bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Degradation Modelling of and Optimising the Timing of Replacements for Batch Vacuum Pans
Authors: Horner Angus , Truong-Ba Huy , Cholette Michael E. , Kent Geoffrey A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractReplacing a pan involves the expenditure of significant capital for a sugar mill. Replacing a pan too late may result in excessive downtime, maintenance costs, and risk of catastrophic failure. On the other hand, replacing a pan too early will lead to wasting residual life and an unnecessary allocation of capital funds that may have been spent better elsewhere in the mill. This paper reports on the development of a replacement policy for batch vacuum pan components based on a stochastic model of degradation. Degradation data, principally wall-thickness measurements, were collected from the vacuum pans of an Australian sugar factory and used to develop component degradation models. Unlike the conventional approach of using a line of best fit to identify the end of life of the pan, the methods adopted account for the uncertainties due to seasonal operating conditions and inherent uncertainty in the degradation model parameters. The quantification of the uncertainty in identifying the end of life of a vacuum pan has shown that there is significant risk of a pan failing earlier than the straight-line prediction. Employing this quantification of the risk, a component replacement plan was developed by optimising the replacement of each component individually and subsequently optimising the replacement plan for the entire pan. This strategy is demonstrated using a case study with and without parametric uncertainty to evaluate its impact on maintenance optimisation. Including parametric uncertainty leads to the determination of greater risk earlier, proposing the replacement of components earlier than when parameters are considered as ‘known’. It is, therefore, important to consider parametric uncertainty in the planning of pan component replacements to better manage risk.
Imaging for ion beam therapy: current trends and future perspectives
Authors: Parodi Katia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Since the pioneering use of planar X-ray imaging in early experimental sites of proton and light ion cancer therapy, imaging has always been a cornerstone of ion beam therapy (IBT). This contribution highlights current trends and future perspectives of imaging in modern IBT.

Methods
Several flavours of image guidance are under investigation to enhance IBT. A first class of in-room imaging techniques aims at providing insights on updated patient anatomy prior to or ideally during treatment. Owing to the unique characteristics of IBT, these methods do not only target a correct localization of the tumour and critical structures as in photon therapy, but also aim at extracting the tissue stopping properties for accurate (re)planning. A second class of techniques, predominantly performed during beam delivery, aims at capturing different secondary emissions induced by the irradiation to identify the beam stopping position and ideally reconstruct the dose delivery for inter- or intra-fractional treatment adaptation. Finally, a third class of imaging techniques is being explored to provide novel insights on the underlying biological mechanisms to open new opportunities for more effective and better tolerated treatments.

Results and conclusions
70 years after the worldwide first proton treatment, image guidance of IBT continues to be an evolving area which combines advanced instrumentation with progress in computational areas, including artificial intelligence, and beam delivery schemes. Especially on-site imaging opens new opportunities to innovate the IBT chain with daily treatment adaptation, real-time verification of in-vivo range and dose delivery along with biological guidance for treatment personalization.
A note on umbilic points at infinity
Authors: Guilfoyle Brendan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this note a definition of umbilic point at infinity is proposed, at least for surfaces that are homogeneous polynomial graphs over a plane in Euclidean 3-space. This is a stronger definition than that of Toponogov in his study of complete convex surfaces, and allows one to distinguish between different umbilic points at infinity. It is proven that all such umbilic points at infinity are isolated, that they occur in pairs and are the zeroes of the projective extension of the third fundamental form, as developed in Guilfoyle and Ortiz-Rodríguez (Math Proc R Ir Acad 123A(2), 63–94, 2023). A geometric interpretation for the definition is that an umbilic point at infinity occurs when the tangent to the level set at infinity is also an asymptotic direction at infinity.
Stability properties of ultraholomorphic classes of Roumieu-type defined by weight matrices
Authors: Jiménez-Garrido Javier , Miguel-Cantero Ignacio , Sanz Javier , Schindl Gerhard 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe characterize several stability properties, such as inverse or composition closedness, for ultraholomorphic function classes of Roumieu type defined in terms of a weight matrix. In this way we transfer and extend known results from J. Siddiqi and M. Ider, from the weight sequence setting and in sectors not wider than a half-plane, to the weight matrix framework and for sectors in the Riemann surface of the logarithm with arbitrary opening. The key argument rests on the construction, under suitable hypotheses, of characteristic functions in these classes for unrestricted sectors. As a by-product, we obtain new stability results when the growth control in these classes is expressed in terms of a weight sequence, or of a weight function in the sense of Braun–Meise–Taylor.
Children’s existential questions and worldviews: possible RE responses to performance anxiety and an increasing risk of exclusion
Authors: Osbeck Christina , Kärnebro Katarina , Lilja Annika , Sporre Karin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe aim of this article is to examine patterns in Swedish children’s existential questions and worldviews in 2020 in relation to patterns from 1970 and 1987, but also to point towards a further discussion of importance, about possible RE responses to these findings. The material, children’s texts, comes both from studies conducted by Sven Hartman and colleagues in the 1970s and 1980s, and from new empirical studies. The children’s responses are collected according to the same method, sentence completion tasks, in both cases. Theoretically, the article is anchored in both the tradition of Swedish worldview studies and the new international interest in these perspectives for religious education. Existential questions and worldviews are seen as interdependent in human beings’ life interpretations, which are continuously developing and are both sociocultural and existential in nature. The empirical findings show a strong and increasing focus on relationships, but also a recurrent focus on achievements, which relates to school as context and community. In relation to these findings, the article stresses the importance of RE responses, and discusses concretely what such responses might advantageously include. Among other things, the importance is stressed of an RE that offers the student greater awareness of her life interpretations, and encourages her to develop broader repertoires of frameworks, through which the student might have a better chance to be the author of her own life, which is inevitably a collectively shared life.
Isocyanate-free urethanediol itaconates as biobased liquid monomers in photopolymerization-based 3D printing
Authors: Carmenini Rosario , Spanu Chiara , Locatelli Erica , Sambri Letizia , Comes Franchini Mauro , Maturi Mirko 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNowadays, most of the commercial resins for VP are composed of (meth)acrylated urethanes, as they are cheap and provide good mechanical properties to the thermosets produced by their photocuring. However, such urethanes are still produced using toxic and polluting isocyanates, though alternative pathways exploiting cyclic carbonates and biobased amines are arising. Unfortunately, the use of biobased amines and carbonates to produce (meth)acrylate urethanes often leads to the formation of solid products that display poor solubility in the liquid components of photocurable resins. In this work, we describe the synthesis of fully biobased diurethanediols using a biobased diamine and bioderived carbonates functionalized with itaconic acid moieties that are liquid at room temperature and that can be efficiently formulated with (meth)acrylic and itaconic acid-based formulations for VP leading to 3D printed materials with good mechanical properties, comparable to those of commercially available non-biobased alternatives. In fact, depending on the resin formulations, the addition of diurethanediols diitaconates led to the obtainment of 3D printed materials with elastic moduli as high as 1 GPa, and tensile strengths over 30 MPa, and biobased contents as high as 90 wt.%. These products may serve as candidates for the replacement of isocyanate-based components with the aim of increasing the sustainability of resins’ manufacturing for VP.
Melting ceramic Al2O3 powder by electron beam powder bed fusion
Authors: Sjöström William , Botero Carlos , Jimenez-Piqueo Emilio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractElectron beam powder bed fusion (PBF-EB) is a known metal additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Processing non-conducting powders such as ceramics has so far been considered as not feasible because of the inherent problems with Coulomb repulsion due to insufficient electrical conductivity. In this study, a method for functionalizing ceramic powder is proposed where particles are electroless coated by a ~ 1 µm Ni layer to decrease the surface resistivity. The feasibility of the suggested approach is tested on Al2O3 powder, and the results show that the coated ceramic powder has a decreased surface resistivity, which enables processing by PBF-EB. Heating and melting parameters were investigated and samples were manufactured at ~ 1600 °C. Sintered and melted powders were analyzed by microscopy and micromechanically tested by nanoindentation. Calculations, visual observation and SEM–EDX suggest that the Ni coating is evaporated during the process, which suggests that the process could be feasible for the manufacturing of pure ceramic parts.
Secondary Use of Health Data for Medical AI: A Cross-Regional Examination of Taiwan and the EU
Authors: Ho Chih-hsing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper conducts a comparative analysis of data governance mechanisms concerning the secondary use of health data in Taiwan and the European Union (EU). Both regions have adopted distinctive approaches and regulations for utilizing health data beyond primary care, encompassing areas such as medical research and healthcare system enhancement. Through an examination of these models, this study seeks to elucidate the strategies, frameworks, and legal structures employed by Taiwan and the EU to strike a delicate balance between the imperative of data-driven healthcare innovation and the safeguarding of individual privacy rights. This paper examines and compares several key aspects of the secondary use of health data in Taiwan and the EU. These aspects include data governance frameworks, legal and regulatory frameworks, data access and sharing mechanisms, and privacy and security considerations. This comparative exploration offers invaluable insights into the evolving global landscape of health data governance. It provides a deeper understanding of the strategies implemented by these regions to harness the potential of health data while upholding the ethical and legal considerations surrounding its secondary use. The findings aim to inform best practices for responsible and effective health data utilization, particularly in the context of medical AI applications.
The impact of politicians’ behaviors on hate speech spread: hate speech adoption threshold on Twitter in Japan
Authors: Kim Taehee , Ogawa Yuki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we hypothesized that a leading politician’s behavior signaling support for the ideas of hate groups will increase hate speech by shifting social norms. To examine the hypotheses, in particular, to quantify the social norms shift, the study utilized an adoption threshold measure based on Twitter retweet networks. Our empirical study focused on the hate speech spread effect of an announcement by Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, declining to participate in a memorial ceremony for Korean massacre victims. The results support the hypothesis: after Koike’s announcement, adoption thresholds of hate speech users were significantly lowered, while the number of hate speech users increased. Further, this study compared the effect of Koike’s announcement to the effect of a North Korean missile launch, a national security threat to Japan. The average hate speech adoption threshold was lower after Koike’s announcement than after the missile launch, suggesting that a leading politician’s behavior could have a greater impact on shifting norms of prejudice than even a nationally threatening event.
Using Folsomia candida (Collembola) for the ecological assessment of sediment samples from three rivers from the QwaQwa region, South Africa
Authors: Kamdem M. M. , Kubheka N. , Nyoka N. W.-K. , Otomo P. V. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Since the establishment of a free economic zone and a simultaneous increase in the population of the QwaQwa region, aquatic systems of the area were expected to undergo an increase in metal contamination. The aims of this study were to assess the quality of sediments from the Metsi-Matsho, Namahadi and Elands Rivers of the QwaQwa region, and to investigate their impact on the survival and reproduction of the collembolan Folsomia candida. Due to the lack of freshwater sediment quality guidelines in South Africa, metal contents of the sediments were analysed and critically interpreted using the national action list for the screening of dredged sediment proposed for marine disposal, and international sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). In the laboratory, F. candida was exposed to 0, 50, 75 and 100% of the sediment samples for 28 days at 20 °C. Sediments were variably contaminated with Cr, with the Namahadi River middle site having the highest concentration (569 mg.kg−1, dry weight) followed by the lower site on the Elands River (529 mg.kg−1, dry weight), both above the recommended prohibition level of 500 mg Cr.kg−1. According to the consensus-based SQGs, only the concentrations of Cr and Ni (upper reach of Metsi-Matsho River) were higher than probable effect concentration, denoting that harmful effects of those metals are likely to occur. Of the two endpoints assessed, reproduction was the most sensitive with the upper reach of the Metsi-Matsho River (half maximal effective concentration, EC50 = 24% sediment) being the most deleterious site to the reproduction of F. candida. Ecotoxicological bioassays using F. candida could be suitable complements to chemical analysis in the assessment of the ecological risks of freshwater sediments as this collembolan species is sensitive to sediments with variable ranges of metal contamination.
Entropy generation on MHD motion of hybrid nanofluid with porous medium in presence of thermo-radiation and ohmic viscous dissipation
Authors: Murugan Revathi Devi , Sivakumar Narsu , Tarakaramu Nainaru , Ahmad Hijaz , Askar Sameh 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHybrid nanotechnology has significantly contributed to enhancing energy efficiency and reducing heat loss. This study addresses entropy analysis in the motion of hybrid nanofluids incorporating magnetohydrodynamic effects, thermal radiation, and ohmic viscous dissipation phenomena. The implementation of magnetohydrodynamic, thermal radiation, and dissipation effects allows for a second law of thermodynamics analysis. The hybrid nanoparticles considered are Graphene Oxide (GO) and Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2), with water serving as the base liquid. Entropy generation analysis, a thermodynamic approach, quantifies irreversibility and inefficiencies within the system, aiding in understanding losses and identifying areas for improvement. Additionally, a comparative study is conducted. The BVP4C algorithm, implemented using MATLAB, is employed to address this study and obtain solutions. The key findings indicate that heat transfer rates are higher for blade-shaped nanoparticles, and entropy is minimized by controlling parameters such as the radiation parameter, Brinkman parameter, and temperature difference.
An evaluation of antimicrobial potency of silver nanoparticles synthesised from Fusarium sp.
Authors: Mwangi Ngunjiri Vincent , Madivoli Shigwenya Edwin , Kangogo Mourine , Wangui Mwangi Clement , Wanakai Indire Sammy , Nzilu Mwanza Dennis , Waudo Walyambillah 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBiological synthesis of metal nanoparticles has caught the interest of scientists due to the environment friendly synthesis approach which yields metallic nanoparticles with antimicrobial potency. In the present study silver nanoparticles were produced using a green method with the assistance of Fusarium sp. fungal cell filtrate and their antimicrobial potency was explored. The silver nanoparticles depicted a surface plasma resonance of 434 nm when run in the Ultra Violet–Visible Spectrophotometer. The functional group present in the nanoparticles were investigated using an Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared where –OH, C–H, amide I and amide II functional groups were notable. The morphology and crystallinity of the produced silver nanoparticles was investigated with the help of a Scanning Electron Microscope and X-ray Diffraction. The X-ray diffraction results revealed that the nanoparticles were crystalline in nature with a face centred cubic structure and a crystallite size of 38.5 nm. The Scanning Electron Microscope revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical with sizes ranging between 3 to 43 nm. Antimicrobial studies of the synthesised silver nanoparticles were conducted at different concentrations (1 mM, 10 mM, 20 mM and 100 mM) against disease causing microorganisms Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the results showed that at a concentration of 1 mM there was no inhibition but as the concentration was increased to 20 mM and 100 mM, there was a notable inhibition with the maximum inhibition zone being 17 ± 0.6 mm.
The Role of Upper Body Motions in Stationary Ball-Kicking Motion: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Junze , Peek Kerry , Sanders Ross Howard , Lee Jack , Pang Johnson Chun Yiu , Ekanayake Kanchana , Fu Allan Chak Lun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA ball-kicking motion requires a coordinated sequencing of all body segments for maximum ball release speed. Evidence of the role of upper body rotations and motor coordination during a ball-kicking motion is inconsistent among existing evidence. This study aimed to systematically review the role of upper body rotations on all modes of ball kicking and performance metrics. A comprehensive search of seven electronic databases from the inception was conducted. Studies reporting on the relationships between upper body rotation, and ball-kicking performance were included. From 1486 potentially relevant studies, we analysed 27 studies involving 457 participants. These studies encompassed instep soccer kicks (n = 21), inside-of-the-foot soccer kicks (n = 1), rugby place kicks (n = 4) with a stationary ball, and a volley kick (n = 1). Methodological quality assessment was performed using Standard Quality Assessment Criteria. Our results provide moderate evidence that increasing thoracolumbar rotations along the longitudinal axis and the transverse plane can enhance ball-releasing velocity through a "whip-like effect" based on the kinetic link principle. However, to gain a comprehensive understanding, further research is needed to explore the effects of timing and the ranges of motion of all relevant upper and lower body segments on ball release velocity and its potential influence on ball release accuracy. The current coaching manuals do not emphasise the significance of upper body rotation, indicating a pressing requirement for revisions in training guidelines to enhance ball-kicking performance.
On the Practical Power of Automata in Pattern Matching
Authors: Amir Ora , Amir Amihood , Fraenkel Aviezri , Sarne David 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMany papers in the intersection of theoretical and applied algorithms show that the simple, asymptotically less efficient algorithm, performs better than the bestcomplex theoretical algorithms on random data or in specialized “real world” applications. This paper considers the Knuth–Morris–Pratt automaton, and shows a counter-intuitive practical result. The classical pattern matching paradigm is that of seeking occurrences of one string—the pattern, in another—the text, where both strings are drawn from an alphabet set $$\Sigma$$
Σ
. Assuming the text length is n and the pattern length is m, this problem can naively be solved in time O(nm). In Knuth, Morris and Pratt’s seminal paper of 1977, an automaton, was developed that allows solving this problem in time O(n) for any alphabet. This automaton, which we will refer to as the KMP-automaton, has proven useful in solving many other problems. A notable example is the parameterized pattern matching model. In this model, a consistent renaming of symbols from $$\Sigma$$
Σ
is allowed in a match. The parameterized matching paradigm has proven useful in problems in software engineering, computer vision, and other applications. It has long been believed that for texts where the symbols are uniformly random, the naive algorithm will perform as well as the KMP algorithm. In this paper, we examine the practical efficiency of the KMP algorithm versus the naive algorithm on a randomly generated text. We analyze the time under various parameters, such as alphabet size, pattern length, and the distribution of pattern occurrences in the text. We do this for both the original exact matching problem and parameterized matching. While the folklore wisdom is vindicated by these findings for the exact matching case, surprisingly, the KMP algorithm always works significantly faster than the naive in the parameterized matching case. We check this hypothesis for DNA texts and image data and observe a similar behavior as in the random text. We also show a very structured exact matching case where the automaton is much more efficient.
A Decade of Churn Prediction Techniques in the TelCo Domain: A Survey
Authors: Barsotti Annalisa , Gianini Gabriele , Mio Corrado , Lin Jianyi , Babbar Himanshi , Singh Aman , Taher Fatma , Damiani Ernesto 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis work surveys the research contributions of the last decade to the prediction of customer churn and adds a perspective toward what is yet to be reached. The main objective of this article is to report on (1) the methods and algorithms studied, the evaluation metrics adopted, and the results achieved, (2) the data used, and (3) the issues and limitations identified. Furthermore, the work highlights the gaps in the current literature and suggests a direction for future research.