bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience of conductive hearing loss and impacts of hearing aid use throughout life
Authors: Hampton Thomas , Loureiro Manuel , Mortimer Kevin , Nyirenda Deborah
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Hearing loss and Deafness/deafness affects as much as 5% of the world's population and has a considerable health and economic burden. We explored the relationship with hearing and hearing aids as well as other assistive technology for health in general with a cohort of UK adults who have conductive hearing loss. We anticipated that insights could lead to greater understanding for the delivery of assistive technology (AT) for conductive hearing loss and the participant's lived experience related to technology and society.

Methods

This study presents the qualitative findings from a mixed methods study exploring the story of each participant's hearing, the impact on their lives and their experience and use of AT. A purposive sample of 33 adults with conductive hearing loss took part in semi-structured interviews. Participants were aged ≥18 years and had previously attended outpatient ENT or audiology clinic at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Transcripts underwent thematic analysis.

Results

The overarching theme was “A changing relationship over time with deafness, themselves and society”. The three principle sub-themes of the interviews were “a technological world” describing the necessity of interaction with people & technology' both as children and adults, then the concept of “Normalised Marginalisation”-the struggle of childhood and school in the face of social norms' and typicality. Finally, there were issues raised about visibility and “the visible display of D/deafness”, tied to aesthetics, vanity and traditional ideas about masculinity. Many participants described their adoption of new technology or devices as “transforming their life” and their quality of life without assistive technology as significantly impaired.

Conclusion

Insights from this study described the experiences of adults with conductive hearing loss and the ways in which they have a difficult relationship with their deafness, including how they felt and viewed themselves and how they interacted with society, particularly as children and young adults. The potential for benefit of assistive technology for hearing health was deemed by many participants to be a necessary bridge integrating them in relationships with other people in society. Early notions of disability, typicality and social norms frequently persisted into adulthood and these insights should be considered by all those professional seeking to provided hearing health assistance to individuals with conductive hearing loss.
New insights into supradense matter from dissecting scaled stellar structure equations
Authors: Cai Bao-Jun , Li Bao-An
Published: December 2024

The strong-field gravity in general relativity (GR) realized in neutron stars (NSs) renders the equation of state (EOS) P(ε) of supradense neutron star matter to be essentially nonlinear and refines the upper bound for ϕ≡P/ε to be much smaller than the special relativity (SR) requirement with linear EOSs, where P and ε are respectively the pressure and energy density of the system considered. Specifically, a tight bound ϕ≲0.374 is obtained by perturbatively anatomizing the intrinsic structures of the scaled Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equations without using any input nuclear EOS. New insights gained from this novel analysis provide EOS-model-independent constraints on the properties (e.g., density profiles of the sound speed squared s2=dP/dε and trace anomaly Δ=1/3−ϕ) of cold supradense matter in NS cores. Using the gravity-matter duality in theories describing NSs, we investigate the impact of gravity on supradense matter EOS in NSs. In particular, we show that the NS mass MNS, radius R, and compactness ξ≡MNS/R scale with certain combinations of its central pressure and energy density (encapsulating its central EOS). Thus, observational data on these properties of NSs can straightforwardly constrain NS central EOSs without relying on any specific nuclear EOS model.
Acute and chronic effects of inspiratory muscle training in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Breuil-Marsal Zoé , Godek Clémence , Lotti Amandine , Feiereisen Patrick , Marçal Isabela Roque , Rehder-Santos Patricia , Milan-Mattos Juliana Cristina , Abreu Raphael Martins de
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To conduct a systematic review to determine the acute and chronic effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients on cardiac autonomic function, glucose variability, inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, hemodynamic variables, and exercise capacity.

Methods

A search was carried out according to a specific search strategy, following the PRISMA statement, and three independent reviewers have undertaken the article selection process. Searches were carried out in June 2023, on the following electronic databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), SCOPUS (Elsevier), and Web of Science. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. The search was limited to English-language, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), involving T2DM patients (>18 years old, with or without autonomic neuropathy, and/or inspiratory muscle weakness) following an acute or chronic intervention protocol based on IMT. Exclusion criteria were reviews, clinical trials, case studies, theses, dissertations, scientific conference abstracts, subjects with other chronic respiratory/neurological/cardiovascular diseases, and studies addressing other breathing exercises.

Results

The search strategy identified 1,352 studies, of which eight (two involving acute and six involving chronic IMT effects) were included. A total of 214 adults aged 52–63 years (51/49 male/female ratio), with BMI ranging from 27 to 36.8 kg/m², were included. The results demonstrated that after IMT, acute effects were reported, such as reduced glucose levels and an increase in the parasympathetic pathway, but also chronic effects including improved inspiratory muscle strength, endurance, and exercise capacity.

Conclusion

Although some methodological differences among the studies were found, IMT may have beneficial effects on cardiac autonomic function, glucose level control, inspiratory muscle strength/endurance as well as exercise capacity. However, further studies are necessary to confirm these benefits.
Farmer participation in cooperatives enhances productive services in village collectives: a subjective evaluation approach
Authors: Zhang Yi Zhi , Mi Yun Sheng , Liu Chang Jin
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Provision of agricultural productive services to farmers is crucial for integrating them into the modern agricultural system. However, small-scale farmers often face difficulties in accessing these services. One internationally recognized approach to addressing this issue is the government-led provision of productive services to small-scale farmers. In China, production services are provided through village collectives, which are economic organizations established in townships and villages to manage collective assets, develop resources and economy, and provide services to members. Farmer participation in these services can enhance inclusive service dynamics, improving access to services and promoting rural equity.

Methods

Farmers’ subjective evaluations directly reflect their access to collective agricultural productive services. This study utilized a binary logit model to analyze the impact and mechanism of farmer participation in cooperatives on the collective supply of agricultural productive services. The study involved 3,900 farmers from 29 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China.

Results and discussion

This study proposes for the first time a “cooperative+collective” model for the provision of productive services. In China, safeguarding social equity is one of the important objectives of the Government, and safeguarding and supporting the interests of small-scale farmers is crucial to safeguarding social equity. Participation in cooperatives increased farmers’ access to agricultural productive services. The analysis revealed that farmers have significantly increased their level of access to agricultural production services through participation in the “cooperative+collective” model of productive services. Farmers have participation in cooperatives helped integrate and expand farmers’ demand, leading to the continuous operation and expansion of business scale, thereby enhancing the collective supply of agricultural productive services. Furthermore, those income low-income, older farmers derived more benefits from participating in cooperatives in terms of accessing these services. This study offers empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of collective agricultural services.
Evaluation of environmental risk factors associated with survival of generic E. coli in organic integrated crop-livestock systems in California and Minnesota
Authors: Cheong Sejin , Chandler-Khayd Carolyn , Williams Sequoia R. , Gaudin Amélie C. M. , Aminabadi Peiman , Jay-Russell Michele T. , Evans Emily , Klossner Lee , Pagliari Paulo , Millner Patricia , Kenney Annette , Hashem Fawzy , Sciligo Amber R. , Pires Alda F. A.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) improve soil health and productivity but may lead to the transfer of foodborne pathogens to fresh produce from soil contaminated with the feces of grazing animals.

Methods and results

Over 2 years (2021–2022), organic ICLS field trials were conducted in California (CA) and Minnesota (MN) to examine the presence of foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli O157, non-O157 Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC), and Listeria monocytogenes) across three treatments (fallow, cover crop without grazing, and cover crop with grazing by small ruminants) in soils and produce. A Random Forest (RF) analytical approach was used to determine potential associations between meteorological and soil chemical factors, and the generic E. coli (gEc) presence in soil. The persistence of gEc in soil, as an indicator of fecal contamination, was evaluated using mixed effect zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) models, considering top-ranked meteorological factors identified from RF analyses. One produce sample (cucumber) tested positive for non-O157 STEC (0.6%, 1/157) from grazed soil in MN, with no other foodborne pathogens detected in produce. Soil contamination by non-O157 STEC increased in 2022 (2.7%, 15/552) compared to 2021 (0%, 0/504) from both states, aligning with the increased prevalence of non-O157 STEC in post-grazed fecal samples from sheep in CA (41.7%, 5/12) and goats (42.5%, 17/40) in MN in 2022. Concentrations (Most Probable Number/100 g) of gEc in grazed soil returned to levels comparable to non-grazed or fallow treatments within 87–147 days post-graze (DPG) in both years, with a significant decrease predicted after 32 DPG. Interestingly, non-O157 STEC was detected in soil even after concentrations of gEc declined 115–147 DPG.

Discussion

Although the effects of meteorological factors and soil chemical characteristics were not as influential as treatment or sampling day effects, ZINB analyses with identified meteorological factors in grazed soil suggested that regional differences in gEc counts were likely influenced by maximum air/soil temperatures on the sampling day. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the adoption of the NOP 90-120-day interval rules between manure application by grazing and harvest, considering a wider range of environmental regions and the potential cumulative effect of continuous ICLS in the same field on pathogen loads.
The clinical significance of open vs. minimally invasive surgical approaches in the management of thymic epithelial tumors and myasthenia gravis
Authors: Alcasid Nathan J. , Vasic Ivana , Brennan Phillip G. , Velotta Jeffrey B.
Published: December 2024

Though advancements have been made in the pharmacologic treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG), surgical resection is not only an option as a last line of defense for those patients who do not respond to medical therapy but also remains vital for those with thymic epithelial tumors (TET). While prior studies have shown the potential superiority of minimally invasive approaches via robotic- and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS/VATS) for thymectomy compared to open surgery, in the setting of malignancies, this outcome delineation is controversial. As RATS/VATS may be associated with less post-operative complications in the treatment of TET, some surgeons argue that the open approach is necessary for complete resection (R0 resection) and to prevent potential seeding of the malignancy. In this review article, we will compare the efficacy and implications of the different surgical approaches and techniques themselves in performing a thymectomy for autoimmune and oncologic pathologies.
Radiographic measurements of the hoof in generally sound donkeys with emphasis on the front limbs
Authors: Wacker Juliana , Schaus Kyra , Jandowsky Anabell , Büttner Kathrin , Röcken Michael , Bartmann Claus Peter
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Due to the tremendous importance of the hoof for the welfare of equids, plenty of studies have investigated the foot conformation of horses, which can be objectively described by morphometric measurements. Although the foot conformations of horses and donkeys differ, only poor data exists describing the physiological foot conformation of donkeys. The objective of this study was to provide reference values for different radiographic parameters for healthy donkeys. Additionally, this study aimed to evaluate differences between the left and right limb or between the medial and lateral parts of the hoof and the dependence of various parameters on size, age, and weight.

Materials and methods

Lateromedial and dorsopalmar radiographs were taken of 46 generally sound donkeys, that were lame-free in walk, following a hoof correction due to their hoof pastern axis. With the help of radiopaque markers, several measurements were performed on the radiographs. The statistical analysis was carried out by determining mean values and standard deviations. All parameters were tested for significant differences between the left and right limbs as well as the medial and lateral hoof parts. The methodology included using a paired T-test after proof of a normal distribution of the data using a Shapiro–Wilk Test. For parameters without a normal distribution, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used instead. The dependence of the parameters on height, weight, and age was examined using a Spearman rank correlation.

Results

Reference values for the various parameters were provided for an average population of healthy donkeys. For two parameters, heel length and sole thickness, a significant difference between the left and right limb was shown. There was evidence the medial wall angle was significantly bigger than the lateral wall angle (p = 0.0075), whereas the sole thickness was significantly larger on the lateral aspect (p < 0.001). No correlation with age was found for most variables, with a few exceptions. Almost all absolute lengths measured showed a moderate to strong positive correlation with the weight and height of the subject, while most angle measurements were not dependent on these parameters. The data obtained specifically for the donkeys in this study differ substantially from the data already published for horses. Thus, this data serves as a helpful guideline for the assessment of radiographs of the donkey’s foot. All donkeys included in this study were generally sound and lame-free in walk, but there was undeniable evidence of chronic laminitis and not all the values collected can be considered to be physiological.
Free Vibration Analysis of Hydraulic Quick Couplings Considering Fluid–Structure Interaction Characteristics
Authors: Liu Yuchao , Ma Fei , Geng Xiaoguang , Wang Songyuan , Zhou Zhihong , Jin Chun
Published: December 2024

As an important component of the automatic hydraulic quick coupling device (AHQCD) on rescue vehicles, the hydraulic quick couplings (HQCs) are used to rapidly dock hydraulic lines and transport fluid while changing and operating hydraulic working tools. However, during tool operation at rescue sites, pressure pulsations at multiple frequencies in the hydraulic lines can coincide with the natural frequencies of the HQCs, potentially causing resonance that severely affects the stability of fluid conveying and damages the connection of hydraulic lines accidentally. To investigate the natural frequencies of the HQCs with upstream and downstream lines, the characteristics of fluid–structure interaction were considered between the poppets and the fluid in this study, and an equivalent stiffness model of the fluid domain was derived based on the fluid compressibility. A dynamic model, along with 6-DOF equations for the system, was established, and the natural frequencies and mode vectors were determined by free vibration analysis. In addition, the effects of working pressure, air content, and stiffness of the springs on the natural frequency of the HQC system were analyzed. The results show the natural frequency increases with a higher working pressure and lower air content, while the effect of spring stiffness on natural frequencies varies with different modes. Furthermore, the proposed model is validated by experimental pressure signals, showing good agreement, with an average error of 2.7% for the first-order natural frequency. This paper presents a theoretical method for improving the stability of fluid transport when operating various hydraulic tools under complex rescue conditions.
Special Issue: Advances in CubeSat Sails and Tethers (1st Edition)
Authors: Slavinskis Andris , Janhunen Pekka
Published: December 2024

Currently, most space missions rely on chemical and electric propulsion systems, both of which are limited by the propellent tank volume whose “wet mass” is launched from the Earth [...]
Unsteady Flow Field Analysis of a Compressor Cascade Based on Dynamic Mode Decomposition
Authors: Wu Xiaoxiong , Du Yuming
Published: December 2024

Traditional flow field modeling methods are limited by high computational complexity, making them difficult to apply in practical engineering. This study applies the Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) method to perform reduced-order modeling of unsteady flow fields over an airfoil and a compressor cascade. As a data-driven modal decomposition technique, DMD extracts low-dimensional modes from high-dimensional spatiotemporal data, preserving key dynamic characteristics and significantly reducing computational costs. Numerical simulations were conducted to generate time snapshots, forming matrices of pressure and Mach number snapshots. DMD analysis identified a few dominant modes and their eigenvalues, capturing the primary dynamic behavior of the flow field. The results demonstrate that these modes effectively reconstruct the system’s main characteristics, reducing the need for extensive computational resources and time. The DMD method not only improves modeling efficiency, but also accurately reconstructs complex flow structures. This study validates the feasibility and effectiveness of DMD in reduced-order modeling for unsteady flow fields and includes error analysis for further evaluation.
An Objective Handling Qualities Assessment Framework of Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing
Authors: Li Yuhan , Zhang Shuguang , Wu Yibing , Kimura Sharina , Zintl Michael , Holzapfel Florian
Published: December 2024

Assessing handling qualities is crucial for ensuring the safety and operational efficiency of aircraft control characteristics. The growing interest in Urban Air Mobility (UAM) has increased the focus on electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft; however, a comprehensive assessment of eVTOL handling qualities remains a challenge. This paper proposed a handling qualities framework to assess eVTOL handling qualities, integrating pilot compensation, task performance, and qualitative comments. An experiment was conducted, where eye-tracking data and subjective ratings from 16 participants as they performed various Mission Task Elements (MTEs) in an eVTOL simulator were analyzed. The relationship between pilot compensation and task workload was investigated based on eye metrics. Data mining results revealed that pilots’ eye movement patterns and workload perception change when performing Mission Task Elements (MTEs) that involve aircraft deficiencies. Additionally, pupil size, pupil diameter, iris diameter, interpupillary distance, iris-to-pupil ratio, and gaze entropy are found to be correlated with both handling qualities and task workload. Furthermore, a handling qualities and pilot workload recognition model is developed based on Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM), which is subsequently trained and evaluated with experimental data, achieving an accuracy of 97%. A case study was conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Overall, the proposed framework addresses the limitations of the existing Handling Qualities Rating Method (HQRM), offering a more comprehensive approach to handling qualities assessment.
Digitalisation as a Challenge for Smart Villages: The Case of Poland
Authors: Komorowski Łukasz
Published: December 2024

Rural areas face several development challenges. Some lead to rural decline—such as depopulation—and others are intended to counteract this by revitalising the countryside—such as digitalisation. These two processes are on the agenda of the European Union’s new rural development concept, smart villages. The study aims to identify the spatial differentiation of the digitalisation challenge in Polish rural areas. An attempt was made to operationalise two aspects of this challenge—access to fast Internet and digital competence. The subject of the analysis covered rural areas in Poland at the municipal level. The temporal scope of the study is defined by two approaches—static and dynamic. The first aims to show the state of the ‘here and now’, while the second aims to identify the change intensity. Methods of multivariate comparative analysis were used, resulting in hierarchical classifications of municipalities. The results show significant regional differentiation. Municipalities with predominantly ageing populations face greater difficulties in adopting new digital technologies. Overcoming these disparities will be key to improving the quality of life and resilience of rural communities. The study results provide evidence to justify the need for place-based targeted digital investments under the smart villages programmes.
Effect of Adjuvants on Physical–Chemical Properties, Droplet Size, and Drift Reduction Potential
Authors: Basílio Sérgio , Furtado Júnior Marconi Ribeiro , de Alvarenga Cleyton Batista , Vitória Edney Leandro da , Vargas Beatriz Costalonga , Privitera Salvatore , Caruso Luciano , Cerruto Emanuele , Manetto Giuseppe
Published: December 2024

Adjuvants alter the physical–chemical properties of pesticide formulations, influencing either the droplet size or drift phenomenon. Selecting the appropriate adjuvant and understanding its characteristics can contribute to the efficiency of Plant Protection Product (PPP) application. This reduces drift losses and promotes better deposition on the crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of four commercial adjuvants based on mineral oil (Agefix and Assist), vegetable oil (Aureo), and polymer (BREAK-THRU) on the physical–chemical properties (surface tension, contact angle, volumetric mass, electrical conductivity, and pH), droplet size, and drift, using pure water as the control treatment (no adjuvant). Surface tension and contact angle were measured with a DSA30 droplet shape analyzer, while droplet size measurements were determined through a laser diffraction particle analyzer (Malvern Spraytec), using a single flat fan spray nozzle (AXI 110 03) operating at 0.3 MPa. Drift reduction potential was evaluated inside a wind tunnel with an air speed of 2 m s−1. All adjuvants reduced surface tension and contact angle compared to water. volumetric median diameter (VMD) increased for Aureo, Assist, and Agefix, generating coarse, medium, and medium droplets, respectively, while BREAK-THRU formed fine droplets, similar to those generated by water. Aureo had the greatest reduction in Relative Span Factor (RSF), with a reduction of 30.3%. Overall, Aureo, Assist, and Agefix adjuvants significantly reduced the percentage of droplets <100 µm and increased those >500 µm. Drift reduction potential was achieved for all adjuvants, with Aureo showing the highest reduction of 59.35%. The study confirms that selecting the appropriate adjuvant can improve PPP application and promote environmental sustainability in agricultural practices.
Small Target Ewe Behavior Recognition Based on ELFN-YOLO
Authors: Wu Jianglin , Li Shufeng , Wen Baoqin , Nie Jing , Liu Na , Cen Honglei , Li Jingbin , Liu Shuangyin
Published: December 2024

In response to the poor performance of long-distance small target recognition tasks and real-time intelligent monitoring, this paper proposes a deep learning-based recognition method aimed at improving the ability to recognize and monitor various behaviors of captive ewes. Additionally, we have developed a system platform based on ELFN-YOLO to monitor the behaviors of ewes. ELFN-YOLO enhances the overall performance of the model by combining ELFN with the attention mechanism CBAM. ELFN strengthens multiple layers with fewer parameters, while the attention mechanism further emphasizes the channel information interaction based on ELFN. It also improves the ability of ELFN to extract spatial information in small target occlusion scenarios, leading to better recognition results. The proposed ELFN-YOLO achieved an accuracy of 92.5%, an F1 score of 92.5%, and a mAP@0.5 of 94.7% on the ewe behavior dataset built in commercial farms, which outperformed YOLOv7-Tiny by 1.5%, 0.8%, and 0.7% in terms of accuracy, F1 score, and mAP@0.5, respectively. It also outperformed other baseline models such as Faster R-CNN, YOLOv4-Tiny, and YOLOv5s. The obtained results indicate that the proposed approach outperforms existing methods in scenarios involving multi-scale detection of small objects. The proposed method is of significant importance for strengthening animal welfare and ewe management, and it provides valuable data support for subsequent tracking algorithms to monitor the activity status of ewes.
Dynamic Differencing-Based Hybrid Network for Improved 3D Skeleton-Based Motion Prediction
Authors: Ji Ruiya , Lu Chengjie , Zhong Jianqi
Published: December 2024

Background: Three-dimensional skeleton-based human motion prediction is an essential and challenging task for human–machine interactions, aiming to forecast future poses given a history of previous motions. However, existing methods often fail to effectively model dynamic changes and optimize spatial–temporal features. Methods: In this paper, we introduce Dynamic Differencing-based Hybrid Networks (2DHnet), which addresses these issues with two innovations: the Dynamic Differential Dependencies Extractor (2D-DE) for capturing dynamic features like velocity and acceleration, and the Attention-based Spatial–Temporal Dependencies Extractor (AST-DE) for enhancing spatial–temporal correlations. The 2DHnet combines these into a dual-branch network, offering a comprehensive motion representation. Results: Experiments on the Human3.6M and 3DPW datasets show that 2DHnet significantly outperforms existing methods, with average improvements of 4.7% and 26.6% in MPJPE, respectively.
Investigating Endoparasites in Captive Birds of Prey in Italy
Authors: Allievi Carolina , Zanzani Sergio A. , Bottura Fulvio , Manfredi Maria Teresa
Published: December 2024

Birds of prey can be parasitised by several endoparasites that can coexist without clinical signs of disease or occur in conjunction with stressful events. Because the number of birds of prey kept in captivity is copiously increasing due to their use for bird control, breeding programs, exhibition and falconry, the main endoparasites of 81 apparently healthy captive birds of prey from northern Italy were investigated by examining faecal and blood samples. Faeces were analysed by a quali-quantitative technique, i.e., the FLOTAC® basic technique, employing potassium iodomercurate flotation solution, while blood smears were stained to detect haemoparasites. Risk factors were further assessed. Considering gastrointestinal parasites, an overall prevalence of 41.7% was recorded, and 50% of Accipitriformes, 43% of Falconiformes and 33.3% of Strigiformes tested positive for at least one parasite taxon. Moreover, age and diet were associated with an increased risk of infection. As for haemoparasites, a prevalence of 18.2% was evidenced, and none of the risk factors were associated with prevalence. The results of this study highlighted the importance of monitoring the endoparasites of captive birds of prey with a highly sensitive copromicroscopic technique to target medical treatments, improve housing conditions and conduct epidemiological studies aimed at wildlife conservation and management.
Design and Experiment of a PLC-Based Intelligent Thermal Insulation Box for Nursing Piglets
Authors: Sun Bin , Wang Hao , Pan Xuemin , Zeng Yaqiong , Hu Bin , Qi Renli , Long Dingbiao , Xu Shunlai
Published: December 2024

Local heating of the activity area for nursing piglets is crucial for piglet health and the energy efficiency of barn climate control. Traditional heating methods using lamps or covers lack precise control, result in significant energy waste, and cannot be dynamically adjusted according to piglet age or changing environmental temperatures. To address these issues, this study designed a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)-based thermal insulation box for nursing piglets, utilizing a strip heater instead of the conventional round heating lamp. The design incorporates a movable thermal insulation box that dynamically adjusts the heater’s power based on the real-time monitoring of environmental temperatures and target temperatures specific to piglet age. First, in a controlled laboratory environment, the study tested and compared the spatial temperature uniformity, temporal stability, and power consumption of the new thermal insulation box versus traditional heating methods. Subsequently, animal trials were conducted in a farrowing barn using eight sows with similar farrowing dates as test subjects. The new thermal insulation box was installed in one group, and the traditional heating lamp in the control group. During the trial, ambient temperature, insulation area temperature, piglet behavior, growth performance, and power consumption were recorded. The results showed that compared to the control group, the new system reduced average temperature fluctuations in the insulation area by 31.6% and spatial temperature variation by 78.3%. During animal trials, the average temperatures directly under the heater for the new system versus the control in the insulation area were 39.7 ± 0.2 °C and 30.2 ± 1.4 °C in the first week, 40.9 ± 0.5 °C and 31.6 ± 0.7 °C in the second week, and 32.3 ± 1.5 °C and 28.6 ± 1.7 °C in the third week—significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the test group. The new system also reduced total energy consumption by 58.3%. The usage rate of the thermal insulation area by piglets in the test and control groups was 47.5 ± 5.3% and 42.1 ± 6.6%. The daily weight gain of piglets in the test group was 9.8% higher than that of the control group, also significantly (p < 0.05) higher. This intelligent thermal insulation box enables precise and dynamic temperature control, reducing heating energy consumption and supporting improved piglet health and welfare.
Optimizing Recovery of High-Added-Value Compounds from Complex Food Matrices Using Multivariate Methods
Authors: Liu Yixuan , Dar Basharat N. , Makroo Hilal A. , Aslam Raouf , Martí-Quijal Francisco J. , Castagnini Juan M. , Amigo Jose Manuel , Barba Francisco J.
Published: December 2024

In today’s food industry, optimizing the recovery of high-value compounds is crucial for enhancing quality and yield. Multivariate methods like Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) play key roles in achieving this. This review compares their technical strengths and examines their sustainability impacts, highlighting how these methods support greener food processing by optimizing resources and reducing waste. RSM is valued for its structured approach to modeling complex processes, while ANNs excel in handling nonlinear relationships and large datasets. Combining RSM and ANNs offers a powerful, synergistic approach to improving predictive models, helping to preserve nutrients and extend shelf life. The review emphasizes the potential of RSM and ANNs to drive innovation and sustainability in the food industry, with further exploration needed for scalability and integration with emerging technologies.
Revalorisation of Vine Pruning Waste Through the Production of Zero CO2 Emission Charcoal
Authors: Los Santos-Ortega Jorge , Mendívil-Giro Manuel Antonio , Fraile-García Esteban , Ferreiro-Cabello Javier
Published: December 2024

This research studies the production of charcoal from a by-product of viticulture such as the vine pruning remains of vine (vine shoots). During this study, several carbonisation tests were carried out in an electric muffle furnace where vine shoot samples were tested at different temperature ranges (150–450 °C) and with test durations of 2 h and 3 h. From these tests, the mass yields and carbon yields were studied, as well as the characterisation of the chemical composition of the resulting charcoals, obtaining the maximum results of the fixed carbon content of up to 80.4%. Subsequently, the tests’ energy consumptions were also recorded in order to optimise the amount of grammes of carbon per kWh of energy used. The average value obtained in the trials was 18.55 g of carbon per kWh of energy used in the carbonisation process. Finally, special emphasis was placed on studying the sustainability of this charcoal through the net balance of CO2 eq emissions. To this end, the CO2 eq emissions associated with the energy consumption of the trials and how, through the use of this waste to produce 10–12 g of charcoal, the negative net emission values of up to −522.74 g of CO2 eq were achieved were evaluated. This demonstrates the possibility of charcoal production with a zero-carbon footprint. This acts as evidence of the possibility of zero carbon footprint charcoal production, a key innovative aspect that helps to achieve greater sustainability in industrial sectors with a high impact on the region.
Proposal and Implementation of an Integrated Monitoring Platform for Preventive Maintenance of Industrial Machines
Authors: Kamiya Nene , Hibino Shunya , Yoshizato Konosuke , Otsuka Takanobu
Published: December 2024

In order to realise the efficient maintenance of industrial machines, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) need a system that utilises digital technology to handle everything from data collection to the visualisation of the collected data in an integrated manner. In this paper, an integrated monitoring platform using external sensor devices is proposed and implemented for the purpose of preventive maintenance of industrial machines. The proposed system performs edge processing to calculate features effective for monitoring on the sensor device, collects only the obtained features, and visualises them on a web server. In order to determine the features required by edge processing, a cycle waveform cut-out algorithm was proposed. As an evaluation experiment, the proposed system was used to detect the loosening of bolts on the support side of a ball screw. The results of the analysis showed that the dispersion value immediately after the start of uniform motion from the right end to the left end was valid, so the system was implemented as edge processing in the sensor device. In wireless transmission experiments on a testbed, an average of 20 consecutive cycles were used to achieve a 99.9% correct response rate and high detection accuracy, demonstrating the usefulness of the proposed system.
Advanced 3D-Printed Capstan Clamping System for Accurate Uniaxial Tensile Testing of Biological Soft Tissues
Authors: Horvath Paul , Gläser Franz , Antipova Veronica , Klug Corina , Lin Alvin C. , Scholze Mario , Hammer Niels
Published: December 2024

Standardized testing methods for the mechanical characterization of biological soft tissues remain underdeveloped in several domains. Existing clamping methods often induce high stress levels in the clamping region, thereby affecting experimental outcomes. This study introduces a 3D-printed clamping system based on the capstan principle. The capstan system was designed and manufactured using 3D printing technology and optimized to minimize the required gripping pressure while maintaining the natural, non-tapered state of specimens. This optimization helps reduce experimental artifacts and prevents premature tissue failure in the clamping region caused by local stress peaks. Usability trials were conducted using human flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons (n = 15). Results showed that 80% of the tendons failed at the midpoint region, indicating the desired load distribution achieved by the clamping mechanism. The elastic moduli, averaging 316.18 ± 86.73 MPa, and failure load properties, averaging 79.25 ± 19.10 MPa, fell within the range of FDP values reported by other researchers, thereby supporting the validity of the capstan design. Capstan clamping offers a promising add-on for biomechanical testing of soft tissues. Further development is necessary to tailor the clamping design to various tissue geometries and to address issues related to tissue moisture regulation, thereby enhancing the reliability and versatility of the clamping system.
Characterization of Spent Grain from Irish Whiskey Distilleries for Biorefinery Feedstock Potential to Produce High-Value Chemicals and Biopolymers
Authors: Abolore Rasaq S. , Pradhan Dileswar , Jaiswal Swarna , Jaiswal Amit K.
Published: December 2024

Distiller’s spent grain (DSG) is a byproduct generated in large quantities during the mashing process, particularly in the production of alcoholic beverages such as whiskey. This study aimed to characterize DSG from nine different distilleries as a potential biorefinery feedstock for the synthesis of high-value bioproducts. Key components, including protein (12.38–26.32%), cellulose (11.75–32.75%), hemicellulose (6.97–19.47%), lignin (8.44–15.71%), and total phenolics (1.42 to 3.97 mg GAE/g), were analyzed to evaluate their variability and suitability for industrial applications. The results reveal that DSG composition varies significantly across distilleries due to differences in processing techniques, even though the starting grain composition had minimal influence. Statistical analysis highlighted the variability of water- and ethanol-soluble extractives (17.34–31.77%) and their potential impact on product consistency. This compositional variability highlights the importance of understanding DSG’s structural properties to optimize its use as a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock. This study emphasizes the potential for utilizing DSG in the production of nanocellulose, bioplastics, phenolic resins, and other sustainable materials, thereby contributing to the circular economy. By linking compositional insights to specific applications, this work establishes a foundation for tailored utilization of DSG in biopolymer production and chemical synthesis. These findings provide valuable insights for biorefinery operations, addressing both sustainability challenges and the economic potential of industrial byproducts.
Evaluation of Subway Emergency Evacuation Based on Combined Theoretical and Simulation Methods
Authors: Hui Yang , Su Shujie , Peng Hui
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a thorough investigation of the emergency evacuation capabilities of subway systems has been undertaken, employing a blend of theoretical models and simulation methodologies. Initially, a theoretical framework was established to estimate the evacuation duration for passengers transitioning from the train to a secure area while considering the spatial configuration and passenger flow dynamics of subway stations. Following this, a real-time visualization simulation model was developed, which integrates the dynamic aspects of passenger flow and the transportation capacity of evacuation bottlenecks across various segments. This model incorporates both spatial parameters and the travel behaviors of passengers. Ultimately, in accordance with actual operational needs, a simulation analysis was performed for substantial passenger volumes across three representative scenarios to assess the effectiveness and scientific validity of the theoretical calculation model. This study offers a foundational framework for the management of subway safety operations, facilitating the identification of evacuation bottlenecks and the implementation of emergency strategies for handling large passenger flows.
A Method for Building a Mixed-Reality Digital Twin of a Roadheader Monitoring System
Authors: Hao Xuedi , Lin Hanhui , Jia Han , Cui Yitong , Wang Shengjie , Gao Yingzong , Guang Ji , Ge Shirong
Published: December 2024

The working environment of the coal mine boom-type roadheader is harsh with large blind areas and numerous safety hazards for operators. Traditional on-site or remote control methods do not meet the requirements for intelligent tunneling. This paper proposes a digital twin monitoring system of an EBZ-type roadheader based on mixed reality (MR). First, the system integrates a five-dimensional digital twin model to establish the boom-type roadheader digital twin monitoring system. Second, the Unity3D software (v2020.3.25f1c1) and the MR Hololens (v22621.1133 produced by Microsoft) are used to build a digital twin human–machine interaction platform, achieving bidirectional mapping and driving of cutting operation data. Third, a twin data exchange program is designed by employing the Winform framework and the C/S communication architecture, making use of the socket communication protocol to transmit and store the cutting model data within the system. Finally, a physical prototype of the boom-type roadheader is built, and a validation experiment of the monitoring system’s digital twin is conducted. The experimental results show that the average transmission error of the cutting model data of the twin monitoring system is below 0.757%, and the execution accuracy error is below 3.7%. This system can achieve bidirectional real-time mapping and control between the twins, which provides a new monitoring method for actual underground roadheader operations. It effectively eliminates the operator’s blind areas and improves the intelligence level of roadheader monitoring. Beyond mining, this methodology can be extended to the monitoring and control of other mining equipment, predictive maintenance in manufacturing, and infrastructure management in smart cities.
A Generative Artificial-Intelligence-Based Workbench to Test New Methodologies in Organisational Health and Safety
Authors: Falegnami Andrea , Tomassi Andrea , Corbelli Giuseppe , Nucci Francesco Saverio , Romano Elpidio
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a novel generative artificial intelligence workbench specifically tailored to the field of safety sciences. Utilizing large language models (LLMs), this innovative approach significantly diverges from traditional methods by enabling the rapid development, refinement, and preliminary testing of new safety methodologies. Traditional techniques in this field typically depend on slow, iterative cycles of empirical data collection and analysis, which can be both time-intensive and costly. In contrast, our LLM-based workbench leverages synthetic data generation and advanced prompt engineering to simulate complex safety scenarios and generate diverse, realistic data sets on demand. This capability allows for more flexible and accelerated experimentation, enhancing the efficiency and scalability of safety science research. By detailing an application case, we demonstrate the practical implementation and advantages of our framework, such as its ability to adapt quickly to evolving safety requirements and its potential to significantly cut down development time and resources. The introduction of this workbench represents a paradigm shift in safety methodology development, offering a potent tool that combines the theoretical rigor of traditional methods with the agility of modern AI technologies.
Sensitivity of Acoustic Voice Quality Measures in Simulated Reverberation Conditions
Authors: Yousef Ahmed M. , Hunter Eric J.
Published: December 2024

Room reverberation can affect oral/aural communication and is especially critical in computer analysis of voice. High levels of reverberation can distort voice recordings, impacting the accuracy of quantifying voice production quality and vocal health evaluations. This study quantifies the impact of additive simulated reverberation on otherwise clean voice recordings as reflected in voice metrics commonly used for voice quality evaluation. From a larger database of voice recordings collected in a low-noise, low-reverberation environment, voice samples of a sustained [a:] vowel produced at two different speaker intents (comfortable and clear) by five healthy voice college-age female native English speakers were used. Using the reverb effect in Audacity, eight reverberation situations indicating a range of reverberation times (T20 between 0.004 and 1.82 s) were simulated and convolved with the original recordings. All voice samples, both original and reverberation-affected, were analyzed using freely available PRAAT software (version 6.0.13) to calculate five common voice parameters: jitter, shimmer, harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR), alpha ratio, and smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPs). Statistical analyses assessed the sensitivity and variations in voice metrics to a range of simulated room reverberation conditions. Results showed that jitter, HNR, and alpha ratio were stable at simulated reverberation times below T20 of 1 s, with HNR and jitter more stable in the clear vocal style. Shimmer was highly sensitive even at T20 of 0.53 s, which would reflect a common room, while CPPs remained stable across all simulated reverberation conditions. Understanding the sensitivity and stability of these voice metrics to a range of room acoustics effects allows for targeted use of certain metrics even in less controlled environments, enabling selective application of stable measures like CPPs and cautious interpretation of shimmer, ensuring more reliable and accurate voice assessments.