Acetylcholine-activated receptors are divided broadly into two major structurally distinct classes: ligand-gated ion channel nicotinic and G-protein-coupled muscarinic receptors. Each class encompasses several structurally related receptor subtypes with distinct patterns of tissue expression and post-receptor signal transduction mechanisms. The activation of both nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors has been associated with the induction and progression of gastrointestinal neoplasia. Herein, after briefly reviewing the classification of acetylcholine-activated receptors and the role that nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic signaling plays in normal digestive function, we consider the mechanics of acetylcholine synthesis and release by neuronal and non-neuronal cells in the gastrointestinal microenvironment, and current methodology and challenges in measuring serum and tissue acetylcholine levels accurately. Then, we critically evaluate the evidence that constitutive and ligand-induced activation of acetylcholine-activated receptors plays a role in promoting gastrointestinal neoplasia. We focus primarily on adenocarcinomas of the stomach, pancreas, and colon, because these cancers are particularly common worldwide and, when diagnosed at an advanced stage, are associated with very high rates of morbidity and mortality. Throughout this comprehensive review, we concentrate on identifying novel ways to leverage these observations for prognostic and therapeutic purposes. Full article

The Rif Cordillera, an Alpine orogen in the Western Mediterranean, was developed by the interaction of Eurasian and African (Nubia) plates. Neotectonic deformations of the Rif foreland influence the relief, especially in post-nappe basins and their boundaries with Jurassic and Cretaceous carbonate mountain massifs, and they contribute to highlighting the recent evolution of the Cordillera. The topographic and hydrological lineaments of these basins were characterised on the basis of multi-scale morphostructural data analysis, supported by digital mapping and GIS. They were correlated with geological structures, essentially with fractures. The outcrops of the Upper Tortonian and Messinian deposits depict well-defined geometric shapes with roughly rectilinear boundaries, as defined by their contacts with the massive and rigid rocks of the Jurassic and Cretaceous series. Upper Tortonian deposits evidence major regional N70°E and N40°E lineaments, which are obliquely intersected by late structures. Messinian N120°E and N25°E lineaments, associated with N140°E lineaments, are also recognised. The interpretation of these lineaments as faults indicates the activity of two systems of transtensive sinistral and then dextral brittle shearing that correspond to two episodes of neotectonic deformation that played a decisive role in shaping the reliefs of the Eastern Rif. These deformations are particularly relevant to isolate basins and likely have a key role during the closure of the South Rifian corridor during the Mediterranean Messinian Salinity crisis. Full article

While a large proportion of the population in Papua New Guinea (PNG) maintain a subsistence lifestyle, exposure to modernisation and industrialisation since European contact has influenced a transition towards Western diets. This review aimed to scope and summarise the published research on dietary intake among Pacific Islander adults in PNG. Four electronic databases and grey literature were searched. Two reviewers completed the screening and data extraction. Fourteen studies were included from the Highlands (n = 7), Southern (n = 5), Momase (n = 1) and both the Highlands/Southern region (n = 1). No studies were from the Islands region. The majority of the studies were published prior to the year 2000 (n = 9). Geographical region and degree of urbanisation had an impact on dietary intake. Urban areas reported higher intakes of energy, protein and fat compared to rural areas. In the Southern region, a variety of foods, including sago, taro, kaukau, cooked banana, coconut and cassava contributed to energy intake, while kaukau was the main energy and protein source in the Highlands. The main foods contributing to protein in the Southern region were fresh fish, land animals and purchased animals. This review highlights an evidence gap regarding dietary intake research. Within the context of international initiatives, there is an urgent call for research aimed at understanding the social and cultural contextualisation of dietary behaviours in PNG. Full article

The use of natural zeolite clinoptilolite in preparing photocatalysts and its function in photocatalysis are discussed in this review. The importance of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and the potential of heterogeneous photocatalysis in removing environmental pollutants are emphasized. The review focuses on the synergistic effects of clinoptilolite with semiconductors (TiO₂, ZnO, CuO, SnO₂, and NiO) to prepare stable and active photocatalysts, highlighting recent advancements in this field. It explores clinoptilolite’s structural characteristics, highlighting its microporous nature, adaptable framework, and improved textural properties due to acid and alkali treatments. Particle size, crystal phase, and calcination temperature are three key synthesis parameters that affect photocatalytic activity and are highlighted in the discussion of these parameters and their methods. A discussion is held regarding the processes and mechanisms of photocatalytic degradation of different organic compounds under varying irradiation conditions, including UV, visible, and ambient sunlight. Clinoptilolite is vital in improving supported semiconductor oxides’ photocatalytic efficiencies, which aid in pollutant degradation and environmental remediation. Full article

The effect of shear on heat-induced changes in milk protein concentrate suspensions was examined at different pH levels, revealing novel insights into micellar dissociation and protein aggregation dynamics. Milk protein concentrate suspensions, adjusted to pH of 6.1, 6.4, 6.8, or 7.5, underwent combined heat (90 °C for 5 min or 121 °C for 2.6 min) and shear (0, 100, or 1000 s⁻¹) treatment. The fragmentation of protein aggregates induced by shear was evident in the control MPC suspensions at pH 6.8, irrespective of the temperature. At pH 7.5, shear increased the heat-induced micellar dissociation. This effect was particularly pronounced at 121 °C and 1000 s⁻¹, resulting in reduced particle size and an elevated concentration of κ-casein (κ-CN) in the non-sedimentable phase. At pH 6.1 or 6.4, shear effects were dependent on sample pH, thereby modifying electrostatic interactions and the extent of whey protein association with the micelles. At pH 6.1, shear promoted heat-induced aggregation, evidenced by an increase in particle size and a significant decline in both whey proteins and caseins in the non-sedimentable phase. At pH 6.4, shear-induced fragmentation of aggregates was observed, prominently due to comparatively higher electrostatic repulsions and fewer protein interactions. The influence of shear on heat-induced changes was considerably impacted by initial pH. Full article

This study assesses the influence of extra-short extra-fine steel fibers on the performance of self-compacting concrete (SCC) modified with fly ash. Replacing standard steel fibers with volume fractions ranging from 0%, 1.5%, 3%, 5% and 6%, the study optimizes the mix design for enhanced workability and mechanical properties. The findings reveal that, although the addition of steel fibers had a negative effect on the flowability, the cohesion is significantly improved, providing a basis for a significant improvement in the mechanical properties. The optimal fiber content is identified at 5%, achieving the highest compressive strength of 71.7 MPa, split tensile strength of 8.2 MPa, and flexural strength of 12.8 MPa at 28 d. However, further increases in fiber content beyond 5% lead to a deceleration in compressive and splitting tensile strength improvement and a 27.5% drop in flexural strength at 28 d. The study also emphasizes the good dispersion within the concrete, which helps to enhance its ductility and crack resistance, to some extent. Full article

Cassava is a staple food mainly produced with low management inputs, causing soil depletion and low yields. The use of organic inputs, such as humic substances (HSs), represents a sustainable alternative to increase cassava growth and production, mainly in semi-arid regions such as the Brazilian Northeast. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the foliar application of a biostimulant based on humic substances on the morphophysiology, production, and mineral nutrient contents of cassava. The biofortified cultivar BRS Dourada was grown under field conditions and foliar application of a biostimulant based on humic substances (BHSs, treated plants) or water (untreated, control). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four repetitions. At 225 days after planting, the growth, productivity, and mineral nutrient contents of soil, roots, and leaves were determined. No differences between treated and untreated plants were found for growth and productivity (average 15.2 t ha⁻¹). On the other hand, BHS treatment reduced net carbon assimilation, water use efficiency, and carboxylation efficiency by 34%, 24%, and 47%, respectively. Moreover, BHS treatment reduced nutrient uptake from soil, and Na and K contents in roots and leaves, respectively. A foliar BHS application is not recommended for cassava production in the conditions evaluated here. Full article

In line with the “beautiful-is-good” heuristic, numerous studies show that physically attractive individuals are perceived in a more positive light. However, building on previous findings suggesting that the “beauty–good” relationship is bidirectional, the present research investigates how information on a stigmatized attribute impacts attractiveness perceptions and social judgments. Within a controlled experimental design, we present evidence that the mere label of mental illness (i.e., schizophrenia) decreased the positivity of personality evaluations and perceived attractiveness of a male target that had previously been validated to be highly attractive. Consistent with the “good-is-beautiful” heuristic, a mental illness label led to decreased perceptions of attractiveness, which was mediated by the inference of less positive personality characteristics. This finding lends further support for the bidirectional nature of the “beauty–good” relationship and provides a valuable avenue for future research on the multifaceted ways in which the stigma of mental illness affects social perceptions. Full article

Test coverage is a critical aspect of the software development process, aiming for overall confidence in the product. When considering cloud-native systems, testing becomes complex, as it becomes necessary to deal with multiple distributed microservices that are developed by different teams and may change quite rapidly. In such a dynamic environment, it is important to track test coverage. This is especially relevant for end-to-end (E2E) and API testing, as these might be developed by teams distinct from microservice developers. Moreover, indirection exists in E2E, where the testers may see the user interface but not know how comprehensive the test suits are. To ensure confidence in health checks in the system, mechanisms and instruments are needed to indicate the test coverage level. Unfortunately, there is a lack of such mechanisms for cloud-native systems. This manuscript introduces test coverage metrics for evaluating the extent of E2E and API test suite coverage for microservice endpoints. It elaborates on automating the calculation of these metrics with access to microservice codebases and system testing traces, delves into the process, and offers feedback with a visual perspective, emphasizing test coverage across microservices. To demonstrate the viability of the proposed approach, we implement a proof-of-concept tool and perform a case study on a well-established system benchmark assessing existing E2E and API test suites with regard to test coverage using the proposed endpoint metrics. The results of endpoint coverage reflect the diverse perspectives of both testing approaches. API testing achieved 91.98% coverage in the benchmark, whereas E2E testing achieved 45.42%. Combining both coverage results yielded a slight increase to approximately 92.36%, attributed to a few endpoints tested exclusively through one testing approach, not covered by the other. Full article

Using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer we measured the concentration of selenium and arsenic in serum and blood samples from 336 unselected psoriatic patients and 336 matched healthy controls to evaluate any associations with the clinical course of the disease. We genotyped 336 patients and 903 matched controls to evaluate the prevalence of SOD2 (rs4880), CAT (rs1001179), GPX1 (rs1050450), and DMGDH (rs921943) polymorphisms using Taqman assays. The mean selenium (Se) level in serum was 74 µg/L in patients and 86 µg/L in controls (p < 0.001). The mean Se level in blood was 95 µg/L in patients and 111 µg/L in controls (p < 0.001). Psoriasis risk was greatest among participants with the lowest serum (<68.75 µg/L, OR: 8.30; p < 0.001) and lowest blood concentrations of Se (<88.04 µg/L, OR: 10.3; p < 0.001). Similar results were observed in subgroups of males and females. We found an inverse correlation of selenium levels with PASI, NAPSI, and BSA scores. There was no significant difference in the distribution of the CAT, GPX1, DMGDH, and SOD2 polymorphisms. Among carriers of rs4880, rs1001179, and rs921943 polymorphisms, blood selenium levels were significantly lower. The mean arsenic level in serum was 0.79 µg/L in patients and 0.7 µg/L in controls (p = 0.2). The mean concentration in blood was 1.1 µg/L in patients and 1.3 µg/L in controls (p < 0.001). In conclusion, we found that lower selenium levels, in blood and serum, are associated with psoriasis risk and its more severe course. Future prospective studies should focus on the optimalisation of the concentration of this trace element not only for prophylactic guidance but also to support the treatment of this disease. Full article

Biofunctionalized hydrogels are widely used in tissue engineering for bone repair. This study examines the bone regenerative effect of the blood-derived growth factor preparation of Hypoxia Preconditioned Serum (HPS) and its fibrin-hydrogel formulation (HPS-F) on drilled defects in embryonic day 19 chick femurs. Measurements of bone-related growth factors in HPS reveal significant elevations of Osteopontin, Osteoprotegerin, and soluble-RANKL compared with normal serum (NS) but no detection of BMP-2/7 or Osteocalcin. Growth factor releases from HPS-F are measurable for at least 7 days. Culturing drilled femurs organotypically on a liquid/gas interface with HPS media supplementation for 10 days demonstrates a 34.6% increase in bone volume and a 52.02% increase in bone mineral density (BMD) within the defect area, which are significantly higher than NS and a basal-media-control, as determined by microcomputed tomography. HPS-F-injected femur defects implanted on a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) for 7 days exhibit an increase in bone mass of 123.5% and an increase in BMD of 215.2%, which are significantly higher than normal-serum-fibrin (NS-F) and no treatment. Histology reveals calcification, proteoglycan, and collagen fiber deposition in the defect area of HPS-F-treated femurs. Therefore, HPS-F may offer a promising and accessible therapeutic approach to accelerating bone regeneration by a single injection into the bone defect site. Full article

Osteoporosis is often detected late and becomes severe because of a lack of subjective symptoms. Digital panoramic radiography (DPR) has been reported to be useful for osteoporosis screening based on the morphological classification of the mandibular inferior cortex. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the mandibular cortical index (MCI) in the diagnosis of osteoporosis in a group of patients who were and were not using antiosteoporosis medication (AOM). Three hundred and fifty female patients aged 40 years or older who had DPR imaging performed during a 6-year period from December 2015 to February 2022 met the selection criteria. Two examiners recorded mandibular cortical width and MCI from the images. These results were statistically examined together with the patients’ demographic data. Forty-nine patients were using AOM (13 nonbisphosphonate/denosumab and 36 bisphosphonate/denosumab). MCI type 3 was the most common in the AOM group. In the MCI classification, DPR imaging among the AOM group was more sensitive (0.95) than that of the control group. This method of estimating osteoporosis based on MCI classification using DPR images has high sensitivity, especially in patients using AOM, suggesting that this method is useful as a screening test. Full article

Selenium, a trace element of significant importance for human health and the environment, can be introduced into the environment through coal combustion. Accurate determination of selenium in coal and coal-bearing strata is essential for implementing effective management strategies and control measures to minimize potential risks to human health and the environment. This study introduces an improved approach for the determination of ⁷⁷Se in the medium resolution mode using HR-ICP-MS, effectively separating interference from doubly charged ions and enabling precise determination of selenium in coal-bearing strata. The relative errors of the standard reference samples obtained by HR-ICP-MS are between 0.65% and 6.33%, comparing to that of ICP-CCT-MS (1.58%–17.27%), prove the reliability of this method. Additionally, the X (bar)—S control charts obtained from HR-ICP-MS compared to ICP-CCT-MS demonstrate the superior stability of HR-ICP-MS in continuous determination. Consequently, though ICP-CCT-MS has better instrumental stability reflected through the internal standard recovery (ICP-CCT-MS:104.81%; HR-ICP-MS:80.54%), HR-ICP-MS is recommended as the preferred method for selenium determination in coal-bearing strata because of its high accuracy and good stability. Full article

Seismic reflection data and implicitly sonic velocity are undoubtedly the most important source of information for large-scale subsurface characterization. Yet, deriving reservoir and fluid flow properties from acoustic data is still challenging in carbonates, which display large acoustic velocity variations that contest many of the conventional assumptions regarding wave propagation in porous media. In this comprehensive study on 370 carbonate samples (247 limestones and 123 dolomites), we re-evaluate the impact of mineral velocity on bulk rock acoustic properties of dolomite and limestone by assessing the link between sonic velocity and the rock’s pore geometry. We quantify pore size and pore network complexity using parameters from both digital image analysis (DIA) and the extended Biot theory (EBT). We then compare DIA and EBT parameters to assess the impact of pore network geometry versus mineral velocity on the acoustic velocity of carbonate rocks. We explore the usefulness of EBT parameter γ_k in improving permeability estimates. Published values of velocity indicate that dolomites exhibit higher velocities than limestones at any given porosity. Our laboratory measurements of acoustic velocity, however, reveal that both dolomites and limestones show extreme variations in sonic velocities where samples with compressional velocity of ~5000 m/s may range in porosity from 5% to 25% and samples with porosity of ~20% may range in velocity from ~4000 m/s to 5700 m/s. Through the quantitative assessment of the pore network in our samples we document that pore network geometry has much more impact on the acoustic velocity of carbonates than variations in mineralogy, in this case dolomite and calcite. Most of the dolostone samples studied are dominated by small pores, resulting in relatively low velocities for their given porosity, while limestones with similar velocity–porosity values often possess simpler pore networks with larger pores. This pore size difference offsets the faster velocity of dolomite. The extended Biot theory parameter γ_k, captures this variation in pore size and internal geometry and exhibits a strong correlation to specific surface. Moreover, γ_k captures the impact of internal pore geometry on acoustic velocity, providing the basis for challenging existing assumptions regarding the importance of mineral velocity. By quantifying internal geometry, γ_k can improve permeability estimates in reservoir characterization and enhance evaluations of producibility and injectability. With that, it has direct implications on general geophysics, hydrocarbon exploration, and CCS initiatives. Full article

The performance consistency of an RF MEMS switch matrix is a crucial metric that directly impacts its operational lifespan. An improved crossbar-based RF MEMS switch matrix topology, SR-Crossbar, was investigated in this article. An optimized port configuration scheme was proposed for the RF MEMS switch matrix. Both the utilization probability of individual switch nodes and the path lengths in the switch matrix achieve their best consistency simultaneously under the proposed port configuration scheme. One significant advantage of this scheme lies in that it only adjusts the positions of the input and output ports, with the topology and individual switch nodes kept unchanged. This grants it a high level of generality and feasibility and also introduces an additional degree of freedom for optimizations. In this article, a universal utilization probability function of single nodes was constructed and an optimization objective function for the SR-Crossbar RF MEMS switch matrix was formulated, which provide a convenient approach to directly solving the optimized port configuration scheme for practical applications. Simulations to demonstrate the optimized dynamic and static consistencies were conducted. For an 8×8 SR-Crossbar switch matrix, the standard deviations of contact resistances of 128 units and losses of all 64 paths decreased from 1.00 and 0.42 to 0.51 and 0.23, respectively. These results aligned closely with theoretical calculations derived from the proposed model. Full article

Augmented and mixed reality in the medical field is becoming increasingly important. The creation and visualization of digital models similar to reality could be a great help to increase the user experience during augmented or mixed reality activities like surgical planning and educational, training and testing phases of medical students. This study introduces a technique for enhancing a 3D digital model reconstructed from cone-beam computed tomography images with its real coloured texture using an Intel D435 RGBD camera. This method is based on iteratively projecting the two models onto a 2D plane, identifying their contours and then minimizing the distance between them. Finally, the coloured digital models were displayed in mixed reality through a Microsoft HoloLens 2 and an application to interact with them using hand gestures was developed. The registration error between the two 3D models evaluated using 30,000 random points indicates values of: 1.1 ± 1.3 mm on the x-axis, 0.7 ± 0.8 mm on the y-axis, and 0.9 ± 1.2 mm on the z-axis. This result was achieved in three iterations, starting from an average registration error on the three axes of 1.4 mm to reach 0.9 mm. The heatmap created to visualize the spatial distribution of the error shows how it is uniformly distributed over the surface of the pointcloud obtained with the RGBD camera, except for some areas of the nose and ears where the registration error tends to increase. The obtained results indicate that the proposed methodology seems effective. In addition, since the used RGBD camera is inexpensive, future approaches based on the simultaneous use of multiple cameras could further improve the results. Finally, the augmented reality visualization of the obtained result is innovative and could provide support in all those cases where the visualization of three-dimensional medical models is necessary. Full article

This paper contains research on the development of a fault-tolerant six-phase synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) based on the stator adopted from a general-purpose three-phase induction motor. In the design and calculation process, an extended Clarke transformation was developed for a six-phase asymmetrical system. To verify the proposed design approach, a field–circuit model of electromagnetic phenomena in the studied motor was developed and used to study the motor performance. The increased torque value and reduction in torque ripples were confirmed by comparison to the classical three-phase SynRM design. To illustrate fault tolerance capabilities, the operation of the studied three- and six-phase synchronous reluctance motors under inverter-fault conditions was examined. The conducted analysis shows, among other things, that from the electromagnetic performance point of view, only the proposed six-phase machine is able to properly operate under inverter-fault conditions. The results of the winding design calculations, the performed simulations of six-phase motor operation, and the preliminary tests of the prototype motor are presented and discussed. Full article

Background: Pulmonary superinfections with Herpesviridae and Aspergillus spp. are common in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia but their epidemiology and impact remain poorly understood. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 61 mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients at Deventer Hospital’s ICU (2020–2021) who underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BL) due to clinical deterioration. We analyzed blood and respiratory samples, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Results: Among 61 mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients who underwent BL, 34 (55.7%) had superinfections, with 18 having COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), 7 having herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, and 9 having both. Patients with HSV had later diagnoses (median 14 vs. 8 days, p = 0.014), longer mechanical ventilation (median 47 vs. 18.5 days, p = 0.015), and longer ICU stays (median 74 vs. 24 days, p = 0.021) compared to CAPA patients. At baseline, laboratory parameters and treatment (dexamethasone or tocilizumab) showed no significant association with superinfections. Mortality did not differ significantly among groups. Conclusion: In mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients undergoing bronchoalveolar lavage, HSV reactivation occurred later in the course of illness and was associated with longer mechanical ventilation and ICU stays compared to CAPA. Baseline parameters did not predict superinfections. Full article

Researchers have created cryptography algorithms that encrypt data using a public or private key to secure it from intruders. It is insufficient to protect the data by using such a key. No research article has identified an algorithm capable of protecting both the data and the associated key, nor has any mechanism been developed to determine whether access to the data is permissible or impermissible based on the authentication of the key. This paper presents a WEDEx-Kerberotic Framework for data protection, in which a user-defined key is firstly converted to a cipher key using the “Secure Words on Joining Key (SWJK)” algorithm. Subsequently, a WEDEx-Kerberotic encryption mechanism is created to protect the data by encrypting it with the cipher key. The first reason for making the WEDEx-Kerberotic Framework is to convert the user-defined key into a key that has nothing to do with the original key, and the length of the cipher key is much shorter than the original key. The second reason is that each ciphertext and key value are interlinked. When an intruder utilizes the snatching mechanism to obtain data, the attacker obtains data or a key unrelated to the original data. No matter how efficient the algorithm is, an attacker cannot access the data when these methods and algorithms are used to protect it. Finally, the proposed algorithm is compared to the previous approaches to determine the uniqueness of the algorithm and assess its superiority to the previous algorithms. Full article

Compaction quality significantly influences the strength and durability of concrete in structures. Under-compacting can retain entrapped air, reducing strength, while over-compacting can lead to segregation, creating local variances in strength distribution and modulus of elasticity in the concrete structure. This study examines the widely adopted concept that compaction is optimal when bubbles cease to emerge on the concrete surface. We recorded the surface activity of six comparable concrete specimens during the compaction process using a 4K video camera. Four specimens were compacted using a table vibrator and two with a poker vibrator. From the video frames, we isolated the bubbles for analysis, employing digital image processing techniques to distinguish newly risen bubbles per frame. It was found that the bubbles continuously rose to the surface in all specimens throughout the compaction process, suggesting a need for extended compaction, with some specimens showing a slow in the rate of the bubbles’ emergence. However, upon examining the segregation levels, it was discovered that all the specimens were segregated, some severely, despite the continued bubble emergence. These findings undermine the reliability of using bubble emergence as a principle to stop compaction and support the need for developing online measurement tools for evaluating compaction quality. Full article

The convergence of edge computing systems with Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology has shown considerable promise in enhancing real-time applications across various domains. This paper presents an innovative edge computing system design specifically tailored for pavement defect detection within the Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADASs) domain. The system seamlessly integrates the AMD Xilinx AI platform into a customized circuit configuration, capitalizing on its capabilities. Utilizing cameras as input sensors to capture road scenes, the system employs a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU) to execute the YOLOv3 model, enabling the identification of three distinct types of pavement defects with high accuracy and efficiency. Following defect detection, the system efficiently transmits detailed information about the type and location of detected defects via the Controller Area Network (CAN) interface. This integration of FPGA-based edge computing not only enhances the speed and accuracy of defect detection, but also facilitates real-time communication between the vehicle’s onboard controller and external systems. Moreover, the successful integration of the proposed system transforms ADAS into a sophisticated edge computing device, empowering the vehicle’s onboard controller to make informed decisions in real time. These decisions are aimed at enhancing the overall driving experience by improving safety and performance metrics. The synergy between edge computing and FPGA technology not only advances ADAS capabilities, but also paves the way for future innovations in automotive safety and assistance systems. Full article

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms within control structures are a realistic approach; their task is often to predict the optimal control values working with a process model (PM). Owing to numerous numerical integrations of the PM, there is a big computational effort that leads to a large controller execution time. The main motivation of this work is to decrease the computational effort and, consequently, the controller execution time. This paper proposes to replace the PSO predictor with a machine learning model that has “learned” the quasi-optimal behavior of the couple (PSO and PM); the training data are obtained through closed-loop simulations over the control horizon. The new controller should preserve the process’s quasi-optimal control. In identical conditions, the process evolutions must also be quasi-optimal. The multiple linear regression and the regression neural networks were considered the predicting models. This paper first proposes algorithms for collecting and aggregating data sets for the learning process. Algorithms for constructing the machine learning models and implementing the controllers and closed-loop simulations are also proposed. The simulations prove that the two machine learning predictors have learned the PSO predictor’s behavior, such that the process evolves almost identically. The resulting controllers’ execution time have decreased hundreds of times while keeping their optimality; the performance index has even slightly increased. Full article