bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagation Characteristics of LoRa Signal at 433 MHz Channel in Tea Plantations
Authors: Liang Qi , Tang Pan , Li Hong , Zhang Zhizhong , Pang Yiyuan , Zhang Yue
Published: June 2024

Highlights

The prediction model of LoRa signal reception strength in tea gardens was established and verified.

The logarithmic distance model is more suitable for modeling the path loss of this tea garden than the free-space model and the ground reflection (two-line) model.

The revised model can correct the differences between different tea plants and have better versatility.

The best place to deploy an antenna in a tea garden is near the top of a tea plant.

Abstract. The influence of the tea plantation environment on wireless signal path loss is not considered when aiming for node deployment in the traditional tea plantation wireless sensor network, resulting in a waste of node energy consumption and an increase in wireless sensor network equipment maintenance costs. The transmission characteristics of LoRa wireless signals in tea plantations were investigated in this paper using 433 MHz as the operating frequency. The RSSI values of LoRa signal reception strength were collected at various antenna heights and communication distances in the experimental tea tree area. The data was used for model comparison, regression analysis, and modeling. A prediction model of LoRa signal reception intensity in hilly tea plantations was established and verified. The results show that the logarithmic distance model was superior to the free-space model and the ground reflection (two-line) model for modeling the LoRa signal path loss in tea plantations. The revised model can correct the differences between different tea trees and has better universality. The model fitting coefficient of determination was between 0.840 and 0.881. When the antenna height was 0 m (placed on the ground), the environmental propagation factor n was the largest, which was 3.0045. When the antenna height was 0.7 m, the environmental propagation factor n was the smallest, which was 2.6417. Therefore, the best location for deploying antennas in tea gardens was near the top of the tea tree. The established prediction model can effectively predict the signal reception strength of LoRa signals at different antenna heights and distances in tea plantations, and the results can provide a theoretical basis for the planning and deployment of tea garden wireless sensor networks. Keywords: 433 MHz, LoRa, Path loss, Tea plantations, Transmission characteristics, Wireless sensor network.
Physical layer encryption-based secure slicing in 5G RAN with hybrid-trusted links
Authors: Zhang Boxin , Li Yajie , Tonini Federico , Wosinska Lena , Monti Paolo , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2024

In a 5G radio access network (RAN), network slicing enables dividing a single RAN infrastructure into multiple logical networks, efficiently accommodating services with diverse requirements. Although RAN slicing can help improve resource efficiency and reduce network costs, it is accompanied by various security risks. One of the security threats in RAN slicing is potential eavesdropping, resulting in the leakage of sensitive data within slices. Encryption technologies have been developed to address the eavesdropping problem at different layers in optical networks. We focus on physical layer encryption since it has been demonstrated beneficial in line-speed processing, low latency, and small encryption overhead. The problem of utilizing physical layer encryption technologies to achieve secure RAN slices remains unexplored since physical layer encryption introduces additional hardware costs. In this paper, we study how to realize secure RAN slicing based on physical layer encryption in a metro aggregation network that consists of hybrid-trusted links (i.e., links with different risks for eavesdropping). We propose an integer linear programming (ILP) model and an auxiliary graph-based heuristic for small-scale and large-scale networks, respectively. The objective is to maximize the number of deployed slices and minimize the total cost of secure slice deployment, which includes the costs of servers, line cards (LCs), encryption cards (ECs), and bandwidth resources. To evaluate the benefit of encryption, we compare it with a detour solution, which protects slices by routing through trusted links (i.e., where no additional hardware for encryption is deployed). Simulation results show that the encryption-based solution exhibits a lower cost than the benchmark when the same number of slices are deployed, and it can reduce the blocking ratio by up to 8.5% as slice requests increase. In addition, the average latency of slices is also reduced by up to 14.6%.
Silicon nanohole based enhanced light absorbers for thin film solar cell applications
Authors: Das Rony , Golder Badhan , Sarker Dip , Ahammad Arif
Published: June 2024

We proposed a nanohole-based silicon (Si) absorber structure to enhance the light absorption of thin-film Si solar cells. Our proposed structures exhibited excellent performances harnessing the light-matter interaction phenomenon with a few microns of thick Si (3 µm). We employed the finite-difference time-domain method to analyze the optical properties and solved Poisson’s, continuity, and heat transfer equations to analyze the electrical and thermal properties of our proposed structures, operating in the wavelength range from 300 to 1100 nm. We obtained a maximum average absorption of 72.6% for our proposed square hole Si absorber structure. The power conversion efficiency and short circuit current density were calculated to be 20.74% and 39.91 mA/cm2. We achieved polarization-insensitive performance due to the symmetrical nature of the structure. The temperature of our proposed structure was increased by ∼10 K due to light absorption for different ambient temperatures. Moreover, we found our proposed structure was thermally stable over time. Our proposed structures can enhance the absorption of Si nanostructures, which can be conducive to designing Si-thin solar cells for energy harvesting.
Spin–orbit optical broadband achromatic spatial differentiation imaging
Authors: Yang Hongwei , Xie Weichao , Chen Huifeng , Xie Mengyuan , Tang Jieyuan , Zheng Huadan , Zhong Yongchun , Yu Jianhui , Chen Zhe , Zhu Wenguo
Published: June 2024

Spatial optical analog differentiation allows ultrahigh-speed and low-power-consumption of image processing, as well as label-free imaging of transparent biological objects. Optical analog differentiation with broadband and incoherent sources is appealing for its multi-channels and multi-task information processing, as well as the high-quality differentiation imaging. Currently, broadband and incoherent optical differentiation is still challenging. Here, a compact and broadband achromatic optical spatial differentiator is demonstrated based on the intrinsic spin–orbit coupling in a natural thin crystal. By inserting a uniaxial crystal just before the camera of a conventional microscope, the spin to orbit conversion will embed an optical vortex to the image field and make a second-order topological spatial differentiation to the field, thus an isotropic differential image will be captured by the camera. The wavelength-independent property of the intrinsic spin–orbit coupling effect allows us to achieve broadband analog computing and achromatic spatial differentiation imaging. With this differentiation imaging method, both amplitude and pure phase objects are detected with high contrast. Transparent living cells and biological tissues are imaged with their edge contours and intracellular details protruded in the edge detection mode and edge enhancement mode, respectively. These findings pave the way for optical analog computing with broadband incoherent light sources and concurrently drive the advancement of high-performance and cost-effective phase contrast imaging.
A toolkit for the dynamic study of air sacs in siamang and other elastic circular structures
Authors: Burchardt Lara S. , van de Sande Yana , Kehy Mounia , Gamba Marco , Ravignani Andrea , Pouw Wim
Published: June 2024

Biological structures are defined by rigid elements, such as bones, and elastic elements, like muscles and membranes. Computer vision advances have enabled automatic tracking of moving animal skeletal poses. Such developments provide insights into complex time-varying dynamics of biological motion. Conversely, the elastic soft-tissues of organisms, like the nose of elephant seals, or the buccal sac of frogs, are poorly studied and no computer vision methods have been proposed. This leaves major gaps in different areas of biology. In primatology, most critically, the function of air sacs is widely debated; many open questions on the role of air sacs in the evolution of animal communication, including human speech, remain unanswered. To support the dynamic study of soft-tissue structures, we present a toolkit for the automated tracking of semi-circular elastic structures in biological video data. The toolkit contains unsupervised computer vision tools (using Hough transform) and supervised deep learning (by adapting DeepLabCut) methodology to track inflation of laryngeal air sacs or other biological spherical objects (e.g., gular cavities). Confirming the value of elastic kinematic analysis, we show that air sac inflation correlates with acoustic markers that likely inform about body size. Finally, we present a pre-processed audiovisual-kinematic dataset of 7+ hours of closeup audiovisual recordings of siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) singing. This toolkit (https://github.com/WimPouw/AirSacTracker) aims to revitalize the study of non-skeletal morphological structures across multiple species.
Exploring the role of temperature and other environmental factors in West Nile virus incidence and prediction in California counties from 2017–2022 using a zero-inflated model
Authors: Parker Noah
Published: June 2024

West Nile virus (WNV) is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States, resulting in hundreds of reported cases yearly in California alone. The transmission cycle occurs mostly in birds and mosquitoes, making meteorological conditions, such as temperature, especially important to transmission characteristics. Given that future increases in temperature are all but inevitable due to worldwide climate change, determining associations between temperature and WNV incidence in humans, as well as making predictions on future cases, are important to public health agencies in California. Using surveillance data from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), meteorological data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and vector and host data from VectorSurv, we created GEE autoregressive and zero-inflated regression models to determine the role of temperature and other environmental factors in WNV incidence and predictions. An increase in temperature was found to be associated with an increase in incidence in 11 high-burden Californian counties between 2017–2022 (IRR = 1.06), holding location, time of year, and rainfall constant. A hypothetical increase of two degrees Fahrenheit—predicted for California by 2040—would have resulted in upwards of 20 excess cases per year during our study period. Using 2017–2021 as a training set, meteorological and host/vector data were able to closely predict 2022 incidence, though the models did overestimate the peak number of cases. The zero-inflated model closely predicted the low number of cases in winter months but performed worse than the GEE model during high-transmission periods. These findings suggests that climate change will, and may be already, altering transmission dynamics and incidence of WNV in California, and provides tools to help predict incidence into the future.
Spatial and temporal clustering of typhoid fever in an urban slum of Dhaka City: Implications for targeted typhoid vaccination
Authors: Ahmmed Faisal , Khanam Farhana , Islam Md Taufiqul , Kim Deok Ryun , Kang Sophie , Firoj Md Golam , Aziz Asma Binte , Hoque Masuma , Liu Xinxue , Jeon Hyon Jin , Kanungo Suman , Chowdhury Fahima , Khan Ashraful Islam , Zaman Khalequ , Marks Florian , Kim Jerome H. , Qadri Firdausi , Clemens John D. , Tadesse Birkneh Tilahun , Im Justin
Published: June 2024

Background

Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (Salmonella Typhi) causes severe and occasionally life-threatening disease, transmitted through contaminated food and water. Humans are the only reservoir, inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure increases risk of typhoid. High-quality data to assess spatial and temporal relationships in disease dynamics are scarce.

Methods

We analyzed data from a prospective cohort conducted in an urban slum area of Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Passive surveillance at study centers identified typhoid cases by microbiological culture. Each incident case (index case) was matched to two randomly selected index controls, and we measured typhoid incidence in the population residing in a geographically defined region surrounding each case and control. Spatial clustering was evaluated by comparing the typhoid incidence in residents of geometric rings of increasing radii surrounding the index cases and controls over 28 days. Temporal clustering was evaluated by separately measuring incidence in the first and second 14-day periods following selection. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated using Poisson regression models.

Results

We evaluated 141 typhoid index cases. The overall typhoid incidence was 0.44 per 100,000 person-days (PDs) (95% CI: 0.40, 0.49). In the 28 days following selection, the highest typhoid incidence (1.2 per 100,000 PDs [95% CI: 0.8, 1.6]) was in the innermost cluster surrounding index cases. The IRR in this innermost cluster was 4.9 (95% CI: 2.4, 10.3) relative to the innermost control clusters. Neither typhoid incidence rates nor relative IRR between index case and control populations showed substantive differences in the first and second 14-day periods after selection.

Conclusion

In the absence of routine immunization programs, geographic clustering of typhoid cases suggests a higher intensity of typhoid risk in the population immediately surrounding identified cases. Further studies are needed to understand spatial and temporal trends and to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted vaccination in disrupting typhoid transmission.
In vitro characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi infection dynamics in skeletal and cardiac myotubes models suggests a potential cell-to-cell transmission in mediating cardiac pathology
Authors: Contreras-Ortiz José María Eloy , Hernández-Mendoza Daniel , Márquez-Dueñas Claudia , Manning-Cela Rebeca , Santillán Moisés
Published: June 2024

Chagas disease predominantly affects the heart, esophagus, and colon in its chronic phase. However, the precise infection mechanisms of the causal agent Trypanosoma cruzi in these tissue types remain incompletely understood. This study investigated T. cruzi infection dynamics in skeletal (SM) and cardiac myotubes (CM) differentiated from H9c2(2–1) myoblasts (control). SM and CM were generated using 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS) without or with retinoic acid, respectively. Initial invasion efficiencies and numbers of released parasites were equivalent between undifferentiated and differentiated cells (~0.3–0.6%). Concomitantly, parasite motility patterns were similar across cell lines. However, CM demonstrated significantly higher infection kinetics over time, reaching 13.26% infected cells versus 3.12% for SM and 3.70% for myoblasts at later stages. Cellular automata modeling suggested an enhanced role for cell-to-cell transmission in driving the heightened parasitism observed in CM. The increased late-stage susceptibility of CM, potentially mediated by cell-to-cell transfer mechanisms of the parasite, aligns with reported clinical tropism patterns. The myotube infection models provide novel insights into Chagas disease pathogenesis that are not fully attainable through in vivo examination alone. Expanding knowledge in this area could aid therapeutic development for this neglected illness.
Spatial correlation between electricity generation and economic scale in Africa
Authors: Fu Huijuan , Lyu Guoqing , Liu XiuQing , Jiang Haining
Published: June 2024

This study attempts to determine whether there is a spatial correlation between electricity generation and economic scale promoting coordinated development in Africa. We explore the spatial similarity and gray correlation degree between electricity generation and economic scale in Africa since the 21st century by adopting barycenter coupling and Gray Correlation Analysis method. We argue that there is a strong correlation between electricity generation and economic scale. Our findings indicate a significant spatial difference in electricity generation, mainly concentrated in Northern and Southern Africa. Furthermore, spatial pattern remains largely consistent over time, mirroring trends observed at the economic scale. Electricity generation and economic scale were concentrated in six countries- South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Morocco, and Libya- and did not change significantly over time. A correlation analysis between electricity generation and the economic scale further confirmed this, with a linear coefficient of 0.907. Both the gravity centers of economic scale and electricity generation in Africa move farther in the north-south direction than in the East-West direction, with the former showing a Southwest-Northeast-Southwest track feature and the latter a Northeast-Southwest track feature. The spatial distribution of the gravity centers of electricity generation and the gravity centers of the economic scale in Africa are highly consistent; electricity generation highly correlates with the economic scale, consistent with the research conclusion obtained by the Gray Correlation Analysis method. This study suggests the coordinated development of electricity generation and economic scales in various African countries.
Feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a positive emotion regulation intervention to promote resilience for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moskowitz Judith Tedlie , Jackson Kathryn L. , Cummings Peter , Addington Elizabeth L. , Freedman Melanie E. , Bannon Jacquelyn , Lee Cerina , Vu Thanh Huyen , Wallia Amisha , Hirschhorn Lisa R. , Wilkins John T. , Evans Charlesnika
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Burnout poses a substantial, ongoing threat to healthcare worker (HCW) wellbeing and to the delivery of safe, quality healthcare. While systemic and organization-level changes in healthcare are critically important, HCWs also need individual-level skills to promote resilience. The objective of this trial is to test feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of PARK, an online self-guided positive affect regulation intervention, in a sample of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design and methods

In the context of the unprecedented rise in burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a randomized waitlist-controlled trial of the Positive Affect Regulation sKills (PARK) program—a five-week, online, self-guided coping skills intervention nested within an ongoing cohort of HCWs. N = 554 healthcare workers were randomly assigned to receive the intervention immediately or to receive the intervention after approximately 12 weeks. Outcomes included change in burnout, emotional wellbeing (positive affect, meaning and purpose, depression, anxiety) and sleep over approximately 12 weeks. Analyses included mixed-effects linear regression models comparing change over time in outcomes between intervention and control conditions.

Results

One third (n = 554) of the participants in the cohort of HCWs consented to participate and enrolled in PARK in April 2022. Compared to those who did not enroll, participants in the trial reported higher burnout, poorer emotional wellbeing, and poorer sleep at baseline (April, 2022; all ps < .05). Intent-to-treat analyses showed that participants randomly assigned to the intervention immediately (PARK-Now) improved significantly on anxiety (within-group change on PROMIS T-score = -0.63; p = .003) whereas those in the waitlist (PARK-Later) did not (within group T-score change 0.04, p = 0.90). The between-group difference in change, however, was not statistically significant (B = -0.67 p = 0.10). None of the other wellbeing outcomes changed significantly in the intervention group compared to the waitlist. Additional as-treated analyses indicated that those participants who completed all 5 of the weekly online lessons (N = 52; 9.4%) improved significantly more on the primary outcome of positive affect compared to those who enrolled in PARK but completed zero lessons (n = 237; 42.8%; B = 2.85; p = .0001).

Conclusions

Online self-guided coping skills interventions like PARK can be effective in targeted samples and future work will focus on adaptations to increase engagement and tailor PARK for HCWs who could most benefit.
Evaluating a mobile-based intervention to promote the mental health of informal dementia caregivers in Singapore: Study protocol for a pilot two-armed randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lee Yun Ting , Yuan Qi , Zhang YunJue , Samari Ellaisha , Goveas Richard , Ng Li Ling , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: June 2024

Background

Informal caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) often suffer adverse impacts on their mental health and require interventions for effective support. As they are often occupied with providing care, web-based interventions could be more convenient and efficient for them. However, there is currently a dearth of evidence-based mobile interventions to enhance the mental well-being of dementia caregivers locally, especially ones that are user-centered and culturally relevant. Hence, having designed an app based on feedback from local dementia caregivers, this study will evaluate the effectiveness of this mobile app in promoting the mental health of informal caregivers of PWD in Singapore.

Methods

A pilot two-armed randomised controlled trial will be conducted on 60 informal caregivers of PWD recruited via convenience and snowball sampling. Thirty participants will be assigned to the intervention group, while another 30 will be in a waiting-list control group. Questionnaires will be administered at baseline and one month after, with the primary outcome being the difference in the change of depressive symptoms among the two groups.

Statistical analysis

Primary analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle and compare changes from baseline to the one-month follow-up time point relative to the control group. A repeated measures ANOVA will be conducted to examine differences between the groups over time.

Significance

To our knowledge, this is the first study in Singapore that seeks to promote the mental health of informal dementia caregivers through a mobile-based intervention. The findings can inform the development and evaluation of future evidence-based digital interventions for local informal caregivers of PWD to address the gap in availability of such resources for them.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05551533). Registration date: September 22, 2022.
Lemma and palea micromorphological study of Setaria species (Poaceae) in Iran
Authors: Keshavarzi Maryam , Mosaferi Samaneh , Hosseini F.
Published: June 2024

Setaria (Poaceae, Paniceae, Cenchrinae) comprises 136 species worldwide and 3 species in Iran. This weedy grass is distributed in various parts of the world. In this study, the characters of the lemma and palea of 9 populations of Setaria were studied micromorphologically using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to identify diagnostic characters for the delimitation of the studied species. A total of 18 qualitative and quantitative characters of the lemma and palea surfaces were considered. Different shapes of microhairs, epicuticular wax, and the occurrence of cork cells and silica cells were evident in the studied taxa. The results of this study revealed the taxonomic value of floret micromorphological characters in Setaria species.
Teologi Al-Ma’un Berperspektif Feminisme:
Authors: Muthmainnah Yulianti
Published: June 2024

Kemajuan ekonomi Indonesia ditopang oleh perempuan yang berada di garda depan. Termasuk pajak yang dibayarkan perempuan lebih besar dari laki-laki. Angka kemiskinan perempuan kepala keluarga di Indonesia lebih tinggi daripada keluarga yang dikepalai laki-laki. Tetapi, perempuan miskin kota jarang mendapatkan akses, bantuan, untuk pemberdayaan ekonomi mereka karena tidak terdata sebagai kepala keluarga. Melalui ‘Teologi al-Ma’un Berperspektif Feminisme (TABF)’, filantropi berbasis observasi keluarga miskin (duafa) yang dikepalai perempuan dengan 30 indikator, peta desa berperspektif feminisme, penggalangan dana, dan penyaluran bantuan tanpa dana tunai, dengan pelibatan mahasiswi/a untuk menumbuhkan empati dan kewirausahaan mahasiswi/a yang dikembangkan sejak 2017, berhasil menciptakan usaha baru, pemberdayaan ekonomi perempuan kepala keluarga. Tulisan ini meneliti tahapan TABF, keberlanjutan dan kebertahanan TABF terutama di masa covid-19 dengan tiga contoh: Kebayoran Lama-Jakarta, Ciputat-Tangerang Selatan, dan Parung-Bogor melalui metode kualitatif. Penelitian ini menyumbang upaya menurunkan kemiskinan perempuan yang dilakukan lembaga pendidikan dan membuktikan pekerjaan sebagai pekerja rumah tangga (PRT) harus diadvokasi secara lebih serius.
 
[Indonesia's economic progress is supported by women who are in the vanguard. Including taxes paid by women are greater than men. However, urban poor women rarely get access to assistance for their economic empowerment because they are not recorded as the head of the family. The poverty rate for female heads of household in Indonesia is higher than for families headed by men. The research is based on 'Theology al-Ma'un with Feminist Perspective', philanthropy based on observations of poor families (duafa) headed by women with 30 indicators, village maps with a feminist perspective, fundraising, and distribution without cash assistance, with the involvement of students to foster empathy and entrepreneurship. It has been developed since 2017 and has succeeded in creating new businesses, empowering the economy of women heads of families. This paper examines the stages of al-Ma'un Theology, the sustainability and endurance of al-Ma'un Theology with Feminist Perspective, especially during the Covid-19 period with three case studies: Kebayoran Lama-Jakarta, Ciputat-Tangerang Selatan, and Parung-Bogor through qualitative methods. This research contributes to efforts to reduce poverty for women carried out by educational institutions and proves that employment as domestic workers (PRT) should be advocated more seriously.]
Women's Ulama Movement in Building Moderation of Islam Indonesia
Authors: Ibi Satibi  , Mahmudah  , Endang Supriadi
Published: June 2024

Pergerakan ulama perempuan di Indonesia dalam lintasan sejarahnya menunjukkan dinamika dan karakteristik yang dipengaruhi oleh kondisi sosial dan politik. Tulisan ini mendeskripsikan implementasi dan kontribusi Kongres Ulama Perempuan Indonesia (KUPI) yang diselenggarakan pada tanggal 25-27 April 2017 di Pondok Pesantren Kebon Jambu Babakan Ciwaringin Cirebon terhadap moderasi Islam dalam perspektif keadilan gender di Indonesia. Paper ini menjelaskan, pertama, KUPI memiliki agenda untuk memperkuat landasan keilmuan Islam dan ummat Islam dalam mengembangkan pemberdayaannya untuk mewujudkan kehidupan berkeluarga, bermasyarakat, berbangsa, dan bernegara yang sejahtera dan damai. Kedua, postulat pemikiran moderasi Islam dari perspektif gender di Indonesia. Ketiga, kontribusi teoritis-konseptual berupa lahirnya dan penguatan sudut pandang da'i yang digunakan untuk membaca makna teks-teks Islam. Selain itu, bantuan praktis penting lainnya adalah KUPI dapat mengantarkan pendirian  lembaga pendidikan Islam, Ma'had Aly Kebon Jambu sebagai pusat studi yang memperhatikan Islam dan perempuan.
[The movement of female Ulama in Indonesia in its historical trajectory shows the dynamics and characteristics influenced by social and political conditions. The study describes the implementation and contribution of the Indonesian Women's Ulama Congress (KUPI) held on 25-27 April 2017 at Kebon Jambu Islamic Boarding School in Babakan Ciwaringin Cirebon against Islamic moderation in the perspective of gender justice in Indonesia. The paper talks the capability of  KUPI with the plan to strengthen the scientific basis of Islam and the Muslim women's community in developing its empowerment to realize family life, community, nation, and prosperous and peaceful state. Second, postulates of Islamic moderation thinking from a gender perspective in Indonesia. Third, the theoretical-conceptual contribution in the form of the birth and strengthening of the standpoint of preachers used to read the meaning of Islamic texts. Besides, another essential practical assistance is that KUPI can deliver the advent of Islamic educational institutions, Ma'had Aly Kebon Jambu as a center of study that pays attention to Islam and women.]
The Incapability to Establish a Household as a Consequence of Child Marriage
Authors: Fadhli Ashabul , Khairiyah Ummil , Rizki Dewinda Herio
Published: June 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguraikan faktor-faktor yang mendorong terjadinya perkawinan anak di Lintau Buo Utara serta mengetahui bentuk persoalan yang timbul karena perkawinan tersebut. Tidak mudah bagi anak untuk melakukan penyesuaian-penyesuaian yang kompleks sebagaimana yang diadaptasi oleh pasangan dewasa. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian lapangan dalam bentuk kualitatif. Adapun jenis penelitian ini adalah deskriptif-analitis. Data primer diperoleh melalui wawancara terhadap 7 (tujuh) pasangan kawin anak, Kantor Urusan Agama Kecamatan Lintau Buo Utara. Data yang sudah terkumpul kemudian akan dianalisis menggunakan teori Hurlock tentang pernyesuaian sosial dalam perkawinan dengan menggunakan model interaktif Miles dan Huberman. Hasil penelitian ini menemukan bahwa minimnya pengetahuan tentang perkawinan yang berkelindan dengan persoalan sosial lainnya berakibat pada ketidaksiapan anak menjalani relasi perkawinan. Ketidaksiapan anak dalam perkawinan diketahui telah mempengaruhi kondisi sosial anak yang diantaranya adalah sulit melakukan penyesuaian diri dan gangguang emosi. Realitas sosial ini telah menekan psikologi anak karena tidak adanya kematangan emosi anak sebelum menikah. [This study aimed to describe the factors that encouraged child marriage in the Lintau Buo Utara Sub-district and find out the problems that arose from the marriage. Unlike adult couples, it is difficult for children to make complex adjustments towards marriage. This research is a field study in the form of qualitative. The type of research used in this study is descriptive analytics. The primary data were obtained through interviews with 7 (seven) child-married couples and from the Religious Affairs Office of Lintau Buo Utara. The collected data were then analyzed using Hurlock’s theory of social adjustment in marriage and Miles and Huberman’s interactive model. The results of this study showed that the lack of knowledge about marriage that was intertwined with other social problems resulted in the unreadiness of children to undergo marital relations. The unreadiness of children in marriage also affected their social conditions, which included facing difficulties in adjusting themselves and having emotional disturbances. This social reality suppressed the psychology of children because there was no emotional maturity before marriage.]
Atmoterrorismo y tecnologías del aire: sobre una performance del espacio en la filosofía de Sloterdijk
Authors: Tilleria Leopoldo Edgardo
Published: June 2024

Se postula la posibilidad de una cierta performance del espacio en la teoría de las esferas de Sloterdijk. Dicha performance sería un acto de convertibilidad ontotecnológica, que remplaza la noción ortodoxa de un espacio de naturaleza euclidiana por la de una espacialidad gobernada por la promesa de la disciplina del diseño o Air design. De este modo, el ser-en-esferas de Sloterdijk se comprendería mejor como seren-el-aire, sobre todo si se considera que la ascesis del Homo sapiens actual sugiere una climatización centrada en el confort del termotopo y en una gestión tecnológica del aire. Por lo mismo, y recurriendo a uno de los argumentos mitológicos del filósofo germano, el concepto de atmoterrorismo (o guerra enfocada en la toxicidad del ambiente) podría entenderse perfectamente como una suerte de venganza titanotécnica fruto del robo del fuego epistémico sagrado.
Andanzas y extravíos en la filosofía socrática y platónica
Authors: García Peña Ignacio
Published: June 2024

La filosofía de Sócrates posee un carácter muy peculiar debido a la ausencia de doctrinas bien establecidas y a la inseparable vinculación entre vida y pensamiento. Por este motivo, el filosofar socrático debe entenderse unido a sus andanzas callejeras y a la revisión constante de cualquier planteamiento. Partiendo de esta hipótesis, el artículo pretende mostrar tanto la originalidad del pensamiento socrático y su concepción de la filosofía como la enorme influencia que ejerce en los textos de Platón, que emplean de manera sutil esos extravíos y divagaciones con el propósito de enriquecer la conversación, de dotar de profundidad a las argumentaciones y de obligar al lector a recorrer ese mismo camino sinuoso que es el de la reflexión filosófica. Con ello, ambos autores muestran que la filosofía no es tanto un saber sino una actividad.
Biological engineering – an engineering discipline crucial to the future of our civilization
Authors: Adamy Jürgen , Nuber Ulrike A. , Koeppl Heinz , Bretthauer Georg
Published: June 2024

Biological engineering is a new engineering discipline that is paving the way for new products and processes based on findings from biology. These allow for environmentally friendly production, use and disposal while at the same time creating high added value. Like any engineering discipline, biological engineering requires a sound university education, which is already being provided at many North American universities. The aim of the article is to motivate policymakers to take note of this development and to establish comparable departments and degree programs in the EU.
Non-linear influences of track dynamic irregularities on vertical levelling loss of heavy-haul railway track geometry under cyclic loadings
Authors: de Melo Andre Luis Oliveira , Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Li Ting , Goto Keiichi
Published: June 2024

With an emphasis on the combined degradation of railway track geometry and components, a new numerical-analytical method is proposed for predicting the track geometrical vertical levelling loss (VLL). In contrast to previous studies, this research unprecedentedly considers the influence of initial track irregularities (ITI) on VLL under cyclic loadings, elastic-plastic behaviour, and different operational dynamic conditions. The non-linear numerical models are simulated using an explicit finite element package known as LS-Dyna, and their results are validated by full-scale experimental and field measurement data. The outcomes are iteratively regressed by an analytical logarithmic function that cumulates permanent settlements, which innovatively extends the effect of ITI on VLL in a long-term behaviour. For a typical heavy-haul railway operating under 30 tons axle load and 60 km/h train velocity, the result indicates that the set of ITI with the highest standard deviation (SD) of vertical profile (VP) degrades faster (37% on average) than that with the lowest SD. Additionally, our new findings reveal that the worst scenario is related to a train running at 60 km/h and carrying a load of 20 tons/axle in an uneven track whose SD of VP evolves from 3.23 mm at N = 0 (ITI) to 7.20 mm, whereas the best one corresponds to a train at 60 km/h and 30 ton axle load in an uneven track whose SD of VP downgrades from 0.48 to 1.50 mm, both at 3 M cycles (or 60 million gross tons). These findings indicate the importance of considering the ITI for predicting track geometrical VLL under cyclic loadings. Therefore, based on this research, an acceptable condition (thresholds) of ITI can be redefined for a minimum effect on VLL, which can support the development of practical maintenance guidelines to extend the railway track service life.
Performance of carbon nanomaterials incorporated with concrete exposed to high temperature
Authors: Han Seungyeon , Hossain Mohammad Shakhawat , Ha Taeho , Yun Kyong Ku
Published: June 2024

In recent decades, there have been initiatives to incorporate carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) into cement composites, particularly graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes, graphite (GP), and mild carbon (MC). Nevertheless, little is known about how these CNMs interact with the cement matrix itself. In this research, the impact of CNM incorporation at high temperatures (250, 500, 750, and 1,000°C) on cement’s mechanical characteristics and microstructure was investigated. Nine mixes were created with the CNM content (0.1 and 0.3%) being taken into consideration. The microstructure of the CNM composites was further investigated using X-ray diffractometry, thermogravimetry, derivative thermogravimetry, digital microscopy, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Based on research observations, the study demonstrated that the mechanical properties of most specimens could be enhanced through the introduction of CNMs. The recommended proportions of GP-0.1, GO-0.1, and MC-0.1, in accordance with the weight of the binder, and the impact of the CNMs on the elastic modulus were also assessed. As a consequence, the CNM’s porous structure and apparent crack pattern were identified using microstructure analysis.
The first survey using high-throughput sequencing of cereal and barley yellow dwarf viruses in Irish spring and winter barley crops
Authors: Byrne S. , Schughart M. , Ballandras V. , Carolan J.C. , Sheppard L. , McNamara L.
Published: June 2024

Yellow dwarf viruses (YDVs) are the most economically important plant viruses impacting cereal production worldwide and include viruses from the genus Luteovirus (e.g., barely yellow dwarf virus (BYDV)-PAV, BYDV-PAS, BYDV-MAV, BYDV-kerII, BYDV-kerIII) and Polerovirus (e.g., cereal yellow dwarf virus (CYDV)-RPV, CYDV-RPS). Until now, much of our knowledge on YDVs infecting Irish barley crops (Hordeum vulgare L.) has come from serological assays; however, due to cross-reactivity it can be difficult to discriminate between viruses of different species. In this study, we have carried out a high-throughput sequencing survey of symptomatic crops, positive with serological assays, to identify YDVs infecting Irish spring and winter barley crops and establish reference genomes to support further development of molecular surveillance tools. In total, RNA was extracted from 45 symptomatic crop samples that were collected across Ireland over 2 yr and sequenced following rRNA depletion. Three samples of barley plants from BYDV-infected aphid colonies were also included. BYDV-MAV was identified in all field samples sequenced. This confirms previous evidence based on serological assays that BYDV-MAV is the dominant YDV in Irish barley crops. We have also identified BYDV-PAS in 29% of symptomatic field samples, the first report of this species in Ireland. In addition, BYDV-PAV was also found, and crop samples with mixed infections were common; although in mixed infections the greatest proportion of YDV reads originated from BYDV-MAV. Finally, CYDV-RPS, the more severe variant of CYDV-RPV belonging to the genus Polerovirus, was identified in a single sample. The complete genomes, assembled from this first sequence-based survey, will enable the development of molecular surveillance tools with greater virus specificity, to further support the Irish aphid and YDV monitoring network.
Predominance of CD4+ T cells in metastatic cervical lymph nodes in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Moma Camila Aparecida , Barreto Icléia Siqueira , Assumpção Ligia Vera Montali , Zantut-Wittmann Denise Engelbrecht
Published: June 2024

Background

Papillary thyroid carcinoma has become increasingly prevalent over the years. Avoiding unnecessary treatments and the risk of complications is essential, as well as understanding the mechanisms of tumor progression and the conditions that indicate a worse prognosis. Assessment of the tumor microenvironment can allow us understand how the immune system organizes itself to contain neoplastic progression.

Methods

We compared characteristics related to the lymphocytic subpopulations in the thyroid tumor microenvironment and lymph nodes in two groups, with and without lymph node metastatic involvement.

Results

Of the 400 cases followed up at a thyroid cancer reference service, 32 were selected, of which, 13 cases did not present lymph node metastasis (N0 group) and 19 had lymph node involvement (N1 group). Clinical data were collected, and immunohistochemical reactions were performed for markers CD4, CD8, FoxP3, CD25, and CD20 in lymph nodes and peritumoral infiltrate. We found that the N1 group had larger tumor sizes, higher risk staging, higher frequency of extrathyroidal extension, shorter disease-free times, and higher expression of CD4+ T lymphocytes in lymph nodes; however, there was no difference in the expression of other markers or in the pattern of lymphocyte distribution in the lymph node.

Conclusion

In cervical lymph nodes, the higher frequency of CD4+ T lymphocytes is related to the presence of metastasis. However, there were no differences in lymphocytic subpopulations in the thyroid tumor microenvironment. The absence of changes in unaffected lymph nodes could not predict any tumor behavior.
Treatment Options and Continuity of Care in Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Lara-Romero Carmen , Romero-Gómez Manuel
Published: June 2024

The terms non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis have some limitations as they use exclusionary confounder terms and the use of potentially stigmatising language. Recently, a study with content experts and patients has been set to change this nomenclature. The term chosen to replace non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which avoids stigmatising and helps improve awareness and patient identification. MASLD is the most common cause of chronic liver disease with an increasing prevalence, accounting for 25% of the global population. It is considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome with lifestyle playing a fundamental role in its physiopathology. Diet change and physical activity are the cornerstones of treatment, encompassing weight loss and healthier behaviours and a holistic approach. In Europe, there is no approved drug for MASLD to date and there is a substantial unmet medical need for effective treatments for patients with MASLD. This review not only provides an update on advances in evidence for nutrition and physical activity interventions but also explores the different therapeutic options that are being investigated and whose development focuses on the restitution of metabolic derangements and halting inflammatory and fibrogenic pathways.
Comparison between antibacterial effect of nanoparticles and non-nanoparticles of chitosan on Listeria monocytogenes isolated from different types of Egyptian cheese
Authors: Amin M. M. , Gergis A. I.
Published: June 2024

The objectives of this paper were to investigate the existence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) in different types of cheese (Mozzarella, Thalaga, and Romy cheeses, 40 samples each) sold in Assiut dairy shops and to evalute antibacterial properties of chitosan and its nanoparticles against isolated strains. L. monocytogenes was isolated in higher percentage from Mozzarella cheese (25%) followed by Thalaga and Romy cheese samples. L. monocytogenes isolates were validated by PCR utilising the 16S rRNA gene. Zeta-sizer and TEM were used to characterise nano-chitosan. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of chitosan and nano-chitosan on L. monocytogenes were detected by MIC test. Nano-chitosan (3.125%) could prevent organism growth in cheese as early as the third week. The findings revealed that 3.125% nano-chitosan had a sufficient effect on L. monocytogenes while also providing good consumer satisfaction; therefore, nano-chitosan should be utilised as a natural food additive in Egyptian dairy products.
Use of toxicants baiting for reduction of wild boar populations in African swine fever disease management – implications for biodiversity and legislation
Authors: Balieva G. N. , Tanchev D.
Published: June 2024

Wild animals appear to be a key factor in the occurrence, transmission and prevalence of a myriad of contagious animal diseases, being natural reservoirs, vectors or both. This role is played by wild boars in the African swine fever (ASF) transmission to domestic pigs. ASF entered the European Union in 2014 and since then lots of measures have been implemented to bring the disease under control. Bulgaria also tried to introduce new measures for reduction of wild boar populations, regarding ASF through legislative amendments. Proposals in the Bulgarian Law on hunting and game protection from 2020 tried to make legitimate wild boar culling with some unselective approaches like the use of baits with chemical poisonous or intoxicating substances. This provoked the authors to study the experience of other countries on particular toxicants used for baiting for control of wild boar populations. We investigated the available scientific literature on the selective character of chemical baiting and the effect on non-target species. Moreover, the participation of different stakeholders in the pro­cess of development and implementation of the mentioned measures was discussed. Thus, proposals were made for better preparatory, scientific and efficiency investigation at the preliminary stage of animal disease control measures development.
Measurements of rotational stiffness for precast concrete girder transport vehicles, part 2
Authors: Sun C. Shawn , Sevenker Adam D. , El-Khier Mostafa Abo
Published: June 2024

This paper presents field measurements of the rotational stiffness of three transport vehicles equipped with different types of suspensions: leaf, combined air and leaf, and hydraulic suspensions. The rotational stiffness was determined by measuring the tilts of the vehicles when a girder or known weights were placed on them at various eccentricities. One of the tested vehicles, which featured transversely expandable wheel spacings varying from 6 to 18 ft (1.8 to 5.5 m), exhibited an increase in rotational stiffness from 78,181 to 134,584 kip-in./radian (8833 to 15,206 kN-m/radian). This paper summarizes the rotational stiffness for all the vehicles tested by the authors. The field measurements conducted have enriched the existing database on vehicle rotational stiffness in the United States.
Project Spotlight: Florida’s native plants inspire park buildings
Authors: Atkinson William
Published: June 2024

The Winter Park Library and Events Center in Winter Park, Fla., is part of a campus that serves as a civic and cultural hub. The three precast concrete structures provided by Gate Precast in Kissimmee, Fla., are a two-story library, an events center with a rooftop terrace, and a portico that ushers visitors from the street and welcomes them into the campus.