bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTEGRASI FMEA DAN NEW SEVEN TOOLS UNTUK OPTIMALISASI PENGGUNAAN BAHAN BAKAR BOILER
Authors: Endik Wirawan  , Nur Muflihah
Published: October 2022

Abstract

PT. XYZ is a sugar producing company with a production capacity of 12,000 TCD (Ton Cane per Day). To be able to compete with its more experienced competitors, PT. XYZ needs a proper strategy. One of these strategies is to maintain and continuously improve product quality, as well as other aspects in all lines of the company. Constraints that occur at PT. XYZ is a low boiler efficiency level, which is in the range of 65%-75%. This value is 10% lower than the standard efficiency of boilers that use coal as fuel. The purpose of this study is to increase the optimization of the use of boiler fuel at the company PT. XYZ. By using the FMEA method and the New Seven Tools, the problems causing wasteful use of fuel can be mapped thoroughly, making it easier to understand the root of the problem, as well as looking for targeted improvement suggestions. The result is that it is known that there are 7 problems related to optimizing the use of coal fuel at PT. XYZ. Among them are the problem of 'High coal humidity' with a waste of Rp 7,036,281,797 per year, the problem of 'Steam pipe leaking' with a waste of Rp 1,323,800,301 per year, and the problem of 'Sootblow Superheater and Economizer not optimal' with a wasted cost of Rp 349,490. 375 per year
OPTIMASI PEMANFAATAN LUMPUR AKTIF UNTUK MENURUNKAN KADAR COD MENGGUNAKAN METODE DESAIN EKSPERIMEN TAGUCHI
Authors: Teguh Riyanto  , Nur Muflihah  , Andhika Mayasari  , Fatma Ayu Nuning Farida Afiatna
Published: October 2022

Abstract

PT. XYZ is a private sugar factory in Lamongan Regency, East Java. The resulting product is sugar, besides that the sugar production process cannot be separated from liquid waste. PT. XYZ often has problems in the treatment of WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant) at the input in the BE pond (Equalization Tank). Influent in the BE pond (Equalization Tank) often occurs levels of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) that do not match the company's quality standards because the influent input is sometimes too large. The purpose of this study was to improve the quality of the influent product to match the company's quality standards with aspects of activated sludge utilization in BE ponds (Equalization Tank). The taguchi method is used as a method to improve and improve quality and analyze the factors that influence the quality of the influent, including the volume of activated sludge, the length of the aerator running, the volume of waste, the interval between activated sludge added and observed. Taguchi standard orthogonal matrix L8(27) used the objective function 'the value is getting smaller (closer to the desired 0)'. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) obtained that the dominant factor affecting the quality of the influent was the volume of waste (C), while based on the Taguchi method, the most optimal experimental results resulted in a combination of 100 ml activated sludge volume, 5 hours aerator running time, 1 liter waste volume, the gap between activated sludge was added and observed for 5 hours.
Model of river flow routing on a continental scale with variable flow velocity
Authors: Krylova A. I. , Lapteva N. A.
Published: October 2022

In the latest version of the climatic model of river flow formation, water transport along the river network to the mouth was carried out for each section of the Lena River and its tributaries at its constant rate. This paper presents two approaches to routing surface runoff with time-varying flow rates. The use of these approaches may allow the model to represent not only average multi-year flow rates, but also the ability to simulate floods and short-term fluctuations in river flow. Two numerical experiments were conducted: simulations of river flow with constant and variable velocities.
Influence of the wind regime on atmospheric pollution in Novosibirsk
Authors: Lezhenin А. A. , Raputa V. F.
Published: October 2022

The actual problem of estimating long-term pollution of the atmosphere of the city according to network observations is considered, using the example of the city of Novosibirsk. To analyze the pollution processes, the results of monthly average measurements of benz(a)pyrene (BP) concentrations at stationary posts of Roshydromet in 2018 were used. A study was carried out to assess the impact of the wind regime on the levels of BP content in the atmospheric air of the city. To determine the wind characteristics, we used observational data at the meteorological station Ogurtsovo, located near the city of Novosibirsk. Taking into account the location of the dominant sources, an analysis was made of the relationships between the recurrence of wind directions and the measured levels of BP concentrations at air quality control posts in cities. The patterns of formation of atmospheric pollution from the recurrence of calm conditions in the cold period of the year have been established. It is shown that in the winter months of 2018, high concentrations of BP, reaching 15-20 MPC, were accompanied by a large number of calms. The study showed that, along with the use of integral indicators, it is necessary to pay attention to the extreme indicators of the city's atmospheric air quality for an objective picture.
Numerical experiments with real data for estimating greenhouse gas fluxes in a region
Authors: Platonova M. V. , Klimova E. G.
Published: October 2022

This work is devoted to the problem of obtaining an estimate of methane emissions using satellite data and the results of mathematical modeling. To implement the algorithm, a variant of the local Kalman ensemble filter (LETKF) is used, which represents an optimal estimate of the desired parameter based on observational data and a forecast based on a metematic model in a given time interval. This algorithm has properties that allow it to be used locally, i.e., to assimilate data by subdomains. The paper presents the implementation of the algorithm for real observational data and the results of mathematical modeling (calculation of the forecast of the state of the system). The results of the three-dimensional model of transport and diffusion (MOZART-4) are taken as the results of mathematical modeling, and satellite observations (AIRS data) are used as observational data. As a result of the algorithm, an average estimate of methane fluxes in the subdomain was obtained at specified time intervals.
A two-dimensional boundary value problem for one overdetermined system
Authors: Urev M. V. , Imomnazarov Kh. Kh. , Iskandarov I. K.
Published: October 2022

In the half-plane, we consider a stationary system of the two-velocity hydrodynamics with one pressure and homogeneous divergent and inhomogeneous boundary conditions for two velocities. This system is overdetermined. The solution of this system is reduced to the sequential solution of two boundary value problems: the Stokes problem for one velocity and pressure and the overdetermined system for the other velocity. With an appropriate choice of function spaces, the existence and uniqueness of a generalized solution with an appropriate stability estimate has been proved.
City pollution problem
Authors: Bochkareva I. I.
Published: October 2022

The paper discusses the causes of urban pollution with solid municipal waste. One of the reasons for the littering of urbanized territories, the author considers the lack of elaboration in determining those responsible for specific land plots. In the paper, as an example, sections are given along the fence of hazardous areas of railway tracks, after the establishment of which the amount of household waste left along them has sharply increased. It is not possible to determine the ownership of land plots using a public cadastral map, since they do not even have a category of land use.
Use of artificial neural networks for recognizing cannel forms
Authors: Buchelnikov М. А. , Sidorova М. U. , Spirenkova О. V. , Nikulina М. Е.
Published: October 2022

The possibilities of using artificial neural networks to solve some hydrological problems are considered. The description of the algorithm of the artificial neural network for recognizing the types of river rifts is given.
Monitoring state of natural environment of territories with active volcanism
Authors: Verkhoturov A. A.
Published: October 2022

State of natural environment in situation of active volcanism depends on power and frequency of eruptions. To understand scale and nature of changes in essence environment of the territories adjacent to active volcanoes, it is necessary to conduct monitoring based on the use of remote sensing data of the Earth. Purpose of the work is to summarize the results of the author's research and the work of his predecessors, as well as to propose a technology for monitoring state of natural environment of territories with active volcanism. The research uses methods of decoding satellite images, field observations, geoinformation and retrospective analysis. The developed technology can contribute to operational assessment of impact on state of environment, as well as prediction of volcanic hazards for territories adjacent to active volcanoes. The results of research confirm danger of volcanic processes for environmental components. There is a relationship between thickness of tephra deposits and rate of succession.
Monitoring of forest fires in the territory Siberian Federal district
Authors: Ivanova G. A. , Ivanov V. A. , Ponomarev E. I.
Published: October 2022

Monitoring of forest fires on the territory of the Siberian Federal District revealed that over the past decades the number of fires in the region has increased and their areas have doubled. The largest number of fires occurs in the areas of taiga and forest-steppe. The main causes of fires were anthropogenic, associated with the growing economic and recreational development of forest territories by the population.
Ridge-pool complexes of bogs in the middle taiga
Authors: Kosykh N. P. , Vishnyakova E. K.
Published: October 2022

Ridge-pool complex is typical for oligotrophic bogs of the middle taiga of Western Siberia. Vegetation monitoring shows that with a constant species composition of ecosystem vegetation, productivity (reserves of phytomass, mortmass and production) changes on average by 10-20 % due to weather conditions. In hot years, the production was 650-1100 g/m per year, while the reserves of live phytomass were 1200-2230 g/m, depending on the type of ecosystem. In cool and humid conditions, net primary production decreased to 660-830 g/m per year, while the stocks of live phytomass in different bog ecosystems were 1300-1600 g/m. On elevated relief elements in pine-shrub-sphagnum plant communities of ridges in hot years in the lake complex, the production reached a high value - 990 g/m per year. The more watered ecosystems of the basin of the lake complex remained the most productive (830 g/m per year). On lower relief elements in the ecosystems of hollows, the greatest contribution to the formation of total production is made by the underground organs of grasses, which make up more than 50-60 % of all production. The stocks of phytomass and net primary production in the hollows of these complexes are higher than in the hollows of the ridge-hollow complexes.
Sanitary and epidemiological regulation of territorial and functional zoning in urban planning
Authors: Kramer M. A.
Published: October 2022

The principles of improving sanitary legislation in terms of its application in urban planning are considered. A methodology for combining the three classifications is proposed: a) in the Federal Law on Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare of the Population; b) in the Classification of normative and methodological documents of the system of state sanitary and epidemiological rationing and c) in the generalized sanitary rules and norms as amended after 2020. In axiology, when assessing the completeness of knowledge, Guidelines are considered as due for practice and existing for integration and improvement. A new content of territorial zones and the need for the formation of three functional zones based on the principles of hygienic rationing are proposed.
Features of technogenic radionuclides in private sector of Semey town
Authors: Kuderinov S. M. , Isabekova K. S. , Ustavich G. A. , Kuderinova N. A.
Published: October 2022

This article considers the issues of contamination with man-made radionuclides in the land of the city of Semipalatinsk. The purpose of accounting for the impact of land contamination with radionuclides is the assessment of the degree of impact of secondary contamination of urban areas and the definition of the boundary of this contamination, affecting the cadastral value. Factors contributing to the spread of pollution, such as in a coal warehouse, as well as in the burning of coal, during delivery, on automobile roads, which delivers coal to industrial enterprises, boiler-houses and the consumer sector. The sources of secondary pollution, which are located in the city, are considered. It has been established that the cadastral value will have an impact on the level of contamination of the land plot with man-made radionuclides. It is proposed to supplement the boundary plan of contaminated land plots.
Analysis of land resources of the Novosibirsk region
Authors: Lisakova O. A. , Maymanova E. A.
Published: October 2022

The article discusses the features of the distribution of the land fund of the Novosibirsk region by land categories and conducted a comparative analysis in the period from 2015 to 2020. Positive and negative trends of changing the size of various types of land resources have been identified and an integrated approach for the effective use of land has been proposed.
Analysis of the state of the urban ecosystem using the method of fluctuating asymmetry
Authors: Lugovskaya A. Yu.
Published: October 2022

The article presents the results of the analysis of the influence of transport and industrial pollution on the plant Potentilla fruticosa L. It has been established that the plant, in response to man-made effects, exhibits a reaction consisting in reducing the size of assimilation organs. It is shown that the environmental quality of the urbanized territory in terms of the fluctuating asymmetry of the final leaf fraction corresponds to a high level of pollution.
Application of ground-based stereophotogrammetric survey in the technical inventory of real estate objects
Authors: Fedorovskiy A. A. , Bykov L. V.
Published: October 2022

The general methods of land survey for the purposes of technical inventory of real estate units don’t allow creating visual materials and forms of real estate objects elements that can have some errors. The new method of land survey with the stereo photography and GNSS coordinating of station is free of this weaknesses. The land surveys of object must be made with photogrammetric constructеs, which consist of 3, 4 or 6 snapshots. Stations must have noncollinear position. Minimal base lines must be calculated according to acceptable errors of buildings measurements. The research shows that all photogrammetric constructеs are of equal accuracy. The photographing with 4 or 6 stations is more informative because of different lines of sight. The result of this surveys is a 3D model. Measurements of forms of real estate objects elements with 3D models have high accuracy. The survey examples of different objects shows high accuracy results of 2D and 3D measurements, which are made with 3D model. The implementation of the method of land survey with the stereo photography for the purposes of technical inventory of real estate objects makes real progress in the creation of 3D cadaster.
An overview of modern approaches for assessment and mapping of noise pollution
Authors: Nikolaeva O. N. , Krasnopol`skij Il. А.
Published: October 2022

The article substantiates the role of the cartographic research method in the study and control of city noise pollution. The regulatory documentation in scope of studying and mapping the noise load is considered. The requirements for measurement and mapping of noise levels are outlined. Fragments of maps created in Russia and abroad are presented, their strengths and weaknesses are described. The three main approaches to measuring and mapping noise levels, including mobile noise mapping, are characterized. Case-studies on the use of various interpolation methods for calculating the noise load are considered. Proposals are formulated for GIS-based city noise modeling. The main sources of data for direct and indirect city noise modeling are characterized.
Application of modified fuel in internal combustion engines to reduce pollutants in exhaust gases
Authors: Panov D. V. , Zaitsev V. P. , Roslyakova O. V. , Kudryashov A. Y.
Published: October 2022

This work presents the results of the study of the effect of water in the dissolved state in diesel fuel, as well as in the form of a water-fuel emulsion. The question of the expediency of using modified diesel fuel is being considered. Experimental data show that a decrease in the intensity of nitrogen oxides formation occurs due to the transfer of diesel fuel from fuel oil to a water-fuel emulsion. The use of an emulsion has the effect of reducing the volume of active zones of nitrogen oxide formation, and also reduces the maximum local gas temperatures. As a result of the conducted studies of water-fuel systems on the 1H 15/18 engine, in which water molecules were in a dissolved state in the form of true solutions. To improve the solubility of water, modifiers of various nature (high-molecular alcohol and quaternary ammonium base salt) were introduced into diesel fuel. During the research, it was found that the presence of dissolved water in the upgraded fuel leads to a decrease in the amount of toxic pollutants CO and NOx in the exhaust gases.
On improvement of the Russian forest legislation
Authors: Sokolov V. A. , Vtyurina O. P. , Sokolova N. V. , Zakharinskiy Y. N.
Published: October 2022

Paradigm of sustainable forest management should be the basis of forest policy strategy. Forestry is a branch of production industry in which the rules of a market economy apply. Within this framework, the Russian forest legislation and forest management should be adapted. The exhaustion of economic growth based on extensive exploitation of forest resources is the greatest challenge in the field of forestry from the viewpoint of scientific and technological development. To reform the Russian forest policy and forest legislation should be prompt response to this challenge should be. Scientific and technological conceptual foresight based on the analysis of global trends in forestry development is one of the key techniques for achieving an effective forest management system. At the same time, backcasting of the forest fund for the maximum possible time period is especially important, which makes it possible to identify trends in changes under the natural and anthropogenic factors. The novel forest legislation should be aimed at achieving sustainable use of the entirety of social, environmental and economic functions of forests to ensure meeting the various needs of society. The concept of the draft Basic Forest Law of the Russian Federation are proposed. The new Forest Code should handle forest relations in all forests, not only in the forest fund, and should extend over all forest owners and forest users.
Relative Value of the Forest Stand Ecosystem Services
Authors: Farber S. K. , Martynov A. A. , Sokolova N. V.
Published: October 2022

It is asserted that forest stand value could be presented as an amount of ecosystem services. Computation has been performed in relation to stumpage fees. As a result, the relative normative value of ecosystem services has been obtained, which could be used in order to establish payment for forest use, to definite damage as well as in matters of forest management and forest planning.
Determination of the risks of rational environmental management in the distribution of transport cargo flows development of the YAMAL resource base
Authors: Futik I. G. , Kolodyazhnaya O. V.
Published: October 2022

This article raises the issue of the development of the resource base of the Arctic coast of Russia, using the example of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, but in terms of the risks of rational nature management, taking into account the transport support of this development. Identification of risks of the analyzed process takes place in the environment of elements of the socio-economic system. In turn, such a system, the element of which is sustainable development, includes certain environments of influence of risk factors, including economic, technological, political, social. Based on the analytical study of the information, a map of the risk factors of the influence of environmental elements on the possibilities of functioning of the relationships of participants in the rational use of natural resources in the region was built. The result of the study is the application of a scientific organizational and analytical approach to the identification of environmental management problems in regions where there is still insufficient effort to solve such problems.
Soil-biological methods in monitoring the processes of turning the steppe into a meadow near lake ecosystems of Khakassia
Authors: Yakutin M. V. , Andrievskiy V. S. , Anopchenko L. Yu.
Published: October 2022

The article analyzes the results of the study of microbiological and zoological components in the soils of lake territories in the steppe zone of the Khakassia Republic. It is shown that the transformation of the zoo-microbial complex of the southern chernozem in the process of turning the steppe into a meadow occurs along the way of reducing the biomass of soil microorganisms and a sharp increase in the total and specific metabolic activity of this biomass. At the same time, a sharp decrease in the number of oribatids occurs in the process of turning the steppe into a meadow, with the practical immutability of species richness. At the same time, the composition of the oribatid community is undergoing a radical transformation. These changes in the zoo-microbial complex are associated with changes in the level of soil moisture. The conducted research demonstrated that the identified features of the studied biological and soil indicators (microbiomass, respiration of biomass and metabolic coefficient, the number and species richness of oribatid mites) can be successfully used in the practice of monitoring the process of turning the steppe into a meadow on lake territories in the steppe zone of the Khakassia Republic.
Models for Estimating the Parameters of Smoke Emissions from Thermal Power Plants from Satellite Information
Authors: Raputa V. F. , Lezhenin A. A.
Published: October 2022

The problem of estimating the characteristics of the rise of smoke plumes from pipes of industrial enterprises is discussed. For these purposes, data from ground-based and satellite observations, information about the dynamic and thermal parameters of emission sources are used. Solutions of the equations of atmospheric hydrothermodynamics are used as basic relations. The analysis of the characteristics of the rise of smoke mixtures from the high-altitude stacks of the Novo-Irkutsk thermal power plant was carried out on the basis of satellite images and aerological sounding data. For specific meteorological conditions, an additional rise height of the smoke plume was determined and estimates of the permissible upper and lower limits of the vertical velocities of smoke mixtures from high-altitude stacks were obtained. It is expedient to apply the proposed approach in conditions of cloudless weather and in the presence of color uniformity of the earth's surface, which ensures high contrast of smoke plume shadows.
Stochastic models of bioclimatic indices time series in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation
Authors: Akenteva M. S. , Kargapolova N. A.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, an approach to the numerical stochastic simulation of time series of two bioclimatic indices (wind chill index and the equivalent-effective temperature) at weather stations located in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is considered. The approach is based on the use of so-called “defining formulas”. On the basis of the considered approach, stochastic models of the time series of the considered bioclimatic indices were constructed, numerically implemented and verified. The models are developed on the assumption that the real bioclimatic processes are periodically correlated. The use of this assumption makes it possible to take into account the daily variation of the real processes. We also use the assumption that the real series of the wind chill index and the equivalent-effective temperature are non-Gaussian. To simulate non-stationary non-Gaussian time series, the method of inverse distribution functions is applied. The results of verification of the developed stochastic models showed that many statistical characteristics of simulated trajectories are close to the corresponding characteristics of the real series.
Modeling of thermohydrodynamic processes in Lake Chany
Authors: Zinoviev A. T. , Dyachenko A. V. , Kondakova O. V.
Published: October 2022

The paper presents the results of the computer simulation of the thermohydrodynamic (THD) processes in a shallow water body based on the open software package Delft3D. The object of modeling is closed Lake Chany - the largest natural water body in Western Siberia. To construct a computer THD-model of Lake Chany digital elevation model of its basin was refined and a database containing meteorological information from coastal area stations and hydrological data of the lake and its tributaries was prepared. Simulation calculations of THD processes for open-water period in 2018 are performed. The analysis of the results showed that the constructed 2DH computer model of Lake Chany allows to reproduce the observed features of its thermal regime for the ice-free period.
On one inverse dynamic problem of poroelasticity for a layered medium
Authors: Imomnazarov Kh. Kh. , Khujaev L. Kh. , Yangiboev Z. Sh.
Published: October 2022

An inverse dynamic problem of poroelasticity of a piecewise-smooth shear coefficient is considered using additional information on oscillations of free surface points. It is believed that Goupill's hypothesis about the equal propagation time of perturbations through the layers of a liquid-saturated porous medium has been fulfilled. Recursive formulas for recovering the unknown shift coefficient are obtained.
Renewable Energy Policy as Indonesia's Energy Security Strategy
Authors: Anggraini Melaty
Published: October 2022

Indonesia has the potential of abundant natural resources that made the country a global energy producer before, but because of the dwindling energy reserves owned makes the position reversed and caused Indonesia’s policy to have energy supply from other countries, besides the high utilization of fossil energy in Indonesia has much impact on environmental damage such as air and water pollution and does not support economic development patterns. Sustainable. For this reason, the Indonesian government needs to improve its policy regulations by focusing on the development and management of new renewable energy as a form of a national resilience strategy and environmental impact reduction. This new renewable energy will be analyzed from 4 dimensions of political considerations in constructivist theory, namely idiographic, purposive, ethics, and instrument, to see if it will be appropriate for Indonesia’s national energy security strategic plan. This research uses qualitative methods that explain the two variables involved in this new renewable energy and energy security and look for reasons for the need to include the concept of renewable energy in the national energy security policy strategy, with qualitative data collection techniques and library literature sources and interview results of related quotations. The results of the four-dimensional analysis will explain that the concept of renewable energy ideas is a social construction that can be a policy recommendation in the field of energy for the government to maintain the availability of energy supply in the strategic issue of national energy security
One Film, Many Perspectives: Understanding The Issue Of Climate Change In The Documentary Film Before The Flood
Authors: Ayu Sabrina, Indra Kusumawardhana Mohamad Rosyidin,
Published: October 2022

There have been abundant literature concerning movies as a learning tool in International Relations (IR). The use of movies as a learning tool matters in order to achieve learning outcomes since movies could reduce the level of abstraction of a concept. This paper aims to explain the global climate change phenomenon depicted in a documentary film entitled Before the Flood using four main theoretical approaches in IR, namely, realism, neoliberal institutionalism, Marxism, and constructivism. This paper argues that Before the Flood is quite relevant and effective to achieve learning outcomes of IR theories course. Watching documentary films is expected to enrich learning methods in IR particularly IR theories courses by using audio-visual instruments.
Work with Terms while Studying Humanities in a Non-core University: Spelling Competence
Authors:   Nizhny Novgorod State Engineering and Economic University, Russia, Belousova Olga , Guznova Alena ,   Nizhny Novgorod State Engineering and Economic University, Russia, Arkhipova Maria ,   Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University, Russia, Pavlova Olga ,   Nizhny Novgorod State Engineering and Economic University, Russia, Polyakov Valery ,   Nizhny Novgorod State Engineering and Economic University, Russia
Published: October 2022

The modern information society, involved in the process of digitalization of all spheres of activity, faces not only positive expressions of the digital good, but also, unfortunately, negative ones. One of these expressions is a decrease in the spelling sharpness of native speakers. If we compare the discipline «Culture of speech and business communication» with the previously existing course «The Russian language and culture of speech», then it clearly shows a practical orientation. As it is known, language culture includes the culture of speech, reading, working with text, and information culture. We believe that all these components can be considered within the framework of a terminological culture if we are considering a specific professional field. Spelling skills include knowledge of a code and a sign system that guarantees the ability to capture speech information with the help of graphic elements, recognize it and use it in everyday life. Spelling competence is readiness to analyze and recognize graphic symbols of any new information on the basis of existing knowledge.
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy for Estimation of Oxidation State, Chemical Fraction and Local Atomic Structure of Materials
Authors: Singh Jitendra Pal , Nandy Subhajit , Chae Keun Hwa , Lee Sangsul
Published: October 2022

This work discussed the role of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) in determining the oxidation state, chemical fraction, and local atomic structure of the materials. These aspects of XAS were discussed by taking LiNiO2 and Mn3O4 as prototype materials. The oxidation state of metal ions in these oxides was estimated with the help of XAS spectra of the reference oxides such as NiO (in the case of LiNiO2), MnO, Mn2O3, and MnO2 (in the case of Mn3O4). Analysis of the oxidation state was performed from the main absorption edge which was estimated from half of the step height. This showed that the Ni K-edge absorption edge of LiNiO2 is slightly above that of NiO. In the case of Mn ions, the main absorption edges show a linear variation with the oxidation states. This estimates the presence of a mixed oxidation state (2.6+) of Mn ions in Mn3O4. Linear combination fitting results exhibit that almost 35% of ions are in a 2+ oxidation state. The remaining ions are in a 3+ oxidation state. Thus, XAS can determine the fractions of each oxidation state of a particular ion in a given material. Quantitative information on coordination number and bond distance of nearest neighbor for a given element of a material is another important use of this technique.
Systems biology approaches to investigate the role of granulomas in TB-HIV coinfection
Authors: Hoerter Alexis , Arnett Eusondia , Schlesinger Larry S. , Pienaar Elsje
Published: October 2022

The risk of active tuberculosis disease is 15-21 times higher in those coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) compared to tuberculosis alone, and tuberculosis is the leading cause of death in HIV+ individuals. Mechanisms driving synergy between Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and HIV during coinfection include: disruption of cytokine balances, impairment of innate and adaptive immune cell functionality, and Mtb-induced increase in HIV viral loads. Tuberculosis granulomas are the interface of host-pathogen interactions. Thus, granuloma-based research elucidating the role and relative impact of coinfection mechanisms within Mtb granulomas could inform cohesive treatments that target both pathogens simultaneously. We review known interactions between Mtb and HIV, and discuss how the structure, function and development of the granuloma microenvironment create a positive feedback loop favoring pathogen expansion and interaction. We also identify key outstanding questions and highlight how coupling computational modeling with in vitro and in vivo efforts could accelerate Mtb-HIV coinfection discoveries.
Biomechanical mechanism of reduced aspiration by the Passy-Muir valve in tracheostomized patients following acquired brain injury: Evidences from subglottic pressure
Authors: Han Xiaoxiao , Ye Qiuping , Meng Zhanao , Pan Dongmei , Wei Xiaomei , Wen Hongmei , Dou Zulin
Published: October 2022

Objective

Aspiration is a common complication after tracheostomy in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI), resulting from impaired swallowing function, and which may lead to aspiration pneumonia. The Passy-Muir Tracheostomy and Ventilator Swallowing and Speaking Valve (PMV) has been used to enable voice and reduce aspiration; however, its mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of PMV intervention on the prevention of aspiration.

Methods

A randomized, single-blinded, controlled study was designed in which 20 tracheostomized patients with aspiration following ABI were recruited and randomized into the PMV intervention and non-PMV intervention groups. Before and after the intervention, swallowing biomechanical characteristics were examined using video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and high-resolution manometry (HRM). A three-dimensional (3D) upper airway anatomical reconstruction was made based on computed tomography scan data, followed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation analysis to detect subglottic pressure.

Results

The results showed that compared with the non-PMV intervention group, the velopharynx maximal pressure (VP-Max) and upper esophageal sphincter relaxation duration (UES-RD) increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) score decreased in the PMV intervention group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the subglottic pressure was successfully detected by CFD simulation analysis, and increased significantly after 2 weeks in the PMV intervention group compared to the non-PMV intervention group (P < 0.001), indicating that the subglottic pressure could be remodeled through PMV intervention.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that PMV could improve VP-Max, UES-RD, and reduce aspiration in tracheostomized patients, and the putative mechanism may involve the subglottic pressure.

Clinical trial registration

[http://www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR1800018686].
FveARF2 negatively regulates fruit ripening and quality in strawberry
Authors: Yi Shan-na , Mao Jian-xin , Zhang Xin-yu , Li Xiao-ming , Zhang Zhi-hong , Li He
Published: October 2022

Auxin response factors (ARFs) are transcription factors that play important roles in plants. ARF2 is a member of the ARF family and participates in many plant growth and developmental processes. However, the role of ARF2 in strawberry fruit quality remains unclear. In this study, FveARF2 was isolated from the woodland strawberry ‘Ruegen’ using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which showed that FveARF2 expression levels were higher in the stem than in other organs of the ‘Ruegen’ strawberry. Moreover, FaARF2 was higher in the white fruit stage of cultivated strawberry fruit than in other stage. Subcellular localization analysis showed that FveARF2 is located in the nucleus, while transcriptional activation assays showed that FveARF2 inhibited transcription in yeast. Silencing FveARF2 in cultivated strawberry fruit revealed earlier coloration and higher soluble solid, sugar, and anthocyanin content in the transgenic fruit than in the control fruit, overexpression of FveARF2 in strawberry fruit delayed ripening and lower soluble solid, sugar, and anthocyanin content compared to the control fruit. Gene expression analysis indicated that the transcription levels of the fruit ripening genes FaSUT1, FaOMT, and FaCHS increased in FveARF2-RNAi fruit and decreased in FveARF2-OE fruit, when compared with the control. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and GUS activity experiments showed that FveARF2 can directly bind to the AuxRE (TGTCTC) element in the FaSUT1, FaOMT, and FaCHS promoters in vitro and in vivo. Potassium ion supplementation improved the quality of strawberry fruit, while silencing FveARF2 increased potassium ion content in transgenic fruit. The Y1H and GUS activity experiments also confirmed that FveARF2 could directly bind to the promoter of FveKT12, a potassium transporter gene, and inhibited its expression. Taken together, we found that FveARF2 can negatively regulate strawberry fruit ripening and quality, which provides new insight for further study of the molecular mechanism of strawberry fruit ripening.
Dynamics of stand productivity in Moso bamboo forest after strip cutting
Authors: Zheng Yaxiong , Fan Shaohui , Zhou Xiao , Zhang Xuan , Guan Fengying
Published: October 2022

Strip cutting can effectively reduce the cutting cost of bamboo forests and promote the transformation and upgradation of bamboo forests through mechanization and modernization. Despite the rapid accumulation of Moso bamboo biomass, the dynamics of five years changes in stand characteristics and productivity after cutting remain unclear. This is critical for formulating efficient bamboo forest management measures. In this paper, plots with an 8 m width strip cut (SC) and respective reserved belts (RB) were selected as the research object, and the traditional management forest (CK) as control. The dynamic characteristics of stand, biomass distribution pattern, and productivity change in the different treatment plots were studied for 5 years after cutting. The results showed that cutting increased the number of shoots and new bamboo, and decreased the diameter at breast height, height to crown base, and height of new bamboo (p<0.05). Cutting reduces the productivity of both SC and RB, and allocates more biomass to the bamboo leaves to capture light in SC (p<0.05). Over time, the characteristics of new bamboo in SC reached the level of CK, and the density of standing bamboo, and productivity, were higher than those in CK. However, the number and productivity of new bamboo decreased significantly in the RB (p<0.05), which reflected the density restriction effect of bamboo forest. Further analysis showed that the increase in productivity in SC and CK was mainly from Moso bamboo at II and III “du”, which positively correlated with the soil contents of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and available phosphorus. It was suggested that after three On-year restorations, the SC could reach the level of CK, however it is necessary to density manage RB from the second On-year after cutting.
The relationship between eHealth literacy, social media self-efficacy and health communication intention among Chinese nursing undergraduates: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sun Huiping , Qian Lin , Xue Mengxin , Zhou Ting , Qu Jiling , Zhou Jingxin , Qu Junchao , Ji Siqi , Bu Yuan , Hu Yicheng , Wu Shaung , Chen Yuhui , You Jiachun , Liu Yongbing
Published: October 2022

Background

With the popularization of the Internet, it has become possible to widely disseminate health information via social media. Medical staff's health communication through social media can improve the public's health literacy, and improving the intention of health communication among nursing undergraduates is of great significance for them to actively carry out health communication after entering clinical practice.

Objective

To explore the relationship among eHealth literacy, social media self-efficacy, and health communication intention and to determine the mediating role of social media self-efficacy in the relationship between eHealth literacy and health communication intention.

Design

A cross-sectional descriptive correlation design was used in this study.

Participants

Stratified cluster sampling was used to select 958 nursing students from four nursing colleges in Jiangsu Province, China, from June to July 2021.

Methods

Data were collected using the eHealth Literacy Scale, the Social Media Self-efficacy Scale, and the Health Communication Intention Questionnaire. Sociodemographic data were also collected. Correlation analysis and regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between eHealth literacy, social media self-efficacy, and health communication intention.

Results

Health communication intention is positively correlated with eHealth literacy and social media self-efficacy. There is a significant positive correlation between eHealth literacy and health communication intention (β = 0.57, p < 0.001), and social media self-efficacy played a mediating role in the influence of eHealth literacy on health communication intention (the mediating effect accounted for 37.2% of the total effect).

Conclusion

The study found that eHealth literacy and social media self-efficacy had an impact on health communication intention. Because there is a correlation between eHealth literacy and social media self-efficacy and health communication intention, in order to promote health communication intention of nursing students, it is also important to cultivate eHealth literacy and social media self-efficacy of nursing students. In view of these results, targeted educational programs must be developed to improve eHealth literacy and social media self-efficacy among nursing undergraduates, thereby promoting their health information transmission.
Design of HIFU Treatment Plans Using Thermodynamic Equilibrium Algorithm
Authors: Lari Salman , Han Sang Wook , Kim Jong Uk , Kwon Hyock Ju
Published: October 2022

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive medical procedure, which is mainly used to ablate tumors externally by focusing on them with high-frequency ultrasound. Because a single ablation can process only a small volume of tissue, a succession of ablations is required to treat a large volume of cancerous tissue. In order to maximize the therapeutic effect and reduce side effects such as skin burns, careful preoperative treatment planning must be performed to determine the focal location and sonication time for each ablation. This paper proposes a novel optimization algorithm, called the thermodynamic equilibrium algorithm (TEA), inspired by the behavior of thermodynamic systems reaching their equilibrium states. Like other evolutionary algorithms, TEA starts with an initial population. Gas chambers at various thermodynamic states are employed as representatives of the population individuals, and the equilibrium state is regarded as the global minimum. The movement of thermodynamic parameters in the direction of reducing the temperature gradient forms the basis of the proposed evolutionary algorithm. During this movement, the second law of thermodynamics is checked to ensure that entropy will increase in each process. This movement leads to the state where most of the systems are at equilibrium. In this state, the systems are localized at the same position and have the same cost as the global minimum. The TEA was applied to several well-known unconstrained and constrained benchmark cost functions, and the performance was compared with other well-known optimization algorithms. The results showed that the TEA has high potential to handle various types of optimization problems with a good convergence rate and high precision. Finally, the suggested evolutionary approach is applied to HIFU treatment regimens adopting a map of patient-specific material properties and an accurate thermal model. High-quality treatment plans could be created using the suggested method, and the average amount of tissue that is over- or under-treated was less than 0.08 percent.
Flow Dynamics and Acoustics from Glottal Vibrations at Different Frequencies
Authors: Xi Jinxiang , Talaat Mohamed , Si Xiuhua , Dong Haibo
Published: October 2022

Glottal vibration is fundamental to breathing-related disorders and respiratory sound generation. However, responses of the flow and acoustics to glottal vibrations of different frequencies are unclear. The objective of this study is to numerically evaluate the influences of glottal vibration frequencies on inspiratory airflow dynamics and flow-induced sound signals; this is different from normal phonation that is driven by controlled expiratory flows. A computational model was developed that comprised an image-based mouth–throat–lung model and a dynamic glottis expanding/contracting following a sinusoidal waveform. Large Eddy simulations were used to solve the temporal and spatial flow evolutions, and pressure signals were analyzed using different transform algorithms (wavelet, Hilbert, Fourier, etc.). Results show that glottal vibrations significantly altered the flows in the glottis and trachea, especially at high frequencies. With increasing vibration frequencies, the vortices decreased in scale and moved from the main flow to the walls. Phase shifts occurred between the glottis motion and glottal flow rates for all frequencies considered. Due to this phase shift, the pressure forces resisted the glottal motion in the first half of contraction/expansion and assisted the glottal motion in the second half of contraction/expansion. The magnitude of the glottal flow fluctuation was approximately linear with the vibration frequency (~f0), while the normal pressure force increased nonlinearly with the frequency (~f01.85). Instantaneous pressure signals were irregular at low vibration frequencies (10 and 20 Hz) but became more regular with increasing frequencies in the pressure profile, periodicity, and wavelet-transformed parameters. The acoustic characteristics specific to the glottal vibration frequency were explored in temporal and frequency domains, which may be used individually or as a combination in diagnosing vocal fold dysfunction, snoring, sleep apnea, or other breathing-related diseases.