bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Second-Order RC Equivalent Circuit Model with Hybrid Offline–Online Parameter Identification for Accurate SoC Estimation in Electric Vehicles under Varying Temperature Conditions
Authors: Zhou Hao , He Qiaoling , Li Yichuan , Wang Yangjun , Wang Dongsheng , Xie Yongliang
Published: September 2024

Accurate estimation of State-of-Charge (SoC) is essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, second-order RC equivalent circuit models do not account for the influence of battery charging and discharging states on battery parameters. Additionally, offline parameter identification becomes inaccurate as the battery ages. Online identification requires real-time parameter updates during the SoC estimation process, which increases the computational complexity and reduces the computational efficiency of real vehicle Battery Management System (BMS) chips. To address these issues, this paper proposes a SoC estimation method that combines online and offline identification based on an optimized second-order RC equivalent circuit model, which distinguishes it from existing methods in the field. On the basis of the traditional second-order RC model, the Ohmic resistance (R0), polarization resistance (R1), polarization capacitance (C1), diffusion resistance (R2), and diffusion capacitance (C2) during the charging and discharging processes are discussed separately. R0, which does not change frequently, is identified offline, while R1, R2, C1, and C2, which dynamically change with time and current, are identified online. To thoroughly verify the feasibility of the proposed method, we construct an SoC estimation test bench, which allows us to adjust the battery’s surface temperature in real time using a temperature control chamber. Experimental validation under Federal Urban Driving Schedule (FUDS) (−10 °C to 45 °C, 80% battery capacity) and Dynamic Stress Test (DST) (−10 °C to 45 °C, 8% battery capacity) conditions demonstrate that our method improves SoC estimation accuracy by 16.28% under FUDS and 28.2% under DST compared to the improved GRU-based transfer learning method, while maintaining system SoC estimation efficiency.
Influence of Molasses and Caesalpinia spinosa Meal Inoculums on Biogas Production from Cattle Manure
Authors: Gosgot Angeles Wildor , Garcia Saldaña Willan , Oliva-Cruz Manuel , Barrena Gurbillon Miguel Ángel , Ordinola Ramirez Carla M. , Gamarra-Torres Oscar Andrés , Mori Servan Diana Carina
Published: September 2024

The management of organic waste through anaerobic digestion is an alternative to energy recovery. This research focused on evaluating the production of biogas with different inoculums. For this purpose, two types of systems were implemented—one used a heating system controlled by an STC-1000 thermostat, while the other used a solar heating system under a polycarbonate parabolic trough. The experiment was carried out at laboratory level with 3 L PET bottle biodigesters and the biogas produced was collected with the water displacement technique in 3 L bottles, calibrated every 50 mL, over 43 days. Inoculums of the following manure concentrations were used: water (1:5, 1:2, 1:3) mixed with Caesalpinia spinosa meal and molasses. The results determined that the thermostat-controlled heating system generated 69.6 mL/day of biogas while the other system produced 610.9 mL/day. On the other hand, the T1 treatment with a manure:water ratio of 1:5 and molasses and Caesalpinia spinosa meal inoculums in both systems had a higher average biogas volume. In terms of methane (CH₄), the highest value of 76.9% was obtained through the T1 treatment under the controlled heating system. This allows the production of biogas with a high concentration of methane, which in future applications can be utilized for residential or industrial purposes, promoting economic, social and environmental development. Since the main challenge in the production of biogas is to reduce the digestion time, which is influenced by the temperature of the site, two types of inoculums with a low cost and easy access were used.
Comparison of the Intestinal Microbiota Composition and Function of Red Claw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) Cultured in Ponds and Rice Fields
Authors: Huang Libin , Lu Tianhe , Lu Xiaohua , Shi Jingu , Huang Yin , Du Xuesong , Wang Dapeng , Liang Yi , Lei Yanju , Wang Lianggang , Wang Rui , Yang Huizan
Published: September 2024

The growth environment significantly influences the intestinal microbiota of aquatic organisms. We investigated the composition and functional differences in the intestinal microbiota of red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) in rice fields (RB) and ponds (PB) by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology. The results indicate that the Shannon, Simpson, Sobs, Chao1, and ACE indices of PB are all higher than those of RB, demonstrating greater diversity and richness of intestinal microbiota. The dominant phyla in the intestinal microbiota of the Cherax quadricarinatus were Proteobacteria, Tenericutes, and Firmicutes. Tenericutes and Proteobacteria were significantly more abundant in the RB than in the PB, while Planctomycetes and Firmicutes were significantly more abundant in the PB than in the RB. The results of network correlation analysis indicate that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes exhibit strong connectivity with other microbial groups in the gut microbiota of Cherax quadricarinatus, showing significant centrality. They play an important role in the interactions within the gut microbiota community. The dominant bacterial genera in the Cherax quadricarinatus’s gut were Citrobacter, Candidatus_Bacilloplasma, and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1. The abundance of the genus Clostridium was significantly higher in the PB than in the RB, whereas the abundance of Candidatus_Hepatoplasma and Vibrio was significantly lower in the PB than in the RB. The prediction function of KEGG enrichment showed that the abundance of Amino acid metabolism, Biosynthesis of Other Secondary Metabolites, Transport and Catabolism, Cancers, and Nervous System, Substance Dependence were significantly higher in the PB, while the infectious diseases pathway was enriched in the RB. In summary, our results revealed significant differences in the composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota in the Cherax quadricarinatus between rice paddy and pond farming environments. The intestinal microbiota of the Cherax quadricarinatus grown in pond environments exhibit higher diversity and stability, manifested by an increase in beneficial bacteria abundance and a decrease in opportunistic pathogens. These findings significantly improve understanding of the complex relationship among Cherax quadricarinatus, intestinal microbiota, and the environment.
Exploring Osmotic Dehydration for Food Preservation: Methods, Modelling, and Modern Applications
Authors: Mari Alexandra , Parisouli Danai Nikoleta , Krokida Magdalini
Published: September 2024

This study summarizes the most recent findings on osmotic dehydration, a crucial step in food preservation. The many benefits of osmotic dehydration are listed, including longer shelf life and preserved nutritional value. Mass transfer dynamics, which are critical to understanding osmotic dehydration, are explored alongside mathematical models essential for comprehending this process. The effect of osmotic agents and process parameters on efficacy, such as temperature, agitation and osmotic agent concentration, is closely examined. Pre-treatment techniques are emphasized in order to improve process effectiveness and product quality. The increasing demand for sustainability is a critical factor driving research into eco-friendly osmotic agents, waste valorization, and energy-efficient methods. The review also provides practical insights into process optimization and discusses the energy consumption and viability of osmotic dehydration compared to other drying methods. Future applications and improvements are highlighted, making it an invaluable tool for the food industry.
Influence of Liquid Nitrogen Pre-Freezing and Drying Methods on the Collagen Content, Physical Properties, and Flavor of Fish Swim Bladder
Authors: Dong Hongbing , Chen Jiwang , Li Yujie , Wang Chao , Jiao Chuyi , Wang Liuqing
Published: September 2024

Fish swim bladder (FSB) is a type of traditional nutraceutical, but the lack of high-quality drying methods limits its premium market development. In order to obtain optimal-quality dried FSBs from Chinese longsnout catfish, the effects of liquid nitrogen pre-freezing (LNF) and drying on the physical properties and flavor of FSB were evaluated. Four methods were used for FSB drying, including natural air-drying (ND), hot-air-drying (HD), LNF combined with freeze-drying (LN-FD), and LNF combined with HD (LN-HD). Color, collagen content, rehydration ratio, textural properties, and flavor characteristics (by GC-IMS, E-nose, and E-tongue) were measured to clarify the differences among four dried FSBs. The results showed that ND cannot effectively remove moisture from FSB as the final product showed a stronger sourness in taste. HD led to a decrease in the collagen content and the collapse of the fiber structure in FSB. Compared to HD, LN-HD showed a higher collagen content (0.56 g/g) and a different flavor fingerprint. FSB treated by LN-FD had better physical qualities in terms of an attractive color, a high collagen content (0.79 g/g), low shrinkage, a higher rehydration ratio (2.85), and a soft texture, while also possessing richer characteristic flavors. The application of LN-FD may help the optimization of the nutrition level, rehydration ability, mouthfeel, and flavor of dried FSB.
The Inhibitory Impact of a Co-Assembly Gel with Natural Carrier-Free Binary Small Molecules, as Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, on the Viability of SW1990 Cells
Authors: Nie Xueqiang , Liu Sifan , Huang Qiongxue , Wu Haifeng , Zheng Qingxia , Xu Xudong , Li Bowen , Ma Guoxu , Zhou Xiaolei , Liu Shuchen , Gao Weijuan
Published: September 2024

Chinese herbs are a huge treasure trove of natural products and an important source of many active molecules. The theory of traditional Chinese medicine compatibility (TCMC) is widely applied in clinical practice, but its mechanism is still ambiguous. This study aims to open a new window for this predicament by studying the interaction between the main active ingredients from a drug pair. Carrier-free assembly of natural products improves the shortcomings of traditional nanodelivery systems and opens a new path for the development of new nanomaterials. The drug pair “Pueraria and Hedyotis diffusa” has been commonly used in clinical practice, with a predominant therapeutic effect. This study is devoted to the study of the binary small molecule co-assembly of the main active molecules from the drug pair. In this study, we introduce a carrier-free composite gel, formed by the co-assembly of puerarin (PUE) and deacetylasperulosidic acid (DAA) via non-covalent bonds including π–π packing, intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and C=O π interactions. With a strain point 7-fold higher than that of P gel, the P − D gel exhibited favorable rheological properties. The survival rate of SW1990 cells in the P − D group was only 21.39% when the concentration of administration reached 200 μM. It thus demonstrated activity in inhibiting SW1990 cells’ survival, suggesting potential in combating pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, this research offers a valuable concept for enhancing the mechanical properties and bioactivity of hydrogel materials through the utilization of a multi-component natural small molecule co-assembly approach. More importantly, this provides new ideas and methods for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and the analysis of traditional Chinese medicine compatibility theory.
Effectiveness of A Nurse-Led Multimodal Intervention in Preventing Blood Culture Contamination: A Before-and-After Study
Authors: Filipe Susana , Martins Teresa , Santos-Costa Paulo , Paiva-Santos Filipe , Castilho Amélia , Bastos Celeste
Published: September 2024

Blood culture is crucial for accurate and timely bacteremia diagnosis and guide antibiotic therapy. However, during culture sampling, contamination can occur, resulting in misdiagnosis, unnecessary antibiotic exposure, and prolonged hospitalization. This before-and-after intervention study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal intervention in preventing blood culture contamination. The study was conducted in a 170-bed hospital in Portugal and included a total of 23,566 blood cultures. Contamination rates were assessed in two phases: Phase 1 (before intervention, month 0) included 10,928 cultures, and Phase 2 (after intervention, month 6) included 12,638 cultures. During the study period, a multimodal intervention targeting the nursing staff was implemented, consisting of training actions, guideline updates, regular data monitoring and feedback, and introduction of a blood culture pack. Following the intervention, blood culture contamination decreased from 6.8% (Phase 1) to 3.9% (Phase 2). A comparative analysis revealed that the risk of contamination before the intervention was nearly four times higher in first culture, OR = 3.97 (CI 2.86–5.49). Our findings suggest that the multimodal intervention enhanced nurses’ adherence to recommended practices, resulting in a reduced risk of blood culture contamination, earlier identification of infectious agents, and improved accuracy of antibiotic therapy.
Caring for the Caregivers: Improving Mental Health among Health Professionals Using the Behavioral Health Professional Workforce Resilience ECHO Program
Authors: Katzman Jeffrey W. , Tomedi Laura E. , Pandey Navin , Richardson Kimble , Xenakis Stephen N. , Heines Sarah , Grabbe Linda , Magdaleno Yasmin , Mehta Ankit , Welton Randon , Lister Kelly , Seis Kelly , Wright Antoinette , McCoy-Hayes Shannon , Katzman Joanna G.
Published: September 2024

Behavioral health professionals are at high risk for burnout and poor mental health. Our objective was to understand the impact of the Behavioral Health Providers Workforce Resiliency (BHPWR) ECHO Program on the resilience and burnout of participating behavioral health professionals. We assessed the first two years (March 2022 to March 2024) of the BHPWR ECHO, a national program operating from the University of New Mexico (N = 1585 attendees), using a mixed-methods design. We used a retrospective pre/post survey (n = 53 respondents) and focus interviews with 1–3 participants (n = 9 participants) to assess for changes in knowledge and confidence and assess changes in burnout and resilience. We found that participants increased their knowledge of how to respond when (1) their workload was more than they could manage, (2) they felt that they lacked control, (3) their work did not feel rewarding, and (4) they were experiencing compassion fatigue. They increased their confidence in (1) building a support system and (2) using the wellness tools taught in the course. Respondents were less burnt out (score: 26.0 versus 17.8, p < 0.01) and more resilient (29.9 versus 34.9, p < 0.01) compared to when they started attending the program. Tele-mentoring programs like the BHPWR ECHO Program may improve wellness among health care professionals.
Recognizing Digital Ink Chinese Characters Written by International Students Using a Residual Network with 1-Dimensional Dilated Convolution
Authors: Xu Huafen , Zhang Xiwen
Published: September 2024

Due to the complex nature of Chinese characters, junior international students often encounter writing problems related to strokes, components, and their combinations when writing Chinese characters. Digital ink Chinese characters (DICCs) are obtained by sampling the writing trajectory of Chinese characters with a pen input device. DICCs contain rich information, such as the time and space of strokes and sampling points. Recognizing DICCs is crucial for evaluating and correcting writing errors and enhancing the quality of Chinese character teaching for international students. Here, the paper first employs a one-dimensional dilated convolution to digital ink Chinese character recognition (DICCR) and proposes a novel residual network with one-dimensional dilated convolution (1-D ResNetDC). The 1-D ResNetDC not only utilizes multi-scale convolution kernels, but also employs different dilation rates on a single-scale convolution kernel to obtain information from various ranges. Additionally, residual connections facilitate the training of deep one-dimensional convolutional neural networks. Moreover, the paper proposes a more expressive ten-dimensional feature representation that includes spatial, temporal, and writing direction information for each sampling point, thereby improving classification accuracy. Because the DICC dataset of international students is small and unbalanced, the 1-D ResNetDC is pre-trained on the published available dataset. The experiments demonstrate that our approach is effective and superior. This model features a compact architecture, a reduced number of parameters, and excellent scalability.
Impact of Ventilator Settings on Pulmonary Nodule Localization Accuracy in a Hybrid Operating Room: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Hsia Jiun Yi , Huang Hsu Chih , Au Kwong-Kwok , Chen Chih Yi , Wang Yu Hsiang
Published: September 2024

Background: Pulmonary nodule localization in a hybrid operating room (OR) followed by thoracoscopic operation presents a viable alternative for early lung cancer treatment, potentially supplanting conventional two-stage preoperative computed tomography-guided localization. This hybrid OR technique enables lesion localization under positive ventilation, contrasting with the traditional method requiring concurrent respiratory motion. This study aimed to evaluate our experience with different ventilator settings and the accuracy of pulmonary nodule localization. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 176 patients with multiple pulmonary nodules who had localization procedures in our hybrid operating room. Ninety-five patients were assigned to the traditional ventilator setting group (tidal volume 8–10 mL/kg) and 81 to the lung-protective strategy group (tidal volume < 8 mL/kg). Localization accuracy was assessed via hybrid computed tomography imaging, ensuring that the needle-to-lesion distance was ≤5 mm. Between-group differences were assessed using the chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and the Mann–Whitney U test, as appropriate. Results: Pathological findings revealed primary lung malignancy in 150 patients, inclusive of invasive adenocarcinoma, adenocarcinoma in situ, and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma. Multivariate regression analysis identified tidal volume, nodule count, and localization depth as significant predictors of localization accuracy. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that ventilator settings with a tidal volume of 8–10 mL/kg significantly enhanced localization accuracy and slightly improved patient oxygenation. However, additional randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings and establish definitive guidelines for future interventions.
Interleukin 16 and 25 (IL-17E) and Clinical Outcomes in Exacerbation of COPD—A Pilot Study
Authors: Karauda Tomasz , Miłkowska-Dymanowska Joanna , Kumor-Kisielewska Anna , Piotrowski Wojciech J. , Białas Adam J.
Published: September 2024

Background: Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ECOPD) significantly impact health status, hospitalization rates, and disease progression, and are linked to increased mortality. Predictive factors for ECOPD are therefore of considerable interest. The limited understanding of interleukin 16 (IL-16) and IL-25 role in ECOPD provided the rationale for this study. Methods: Fifty ex-smokers diagnosed with COPD (22 ECOPD and 28 patients in the stable phase of the disease) underwent prospective analysis to evaluate the role of I IL-25 as predictive markers of clinical outcomes in ECOPD. Results: We observed a significantly lower IL-16 and higher IL-25 concentrations among ECOPD patients (p = 0.002 and p = 0.01 respectively). We also detected a significant negative correlation between IL-16 and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p = 0.04) and a significant negative correlation between IL-25 concentration and absolute eosinophil count (p = 0.04). In the entire group, we observed a positive correlation between IL-16 and both FEV1 and FVC, both expressed as a percentage of reference value, (p = 0.002 and p = 0.0004 respectively). However, after stratification to ECOPD and stable COPD group, significance maintained for FVC (p = 0.045 for ECOPD and p = 0.02 for stable COPD). In survival analysis, we detected significantly lower all-cause mortality for 3rd tertile of IL-16 concentrations, with a hazard ratio of 0.33 (95%CI: 0.11–0.98; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Lower IL-16 levels among ECOPD patients may indicate a feedback mechanism linked to heightened Th1 response activation. Observed correlations with ventilatory parameters and survival also seems to reflect this mechanism. The higher IL-25 concentrations observed in ECOPD patients, along with the negative correlation with absolute eosinophil count and eosinopenia, suggest multifactorial regulation and independent functions of eosinophils and IL-25. Hypothetically, this paradox may be related to the Th1/Th2 imbalance favoring Th1 response. Obtained results should be reproduced in larger size samples.
A Novel Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique for Eight-Plate Hemiepiphysiodesis: Description and Evaluation
Authors: Heisinger Stephan , Sommeregger Johannes , Trost Carmen , Willegger Madeleine , Schreiner Markus , Windhager Reinhard , Kolb Alexander
Published: September 2024

Background: Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis with tension band plates or eight-plates is a common surgical procedure to treat malalignment of the lower limb axis in skeletally immature patients. The objective of this study was to compare a new minimally invasive surgical procedure with the conventional procedure and evaluate its safety and effectiveness in order to reduce the risk of hypertrophic scarring, which may cause functional impairment as well as cosmetic issues. Methods: Sixty-five growth plates of either the femur or the tibia were evaluated in 33 patients treated for genu valgum or varum between 2010 and 2017. Each growth plate was considered an individual case. The modified procedure was used in 17 cases and the conventional procedure in 48 cases. The modified surgical procedure is characterized by an 8 mm incision and preparation of the epi-periosteal layer, in which the eight-plate is positioned via a guide-wire. Positioning and implantation are controlled via fluoroscopy. Skin incision length, duration of surgery, revision rate, achievement of a defined correction goal, and correction rate were analyzed. Results: Using the minimally invasive procedure, the mean skin incision length (23.94 ± 10.18 mm vs. 8.75 ± 2.14 mm, p < 0.001) could be significantly reduced. No significant difference was found in regard to the duration of surgery, revision rate, achievement of the correction goal or correction rate. Conclusions: The minimally invasive procedure results in a reduction in incision length without significant impact on the duration of surgery, revision rate, achievement of correction goal or correction rate. Consequently, the modified procedure can be regarded as equally as effective and safe as the conventional procedure.
Stage-Specific Plasma Metabolomic Profiles in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ishizaki Tetsuo , Sugimoto Masahiro , Kuboyama Yu , Mazaki Junichi , Kasahara Kenta , Tago Tomoya , Udo Ryutaro , Iwasaki Kenichi , Hayashi Yutaka , Nagakawa Yuichi
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the metabolomic profiles of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) across various stages of the disease. Methods: The plasma samples were obtained from 255 subjects, including patients with CRC in stages I-IV, polyps, and controls. We employed capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry to analyze hydrophilic metabolites comprehensively. The data were randomly divided into two groups, and consistent differences observed in both groups were analyzed. Results: Acetylated polyamines, such as N1-acetylspermine and N1, N12-diacetylspermine, consistently showed elevated concentrations in stage IV compared to stages I-III. Non-acetylated polyamines, including spermine and spermidine, exhibited increasing trends from polyp to stage IV. Other metabolites, such as histidine and o-acetylcarnitine, showed decreasing trends across stages. While acetylated polyamines have been reported as CRC detection markers, our findings suggest that they also possess diagnostic potential for distinguishing stage IV from other stages. Conclusions: This study showed stage-specific changes in metabolic profiles, including polyamines, of colorectal cancer.
A Comparison of the Convenience, Quality of Interaction, and Satisfaction of Virtual and In-Person Healthcare Consultations: A Nationwide Study
Authors: AlShareef Saad Mohammed , AlWabel Abdullah Abdulaziz
Published: September 2024

Background: There are few direct comparisons of service utilization and patient-reported outcomes in patients attending medical consultations in person or virtually. This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of adults engaging with a healthcare practitioner via virtual or in-person consultations. Methods: Participants were recruited in person by convenience sampling between November 2023 and January 2024 across Saudi Arabia, and data were gathered on (i) basic demographic and consultation information and (ii) convenience, quality of interaction, and satisfaction with their consultations. Results: Of 3196 individuals who completed the survey, 28.7% had attended their most recent healthcare interaction virtually and 71.3% had attended in person. Participants attending virtual consultations were more likely to live rurally (69.0% vs. 21.9% for in-person consultations; p < 0.001). Virtual appointments were more common for primary care and diabetes/endocrinology but not surgical specialties (p < 0.001), and private apps and hospitals more frequently provided virtual appointments. Conclusions: Overall, patients found virtual consultations to be significantly more convenient, prompt, private, and well communicated than in-person appointments, translating into extremely high satisfaction (97.4% overall vs. 84.0% for in-person consultations; p < 0.001). This study provides population-level data on the current prevalence of telehealth use in Saudi Arabia. Further prospective research demonstrating the clinical noninferiority of telemedicine could help promote further uptake in specialties such as surgery.
Correction: Asad et al. Anti-Inflammatory, Antipyretic, and Analgesic Potential of Chitin and Chitosan Derived from Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) and Termites. J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15, 80
Authors: Asad Khushbakht , Shams Sumaira , Ibáñez-Arancibia Eliana , De los Ríos-Escalante Patricio R. , Badshah Farhad , Ahmad Farooq , Khan Muhammad Salman , Khan Asar
Published: September 2024

In the original publication [...]
Full Coverage Path Planning for Torpedo-Type AUVs’ Marine Survey Confined in Convex Polygon Area
Authors: Li Ji-Hong , Kang Hyungjoo , Kim Min-Gyu , Lee Mun-Jik , Jin Han-Sol
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we present a full coverage path planning (CPP) algorithm for the marine surveys conducted in the convex polygon shaped search area. The survey is supposed to carry out by torpedo-type AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles). Due to their nonholonomic mechanical characteristics, these vehicles have nonzero minimum turning radius. For any given polygon shaped search area, it can always be partitioned into one or more convex polygons. With this in mind, this paper proposes a novel search algorithm called CbSPSA (Calculation based Shortest Path Search Algorithm) for full coverage of any given convex polygon shaped search area. By aligning the search inter-tracks alongside the edge with the minimum height, we can guarantee the minimum number of the vehicle’s turns. In addition, the proposed method can guarantee the planned path is strictly located inside the polygon area without overlapped or crossed path lines, and also has the total path length as short as possible. Considering the vehicle’s nonzero minimum turning radius, we also propose a sort of smoothing algorithm which can smooth the waypoint path searched by CbSPSA so that the vehicle can exactly follow it. The smoothed path is also guaranteed to be strictly located inside the polygon. Numerical simulation analyses are also carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.
Enhancements of Wave Power Absorption with Arrays and a Vertical Breakwater
Authors: Kara Fuat
Published: September 2024

The capability of the in-house transient wave-multibody computational tool, ITU-WAVE, is extended to predict the wave power absorption with Wave Energy Converters (WECs) arrays placed in front of a vertical breakwater. The hydrodynamic forces are approximated by solving boundary integral equation at each time interval. The reflection of incoming waves due to a vertical wall is predicted with method of images. The constructive or destructive performance of WECs arrays with different array configurations is measured with mean interaction factor. The behaviour of the hydrodynamic forces of each WEC due to a vertical wall effect shows considerable differences than those of WECs arrays without a vertical wall. When the wave power absorption with WECs arrays with and without a vertical wall effect are compared, the numerical results show that WECs placed in front of a vertical wall have much greater effects on wave power absorption. This can be attributed to the hydrodynamic interaction, standing waves, and nearly trapped waves in the gap between a vertical wall and WECs arrays. The analytical and other numerical results are used for the validation of present ITU-WAVE computational results for exciting and radiation forces, and mean interaction factor of WECs arrays which show satisfactory agreements.
Business Model and Strategy for Sustainable Lending of State-Owned Banks in Indonesia
Authors: Manurung Kepas Antoni Adrianus , Siregar Hermanto , Hakim Dedi Budiman , Fahmi Idqan , Novianti Tanti
Published: September 2024

Currently, banks are facing challenges in fulfilling the interests of stakeholders, not only from an economic point of view, but also in terms of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. This is due to the increasing concern for sustainability issues, including lending activities. Lending activities constitute the largest portion of bank assets and are the largest contributor to bank revenues. Thus, banks need certain business models and strategies to encourage sustainable lending growth; otherwise, it will be difficult for banks to fulfill stakeholder’s interests and support sustainable development goals. This study aimed to build a sustainable business model and select sustainable lending strategies in state-owned banks in Indonesia using a value chain approach. The development of a sustainable business model utilizing a triple-layer business model canvas (TLBMC) is based on the results of previous research and sustainability report data of the three state-owned banks. The formulation of strategy selection as the key driver of sustainable lending utilized the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) based on expert respondent data collected through questionnaires. This research showed that the lending distribution business model at state-owned banks in Indonesia, which was built using the TLBMC framework, can realize sustainability goals in the form of a sustainable lending business model. Furthermore, this sustainable business model can be used as a basis for selecting sustainable strategies. In addition, the AHP results yielded alternative strategies in the form of the market development and penetration of green loans and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the key drivers of sustainable lending growth.
Altaic Elements in the Chinese Variety of Tangwang: True and False Direct Loans
Authors: Lefort Julie Pauline Marie
Published: September 2024

This paper foccusses on the Tangwang language, a Chinese variety spoken in southern Gansu that has been in contact with the Dongxiang language, a Mongolic language. Tangwang is believed to be a highly altaicised variety, as it demonstrate several traits that are usually absent in this language family are are reputed ‘typical’ of the Turkic-Mongolic languages. However, most of these traits are present in the other northwestern chinese varieties and are the result of reanalysis, thus, it is difficult to trace their exact origin. This paper aims at analyzing the influence of Mongolic languages on Tangwang from the perspective of borrowings, and in particular direct loans. Taking the formally identical features that are shared in Dongxiang and Tangwang as a starting point, we will try to determine which form can be seen as a direct borrowing due to the adstratal influence of Dongxiang and which one is probably due to an earlier altaic influence. We will try to classify which form is a ‘true’ direct loan from Dongxiang and which form could be the evidence of an earlier substrate. From the results, and based on the existing models on languages contact, we will try to understand which mechanisms from relexification, grammaticalization, and language shift is the most probable in the case of Tangwang.
Influence of Ambient Relative Humidity on the Shrinkage Strain of Engineered Geopolymer Composites Based on Orthogonal Experimental Design
Authors: Wang Hongyin , Zheng Yuelong , Yu Zhenyun
Published: September 2024

With the aim to systematically analyze the ambient relative humidity on the shrinkage strain of Engineered Geopolymer Composites (EGCs), this paper studied four variables (fly ash to ground granulated blast furnace slag mass ratio, alkali content, water–binder ratio, and fiber volume content) though orthogonal experimental design and three different relative humidity values (30%, 60%, and 100% RH). The results indicated that, for EGC specimens under 30% RH and 60% RH, the decrease in slag content and increase in alkali content both resulted in greater drying shrinkage. The addition of fibers effectively reduced the shrinkage strain, while a minor impact on shrinkage was presented by the W/B ratio. The first and second key factors affecting the drying shrinkage strain were the FA/GGBS ratio and the alkali content. The optimal ratio of FA/GGBS, alkali content, and fiber volume fraction were 0/100, 4%, and 1.5%, respectively. Dring shrinkage strain was decreased with the increase in ambient relative humidity. Compared with the shrinkage strain under 30% RH, the reduction in shrinkage strain under 60% RH and 100%RH was up to 46.1% and 107.5%, respectively. At last, a relationship between shrinkage strain and curing age under 30% and 60% RH was established with a fitting degree from 0.9492 to 0.9987, while no clear relationship was presented under 100% RH. The results in this paper provide a practical method for solving the shrinkage problem of EGCs.
Damage and Recovery Behavior of Low-Replacement-Rate Fly Ash Concrete after Different High-Temperature Exposures
Authors: Mi Lin , Kuang Bowen , Fu Daixin , Li Lang , Liu Yongjie , Wang Chong , He Chao , Chen Yao , Zhang Hong , Liu Fulin , Wang Qingyuan
Published: September 2024

This study focuses on investigating the strength recovery of fire-damaged fly ash concrete (FAC) with a low substitution rate of 10% through post-fire curing. The chemical and microstructural changes were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), and nitrogen adsorption. The findings indicate that the incorporation of fly ash slightly enhanced the strength after exposure to 400 °C; this was attributed to improved pozzolanic reactions, which were not observed at higher temperatures of 600 °C and 800 °C. Moreover, a positive effect on the recovery of compressive strength was observed due to the pozzolanic reaction. However, due to the relatively low fly ash content, depletion occurred at a later age, resulting in the inability to inhibit microstructural damage caused by the production of portlandite, thereby weakening the compressive strength. Interestingly, fly ash influenced the morphology of calcium carbonate and calcium silicate hydrate crystals, which is potentially ascribed to the role of high aluminum content acting as a crystallization-guiding agent.
Structure–Elasticity Relationships in Hybrid-Carrageenan Hydrogels Studied by Image Dynamic Light Scattering, Ultra-Small-Angle Light Scattering and Dynamic Rheometry
Authors: Ben Yahia Amine , Aschi Adel , Faria Bruno , Hilliou Loic
Published: September 2024

Hybrid-carrageenan hydrogels are characterized using novel techniques based on high-resolution speckle imaging, namely image dynamic light scattering (IDLS) and ultra-small-angle light scattering (USALS). These techniques, used to probe the microscopic structure of the system in sol–gel phase separation and at different concentrations in the gel phase, give access to a better understanding of the network’s topology on the basis of fractals in the dense phase. Observations of the architecture and the spatial and the size distributions of gel phase and fractal dimension were performed by USALS. The pair-distance distribution function, P(r), extracted from USALS patterns, is a new methodology of calculus for determining the network’s internal size with precision. All structural features are systematically compared with a linear and non-linear rheological characterization of the gels and structure–elasticity relationships are identified in the framework of fractal colloid gels in the diffusion limit.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Hybrid Wollastonite–Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers
Authors: Alshaaer Mazen , Alanazi Abdulaziz O. S.
Published: September 2024

Over the past few decades, researchers have focused on developing new production methods for geopolymers to improve their properties for use in multiple applications as a functional material. This study introduces a new geopolymer system based on wollastonite and metakaolin as precursors. The role of wollastonite was also explored alongside metakaolin in geopolymers. Geopolymers were synthesized by adding wollastonite to metakaolin in different ratios: 0 wt.%, 12.5 wt.%, 25 wt.%, and 50 wt.%. The alkaline activator was then mixed with the powder, wollastonite, and metakaolin to prepare the geopolymers. In addition to mechanical tests, the hardened geopolymers were characterized using XRD, TGA, and SEM techniques. The findings revealed that adding wollastonite in amounts of 0 wt.%–12.5 wt.% did not affect the strength of the geopolymers. Increasing wollastonite between 25 wt.% and 50 wt.% significantly increased the geopolymers’ flexural and compressive strength from 3 MPa to 12.3 MPa and from 23 MPa to 54 MPa, respectively. The use of wollastonite as a precursor also led to fundamental changes in the microstructural structure of the geopolymer matrix: a new crystal phase, (Ca5(SiO4)2(OH)2), calciochondrodite was formed, and the Si-Al-Na crystal phase disappeared, leading to significant changes in the amorphous phase.
Optimization Design of Submerged-Entry-Nozzle Structure Using NSGA-II Genetic Algorithm in Ultra-Large Beam-Blank Continuous-Casting Molds
Authors: Deng Nanzhou , Duan Jintao , Li Yibo , Gao Qi , Deng Yulong , Ni Weihua
Published: September 2024

To achieve uniform cooling and effective homogenization control in ultra-large beam-blank molds necessitates the optimization of submerged-entry-nozzle (SEN) structures. This study employed computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling to investigate the impact of two-port and three-port SEN configurations on fluid flow characteristics, free-surface velocities, temperature fields, and solidification behaviors. Subsequently, integrating numerical simulations with the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) and metallurgical quality-control expertise facilitated the multi-objective optimization of a three-port SEN structure suitable for beam-blank molds. The optimized parameters enabled the three-port SEN to deliver molten steel to the meniscus at an appropriate velocity while mitigating harmful effects such as SEN port backflow, excessive surface temperature differences, and shell thickness reduction due to fluid flow. The results indicated that the three-port SEN enhanced the molten-steel flow pattern and mitigated localized shell thinning compared with the two-port SEN. Additionally, the optimized design (op2) of the three-port SEN exhibited reduced boundary layer separation and superior fluid dynamics performance over the initial three-port SEN configuration.
Preparation and Properties of Nb5+-Doped BCZT-Based Ceramic Thick Films by Scraping Process
Authors: Zou Yang , Fang Bijun , Lu Xiaolong , Zhang Shuai , Ding Jianning
Published: September 2024

A bottleneck characterized by high strain and low hysteresis has constantly existed in the design process of piezoelectric actuators. In order to solve the problem that actuator materials cannot simultaneously exhibit large strain and low hysteresis under relatively high electric fields, Nb5+-doped 0.975(Ba0.85Ca0.15)[(Zr0.1Ti0.9)0.999Nb0.001]O3-0.025(Bi0.5Na0.5)ZrO3 (BCZTNb0.001-0.025BiNZ) ceramic thick films were prepared by a film scraping process combined with a solid-state twin crystal method, and the influence of sintering temperature was studied systematically. All BCZTNb0.001-0.025BiNZ ceramic thick films sintered at different sintering temperatures have a pure perovskite structure with multiphase coexistence, dense microstructure and typical dielectric relaxation behavior. The conduction mechanism of all samples at high temperatures is dominated by oxygen vacancies confirmed by linear fitting using the Arrhenius law. As the sintering temperature elevates, the grain size increases, inducing the improvement of dielectric, ferroelectric and field-induced strain performance. The 1325 °C sintered BCZTNb0.001-0.025BiNZ ceramic thick film has the lowest hysteresis (1.34%) and relatively large unipolar strain (0.104%) at 60 kV/cm, showing relatively large strain and nearly zero strain hysteresis compared with most previously reported lead-free piezoelectric ceramics and presenting favorable application prospects in the actuator field.
Editorial for Special Issue “10th Anniversary of Machines—Feature Papers in Fault Diagnosis and Prognosis”
Authors: Li Xiang , Liu Jie
Published: September 2024

Machinery condition monitoring is important in industries [...]
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Time Series Transformers for Demand Forecasting in Retail
Authors: Oliveira José Manuel , Ramos Patrícia
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the effectiveness of Transformer-based models for retail demand forecasting. We evaluated vanilla Transformer, Informer, Autoformer, PatchTST, and temporal fusion Transformer (TFT) against traditional baselines like AutoARIMA and AutoETS. Model performance was assessed using mean absolute scaled error (MASE) and weighted quantile loss (WQL). The M5 competition dataset, comprising 30,490 time series from 10 stores, served as the evaluation benchmark. The results demonstrate that Transformer-based models significantly outperform traditional baselines, with Transformer, Informer, and TFT leading the performance metrics. These models achieved MASE improvements of 26% to 29% and WQL reductions of up to 34% compared to the seasonal Naïve method, particularly excelling in short-term forecasts. While Autoformer and PatchTST also surpassed traditional methods, their performance was slightly lower, indicating the potential for further tuning. Additionally, this study highlights a trade-off between model complexity and computational efficiency, with Transformer models, though computationally intensive, offering superior forecasting accuracy compared to the significantly slower traditional models like AutoARIMA. These findings underscore the potential of Transformer-based approaches for enhancing retail demand forecasting, provided the computational demands are managed effectively.
A New Method for Constructing Self-Dual Codes over Finite Commutative Rings with Characteristic 2
Authors: Ma Yongsheng , Nan Jizhu , Liu Yuanbo
Published: September 2024

In this work, we present a new method for constructing self-dual codes over finite commutative rings R with characteristic 2. Our method involves searching for k×2k matrices M over R satisfying the conditions that its rows are linearly independent over R and MM⊤=α⊤α for an R-linearly independent vector α∈Rk. Let C be a linear code generated by such a matrix M. We prove that the dual code C⊥ of C is also a free linear code with dimension k, as well as C/Hull(C) and C⊥/Hull(C) are one-dimensional free R-modules, where Hull(C) represents the hull of C. Based on these facts, an isometry from Rx+Ry onto R2 is established, assuming that x+Hull(C) and y+Hull(C) are bases for C/Hull(C) and C⊥/Hull(C) over R, respectively. By utilizing this isometry, we introduce a new method for constructing self-dual codes from self-dual codes of length 2 over finite commutative rings with characteristic 2. To determine whether the matrix MM⊤ takes the form of α⊤α with α being a linearly independent vector in Rk, a necessary and sufficient condition is provided. Our method differs from the conventional approach, which requires the matrix M to satisfy MM⊤=0. The main advantage of our method is the ability to construct nonfree self-dual codes over finite commutative rings, a task that is typically unachievable using the conventional approach. Therefore, by combining our method with the conventional approach and selecting an appropriate matrix construction, it is possible to produce more self-dual codes, in contrast to using solely the conventional approach.
Unified Modeling and Multi-Objective Optimization for Disassembly Line Balancing with Distinct Station Configurations
Authors: Yin Tao , Wang Yuanzhi , Cai Shixi , Zhang Yuxun , Long Jianyu
Published: September 2024

Disassembly line balancing (DLB) is a crucial optimization item in the recycling and remanufacturing of waste products. Considering the variations in the number of operators assigned to each station, this study investigates DLBs with six distinct station configurations: single-manned, multi-manned, single-robotic, multi-robotic, single-manned–robotic, and multi-manned–robotic setups. First, a unified mixed-integer programming (MIP) model is established for Type-I DLBs with each configuration to minimize four objectives: the number of stations, the number of operators, the total disassembly time, and the idle balancing index. To obtain more solutions, a novel bi-metric is proposed to replace the quadratic idle balancing index and is used in lexicographic optimization. Subsequently, based on the unified Type-I models, a unified MIP model for Type-II DLBs is established to minimize the cycle time, the number of operators, the total disassembly time, and the idle balancing index. Finally, the correctness of the established unified models and the effectiveness of the proposed bi-metric are verified by solving two disassembly cases of lighters and hairdryers, which further shows that the mathematical integration method of unified modeling has significant theoretical value for the multi-objective optimization of the DLBs with six distinct station configurations.