Search Results (511)

This research aims to understand the evolving role of academic libraries, focusing on student perceptions of current services and their vision for the future. Data was collected using a survey at a midwestern research university in the United States. The survey contained both quantitative and qualitative questions. The objective of the survey was to understand the current utilization of library services and students’ future visions for academic libraries. Qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques were utilized as part of the study. Thematic analysis was employed as part of the qualitative analysis, while descriptive and inferential analysis techniques were utilized in the quantitative analysis. The findings reveal that many students use libraries for traditional functions such as studying and accessing resources. There is also an inclination toward digitalization due to convenience, accessibility, and environmental sustainability; however, print materials remain relevant as well. Another finding was a lack of awareness among some students regarding available library services, indicating a need for better marketing and communication strategies. Students envision future libraries as technology-driven spaces integrating artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and innovative collaborative environments. Ethical considerations surrounding AI, including privacy, bias, and transparency, are crucial factors that must be addressed. Some of the actionable recommendations include integrating ethical AI, implementing digital literacy initiatives, conducting ongoing usability and user experience (UX) research within the library, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance library services and student learning. Full article

Differential privacy is a robust framework for private data analysis and query processing, which achieves privacy preservation by introducing controlled noise to query results in a centralized setting. The sensitivity of a query, defined as the maximum change in query output resulting from the addition or removal of a single data record, directly influences the magnitude of noise to be introduced. Computing sensitivity for simple queries, such as count queries, is straightforward, but it becomes significantly more challenging for complex queries involving join operations. In such cases, the global sensitivity can be unbounded, which substantially impacts the accuracy of query results. While existing measures like elastic sensitivity and residual sensitivity provide upper bounds on local sensitivity to reduce noise, they often struggle with either low utility or high computational overhead when applied to complex join queries. In this paper, we propose two novel sensitivity estimation methods based on sampling and sketching techniques, which provide competitive utility while achieving higher efficiency compared to existing state-of-the-art approaches. Experiments on real-world and benchmark datasets confirm that both methods enable efficient differentially private joins, significantly enhancing the usability of online interactive query systems. Full article

The presence of persistent contaminants in soils is of growing concern around the world. Contaminated soils can affect numerous ecological environments and lead to significant health risks to humans, affecting soil biodiversity, structure and geomechanical behaviour and agricultural sustainability. Additionally, soil contaminants can also leach into water flows, which is another concern. In general, soil contamination can be attributed to natural sources or to anthropogenic sources associated with human activity. Soil contaminants are usually classified in the following categories: biological, radioactive, organic and inorganic contaminants. State of the art information regarding some of the most common persistent soil contaminants, including possible sources and prevalence, and monitoring approaches and information about their effects on soil characteristics, including usability, as well as information on possible mobility to other environmental media is presented in this review paper. Finally, a comprehensive overview of remediation strategies which are being developed, including the more traditional ones as well as novel strategies that have been proposed lately by the scientific community, is provided. This includes physicochemical and biological technologies, as well as mixed remediation technologies aimed at enhancing remediation efficiency. Full article

The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) presents a growing demand for efficient, real-time battery monitoring systems. Many existing Battery Management Systems (BMS) with built-in Controller Area Network (CAN) communication are often expensive or lack user-friendly interfaces for displaying data. Moreover, integrating such BMS units with standard Human–Machine Interface (HMI) displays remains a challenge in cost-sensitive applications. This article presents the design and development of an interface for integrating the BMS of electric vehicles with the ATD3.5-S3 display using the CANopen protocol. The system enables the real-time visualization of essential battery parameters, including voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SOC) percentage. The proposed system utilizes a JK BMS, an ESP32 microcontroller, and a TJA1051 CAN transceiver to convert UART data into CAN Open messages. The design emphasizes affordability, modular communication, and usability in EV applications. Testing under various load conditions confirms the system’s stability, reliability, and suitability for practical use in electric vehicles. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable and renewable energy solutions has made radio frequency energy harvesting (RFEH) a promising technique for powering low-power electronic devices. RFEH captures ambient RF signals from wireless communication systems, such as mobile networks, Wi-Fi, and broadcasting stations, and converts them into usable electrical energy. This approach offers a viable alternative for battery-dependent and hard-to-recharge applications, including streetlights, outdoor night/security lighting, wireless sensor networks, and biomedical body sensor networks. This article provides a comprehensive review of the RFEH techniques, including state-of-the-art rectenna designs, energy conversion efficiency improvements, and multi-band harvesting systems. We present a detailed analysis of recent advancements in RFEH circuits, impedance matching techniques, and integration with emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and wireless power transfer (WPT). Additionally, this review identifies existing challenges, including low conversion efficiency, unpredictable energy availability, and design limitations for small-scale and embedded systems. A critical assessment of current research gaps is provided, highlighting areas where further development is required to enhance performance and scalability. Finally, constructive recommendations for future opportunities in RFEH are discussed, focusing on advanced materials, AI-driven adaptive harvesting systems, hybrid energy-harvesting techniques, and novel antenna–rectifier architectures. The insights from this study will serve as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers working towards the realization of self-sustaining, battery-free electronic systems. Full article

10X Xenium is an in situ spatial transcriptomics platform that enables single-cell and subcellular-level gene expression analysis. In Xenium data analysis, defining matched keypoints to align H&E and spatial transcriptomic images is critical for cross-referencing sequencing and histology. Currently, it is labor-intensive for domain experts to manually place keypoints to perform image registration in the Xenium Explorer software. We present Xenium-Align, a keypoint identification method that automatically generates keypoint files for image registration in Xenium Explorer. We validated our proposed method on 14 human kidney samples and one human skin Xenium sample representing healthy and diseased states, with expert manually marked results. These results show that Xenium-Align could generate accurate keypoints for automatically implementing image alignment in the Xenium Explorer software for spatial transcriptomics studies. Our future research aims to optimize the method’s runtime efficiency and usability for image alignment applications. Full article

The authors have designed a gyro-system for orientation (guidance) and stabilization, with two gimbals and a rotor in magnetic suspension (AMB—Active Magnetic Bearing) usable for self-guided rockets. The gyro-system (DGMSGG—double gimbal magnetic suspension gyro-system for guidance) orients and stabilizes the target coordinator’s axis (CT) and, at the same time, the AMB–rotor’s axis so that they overlap the guidance line (the target line). DGMSGG consists of two decoupled systems: one for canceling the AMB–rotor translations along the precession axes (induced by external disturbing forces), the other for canceling the AMB–rotor rotations relative to the CT-axis (induced by external disturbing moments) and, at the same time, for controlling the gimbals’ rotations, so that the AMB–rotor’s axis overlaps the guidance line. The nonlinear DGMSGG model is decomposed into two sub-models: one for the AMB–rotor’s translation, the other for the AMB–rotor’s and gimbals’ rotation. The second sub-model is described first by nonlinear state equations. This model is reduced to a second order nonlinear matrix—vector form with respect to the output vector. The output vector consists of the rotation angles of the AMB–rotor and the rotation angles of the gimbals. For this purpose, a differential geometry method, based on the use of the output vector’s gradient with respect to the nonlinear state functions, i.e., based on Lie derivatives, is used. This equation highlights the relative degree (equal to 2) with respect to the variables of the output vector and allows for the use of the dynamic inversion method in the design of stabilization and guidance controllers (of P.I.D.- and PD-types), as well as in the design of the related linear state observers. The controller of the subsystem intended for AMB–rotor’s translations control is chosen as P.I.D.-type, which leads to the cancellation of both its translations and its translation speeds. The theoretical results are validated through numerical simulations, using Simulink/Matlab models. Full article

Background: Food and nutrition security are key social determinants of cardiometabolic health. While food security reflects access to sufficient food, nutrition security incorporates the quality, consistency, and usability of food that supports long-term health. However, few studies have examined how household-level barriers to food utilization shape these relationships. Objective: This study assessed whether tangible (e.g., equipment, storage) and intangible (e.g., time, knowledge) food utilization barriers modify the associations between food and nutrition security and cardiometabolic outcomes in low-income adults. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 486 low-income adults across five U.S. states. Participants reported household food security (USDA 18-item module), nutrition security (four-item scale), and utilization barriers (eight-item scale, categorized into tangible and intangible subscales). Self-reported diagnoses of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes were combined into a cardiometabolic outcome. Mixed-effects logistic regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic and program participation factors, were used to assess associations and effect modification. Results: Higher nutrition security was associated with lower odds of cardiometabolic conditions (AOR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.41–0.83). Tangible barriers significantly modified the relationship between nutrition security and hypertension (p-interaction = 0.04), with stronger protective effects observed in households without such barriers. No significant moderation effects were found for intangible barriers or for food security. Conclusions: Tangible household barriers influence the protective association between nutrition security and cardiometabolic outcomes. Public health strategies should address not only food access but also the practical resources required to store, prepare, and consume healthy foods effectively. Full article

Efforts to counteract climate change-induced challenges and increase agricultural productivity are growing across Africa. The Southern African region has observed a continuous myriad of weather extremes and hazard occurrences, impacting agrifood systems. The decline in agrifood systems results in food insecurities. The adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies is key to building climate-resilient agricultural systems. CSA adoption is limited by several factors, including a lack of institutional support, deficiencies in policy integration, and insufficient numbers of agricultural advisors. This study was conducted in semi-arid areas in the Free State and Limpopo provinces, South Africa. This manuscript presents the upscaling of CSA towards the enhancement of sustainable agrifood systems. The respondents included of 196 smallholder farmers and 125 agricultural advisors who participated in CSA training. CSA practices include agroecological cropping systems and micro-catchments. Technology transfer requires qualitative and quantitative approaches for adoption efficacy. The CSA Acceptance Model has missing factors that were modified, including usability, profitability, sustainability, and the perceived cost of acceptance. The participatory living laboratory approach was key to using demonstration trials, on-farm training, and training of intermediaries. Through the effectiveness of technology transfer and reciprocal systems, smallholder farmers can transition to commercial levels and contribute to sustainable agrifood systems. Full article

Smart contracts are self-executing programs that facilitate trustless transactions between multiple parties, most commonly deployed on the Ethereum blockchain. They have become integral to decentralized applications in areas such as voting, digital agreements, and financial systems. However, the immutable and transparent nature of smart contracts makes security vulnerabilities especially critical, as deployed contracts cannot be modified. Security flaws have led to substantial financial losses, underscoring the need for robust verification before deployment. This survey presents a comprehensive review of the state of the art in smart contract security verification, with a focus on Ethereum. We analyze a wide range of verification methods, including static and dynamic analysis, formal verification, and machine learning, and evaluate 62 open-source tools across their detection accuracy, efficiency, and usability. In addition, we highlight emerging trends, challenges, and the need for cross-methodological integration and benchmarking. Our findings aim to guide researchers, developers, and security auditors in selecting and advancing effective verification approaches for building secure and reliable smart contracts. Full article

Ships are designed to withstand various types of hull structure damage, including corrosion, fatigue, damage, crack, fouling, etc., throughout their projected life cycle of 25 years. In this study, we used a database of 25 different bulk carriers aged from five to twenty-five years, consisting of a total of 1920 thickness measurements of girder plate damage across 110 fuel tanks. Thickness measurements of longitudinal girder plate were conducted by certified technicians and approved company. Ultrasound thickness gauging equipment was used to collect data in accordance with the developed methodology and gauging scheme. Based on the classification societies’ rules, the values of the reduction in steel plate thickness due to corrosion over time fall into three categories: acceptable corrosion, substantial corrosion, and extensive corrosion. While classification societies prescribe permissible thickness reductions between 15 and 30%, in this study, the authors considered the excessive corrosion values to be above 20% reduction in initial thickness. Measurements indicating more than 20% reduction were classified as failures, necessitating the replacement of the corroded surfaces. After applying the multistate approach to the reliability analysis of longitudinal girder plates and improving reliability after reaching the critical state, the results show that usability dropped significantly between ten and fifteen years of service for upper girder plating and between twenty and twenty-five years of service for lower girder plates. These findings highlight the crucial impact of gauging location on reliability analysis. Full article

Background: The literature reports few instances of spontaneous bowel eviscerations through umbilical hernia sites. Spontaneous rupture of the hernia sac is a less common complication, primarily associated with persistent ascites or congenital wall defects. Materials and methods: A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed database—the United States National Library of Medicine, with the search terms “spontaneous bowel evisceration” and “umbilical hernia evisceration”. However, several results were deemed unsuitable for this manuscript. From a total of 185 cases, this review was narrowed down to 9 usable reports. Non-English language cases, duplicates, and cases unrelated to the pathology, including pediatrics, malformations, herniation through other organs, and animal cases, were excluded. Conclusions: Spontaneous evisceration in a hernia is an uncommon yet serious condition. A major risk factor appears to be underlying liver disease with its complications, such as ascites, chronic malnutrition with hypoalbuminemia, and collateral circulation formation. These factors contribute to the susceptibility of the sac and the hernia wall to rupture. However, the limited number of reported cases precludes the establishment of a preferred treatment approach. In the acute phase, the use of prosthetics may be less advisable, but in an elective setting, the cirrhotic patient could be offered repair. Full article

While Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) offer environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions during use, their range remains limited compared to conventionally fuelled vehicles. This paper focuses on identifying factors that directly influence BEV range and explores strategies to mitigate range anxiety among potential users. Specifically, it reviews the impact of battery cell characteristics and vehicle lightweighting. Using the WLTP Class 3B drive cycle, energy consumption and Depth of Discharge (DoD) were evaluated across various battery capacities. Multiple Lithium-Ion battery models were simulated to analyse discharge behaviour, while vehicle mass composition was examined to assess the effectiveness of lightweighting in extending driving range. A lower initial State of Charge (SoC) and a standard discharge rate were used to estimate the remaining range, highlighting an approximate gain of up to 6 km at lower DoD levels. This work aims to accurately demonstrate how battery technology and structural weight impact energy consumption and usable range in BEVs. Current modelling approaches often overlook the relationship between driver discomfort and battery performance metrics. The main contribution is to address the gap by integrating Li-ion discharge modelling with vehicle dynamics to estimate range and compare cell characteristics. The ultimate goal is to support cost-effective strategies for increasing BEV usability, aligning them more closely with conventional vehicle expectations and enhancing journey flexibility. Full article

This paper presents a cloud-based system that builds upon the FIT4NER framework to support medical experts in training machine learning models for named entity recognition (NER) using Microsoft Azure. The system is designed to simplify complex cloud configurations while providing an intuitive interface for managing and converting large-scale training and evaluation datasets across formats such as PDF, DOCX, TXT, BioC, spaCyJSON, and CoNLL-2003. It also enables the configuration of transformer-based spaCy pipelines and orchestrates Azure cloud services for scalable and efficient NER model training. Following the structured Nunamaker research methodology, the paper introduces the research context, surveys the state of the art, and highlights key challenges faced by medical professionals in cloud-based NER. It then details the modeling, implementation, and integration of the system. Evaluation results—both qualitative and quantitative—demonstrate enhanced usability, scalability, and accessibility for non-technical users in medical domains. The paper concludes with insights gained and outlines directions for future work. Full article

The effects of produced wood particles from three wood species—alder, birch, and larch—added in various amounts in the particle mixture consisting of spruce particles and three tested wood species in a particleboard core layer on selected physical and mechanical properties of particleboard were studied. In a laboratory, 16 mm thick three-layer urea–formaldehyde (UF)-bonded particleboards were produced at 5.23 MPa, 240 °C, and with a 10 s/mm pressing factor. Two particleboard surface layers consisted of fine spruce particles. In the particleboard core layer, spruce particles were combined with particles from alder, birch, and larch. The tested particleboards containing alder, birch, and larch were characterized by approximately identical thickness swelling and they met the requirements of the conventional values stated by major particleboard manufacturers of 8–10%. The tested particleboard in all variations met the minimum strength value P2 particleboard in three-point bending, which is conventionally set at 11.0 MPa. The tested particleboard also exceeded the required values of modulus of elasticity in bending and internal bond strength. Analysis of the relationships demonstrated by the density profile confirmed that all three investigated wood species are usable in a mixture of core particles of high-quality particleboard in the recommended amounts (10, 15, 20%). Full article