Initial Phase Research Articles

Dependence of the Values of Inter-Component Phase Relations of the Harmonic Components of Vibration on the Displacement of Misaligned Shafts

The analytical dependence of the phases and values of intercomponent phase relations of the harmonic components of vibration displacement of misaligned shafts on their displacement has been presented in the article. Harmonic vibrations of the shafts were modeled using a Lagrangian connecting vibration displacement and forces acting in the system. For ease of derivation, the Lagrangian is rewritten in complex form. The resulting algebraic equations connect the complex amplitudes of vibration components with the amplitudes of periodic forces at the same frequencies and the parameters of the mechanical system (stiffness, damping). The amplitudes of periodic forces are related to the magnitude of the shafts angular and parallel misalignment according to the accepted model. Calculation of intercomponent phase relations values is used to get rid of the random initial phase shift caused by the choice of the timing reference. The magnitude of the effect produced by the misalignment of the shafts on the amplitudes and values of the intercomponent phase relations of the signal components is estimated. The obtained resultcan be used to construct devices for estimation shaft displacements and devices for assessing the condition of equipment based on the analysis of vibration signals.ls.

Halichoeres sanchezi n. sp., a new wrasse from the Revillagigedo Archipelago of Mexico, tropical eastern Pacific Ocean (Teleostei: Labridae).

A new labrid fish species, Halichoeres sanchezi n. sp., is described from eight specimens collected in the Revillagigedo Archipelago in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Mexico. The new species belongs to the Halichoeres melanotis species complex that is found throughout the region, differing by 2.4% in the mtDNA cytochrome c oxidase I sequence from its nearest relative, H. melanotis from Panama, and 2.9% from Halichoeres salmofasciatus from Cocos Island, off Costa Rica. The complex is distinguished from others in the region by having a black spot on the opercular flap and a prominent black area on the caudal fin of males. The juveniles and initial phase of the new species closely resemble those of H. salmofasciatus and Halichoeres malpelo from Malpelo Island of Colombia, differing in having an oblong black spot with a yellow dorsal margin on the mid-dorsal fin of initial-phase adults as well as on juveniles. In contrast, the terminal-phase male color pattern is distinct from other relatives, being vermilion to orangish brown with dark scale outlines, a white patch on the upper abdomen, and a prominent black band covering the posterior caudal peduncle and base of the caudal fin. The new species adds to the list of endemic fish species for the isolated archipelago and is an interesting case of island endemism in the region. The discovery was made during the joint 2022 collecting expedition to the archipelago, which featured a pioneering collaborative approach to an inventory of an island ichthyofauna, specifically including expert underwater photographers systematically documenting specimens in situ, before hand-collection, and then photographed fresh, tissue-sampled, and subsequently vouchered in museum collections.

Stimulation of the Bainite Transformation Scenario by an External Magnetic Field

Introduction. It makes practical sense to change the properties of steels with a bainite structure, as with bainite transformation under the influence of a magnetic field, it is possible to improve the ductility of the steel while maintaining or even increasing its strength. Scientific research in this area has focused on the influence of the magnetic field on thermodynamics and on the change in the phase transformation scenario. However, there is no detailed description in open sources of the effect of a magnetic field on the structure and properties of the products of intermediate bainite transformation. The aim of the work is to study the peculiarities of the influence of an external magnetic field on the scenario and kinetics of phase transformation of steel.Materials and Methods. The study was conducted using samples made of 65G steel. Their chemical composition was monitored using a Magellan Q8 optical emission spectrometer. Heat treatment (resistive heating) was carried out in an IMASH 20–75 installation for high-temperature research. The heating temperature was approximately 1000 degrees 1000°C, and the holding time was 10 minutes. The sample was cooled down using water-cooled electrical contacts. An external magnetic field with a strength of 400 kA/m and 800 kA/m was created by an electromagnet integrated into the vacuum chamber of the installation.Results. The experiments confirmed the potential for altering the transformation pathway from pearlite into bainite in the presence of an external magnetic field of up to 1 MA/m. Images of the microstructure and surface relief of samples after cooling in a magnetic field were obtained. Kinetic changes and dependencies of the volumetric transformation rates on the duration of isothermal exposure were analyzed. It has been found that exposure to a constant magnetic field of 1.6 MA/m increased the volumetric transformation rate by 1.808 times (for 65G steel) and by 1.687 times (for 45H steel).Discussion and Conclusion. The results of observations of changes in the surface relief during cooling in the absence of a magnetic field, and in magnetic fields of various strengths, were recorded. This has allowed us to draw the conclusion that the external magnetic field stimulates the bainitic transformation instead of the original pearlitic one. Microstructural changes can be explained by the influence of the magnetic field on the initial phase magnetic state.

Melatonin and Its Role in the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Cancer.

The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cell-biological program that occurs during the progression of several physiological processes and that can also take place during pathological situations such as carcinogenesis. The EMT program consists of the sequential activation of a number of intracellular signaling pathways aimed at driving epithelial cells toward the acquisition of a series of intermediate phenotypic states arrayed along the epithelial-mesenchymal axis. These phenotypic features include changes in the motility, conformation, polarity and functionality of cancer cells, ultimately leading cells to stemness, increased invasiveness, chemo- and radioresistance and the formation of cancer metastasis. Amongst the different existing types of the EMT, type 3 is directly involved in carcinogenesis. A type 3 EMT occurs in neoplastic cells that have previously acquired genetic and epigenetic alterations, specifically affecting genes involved in promoting clonal outgrowth and invasion. Markers such as E-cadherin; N-cadherin; vimentin; and transcription factors (TFs) like Twist, Snail and ZEB are considered key molecules in the transition. The EMT process is also regulated by microRNA expression. Many miRNAs have been reported to repress EMT-TFs. Thus, Snail 1 is repressed by miR-29, miR-30a and miR-34a; miR-200b downregulates Slug; and ZEB1 and ZEB2 are repressed by miR-200 and miR-205, respectively. Occasionally, some microRNA target genes act downstream of the EMT master TFs; thus, Twist1 upregulates the levels of miR-10b. Melatonin is an endogenously produced hormone released mainly by the pineal gland. It is widely accepted that melatonin exerts oncostatic actions in a large variety of tumors, inhibiting the initiation, progression and invasion phases of tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanisms underlying these inhibitory actions are complex and involve a great number of processes. In this review, we will focus our attention on the ability of melatonin to regulate some key EMT-related markers, transcription factors and micro-RNAs, summarizing the multiple ways by which this hormone can regulate the EMT. Since melatonin has no known toxic side effects and is also known to help overcome drug resistance, it is a good candidate to be considered as an adjuvant drug to conventional cancer therapies.

Computer-Vision-Based Sensing Technologies for Livestock Body Dimension Measurement: A Survey.

Livestock's live body dimensions are a pivotal indicator of economic output. Manual measurement is labor-intensive and time-consuming, often eliciting stress responses in the livestock. With the advancement of computer technology, the techniques for livestock live body dimension measurement have progressed rapidly, yielding significant research achievements. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the recent advancements in livestock live body dimension measurement, emphasizing the crucial role of computer-vision-based sensors. The discussion covers three main aspects: sensing data acquisition, sensing data processing, and sensing data analysis. The common techniques and measurement procedures in, and the current research status of, live body dimension measurement are introduced, along with a comparative analysis of their respective merits and drawbacks. Livestock data acquisition is the initial phase of live body dimension measurement, where sensors are employed as data collection equipment to obtain information conducive to precise measurements. Subsequently, the acquired data undergo processing, leveraging techniques such as 3D vision technology, computer graphics, image processing, and deep learning to calculate the measurements accurately. Lastly, this paper addresses the existing challenges within the domain of livestock live body dimension measurement in the livestock industry, highlighting the potential contributions of computer-vision-based sensors. Moreover, it predicts the potential development trends in the realm of high-throughput live body dimension measurement techniques for livestock.

Psychological Distress Associated with Enforced Hospital Isolation Due to COVID-19 during the "Flatten the Curve" Phase in Morocco: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Background: although much research has highlighted the mental health challenges faced by patients in hospital isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, data from low-middle-income countries, including Morocco, are lacking. The main objective of this study was to assess the psychological distress of patients undergoing enforced hospital isolation during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco. (2) Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study between 1 April and 1 May 2020, among patients hospitalized in isolation for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 at the Ibn Sina University Hospital of Rabat, Morocco. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Binary logistic regression was performed to identify variables associated with anxiety and depression, with a cutoff of ≥8 used for both scales to create dichotomous variables. (3) Results: among 200 patients, 42.5% and 43% scored above the cut-off points for anxiety and depression, respectively. Multiple logistic regression identified female gender, a higher education level, a longer duration of isolation, and a poor understanding of the reasons for isolation as significant factors associated with anxiety. Conversely, female gender, chronic disease, a longer duration of isolation, and a poor understanding of the reasons for isolation were factors significantly associated with depression. (4) Conclusions: our study underscores high rates of anxiety and depression among patients forced into hospital isolation during the initial phase of COVID-19 in Morocco. We identified several factors associated with patients experiencing psychological distress that may inform future discussions on mental health and psychiatric crisis management.

Assessing patients’ needs in the follow-up after treatment for colorectal cancer—a mixed-method study

PurposeThe accessibility of cancer care faces challenges due to the rising prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) coupled with a shrinkage of healthcare professionals—known as the double aging phenomenon. To ensure sustainable and patient-centred care, innovative solutions are needed. This study aims to assess the needs of CRC patients regarding their follow-up care.MethodsThis study uses a mixed-method approach divided in three phases. The initial phase involved focus group sessions, followed by semi-structured interviews to identify patients’ needs during follow-up. Open analysis was done to define main themes and needs for patients. In the subsequent quantitative phase, a CRC follow-up needs questionnaire was distributed to patients in the follow-up.ResultsAfter two focus groups (n = 14) and interviews (n = 5), this study identified six main themes. Findings underscore the importance of providing assistance in managing both physical and mental challenges associated with cancer. Participants emphasised the need of a designated contact person and an increased focus on addressing psychological distress. Furthermore, patients desire individualised feedback on quality of life questionnaires, and obtaining tailored information. The subsequent questionnaire (n = 96) revealed the priority of different needs, with the highest priority being the need for simplified radiology results. A possible approach to address a part of the diverse needs could be the implementation of a platform; nearly 70% of patients expressed interest in the proposed platform.ConclusionsCRC patients perceive substantial room for improvement of their follow-up care. Findings can help to develop a platform fulfilling the distinct demands of CRC patients during follow-up.

Effect of Tempeh and Daidzein on Calcium Status, Calcium Transporters, and Bone Metabolism Biomarkers in Ovariectomized Rats.

Menopause marks a critical life stage characterized by hormonal changes that significantly impact bone health, leading to a heightened susceptibility to bone fractures. This research seeks to elucidate the impact of daidzein and tempeh on calcium status, calcium transporters, and bone metabolism in an ovariectomized rat model. Forty female Wistar rats, aged 3 months, participated in a two-phase experiment. The initial phase involved inducing a calcium deficit, while the second phase comprised dietary interventions across five groups: Sham (S) and Ovariectomy (O) with a standard diet, O with bisphosphonate (OB), O with pure daidzein (OD), and O with tempeh (OT). Multiple parameters, encompassing calcium levels, calcium transporters, bone histopathology, and serum bone metabolism markers, were evaluated. The findings revealed that the OT group showcased heightened levels of bone turnover markers, such as pyridinoline, C-telopeptide of type I collagen, bone alkaline phosphatase, and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide, in contrast to S and O groups, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, both the OD and OT groups exhibited effects akin to the OB group, indicating a decrease in the surface area occupied by adipocytes in the femoral bone structure, although statistically non-equivalent, supporting the directionally similar trends. Although TRPV5 and TRPV6 mRNA expression levels in the jejunum and duodenum did not display statistically significant differences (p > 0.05), the OD and OT groups exhibited increased expression compared to the O group. We hypothesized that obtained results may be related to the effect of isoflavones on estrogen pathways because of their structurally similar to endogenous estrogen and weak estrogenic properties. In conclusion, the daily consumption of pure daidzein and tempeh could potentially improve and reinstate calcium status, calcium transport, and bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats. Additionally, isoflavone products demonstrate effects similar to bisphosphonate drugs on these parameters in ovariectomized rats.

Urban Economic Resilience and Supply Chain Dynamics: Evaluating Monetary Recovery Policies in Global Cities during the Early COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global economies, underscoring the urgency of deriving lessons to enhance future crisis preparedness. This study explores the effects of monetary recovery policies on supply chain dynamics across key global cities during the pandemic’s initial phase, emphasising policy interactions, industry engagement, and economic resilience. Utilising principal component analysis (PCA), data envelopment analysis (DEA), and tobit regression, we present a pioneering method to unravel the complex relationship between economic policies and urban supply chains. PCA simplifies data complexity and reveals complex policy-resilience relationships, while DEA facilitates a comparative efficiency analysis. Our findings underscore the critical importance of supply chain resilience in fostering early economic recovery, indicating that cities implementing diverse, sector-specific policies achieved more notable improvements in gross domestic product (GDP). This research not only advances methodological approaches for policy evaluation but also provides valuable insights for optimising urban economic recovery strategies amidst global challenges.

Multiple strategies based Grey Wolf Optimizer for feature selection in performance evaluation of open-ended funds

The methods for selecting the features in evaluating fund performance rely heavily on traditional statistics, which can potentially lead to excessive data dimensions in a multi-dimensional context. Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), a swarm intelligence optimization algorithm with its simple structure and few parameters, is widely used in feature selection. However, the algorithm suffers from local optimality and the imbalance in exploration and exploitation. This paper proposes a Multi-Strategy Grey Wolf Optimizer (MSGWO) to address the limitations, and identify the relevant features for evaluating fund performance. Random Opposition-based Learning is applied to enhance population quality during the initialization phase. Moreover, the convergence factor is nonlinearized to coordinate the global exploration and local exploitation capabilities. Finally, a two-stage hybrid mutation operator is applied to modify the updating mechanism, so as to increase population diversity and balance the exploration and exploitation abilities of GWO. The proposed algorithm is compared against 6 related algorithms and verified by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test on 12 quarterly datasets (2020-2022) of Chinese open-ended funds. The results inform that MSGWO reduces the feature size as well as the classification error rate.

PROVING ANTITRUST DAMAGES IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS – The Compatibility of Serbian Law with Directive 2014/104 –

Private competition law enforcement has been a recent phenomenon in the European Union. In the past, the EU law and member states’ national laws lacked elements that contributed to the preponderance of private enforcement in the United States, such as treble and punitive damages, the procedural right of a damaged party to request discovery of evidence, collective actions, etc. The interest in private enforcement of competition law has gradually increased after Regulation 1/2003 authorised national courts to implement Articles 101 and 102 TFEU, the EU courts established private enforcement principles, and Directive 2014/104 (Antitrust Damages Directive - ADD) laid down rules to facilitate proving competition law violations and damage resulting from them. The US model evidently inspired the EU legislator. At the same time, ADD attempted to balance the private interests of injured parties and the public interest for effective public enforcement. Specific ADD provisions instigated a public debate concerning their reach and alleged confrontation with general legal principles. Even though member states have taken comprehensive measures to implement ADD, national courts need to search for an equilibrium between private and public interests. Therefore, the full effect of Directive 2014/104 is yet to be seen. Private enforcement of competition law in Serbia is still in its initiation phase. The Serbian Competition Protection Act 2009 proclaimed the right of damaged persons to bring actions for damages, even though this right has already existed under the general rules of civil law. The Competition Protection Act failed to stipulate material conditions and procedural rules that would facilitate private enforcement. The Serbian legislator has not yet taken steps to transpose ADD into national law. This paper first analyses the development and principal features of the US and EU private enforcement models. After that it focuses on the ADD provisions expediting evidence collection and damage assessment. The second part of the paper analyses Serbian tort and civil procedure rules relevant to bringing actions for antitrust damages and case law on antitrust damages. The author concludes with proposals for Serbian legislators to harmonise national law with ADD.

Supraharmonic Detection Algorithm Based on Interpolation of Self-Convolutional Window All-Phase Compressive Sampling Matching Pursuit

With the increase in the use of high-frequency power electronic devices, the harmonics injected into the power grid show a trend of high-frequency development. The continuous rise of the supraharmonic emission level in the distribution network has become one of the power quality problems that needs to be solved urgently in the power grid. In this paper, an algorithm based on the Interpolation of the Self-convolutional Window All-phase Compressive Sampling Matching Pursuit (ISWApCoSaMP) is proposed. Firstly, the self-convolution operation is used for the maximum sidelobe decay (MSD) window, and then the compressed sampling matching pursuit model based on the All-phase is constructed, leading to the All-phase Compressive Sampling Matching Pursuit (ApCoSaMP). Finally, the four-spectrum-line interpolation is combined to utilize spectrum line information to improve the accuracy of signal parameter detection in the frequency domain. The introduced All-phase greatly improves the phase measurement accuracy because the initial phase of the supraharmonic signal is selected for phase estimation. In addition, the self-convolutional window and four-spectrum-line interpolation make full use of the information in the time and frequency domains, thus optimizing the measurement results of amplitude and frequency. The algorithm achieves high accuracy in the measurement results of simulated signals and accurately measures supraharmonics.

Synthetic Aperture Ladar Motion Compensation Method Based on Symmetric Triangle Linear Frequency Modulation Continuous Wave Segmented Interference

Synthetic Aperture Ladar (SAL) is a sensor that combines laser detection technology with synthetic aperture technology to achieve ultra-high-resolution imaging. Due to its extremely short wavelength, SAL is more sensitive to motion errors. The micrometer-level motion will affect the target’s azimuth focus. This article proposes an SAL motion compensation method based on Symmetric Triangular Linear Frequency Modulation Continuous Wave (STLFMCW) segmented interference, utilizing the characteristics of a triangular wave, to solve the problem of target azimuth defocusing. This article first establishes an STLFMCW echo signal model based on the SAL system under the influence of motion errors. Secondly, the radial velocity gradient along the azimuth direction is extracted using the triangular-wave-positive and -negative frequency modulation signals segmented interference method. Then, for the initial phase wrapping problem, the frequency spectral cross-correlation method is used to accurately estimate the initial radial velocity error. The radial velocity gradient is integrated along the azimuth to obtain the platform motion trajectory. Finally, the compensation functions are constructed to complete the echo Range Cell Migration (RCM) correction and residual phase compensation, resulting in a focused SAL image. This article verifies the practical effect of this method in eliminating motion errors using only one-period STLFMCW signal through simulation and real experiments. The quantitative results show that compared with the traditional method, the proposed method reduces the azimuth Peak Sidelobe Ratio (PSLR) by 8dB and the Integrated Sidelobe Ratio (ISLR) by 9 dB. This method has significant improvements and is of great significance for high-resolution FMCW SAL imaging.

Hepatitis C Attributable Healthcare Costs and Mortality among Immigrants: A Population-Based Matched Cohort Study.

Data on the economic burden of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) among immigrants are limited. Our objective was to estimate the CHC-attributable mortality and healthcare costs among immigrants in Ontario, Canada. We conducted a population-based matched cohort study among immigrants diagnosed with CHC between May 31, 2003, and December 31, 2018, using linked health administrative data. Immigrants with CHC (exposed) were matched 1 : 1 to immigrants without CHC (unexposed) using a combination of hard (index date, sex, and age) and propensity-score matching. Net costs (2020 Canadian dollars) collected from the healthcare payer perspective were calculated using a phase-of-care approach and used to estimate long-term costs adjusted for survival. We matched 5,575 exposed individuals with unexposed controls, achieving a balanced match. The mean age was 47 years, and 52% was male. On average, 10.5% of exposed and 3.5% of unexposed individuals died 15 years postindex (relative risk = 2.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6-3.5). The net 30-day costs per person were $88 (95% CI: 55 to 122) for the prediagnosis, $324 (95% CI: 291 to 356) for the initial phase, $1,016 (95% CI: 900 to 1,132) for the late phase, and $975 (95% CI: -25 to 1,974) for the terminal phase. The mean net healthcare cost adjusted for survival at 15 years was $90,448. Compared to unexposed immigrants, immigrants infected with CHC have higher mortality rates and greater healthcare costs. These findings will support the planning of HCV elimination efforts among key risk groups in the province.

Climate and disease: tackling coffee brown-eye spot with advanced forecasting models.

Climate influences the interaction between pathogens and their hosts significantly. This is particularly evident in the coffee industry, where fungal diseases like Cercospora coffeicola, causing brown-eye spot, can reduce yields drastically. This study focuses on forecasting coffee brown-eye spot using various models that incorporate agrometeorological data, allowing for predictions at least 1 week prior to the occurrence of disease. Data were gathered from eight locations across São Paulo and Minas Gerais, encompassing the South and Cerrado regions of Minas Gerais state. In the initial phase, various machine learning (ML) models and topologies were calibrated to forecast brown-eye spot, identifying one with potential for advanced decision-making. The top-performing models were then employed in the next stage to forecast and spatially project the severity of brown-eye spot across 2681 key Brazilian coffee-producing municipalities. Meteorological data were sourced from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources platform, and the Penman-Monteith method was used to estimate reference evapotranspiration, leading to a Thornthwaite and Mather water-balance calculation. Six ML models - K-nearest neighbors (KNN), artificial neural network multilayer perceptron (MLP), support vector machine (SVM), random forests (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and gradient boosting regression (GradBOOSTING) - were employed, considering disease latency to time define input variables. These models utilized climatic elements such as average air temperature, relative humidity, leaf wetness duration, rainfall, evapotranspiration, water deficit, and surplus. The XGBoost model proved most effective in high-yielding conditions, demonstrating high precision and accuracy. Conversely, the SVM model excelled in low-yielding scenarios. The incidence of brown-eye spot varied noticeably between high- and low-yield conditions, with significant regional differences observed. The accuracy of predicting brown-eye spot severity in coffee plantations depended on the biennial production cycle. High-yielding trees showed superior results with the XGBoost model (R2 = 0.77, root mean squared error, RMSE = 10.53), whereas the SVM model performed better under low-yielding conditions (precision 0.76, RMSE = 12.82). The study's application of agrometeorological variables and ML models successfully predicted the incidence of brown-eye spot in coffee plantations with a 7 day lead time, illustrating that they were valuable tools for managing this significant agricultural challenge. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Irreversible pressure effect on phase transitions and bandgap narrowing of layered MoO3

Two-dimensional layered molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) holds significant importance in optoelectronics owing to its unique anisotropic structure and optical properties. Given that changes in structure can profoundly impact physical characteristics, it becomes imperative to explore new properties by means of acquiring different structures. Here, we report the irreversibility of structural evolution and optical properties of molybdenum trioxide under high pressure. The quenched MoO3 possesses a stable high-pressure phase MoO3-II, a narrowed bandgap (reduced by ∼25%) and a strong optical absorption at visible to infrared region compared to the initial low-pressure phase α-MoO3. These findings will facilitate the exploring of high-pressure phase materials under ambient conditions.

Designing small batteries and adaptive charging strategies for operation on rough terrain

The global trajectory is swiftly progressing towards the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Given that batteries constitute a pivotal component within the domain of EV technology, their performance and life have become of utmost importance. Battery life is affected by multiple internal and external factors. This paper addresses real-time challenges associated with using battery packs in dynamic on-road conditions characterized by variable discharge rates, temperatures, depth of discharge, storage conditions, and rough terrains. The study involves designing 2.8kWh battery packs and using them to power e-rickshaws in on-road conditions in places like India. The study shows how minor issues, which are often overlooked during the initial pack design phase, can impact the long-term operational performance of the batteries.In real-world scenarios, users lack control over the discharge of a battery. However, the charging process can be effectively controlled. In this paper, we propose an adaptive slow-charging strategy to prolong the life of the battery pack. The suggested charging algorithm regulates the charging current based on parameters such as battery temperature, state of health, and terminal voltage. To assess the impact of this algorithm, we conducted tests on 2.8kWh battery packs used in e-rickshaws for over two years under real-world driving conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by comparing the battery degradation with the standard constant current constant voltage charging. The study also introduces a novel balancing technique involving temporary suspension of balancing and charging currents during voltage measurements, mitigating errors linked to ohmic drops. Additionally, the research examines the degradation caused by parking vehicles for extended periods.

Transition into distance education: A scoping review protocol.

The number of students choosing to complete their studies online rather than in-person is on the rise. The transition to university is crucial for subsequent success, regardless of whether the learning is done face-to-face or remotely. If students can effectively handle the critical requirements associated with the transition to distance learning, their likelihood of success increases. However, thus far, little information is available on this topic. To gather existing sources, we will conduct a scoping review according to the guidelines of the research organization JBI. The review aims to systematically record, evaluate, and subsequently present the existing body of literature regarding the subject "transition into distance education". By answering the research question, "What is known about transition into distance education in higher education?" we hope to shed light on individual experiences, challenges, adaptation strategies, life situations, etc. of distance learners in a higher education context. The review will identify and categorize relevant concepts and terminologies in the research field, as well as outline the content-related boundaries. The findings derived from the scoping review will provide conceptual clarification, summarize the given theoretical and empirical knowledge in the field and offer practical implications for designing the initial phase in distance education. This article presents the a-priori study protocol that provides a detailed outline of the planned methodology for conducting the Scoping Review.

Experimental study on damage of slope under drying and wetting cycle based on DC electric method.

In order to investigate the seepage law and crack development characteristics of dump slopes, as well as the impact on slope stability during drying and wetting cycles, a simulation test slope system was constructed in a rainfall environment, specifically designed to mimic the engineering conditions of dump slope. The apparent resistivity response formula for the seepage and crack development processes was derived based on the three-phase medium theory of rock-soil bodies and Maxwell's conductivity formula. The geoelectric field characteristics pertaining to slope damage and the corresponding patterns of alteration were comprehensively investigated. The results demonstrate a negative correlation between resistivity and slope water content, with resistivity increasing as cracks develop and decreasing with water infiltration. The progression of crack formation in a rainfall environment on a dump slope can be categorized into three stages: The initial phase involves the saturation of the slope as water content increases. Subsequently, the second phase entails the initiation and expansion of capillary zones, along with the formation of dominant waterways. Lastly, the third phase encompasses the formation and expansion of cracks within the dumping site. The occurrence of sudden changes and abnormal fluctuations in apparent resistivity within a saturated slope signifies the presence of cracks and weak surfaces, leading to gradual and irreversible damage. This phenomenon serves as an indicator of slope damage and can be utilized for the early prediction of slope instability.

Modelling public attitude towards air taxis in Germany

Urban air mobility (UAM) holds great promise as an expansion of the transportation system in cities. Despite the progress in UAM technology, there remains significant uncertainty surrounding how the public will accept and react to these mobility services.This study employed a structural equation model (SEM) to construct a comprehensive framework that delves into the factors influencing public attitudes toward air taxis. Data for the model is derived from a sequential exploratory mixed methods approach. The initial phase involved identifying acceptance factors towards air taxis through five focus groups, laying the foundation for the subsequent structural model development. A survey involving 819 participants was conducted in Germany in the next phase. The latent variables in this model are the expected benefits, expected risks, and the personal level of technophilia. The results show that rising stress levels through new air traffic flows, noise, and blocking sky views affect negative attitudes toward air taxis in public spaces. In contrast, the user expectation of avoiding traffic jams and achieving time savings contributes positively. Additionally, people who are more technophilic tend to have a more positive attitude toward air taxis.However, the perceived negative consequences of air taxis exert more substantial and stronger influences on public attitude than the expected benefits. By introducing the acceptance factors and relevant dimensions of a public attitude, this study provides insights to shape the design of UAM in accordance with the common good.