bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of family urban integration on migrant worker mental health in China
Authors: Sun Xiaotong , Zhou Mi , Huang Li
Published: August 2024

Background

As China has undergone the processes of urbanization and economic development, a large migrant population has emerged, creating new family migration trends. Family migration brings about changes in urban integration costs and benefits, affecting health investment.

Objective

The primary objective of this research is to investigate the influence of urban integration of migrant workers' families on their mental wellbeing, with the aim of offering policy recommendations conducive to the realization of a comprehensive public health strategy in China.

Methods

This paper uses multi-dimensional indexes to measure family urban integration, covering economic, social and psychological dimensions, which may consider the complexity of integration. Utilizing a machine learning clustering algorithm, the research endeavors to assess the level of urban integration experienced by migrant workers and their respective families. The analysis discerns three distinct clusters denoting varying degrees of urban integration within these familial units, namely high-level, medium-level, and low-level urban integration. We applied binary logit regression models to analyze the influence of family urban integration on the mental health among migrant workers. Then we conducted a series of robustness tests.

Results

The results show that family urban integration decreases the probability of depressive symptoms by 14.6 percentage points. Further mechanism tests show that family economic integration enhances the psychological wellbeing of migrant workers by elevating their income status. Family social integration decreases depressive symptoms by increasing social status. Family psychological integration increases the psychological health of migrant workers by making them more satisfied with their lives. The heterogeneity test shows that family urban integration and its different dimensions have a strong impact on the depressive symptoms of women, first-generation, and less-educated groups.

Conclusions

This study finds that family urban integration and its economic, social, and psychological dimensions significantly reduced the depressive symptoms of migrant workers. The results of this study lead the authors to recommend formulating a family-centered policy for migrant workers to reside in urban areas, optimizing the allocation of medical resources and public services, and improving family urban integration among migrant workers in order to avoid mental health problems in the process of urban integration.
The impact of COVID-19 infection on musculoskeletal pain and its associating factors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Hongyan , Zhuang Shiyang , Lin Yiming , Huang Mei , Zhang Wenming , Zhang Xuehui , Lin Yunzhi , Zhang Chaofan
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Musculoskeletal pain after COVID-19 infection remains a concerning long-term complication of COVID-19. Here, our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain associated with COVID-19 (MSPC) and healthcare-seeking behaviors, as well as the associating factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenience sampling and distributed to participants anonymously through the online platform Credamo. Demographic and characteristic data of the participants were collected and analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate potential factors associated with MSPC and healthcare-seeking tendencies.

Results

A total of 1,510 participants responded to the survey, with 42.6% (643 individuals) exhibiting MSPC. Higher education level and a greater number of concomitant symptoms were significant risk factors for MSPC, while longer exercise duration and higher PSS-10 scores were protective factors. Additionally, higher income level, frequency and severity of pain, and greater PSS-10 scores increased healthcare-seeking intention.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of individuals experience MSPC. Education level and concomitant symptoms were risk factors for MSPC, while exercise duration and PSS-10 score were potential protective factors. Income level, frequency and severity of pain, and PSS-10 score are significantly related to the willingness to seek medical treatment for MSPC.
Effects of different parenting styles on the physical health of Chinese university students
Authors: Liu Minghao , Li Jingping , Chang Sai , Liang Yi , Wang Zheng
Published: August 2024

Background

Annual declines in university students’ physical health have an impact on social stability and the nation’s long-term growth. Parenting style, which is crucial to a child’s growth and development, may have a big influence on physical health. This study delves into the effects of different parenting styles on the physical fitness of Chinese college students under gender differences.

Methods

Through random allocation and stratified sampling methods, this study comprehensively investigated 3,151 undergraduate students (male = 1,365; female = 1786) with an average age of 18.44 years (SD = 1.46), from a university in Jiangsu Province, China. Parenting styles of college students were evaluated by the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). Physical fitness tests were based on the Chinese National Student Physical Fitness Standards including body mass index, lung capacity, standing-long-jump, bent-leg-sit-up, seated forward bend, pull-ups, 50 m sprint, and 800/1,000 m run. Further investigations focused on the relationship between parenting styles and physical health by statistical analysis methods such as Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression.

Results

Significant differences were identified in gender, family members, and academic majors in most of the correlation indicators between different parenting styles and physical health among college students. Further analysis showed that the parenting styles of democratic and authoritative mothers and democratic fathers were more conducive to the promotion of physical health among female university students. The combination of a democratic fathering style and a permissive mothering style is considered an ideal parenting model for male students.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that different parenting styles have a significant impact on the physical health of college students. Positive parenting styles may improve physical health, while negative ones are likely to have adverse effects, especially among female students. It is also important to notice differentiated parenting styles with respect to male and female university students. Therefore, more attention should be raised on parenting styles to enhance physical health of the student population.
Dehumanizing air travel: a scoping review on accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities in international airports
Authors: Gotti David , Morales Ernesto , Routhier François , Riendeau Jonathan , Hadj Hassen Ahmed
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Worldwide, one in six individuals live with a disability. Many people continue to experience disabling situations, particularly when travelling. Travel can be an important part of the lives of many people, including people with disabilities. Barriers to accessing air travel can lead to a reluctance to travel for these potential passengers. As early as the flight planning stage, options to facilitate accessibility are limited. At airports, passengers must travel long distances in areas where navigation is complex, and accessibility limited. Furthermore, few aircraft are accessible. The travel experience can have adverse effects on the health of people with disabilities. Practices are sometimes not inclusive, not always available, and may not address the full spectrum of possible needs. The objective of this study is to provide a state of art on accessibility features available to people with disabilities in the busiest international airports.

Methods

A scoping review of practices in airport accessibility was done. A search strategy was deployed in 4 databases (Avery index to architectural periodicals, Medline, CINAHL, and Web of science). The official websites of the 35 busiest airports were exhaustively consulted. All information regarding accessibility measures and inclusive services were extracted.

Results

31 scientific articles, out of 3,640 screened, and all extracted data from airports’ website were considered for synthesis. While efforts are made in major airports, there is a great inconsistency in accessibility features. Both facilitators and challenges are encountered by people with disabilities at every stage of air travel. These stages include journey planning; getting to and from the airport, obtain human assistance, navigate in the premises, check in, security screening, using facilities, boarding and disembarking, customs and immigration procedures, and luggage management.

Discussion

Services need to be extensively planned, placing a significant burden on passengers. The disability-centric perspective disregard passengers’ unique needs and capabilities, leading to a sense of dehumanization. The complexity of airport organizations, shared responsibilities, limited communication, training challenges can deter accessibility initiatives and create discomfort during travel. This study is the first step of a broader project supported by Canadian Accessibility Standards, focusing on enhancing inclusive accessibility in Canadian airports.
Protecting ancient water harvesting technologies in India: strategies for climate adaptation and sustainable development with global lessons
Authors: Jain Shubham , Srivastava Aman , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar , Rajput Jitendra , Rane Nitin Liladhar , Salem Ali , Elbeltagi Ahmed
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Ancient water harvesting systems, such as those from the Indus Valley Civilization (~3500 BCE), have been vital for irrigation and climate resilience, especially in arid regions. One such prominent system in South Asia, called tank irrigation, initially thrived through community management but declined post-independence due to colonial policies and neglect in Sri Lanka and India. This study evaluates current policy frameworks and rehabilitation programs to enhance the resilience of these systems in India, develop strategies for their protection and adaptation to climate change, and integrate global lessons for sustainable development.

Methods

A systematic meta-analysis of grey literature was conducted to aggregate data on policy constraints. Policy analysis involved detailed investigations of relevant documents, regulations, and comparative analyses of frameworks at regional and national levels. Pilot projects on tank rehabilitation were assessed through reported case studies and field surveys to gauge impact. Thematic analysis was used to explore the global potential of these systems in climate resilience and overall environmental sustainability.

Results

The analysis showed that pilot projects for tank rehabilitation had limited success in achieving sustainability under current climate conditions. Tank irrigation systems are crucial for adapting to extreme weather, including floods, droughts, and heat waves, replenishing groundwater, reducing soil erosion, and ensuring reliable water supplies. Traditional water harvesting technologies support 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including clean water access, hunger reduction, gender equality, and climate action. Integrating AI and machine learning in water management benefits disaster response, while eco-tourism aids system maintenance and cultural awareness.

Discussion

The study underscores the need for policy reforms to enhance tank rehabilitation and institutional arrangements. It calls for increased beneficiary participation and constitutional recognition of current practices. Strategic, national-scale assessments and resilience targets are recommended to improve the effectiveness of such water harvesting systems in mitigating natural hazards and enhancing environmental services.
Biological reliability of a movement analysis assessment using a markerless motion capture system
Authors: Philipp Nicolas M. , Fry Andrew C. , Mosier Eric M. , Cabarkapa Dimitrije , Nicoll Justin X. , Sontag Stephanie A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Advances in motion capture technology include markerless systems to facilitate valid data collection. Recently, the technological reliability of this technology has been reported for human movement assessments. To further understand sources of potential error, biological reliability must also be determined. The aim of this study was to determine the day-to-day reliability for a three-dimensional markerless motion capture (MMC) system to quantify 4 movement analysis composite scores, and 81 kinematic variables.

Methods

Twenty-two healthy men (n = 11; X¯±SD; age = 23.0 ± 2.6 years, height = 180.4.8 cm, weight = 80.4 ± 7.3 kg) and women (n = 11; age = 20.8 ± 1.1 years, height = 172.2 ± 7.4 cm, weight = 68.0 ± 7.3 kg) participated in this study. All subjects performed 4 standardized test batteries consisting of 14 different movements on four separate days. A three-dimensional MMC system (DARI Motion, Lenexa, KS) using 8 cameras surrounding the testing area was used to quantify movement characteristics. 1 × 4 RMANOVAs were used to determine significant differences across days for the composite movement analysis scores, and RM-MANOVAs were used to determine test day differences for the kinematic data (p < 0.05). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were reported for all variables to determine test reliability. To determine biological variability, mean absolute differences from previously reported technological variability data were subtracted from the total variability data from the present study.

Results

No differences were observed for any composite score (i.e., athleticism, explosiveness, quality, readiness; or any of the 81 kinematic variables. Furthermore, 84 of 85 measured variables exhibited good to excellent ICCs (0.61–0.99). When compared to previously reported technological variability data, 62.3% of item variability was due to biological variability, with 66 of 85 variables exhibiting biological variability as the primary source of error (i.e., >50% total variability).

Discussion

Combined, these findings effectively add to the body of literature suggesting sufficient reliability for MMC solutions in capturing kinematic features of human movement.
Pectin functionalized with Cu/Fe nanoparticles for enhanced degradation of methylene blue from wastewater
Authors: Hassan Faiza , Talib Usama , Saif Sadia , Akhter Parveen , Ali Faisal , Abbas Moneeza , Younas Umer , Ashraf Kamran , Alamri Saud , Zaman Qamar uz
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In the present study, citrus pectin-stabilized copper/iron bimetallic nanoparticle (NP) catalyst has been used for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in wastewater produced from the food industry.

Methods

The P@Cu/Fe composites were synthesized by co-precipitation and the sol–gel methods.

Results and discussion

The characterization of the composites was carried out using UV, FTIR, SEM, and XRD techniques, revealing that P1@Cu/FeNPs synthesized through co-precipitation had a particle size of 150–35 nm with an irregular spherical and hexagonal shape. P2@Cu/FeNPs, synthesized using the gel combustion method using triethylamine as fuel, proved to be a better nanocatalyst with spherical particles having a uniform structure and size distribution of 105–23 nm. The mean zeta potential value of P1@Cu/FeNPs was found to be between 0 and 5mv, showing the composite to be less stable and 13 mv for more stable P2@Cu/FeNPs. The degradation of MB by P1@Cu/FeNPs was recorded up to 23.57% after 35 min and the nanocomposite synthesized by the sol–gel method exhibited 97.28% degradation in 30 min. The P2@Cu/FeNPs performed the best degradation due to their synergistic impact. In essence, this research represents a step toward the synthesis of bimetallic NPs using a biomaterial (citrus pectin) with improved synergistic photocatalytic potential that can induce different features in nanomaterials. Pectin-functionalized NPs using different metals should be synthesized and tested for different catalytic applications.
Impact of agricultural science and technology innovation resources allocation on rural revitalization
Authors: Wu Guosong , Wang Yuanyuan , Yao Sheng
Published: August 2024

China’s reform began in the countryside, and rural reform began in Anhui. This study uses Anhui Province, China as an example in analyzing the impact of agricultural science and technology innovation resource allocation on rural revitalization, particularly by constructing an econometric model. Results indicate that the allocation of agricultural science and technology innovation resources has a steady positive impact on rural revitalization. Improvements in the allocation of agricultural science and technology innovation resources can effectively promote the development of rural revitalization and the spatial spillover of rural development, thereby facilitating the promotion of the spillover of neighboring areas to local rural development. A nonlinear relationship exists between allocation of agricultural science and technology innovation resources and rural revitalization. Lastly, rural revitalization can only be promoted substantially when the allocation of agricultural science and technology innovation resources reaches a certain condition.
An Improved Negotiation-Based Approach for Collecting and Sorting Operations in Waste Management and Recycling
Authors: Caramia Massimiliano , Stecca Giuseppe
Published: August 2024

This paper addresses the problem of optimal planning for collection, sorting, and recycling operations. The problem arises in industrial waste management, where distinct actors manage the collection and the sorting operations. In a weekly or monthly plan horizon, they usually interact to find a suitable schedule for servicing customers but with a not well-defined scheme. We proposal an improved negotiation-based approach using an auction mechanism for optimizing these operations. Two interdependent models are presented: one for waste collection by a logistics operator and the other for sorting operations at a recycling plant. These models are formulated as mixed-integer linear programs where costs associated with sorting and collection are to be minimized, respectively. We describe the negotiation-based approach involving an auction where the logistics operator bids for collection time slots, and the recycling plant selects the optimal bid based on the integration of sorting and collection costs. This approach aims to achieve an optimization of the entire waste management process. Computational experiments are presented.
The Association between Family Socioeconomic Status and Children’s Digital Literacy: The Explanatory Role of Parental Mediation
Authors: Shi Xiaohan , He Jing , Niu Gengfeng
Published: August 2024

In the current information society, digital literacy has become an indispensable part of individuals’ overall literacy. Thus, investigating the factors influencing digital literacy is of theoretical and practical significance, especially for developing children. Against this background, the present study examined the association between family socioeconomic status and children’s digital literacy and the mediating roles of active and restrictive parental internet mediation in this association. A total of 1050 Chinese students ranging from Grades 4 to 8 completed questionnaires in their classrooms. Regression-based analyses showed that (1) family socioeconomic status was positively associated with digital literacy and (2) active parental mediation could significantly mediate this relationship, but the mediating effect of restrictive parental mediation was insignificant. This research not only deepens our understanding of the factors affecting digital literacy but also provides an empirical reference point for interventions to improve children’s digital literacy.
Individual and Environmental Determinants of the Consumption of Iron-Rich Foods among Senegalese Adolescent Girls: A Behavioural Model
Authors: Dupuis Jérémie B. , Ndiaye Aminata Ndène , Lo Nafissatou Ba , Thiam El Hadj Momar , Sall Mohamadou , Blaney Sonia
Published: August 2024

To improve adolescent nutrition, it is crucial to understand factors underlying food behaviours. This study aims to identify pathways by which the environment and individual factors interact to affect the consumption of iron-rich food (IRF) among Senegalese adolescent girls in the hopes to reduce anemia. This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 600 adolescent girls (10–19 years old) of all 14 regions of Senegal. IRF consumption in the past day and night was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire. Individual determinants, such as the attitude, the subjected norm, and the perceived behaviour control (PBC), and environmental determinants, such as food accessibility and price, were assessed using a validated and reliable questionnaire. Path analyses were conducted to examine relations between IRF consumption and individual and environmental variables. Overall, 83.7% of girls had the intention to eat IRF and 84.7% reported doing so. The PBC (β = 0.20, p < 0.01) and the attitude (β = 0.57, p < 0.01) predict the intention of consuming IRF daily. In turn, the environment predicts the attitude (β = −0.22, p < 0.01) and the PBC (β = 0.26, p < 0.01). The intention was a predictor of the IRF consumption (β = 0.16, p < 0.05). This research provides guidance to nutrition education programmes as well as to improve the food environment to facilitate the consumption of IRF among adolescent girls by inspiring community health initiatives based on empirical data.
Open-Source Data Formalization through Model-Based Systems Engineering for Concurrent Preliminary Design of CubeSats
Authors: Luccisano Giacomo , Salas Cordero Sophia , Gateau Thibault , Viola Nicole
Published: August 2024

Market trends in the space sector suggest a notable increase in satellite operations and market value for the coming decade. In parallel, there has been a shift in the industrial and academic sectors from traditional Document-Based System Engineering to Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) combined with Concurrent engineering (CE) practices. Due to growing demands, the drivers behind this change have been the need for quicker and more cost-effective design processes. A key challenge in this transition remains to determine how to effectively formalize and exchange data during all design stages and across all discipline-specific tools; as representing systems through models can be a complex endeavor. For instance, during the Preliminary design (PD) phase, the integration of system models with external mathematical models for simulations, analyses, and system budgeting is crucial. The introduction of CubeSats and their standard has partly addressed the question of standardization and has aided in reducing overall development time and costs in the space sector. Nevertheless, questions about how to successfully exchange data endure. This paper focuses on formalizing a CubeSat model for use across various stages of the PD phase. The entire process is conducted with the exclusive use of open-source tools, to facilitate the transparency of data integration across the PD phases, and the overall life cycle of a CubeSat. The paper has two primary outcomes: (i) developing a generic CubeSat model using Systems modeling language (SysML) that includes data storage and visualization through the application of Unified modeling language (UML) stereotypes, streamlining in parallel information exchange for integration with various simulation and analysis tools; (ii) creating an end-to-end use case scenario within the Nanostar software suite (NSS), an open-source framework designed to streamline data exchange across different software during CE sessions. A case study from a theoretical academic space mission concept is presented as the illustration of how to utilize the proposed formalization, and it serves as well as a preliminary validation of the proposed formalization. The proposed formalization positions the CubeSat SysML model as the central data source throughout the design process. It also supports automated trade-off analyses by combining the benefits of SysML with effective data instantiating across all PD study phases.
The Design and Experimentation of a Wheeled-Chassis Potato Combine Harvester with Integrated Bagging and Ton Bag-Lifting Systems
Authors: Wang Hucun , Zhao Wuyun , Sun Wei , Liu Xiaolong , Shi Ruijie , Zhang Hua , Chen Pengfei , Gao Kuizeng
Published: August 2024

The mechanized harvesting level of potatoes in the arid areas of Northwest China is low and mainly relies on simple machinery to dig the soil surface, and then people manually pick up and bag the potatoes. This harvesting method has the problems of a high labor intensity, low operation efficiency, and high labor cost. Based on this, a wheeled-chassis potato combine harvester with integrated bagging and ton bag-lifting systems was developed, which could complete potato digging, potato–soil separation, potato–film separation, automatic bagging, and field ton bag lifting in one go. Firstly, based on the agronomic requirements and unique terrain characteristics of potato planting in this area, the structural design of the whole machine was completed with SOLIDORKS 2019 3D software. Secondly, the dynamic model was established for a numerical analysis, and the core parameters of key components were determined. The field experiments showed that the potato loss rate was 2.1%, the potato damage rate was 1.7%, the skin breaking rate was 2.5%, the impurity content was 1.9%, and the productivity was 0.15~0.23 hm2/h. The above field test indexes met the requirements of national and industrial standards.
Evaluation of the Effect of Low-Temperature Plasma Treatment on Seed Germination of Long-Term Stored Genetic Resources
Authors: Matějovič Martin , Jozová Eva , Rost Michael , Čurn Vladislav , Hnilička František , Kotíková Zora , Hlásná Čepková Petra
Published: August 2024

Low-temperature plasma (LTP) is currently one of the non-invasive and environmentally friendly methods of seed treatment and is massively tested on various types of crops. For the needs of gene banks, the use of LTP technology represents the treatment of seeds before sowing to improve the germination and emergence of long-term stored seed samples. Seeds of four genotypes of wheat, oats, flax, and rapeseed stored in the gene bank for 1, 10, and 20 years were plasma treated for 20, 25, and 30 min. Standard germination parameters (SG3, SG7, GR, MGT, and GI), as well as predictive models, were used to evaluate the effect of plasma treatment on seeds, and the effect on seed metabolism was assessed by superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The plasma treatment had different effects on germination and on the enzymatic activity of the tested species, and the result was influenced by both the duration of the treatment and the crop species/genotype. The plasma treatment has a positive effect on germination parameters in flax and rapeseed; in some variants, as in wheat, oats generally reacted negatively. SOD activity was variable in wheat, while higher activity with increasing treatment time was found in other crops. The results of this first study focused on long-term stored seeds and showed the potential of plasma treatment of seeds of plant genetic resources, the possibility of stimulating the germination of stored PGRs, and the need to optimize treatment conditions for individual genotypes.
Evaluating the Impacts of Fertilization and Rainfall on Multi-Form Phosphorus Losses from Agricultural Fields: A Case Study on the North China Plain
Authors: Guan Ronghao , Wu Leixiang , Li Yi , Ma Baoguo , Liu Yu , Zhao Can , Wang Zhuowei , Zhao Ying
Published: August 2024

Excessive fertilizer application increases the risk of eutrophication and agricultural non-point source pollution (ANPS) in rivers near farmland. However, the processes and mechanisms of runoff and phosphorus losses, particularly in the interflow, under various fertilizer treatments and rainfall scenarios are not well understood. This study used orthogonal experimental methods to investigate the combined effects of fertilization schemes and rainfall intensity on multi-form phosphorus runoff losses and to establish statistical relationships and regression models between phosphorus losses and environmental factors in surface runoff and interflow. The results indicated that (1) the optimized fertilization scheme, compared with conventional fertilization, enhanced pak choi (Brassica rapa) growth while reducing phosphorus runoff losses. By reducing phosphorus fertilization by 35.7%, total phosphorus losses decreased by 29.3%, 34.2%, and 29.8% under light, moderate, and heavy rainfall, respectively. (2) Different fertilizer applications and rainfall intensities had varying effects on phosphorus losses through different pathways. Fertilizer application was the primary factor affecting phosphorus losses in surface runoff, while rainfall intensity mainly influenced phosphorus losses through interflow. (3) Surface runoff was the dominant pathway for phosphorus losses from farmland (>92.0%), with particulate phosphorus (>89.4%) being the predominant form. However, under high-intensity and long-duration rainfall, interflow became a significant pathway for phosphorus losses. This study highlights the importance of optimized fertilization in reducing phosphorus losses and improving fertilizer efficiency in agricultural fields. The findings will help develop strategies to mitigate ANPS and soil nutrient losses in the North China Plain.
Systemic Health Effects of Oleuropein and Hydroxytyrosol Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Frumuzachi Oleg , Gavrilaș Laura Ioana , Vodnar Dan Cristian , Rohn Sascha , Mocan Andrei
Published: August 2024

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause 41 million deaths annually, accounting for 74% of global fatalities. The so-called Mediterranean diet, with its especially significant consumption of olive oil, has shown promising results in reducing the risk of developing NCDs, such as cardiovascular, liver, or bone diseases. In the context of the nutritional health benefits of foods, phenolic compounds such as olive oil’s main components, oleuropein (OLE) and hydroxytyrosol (HT), have been shown to possess different beneficial effects. However, no systematic review has evaluated the health-promoting effects of OLE and HT until now. Consequently, this systematic review analyzed 12 human randomized controlled trials (RCTs), involving 683 participants, to assess the effects of supplements, pure compounds, or enriched foods containing OLE and HT regarding systemic health outcomes, including CVD risk factors, liver parameters, and bone, joint, and cognitive health. The review found contrasting but encouraging results, with some studies reporting significant modulation of body weight, lipid profile, and glucose metabolism, and improvements in bone, joint, and cognitive functions. The studies described different dosages and forms of supplementation, ranging from 5 mg/d HT to 990 mL/d olive leaf infusion (320.8 mg OLE and 11.9 mg HT), highlighting the need for further research to determine the optimal dosing and duration. Despite the mixed outcomes, OLE and HT supplementation show potential for improving some of the cardiometabolic health outcomes and bone, joint, and cognitive health. However, further studies are necessary to understand their benefits better and address existing limitations.
Sensitive Information Detection Based on Deep Learning Models
Authors: Zhang Ruotong , Zhu Dingju , Wu Chao , Xu Jianyu , Wu Chun Ho
Published: August 2024

Currently, a large number of pornographic images on the Internet severely affect the growth of adolescents. In order to create a healthy and benign online environment, it is necessary to recognize and detect these sensitive images. Current techniques for detecting pornographic content are still in an immature stage, with the key issue being low detection accuracy. To address this problem, this paper proposes a method for detecting pornographic content based on an improved YOLOv8 model. Firstly, InceptionNeXt is introduced into the backbone network to enhance the model’s adaptability to images of different scales and complexities by optimizing feature extraction through parallel branches and deep convolution. Simultaneously, the SPPF module is simplified into the SimCSPSPPF module, which further enhances the effectiveness and diversity of features through improved spatial pyramid pooling and cross-layer feature fusion. Secondly, switchable dilated convolutions are incorporated to improve the adaptability of the C2f enhancement model and enhance the model’s detection capability. Finally, SEAattention is introduced to enhance the model’s ability to capture spatial details. The experiments demonstrate that the model achieves an mAP@0.5 of 79.7% on our self-made sensitive image dataset, which is a significant improvement of 5.9% compared to the previous YOLOv8n network. The proposed method excels in handling complex backgrounds, targets of varying scales, and resource-constrained scenarios, while simultaneously improving the model’s computational efficiency without compromising detection accuracy, making it more advantageous for practical applications.
Prediction of Friction Coefficient Based on 3D Texture Characteristics of Road Surfaces
Authors: Kováč Matúš , Brna Matej , Pisca Peter , Decký Martin
Published: August 2024

Accurate assessment of road pavement friction is crucial for maintaining road safety. This study explores the prediction of the friction coefficient (µ) using 3D texture parameters of pavement surfaces. Measurements were conducted on 17 different rural road sections using the Traction Watcher One (TWO) for friction coefficients and a newly developed Static Road Scanner (SRS) for surface texture. Multiple linear regression models were created, incorporating texture parameters such as the valley material portion (Smr2,MIC), arithmetic mean peak curvature (Spc,MAC), and dale void volume (Vvv,PS). The results demonstrate a strong correlation between texture characteristics and friction, with R2 values up to 0.80 and an RMSE as low as 0.076, validating the model’s accuracy. This approach highlights the potential of using non-contact texture measurements for reliable prediction of friction, offering a significant advancement in pavement management and safety.
A Knowledge Graph-Based Implicit Requirement Mining Method in Personalized Product Development
Authors: Mo Zhenchong , Gong Lin , Gao Jun , Cui Haoran , Lan Junde
Published: August 2024

In the context of crowd innovation and the generative design driven by big language models, the exploration of personalized requirements has become a key in significantly improving product innovation, concept feasibility, and design interaction efficiency. To mine a large number of vague and unexpressed implicit requirements of personalized products, a domain knowledge graph-based method is proposed in this research. First, based on the classical theory of design science, the characteristics and categories of personalized implicit requirements are analyzed, and the theoretical basis of implicit requirement mining is formed. Next, in order to improve the practicability and construction efficiency of the domain knowledge graph, a more informative ontology is constructed, and better-performing natural language processing (NLP) models are proposed. Then, a multi-category personalized implicit requirement mining method based on a knowledge graph is proposed. Finally, a platform was developed based on the technical solution proposed in this study, and an example verification was conducted in the field of electromechanical engineering. The efficiency improvement of the training model proposed in the research was analyzed, and the practicality of implicit requirement mining methods are discussed.
Anomaly Detection for Charging Voltage Profiles in Battery Cells in an Energy Storage Station Based on Robust Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Yu Jiaqi , Guo Yanjie , Zhang Wenjie
Published: August 2024

Lithium-ion batteries, with their high energy density, long cycle life, and non-polluting advantages, are widely used in energy storage stations. Connecting lithium batteries in series to form a battery pack can achieve the required capacity and voltage. However, as the batteries are used for extended periods, some individual cells in the battery pack may experience abnormal failures, affecting the performance and safety of the battery pack. At the same time, as batteries operate in complex environments, the data collected by sensors are susceptible to random noise and drift interference, which can affect the accuracy of anomaly detection in individual battery cells. In order to solve this problem, this article proposes an anomaly detection method for battery cells based on Robust Principal Component Analysis (RPCA), taking the historical operation and maintenance data of a large-scale battery pack from an energy storage station as the research subject. Firstly, theRPCA is used to denoise the observed voltage data of the battery cells to an extreme degree, obtaining a baseline charging state curve for a cell consistency assessment. This also solves the problem of sensor outputs being affected by random noise. To further detect and identify abnormal battery cells, the RPCA is used to extract outlier components. Based on the Average Deviation-3σ principle and by utilizing Gaussian distribution probability characteristics, battery cells are conducted to screen, and the serial numbers of the anomaly cells are obtained. Finally, the effectiveness and accuracy of this anomaly detection method for battery cells are compared and verified through different statistical distributions.
Towards Sustainable Water Use in Two University Student Residences: A Case Study
Authors: Antão-Geraldes Ana M. , Ohara Gabriel , Afonso Maria João , Albuquerque Antonio , Silva Flora
Published: August 2024

This research is focused on the water usage patterns in two student residences—one for male students (Residence I) and the other for female students (Residence II). Surveys and measurements of flushing cisterns, taps, and shower flows were conducted to understand water use behaviors. Scenario 1 proposed replacing washbasin and kitchen taps and installing flow reducers in showers, while Scenario 2 combined Scenario 1 with a rainwater harvesting system for recharging flush cisterns. Showers were found to be the most water-consuming devices, accounting for 46% and 61.41% of water consumption in Residences I and II, respectively, followed by kitchen taps (31.51% in Residence I and 11.52% in Residence II). The flushing cistern consumption was 7.02% in Residence I and 13.22% in Residence II. The implementation of Scenario 1 anticipates a 13% reduction in total water consumption in Residence I and a 10% reduction in Residence II. The reduction in hot water consumption would result in a decrease in annual electricity consumption by 27.8% and 23.06% in Residence I and II, respectively. With the implementation of Scenario 2, the total potential water savings for Residence I could increase to 19.98%, and for Residence II, it could rise to 23.17%. The proposed measures aim to enhance water sustainability in these buildings and can be replicated elsewhere.
A Study on the Development of a Web Platform for Scalp Diagnosis Using EfficientNet
Authors: Jin Yea-Ju , Park Yeon-Soo , Kang Seong-Ho , Kim Dong-Hoon , Lee Ji-Yeoun
Published: August 2024

Along with their physical health, modern people also need to manage the health of their scalp and hair due to changes in lifestyle habits, job stress, and environmental pollution. In this study, a machine learning model was developed to diagnose scalp conditions such as fine dandruff and perifollicular erythema. Then, transfer learning was conducted using EfficientNet-B0. A web platform that allows users to easily diagnose the condition of their scalp was also proposed. The results showed that the accuracy of the diagnosis model for fine dandruff and perifollicular erythema was 75% and 82%, respectively. It showed good performance in classifying normal, mild, moderate, and severe cases compared to previous studies. Finally, a fast and convenient web platform was developed where users can upload an image and immediately visualize their scalp condition, receive diagnostic results, and see similar cases and solutions. The analysis of user satisfaction indicates that this web application has achieved exceptional outcomes in terms of user satisfaction, garnering high evaluations for its usability, design effectiveness, and overall user experience. This setup enables users to easily check their scalp condition and is accessible to everyone, which is a significant advantage. This is expected to play a crucial role in contributing to global scalp health by advocating the benefits of the early detection and treatment of scalp-related conditions.
Lévy Flight and the Interpersonal Distance of a Pedestrian in a Crowd
Authors: Barillé Régis
Published: August 2024

A simple self-experiment allows for the measurement of individual pedestrian movements, aiming to understand the deviations from intended directions seen in heterogeneous human crowds. The method involves pedestrian self-observations using the GPS sensor of a smartphone, providing a unique perspective on individual behavior within a crowd and offering a means to evaluate average pedestrian speed. The study is focused on individual mobility in the context of a heterogeneous crowd rather than the behavior of a crowd composed of similar types of people. With this study, an important contribution to the understanding of interpersonal distances in heterogeneous crowds is made.
Advances in Analytical Methods for Cultural Heritage
Authors: Pozzi Federica , Stephens Catherine H.
Published: August 2024

Conservation science, also referred to as heritage science or cultural heritage science, is a unique field of scientific inquiry that addresses specific questions derived from the world of art, archaeology, architecture, and archives [...]
Existence of Heteroclinic Solutions in Nonlinear Differential Equations of the Second-Order Incorporating Generalized Impulse Effects with the Possibility of Application to Bird Population Growth
Authors: de Sousa Robert , Fernandes Marco António de Sales Monteiro
Published: August 2024

This work considers the existence of solutions of the heteroclinic type in nonlinear second-order differential equations with ϕ-Laplacians, incorporating generalized impulsive conditions on the real line. For the construction of the results, it was only imposed that ϕ be a homeomorphism, using Schauder’s fixed-point theorem, coupled with concepts of L1-Carathéodory sequences and functions along with impulsive points equiconvergence and equiconvergence at infinity. Finally, a practical part illustrates the main theorem and a possible application to bird population growth.
Three-Dimensionalization Mediates the Subjective Experience of Fractal Interior Spaces
Authors: Suh Joori , Stalker William , Pedersen Steen , Harel Assaf
Published: August 2024

A fractal, a self-similar organic or geometric pattern that repeats at varying scales, is one of the most compelling characteristics found in nature. Previous studies on fractal patterns have demonstrated consistent trends in potential psychological benefits, such as stress reduction. However, we fall short of understanding one of the essential properties of fractals found in nature, i.e., the three-dimensionality of their appearance. In this study, we aimed at understanding the role of the three-dimensionalization of fractal patterns in spatial structures on human subjective perceptual experience. Two hundred seventy three-dimensional spatial prototype models were created for this study, spanning two dimensions: (1) the application of spatial depth (shallow; medium; deep) and (2) fractal complexity (low; medium; high). The participants rated each space on six psychological dimensions (bad–good; stressful–relaxing; ugly–beautiful; boring–interesting; leave–enter; ignore–explore). Significant effects of the application depth of fractals were observed primarily for “boring-interesting”, “ignore-explore”, and “leave-enter” dimensions and were primarily manifested within spaces with medium and high D-values. The results suggest that spatial depth plays a significant role in individuals’ experiences of fractal spaces, arguably by making the space more engaging and interesting.
Extending L-Topologies to Bipolar L-Fuzzy Topologies
Authors: Šostak Alexander , Uļjane Ingrīda
Published: August 2024

We develop a model that allows for the extension of an L-topology τ on a set X (i.e., τ⊆LX) to a bipolar L-fuzzy topology T on this set (i.e., T:LX→L). This model is based on the use of an additional algebraic structure on a complete infinitely distributive lattice L, and the derived lattice L obtained by “bipolarizing” the original lattice L. The properties of the obtained bipolar L-fuzzy topology are studied. A number of examples show how the choice of algebraic structure on L affects the resulting bipolar L-fuzzy topology. In particular, we consider the case when the original lattice L is enriched with a structure of a Girard monoid. In this case our construction becomes most transparent. In addition, the relationship between the extended bipolar L-fuzzy topology and the corresponding extended bipolar L-fuzzy co-topology in this case becomes dual. In the last section we examine the proposed model from the categorical point of view.
Ontology Merging Using the Weak Unification of Concepts
Authors: Kuusik Norman , Vain Jüri
Published: August 2024

Knowledge representation and manipulation in knowledge-based systems typically rely on ontologies. The aim of this work is to provide a novel weak unification-based method and an automatic tool for OWL ontology merging to ensure well-coordinated task completion in the context of collaborative agents. We employ a technique based on integrating string and semantic matching with the additional consideration of structural heterogeneity of concepts. The tool is implemented in Prolog and makes use of its inherent unification mechanism. Experiments were run on an OAEI data set with a matching accuracy of 60% across 42 tests. Additionally, we ran the tool on several ontologies from the domain of robotics. producing a small, but generally accurate, set of matched concepts. These results clearly show a good capability of the method and the tool to match semantically similar concepts. The results also highlight the challenges related to the evaluation of ontology-merging algorithms without a definite ground truth.