Search Results (169)

Lublin University of Technology has been offering computer science studies for over 25 years. From the beginning, computer graphics have played a crucial role in the studies program. The Lab3D international efforts aimed at cultural heritage 3D digitization allowed for enriching the regular introductory course of computer graphics with elements of digitized real-life heritage, without disturbing the regular didactic process, nor the scope of the course learning outcomes. Such an activity was aimed at increasing the students’ engagement in learning and fits into the contemporary trend of including real-life cases in the course of teaching. The article presents the curriculum (including the changes introduced) together with an extensive analysis of the effect of such changes on students’ achievements. In total, 3042 grades of 1522 students from the years 2018–2024 underwent statistical analysis in order to support answering placed hypotheses related to keeping the effects positive or neutral. Luckily, students’ achievements did not worsen, and in fact significantly improved. To the authors’ knowledge, such an analysis in relation to computer graphics courses has never been published before. Full article

The integrated design problem of non-fragile controllers and extended state observers (ESOs) for nonlinear unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) under mismatched disturbances is addressed in this paper. First, an integrated model combining the USV system and the rudder system is developed, which includes a second-order underdamped system and a Norrbin nonlinear model incorporating uncertainties. Due to the coupling issues in the design of controllers and observers caused by parameter perturbations or other unmodeled dynamics, an integrated design method, which enables the simultaneous computation of controller gains, observer gains, and disturbance compensation gains, is proposed, effectively addressing these issues. Ultimately, the performance of the designed strategy is verified through a simulation, with the data used in the simulation derived from the real Qingshan USV. Full article

In order to meet the learning demands and challenges of the 21st century, computational thinking (CT) skills are important to start developing in early childhood education. The best way to cultivate CT skills, such as algorithmic thinking, is by implementing multidisciplinary education, introducing state-of-the-art technological tools, and adopting engaging teaching strategies like robotics. Within this context, we introduce a play-based educational framework that is developmentally appropriate for second graders and aims to exercise pupils’ algorithmic thinking amid the Environmental Studies course. Keeping in mind that the early childhood period is crucial in developing environmentally friendly attitudes, intentions, and behaviours, we designed the proposed educational framework not only to cultivate pupils’ algorithmic thinking but environmental awareness too. The main technology exploited was the Bee-Bot, which stimulates children to learn how to solve problems efficiently and imaginatively through playful programming. This article reports a relevant case study conducted in October 2023 in Crete, Greece, adopting a robust ethical framework and being implemented under the umbrella of the qualitative research methodology. Studying the data obtained shows that the pupils embraced the proposed robotics activities, exercised their algorithmic thinking, and cultivated their environmental awareness in a playful, collaborative, and engaging learning environment. Full article

This paper focuses on the ship control system and studies the problem of unknown control directions. Considering that the traditional Nussbaum gain method has to consider the complex situation where the gain converges to both positive and negative infinity when proving the stability of a system, a unilateral Nussbaum function is defined in this paper. By constructing this function, the design and proof process of the adaptive Nussbaum gain method are simplified. Taking the ship course–keeping control system as the research object, a course angle tracking controller is designed by combining neural network, robust adaptive, and sliding mode control techniques. A dual-input RBF single-output neural network is used to approximate the uncertain part of the system, and the robust adaptive control is adopted to deal with the unknown disturbance. The simulation results at the end of the article show that when the direction suddenly switches, the overshoot of the system reaches 40%, and the adjustment time is approximately 3 s. However, the system can still adapt to the change of the control direction and maintain stability, indicating that the method proposed in this paper is reasonable and effective. And the proposed method can effectively cope with the problems of the unknown control direction and its jump, keeping the system stable, which has great theoretical and engineering application value. Full article

When students use an online eTextbook with content and interactive graded exercises, they often display aspects of two types of behavior: credit-seeking and knowledge-seeking. A student might behave to some degree in either or both ways with given content. In this work, we attempt to detect the degree to which either behavior takes place and investigate relationships with student performance. Our testbed is an eTextbook for teaching Formal Languages, an advanced Computer Science course. This eTextbook uses Programmed Instruction framesets (slideshows with frequent questions interspersed to keep students engaged) to deliver a significant portion of the material. We analyze session interactions to detect credit-seeking incidents in two ways. We start with an unsupervised machine learning model that clusters behavior in work sessions based on sequences of user interactions. Then, we perform a fine-grained analysis where we consider the type of each question presented within the frameset (these can be multi-choice, single-choice, or T/F questions). Our study involves 219 students, 224 framesets, and 15,521 work sessions across three semesters. We find that credit-seeking behavior is correlated with lower learning outcomes for students. We also find that the type of question is a key factor in whether students use credit-seeking behavior. The implications of our research suggest that educational software should be designed to minimize opportunities for credit-seeking behavior and promote genuine engagement with the material. Full article

To ensure the safe navigation of ships in rough seas while reducing steering gear energy consumption and losses, a steering control system with small rudder output angles, low steering frequency, and high control performance was designed. A third-order closed-loop gain-shaping algorithm was employed in the development of the controller, with the ultimate control strategy derived by embedding a nonlinear compound function between the proportional derivative (PD) controller and the second-order oscillation link to enhance control effectiveness. A nonlinear Nomoto model of the “Yupeng” ship was employed for simulation validation. The simulation results illustrated a 14.5% improvement in overall control performance achieved by the proposed controller compared to a nonlinear feedback controller. The controller’s robustness was additionally validated through the application of the Norrbin ship model. The proposed controller enhances the stability of ships in rough seas, effectively limiting the maximum rudder angle during turns and reducing the average rudder angle and steering frequency during navigation. This design aligns with practical requirements for maritime operations in heavy weather, contributing significantly to the economic, safe, and efficient navigation of ships. Full article

Background: Apple peel atresia (APA) is a rare and severe form of intestinal atresia, but little is known on long-term outcomes. We compared outcomes of apple-peel atresia based on different surgical approaches. Methods: a retrospective review from two institutions compared APA-resected and APA-preserved patients. Demographics, operative details, postoperative courses and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Results: Of the 16 APA neonates, 10 (62.5%) were in APA-resected and 6 (37.5%) in APA-preserved groups. Early postoperative complications occurred in 7 patients (43.75%) including vomiting, infection, intestinal occlusion, anastomotic dehiscence, multiorgan failure, equally distributed among groups. Length-of-stay is higher in the APA-preserved group (median 67 vs. 27 days, p = 0.14). Overall survival at discharge was 87.5%. Twelve children (75%) were followed for an average of 5 years. Reoperation was required in 4 children owing to anastomotic obstruction and adhesive intestinal obstruction, two in each group. Conclusion: to prevent intestinal failure, keeping the APA shows not inferior results compared to resection, even though it may have a longer first-postoperative course. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the new conceptualization of personality disorders (PD) in ICD-11 and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (DSM-5 AMPD), identity development in terms of impaired personality functioning plays a central role in diagnostic guidelines and determining PD severity. On the one hand, there is a temporary identity crisis while keeping an integrated sense of identity and, on the other hand, there is pathological identity diffusion, which is associated with a high risk of a current or emerging PD. The latter is characteristic not only of borderline PD but of all personality disorders and should be detected as early as possible to prevent chronic illness and critical life courses. Maternal psychopathology is linked to several areas of child psychopathology (e.g., eating disorders, depression). In the current study, its potential to predict a child’s impaired identity development is investigated. Methods: A total of 101 mothers were asked about their health status 2 weeks after the birth of their child and when their child was 6 weeks, 4 months, 14 months and 5.5 years of age. Specifically, physical and psychological symptoms were assessed with SCL-90-R. In addition, their children were assessed in young adulthood regarding their identity development with the AIDA (Assessment of Identity Development in Adolescence) questionnaire. Linear regression models were used to investigate the amount of explanation of children’s identity diffusion by maternal symptom burden. Results: Maternal psychopathology significantly predicted identity diffusion at all time points with small effect sizes, while after 14 months, the explanation model showed a medium effect size. Conclusions: The present data suggest a relevant influence of maternal psychopathological symptoms on their children’s identity development in terms of functioning that has not yet been empirically shown in a longitudinal study. This finding highlights the importance of including further factors (particularly on the part of the child) in longitudinal studies and of investigating this clinically highly relevant relationship in greater depth. Full article

This paper outlines the specific provisions of Italian legislation regarding workers’ exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from 0 Hz to 300 GHz compared to the minimum health and safety requirements set in European Directive 2013/35/EU. In particular, the path to be followed to assess and manage occupational exposure to EMFs is outlined in relation to the distinction between ‘professional’ and ‘non-professional’ exposure of workers, as well as to the precautionary limits regarding exposures from power lines (50 Hz) and broadcast and telecommunication fixed systems (100 kHz–300 GHz) established by Italian regulations. The reasons underlying such an approach—mainly relying on the intent to reconcile scientific evidence with risk perception in public opinion—are analysed and discussed with the aim of increasing the knowledge of national regulatory provisions on occupational risk assessment, which may be more stringent than the requirements envisaged by international guidelines and community regulations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Personalized and self-initiated dietary adjustments have been shown to alleviate mental and somatic complaints. Here, we investigated the potential role of gut microbiome alterations underlying these effects. Methods: For this purpose, participants (n = 185) underwent a four-week self-initiated dietary intervention and filled out weekly questionnaires on their dietary intake, somatic and mental symptoms, and physical activity. Results: Overall, the participants lost weight, had alleviated mental and somatic complaints, reduced their total caloric and percentual carbohydrate intake, and ate less processed, party-type, and traditional Dutch food items, but ate more Pescatarian type food items, while keeping their fiber intake unaltered. Baseline and endpoint gut microbiota analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed an overall increase in Gemmiger formicilis and reductions in Peptostreptococcaceae and Ruminococcus bromii over the four-week dietary intervention. While these bacterial alterations were considered to be beneficial for the host, they were not individually correlated with alterations in, or endpoint levels of, somatic and/or mental complaints. Instead, individual increases in Ruminococcus bicirculans (a well-known utilizer of plant cell wall polysaccharides) were strongly correlated with reductions in mental complaints, even though overall R. bicirculans remained unaltered over the course of the four-week self-initiated dierary intervention. Conclusions: Our results suggest that overall altered versus individually correlated microbiota abundances and their relations with host health characteristics over the course of a self-chosen dietary intervention may represent different levels of regulation, which remain to be further untangled. Full article

Anterior nasal septum abscess is not a rare clinical disease entity. In terms of the etiologies of the disease, bacteria are obviously more common than fungi. Fungal culture and pathological examination are essential for diagnosis of a fungal abscess of the anterior nasal septum and the basis of prescription of antifungal agents. We report a 57-year-old male patient who came to our outpatient clinic due to refractory nasal congestion for 3 weeks despite receiving treatments by a local medical doctor. Radical surgery with postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy for the right buccal cancer was carried out 14 years ago. The patient has diabetes mellitus and the blood sugar level has been well controlled by oral hypoglycemic agents over the past several years. Computed tomography revealed an abscess in the anterior septum along with rhinosinusitis. Incision and drainage of the nasal septum abscess and functional endoscopic sinus surgery were carried out. Fungal culture and pathological examination confirmed a fungal abscess in the anterior nasal septum and fungal ball rhinosinusitis. Antibiotics and an antifungal agent were given, and the postoperative course was uneventful. A dialectical argument was made regarding the causal relationship between the fungal abscess of the anterior nasal septum and maxillary fungal ball sinusitis. A literature review of the previous case reports was carried out to elucidate the immune status of patients of this disease. In order to reach a rapid establishment of a fungal abscess of the anterior nasal septum, clinicians should keep this disease in mind and remain vigilant. An immuno-compromised status is more commonly found in patients with fungal abscess of the anterior nasal septum and is another important characteristic of this disease. Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment are equally important in patients with lower immune status of this kind, and the latter is based on the former. Full article

Teachers play a critical role in supporting the early literacy development of students; however, keeping up with evidence-based practice while performing a busy teaching role can be challenging. Micro-credentials are one potential route for keeping teachers up to date with the best practices for literacy teaching due to their ability to provide targeted and flexible professional development opportunities. The current study used a mixed-methods design to evaluate two micro-credential courses being offered through the Better Start Literacy Approach. The Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) is an evidence-based, structured literacy approach, targeted at 5–7-year-old children in New Zealand. An online survey was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 263 teachers and literacy specialists regarding their experience of completing the BSLA micro-credential training. Overall, respondents reported positive experiences, describing how the micro-credential changed their teaching practice, built their knowledge of effective literacy instruction and led to measurable progress in students’ literacy skills. Several design features were highlighted as useful, including the ability to revisit videos and resources multiple times, the organization into modules and the ‘24/7’ nature of access. Findings from the current research demonstrate the importance of utilizing key course design decisions to ensure accessibility and the potential for the positive impact of micro-credentials in the education sector. Full article

Based on an adaptive neural control scheme, this paper investigates the consensus problem of random Markov jump multi-agent systems with full state constraints. Each agent is described by the fractional-order random nonlinear uncertain system driven by random differential equations, where the random noise is the second-order stationary stochastic process. First, in order to deal with the unknown functions with Markov jump parameters, a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) structure is introduced to achieve approximation. Second, for the purpose of keeping the agents’ states from violating the constraint boundary, the tan-type barrier Lyapunov function is employed. By using the stochastic stability theory and adopting the backstepping technique, a novel adaptive neural control design method is presented. Furthermore, to cope with the differential explosion problem in the design course, the extended state observer (ESO) is developed instead of neural network (NN) approximation or command filtering techniques. Finally, the exponentially noise-to-state stability in the mean square is analyzed rigorously by the Lyapunov method, which guarantees the consensus of the considered multi-agent systems and all the agents’ outputs are bounded in probability. Two simulation examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the suggested control strategy. Full article

This study aimed to identify the characteristics of atmospheric pollutants emitted by agricultural activities and to evaluate factors that may cause harm to human health. For the research, atmospheric pollutants were measured over the course of a year in representative rice farming and field crop farming areas in South Korea. The results confirmed that the characteristics of atmospheric pollutants in agricultural areas are influenced by the nature of agricultural activities. Specifically, when comparing rice paddies and field crop areas, during summer, the correlation between oxidative potential and levoglucosan—a marker for biomass burning—weakens due to less burning activity in the rice-growing season, leading to lower oxidative potential despite different PM_2.5 across areas. The study also finds that methyl sulfonic acid, indicating marine influence, plays a big role in keeping oxidative potential low in summer. This suggests that the main causes of PM_2.5-related health risks in the area are from biomass burning and external sources, with burning being a significant factor in increasing oxidative potential. Based on these results, it is hoped that measures can be taken in the future to reduce atmospheric pollutants in agricultural areas. Full article

This study explores the extent to which Palenquero/Spanish bilinguals, a population that is said to have a residual high tone of African origin, keep their two languages temporally and intonationally distinct across statements. While creole languages that emerged from the contact of African and European languages, such as Palenquero, may develop hybrid prosodic systems with tones from substrate languages, and stress from the majority language, language-specific prosody might be expected to converge or simplify over the course of time. As prosodic convergence seems to be inescapable under Palenquero’s circumstances, which factors could support language-specific prosody in this population, if there are any? Two-hundred and thirty-four five-syllable statements were elicited through a discourse completion task, with the participation of ten Palenquero/Spanish bilinguals, in two unilingual sessions. Both phrase-final lengthening and F0 contours were assessed using linear mixed-effects models testing their association with final stress, language, and generation. F0 contours were dimensionally reduced using functional principal component analysis. Despite the strong similarities between the two languages, results indicate that both groups keep their two languages intonationally distinct using plateau-shaped contours in Palenquero initial rises followed by steeper declinations in Spanish. However, elderly bilinguals implement penultimate lengthening language-specifically, being more pronounced in Palenquero. Adults, in contrast, do not show this distinction. In addition to this, elderly speakers show hyperarticulation in Spanish intonation, increasing the difference between their languages. This leads us to believe that adults exhibit a more simplified prosodic system between their languages, relative to elderly bilinguals. In spite of such differences, both generations seem to have the same underlying process (perhaps a substrate effect) driving plateau-shaped intonation in Palenquero, which enhances language differentiation. Full article