bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rainwater for drinking purposes: An overview of challenges and perspectives
Authors: Brião Vandré Barbosa , Cadore Jéssica Stefanello , Graciola Samarah , da Silva Raíssa Vieira , Giubel Guilherme Otávio Moraes , Barbizan Luiza Desengrini , Lazzari Tauane , Agha Stephen , Vepa Ranjan , Shaheed M. Hasan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractResearch focused on rainwater for human consumption is being conducted in different regions of the world. The systematic review revealed that the inadequate quality of harvested rainwater and its scarcity pose significant barriers to the installation of the catchment of rainwater for noble uses. The improper design of rainwater harvesting systems, often a result of the disregard of critical data, is a crucial factor leading to the development of poorly structured systems and inadequate management of this valuable resource. The absence of scientific knowledge about the process further compounds the problem, leading to a sense of insecurity for potential consumers. Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, followed by ultraviolet disinfection or chlorination, have shown satisfactory results for the potability of rainwater. Additionally, the implementation of photovoltaic panel energized rainwater UF is both economically and technically feasible, and serves as an alternative to traditional water supply approaches. Most studies focused on the utilization of harvested water for non‐drinking purposes, thereby providing opportunities for new studies into effective treatment methods to cater to local and global potable water demands. Therefore, this review aimed to provide insights into the current progress, future challenges, and opportunities related to rainwater harvesting systems and their treatment for the supply of drinking water.This article is categorized under:
Engineering Water > Engineering Water
Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water
Engineering Water > Planning Water
Finite element analysis and evaluation of an extended two‐dimensional elasticity theory: Application to thick plate vibrations
Authors: Houmat Abderrahim 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAn extended two‐dimensional (2D) elasticity theory based on the weighted residual concept is developed in an attempt to capture thickness effects in vibrating thick plates. Plate theories can only provide approximate solutions due to certain kinematics assumptions. The weighting functions are expressed in terms of Legendre orthogonal polynomials. A formulation in rectangular Cartesian coordinates serves as the basis for an implementation of the finite element method. The applicability of the extended 2D elasticity theory is demonstrated through examples of rectangular, thick plates with different aspect ratios, thickness ratios, and boundary conditions. The accuracy of the extended 2D elasticity theory is assessed through a three‐dimensional finite element analysis. The frequencies and modal stresses show excellent agreement with three‐dimensional finite element calculations.
Adaptive region tracking control for multiple nonholonomic mobile robot systems subject to collision avoidance
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Yu Jinwei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe paper is concerned with the region tracking control problem of multiple nonholonomic mobile robot systems with collision avoidance. The peculiar characteristic of the proposed scheme is that a class of potential energy functions is chosen to form the desired target region constraining the robots for aggregation, and some local potential energy functions are selected to maintain collision avoidance among robots. Such that each mobile robot only needs to interact with their neighbors to realize the region tracking control task. Moreover, this paper provides a new analytical framework of region tracking control for a network of wheeled mobile robots, in which the integration of the system decomposition and sliding mode control method enables to convert the nonholonomic constraint problem of the controlled mobile robot system into a holonomic constraint problem. This provides a new approach to solving the mobile robot control problem. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation results are given to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Vibration control and analysis of Terfenol‐D functional gradient material beams with porosities: Linear and nonlinear perspectives in thermal environments
Authors: Oudra Abderrahim , Khouddar Yassine El , Adri Ahmed , Outassafte Omar , Hantati Issam El , Isksioui Hamza , Moussami Haj El 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the vibration characteristics, both linear and non‐linear, of beams made from functional gradient materials (FGMs) with layers of Terfenol‐D attached to the top and bottom surfaces. Given the porosities that can occur during the manufacture of FGMs, the study examines the vibrational behaviour of beams with porosities. Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and the von‐Kármán non‐linear deformation field are used to formulate a fundamental equation predicting the free dynamic vibration of Terfenol‐D FGM structures with porosities. To complete this analysis, the paper also presents the application of two advanced methods. The first method involves employing the generalised finite element method (GFEM) associated with the reduced quadrature finite element method (RQFEM). GFEM offers a versatile and powerful approach, while RQFEM provides a specific method for studying dynamic phenomena. The second method utilises a semi‐analytical approach, the variational iteration method (VIM), which examines and complements the first method. Furthermore, we have demonstrated substantial alignment between the proposed solution and the results of finite element analysis, as well as with the existing literature, underscoring the effectiveness and accuracy of our analytical approach. The study also explores the influences of material property distribution, thermal loading, and porosity volume fraction on the linear and non‐linear behaviour of Terfenol‐D FGM beams. This comprehensive exploration furnishes valuable information on the intricate interplay of factors affecting vibration dynamics and control mechanisms in these advanced composite structures, offering insightful perspectives into the potential application of Terfenol‐D FGM beams in various fields.
The Crime-Crypto Nexus: Nuancing Risk Across Crypto-Crime Transactions
Authors: Hamilton Rhianna , Leuprecht Christian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCryptocurrency is supercharging illicit activities by transnational criminal networks, including terrorism, drug trafficking, pornography, sanctions evasion, and ransomware. Yet, mainstream cryptocurrency literature often overlooks this criminal association. The relatively new and transboundary nature of cryptocurrency is restructuring criminal activities. Hacking has emerged as a digital-age bank heist, siphoning off substantial sums from exchange platforms. Crypto crime is dynamic, transitioning from primarily placing and layering the proceeds of precursor crimes into the financial system to a burgeoning trend of stealing virtual currency. While not every online financial crime involves cryptocurrency, the proliferation of crypto-enabled cybercrimes is exponential. Paradoxically, existing literature largely disregards how cryptocurrency-enabled offenses such as Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA), sanctions evasion, and ransomware.
Autonomous military systems beyond human control: putting an empirical perspective on value trade-offs for autonomous systems design in the military
Authors: Boshuijzen-van Burken Christine , de Vries Martijn , Allen Jenna , Spruit Shannon , Mouter Niek , Munyasya Aylin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe question of human control is a key concern in autonomous military systems debates. Our research qualitatively and quantitatively investigates values and concerns of the general public, as they relate to autonomous military systems, with particular attention to the value of human control. Using participatory value evaluation (PVE), we consulted 1980 Australians about which values matter in relation to two specific technologies: an autonomous minesweeping submarine and an autonomous drone that can drop bombs. Based on value sensitive design, participants were tasked to enhance the systems with design features that can realize values. A restriction (limited budget) in each design task forced participants to make trade-offs between design options and the values that these options realize. Our results suggest that the ‘general public’ has diverse and nuanced stances on the question of human control over autonomous military systems. A third of participants that is opposed to autonomous military systems when asked directly, selected different combinations of design features realizing varying degrees of human control. Several contextual factors, technology-specific concerns, and certain values seemed to explain these different choices. Our research shows that a focus on human control might overlook other important values that the general public is concerned about, such as system reliability, verifiability, and retrievability.
Intentionality gap and preter-intentionality in generative artificial intelligence
Authors: Redaelli Roberto 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe emergence of generative artificial intelligence, such as large language models and text-to-image models, has had a profound impact on society. The ability of these systems to simulate human capabilities such as text writing and image creation is radically redefining a wide range of practices, from artistic production to education. While there is no doubt that these innovations are beneficial to our lives, the pervasiveness of these technologies should not be underestimated, and raising increasingly pressing ethical questions that require a radical resemantization of certain notions traditionally ascribed to humans alone. Among these notions, that of technological intentionality plays a central role. With regard to this notion, this paper first aims to highlight what we propose to define in terms of the intentionality gap, whereby, insofar as, currently, (1) it is increasingly difficult to assign responsibility for the actions performed by AI systems to humans, as these systems are increasingly autonomous, and (2) it is increasingly complex to reconstruct the reasoning behind the results they produce as we move away from good old fashioned AI; it is now even more difficult to trace the intentionality of AI systems back to the intentions of the developers and end users. This gap between human and technological intentionality requires a revision of the concept of intentionality; to this end, we propose here to assign preter-intentional behavior to generative AI. We use this term to highlight how AI intentionality both incorporates and transcends human intentionality; i.e., it goes beyond (preter) human intentionality while being linked to it. To show the merits of this notion, we first rule out the possibility that such preter-intentionality is merely an unintended consequence and then explore its nature by comparing it with some paradigmatic notions of technological intentionality present in the wider debate on the moral (and technological) status of AI.
First paired observations of sexual behavior and calls in wild leopard seals
Authors: Kienle Sarah S. , Bonin Carolina A. , Gómez Gabriela , Goebel Michael E. , Donke Marcelo , Sperou Emily S. , Guerrero Alicia I. , Borras-Chavez Renato 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLittle is known about the reproductive biology of the leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), a Southern Ocean predator. Here we observed sexual behavior in wild leopard seals in Laguna San Rafael, Chile during a 2 h courtship interaction between a female and male. The female was hauled out on ice, mostly lying still (69% of the time) or moving (19%). The male was mostly under water (87%) or at the water’s surface (11%). The female made seven in-air calls (i.e., thump pulse, noseblast, blast, growl). The male produced 65 underwater calls (i.e., low- and high-double trills, unidentified trills). The underwater calls appeared to be directed toward the female. After the primary male vocalized for an hour, one or two unidentified leopard seals briefly swam near the female. After leaving the area, we heard underwater calls for another 8 h. The next day, the primary male was hauled out on ice with a swollen genital opening. The male was bleeding from a laceration caudal to the preputial opening, suggesting the male attempted to mate and that the female, or another seal, was responsible for the injury. Together, we find that leopard seal courtship involves a suite of behavioral and acoustic behaviors by both sexes, both in air and under water. This is the first description of leopard seal sexual behavior in the wild. Our study also provides the first evidence that leopard seals mate in South America.
Muscle MRI as a biomarker of disease activity and progression in myotonic dystrophy type 1: a longitudinal study
Authors: Fionda Laura , Leonardi Luca , Tufano Laura , Lauletta Antonio , Morino Stefania , Merlonghi Gioia , Costanzo Rocco , Rossini Elena , Forcina Francesca , Marando Demetrio , Sarzi Amadè David , Bucci Elisabetta , Salvetti Marco , Antonini Giovanni , Garibaldi Matteo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by myotonia and progressive muscular weakness and atrophy. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of longitudinal muscle MRI in detecting disease activity and progression in DM1, and to better characterize muscle edema, fat replacement and atrophy overtime.

Materials and methods
This is a prospective, observational, longitudinal study including 25 DM1 patients that performed at least two muscle MRIs. Demographic and genetic characteristics were recorded. Muscular Impairment Rating Scale (MIRS) and MRC score were performed within 3 months from MRIs at baseline (BL) and at follow-up (FU). We analysed 32 muscles of lower body (LB) and 17 muscles of upper body (UB) by T1 and STIR sequences. T1-, STIR- and atrophy scores and their variations were evaluated. Correlations between MRIs’ scores and demographic, clinical and genetic characteristics were analysed.

Results
Eighty (80%) of patients showed fat replacement progression at FU. The median T1 score progression (ΔT1-score) was 1.3% per year in LB and 0.5% per year in UB. The rate of fat replacement progression was not homogenous, stratifying patients from non-progressors to fast progressors (> 3% ΔT1-score per year). Half of the STIR-positive muscles at BL showed T1-score progression at FU. Two patients with normal MRI at baseline only showed STIR-positive muscle at FU, marking the disease activity onset. STIR positivity at baseline correlated with fat replacement progression (ΔT1-score; p < 0.0001) and clinical worsening at FU (ΔMRC-score; p < 0.0001). Sixty-five (65%) of patients showed STIR- and fat replacement-independent muscle atrophy progression, more evident in UB.

Conclusions
Muscle MRI represents a sensitive biomarker of disease activity, severity, and progression in DM1. STIR alterations precede fat replacement and identify patients with a higher risk of disease progression, while T1-sequences reveal atrophy and fat replacement progression before clinical worsening.
Analysis and design of a GHz bandwidth adaptive bias circuit for an mmW Doherty amplifier
Authors: Elgaard Christian , Sjöland Henrik 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper derives theoretical results for adaptive bias in Doherty amplifiers and presents the design and measurements of an integrated adaptive bias circuit tailored for high peak-to-average high bandwidth signals. Fundamental equations for output power, impedance, and efficiency of the complete Doherty amplifier are derived. Even with ideal transistor models, the Doherty amplifier is fundamentally nonlinear due to saturation of the main amplifier and class-C nonlinearity of the auxiliary. Increasing the transconductance of the auxiliary amplifier mitigates the distortion. Adaptive bias offers the possibility to control the output current characteristic of the auxiliary amplifier. This means that adaptive bias linearises and mitigates the need for an oversized auxiliary amplifier. Both methods, transconductance scaling and adaptive bias, are analysed and compared as well as having a band limited adaptive bias signal. The design of a multiple GHz bandwidth adaptive bias circuit is presented. To verify the circuit design and the theoretical predictions, an mmW Doherty amplifier in 22 nm CMOS-FD-SOI, utilizing the presented adaptive bias circuit, is measured and compared with and without adaptive bias. Comparison is conducted both using continuous-wave and modulated high bandwidth signals. Measured results confirm the predicted improvements by the adaptive bias as derived by the theoretical analysis.
Enhancing electrical properties through in-situ controlled nanocrystallization of V2O5–TeO2 glass
Authors: Okoczuk Piotr , Kwiatkowska Agnieszka , Murawski Leon , Pietrzak Tomasz K. , Wójcik Natalia A. , Garmroudi Fabian , Wicikowski Leszek , Kościelska Barbara 
Published: July 2024

AbstractV2O5–TeO2 glass–ceramics (VTGC) were prepared by controlled annealing of the V2O5–TeO2 glass (VTG), which illustrates a parent glass matrix with a single charge carrier. The annealing proceeded at six temperatures selected between the glass transition and the maximum of the first crystallization process to obtain various nanocrystallite sizes. Heat treatment caused an increase in DC conductivity by 2.5–3.5 (250–285 °C) order of magnitude. Using thermal analysis, the crystal growth process was determined to be 1D. Structural studies show that the obtained materials are partially amorphous and polycrystalline with nanometer-sized crystallites. Subtle thread-like structures were observed using conductive AFM. The activation energy of the conduction process decreased from 0.38 eV in VTG to 0.18–0.11 eV (250–285 °C) in VTGC. The radii of crystallites were calculated based on the theoretical model of electron hopping between connected semiconducting nanocrystallites and vary between 1.7 and 2.8 nm (250–285 °C). Thermoelectric studies indicate constant carrier concentration. Features characteristic of small polaron hopping-governed materials were observed. We suggest V3O7 nanocrystals as conductive media in VTGC.
Graphical abstract
Exploring the Religious Practice of Langar as a Route to Health Promotion in the Sikh Community in Northern England: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Daffu-O’Reilly Amrit , Bharj Kuldip , Horne Maria , O’Connor Daryl , Conner Mark , Astin Felicity 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are prevalent among UK South Asians. Langar is a Sikh religious food practice that could be important in dietary health promotion. This study explored perceptions of langar, its role in health, readiness and strategies for change and whether Gurdwaras (Sikh place of worship) are able to support change. Using an exploratory qualitative design, we conducted eight focus groups and one single interview with 28 Gurdwara attendees (12 males, 16 females), analysing transcripts using thematic analysis. Four themes were developed that described the meaning of langar, the understanding of health among Sikhs, the evolution of langar and implications for health and changing langar to protect health. It can be concluded that any change to langar needs to be gradual, respectful and widely supported. This research has scope to continue in light of the potential impact on health for the Sikh community.
Low Income, Ill-being, and Gender Inequality: Explaining Cross-National Variation in the Gendered Risk of Suffering Among the Poor
Authors: Araki Satoshi , Olivos Francisco 
Published: July 2024

AbstractScholars have long investigated the positive link between income and well-being, including its gender difference. However, little is known about (1) how low income is linked to ill-being among women and men; and (2) how their association varies depending on societal-level gender (in)equality. Filling this knowledge gap is crucial not only for scholarship but for social policy to tackle income-based disparities of ill-being. In this study, using the European Social Survey and the joint European Values Study-World Values Survey data, we conduct country-specific regressions and cross-national multilevel analyses to examine the relationship between low income, subjective ill-being (SIB), and macro-level gender parity. We first confirm that low-income individuals, regardless of gender, are more likely than their affluent counterparts to suffer from SIB in many countries. This indicates the applicability of implications derived from conventional approaches focused on the positive association between higher income and better well-being to the studies on low income and SIB. Nevertheless, the SIB risk significantly differs depending on the degree of gender inequality in that (1) both women and men face a higher likelihood of SIB in gender-inegalitarian societies; and importantly, (2) the psychological penalty for the poor is intensified under such gendered circumstances, especially among men. These results suggest that gender inequality not merely induces women’s ill-being but punishes low-income men possibly by exacerbating pressure as a breadwinner and imposing stigmas when they cannot meet gendered social expectations.
Description of Sandythoa gen. nov., a fish parasitic branchial cymothoid (Crustacea: Isopoda: Cymothoidae) from the Indian Ocean, with five species including one new species
Authors: Aneesh Panakkool Thamban , Bruce Niel , Helna Ameri Kottarathil , Biju Kumar Appukuttannair 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe comparative analysis of records of Elthusa samariscii (Shiino, 1951) from Japan and India, alongside corresponding illustrations, indicates that the records of E. samariscii from Samaris cristatus Gray in India represent a distinct and previously undescribed species. This study introduces Sandythoa tirangagen. and sp. nov., providing comprehensive descriptions of various lifecycle stages, including the female, male, transitional, premanca, and manca larvae. The following combinations of characters identify the genus: cephalon anterior margin with acute rostrum; pleonite 1 is distinctly narrow, not extending laterally; presence of a narrow gap between pleonites; antenna with more than 10 articles; maxilliped with oostegital lobe. Sandythoa tirangasp. nov. is specifically identified along the southwest coast of India. Furthermore, we propose transferring the following species from Elthusa: Sandythoa arnoglossi (Trilles and Justine 2006) comb. nov.;Sandythoa parabothi (Trilles and Justine, 2004) comb. nov.; Sandythoa samariscii (Shiino, 1951) comb. nov.; Sandythoa moritakii (Saito and Yamauchi, 2016) comb. nov. A revised key to the global marine branchial cymothoid genera is provided.