bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Uysal Orkun , Uslu İlbüke , Aktaş Can B. , Chang Byungik , Yaman İsmail Özgür
Published: June 2024

The porous nature of lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) is decisive in the physical and mechanical properties of concrete. A comprehensive experimental study consisting of 13 different mixtures and 234 specimens was carried out on density, absorption capacity, porosity, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and the effect of moisture state of LECA concrete. Dry compressive strengths of mixtures were found to be between 18–38 MPa, and 9% higher on average than moist compressive strength. Modulus of elasticity values decreased significantly when specimens were oven-dried, where the decrease was 26% on average. The study also includes an evaluation of modulus of elasticity prediction models. All prediction models consistently overestimated dry modulus of elasticity, which is problematic for structural applications of LECA concrete. A unique model for modulus of elasticity prediction was developed as part of the study and verified using independent data from literature for its accuracy.
Indoor Air Temperature Distribution and Heat Transfer Coefficient for Evaluating Cold Storage of Phase-Change Materials during Night Ventilation
Authors: Lee TaeCheol , Sato Rihito , Asawa Takashi , Yoon Seonghwan
Published: June 2024

This paper focuses on clarifying the heat transfer coefficient necessary for determining the indoor temperature distribution during night ventilation using floor-level windows. Measurements were used to identify the factors that influence the vertical temperature distribution within a room wherein phase-change materials (PCMs) were installed at the floor level. The investigation revealed a temperature differential ranging from 1 °C to a maximum of 3 °C between the floor and the center of the room, attributable to external climatic conditions (outdoor temperature and wind speed). This variation was found to depend on the degree of mixing of indoor air currents. This deviation was critical because it significantly affected the phase-change temperature of PCMs, thereby impacting their thermal storage capabilities. Consequently, this study aimed to refine the predictive accuracy of indoor temperature distributions by proposing a modified vertical temperature distribution model that incorporated these findings. The results of this study are expected to provide better design strategies for building constructions that incorporate PCMs, and to optimize their functionality in passive cooling systems.
Effect of Soil–Bridge Interactions on Seismic Response of a Cross-Fault Bridge: A Shaking Table Test Study
Authors: Guo Kunlin , Li Xiaojun , Wang Ning , Wen Zengping , Wang Yanbin
Published: June 2024

A shaking table test of a 1/60 scale cross-fault bridge model considering the effects of soil–bridge interactions was designed and implemented, in which the bridge model was placed in two individual soil boxes to simulate the bridge across a strike-slip fault. Three seismic ground motion time-histories with permanent displacements were selected as input excitations to investigate the influence of seismic ground motions with different frequency characteristics on the seismic response of the testing soil–bridge model. The one-side input method was used to simulate the seismic response of bridges across faults. The seismic responses of the soil and bridge in terms of acceleration, strain, and displacement were analyzed. The test results show that the one-side input method can simulate the seismic response of the main girder displacements well and the displacements and strains of piers and piles of the bridge structure spanning a fault. The strain responses at near-fault pile foundations are much larger than those farther away from the fault. Compared with other bridges, the cross-fault bridge is more prone to torsional and displacement responses during earthquakes. Surface fault rupture can lead to permanent inclination of the bridge piers, which should be paid more attention to in the practical engineering design of the bridges. Soil–bridge interactions can suppress the amplification effect of soil on ground motions. The test results can provide a reference for future research and the design of cross-fault bridges.
Vision-Based Construction Safety Monitoring Utilizing Temporal Analysis to Reduce False Alarms
Authors: Zaidi Syed Farhan Alam , Yang Jaehun , Abbas Muhammad Sibtain , Hussain Rahat , Lee Doyeop , Park Chansik
Published: June 2024

Construction safety requires real-time monitoring due to its hazardous nature. Existing vision-based monitoring systems classify each frame to identify safe or unsafe scenes, often triggering false alarms due to object misdetection or false detection, which reduces the overall monitoring system’s performance. To overcome this problem, this research introduces a safety monitoring system that leverages a novel temporal-analysis-based algorithm to reduce false alarms. The proposed system comprises three main modules: object detection, rule compliance, and temporal analysis. The system employs a coordination correlation technique to verify personal protective equipment (PPE), even with partially visible workers, overcoming a common monitoring challenge on job sites. The temporal-analysis module is the key component that evaluates multiple frames within a time window, triggering alarms when the hazard threshold is exceeded, thus reducing false alarms. The experimental results demonstrate 95% accuracy and an F1-score in scene classification, with a notable 2.03% average decrease in false alarms during real-time monitoring across five test videos. This study advances knowledge in safety monitoring by introducing and validating a temporal-analysis-based algorithm. This approach not only improves the reliability of safety-rule-compliance checks but also addresses challenges of misdetection and false alarms, thereby enhancing safety management protocols in hazardous environments.
Advances in Modeling Surface Chloride Concentrations in Concrete Serving in the Marine Environment: A Mini Review
Authors: Zhao Ruiqi , Li Chunfeng , Guan Xuemao
Published: June 2024

Chloride corrosion is a key factor affecting the life of marine concrete, and surface chloride concentration is the main parameter for analyzing its durability. In this paper, we first introduce six erosion mechanism models for surface chloride ion concentration, reveal the convection effect in the diffusion behavior of chloride ions, and then introduce the corrosion mechanisms that occur in different marine exposure environments. On this basis, the analysis is carried out using empirical formulations and machine learning methods, which provides a clearer understanding of the research characteristics and differences between empirical formulas and emerging machine learning techniques. This paper summarizes the time-varying model and multifactor coupling model on the basis of empirical analysis. It is found that the exponential function and the reciprocal function are more consistent with the distribution law of chloride ion concentration, the multifactor model containing the time-varying law is the most effective, and the Chen model is the most reliable. Machine learning, as an emerging method, has been widely used in concrete durability research. It can make up for the shortcomings of the empirical formula method and solve the multifactor coupling problem of surface chloride ion concentration with strong prediction ability. In addition, the difficulty of data acquisition is also a major problem that restricts the development of machine learning and incorporating concrete maintenance conditions into machine learning is a future development direction. Through this study, researchers can systematically understand the characteristics and differences of different research methods and their respective models and choose appropriate techniques to explore the durability of concrete structures. Moreover, intelligent computing will certainly occupy an increasingly important position in marine concrete research.
Leveraging BIM for Enhanced Camera Allocation Planning at Construction Job Sites: A Voxel-Based Site Coverage and Overlapping Analysis
Authors: Tran Si Van-Tien , Lee Doyeop , Pham Hai Chien , Dang Long H. , Park Chansik , Lee Ung-Kyun
Published: June 2024

In the construction industry, the imperative for visual surveillance mechanisms is underscored by the need for safety monitoring, resources, and progress tracking, especially with the adoption of vision intelligence technology. Traditional camera installation plans often move toward coverage and cost objectives without considering substantial coverage overlap, inflating processing and storage requirements, and complicating subsequent analyses. To address these issues, this research proposes a voxel-based site coverage and overlapping analysis for camera allocation planning in parametric BIM environments, called the PBA approach. The first step is to collect information from the BIM model, which is the input for the parametric modeling step. After that, the PBA approach simulates the virtual devices and the construction layout by employing visual language programming and then generates a coverage area. Lastly, the performance simulation and evaluation of various placement scenarios against predefined criteria are conducted, including visual coverage and overlapping optimization for eliminating data redundancy purposes. The proposed approach is evaluated through its application to construction projects. The results from these various implementations indicate a marked decrease in data overlap and an overall enhancement in surveillance efficacy. This research contributes a novel, BIM-centric solution to visual information adoption in the construction industry, offering a scalable approach to optimize camera placement while mitigating overlapping areas.
Influence of Surface Scattering on Auditorium Acoustic Parameters
Authors: Zhu Xiangdong , Xu Guoqiang , Kang Jian , Xue Xiaoyan , Hao Yu
Published: June 2024

Surface scattering greatly impacts and improves the acoustic quality of an auditorium, affecting properties such as the reverberation time, early decay time, definition, and sound strength. However, this aspect has not been sufficiently investigated to date. In this study, six completed auditoriums are taken as research samples and computer simulations are performed to analyze the variation patterns in the acoustic-quality parameters as functions of increments in the surface scattering coefficients. The results show that the reverberation time and early decay time change marginally (<5%) when the ceiling scattering coefficient increases from 0.01 to 0.99. When the sidewall scattering coefficient increases, the reverberation time and early decay time shorten, and the variation range expands (5–16.7%). In most cases, the definition and sound strength do not significantly change (<0.05 and 1.0 dB). A balcony on the auditorium sidewall can affect the reverberation time-change curve when the sidewall scattering coefficient changes. Changes in the ceiling and sidewall scattering coefficients affect the reflected sound-energy distribution along the time axis differently. Sidewall scattering has a significantly greater impact on the impulse response than ceiling scattering. The findings of this study provide theoretical guidance for the scattering design of the surface of theater auditoriums.
Synthesis of AgCoCuFeNi High Entropy Alloy Nanoparticles by Hydrogen Reduction-Assisted Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Stopic Srecko , Hounsinou Ayadjenou Humphrey , Husovic Tatjana Volkov , Emil-Kaya Elif , Friedrich Bernd
Published: June 2024

Because of their high mixing entropies, multi-component alloys can exhibit enhanced catalytic activity compared to traditional catalysts in various chemical reactions, including hydrogenation, oxidation, and reduction processes. In this work, new AgCoCuFeNi high entropy alloy nanoparticles were synthesized by the hydrogen reduction-assisted ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. The aim was to investigate the effects of processing parameters (reaction temperature, precursor solution concentration, and residence time) on the microstructure, composition, and crystallinity of the high entropy alloy nanoparticles. The characterization was performed with scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The syntheses performed at 600, 700, 800, and 900 °C, resulted in smaller and smoother spherical particles with a near-equiatomic elemental composition as the temperature increased to 900 °C. With 0.25, 0.1, and 0.05 M precursor solutions, narrower size distribution and uniform AgCoCuFeNi nanoparticles were produced by reducing the solution concentration to 0.05 M. A near-equiatomic elemental composition was only obtained at 0.25 and 0.05 M. Increasing the residence time from 5.3 to 23.8 s resulted in an unclear particle microstructure. None of the five metal elements were formed in the large tubular reactor. X-ray diffraction revealed that various crystal phase structures were obtained in the synthesized AgCoCuFeNi particles.
Validity, Reliability, Accessibility, and Applicability of Young Children’s Developmental Screening and Assessment Tools across Different Demographics: A Realist Review
Authors: Kurbatfinski Stefan , Komanchuk Jelena , Dosani Aliyah , Letourneau Nicole
Published: June 2024

Valid and reliable developmental screening and assessment tools allow professionals to identify disabilities/delays in children, enabling timely intervention to limit adverse lifelong impacts on health. However, differences in child development related to culture, genetics, and perinatal outcomes may impact tool applicability. This study evaluated the validity, reliability, and accessibility of multidomain developmental screening tools for young children, analyzed the applicability of tools across different contexts, and created a compendium of tools. Employing adapted realist review methods, we searched APA PsycInfo, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, and Google to identify relevant articles and information. We assessed accessibility, validity, reliability, and contextual applicability (N = 4110 evidence sources) to create tool ratings and make recommendations. Of 33 identified tools, 22 were screening and 11 were assessment tools. Fewer screening tools than assessment tools were rated highly overall. Evidence for use in different cultures was often lacking for both types of tools. The ASQ (screening) and BDI (assessment) tools were rated most favorably and are recommended for use, though other tools may be more applicable in different contexts (e.g., NEPSY among children with Asperger’s Syndrome). Future research should focus on assessing the validity and reliability of tools across different demographics to increase accessibility and ensure all children are properly supported.
Selective Mutism and Comorbidity with Specific Learning Disorders: Evaluation and Multimodal Intervention in a Clinical Case of a Female Child from 7 to 11 Years of Age
Authors: Capobianco Micaela , Costa Alberto
Published: June 2024

Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by a child’s persistent inability to communicate verbally in some or all contexts of social life. It is often associated with other cognitive–affective disorders. Performing cognitive–behavioral assessments and psychological interventions can be challenging due to the difficulty in administering standardized neuropsychological tests and involving family and teachers in the intervention program. In a single case study, a young Filipina girl with SM underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and received multimodal therapeutic intervention between the ages of 7 and 11. The psychological intervention included cognitive–behavioral psychotherapy to improve social–cognitive skills and learning abilities, reduce anxiety, and provide speech therapy. The parents and teachers were actively involved in the therapeutic process and a underwent a psycho-education program. Following this treatment, at the age of 11, the girl started verbalizing in therapy and school contexts, although she still used non-verbal strategies. There was also a gradual improvement in her communicative–linguistic skills and school learning. In conclusion, this report emphasizes the importance of applying an integrated and multimodal intervention to treat SM in children, including psychoeducation for parents and teachers.
High Rate of Change of the Foot in Ecuadorian Children: The Need for Proper Shoe Design
Authors: Martín-Casado Laura , Palomo-Fernández Inés , Aldana-Caballero Alberto , Baltasar-Fernandez Ivan , Marcos-Tejedor Felix
Published: June 2024

Background: Physiological changes in the foot may be influenced by external factors such as shoe types or demographic parameters, leading to podiatric conditions in adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in morphological measurements of the feet of boys and girls during childhood and adolescence. Methods: A total of 1678 Ecuadorian children aged 8 to 17 years participated in the study. The length, width, and height of the foot were analyzed using a 3D scanner to obtain the arch height ratio for the diagnosis of pediatric flat foot. Results: Statistical differences were observed for lengths, widths, and perimeters of the foot in boys aged 5 to 15–16 years and girls aged 5 to 12–13 years. Differences in the height of the navicular bone were found in all age groups, with changes from 2.8 to 4.1% in boys and from 1.3 to 1.5% in girls. The greatest differences between boys and girls of the same age were found at 14 years old onwards. The highest prevalence of flat foot was found in 8-year-old girls (64.9%) and in 12-year-old boys (82.5%). Conclusions: The feet of Ecuadorian children develop progressively during childhood and adolescence. Boys presented with longer and wider feet than girls of the same age. The highest prevalence of flat foot was found in 12-year-old boys and 8-year-old girls.
Failure Causes Analysis of Circumferential Cracking on Gathering Pipeline in M Oil and Gas Field
Authors: Zhao Xuehui , Zhang Zicheng , He Zhiwu , Han Yan , Yuan Juntao
Published: June 2024

The gathering and transportation pipeline experienced corrosion cracking failure after 2 years of operation. This paper conducted an analysis on the reasons for the pipeline failure by integrating background information on its usage, as well as observations, analyses, and detection of the morphology of failure samples. The results indicated that the fracture originated from the inner wall of the pipeline and extended to the outer wall along the wall thickness until complete fracture occurred. Based on microstructure analysis of the fracture and original microcracks at the top of the pipeline, it was determined that the fracture was a multi-source brittle fracture, spreading in both inter-granular and trans-granular forms with obvious radial quasi-cleavage fractures accompanied by secondary cracks. EDS analysis revealed that the element S was present in all zones related to fracture initiation, spreading, and transient zones. XRD analysis showed that corrosion products on the fracture surface were mainly composed of FeS, indicating the presence of H2S in the service environment leading to sulfide stress corrosion cracking characteristics in line with pipeline failure. It is recommended to confirm the source of H2S in the service medium and test residual stress within the same pipeline for potential risk assessment regarding cracking in other areas.
Effect of Tempering Temperature on Microstructure and Intergranular Corrosion Property of 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Luo Xianfu , Fang Kun , Zhang Wenli , Zhang Jinmin , Yang Xiao , Liu Xiaoyong , Zha Xiaoqin , Zhang Xinyao
Published: June 2024

The effect of tempering temperature on the microstructure and intergranular corrosion property of 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS2205) was determined using a boiling acid intergranular corrosion test (boiling 65% nitric acid and 50% sulfuric acid–ferric sulfate), an optical microscope, a transmission electron microscope, and a double-loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DL-EPR) test. The results show that the ferrite content of the DSS2205 is about 50% in a specimen close to a solid solution state (1050 °C for 1 h, then water-quenched) when tempered at 675 °C–725 °C for 1 h. As the tempering temperature rises to 750 °C–800 °C for 1 h, the ferrite content drops gradually from 49% to 35%. M23C6, FeCr (σ phase), and Cr2N phases are precipitated when the specimen is tempered at 675°C–800 °C for 1 h. When the tempering temperature rises to 750 °C–800 °C for 1 h, the content and size of σ phase increase significantly. In the boiling acid intergranular corrosion test, when the specimen is tempered at 675 °C–725 °C for 1 h, the corrosion rate is higher than when it is tempered at 750 °C–800 °C for 1 h. In the DL-EPR test, when the specimen is tempered at 675 °C–800 °C for 1 h, the intergranular corrosion sensitivity rises gradually. External polarization is added during the DL-EPR test, and the test principle is different from that of the boiling acid intergranular corrosion test, resulting in a different sensitivity to intergranular corrosion compared to boiling acid intergranular corrosion.
Exploring Relationships of Heart Rate Variability, Neurological Function, and Clinical Factors with Mortality and Behavioral Functional Outcome in Patients with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wu Mei-Jung , Dewi Sari R. K. , Hsu Wan-Ting , Hsu Tien-Yu , Liao Shu-Fen , Chan Lung , Lin Ming-Chin
Published: June 2024

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability. The relationships of heart rate variability (HRV) and stroke-related factors with mortality and functional outcome are complex and not fully understood. Understanding these relationships is crucial for providing better insights regarding ischemic stroke prognosis. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between HRV, neurological function, and clinical factors with mortality and 3-month behavioral functional outcome in ischemic stroke. We prospectively collected the HRV data and monitored the behavioral functional outcome of patients with ischemic stroke. The behavioral functional outcome was represented by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. This study population consisted of 58 ischemic stroke patients (56.9% male; mean age 70) with favorable (mRS score ≤ 2) and unfavorable (mRS score ≥ 3) outcome. The analysis indicated that the median of the mean RR interval (RR mean) showed no statistical difference between mortality groups. Conversely, the median of the RR mean had significant association with unfavorable outcome (OR = 0.989, p = 0.007). Lower hemoglobin levels had significant association with unfavorable outcome (OR = 0.411, p = 0.010). Higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission had significant association with unfavorable outcome (OR = 1.396, p = 0.002). In contrast, age, stroke history, NIHSS score at admission, and hemoglobin showed no significant association with mortality in ischemic stroke. These results imply that HRV, as indicated by the median of RR mean, alongside specific clinical factors and neurological function at admission (measured by NIHSS score), may serve as potential prognostic indicators for 3-month behavioral functional outcome in ischemic stroke.
Macular Ischemia Changes in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Aflibercept and Ranibizumab
Authors: Maris Dimitrios , Dastiridou Anna , Kotoula Maria , Karathanou Aikaterini , Tsironi Evangelia E. , Bargiota Alexandra , Androudi Sofia
Published: June 2024

Τhis study aims to assess changes in the fovea avascular zone (FAZ) in treatment naïve patients receiving aflibercept or ranibizumab injections for diabetic macular edema (DME). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, OCT, and OCT-angiography imaging were performed at baseline and 1 month after each injection. Injections of either aflibercept or ranibizumab were administered monthly for 6 consecutive months. FAZ in the superficial (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) using OCT angiography was recorded for each visit. Fifty eyes from fifty patients with a mean age of 67.0 ± 10.7 years were included in the study. Twenty-five patients received aflibercept and twenty-five received ranibizumab. BCVA was 40.8 ± 10.0 and increased to 52.1 ± 7.9 ETDRS letters at the last visit (p < 0.001). CRT was 295.6 ± 34.0 at baseline and 247.9 ± 29.7 at the last study visit (p < 0.001). SCP FAZ was 350.6 ± 79.5 μm2 at baseline and 339.0 ± 71.3 μm2 after sox monthly injections (p = 0.132). DCP FAZ was 558.6 ± 199.0 μm2 at baseline and 459.5 ± 156.1 μm2 after six monthly injections (p < 0.001). There was no effect of the choice of ranibizumab or aflibercept on DCP FAZ change (p = 0.277). In conclusion, treatment with 6 monthly injections of ranibizumab and aflibercept led to an increase in BCVA and a decrease in CRT and DCP FAZ area. Both drugs led to an improvement in DCP ischemia.
Patients with Severe Trauma Having an Injury Severity Score of 24 and above Develop Nutritional Disorders
Authors: Mizuochi Minori , Yamaguchi Junko , Chiba Nobutaka , Kinoshita Kosaku
Published: June 2024

In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, we aimed to assess the severity at which patients with trauma tend to develop metabolic disturbances that worsen their Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) scores. Participants were general adult patients with trauma hospitalized for at least one week. Injury Severity Scores (ISSs) at admission and CONUT scores one week later were calculated, and correlation coefficients were examined. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the ISS cutoff value for a CONUT score of 5 or more on day 7 of hospitalization. The ISS was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis to determine whether it predicts worse nutritional status. Forty-nine patients were included. ISSs correlated with CONUT scores on day 7 (r = 0.373, p = 0.008). Using the ROC curve, the cutoff value for the ISS was 23.5. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that a high ISS (odds ratio [OR], 1.158; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.034–1.296; p = 0.011) and older age (OR, 1.094; 95% CI, 1.027–1.165; p = 0.005) were associated with a CONUT score 5 or more on day 7 of hospitalization. Patients with trauma with an ISS of 24 or higher have worsening CONUT scores during hospitalization; these patients require careful nutritional management.
Effectiveness of Vitamin D on Neurological and Mental Disorders
Authors: AlGhamdi Shareefa Abdullah
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: Mental disorders are conditions that affect a person’s cognition, mood, and behaviour, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In contrast, neurological disorders are diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Such disorders include strokes, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Both mental and neurological disorders pose significant global health challenges, impacting hundreds of millions worldwide. Research suggests that certain vitamins, including vitamin D, may influence the incidence and severity of these disorders; (2) Methods: This systematic review examined the potential effects of vitamin D supplementation on various mental and neurological disorders. Evidence was gathered from databases like PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, including multiple randomized controlled trials comparing vitamin D supplementation to placebo or no treatment for conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and neuroinflammation; (3) Results: The findings strongly indicate that vitamin D supplementation may benefit a range of mental health and neurological disorders. The magnitude of the beneficial impact varied by specific disorder, but the overall pattern strongly supports the therapeutic potential of vitamin D on these disorders; (4) Conclusions: This review provides valuable insight into the role vitamin D may play in the management of critical brain-related health issues.
Factors Influencing Peri-Extraction Anxiety: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Niemczyk Wojciech , Balicz Agnieszka , Lau Karolina , Morawiec Tadeusz , Kasperczyk Janusz
Published: June 2024

Background: Fear and anxiety are common psychological responses to unpleasant stimuli, with dental fear being the fourth most prevalent type of fear or phobia. However, not all dental procedures cause the same level of anxiety, with dental surgery and tooth extraction being among the top five most frightening procedures in the field. Tooth extractions are also the most common surgical procedure in dental surgery. It is important to manage anxiety in the dental office by identifying the main factors. Methods: The study was conducted on a group of 250 patients. The survey technique and the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) were used in the study. Pain and stress intensity on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were measured in each patient before and after tooth extraction procedures. Results: Young women and people from small towns had the highest levels of anxiety. The factor causing the highest level of anxiety was fear of complications. Patients undergoing extraction of retained teeth were characterized by higher levels of anxiety. Conclusions: Perioperative stress is strongly dependent on numerous factors. For patient comfort, it may be crucial for dentists to have knowledge about these factors and the ability to utilize them to reduce stress before and after tooth extractions.
Peruvian Agro-Exports’ Competitiveness: An Assessment of the Export Development of Its Main Products
Authors: Montes Ninaquispe Jose Carlos , Pantaleón Santa María Alberto Luis , Ludeña Jugo Diego Alejandro , Castro Muñoz William Teófilo , Farias Rodriguez Juan Cesar , Maco Elera Billy Heinrich , Vasquez Huatay Kelly Cristina
Published: June 2024

This study analyzed the competitiveness of Peru’s exports of grapes, blueberries, avocados, and asparagus from 2019 to 2023. Data were obtained from the customs declarations of all exporting companies of the analyzed products, along with data from the International Trade Center. Competitiveness was measured using the absolute revealed comparative advantage (RCA) index. The results indicate notable growth in the exports of grapes and blueberries, while asparagus and avocados face challenges in market and exporter diversification. The RCA index suggests a strong and stable specialization in these products. This study concludes with specific recommendations for institutions such as Ministerio de Desarrollo Agrario y Riego (MIDAGRI), Comisión de Promoción del Perú para la Exportación y el Turismo (PROMPERÚ), Asociación de Exportadores (ADEX), and Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), aimed at enhancing competitiveness through market diversification.
Partnerships in STEAM: How Collaborating with STEAM Experts Impacts K-12 Teachers’ Abilities to Implement STEAM Lessons in the Classroom
Authors: Kessler Talia Capozzoli , Boice Katherine L. , Koval Jayma , Jackson Justina R. , Choi Jasmine , Alemdar Meltem , Grossman Sabrina , Simmons Keisha , Usselman Marion
Published: June 2024

K-12 teacher professional development in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is often utilized to enhance teachers’ abilities to use STEAM pedagogical methods in the classroom. One such program is GoSTEAM, a five-year initiative centered on K-12 teacher professional development in STEAM. Teachers participating in GoSTEAM collaborate on the implementation of STEAM lessons and activities with an Innovator-in-Residence, who is an individual with experience in a STEAM field, often from a local community organization or university. This study analyzes focus group findings from teachers and school administrators to assess how the partnership with the Innovator-in-Residence impacts teachers’ professional development in STEAM. The findings suggest teachers and administrators perceived there to be several impacts on teachers’ professional development as a result of the partnership, such as the development of STEAM skills and making connections between STEAM, district standards, and real-world concepts. As such, the results of this study indicate that a teacher’s professional development in STEAM can be impacted by an ongoing partnership and collaboration with community partners and those experienced in STEAM fields.
Examining Mathematics Learning Abilities as a Function of Socioeconomic Status, Achievement and Anxiety
Authors: Svraka Bernadett , Ádám Szilvia
Published: June 2024

Our mathematical thinking sheds light on how we see our world and what knowledge we have about it. In spite of this, mathematical performance is still mostly measured in calculation skills, and this also predestines the success of learning. So at school, what is important is how correctly we solved the task and not the way we got there. An internationally unique Hungarian-developed test (DPV—Pedagogical Examination of Dyscalculia/Diszkalkulia Pedagógiai Vizsgálata) draws our attention to the opposite of this. The special feature of the test is its criterion orientation, which emphasizes the correctness of mathematical thinking while examining the abilities necessary for learning mathematics. The aim of our study was to investigate, as a function of background variables (gender and socioeconomic status (SES)), (1) whether the abilities and thought processes required for learning mathematics function at an adequate level, (2) what effect these may have on mathematical performance, and (3) to what extent all of this is influenced by mathematical anxiety. Our background variables were gender and socioeconomic status. A total of 999 Hungarian students aged 10–15 participated in our study, including 483 boys and 516 girls. In general, we can say that the development of the skills necessary for learning mathematics is closely related to the students’ performance. Nevertheless, it happens that we encounter low performance despite good skills. In several cases, we can experience the presence of anxiety, especially math anxiety, which in most cases, regardless of the level of abilities, negatively affects the success of math learning processes. The findings confirm that socioeconomic status, gender, and performance are risk factors for mathematical anxiety. The following hypotheses have been formulated along the lines of the research objectives set out in the abstract: There are no differences in ability and mathematical performance between boys and girls. Girls are more anxious when they have to solve a mathematical problem. Socioeconomic status predicts ability level and the presence of math anxiety. Mathematical anxiety (MA) modifies the validity of mathematical ability (DPV).
Self-Regulated Learning in Science Classes with a Discovery Learning Environment and Collaborative Discovery Learning Environment
Authors: Balazinec Marina , Radanovic Ines , Bulic Mila
Published: June 2024

The study aims to compare how discovery learning and collaborative discovery learning affect knowledge acquisition, the development of understanding through phases of self-regulated learning (SRL), and the use of SRL strategies at the individual level. The sample consists of 981 eleven-year-old students. The results show that both methods have a positive effect on knowledge acquisition. Collaborative discovery learning has more positive effects on the development of students’ understanding by developing collaborative skills. Motivational strategies (especially in girls) are more developed in collaborative discovery learning than in discovery learning. Students who show more pronounced negative characteristics of self-regulation also achieve poorer results in the knowledge test, and this is more pronounced in students who have participated in discovery learning. The tendency of an affirmative attitude towards the characteristics of SRL in the entire population of students indicates a proportional growth in accordance with success in learning, but in more successful students, it indicates a uniform retention of an affirmative attitude. The tendency toward an affirmative attitude regarding the characteristics of collaborative learning is inversely proportional to students’ success, with a more pronounced attitude decrease in more successful students.
Beliefs and Previous Concepts about Physical Education in Primary Education Undergraduate Students
Authors: Eirín-Nemiña Raúl , García-Antelo Beatriz , Longueira-Matos Silvana , Castro-Rodríguez María Montserrat
Published: June 2024

The approach to the personal experiences and previous ideas about physical education of future primary education teachers is a starting point of great interest for the teaching of the subject of physical education didactics. The aim of the study is to investigate these prior beliefs and to verify to what extent this initial perception changes after taking the “Didactics of Physical Education” course. A concurrent mixed-methods study was conducted, which included two data collection procedures: (1) a pre-experimental design with a single group featuring a pre-test and post-test; (2) the analysis of students’ autobiographical accounts of their experiences with physical education in school. The participants were students enrolled in the Bachelor’s degree program in primary education at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) who undertook the course in 2022–2023. The results obtained reveal that after taking the Didactics of Physical Education course, students gave greater value to more positive concepts of learning, socializing, participating, and playing, among others. Similarly, in the post-test, the assessment of concepts such as competitiveness and physical fatigue diminished. In their autobiographical accounts, students associated good memories with relationships with classmates and the playful socializing nature of the subject; among the bad memories, they highlight the content related to physical performance, competitiveness, and lack of attention to the diversity of students and their individual characteristics.
A Haptic Braille Keyboard Layout for Smartphone Applications
Authors: Voutsakelis Georgios , Tzimos Nikolaos , Kokkonis Georgios , Kontogiannis Sotirios
Published: June 2024

Though most people are capable of performing many tasks regardless of cognitive or physical challenges, some individuals, especially those with visual impairments, must rely on others to perform even basic tasks. The chance of them interacting with a computing device is minimal, except for speech recognition technology, which is quite complicated. Additionally, it has become apparent that mainstream devices are gaining more acceptance among people with vision problems compared to traditional assistive devices. To address this, we developed the Haptic Braille Keyboard Android application to help vision-impaired users interact more easily with devices such as smartphones and tablets. The academic novelty of the application lies in its customization capabilities, which maximize the Quality of Experience for the user. The application allows users to place the Braille buttons in their desired layout for convenience. Users can move and position the virtual buttons on the screen to create a layout for text entry based on the Braille writing system. For this purpose, we conducted extensive testing and experimentation to determine which of the two commonly used Braille layouts is most user-friendly. This work can help visually impaired users interact with smartphones and tablets more easily and independently, making communication less challenging.
Cough Detection Using Acceleration Signals and Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Sanchez-Morillo Daniel , Sales-Lerida Diego , Priego-Torres Blanca , León-Jiménez Antonio
Published: June 2024

Cough is a frequent symptom in many common respiratory diseases and is considered a predictor of early exacerbation or even disease progression. Continuous cough monitoring offers valuable insights into treatment effectiveness, aiding healthcare providers in timely intervention to prevent exacerbations and hospitalizations. Objective cough monitoring methods have emerged as superior alternatives to subjective methods like questionnaires. In recent years, cough has been monitored using wearable devices equipped with microphones. However, the discrimination of cough sounds from background noise has been shown a particular challenge. This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of single-axis acceleration signals combined with state-of-the-art deep learning (DL) algorithms to distinguish intentional coughing from sounds like speech, laugh, or throat noises. Various DL methods (recurrent, convolutional, and deep convolutional neural networks) combined with one- and two-dimensional time and time–frequency representations, such as the signal envelope, kurtogram, wavelet scalogram, mel, Bark, and the equivalent rectangular bandwidth spectrum (ERB) spectrograms, were employed to identify the most effective approach. The optimal strategy, which involved the SqueezeNet model in conjunction with wavelet scalograms, yielded an accuracy and precision of 92.21% and 95.59%, respectively. The proposed method demonstrated its potential for cough monitoring. Future research will focus on validating the system in spontaneous coughing of subjects with respiratory diseases under natural ambulatory conditions.
Video Colorization Based on Variational Autoencoder
Authors: Zhang Guangzi , Hong Xiaolin , Liu Yan , Qian Yulin , Cai Xingquan
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces a variational autoencoder network designed for video colorization using reference images, addressing the challenge of colorizing black-and-white videos. Although recent techniques perform well in some scenarios, they often struggle with color inconsistencies and artifacts in videos that feature complex scenes and long durations. To tackle this, we propose a variational autoencoder framework that incorporates spatio-temporal information for efficient video colorization. To improve temporal consistency, we unify semantic correspondence with color propagation, allowing for simultaneous guidance in colorizing grayscale video frames. Additionally, the variational autoencoder learns spatio-temporal feature representations by mapping video frames into a latent space through an encoder network. The decoder network then transforms these latent features back into color images. Compared to traditional coloring methods, our approach accurately captures temporal relationships between video frames, providing precise colorization while ensuring video consistency. To further enhance video quality, we apply a specialized loss function that constrains the generated output, ensuring that the colorized video remains spatio-temporally consistent and natural. Experimental results demonstrate that our method significantly improves the video colorization process.
Road Surface Defect Detection Algorithm Based on YOLOv8
Authors: Sun Zhen , Zhu Lingxi , Qin Su , Yu Yongbo , Ju Ruiwen , Li Qingdang
Published: June 2024

In maintaining roads and ensuring safety, promptly detecting and repairing pavement defects is crucial. However, conventional detection methods demand substantial manpower, incur high costs, and suffer from low efficiency. To enhance road maintenance efficiency and reduce costs, we propose an improved algorithm based on YOLOv8. Our method incorporates several key enhancements. First, we replace conventional convolutions with a module composed of spatial-to-depth layers and nonstrided convolution layers (SPD-Conv) in the network backbone, enhancing the capability of recognizing small-sized defects. Second, we replace the neck of YOLOv8 with the neck of the ASF-YOLO network to fully integrate spatial and scale features, improving multiscale feature extraction capability. Additionally, we introduce the FasterNet block from the FasterNet network into C2f to minimize redundant computations. Furthermore, we utilize Wise-IoU (WIoU) to optimize the model’s loss function, which accounts for the quality factors of objects more effectively, enabling adaptive learning adjustments based on samples of varying qualities. Our model was evaluated on the RDD2022 road damage dataset, demonstrating significant improvements over the baseline model. Specifically, with a 2.8% improvement in mAP and a detection speed reaching 43 FPS, our method proves to be highly effective in real-time road damage detection tasks.
Multistable Memristor Synapse-Based Coupled Bi-Hopfield Neuron Model: Dynamic Analysis, Microcontroller Implementation and Image Encryption
Authors: Tamba Victor Kamdoum , Biamou Arsene Loic Mbanda , Pham Viet-Thanh , Grassi Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

The memristor, a revolutionary electronic component, mimics both neural synapses and electromagnetic induction phenomena. Recent study challenges are the development of effective neural models and discovering their dynamics. In this study, we propose a novel Hopfield neural network model leveraging multistable memristors, showcasing its efficacy in encoding biomedical images. We investigate the equilibrium states and dynamic behaviors of our designed model through comprehensive numerical simulations, revealing a rich array of phenomena including periodic orbits, chaotic dynamics, and homogeneous coexisting attractors. The practical realization of our model is achieved using a microcontroller, with experimental results demonstrating strong agreement with theoretical analyses. Furthermore, harnessing the chaos inherent in the neural network, we develop a robust biomedical image encryption technique, validated through rigorous computational performance tests.
Caching Method for Information-Centric Ad Hoc Networks Based on Content Popularity and Node Centrality
Authors: Koide Masaki , Matsumoto Naoyuki , Matsuzawa Tomofumi
Published: June 2024

In recent years, most internet communications have focused on accessing content such as video, web services, and audio. Conversely, traditional Internet communications are inefficient because they are primarily designed for data transfer between hosts. In response, Information-Centric Networking (ICN) has emerged as a content-oriented networking model. The impact of ICN in reducing the location dependency of data and its high compatibility with ad hoc networks has led to research on realizing Information-Centric ad hoc Networks (ICANET). There has also been extensive research into caching content in the network, which is one of the features of ICN. In static networks, methods have been proposed to cache highly popular content in nodes that are more likely to be used for shortest paths. However, in dynamic networks, content with high popularity should be cached on nodes that are more likely to reach all nodes, as missing nodes need to be taken into account. In this study, we propose a cache control scheme for content caching in ICANET that utilizes both content popularity and the closeness centrality of nodes within the ad hoc network as indicators. To realise the proposed method, a new packet flow based on the Pending Interest Table (PIT) and Content Store (CS) was implemented in the forwarding strategy of ICN. The experiments used ndnSIM, a protocol implementation of NDN based on Network Simulator3, which is widely used in wireless network research. The experimental results showed that the cache hit rate could be increased by up to 4.5% in situations with low content bias. In the same situation, the response delay was also reduced by up to 28.3%.