Human pose estimation focuses on methods that allow us to assess ergonomic risk in the workplace and aims to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The recent increase in the use of Industry 4.0 technologies has allowed advances to be made in machine learning (ML) techniques for image processing to enable automated ergonomic risk assessment. In this context, this study aimed to develop a method of calculating joint angles from digital snapshots or videos using computer vision and ML techniques to achieve a more accurate evaluation of ergonomic risk. Starting with an ergonomic analysis, this study explored the use of a semi-supervised training method to detect the skeletons of workers and to estimate the positions and angles of their joints. A criticality index, based on RULA scores and fuzzy rules, is then calculated to evaluate possible corrective actions aimed at reducing WMSDs and improving production capacity using a collaborative robot that supports workers in carrying out critical operations. This method is tested in a real industrial case in which the manual assembly of electrical components is conducted, achieving a reduction in overall ergonomic stress of 13% and an increase in production capacity of 33% during a work shift. The proposed approach can overcome the limitations of recent developments based on computer vision or wearable sensors by performing an assessment with an objective and flexible approach to postural analysis development. Full article

In this article, we explore multi-material additive manufacturing (MMAM) for conductive trace printing using molten metal microdroplets on polymer substrates to enhance digital signal transmission. Investigating microdroplet spread informs design rules for adjacent trace printing. We studied the effects of print distance on trace morphology and resolution, noting that printing distance showed almost no change in the printed trace pitch. Crosstalk interference between adjacent signal traces was analyzed across frequencies and validated both experimentally and through simulation; no crosstalk was visible for printed traces at input frequencies below 600 kHz. Moreover, we demonstrate printed trace reliability against thermal shock, whereby no discontinuation in conductive traces was observed. Our findings establish design guidelines for MMAM electronics, advancing digital signal transmission capabilities. Full article

Recently, crack-free GaN-on-Si growth technology has become increasingly important due to the high demand for power semiconductor devices with high performances. In this paper, we have experimentally optimized the buffer structures such as the AlN nucleation layer and step-graded AlGaN layer for AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on Si (111) substrate by varying growth conditions and thickness, which is very crucial for achieving crack-free GaN-on-Si epitaxial growth. Moreover, an AlGaN back barrier was inserted to reduce the buffer trapping effects, resulting in the enhancement of carrier confinement and suppression of current dispersion. Firstly, the AlN nucleation layer was optimized with a thickness of 285 nm, providing the smoothest surface confirmed by SEM image. On the AlN nucleation layer, four step-graded AlGaN layers were sequentially grown by increasing the Al composition from undermost layer to uppermost layer, meaning that the undermost one was close to AlN, and the uppermost was close to GaN, to reduce the stress and strain in the epitaxial layer gradually. It was also verified that the thicker step-graded AlGaN buffer layer is suitable for better crystalline quality and surface morphology and lower buffer leakage current, as expected. On these optimized buffer structures, the AlGaN back barrier was introduced, and the effects of the back barrier were clearly observed in the device characteristics of the AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on Si (111) substrate such as the transfer characteristics, output characteristics and pulsed I-V characteristics. Full article

The sodium channel Na_V1.8, encoded by the SCN10A gene, has recently emerged as a potential regulator of cardiac electrophysiology. We have previously shown that Na_V1.8 contributes to arrhythmogenesis by inducing a persistent Na⁺ current (late Na⁺ current, I_NaL) in human atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes (CM). We now aim to further investigate the contribution of Na_V1.8 to human ventricular arrhythmogenesis at the CM-specific level using pharmacological inhibition as well as a genetic knockout (KO) of SCN10A in induced pluripotent stem cell CM (iPSC-CM). In functional voltage-clamp experiments, we demonstrate that I_NaL was significantly reduced in ventricular SCN10A-KO iPSC-CM and in control CM after a specific pharmacological inhibition of Na_V1.8. In contrast, we did not find any effects on ventricular APD₉₀. The frequency of spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ sparks and waves were reduced in SCN10A-KO iPSC-CM and control cells following the pharmacological inhibition of Na_V1.8. We further analyzed potential triggers of arrhythmias and found reduced delayed afterdepolarizations (DAD) in SCN10A-KO iPSC-CM and after the specific inhibition of Na_V1.8 in control cells. In conclusion, we show that Na_V1.8-induced I_NaL primarily impacts arrhythmogenesis at a subcellular level, with minimal effects on systolic cellular Ca²⁺ release. The inhibition or knockout of Na_V1.8 diminishes proarrhythmic triggers in ventricular CM. In conjunction with our previously published results, this work confirms Na_V1.8 as a proarrhythmic target that may be useful in an anti-arrhythmic therapeutic strategy. Full article

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are essential for regulating protein functions, influencing various fundamental processes in eukaryotes. These include, but are not limited to, cell signaling, protein trafficking, the epigenetic control of gene expression, and control of the cell cycle, as well as cell proliferation, differentiation, and interactions between cells. In this review, we discuss protein PTMs that play a key role in the malaria parasite biology and its pathogenesis. Phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, lipidation and lipoxidation, glycosylation, ubiquitination and sumoylation, nitrosylation and glutathionylation, all of which occur in malarial parasites, are reviewed. We provide information regarding the biological significance of these modifications along all phases of the complex life cycle of Plasmodium spp. Importantly, not only the parasite, but also the host and vector protein PTMs are often crucial for parasite growth and development. In addition to metabolic regulations, protein PTMs can result in epitopes that are able to elicit both innate and adaptive immune responses of the host or vector. We discuss some existing and prospective results from antimalarial drug discovery trials that target various PTM-related processes in the parasite or host. Full article

A novel low-density composite for the absorption of microwaves was prepared by loading La-doped spinel cobalt ferrite (La-CFO) onto biomass carbon (BC) derived from corn stalks using a hydrothermal method. This composite (La-CFO@BC) not only maintained the advantageous properties of low density and abundant porosity, but also exhibited a unique morphology, with La-CFO displaying a carpet-like structure interspersed with dandelion-shaped particles. The incorporation of La-CFO effectively tuned the electromagnetic parameters of the composite, thereby improving its impedance-matching attributes and its ability to absorb microwave radiation. At a frequency of 12.8 GHz for electromagnetic waves and with a thickness of 2.5 mm, La-CFO@BC demonstrated remarkable performance in microwave absorption, attaining a noteworthy minimum reflection (R_Lmin) of −53.2 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 6.4 GHz. Furthermore, by varying the thickness of the La-CFO@BC within the range of 1.0 to 5.5 mm, the EAB could be broadened to 13.8 GHz, covering the entire X-band, the entire Ku-band, and a substantial portion of the C-band. This study demonstrated that La-CFO@BC was a promising alternative for electromagnetic wave attenuation, which offered superior performance in microwave absorption. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown countermeasure may have significantly affected adolescents’ physical and mental health. This study aims to assess adolescents’ recollections of this period, also analyzing their current weight status along with factors they traced back to the epidemic phase and their current sports practice. A survey among 233 Italian adolescents aged 12.4 ± 0.9 years was conducted in October 2023. To achieve the research objectives, a new questionnaire was developed: the COVID-19 AdolesceNt/chilDren Lockdown Experience questionnaire (CANDLE). The new questionnaire was employed to gather data on the adolescents’ recollections of the lockdown situation they experienced. The stature and weight of participants were measured directly. The results indicated that middle schoolers remember both positive and negative experiences of the lockdown: the change perceived as the most positive was spending more time with family, while social detachment from peers represents the most negative aspect. According to multivariate regression analysis, certain behaviors they assumed during the lockdown, such as comfort food consumption in boys and sleeping disturbances in girls, in addition to their current sports practice, affected their actual Body Mass Index. This study supports the evidence that changes caused by the COVID-19 lockdown affected adolescents’ physical and mental health, albeit with sex differences. Full article

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing, with a tendency for co-occurrence. Some studies indicate a connection between atypical sensory processing and executive function. This study aims to explore the distinctive etiology of executive function deficits in children with ASD+ADHD by investigating the relationship between sensory processing and executive function, comparing children with ASD, ASD+ADHD, ADHD, and typically developing children (TD). Method: Sensory Profile 2 (SP-2) and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2 (BRIEF-2) were measured in 120 school-aged children. The results of the above scales were compared across these four groups, and correlation and regression analyses between BRIEF2 and SP2 were conducted. Results: Our research revealed varying levels of atypical sensory processing and executive function anomalies across the three neurodevelopmental disorder groups compared to the TD group. The ASD+ADHD group showed particularly significant differences. The heightened emotional problems observed in ASD+ADHD children may be associated with more prominent atypical sensory processing. Variance analysis of inhibitory function revealed differences between ASD+ADHD and ADHD children, suggesting distinct etiological mechanisms for attention issues between ASD+ADHD and ADHD. Conclusions: ASD+ADHD represents a phenotype distinct from both ASD and ADHD. Special consideration should be given to interventions for children with ASD+ADHD. The results of this study may offer a new perspective on understanding the occurrence of ASD+ADHD and potential individualized intervention methods. Full article

This study investigates the intricate relationships between technology application, smart human resource management (SHRM), and innovation performance within the Jordanian telecom industry. Employing a quantitative research methodology, data were collected from employees of telecommunications firms in Jordan. The results illuminate significant positive associations between technology application, SHRM, and innovation performance, elucidating the pivotal roles of technology and HRM strategies in fostering innovation and bolstering organizational success. Practical implications of the findings advocate for substantial investments in cutting-edge technologies, the integration of intelligent HRM practices, and the prioritization of continuous learning and development initiatives to nurture an innovative workforce. This research contributes to a deeper comprehension of innovation dynamics within the telecommunications sector and furnishes valuable insights for practitioners striving to elevate innovation capabilities within their respective organizations. Full article

To align with the global trend of integrating synchrotron light source (SLS) and free electron laser (FEL) facilities on one site, in line with examples such as SPring-8 and SACLA in Japan and ELETTRA and FERMI in Italy, we actively explore FEL options leveraging the ultralow-emittance electron beam of the NSLS-II upgrade. These options show promising potential for synergy with storage ring (SR) operations, thereby significantly enhancing our facility’s capabilities. Echo-enabled harmonic generation (EEHG) is well-suited to SR-based FELs, and has already been demonstrated with the capability of generating extremely narrow bandwidth as well as high brightness, realized using diffraction-limited short pulses in transverse planes and Fourier transform-limited bandwidth in the soft X-ray spectrum. However, regarding a conventional EEHG scheme, the combination of the shortest seed laser wavelength (256 nm) and highest harmonic (200) sets the short wavelength limit to λ = 1.28 nm. To further extend the short wavelength limit down to the tender and hard X-ray region, a vital option is to shorten the seed laser wavelength. Thanks to recent advances in high harmonic generation (HHG), packing 10⁹ photons at one harmonic within a few-femtosecond pulse could turn such a novel HHG source into an ideal seeding for EEHG. Thus, compared to the cascaded EEHG, the HHG seeding option could not only lower the cost, but also free the SR space for accommodating more user beamlines. Moreover, to mitigate the SASE background noise on the sample and detector, we combine the HHG seeding EEHG with the crab cavity short pulse scheme for maximum benefit. Full article

Cellular materials are fundamental elements in civil engineering, known for their porous nature and lightweight composition. However, the complexity of its microstructure and the mechanisms that control its behavior presents ongoing challenges. This comprehensive review aims to confront these uncertainties head-on, delving into the multifaceted field of cellular materials. It highlights the key role played by numerical and mathematical analysis in revealing the mysterious elasticity of these structures. Furthermore, the review covers a range of topics, from the simulation of manufacturing processes to the complex relationships between microstructure and mechanical properties. This review provides a panoramic view of the field by traversing various numerical and mathematical analysis methods. Furthermore, it reveals cutting-edge theoretical frameworks that promise to redefine our understanding of cellular solids. By providing these contemporary insights, this study not only points the way for future research but also illuminates pathways to practical applications in civil and materials engineering. Full article

An easy-to-use and reliable tool is essential for gait assessment of people with gait pathologies. This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the OneStep smartphone application compared to the C-Mill-VR+ treadmill (Motek, Nederlands), among patients undergoing rehabilitation for unilateral lower extremity disability. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were extracted from the treadmill and from two smartphones, one on each leg. Inter-device reliability was evaluated using Pearson correlation, intra-cluster correlation coefficient (ICC), and Cohen’s d, comparing the application’s readings from the two phones. Validity was assessed by comparing readings from each phone to the treadmill. Twenty-eight patients completed the study; the median age was 45.5 years, and 61% were males. The ICC between the phones showed a high correlation (r = 0.89–1) and good-to-excellent reliability (ICC range, 0.77–1) for all the gait parameters examined. The correlations between the phones and the treadmill were mostly above 0.8. The ICC between each phone and the treadmill demonstrated moderate-to-excellent validity for all the gait parameters (range, 0.58–1). Only ‘step length of the impaired leg’ showed poor-to-good validity (range, 0.37–0.84). Cohen’s d effect size was small (d < 0.5) for all the parameters. The studied application demonstrated good reliability and validity for spatiotemporal gait assessment in patients with unilateral lower limb disability. Full article

In response to the escalating significance of sustainable tourism and the growing global concern for environmental conservation, the current study sought to investigate the intricate dynamics of two pro-environmental behaviors (biodiversity protection and rational car use), personal values (altruistic, biospheric, and egoistic), farm tourists’ well-being, and environmental and activity attachment among farm tourists in the Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia. Employing an online survey, our methodology involved partial least structural equation modeling to unravel the complex relationships among these variables. Based on responses retrieved from 309 farm tourists, results revealed that biodiversity protection significantly influenced altruistic values and the well-being of farm tourists. Additionally, rational automobile use exerted positive impacts on both altruistic and biospheric values. These results underscore the intricate dynamics shaping tourists’ attitudes and experiences in the Al-Ahsa region. The study contributes to the broader understanding of sustainable tourism practices, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions. The positive associations identified highlight the potential for farm tourism experiences to enhance both pro-environmental values and the well-being of tourists, thus offering valuable insights for future research and sustainable tourism initiatives. Full article

Accelerated by the adoption of remote monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in using digitally captured behavioral data to predict patient outcomes has grown; however, it is unclear how feasible digital phenotyping studies may be in patients with recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. In this perspective, we present participant feedback and relevant smartphone data metrics suggesting that digital phenotyping of post-stroke depression is feasible. Additionally, we proffer thoughtful considerations for designing feasible real-world study protocols tracking cerebrovascular dysfunction with smartphone sensors. Full article

The round goby Neogobius melanostomus is a notoriously invasive fish originating from the Ponto-Caspian region that in recent decades has successfully spread across the globe. One of its primary impacts is direct predation; in addition, when entering new ecosystems, the round goby is likely to become a food resource for many higher native predators. However, little is known either about the indirect effects of predators on the round goby as prey or its feeding behaviour and activity. The non-consumptive effect of the presence of higher native predators presumably plays an important role in mitigating the impact of non-native round gobies as mesopredators on benthic invertebrate communities, especially when both higher- and mesopredators occupy the same habitat. We tested the food consumption probability and gut evacuation rates in round gobies in response to chemical signals from a higher predator, the European eel Anguilla anguilla. Gobies were placed individually in experimental arenas equipped with shelters and exposed to water from a tank in which (a) the higher predator had actively preyed on a heterospecific prey, earthworms Lumbricus sp. (the heterospecific treatment; HS); (b) the higher predator had fed on round gobies (the conspecific treatment; CS); or (c) the water was provided as a control treatment (C). To ensure exposure to the chemical stimuli, this study incorporated the application of skin extracts containing damaged-released alarm cues from the CS treatment; distilled water was used for the remaining treatments. No significant differences were observed in either the food consumption probability or gut evacuation rate in the tested treatments. Despite the lack of reaction to the chemical stimuli, round gobies did exhibit high evacuation rates (R = 0.2323 ± 0.011 h⁻¹; mean ± SE) in which complete gut clearance occurred within 16 h regardless of the applied treatment. This rapid food processing suggests high efficiency and great pressure on resources regardless of the presence or not of a higher predator. These findings hint at the boldness of round gobies, which did not exhibit any pronounced threat sensitivity. This would seem to suggest great efficiency in food processing and a potential competitive advantage over local native species when colonising new ecosystems, irrespective of the presence of native predators. Our study did not detect any non-consumptive effect attributable to the higher predator, given that the feeding activity of the invasive round goby was not altered. Full article

The extraction of UAV building point cloud contour points is the basis for the expression of a three-dimensional lightweight building outline. Previous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) building point cloud contour extraction methods have mainly focused on the expression of the roof contour, but did not extract the wall contour. In view of this, an algorithm based on the geometric features of the neighborhood points of the region-growing clustering fusion surface is proposed to extract the boundary points of the UAV building point cloud. Firstly, the region growth plane is fused to obtain a more accurate segmentation plane. Then, the neighboring points are projected onto the neighborhood plane and a vector between the object point and neighborhood point is constructed. Finally, the azimuth of each vector is calculated, and the boundary points of each segmented plane are extracted according to the difference in adjacent azimuths. Experiment results show that the best boundary points can be extracted when the number of adjacent points is 24 and the difference in adjacent azimuths is 120. The proposed method is superior to other methods in the contour extraction of UAV buildings point clouds. Moreover, it can extract not only the building roof contour points, but also the wall contour points, including the window contour points. Full article

RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is a powerful technique and is increasingly being used in clinical research and drug development. Currently, several RNA-Seq methods have been developed. However, the relative advantage of each method for degraded RNA and low-input RNA, such as RNA samples collected in the field of clinical setting, has remained unknown. The Standard method of RNA-Seq captures mRNA by poly(A) capturing using Oligo dT beads, which is not suitable for degraded RNA. Here, we used three commercially available RNA-Seq library preparation kits (SMART-Seq, xGen Broad-range, and RamDA-Seq) using random primer instead of Oligo dT beads. To evaluate the performance of these methods, we compared the correlation, the number of detected expressing genes, and the expression levels with the Standard RNA-Seq method. Although the performance of RamDA-Seq was similar to that of Standard RNA-Seq, the performance for low-input RNA and degraded RNA has decreased. The performance of SMART-Seq was better than xGen and RamDA-Seq in low-input RNA and degraded RNA. Furthermore, the depletion of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) improved the performance of SMART-Seq and xGen due to increased expression levels. SMART-Seq with rRNA depletion has relative advantages for RNA-Seq using low-input and degraded RNA. Full article

Background: In recent years, global concern over increasing multidrug resistance (MDR) among various Salmonella serotypes has grown significantly. However, reports on MDR Salmonella Paratyphi B remain scarce, let alone the extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. Methods: In this retrospective study, we investigated the isolates of Salmonella Paratyphi B in Jiangsu Province over the past decade and carried out antimicrobial susceptibility tests, then the strains were sequenced and bioinformatics analyses were performed. Results: 27 Salmonella Paratyphi B strains were identified, of which the predominant STs were ST42 (11), ST86 (10), and ST2814 (5). Among these strains, we uncovered four concerning XDR Salmonella Paratyphi B ST2814 strains (4/5) which were previously unreported. These alarmingly resistant isolates showed resistance to all three major antibiotic classes for Salmonella treatment and even the last resort treatment tigecycline. Bioinformatics analysis revealed high similarity between the plasmids harbored by these XDR strains and diverse Salmonella serotypes and Escherichia coli from China and neighboring regions. Notably, these four plasmids carried the ramAp gene responsible for multiple antibiotic resistance by regulating the AcrAB-TolC pump, predominantly originating from China. Additionally, a distinct MDR ST42(1/11) strain with an ICE on chromosome was also identified. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of global ST42/ST2814 isolates highlighted the regional specificity of these strains, with Jiangsu isolates clustering together with domestic isolates and XDR ST2814 forming a distinct branch, suggesting adaptation to local antibiotic pressures. Conclusions: This research underscores the pressing need for closely monitoring the MDR/XDR Salmonella Paratyphi B, particularly the emerging ST2814 strains in Jiangsu Province, to effectively curb its spread and protect public health. Moreover, surveillance should be strengthened across different ecological niches and genera to track resistance genes and horizontal gene transfer elements under the concept of “ONE HEALTH”. Full article

The collateral system is a compensatory mechanism activated in the acute phase of an ischemic stroke. It increases brain perfusion to the hypoperfused area. Arteries of the Willis’ circle supply antegrade blood flow, while pial (leptomeningeal) arteries direct blood via retrograde flow. The aim of our retrospective study was to investigate the relationship between both collateral systems, computed tomography perfusion (CTP) values, and functional outcomes in acute stroke patients. Overall, 158 patients with anterior circulation stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy were included in the study. We analyzed the presence of communicating arteries and leptomeningeal arteries on computed tomography angiography. Patients were divided into three groups according to their collateral status. The main outcomes were the rate of functional independence 3 months after stroke (modified Rankin scale score, mRS) and mortality rate. Our study suggests that the collateral status, as indicated by the three groups (unfavorable, intermediate, and favorable), is linked to CT perfusion parameters, potential recuperation ratio, and stroke outcomes. Patients with favorable collateral status exhibited smaller core infarct and penumbra volumes, higher mismatch ratios, better potential for recuperation, and improved functional outcomes compared to patients with unfavorable or intermediate collateral status. Full article

Air pollution, especially the synergistic pollution of PM_2.5 and O₃, poses a severe threat to human life and production. The synergistic formation mechanism of PM_2.5 and O₃ pollution is relatively confirmed, while research on their spatiotemporal synergy is urgent. Based on remotely sensed interpretation data from 90 cities in the Yellow River Basin, we analyzed the synergistic evolution of PM_2.5 and O₃ concentrations during 2013–2020. Combined with the environmental Kuznets curve, we performed factor analysis using a panel regression model. The synergistic evolution pattern shows a gradual decrease in PM_2.5 concentration and a gradual increase in O₃ concentration. There is a strong spatial auto-correlation in the two pollutants’ concentrations. The relationship between economy and PM_2.5 concentration shows an “N-shaped” curve, while that between O₃ concentration and economic development presents an inverse “N-shaped” curve. The environmental Kuznets curve shows that the deterioration of O₃ pollution takes place later than the mitigation of PM_2.5 pollution. Various factors have obvious heterogeneous effects on PM_2.5 and O₃ concentrations. Meanwhile, the sensitivity effect of per capita GDP on PM_2.5 concentration in the midstream region is stronger than that in the upstream region, while the sensitivity effect of per capita GDP on O₃ concentration is strongest in the midstream region than that in upstream and downstream region. Full article

Abstract: In this paper, the nonlinear dynamic system of a brushless DC motor with voltage disturbance is studied analytically via a generalized harmonic balance method. A truncated Fourier series with time-varying coefficients is utilized to represent the analytical variations of nonlinear currents and voltages within this dynamic system. Bifurcations of periodic currents and voltages are obtained, and their stability is discussed through eigenvalue analysis. The frequency–amplitude characteristics of periodic currents and voltages exhibit complexity in the frequency domain. Comparative illustrations are provided to contrast the analytical solutions with numerical outcomes for periodic currents and voltages. These analytical findings can be effectively employed for controlling the brushless DC motors experiencing voltage disturbances. Full article

This paper presents a novel application of machine learning models to clarify the intricate behaviors of expansive soils, focusing on the impact of sand content, saturation level, and dry density. Departing from conventional methods, this research utilizes a data-centric approach, employing a suite of sophisticated machine learning models to predict soil properties with remarkable precision. The inclusion of a 30% sand mixture is identified as a critical threshold for optimizing soil strength and stiffness, a finding that underscores the transformative potential of sand amendment in soil engineering. In a significant advancement, the study benchmarks the predictive power of several models including extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), gradient boosting regression (GBR), random forest regression (RFR), decision tree regression (DTR), support vector regression (SVR), symbolic regression (SR), and artificial neural networks (ANNs and proposed ANN-GMDH). Symbolic regression equations have been developed to predict the elasticity modulus and unconfined compressive strength of the investigated expansive soil. Despite the complex behaviors of expansive soil, the trained models allow for optimally predicting the values of unconfined compressive parameters. As a result, this paper provides for the first time a reliable and simply applicable approach for estimating the unconfined compressive parameters of expansive soils. The proposed ANN-GMDH model emerges as the pre-eminent model, demonstrating exceptional accuracy with the best metrics. These results not only highlight the ANN’s superior performance but also mark this study as a groundbreaking endeavor in the application of machine learning to soil behavior prediction, setting a new benchmark in the field. Full article