Search Results (12,619)

This study aimed to validate the Robot Acceptance Questionnaire (RAQ), a self-report instrument designed to assess user acceptance toward social robots. Originally structured around four theoretical domains—pragmatic, hedonic (identity and feelings), and attractiveness—the RAQ was empirically found to converge into two robust and inversely related dimensions: Positive Attitude (PA) and Negative Attitude (NA). A total of 208 participants (mean = 43.1; S.D. = 21.4) viewed a short video of a humanoid robot (Pepper) and completed the RAQ. Factorial structure (Principal Component Analysis), internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha), and construct validity were assessed. Results showed excellent internal consistency for both PA and NA (α = 0.93), and intuitive associations with independent measures of ease of use, mastery, and willingness to interact. The RAQ thus offers a concise and reliable tool for assessing general robot acceptance, especially suitable for remote and large-scale studies. Full article

For sustainable livestock manure management, composting is a common practice for supplying nutrients to crops. Therefore, optimizing plant locations for composting from livestock manure is essential in Bangladesh. This study performed a land suitability analysis using Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial modeling to identify suitable sites for composting plants, which was optimized through network analysis. After spatial analysis, 15, 42, and 147 locations were identified for large-scale, medium-scale, and small-scale manure-based compost production, respectively, across different scenarios. As a result, approximately 1537.74 kilotons/year of compost can be generated from 2703.86 kilotons of livestock manure, replacing about 44.31% of synthetic fertilizer use in Bangladesh in 2024. The potential reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was assessed at 1986.76 gigagrams CO_2eq/year, with nutrient leaching reduction potentials of 15.11 and 10.98 kilotons/year for nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. Additionally, around 4.51 million tons of livestock manure can be disposed of annually by establishing composting plants. However, assessing the potential environmental benefits by optimizing composting plant locations can support the development of strategies to produce organic fertilizer by utilizing natural resources in Bangladesh. Full article

Dairy wastewater is highly polluting and requires treatment before being discharged into receiving surface waters or destined for reuse. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) at a dairy facility, which includes the following treatment stages: screening, grease trap, and an upflow anaerobic filter (UAF). Monitoring data from a WWTP at a dairy situated in the southern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were assessed based on pollutant removal efficiency in accordance with Brazilian environmental regulations. The results showed that the WWTP achieved average removal efficiencies of 96.2% for COD and 97.1% for BOD₅. The BOD₅/COD ratio of raw and treated wastewater averaged 0.46 and 0.30, respectively, indicating preferential removal of the biodegradable organic fraction. The treated wastewater complied with legal standards for pH, settleable solids, and total suspended solids. However, at least one sample did not meet regulatory limits for discharge into water bodies regarding surfactants and oils & greases. Strong linear correlations (R² ~ 0.8) between COD and BOD₅ data were observed for both raw and treated wastewater. While the treated wastewater was not suitable for use in the facility’s wood-fired boiler, it may be reused for agricultural irrigation. Full article

The present study explores the sustainable potential of volcanic ash sourced from the active Sakurajima volcano (Japan) as an eco-friendly alternative to Portland cement—a binder known for its high carbon emissions—in concrete and mortar production. The abundant pyroclastic material, currently a waste burden for the residents of Sakurajima and the Kagoshima Bay region, presents a unique opportunity for valorization in line with circular economy principles. Rather than treating this ash as a disposal problem, the research investigates its transformation into a valuable supplementary cementitious material (SCM), contributing to more sustainable construction practices. The investigation focused on the material characterization of the ash (including chemical composition, morphology, and PSD) and its pozzolanic activity index, which is a key indicator of its suitability as a cement replacement. Mortars were prepared with 25% of the commercial binder replaced by volcanic ash—both in its raw form and after mechanical activation—and tested for compressive strength after 28 and 90 days of water curing. Additional assessments included workability of the fresh mix (flow table test), apparent density, and flexural strength of the hardened composites. Tests results showed that the applied volcanic ash did not influence the workability of the mix and showed negligible effect on the apparent density (changes of up to 3.3%), although the mechanical strength was deteriorated (decrease by 15–33% after 7 days, and by 25–26% after 28 days). However, further investigation revealed that the simple mechanical grinding significantly enhances the pozzolanic reactivity of Sakurajima ash. The ground ash achieved a 28-day activity index of 81%, surpassing the 75% threshold set by EN 197-1 and EN 450-1 standards for type II mineral additives. These findings underscore the potential for producing low-carbon mortars and concretes using locally sourced volcanic ash, supporting both emissions reduction and sustainable resource management in construction. Full article

Recently, an urgent need has been identified to increase the biodiversity of the cereal crops that dominate European farmlands. In this aspect, the addition of pea as a component of winter cereals seems justified, but the appropriate selection of the cultivars to create a mixture suitable for agricultural practice is probably essential. Therefore, arbitrarily selected winter pea cultivars were intercropped with some chosen cereals in order to assess certain yield parameters using a two-factorial field experiment conducted on brown soil. The studied factors were the cultivar of pea (Pisum sativum), ‘Pandora’ and ‘E.F.B. 33′ respectively, and the cropping system: single crop vs. cereal/legume intercropping mixture. Cereals used were rye (Secale cereale L.) ‘Amber’ and triticale (× Triticosecale) ‘Borwo’. To assess the potential of winter pea in this cultivation system, the yield level, some plant parameters (above- and belowground), and LER and CR indices were applied. Additionally, to demonstrate the effect of intercropping on pea, the root system, root nodulation, and nitrogen uptake efficiency were assessed. It was shown that yield and plant indices were closely related to the intercropping variant used. The key element determining the potential of the cultivated crops was the selection of cultivars. The most productive one was proved pea ‘E.F.B. 33’, which formed the largest number of nodules when intercropped with triticale. Moreover, it was ascertained that the drought period during the formation of nodules negatively affected their structure, which had a rather negative impact on the pea yield. Full article

This study investigated whether the Endocrine Disruptome and VirtualToxLab in silico platforms are suitable for predicting the endocrine disrupting effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)—in particular, for interactions with oestrogen receptors (ERs) and androgen receptor (AR). Compounds included in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s PFAS working list were analysed with both models, and the results were compared with the available in vitro data regarding their modulation of nuclear receptors. Based on the identified prediction parameters, such as sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Mathews’ correlation coefficient, VirtualToxLab was found to be a reliable model for predicting the reactivity of PFASs with AR, while a positive consensus approach of both platforms provided reliable predictions of the PFAS reactivity with ERα and ERβ. This study provides the evidence that Endocrine Disruptome and VirtualToxLab can be used as a tier 1 screening tool for assessment of the endocrine disrupting effect of PFASs. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the likelihood of endocrine disrupting properties increases with the lipophilicity of PFASs and identifies the understudied PFHpS, PFNS, PFDS, 9-Cl, NMeFOSAA, NEtFOSAA, 4:2 FTS, 6:2 FTS, 8:2 FTS, 6:2 monoPAP, 8:2 monoPAP, and 5:3 acid as potential ligands of AR and/or ERs. Full article

Digital Twin (DTw) technology is a cornerstone of Industry 4.0, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization across diverse industries. A key requirement for effective DTw implementation is high geometric fidelity—ensuring the digital model accurately represents the physical counterpart. Fidelity metrics provide a quantitative means to assess this alignment in terms of geometry, behavior, and performance. Among these, 3D shape descriptors play a central role in evaluating geometric fidelity, offering computational tools to measure shape similarity between physical and digital entities. This paper presents a comprehensive review of 3D shape descriptor methods and their applicability to geometric fidelity assessment in DTw systems. We introduce a structured taxonomy encompassing classical, structural, texture-based, and deep learning-based descriptors, and evaluate each in terms of transformation invariance, robustness to noise, computational efficiency, and suitability for various DTw applications. Building upon this analysis, we propose a conceptual fidelity metric that maps descriptor properties to the specific fidelity requirements of different application domains. This metric serves as a foundational framework for shape-based fidelity evaluation and supports the selection of appropriate descriptors based on system needs. Importantly, this work aligns with and contributes to the emerging ISO 30138 standardization initiative by offering a descriptor-driven approach to fidelity assessment. Through this integration of taxonomy, metric design, and standardization insight, this paper provides a roadmap for more consistent, scalable, and interoperable fidelity measurement in digital twin environments—particularly those demanding high precision and reliability. Full article

Hybrid offshore wind-wave systems play an important role in renewable energy transition. To maximize energy utilization efficiency, a comprehensive assessment to select optimal locations is urgently needed. The hydraulic power characteristics of these systems cause power fluctuations that reduce grid frequency stability. Thus, a site suitability assessment and a grid-forming battery energy storage system (BESS) configuration method are proposed. Considering energy efficiency, dynamic complementary characteristics, and output stability, a framework integrating three indices of Composite Energy Output Index (CEOI), Time-Shifted Cross-Covariance Index (TS-CCI), and Energy Penetration Balance Index (EPBI) is constructed to assess site suitability. To ensure secure and stable operation of microgrid, the frequency response characteristics of the hybrid system are analyzed, and the corresponding frequency constraint is given. A BESS configuration method considering frequency constraint is developed to minimize life cycle costs and maintain grid stability. Applied to a case study along China’s southeast coast, the assessment method successfully identified the optimal offshore station, confirming its practical applicability. The BESS configuration method is validated on a modified IEEE 30-bus system, with a 6.35% decrease in life cycle cost and complete renewable utilization. This research provides a technical and cost-effective solution for integrating hybrid wind-wave energy into island microgrids. Full article

Mismanagement of rural wastewater can lead to environmental contamination with the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Fungi with bioremediating potential constitute a sustainable alternative to decontaminate such wastewater before its reuse. This study evaluated the ability of Aspergillus oryzae pellets to remove 2,4-D from natural and sterile rural wastewater (i.e., with/without native microbiota). The pellets were produced by incubating conidial solutions of A. oryzae strains RCA2, RCA4, RCA5, and RCA10 in synthetic wastewater for 21 days at 25 °C. The wastewater samples were characterized physicochemically and microbiologically upon arrival at the laboratory. Afterwards, they were supplemented with 1, 2.5, or 5 mmol L⁻¹ of 2,4-D and inoculated with the pellets. Physicochemical characterization was repeated throughout the experiment. Herbicide removal and the presence of 2,4-D degradation intermediate, 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), were assessed through high-pressure liquid chromatography with UV/Vis detection (HPLC-UV) and mass spectrometry. At the beginning of the assay, the macro- and micronutrient content in the samples were suitable to sustain fungal growth. By the end, pH had increased and sodium and nitrate levels decreased in comparison with the control. RCA2, RCA4, and RCA10 removed over 80% of 2,4-D after 7 days of incubation, at the three herbicide concentrations tested. Moreover, wet fungal biomass had increased by the end of the assay. These findings demonstrate that RCA2, RCA4, and RCA10 can grow, form pellets, and remove 2,4-D in natural rural wastewater, which makes them potential candidates for bioremediation strategies aimed at improving the quality of water set to be reused. Full article

Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent and disabling condition. Artificial tears are commonly used but often inadequate for moderate-to-severe cases. Secretagogues such as pilocarpine, cevimeline, and diquafosol offer potential alternatives, though their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of these secretagogues versus artificial tears in adults with DED, we searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing secretagogues to artificial tears were eligible. Data extraction and synthesis were conducted using Covidence and the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and 19 RCTs (n = 2697) were included. Fifteen were analyzed quantitatively; however, only eight trials evaluating diquafosol were suitable for meta-analysis, as data for pilocarpine and cevimeline were insufficient for quantitative synthesis. GRADE was used to assess evidence certainty. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020218407. Diquafosol significantly improved rose bengal staining at 4 weeks and OSDI scores and TBUT in post-cataract patients at 4 and 12 weeks. However, it increased mild adverse events (RR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.15–2.84). Evidence for pilocarpine and cevimeline was limited. Diquafosol 3% shows greater efficacy than artificial tears in post-cataract DED but with more side effects. Further research is needed for other secretagogues. Full article

Background: Traditional visual-tactile methods, radiographic interpretation including CBCT imaging, clinical judgement and supplementary aids such as fluorescence-based devices are pivotal components of the restorative diagnostic process in detecting dental caries and defective or failed restorations. However, when evaluating the restorability of a tooth compromised by extensive and deep caries, whether associated with a failed restoration or not, the conventional approach may not provide sufficient diagnostic information to establish a definitive restorative diagnosis without first removing failing restoration, caries or both. Objective: This manuscript presents caries clearance management (CCM) as a novel comprehensive clinical diagnostic restorative procedure designed to assist dentists in making a final restorative diagnosis regarding the restorability of a tooth compromised by extensive caries, fractured tooth cusp(s) or a failed large direct/indirect restoration without caries or a combination of all of them. Practical implications: CCM involves removing the failed direct/indirect restorations and selective removal of carious tissue while preserving the greatest amount of sound tooth structure as possible. Following this clinical diagnostic procedure and an assessment of dental pulp and periodontium, the clinician proceeds through a decision-making process to determine the final restorative diagnosis. This allows the dentist to advise the patient on a suitable complex restorative treatment plan. Conclusions: The manuscript introduces caries clearance management (CCM) as a structured clinical diagnostic procedure, to assist dentists to determine the restorability of compromised teeth by extensive caries, fractured teeth or failed large direct or indirect restorations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Femoral neck fractures are a growing concern due to their increasing incidence in both elderly and younger populations. Preoperative CT scan evaluation is often used for better understanding of fracture patterns of femoral neck fractures that need to be treated using cannulated screws. Methods: The present study retrospectively analyzed 55 patients treated with cannulated screw fixation over seven years. Preoperative CT scans, fracture classification (Garden and Pauwels), and surgical timing were evaluated. Results: All 55 patients were treated with three cannulated screws by nine fellowship-trained surgeons. The average age of the CT-yes group was 54.44 years (SD 15.45), while the average age of the CT-no group was 56.93 (SD 14.95). Differences in age among the two groups were not statistically significant. In 4 patients, the treatment with cannulated screws failed, leading to a subsequent total hip arthroplasty for avascular necrosis (AVN). Three of them belonged to the CT-yes group, while only one belonged to the CT-no group. A statistical analysis showed no significant differences between patients who underwent a CT scan and those who did not have a CT scan and their results (p = 0.282).Results indicate no statistically significant difference in outcomes between patients who underwent a CT scan before the surgical treatment and those who did not, while a well-conducted X-ray assessment is essential and can be sufficient to fully understand and treat most of the fractures. Conclusions: The risks of avascular necrosis and non-union must be considered in the decision-making process regarding the suitable treatment. Early surgery did not significantly improve treatment results, but it is recommended. Fixation with cannulated screws remains a good treatment, especially for some patterns of fractures and younger patients. Given the study’s limitations, including the small sample size and retrospective nature, prospective multicenter studies are warranted to better understand the role of CT scans in optimizing surgical planning and improving patient outcomes. Full article

The Unit Inverse Maxwell–Boltzmann (UIMB) distribution is introduced as a novel single-parameter model for data constrained within the unit interval ($0,1$), derived through an exponential transformation of the Inverse Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution. Designed to address the limitations of traditional unit-interval distributions, the UIMB model exhibits flexible density shapes and hazard rate behaviors, including right-skewed, left-skewed, unimodal, and bathtub-shaped patterns, making it suitable for applications in reliability engineering, environmental science, and health studies. This study derives the statistical properties of the UIMB distribution, including moments, quantiles, survival, and hazard functions, as well as stochastic ordering, entropy measures, and the moment-generating function, and evaluates its performance through simulation studies and real-data applications. Various estimation methods, including maximum likelihood, Anderson–Darling, maximum product spacing, least-squares, and Cramér–von Mises, are assessed, with maximum likelihood demonstrating superior accuracy. Simulation studies confirm the model’s robustness under normal and outlier-contaminated scenarios, with MLE showing resilience across varying skewness levels. Applications to manufacturing and environmental datasets reveal the UIMB distribution’s exceptional fit compared to competing models, as evidenced by lower information criteria and goodness-of-fit statistics. The UIMB distribution’s computational efficiency and adaptability position it as a robust tool for modeling complex unit-interval data, with potential for further extensions in diverse domains. Full article

Hydrogen-induced steel embrittlement imposes a technical difficulty in facilitating effective and safe hydrogen transportation via pipelines. This investigative study assesses the potency of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)–graphene-based composite coatings in the inhibition of hydrogen permeation. Spin coating was the method selected for this study, and varying graphene concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1wt% were selected and applied to 306 stainless steel substrates. A membrane permeation cell was used in the evaluation of hydrogen permeability, while the impact of graphene loading on coating performance was analyzed using the response surface methodology (RSM). The outcomes showed an inversely proportional relationship between the graphene concentration and hydrogen ingress. The permeation coefficient for pure PVDF was recorded as 16.74, which decreased to 14.23, 12.10, and 11.46 for 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 wt% PVDF-G, respectively, with the maximum reduction of 31.6% observed at 1.0 wt%. ANOVA established statistical significance, along with indications of strong projection dependability. However, the inhibition reduction stabilized with increasing graphene concentrations, likely caused by nanoparticle agglomeration. The results support the notion of PVDF–graphene’s potential as a suitable coating for the transformation of pipelines for hydrogen transport infrastructure. This research will aid in the establishment of suitable contemporary barrier coating materials, which will enable the safe utilization of hydrogen energy in the current energy transportation grid. Full article

The manufacture of Portland cement (PC) emits a significant amount of CO₂ into the atmosphere. Therefore, the partial replacement of PC by supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) possessing pozzolanic properties is considered a viable strategy to reduce its environmental impact. Recently, waste glass (WG) has been explored as a potential SCM. However, due to the wide variety of glass types and their differing physical and chemical properties, not all WG can be universally considered suitable for this purpose; therefore, this study investigates the use of recycled WG as an SCM for the partial replacement of PC. Two types of WG were evaluated: green waste glass from wide bottles (GWG) and laboratory waste glass (LWG), and their performance was compared to that of fly ash (FA). The physical, mechanical, and pozzolanic properties of the materials were assessed. Results show that both types of WG exhibit particle size distributions comparable to PC and have contents of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃ exceeding 70%. Chemical, mineralogical, and pozzolanic analyses revealed that both GWG and LWG presented higher pozzolanic activity than FA, particularly at later ages. Notably, LWG demonstrated the most significant contribution to mechanical strength development. These findings suggest that recycled waste glass, especially LWG, can serve as a viable and sustainable SCM, contributing to the reduction of the environmental footprint associated with Portland cement production. Full article