francesca , Masini Lorenzo , Iannetti Ilaria , Mazzeo Salvatore , Marello Silvia , Veronese Nicola , Gobbi Federico , Iatta Roberta , Saracino Annalisa
Published: July 2024

Background

The eco-climatic crisis has been defined by the World Health Organization as the “single biggest health threat facing humanity,” influencing both the emergence of zoonoses and the spread of vector-borne and water-borne diseases. The aim of this survey was to explore knowledge, eco-anxiety and attitudes toward the ecological and climate crisis among young Italian doctors and medical students.

Methods

A cross-sectional, multicenter survey was conducted from November 2022 to June 2023, by administering an anonymous questionnaire to Italian doctors and students of medicine. Endpoint of the study was a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) score on ecological and climate crisis (0–20 points). Association between variables and KAP score was assessed by Kruskal-Wallis’ or Spearman’s test, as appropriate, and significant variables were included into ordinal regression model and reported as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Both KAP and eco-anxiety scores showed acceptable levels of consistency with Cronbach’s alpha. A total of 605 medical doctors and students living in 19 Italian regions were included in the study. Median age [Q1-Q3] was 27.6 [24.1–31.3] and females were 352 (58.2%). Despite showing good attitudes toward climate action, knowledge gap were found, with 42.5% (n = 257) of the respondents not knowing the temperature limits set by the Paris Agreements and 45.5% (n = 275) believing that climate change is caused by sunspots. Fears suggestive for eco-anxiety were common. At multivariable ordinal regression, high levels of eco-anxiety (aOR 1.29, p = 0.001) and low trust in government action (aOR 1.96, p = 0.003) were associated with a higher KAP score. Only one Italian medical school offered an educational module on climate change.

Conclusion

Young Italian doctors and medical students are concerned about the climate crisis but show poor knowledge of these topics. The Italian academic system should urgently respond to this need.
Ideological attitudes predicting online hate speech: the differential effects of right-wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation
Authors: Dellagiacoma Laura , Geschke Daniel , Rothmund Tobias
Published: July 2024

Introduction

While research on online hate speech (OHS) has expanded in recent years, only few studies adopt a theoretical framework to understand how ideological attitudes differentially motivate individuals to engage with OHS. Drawing on the dual-process motivational model of ideology and on previous political psychological research on OHS, this study examines how individual levels of social dominance orientation (SDO) and right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) predict the likelihood of producing OHS for online platforms users.

Methods

We used logistic regressions to analyze the survey data from a representative German sample of social media platform users (N = 7,349).

Results

The analyses indicate that SDO is related with higher odds of producing OHS, while RWA is related with lower odds. After adjusting for socio-economic factors and controlling for alternative predictors, the odd ratios remain significant, indicating that these two ideological attitudes predict online hate speech in different directions.

Discussion

The results show that high-RWA individuals are less likely to engage with OHS, which is explained through their conservative motivation to conform to social norms and maintain social stability. High-SDO individuals are more likely to produce OHS and may use it following their competitive motivation to increase hierarchical relations and improve their social status within society. The findings are discussed taking into consideration the specificities of the German social context, and corroborate and expand previous research. From these subtle but crucial differential effects, relevant implications are drawn for the platform as well as for social and political levels.
Will the white blood cells tell? A potential novel tool to assess broiler chicken welfare
Authors: Ribeiro Laura Raquel Rios , Sans Elaine Cristina de Oliveira , Santos Ricardo Martins , Taconelli Cesar Augusto , de Farias Roberta , Molento Carla Forte Maiolino
Published: July 2024

This study assessed qualitative and quantitative leukocyte evaluation as potential broiler chicken welfare indicators, contributing to the limited literature on white blood cell (WBC) morphology as a diagnostic tool for welfare. Broiler chicken welfare within four poultry houses (PH) 1 to 4, each on a different farm, was assessed using on-field indicators of affective states and health, and WBC morphology was examined. Affective states were evaluated using the Qualitative Behavior Assessment (QBA), with 25 behavioral expressions scored on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and grouped into two categories. Health indicators included assessments of lameness, footpad dermatitis, dermatitis on the breast and abdominal areas, hock burn, and feather cleaning. Blood samples were collected, differential leukocyte counts were performed, and a cell score was created for the recognition, classification, and interpretation of morphologic diversity of heterophils and lymphocytes. The heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L) was also determined. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models for binomial responses were used to analyze the results. PH4 differed from the other farms, showing a higher frequency of birds within QBA group 1 (‘Attentive’to ‘Desperate’), while birds in PH1, PH2, and PH3 were more frequent in QBA group 2 (‘Relaxed’ to ‘Positively occupied’). Elevated proportions of heterophils in birds from PH4 (0.61, CI95%: 0.58; 0.64) and PH3 (0.60, CI95%: 0.57; 0.63) suggested higher stress levels and inflammatory responses. Birds in PH2 and PH4 exhibited higher frequencies of health issues such as dermatitis and lameness, and higher proportions of abnormalities in WBC number and morphology. PH3 and PH4 exhibited higher H/L ratios of 3.03 and 2.58, respectively, consistent with the on-field health and behavioral indicators. Blood samples from birds in PH2 and PH4 showed a proportion of 90% toxic change in heterophils, while in PH1 and PH3 it was 70%, indicating high levels of abnormal WBC morphology across all PHs. The findings emphasize the multifactorial nature of welfare impairments, including environmental conditions, health, and affective states. This highlights the need for indicators that reflect multiple welfare impacts, such as WBC counts and morphological alterations, which can serve as powerful tools in the complex task of assessing animal welfare.
Federated Learning-Based Security Attack Detection for Multi-Controller Software-Defined Networks
Authors: Alkhamisi Abrar , Katib Iyad , Buhari Seyed M.
Published: July 2024

A revolutionary concept of Multi-controller Software-Defined Networking (MC-SDN) is a promising structure for pursuing an evolving complex and expansive large-scale modern network environment. Despite the rich operational flexibility of MC-SDN, it is imperative to protect the network deployment against potential vulnerabilities that lead to misuse and malicious activities on data planes. The security holes in the MC-SDN significantly impact network survivability, and subsequently, the data plane is vulnerable to potential security threats and unintended consequences. Accordingly, this work intends to design a Federated learning-based Security (FedSec) strategy that detects the MC-SDN attack. The FedSec ensures packet routing services among the nodes by maintaining a flow table frequently updated according to the global model knowledge. By executing the FedSec algorithm only on the network-centric nodes selected based on importance measurements, the FedSec reduces the system complexity and enhances attack detection and classification accuracy. Finally, the experimental results illustrate the significance of the proposed FedSec strategy regarding various metrics.
Aspects Regarding the Physical Parameters and Wear in the Work Process of the Disc Openers for Seeding Machines
Authors: Rosu Bogdan , Voicu Gheorghe , Constantin Gabriel-Alexandru , Tudor Paula , Stefan Elena-Madalina
Published: July 2024

This paper primarily presents statistics on the variation of physical characteristics (dimensions and mass) for the coulter discs of double-disc seeders. This statistic was calculated based on actual measurements of the probability density and cumulative probability for the mass of the discs, their average thickness, and outer diameter. These parameters (m = 4000 g, g = 4 mm, D = 380 mm) are tracked from the design phase to the actual realization phase, being the parameters specified in the purchase phase by users from agricultural machinery distributors. The standard deviation and deviation from the mean for a cumulative normal (Gaussian) distribution were calculated, and an analysis was made for the decrease of the mentioned parameters in discs already used for sowing cereals on an area of 80 hectares, due to the wear that appeared as a trace of the contact with the soil and the abrasive wear caused by it. Testing of disk parameters using both logarithmic and Gaussian distributions was performed, and test results are presented through appropriate graphs. With small deviations (which appeared for known or unknown reasons), it can be stated that the distribution of the mentioned parameters is generally a normal-type distribution. If the new discs are 15″ in diameter, experts recommend that they be replaced when they reach a diameter of less than 14.5 inches. This study can provide a reference for improving the physical characteristics of opener discs of seed drills in no-till conditions and beyond.
Soybean Bioactive Peptide Supplementation Affects the Intestinal Immune Antioxidant Function, Microbial Diversity, and Reproductive Organ Development in Roosters
Authors: Wei Yimeng , Zhao Xiyu , Xu Tao , Liu Zhenyan , Zuo Yalan , Zhang Mingxue , Zhang Yao , Yin Huadong
Published: July 2024

Soybean is an important source of high-quality vegetable protein with various health-improving properties, and its main bioactive substances are small peptides produced by in vitro enzymatic hydrolytic processes. In traditional layer breeding, the nutritional health of roosters is frequently neglected, ultimately affecting the quality and quantity of offspring. This study investigated the effects of various quantities (0%, 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%, and 0.60%) of soybean bioactive peptide (SBP) feed additives on immunological and antioxidant functions, gut health, and reproductive performance of roosters. SBP supplementation significantly improved male growth and reproductive performance, including growth rate, feed conversion ratio, reproductive organ development, and semen quality. SBP also increased immune and antioxidant levels, boosted the integrity of the small intestinal physiological structure and barrier function, and diversity of cecal microbes, and decreased the apoptotic ratio of small intestinal epithelial cells. The effects of SBP on various functions of males showed a quadratic trend, with the optimal concentration determined to be 0.45%.
Effects of Centella asiatica Extracts on Rumen In Vitro Fermentation Characteristics and Digestibility
Authors: Yang Yukyoung , Park Kiyeon , Lee Honggu
Published: July 2024

Two in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Centella asiatica extract (CAE) supplementation on the rumen’s in vitro fermentation characteristics. In the first experiment, CAE with five concentrations (C: 0%; T1: 3.05%; T2: 6.1%; T3: 12.2%; and T4: 24.4% CAE in diet) was supplemented in the rumen fluid and incubated for 6, 24, and 48 h to determine the optimal dosage. The total gas and methane production increased in all incubation times, and the total volatile fatty acids increased at 6 and 48 h. Ammonia nitrogen, branched chain volatile fatty acids, acetate, and butyrate were increased by CAE supplementation. T1 was chosen as the optimal dosage based on the total volatile fatty acids, branched chain volatile fatty acids, and ammonia nitrogen production. The CAE with the identified optimal dosage (T1) was incubated to identify its effect on the rumen’s in vitro degradability in the second experiment. The CAE supplementation did not influence the in vitro dry matter, crude protein, or neutral detergent fiber degradability. In conclusion, CAE has no CH4 abatement or digestion promotion effects. However, CAE could be utilized as a feed additive to increase the rumen’s total volatile fatty acid production without an adverse effect on the in vitro dry matter, crude protein, or neutral detergent fiber degradability.
Investigating the Bactericidal Activity of an Ocular Solution Containing EDTA, Tris, and Polysorbate 80 and Its Impact on the In Vitro Efficacy of Neomycin Sulfate against Staphylococcus aureus: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Amiriantz Sophie , Hoummady Sara , Jarousse Elodie , Roudeix Séverine , Philippon Thomas
Published: July 2024

In the current context of emerging and spreading antimicrobial resistance in human and animal infections, new strategies need to be developed to improve the efficacy of commonly prescribed antibiotics and preserve more critical compounds for multi-drug-resistant infections. This preliminary study aimed at evaluating the benefits of an eye cleaning solution containing 0.1% EDTA, 0.02% Tris, and 0.1% Polysorbate 80 in veterinary ophthalmology. A first in vitro study was performed to assess the bactericidal activity of the test solution against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. A second in vitro study evaluated the impact of the test solution on the antimicrobial activity of neomycin against Staphylococcus aureus. The test solution alone did not show bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The test solution seemed to increase the activity of Neomycin Sulfate against Staphylococcus aureus. These findings warrant further research to better characterize the impact on the bactericidal activity of antimicrobials used in veterinary ocular surface infections of the solution containing 0.1% EDTA, 0.02% Tris, and 0.1% Polysorbate 80 as well as of each individual ingredient for a thorough understanding of how this test solution could provide a new strategy to address the growing antimicrobial resistance issue worldwide.
Geomechanical Characterization of a Brazilian Experimental Site: Testing, Interpretation, and Material Properties
Authors: Arrieta Baldovino Jair de Jesús , Nuñez de la Rosa Yamid E. , Massao Futai Marcos
Published: July 2024

Clarity in monitoring existing foundation structures demands innovative safety analysis methodologies for deep foundations, necessitating advanced models calibrated with real-world field parameters. Understanding controlled conditions, including geotechnical profiles, seismic attributes, and soil mechanics, is crucial. A dedicated research group at the University of São Paulo spent three years refining these conditions, characterizing an experimental field along a canal in São Paulo. This study pioneers geotechnical and geomechanical characterization of the region’s tertiary sediments in São Paulo, offering valuable insights for current and future applications. Standard penetration tests with torque (SPT-Torque), piezocone tests (CPTu), and measurement of wave velocity (Vs) with piezocone tests (S-CPTu) were carried out. The exploration of the subsoil shows that in up to 2 m of excavation, there are clays and silts, and in up to 25 m, there is a significant layer of compact fine sand that has high values of tip resistance and wave velocities more significant than 100 m/s. In the electric cone tests, the abacus used displayed a reasonable classification. All propositions identified the transition from the surface soil to the sandy soil at between 3 and 25 m. The soil classification values were obtained with the data of the field parameters, and the geotechnical and mechanical parameters were estimated. No differences were detected among the values found in the SPT-T and CPTu tests for the values obtained via cone resistance. This demonstrates the reliability of both methods. In addition, using the CPTu test to identify the stratigraphic profile horizons employing the soil’s mechanical behavior when the cone is driven proved appropriate.
Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity Prediction with GA-Optimized CNN, RNN, and BP
Authors: Durmus Fatih , Karagol Serap
Published: July 2024

Over the last 20 years, lithium-ion batteries have become widely used in many fields due to their advantages such as ease of use and low cost. However, there are concerns about the lifetime and reliability of these batteries. These concerns can be addressed by obtaining accurate capacity and health information. This paper proposes a method to predict the capacity of lithium-ion batteries with high accuracy. Four key features were extracted from current and voltage data obtained during charge and discharge cycles. To enhance prediction accuracy, the Pearson correlation coefficient between these features and battery capacities was analyzed and eliminations were made for some batteries. Using a genetic algorithm (GA), the parameter optimization of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Backpropagation (BP), and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) algorithms was performed. The parameters that provide the best performance were determined in a shorter time using GA, which includes natural selection and genetic processes instead of a trial-and-error method. The study employed five metrics—Mean Square Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Squared Correlation (R2)—to evaluate prediction accuracy. Predictions based on NASA experimental data were compared with the existing literature, demonstrating superior accuracy. Using 100 training data, 68 data predictions were made with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.1176%. This error rate represents an accuracy level 2.5 times higher than similarly accurate studies in the literature.
Study on the Selection of Coil Energization Directions in Multistage Synchronous Induction Coil Launcher
Authors: Kang Jiayu , Guan Yuan , Wan Xiaobo
Published: July 2024

In order to enhance the initial velocity and energy conversion efficiency of multi-stage synchronous induction coil launchers, the direction of coil energization for the drive coils is studied. There are typically two energization methods for multi-stage launching devices: (1) PP (Positive-Positive), where positive current is applied to all drive coils, and (2) PN (Positive-Negative), where currents in opposite directions are alternately applied to the drive coils. A finite element model of a four-stage coil launcher is established in ANSYS2022R2, and the acceleration effects of the armature under different inter-stage distances are analyzed for two energization methods. The study reveals that the PN configuration does not always result in higher armature velocities compared to the PP configuration under different inter-stage distances. The theoretical explanation is provided for the variations in the forces exerted by the previous and next drive coils on the armature during the acceleration process. It is found that the magnitude of the induced current in the previous and next drive coils during the launch process is influenced by the inter-stage distance, which in turn affects the electromagnetic thrust coupled with the armature. Thus, the method of determining the direction of current in the launching device coil is obtained.
Advancements in Fish Vaccination: Current Innovations and Future Horizons in Aquaculture Health Management
Authors: Rathor Garima S. , Swain Banikalyan
Published: July 2024

Aquaculture is rapidly becoming one of the pivotal sectors in the farming economy, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality animal protein at an affordable cost, especially with the escalating human population. However, the expansion of high-density fish populations also brings forth a challenge—the rapid transmission and spread of infectious disease agents among them. To combat this, vaccination is emerging as a reliable and standardized method for providing immunity against viral and bacterial outbreaks. The ideal vaccine is expected to be safe, effective, economical, and easily administered. The fish vaccination industry continually publishes new information on fish immunology and vaccinology, contributing to the improvement in vaccine formulation and efficacy. This review aims to offer insights into the current status of bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases, discuss existing vaccinations, and address potential industry-threatening diseases like infectious edwardsiellosis, motile aeromonas septicemia (MAS), Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) disease, infectious salmon anemia (ISA), vibriosis, and white spot disease. Technological advancements have played a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of fish immunological mechanisms, leading to improved vaccine administration and the development of recombinant live attenuated, subunit, DNA, and RNA vaccines. However, challenges such as oral tolerance, vaccine degradation, and stressful environments persist, impacting vaccine efficacy. Addressing these challenges and gaining a deeper understanding of the fish immune system and host–pathogen interactions will be pivotal for future improvements, contributing to the sustainability of aquaculture and enhancing global food security.
Development of an Image Processing Application for Element Detection in a Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing Cell
Authors: Trejo-Morales Antonio , Bautista-Ortega Milton , Barriga-Rodríguez Leonardo , Cruz-González Celso Eduardo , Franco-Urquiza Edgar Adrián
Published: July 2024

Industrial automation in the manufacturing environment has revolutionized production and manufacturing in many industries, generating significant improvements in efficiency, quality, and process effectiveness. However, it has also posed challenges related to feedback in manufacturing environment monitoring systems, and increasing the effectiveness, productivity, and quality in industrial production. Feedback systems in the manufacturing environment are fundamental to industrial automation, which is why an application has been developed for the detection of elements in a printed circuit board manufacturing cell. The solution presented in this article proposes implementing a continuous feedback system with the ability to provide real-time information to identify the location of elements in a manufacturing cell and potentially detect anomalies, with the goal of improving the manufacturing process appropriately.
Analyzing the Nonlinear Performance of Miniature Loudspeakers in Consideration of the Creep Effect
Authors: Chen Simiao , Huang Jie , Su Fenshan , Feng Xuelei , Shen Yong
Published: July 2024

Miniature loudspeakers exhibit pronounced nonlinear characteristics due to physical size limitations and the demand for sufficient sound pressure. The primary nonlinear properties, including the force factor, mechanical stiffness, and mechanical resistance, depend on the displacement or velocity of the voice coil. The creep effect in the loudspeaker’s suspension system, which significantly affects low-frequency displacement, is often neglected in existing studies on nonlinear dynamics. This study enhances the modeling of miniature loudspeakers by incorporating the creep effect into an extended nonlinear model. The voice coil displacement and total harmonic distortion (THD) predicted by the extended model were validated against experimental data. The displacement and THD values predicted by the nonlinear model in consideration of the creep effect corresponded closely to the actual measurement values, substantiating the effectiveness and precision of the model.
In Vitro Bioactivities of Cereals, Pseudocereals and Seeds: Assessment of Antiglycative and Carbonyl-Trapping Properties
Authors: Mesías Marta , Holgado Francisca , Olombrada Elena , Morales Francisco José
Published: July 2024

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) are the final products resulting from non-enzymatic glycation, which plays a crucial role in diabetes and aging-related health issues. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the inhibitory effects on AGE formation of aqueous and methanolic extracts from cereals (rice, rye, and wheat), pseudocereals (amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat) and chia seeds. Different in vitro models simulating AGEs induced by glucose (Glc) and methylglyoxal (MGO) were evaluated. The MGO-trapping capacity of extracts was evaluated, alongside their antioxidant capacity and phenolic compound composition, with the aim of exploring any potential correlation with AGEs’ inhibitory effects. Extracts (25 mg/mL) demonstrated inhibitory effects on AGEs in protein–Glc and protein–MGO assays, with inhibition levels ranging from below 10% (amaranth extracts) to over 90% (buckwheat extracts) compared with aminoguanidine. Buckwheat methanolic extract exhibited the highest anti-AGE activity (98.3% inhibition in the BSA–Glc and 89.5% inhibition in the BSA–MGO assay), followed by chia seed extracts (80–82% inhibition). Buckwheat aqueous extract showed the greatest capacity to directly trap MGO (IC50 = 0.3 mg/mL). Antioxidants and phenolic compounds likely contributed to their antiglycative activity. In conclusion, aqueous and methanolic extracts derived from different natural ingredients such as cereals, pseudocereals, and seeds can be valuable in preventing glycation-related complications.
The Impact of Internal Structure Changes on the Damping Properties of 3D-Printed Composite Material
Authors: Michal Pavol , Vaško Milan , Sapieta Milan , Majko Jaroslav , Fiačan Jakub
Published: July 2024

This article investigates the impact of changes in the internal structure of composite materials on their dynamic properties. The present research focuses on 3D-printed specimens with different reinforcement fiber arrangements. The specimens are printed on a Markforged Mark Two 3D printer. The base material is nylon filled with chopped carbon fibers (Onyx) and the reinforcement is in the form of long carbon, glass and Kevlar fibers. The experiment is carried out by the impact method. The principle of this method is to expose the specimen to a short impulse of force while monitoring its frequency response. The obtained results determine the natural frequencies and internal damping of the individual structures. We found that the highest damping is achieved by specimens with glass and Kevlar fibers in 45°, 90° and ±45° configurations. On the other hand, the lowest damping is achieved by specimens with carbon fibers and 0° and 0°,90° configurations. Also, the specimens with circumferential reinforcement show lower damping coefficient values. The knowledge and results of this work can be used in the development of new components; for example, in the transport industry, where the low weight and sufficient strength of components are important factors. These components have to absorb vibrations from various sources, such as motors and external influences.
Outdoor Performance Comparison of Bifacial and Monofacial Photovoltaic Modules in Temperate Climate and Industrial-like Rooftops
Authors: González-Moreno Alejandro , Mazzeo Domenico , Dolara Alberto , Ogliari Emanuele , Leva Sonia
Published: July 2024

To fully exploit the advantages of bifacial PV (bPV) modules and understand their performance under real-world conditions, a comprehensive investigation was conducted. It was focused on bPV installations with some mounting constraints, as in industrial rooftops, where the ideal high module-to-ground height for optimal bPV performances is not feasible due to structural reasons. The experimental setup involved measuring the I-V curves of conventional and bifacial modules under diverse atmospheric conditions, including different solar irradiance levels and ambient temperatures, as well as mounting configurations. The results show a proportional increment of power generation between 4.3% and 7.8% if compared with two different conventional modules and a bifacial power gain between 2 and 15% under identical conditions. Additionally, the negative potential influence of the mounting structure was observed. Small differences in the alignment between the module and structural beams can virtually eliminate the bifacial contribution, with an estimated reduction up to 8.5 W (a potential bifacial gain of 3.43%).
Deep Learning in Rockburst Intensity Level Prediction: Performance Evaluation and Comparison of the NGO-CNN-BiGRU-Attention Model
Authors: Liu Hengyu , Ma Tianxing , Lin Yun , Peng Kang , Hu Xiangqi , Xie Shijie , Luo Kun
Published: July 2024

Rockburst is an extremely hazardous geological disaster. In order to accurately predict the hazardous degree of rockbursts, this paper proposes eight new classification models for predicting the intensity level of rockbursts based on intelligent optimisation algorithms and deep learning techniques and collects 287 sets of real rockburst data to form a sample database, in which six quantitative indicators are selected as feature parameters. In order to validate the effectiveness of the constructed eight machine learning prediction models, the study selected Accuracy, Precision, Recall and F1 Score to evaluate the prediction performance of each model. The results show that the NGO-CNN-BiGRU-Attention model has the best prediction performance, with an accuracy of 0.98. Subsequently, engineering validation of the model is carried out using eight sets of real rockburst data from Daxiangling Tunnel, and the results show that the model has a strong generalisation ability and can satisfy the relevant engineering applications. In addition, this paper also uses SHAP technology to quantify the impact of different factors on the rockburst intensity level and found that the elastic strain energy index and stress ratio have the greatest impact on the rockburst intensity level.
Surface Subsidence Modelling Induced by Formation of Cavities in Underground Coal Gasification
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Chen Bingbing , Teng Lin , Wang Yan , Xiong Feng
Published: July 2024

Underground coal gasification (UCG) is an efficient method for the conversion of deep coal resources into energy. The scope of this work is to model the subsidence of four gasification cavities with a size of 30 m × 30 m × 15 m, separated by 15 m wide pillars. Two scenarios of gasification sequence are modelled, one with the gasification of cavities 1 and 2 followed by 3 and 4, and the other one with the sequence of cavities 1 and 3, followed by 2 and 4. The results show that the final surface subsidence after gasification of four cavities is 9.8 mm and the gasification sequence has an impact only on the subsidence at the intermediate stage but has no impact on the final subsidence after all four cavities are formed, when only the elasticity regime is considered. Additionally, the maximum surface subsidence for the studied cavities of different sizes ranges from 0.016 mm to 7.14 mm, and the relationship between the subsidence and the cavity volume is approximately linear. Finally, a prediction model of surface subsidence deformation is built up using the elastic plate theory, and the formula of surface deformation at a random point is given. The maximum difference between measured and calculated deformation is 4.6%, demonstrating that the proposed method can be used to predict the ground subsidence induced by UCG.
Compressive Strengths of Cube vs. Cored Specimens of Cement Stabilized Rammed Earth Compared with ANOVA
Authors: Anysz Hubert , Rosicki Łukasz , Narloch Piotr
Published: July 2024

Cement-stabilized rammed earth (CSRE) is a variation of the traditional rammed earth building material, which has been used since ancient times, strengthened by the addition of a stabilizer in the form of Portland cement. This article compares the compressive strength of CSRE determined from specimens cored from structural walls and those molded in the laboratory. Both types of specimens underwent a 120-day curing period. The tests were conducted on specimens with various grain sizes and cement content. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the obtained results to determine whether it is possible to establish a conversion factor between the compressive strength values obtained from laboratory-molded cubic samples and those from cored samples extracted from the CSRE structure. The study revealed that the compressive strength of CSRE increases significantly over the curing period, with substantial strength gains observed up to 120 days. The results indicated no statistically significant difference in the mean unconfined compressive strength (UCS) between cubic and cored specimens for certain mixtures, suggesting that a shape coefficient factor may not be necessary for calculating CSRE compressive strength in laboratory settings. However, for other mixtures, normal distribution was not confirmed. These findings have implications for the standardization and practical application of CSRE in construction, highlighting the need for longer curing periods to achieve optimal strength and the potential to simplify testing protocols.
A Road Crack Detection Method Based on Residual and Attention Mechanism
Authors: Xie Jianwu , Li Weiwei , Liu Wenwen , Chen Hang
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a road crack detection method based on residual and attention mechanisms to address the issues of difficult detection of small cracks on road surfaces in complex backgrounds and inaccurate crack detection edges. This method introduces residual modules in the encoder stage to better extract crack detail features and introduces attention mechanism modules in the skip connection structure of the network to better locate crack positions. Training and testing on public datasets have shown that compared with existing partial detection methods, our method has improved segmentation accuracy and generalization, and is more precise in segmenting small cracks, thus verifying the superiority of the proposed method in this paper.
A Review of Impedance Spectroscopy Technique: Applications, Modelling, and Case Study of Relative Humidity Sensors Development
Authors: da Silva Georgenes M. G. , Faia Pedro M. , Mendes Sofia R. , Araújo Evando S.
Published: July 2024

Impedance Spectroscopy (IS) is a general term for the technique referring to small-signal measurements of the linear electrical response of a domain of interest. This method is based on the analysis of the system’s electrical response to yield helpful information about its domain-dependent physicochemical properties (generally, the analysis is carried out in the frequency domain). Nowadays, there are many areas of application where IS can be used to evaluate or enhance the development of emerging products and processes. As a contribution to this field of research, this paper presents relevant theoretical–practical aspects of the interpretation and analysis of the electrical behavior of materials based on IS and IS modelling. The work starts by historically introducing IS and then goes through different domains of application of the technique, such as Materials Science and correlated areas. Afterwards, an introduction to IS usage for constructing equivalent electrical circuits is presented, aiming at modelling the materials’ electrical behavior, followed by examples from the literature that use the two possible circuit development approaches, the series and the parallel association of circuit elements. Lastly, the authors present a case study of their most recent efforts of a circuit model development of relative humidity (RH) sensors based on heterogeneous mixed metal oxide (MMO) nanostructures, used to understand and identify existing contributions to the overall electrical response of the sensors to moisture; in their case, the electrical response of the MMO sensors was modelled with a high level of superposition between the experimental and fitted data, using a parallel combination of circuit elements, which is an unconventional one.
Heat Generation and Diffusion in an Assembly of Magnetic Nanoparticles: Application to Magnetic Hyperthermia
Authors: Déjardin Jean-Louis , Kachkachi Hamid
Published: July 2024

We investigate the thermal generation and transport properties of an assembly of magnetic nanoparticles embedded in a solid or fluid matrix, subjected to an AC magnetic field. For this purpose, we first build the heat equation for the assembly using the effective thermal transport coefficients obtained within the effective medium approach. In the present calculation, the SAR is obtained from the (linear) dynamic response of the assembly to the AC magnetic field. We numerically solve the extended heat equation and, as a preliminary study, we obtain the space-time profile of the temperature and total power absorbed by the system.
The Influence of Perceived Value, Customer Satisfaction, and Trust on Loyalty in Entertainment Platforms
Authors: Yum Kyeongmin , Kim Jongnam
Published: July 2024

This study explores the intricate relationships between perceived value, customer satisfaction, trust, and loyalty in the context of the dynamic online entertainment platform industry. As the entertainment landscape has evolved from traditional formats to digital and interactive experiences, businesses face intense competition and the need to innovate to attract and retain users. This study introduces a comprehensive research model that defines perceived value in three dimensions: utilitarian, hedonic, and social. It also investigates the roles of customer satisfaction and trust as mediators in the connection between perceived value and loyalty. A survey of entertainment platform users reveals that enhancing utilitarian and hedonic values can increase customer satisfaction and that all three perceived value dimensions positively influence trust. Customer satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between utilitarian value and loyalty and fully mediates the relationship between hedonic value and loyalty; however, trust does not act as a mediator in this context. The theoretical implications enhance our understanding of these relationships while the managerial implications provide actionable insights for businesses seeking to refine their customer-focused approaches in the competitive online entertainment landscape.
Enhancing Weather Forecasting Integrating LSTM and GA
Authors: Teixeira Rita , Cerveira Adelaide , Pires Eduardo J. Solteiro , Baptista José
Published: July 2024

Several sectors, such as agriculture and renewable energy systems, rely heavily on weather variables that are characterized by intermittent patterns. Many studies use regression and deep learning methods for weather forecasting to deal with this variability. This research employs regression models to estimate missing historical data and three different time horizons, incorporating long short-term memory (LSTM) to forecast short- to medium-term weather conditions at Quinta de Santa Bárbara in the Douro region. Additionally, a genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize the LSTM hyperparameters. The results obtained show that the proposed optimized LSTM effectively reduced the evaluation metrics across different time horizons. The obtained results underscore the importance of accurate weather forecasting in making important decisions in various sectors.