bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering and Educating Parents to Implement a Home Intervention: Effects on Preschool Children’s Engagement in Hands-on Constructive Play
Authors: Thompson Michelle Boulanger , Xu Yaoying , Chen Chin-Chih , Rudasill Kathleen
Published: March 2024

Constructive play is a creative process-oriented activity that promotes children’s engaged learning through building and designing with materials. This study investigated a parent-implemented intervention to promote active engagement in constructive play for preschool-aged children at risk for developmental delay. This study utilized a single-subject multiple-baseline across-participants design with four participants. Visual analysis of the data identified a functional relation between the temporal, physical, and social–emotional environmental support provided by the parents and the children’s active engagement in constructive play. Parents reported the intervention as meaningful to their lives, indicating strong social validity. These findings highlight the importance of centering and working with parents in their home environment and provide evidence that empowering parents to provide support and minimize barriers facilitates children’s active engagement in constructive play.
Investigating the Effect of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) on Social Equity—Examining the Displacement of Footscray, Melbourne
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Xie Yixuan , Xia Linhui , He Jin , Lin Beiyu
Published: March 2024

As Melbourne faces exponential population growth, the necessity for resilient urban planning strategies becomes critical. These strategies include mixed land use, density, diversity, and sustainable transportation through transit-oriented development (TOD). While TOD promises to accommodate growing populations and address environmental concerns, it also raises issues regarding its unintended consequences on poverty and inequality, notably through residential displacement and gentrification. This study investigates the impacts of TOD construction on inequality in Footscray, employing spatial analysis techniques like the hedonic price model (HPM), robust regression analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis. It aims to understand how spatial factors influence housing prices and their correlations. Additionally, the study uses observational spatial analysis via Google Street View (GSV) to examine indices such as housing development type, traffic signage, sanitation facilities, and house beautification. This approach seeks to build an evaluation framework to assess the extent of TOD street reconstruction and its impact on gentrification and displacement. The research adapts existing knowledge to create a tool for reviewing past planning decisions and assessing the fairness of TOD planning implementation. By providing assessment and guidance to mitigate the potential adverse impacts of TOD, this study contributes to the advancement of urban-planning practices, offering insights into mixed land use and effective strategies to balance economic development and social equity, thereby enhancing community resilience. Ultimately, this research deepens our understanding of the impacts of TOD on urban inequality and offers practical tools and insights for more equitable and sustainable urban development.
Evaluating the Role of Green Infrastructure in Microclimate and Building Energy Efficiency
Authors: Habibi Amin , Kahe Nafise
Published: March 2024

This study investigates how permeable and cool pavements, green roofs, and living walls affect microclimatic conditions and buildings’ energy consumption in an arid urban setting: Shiraz. The study aims to evaluate the role of green infrastructure in mitigating urban heat island effects and enhancing outdoor conditions. By utilizing environmental modeling tools, specifically the ENVI-met 5.1.1 and Design Builder 7.0.2 software, a comprehensive analysis was conducted across various scenarios during both the summer and winter seasons. The results show that permeable pavements with 80% grass coverage reduced the mean average air temperature by 1.18 °C in summer mornings compared to the reference case. In both the summer and winter scenarios, the living wall intervention consistently emerged as the most effective strategy, showcasing substantial reductions in cooling consumption, CO2 emissions, and electricity consumption. With a 25% reduction in cooling consumption, a 14.7% decrease in CO2 emissions, and an impressive 53.4% decline in electricity consumption, the living wall excelled in its environmental impact, and it stands out for its substantial electricity savings. While the green roof and permeable pavement scenarios demonstrated more modest gains, their integration could offer a synergistic solution, warranting further exploration for optimized energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. These findings indicate the intrinsic connection between sustainable landscaping strategies and their influence on urban microclimate and building energy efficiency.
Enhancing Sustainable Railway Station Design in Tropical Climates: Insights from Thailand’s Architectural Theses and Case Studies
Authors: Tetiranont Suppapon , Sadakorn Wannapol , Rugkhapan Napong Tao , Prasittisopin Lapyote
Published: March 2024

An environmentally conscious architectural design of a railway station can have a substantial influence on government spending. Nevertheless, an extensive collection of guidelines for using sustainable design principles in the construction of a railway station can provide several advantages. The goal is to review design visions for railway stations in Thailand, as reflected in student theses and government proposals, from 1983 to 2022 for sustainable design aspects in tropical climates. We perform an analysis of architectural design aspects including service areas, shape, entrances, roofing, style, and development in order to uncover design trends and possible areas that may be enhanced. Station designs are mostly characterized by curved and gable roofs, with 3D curved buildings being the next most common feature. High speed rail (HSR) stations stress local cultural elements in their major entrances while also improving passenger flow. Public buildings frequently employ curved or gabled porticos to achieve a majestic look. Although university theses place a high importance on conceptual design and functionality, it is essential to also consider cost-effectiveness. Key design considerations for future railway stations are transparency, connection, efficient mobility, and cost–time efficiency. The research uncovers deficiencies in user-centered design for thermal comfort and inclusiveness (design-for-all) in Thailand’s tropical environment. Addressing these aspects is critical for future sustainable railway station design evaluations.
A Study on the Pyrolysis Behavior and Product Evolution of Typical Wood Biomass to Hydrogen-Rich Gas Catalyzed by the Ni-Fe/HZSM-5 Catalyst
Authors: Li Xueqin , Lu Yan , Liu Peng , Wang Zhiwei , Huhe Taoli , Chen Zhuo , Wu Youqing , Lei Tingzhou
Published: March 2024

The thermo-chemical conversion of biomass wastes is a practical approach for the value-added reclamation of bioenergy in large quantities, and pyrolysis plays a core role in this process. In this work, poplar (PR) and cedar (CR) were used as staple wood biomasses to investigate the apparent kinetics of TG/DTG at different heating rates. Secondly, miscellaneous wood chips (MWC), in which PR and CR were mixed in equal proportion, were subjected to comprehensive investigations on their pyrolysis behavior and product evolution in a fixed bed reactor with pyrolysis temperature, catalyst, and the flow rate H2O steam as influencing factors. The results demonstrated that both PR and CR underwent three consecutive pyrolysis stages, the TG/DTG curves shifted to higher temperatures, and the peak temperature intervals also enhanced as the heating rate increased. The kinetic compensation effect expression and apparent reaction kinetic model of CR and PR pyrolysis were obtained based on the law of mass action and the Arrhenius equation; the reaction kinetic parameter averages of Ea and A of its were almost the same, which were about 72.38 kJ/mol and 72.36 kJ/mol and 1147.11 min−1 and 1144.39 min−1, respectively. The high temperature was beneficial for the promotion of the pyrolysis of biomass, increased pyrolysis gas yield, and reduced tar yield. This process was strengthened in the presence of the catalyst, thus significantly increasing the yield of hydrogen-rich gas to 117.9 mL/g-biomass. It was observed that H2O steam was the most effective activator for providing a hydrogen source for the whole reaction process, promoted the reaction to proceed in the opposite direction of H2O steam participation, and was beneficial to the production of H2 and other hydrocarbons. In particular, when the flow rate of H2O steam was 1 mL/min, the gas yield and hydrogen conversion were 76.94% and 15.90%, and the H2/CO was 2.07. The yields of H2, CO, and CO2 in the gas formation were significantly increased to 107.35 mL/g-biomass, 53.70 mL/g-biomass, and 99.31 mL/g-biomass, respectively. Therefore, H2 was the most dominant species among gas products, followed by C-O bond-containing species, which provides a method for the production of hydrogen-rich gas and also provides ideas for compensating or partially replacing the fossil raw material for hydrogen production.
2D Nanostructured MXene-Based Silver Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Degradation of Safranin Dye
Authors: Faheem Muhammad , Riaz Asim , Alam Manawwer , Wahad Faiza , Sohail Manzar , Altaf Muhammad , Abbas Syed Mustansar
Published: March 2024

Due to their unique chemical structure, MXenes have been recognized as a potential material, having a high surface area, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and a tunable band gap, showing great hydrophilicity and stability. The adsorption and reducing properties of MXene-based 2D nanomaterials make them efficient photocatalysts for degrading organic pollutants. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized over the exfoliated MXene sheets (1:50 and 1:20 by weight to silver salt) using polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a dispersant. The elemental composition and morphology of the nanocatalysts Ag20@Ti3C2Tx and Ag50@Ti3C2Tx were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). FESEM micrographs reveal porous exfoliated Ti3C2Tx sheets obtained by continuously stirring Ti3AlC2 for 44 h at 60 °C, providing a platform for the growth of Ag nanoparticles. Diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) indicates that the bare silver nanoparticles show a decrease in the band gap value from 2.4 to 1.35 and 1.41 eV in Ag50@Ti3C2Tx and Ag20@Ti3C2Tx, respectively, which enables the nanocomposites to show excellent catalytic performance and degrade around 99% of safranin dye within 15 min at a concentration of 5 mg Ag50@Ti3C2Tx.
Tofogliflozin Delays Portal Hypertension and Hepatic Fibrosis by Inhibiting Sinusoidal Capillarization in Cirrhotic Rats
Authors: Asada Shohei , Kaji Kosuke , Nishimura Norihisa , Koizumi Aritoshi , Matsuda Takuya , Tanaka Misako , Yorioka Nobuyuki , Sato Shinya , Kitagawa Koh , Namisaki Tadashi , Akahane Takemi , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: March 2024

Background: Liver cirrhosis leads to portal hypertension (PH) with capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), although drug treatment options for PH are currently limited. Sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors, which are antidiabetic agents, have been shown to improve endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to elucidate the effect of tofogliflozin on PH and liver fibrosis in a rat cirrhosis model. Methods: Male-F344/NSlc rats repeatedly received carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intraperitoneally to induce PH and liver cirrhosis alongside tofogliflozin (10 or 20 mg/kg). Portal hemodynamics and hepatic phenotypes were assessed after 14 weeks. An in vitro study investigated the effects of tofogliflozin on the crosstalk between LSEC and activated hepatic stellate cells (Ac-HSC), which are relevant to PH development. Results: Tofogliflozin prevented PH with attenuated intrahepatic vasoconstriction, sinusoidal capillarization, and remodeling independent of glycemic status in CCl4-treated rats. Hepatic macrophage infiltration, proinflammatory response, and fibrogenesis were suppressed by treatment with tofogliflozin. In vitro assays showed that tofogliflozin suppressed Ac-HSC-stimulated capillarization and vasoconstriction in LSECs by enhancing the antioxidant capacity, as well as inhibited the capilliarized LSEC-stimulated contractive, profibrogenic, and proliferative activities of Ac-HSCs. Conclusions: Our study provides strong support for tofogliflozin in the prevention of liver cirrhosis-related PH.
Response Surface Modelling of Six Organic Acids from Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction and Its Determination by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wei Lu , Li Jinxin , Zhang Jingyi , Qu Kaili , Wang Mingxing , Ni Tingting , Miao Yuhuan , Luo Ming , Feng Shumin , Liu Dahui
Published: March 2024

Organic acids are a key active component of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit, and their concentration is closely associated with the quality of P. ternata. Developing an efficient and rapid method for detecting organic acids can offer a valuable technology for real-time assessment of P. ternata quality. In this work, a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) approach, combining the optimization of extraction conditions using response surface methodology (RSM), was developed for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of six organic acids in P. ternata. The optimal extraction conditions for organic acids in P. ternata were ultrasonic extraction with a solid–liquid ratio of 1:50, ultrasonic time of 60 min, and extraction temperature of 55 °C. Multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) scanning was employed for quantification using HPLC-QqQ-MS/MS in negative ionization mode through a single run of 10 min, and the limit of detection (LLOD) and limit of quantification (LLOQ) for organic acids were as low as 0.138 ng/mL and 0.614 ng/mL, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of reproducibility, precision, and stability were all lower than 5.0%, and recovery rates were 97.75–107.14%, with RSDs < 5.0%. Finally, this method was successfully applied to determine the investigated organic acids in 12 production regions of P. ternata, revealing significant differences between different production areas. This indicates that the optimized method is suitable for further accurate investigations of organic acids of P. ternata.
Vibrational Analysis and Concentration Dependent SERS Study of Cefoperazone
Authors: Faur Stefana Ana-Maria , Tóth Zsejke-Réka , Magyari Klára , Baia Monica
Published: March 2024

Cefoperazone is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is extremely efficient in the treatment of respiratory, abdominal, or genital infections. Vibrational spectroscopic techniques, FT-IR, Raman, and SERS, along with DFT calculations, were involved in investigating the normal modes of vibration and adsorption behavior of this antibiotic. Using both the experimental and theoretical data, the bands in the Raman and IR spectra were assigned to the normal vibrational modes. The SERS spectra were successively obtained by using silver and gold colloidal nanoparticles as a substrate. Their analysis revealed that the molecule is chemisorbed on the nanostructured surface through the as-denoted nitrogen ring. Changes observed in the SERS spectra recorded at different cefoperazone concentrations, i.e., modifications in the relative intensity of specific bands suggest the reorientation of adsorbed molecules towards the metal surface.
Examining the Utility of the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) among Children in the Nigeria Context
Authors: Enelamah Ngozi V. , Rao Smitha , Lombe Margaret , Yu Mansoo , Newransky Chrisann , Villodas Melissa L. , Foell Andrew , Nebbitt Von
Published: March 2024

An estimated 6 million children under the age of five in Nigeria (out of nearly 31 million) risk not reaching their full developmental potential. The dearth of context-relevant measures poses a challenge to the planning and implementation of effective interventions. This study assesses the utility of the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) in Nigeria. We used the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys to track progress among 3- to 4-year-old children (n = 11,073); 3-year-old, 51%; female, 49%. Using random calibration samples, the results from psychometric tests indicate that while over half of the children were on track in their development based on the ECDI, the instrument had low to average internal consistency and weak face validity, suggesting an inadequacy in capturing ECD information of value. At the outset of the launch of the new ECDI2030, the results of this study point to the need for continued discourse and advocacy for the use of culturally appropriate measures of child development, and a child-centered community engagement approach. This is essential in ensuring accountability and responsive interventions for the children served and their families.
Exploring Facilitators and Barriers to Physical Activity for Families of Rural Preschoolers Participating in a Motor Skill Program
Authors: Campbell Amanda , Lassiter Jill , Ertel Michael , Taliaferro Andrea R. , Walker Mackenzie L. , Brian Ali S.
Published: March 2024

While schools provide one opportunity to encourage physical activity, caregivers play an exceedingly important role in creating an environment conducive to preschool children’s physical activity. Yet, little is known regarding the perceptions of caregivers, important choice agents for young children’s physical activity behavior after participating in a motor skill program. The purpose of this study was to examine caregivers’ perceptions of facilitators and barriers to children’s physical activity at home among rural, low-income families who participated in a school-based early childhood physical activity program, SKIPping with PALS, designed to increase physical activity and improve motor development. Eleven caregivers consented to participate in a semi-structured interview regarding their perceptions of physical activity and their experience after six months of participation in the program. An inductive, naturalistic evaluation approach was utilized for qualitative data analysis, following the six recursive phases of thematic analysis. A review of the interview transcripts revealed that all caregivers valued physical activity and encouraged their children to be active. Four major facilitators, four major barriers, and an overarching theme of parental support for childhood physical activity were identified. These factors are largely circumstantial and attitudinal and, thus, are difficult to modify but are important to be cognizant of when designing interventions.
Status of Concentrated Solar Power Plants Installed Worldwide: Past and Present Data
Authors: Rodat Sylvain , Thonig Richard
Published: March 2024

Solar energy is not only the most abundant energy on earth but it is also renewable. The use of this energy is expanding very rapidly mainly through photovoltaic technology. However, electricity storage remains a bottleneck in tackling solar resource variability. Thus, solar thermal energy becomes of particular interest when energy storage is required, as thermal energy storage is much cheaper than electricity storage. The objective of this paper is to make a short update on the CSP (Concentrated Solar Power) market as of the year 2023. It is based on the CSP-GURU database, which lists information on CSP power plants all over the world. Although this database is open, it is not easy to find UpToDate analysis. An overview of this expanding technology is presented and offers readable figures with the most important information. This includes the evolution of installed capacities worldwide along with upcoming projects (under construction) and technological trends. The evolution of storage capacities and operating temperatures is discussed. Investment costs and levelized cost of electricity are also provided to obtain reliable data for comparison with other energy technologies. Specific land requirements are highlighted, along with overall efficiency. Relevant examples are discussed in this paper. Eventually, it outlines the evolution of the CSP landscape with useful information for scientific and educational purposes.
The Role of Illness Perception and Self-Efficacy in Determining Quality of Life among Cancer Patients
Authors: Alhofaian Aisha , Alaamri Marym M. , Abdalmajeed Mariam Ahmed , Wadaah Lama Saeed , Aljuhani Leena Abdulaziz , Amin Meral Ammar , Tunsi Afnan , Alharazi Ruba
Published: March 2024

Background: The quality of life for people with chronic illnesses like cancer has been shown to be significantly impacted by self-efficacy and perceptions of their illness. Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between cancer patients’ perceptions of their illness, their self-efficacy beliefs, and their quality of life. Method: Conducted from December 2022 to February 2023, this research involved 120 adults undergoing cancer treatment. We utilized the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ), the Arabic version of the Cancer Behavioral Inventory Brief (CBI-B), and the Arabic EORTC QLQ-C30, alongside clinical data collection. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and descriptive statistics. Results: Breast cancer emerged as the most common type among participants. A positive correlation was found between self-efficacy and quality of life, as measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30, particularly in relation to symptom management. Interestingly, all dimensions of illness perception correlated with quality of life, except for control and concerns. Conclusions: The findings underscore the vital role of nurses and healthcare providers in aiding cancer patients to develop and utilize self-management strategies effectively. The study reveals that a patient’s capacity to manage their illness is significantly influenced by their confidence, understanding of their condition, and overall quality of life. Addressing these aspects can greatly enhance healthcare professionals’ contribution to improving the resilience and well-being of individuals battling cancer.
Tissue-Based Genomic Testing in Prostate Cancer: 10-Year Analysis of National Trends on the Use of Prolaris, Decipher, ProMark, and Oncotype DX
Authors: Bologna Eugenio , Ditonno Francesco , Licari Leslie Claire , Franco Antonio , Manfredi Celeste , Mossack Spencer , Pandolfo Savio Domenico , De Nunzio Cosimo , Simone Giuseppe , Leonardo Costantino , Franco Giorgio
Published: March 2024

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) management is moving towards patient-tailored strategies. Advances in molecular and genetic profiling of tumor tissues, integrated with clinical risk assessments, provide deeper insights into disease aggressiveness. This study aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the pivotal genomic tests supporting PCa treatment decisions, analyzing—through real-world data—trends in their use and the growth of supporting literature evidence. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the extensive PearlDiver™ Mariner database, which contains de-identified patient records, in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were employed to identify patients diagnosed with PCa during the study period—2011 to 2021. We determined the utilization of primary tissue-based genetic tests (Oncocyte DX®, Prolaris®, Decipher®, and ProMark®) across all patients diagnosed with PCa. Subsequently, within the overall PCa cohort, patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) and received genetic testing postoperatively were identified. The yearly distribution of these tests and the corresponding trends were illustrated with graphs. Results: During the study period, 1,561,203 patients with a PCa diagnosis were recorded. Of these, 20,748 underwent tissue-based genetic testing following diagnosis, representing 1.3% of the total cohort. An increasing trend was observed in the use of all genetic tests. Linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant increase over time in the use of individual tests (all p-values < 0.05). Among the patients who underwent RP, 3076 received genetic analysis following surgery, representing 1.27% of this group. Conclusions: Our analysis indicates a growing trend in the utilization of tissue-based genomic testing for PCa. Nevertheless, they are utilized in less than 2% of PCa patients, whether at initial diagnosis or after surgical treatment. Although it is anticipated that their use may increase as more scientific evidence becomes available, their role requires further elucidation.
iHand: Hand Recognition-Based Text Input Method for Wearable Devices
Authors: Chu Qiang , Chen Chao Ping , Hu Haiyang , Wu Xiaojun , Han Baoen
Published: March 2024

Text input using hand gestures is an essential component of human–computer interaction technology, providing users with a more natural and enriching interaction experience. Nevertheless, the current gesture input methods have a variety of issues, including a high learning cost for users, poor input performance, and reliance on hardware. To solve these problems and better meet the interaction requirements, a hand recognition-based text input method called iHand is proposed in this paper. In iHand, a two-branch hand recognition algorithm combining a landmark model and a lightweight convolutional neural network is used. The landmark model is used as the backbone network to extract hand landmarks, and then an optimized classification head, which can preserve the space structure of landmarks, is designed to classify gestures. When the landmark model fails to extract hand landmarks, a lightweight convolutional neural network is employed for classification. Regarding the way letters are entered, to reduce the learning cost, the sequence of letters is mapped as a two-dimensional layout, and users can type with seven simple hand gestures. Experimental results on the public datasets show that the proposed hand recognition algorithm achieves high robustness compared to state-of-the-art approaches. Furthermore, we tested the performance of users’ initial use of iHand for text input. The results showed that the iHand’s average input speed was 5.6 words per minute, with the average input error rate was only 1.79%.
Primary Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Prostate
Authors: Demianets Roksolana , Ren Dong , Houshyar Roozbeh , Giannico Giovanna A. , Johnson Cary
Published: March 2024

Prostate cancer accounts for 29% of malignant diagnoses among men in the United States and is the second leading cause of death from cancer. Effective screening methods and improved treatment have decreased the mortality rate significantly. This decreased mortality rate, however, does not apply to all histologic variants. Adenosquamous carcinoma of the prostate is an extremely aggressive neoplasm with no current known curative therapy. It is often diagnosed after chemotherapy, radiation, or androgen deprivation therapy for traditional prostatic adenocarcinomas. Primary carcinomas of the prostate with squamous features include, but are not limited to, pure squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma mixed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Important distinguishable clinical features of adenosquamous carcinoma include normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, even with advanced disease and osteolytic versus osteoblastic metastatic lesions in adenocarcinoma. Additional entities to consider in the differential diagnosis are squamous metaplasia of the prostate, secondary involvement of pure SCC, and urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation. Here, we present a de novo case of adenosquamous carcinoma in a 48-year-old man who rapidly developed extensive metastatic disease.
Modeling, Guidance, and Robust Cooperative Control of Two Quadrotors Carrying a “Y”-Shaped-Cable-Suspended Payload
Authors: Wang Erquan , Sun Jinyang , Liang Yuanyuan , Zhou Boyu , Jiang Fangfei , Zhu Yang
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates the problem of cooperative payload delivery by two quadrotors with a novel “Y”-shaped cable that improves payload carrying and dropping efficiency. Compared with the existing “V”-shaped suspension, the proposed suspension method adds another payload swing degree of freedom to the quadrotor–payload system, making the modeling and control of such a system more challenging. In the modeling, the payload swing motion is decomposed into a forward–backward process and a lateral process, and the swing motion is then transmitted to the dynamics of the two quadrotors by converting it into disturbance cable pulling forces. A novel guidance and control framework is proposed, where a guidance law is designed to not only achieve formation transformation but also generate a local reference for the quadrotor, which does not have access to the global reference, based on which a cooperative controller is developed by incorporating an uncertainty and disturbance estimator to actively compensate for payload swing disturbance to achieve the desired formation trajectory tracking performance. A singular perturbation theory-based analysis shows that the proposed parameter mapping method, which unifies the parameter tuning of different control channels, allows us to tune a single parameter, ε, to quantitatively enhance both the formation control performance and system robustness. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach in different scenarios.
Validation of the Gaming Skills Questionnaire in Adolescence: Effects of Gaming Skills on Cognitive and Affective Functioning
Authors: Zioga Triantafyllia , Nega Chrysanthi , Roussos Petros , Kourtesis Panagiotis
Published: March 2024

Given the widespread popularity of videogames, research attempted to assess their effects on cognitive and affective abilities, especially in children and adolescents. Despite numerous correlational studies, robust evidence on the causal relationship between videogames and cognition remains scarce, hindered by the absence of a comprehensive assessment tool for gaming skills across various genres. In a sample of 347 adolescents, this study aimed to develop and validate the Gaming Skill Questionnaire (GSQ) and assess the impact of gaming skills in six different genres (sport, first-person shooters, role-playing games, action-adventure, strategy, and puzzle games) on cognitive and affective abilities of adolescents. The GSQ exhibited strong reliability and validity, highlighting its potential as a valuable tool. Gaming skills positively affected executive function, memory, overall cognition, cognitive flexibility, and emotion recognition, except for empathy. Various game genres had different effects on cognitive and affective abilities, with verbal fluency influenced mainly by sports, executive functions by action, strategy, and puzzle, and emotion recognition positively impacted by action and puzzle but negatively by sports and strategy games. Both age and gaming skills influenced cognitive flexibility, with gaming having a greater effect. These intriguing genre-specific effects on cognitive and affective functioning postulate further research with GSQ’s contribution.
Demand-Side Management Optimization Using Genetic Algorithms: A Case Study
Authors: dos Santos Junior Lauro Correa , Tabora Jonathan Muñoz , Reis Josivan , Andrade Vinicius , Carvalho Carminda , Manito Allan , Tostes Maria , Matos Edson , Bezerra Ubiratan
Published: March 2024

This paper addresses the optimization of contracted electricity demand (CD) for commercial and industrial entities, focusing on cost reduction within the Brazilian time-of-use electricity tariff scheme. Leveraging genetic algorithms (GAs), this study proposes a practical approach to determining the optimal CD profile, considering the complex dynamics of energy demand on a city-like load. The methodology is applied to a case study at the Federal University of Pará, Brazil, where energy efficiency and demand response initiatives as well as renewable energy projects are underway. The findings highlight the significance of tailored demand management strategies in achieving energy-related cost reduction for large-scale consumers, with implications for economic efficiency in energy consumption.
Comparative Analysis of Methods for Predicting Brine Temperature in Vertical Ground Heat Exchanger—A Case Study
Authors: Piotrowska-Woroniak Joanna , Nęcka Krzysztof , Szul Tomasz , Lis Stanisław
Published: March 2024

This research was carried out to compare selected forecasting methods, such as the following: Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Classification and Regression Trees (CARTs), Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID), Fuzzy Logic Toolbox (FUZZY), Multivariant Adaptive Regression Splines (MARSs), Regression Trees (RTs), Rough Set Theory (RST), and Support Regression Trees (SRTs), in the context of determining the temperature of brine from vertical ground heat exchangers used by a heat pump heating system. The subject of the analysis was a public building located in Poland, in a temperate continental climate zone. The results of this study indicate that the models based on Rough Set Theory (RST) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) achieved the highest accuracy in predicting brine temperature, with the choice of the preferred method depending on the input variables used for modeling. Using three independent variables (mean outdoor air temperature, month of the heating season, mean solar irradiance), Rough Set Theory (RST) was one of the best models, for which the evaluation rates were as follows: CV RMSE 21.6%, MAE 0.3 °C, MAPE 14.3%, MBE 3.1%, and R2 0.96. By including an additional variable (brine flow rate), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) achieved the most accurate predictions. They had the following evaluation rates: CV RMSE 4.6%, MAE 0.05 °C, MAPE 1.7%, MBE 0.4%, and R2 0.99.
Thermodynamic Reactivity Study during Deflagration of Light Alcohol Fuel-Air Mixtures with Water
Authors: Porowski Rafał , Dahoe Arief , Kowalik Robert , Sosnowa Joanna , Zielinska Katarzyna
Published: March 2024

In this paper, a thermodynamic and reactivity study of light alcohol fuels was performed, based on experimental and numerical results. We also tested the influence of water addition on fundamental properties of the combustion reactivity dynamics in closed vessels, like the maximum explosion pressure, maximum rate of pressure rise and the explosion delay time of alcohol–air mixtures. The substances that we investigated were as follows: methanol, ethanol, n-propanol and iso-propanol. All experiments were conducted at initial conditions of 323.15 K and 1 bar in a 20 dm3 closed testing vessel. We investigated the reactivity and thermodynamic properties during the combustion of liquid fuel–air mixtures with equivalence ratios between 0.3 and 0.7 as well as some admixtures with water, to observe water mitigation effects. All light alcohol samples were prepared at the same initial conditions on a volumetric basis by mixing the pure components. The volumetric water content of the admixtures varied from 10 to 60 vol%. The aim of water addition was to investigate the influence of thermodynamic properties of light alcohols and to discover to which extent a water addition may accomplish mitigation of combustion dynamics and thermodynamic reactivity.
Determining Fast Battery Charging Profiles Using an Equivalent Circuit Model and a Direct Optimal Control Approach
Authors: Gonzalez-Saenz Julio , Becerra Victor
Published: March 2024

This work used an electrical equivalent circuit model combined with a temperature model and computational optimal control methods to determine minimum time charging profiles for a lithium–ion battery. To effectively address the problem, an optimal control problem formulation and direct solution approach were adopted. The results showed that, in most cases studied, the solution to the battery’s fast-charging problem resembled the constant current–constant voltage (CC-CV) charging protocol, with the advantage being that our proposed approach optimally determined the switching time between the CC and CV phases, as well as the final time of the charging process. Considering path constraints related to the terminal voltage and temperature gradient between the cell core and case, the results also showed that additional rules could be incorporated into the protocol to protect the battery against under/over voltage-related damage and high-temperature differences between the core and its case. This work addressed several challenges and knowledge gaps, including emulating the CC-CV protocol using a multi-phase optimal control approach and direct collocation methods, and improving it by including efficiency and degradation terms in the objective function and safety constraints. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time the CC-CV protocol has been represented as the solution to a multi-phase optimal control problem.
Smart Electrical Screening Methodology for Channel Hole Defects of 3D Vertical NAND (VNAND) Flash Memory
Authors: Kim Beomjun , Seo Gyeongseob , Kim Myungsuk
Published: March 2024

In order to successfully achieve mass production in NAND flash memory, a novel test procedure has been proposed to electrically detect and screen the channel hole defects, such as Not-Open, Bowing, and Bending, which are unique in high-density 3D NAND flash memory. Since channel hole defects lead to catastrophic failure (i.e., malfunction of basic NAND operations), detecting and screening defects in advance is one of the key challenges of guaranteeing the quality of flash products in the NAND manufacturing process. Based on analysis of the physical and electrical mechanisms of the channel hole defect, we have developed a two-step test procedure that consists of pattern-based and stress-based screen methodologies. By optimizing test patterns depending on the type of defect, the pattern-based screen is effective for detecting the type of Hard channel hole defects. The stress-based screen is carefully implemented to detect hidden Soft channel hole defects without degrading the reliability of NAND flash memory. In addition, we have attempted to further optimize the current version of our technique to minimize test time overhead, thus enabling 72.2% improvement in total test time. Experimental results using real 160 3D NAND flash chips show that our technique can efficiently detect and screen out various types of channel hole defects with minimum test time and negligible degradation in the flash reliability.
Online Food Choices: When Do “Recommended By” Labels Work?
Authors: Catarci Daniele , Laasner Vogt Lea , Reijnen Ester
Published: March 2024

Understanding digital menu choices in limited-option environments, such as university cafés, is crucial for promoting healthier and more sustainable food choices. We are, therefore, looking at two possible interventions or nudges—recommendation and position—and how they interact with, for example, price. In the first smartphone-based study (N = 517), participants were presented with two menu options, while the factors “recommendation”, “position”, and “price” were manipulated. We only found effects in relation to the choice of the more popular menu option. Specifically, when the popular meal was the expensive option, the recommendation had a negative effect on choice, but not when the popular meal was the cheaper option. The aim of the second smartphone-based study (N = 916) was to shed more light on the role of popularity or personal preference in relation to recommendations. We manipulated the differences in personal preference (small or large) using a ranking task presented before the menu choice. In Study 2, the interaction effect between recommendation and price for the more popular menu option could not be replicated. Instead, we found that the greater the difference in preference, the less pronounced the price effect was. Overall, some effects of the recommendations have been identified, but further research is needed to clarify the exact circumstances under which they arise.
Effect of Sarcoplasmic Protein Solutions Dried at Different Times and Rates on Water Migration in Lamb Myofibril In Vitro
Authors: Rao Weili , Liu Sijia , Kong Shiquan , Wang Zhenyu , Shi Zidan , Cai Jianming
Published: March 2024

To determine whether sarcoplasmic proteins affected water migration in myofibrils during air-drying, with protein denaturation as an indicator of sarcoplasmic protein changes, the extent of sarcoplasmic protein changes in lamb during air-drying was first studied. The results showed that sarcoplasmic protein’s thermal stability decreased and secondary structure changed, indicating sarcoplasmic protein denatured in lamb during air-drying (35 °C, 60% RH, 3 m/s wind speed). Subsequently, the effect of sarcoplasmic protein solutions, dried at different times and rates, on myofibril protein–water interaction was studied in vitro. Two sets of sarcoplasmic protein solutions were dried for 0, 3, 6, and 9 h in a drying oven, resulting in different degrees of change. These two sets with higher or lower drying rates were achieved by controlling the contact area between sarcoplasmic protein solution and air. These dried sarcoplasmic protein solutions were then mixed with extracted myofibril and incubated for 2 h. The results showed a significant increase in T21 relaxation time of the incubation system when sarcoplasmic protein solution was dried at 35 °C for 3 h. This indicated that myofibrillar protein–water interaction was weakened, facilitating water migration from the inside to the outside of myofibrils. The denaturation degree of sarcoplasmic proteins was slowed by a higher drying rate, thereby alleviating the increase in the amount of immobile water within myofibrils when dried for 6 h. In conclusion, the properties of sarcoplasmic proteins were influenced by both drying rate and time, thereby influencing the water migration within myofibrils during air-drying.
Topical Meloxicam Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydrogels Based on Low-Substituted Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Solid Dispersions
Authors: Dahma Zaid , Torrado-Salmerón Carlos , Álvarez-Álvarez Covadonga , Guarnizo-Herrero Víctor , Martínez-Alonso Borja , Torrado Guillermo , Torrado-Santiago Santiago , de la Torre-Iglesias Paloma Marina
Published: March 2024

Meloxicam (MX) is a poorly water-soluble drug with severe gastrointestinal side effects. Topical hydrogel of hydroxypropyl guar (HPG) was formulated using a solid dispersion (SD) of MX with hydroxypropyl cellulose (LHPC) as an alternative to oral administration. The development of a solid dispersion with an adequate MX:LHPC ratio could increase the topical delivery of meloxicam. Solid dispersions showed high MX solubility values and were related to an increase in hydrophilicity. The drug/polymer and polymer/polymer interactions of solid dispersions within the HPG hydrogels were evaluated by SEM, DSC, FTIR, and viscosity studies. A porous structure was observed in the solid dispersion hydrogel MX:LHPC (1:2.5) and its higher viscosity was related to a high increase in hydrogen bonds among the –OH groups from LHPC and HPG with water molecules. In vitro drug release studies showed increases of 3.20 and 3.97-fold for hydrogels with MX:LHPC ratios of (1:1) and (1:2.5), respectively, at 2 h compared to hydrogel with pure MX. Finally, a fitting transition from zero to first-order model was observed for these hydrogels containing solid dispersions, while the n value of Korsmeyer–Peppas model indicated that release mechanism is governed by diffusion through an important relaxation of the polymer.
Bimetallic Organic Gel for Effective Methyl Orange Dye Adsorption
Authors: Jin Hua , Xu Xinyuan , Yu Xiaoyang , Yu Shihua , Wang Shanshan , Qu Xiaoshu
Published: March 2024

A bimetallic organic gel (MOG-Fe/Al) was synthesized through the solvothermal method. The gel state of the product obtained under optimized gel formation conditions is sufficient to carry 2 g of weight for a long time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) technique, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed the structures and morphologies of the synthesized materials. MOG-Fe/Al, with good stability, excellent durability, and wide applicability, exhibited efficient MO adsorption capacity as high as 335.88 mg/g at 25 °C. Adsorption-influencing factors including solution pH, contact time, and temperature were investigated. The adsorption performance of the bimetallic organic gel was better than that of the monometallic organic gels (MOG-Fe and MOG-Al), and its adsorption processes were in accordance with the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isothermal models. The excellent adsorption capacity of the MOG-Fe/Al is due to its surface structure, pore volume, π-π interactions, hydrogen bonds, and electrostatic interactions.
Effects of Online Health Promotion Program to Improve the Health and Wellbeing of Healthcare Students: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Hung Maria Shuk Yu , Ng Winnie Wing Man , Choi Edward Kwok Yiu
Published: March 2024

Background: Healthcare students’ health and wellbeing have been seriously affected worldwide. Research studies highlighted the need to establish health promotion strategies to improve them. Methods: A mixed method feasibility with a randomized controlled trial study followed by qualitative focus-group interviews to evaluate the effect of a 24 h online health promotion program improving healthcare students’ health and wellbeing was performed in mid-2022. The study also illustrated the program’s effect, contents, and activity arrangements. Healthcare students from two large tertiary institutions were randomly assigned to intervention and waitlist-control groups. Outcomes were measured by self-completed online questionnaires at three-time points (baseline, week four, and week eight), and in-depth focus-group interviews followed. Results: Among 70 enrolled and 60 eligible students, 54 completed the study, with a 10% attrition rate. Results demonstrated a significant difference between groups at week eight. Within the intervention group, there were significant differences were found from baseline to week eight for depression (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.004), and stress (p < 0.001). The program also improved certain domains of personal wellbeing and quality of life. Qualitative findings further illustrated the program contents and activities’ feasibility, acceptability, and suitability. Most participants welcomed the online mode’s flexibility and convenience. They enjoyed diversified and complementary content and activities. They had increased self-awareness of health and wellbeing. Besides, mental health knowledge enables them to ‘self-care’ and help those in need in the future. Conclusions: The results indicate the feasibility of performing full-scale research in the future and may provide more support for the students of higher education institutions.