bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Numerical Analysis of the Descending Behaviors of Clusters at the Wall of the Circulating Fluidized Bed Riser
Authors: Liu Niannian , Wang Shaowei , Zhang Heng , Cao Qingxi
Published: February 2025

Particle clusters at the wall of the CFB riser have significant effects on the bed-to-wall heat transfer and abrasion, while their descending behaviors are not well understood because the entire descending process is difficult to track with experiments, due to the limitations of measurement technology. In this study, the gas–particle two-phase flow in the CFB riser is simulated using the LES-DSMC method. The entire descending process of the cluster is recognized using a method that involves identifying the continuity of periods in which clusters appear in the successive cells at the wall. Then, the transient velocity, drag force, and particle concentration of the descending cluster as a function of its traveling distance are obtained. The results show that the descending clusters at the wall of the CFB riser are dynamic collections of particles. Their lifetimes are in the range of 0.2~0.5 s. During the descending processes, they are accelerated, and their particle concentrations are continuously decreased. The variation in the particle concentration, velocity, and drag force of different descending clusters indicates that they travel highly similar distances and fluidization velocity has little effect on them.
Poon Chung-kwong’s (b. 1940) Apologetic Discourse Towards the Compatibility Between Pure Land Buddhism and Natural Science
Authors: An Saiping
Published: February 2025

This study delves into the apologetic discourse put forward by Poon Chung-kwong 潘宗光 (b. 1940), who is both a scientist and a lay Buddhist of contemporary Hong Kong, concerning the compatibility of Pure Land Buddhism and natural science. It centers on an analysis of his application of diverse physical knowledge to elucidate the description of Sukhāvatī, an ideal and enigmatic world, within Buddhist texts. Poon endeavors to demonstrate that multiple facets of Sukhāvatī, including its establishment and the rebirth of believers within this domain, are congruent with scientific principles. This is in an effort to counter the public’s perception of Buddhism as “unscientific” or even “superstitious”, notwithstanding that some physical theories he employed are still in the inferential stage and, furthermore, are enmeshed in controversy, which substantially undermines the cogency of his apologetic discourses. This study presents a case of the interaction between Pure Land Buddhism and natural science, which has hitherto been overlooked by the academic community.
Lightweight UAV Landing Model Based on Visual Positioning
Authors: Zhang Ning , Tan Junnan , Yan Kaichun , Feng Sang
Published: February 2025

In order to enhance the precision of UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) landings and realize the convenient and rapid deployment of the model to the mobile terminal, this study proposes a Land-YOLO lightweight UAV-guided landing algorithm based on the YOLOv8 n model. Firstly, GhostConv replaces standard convolutions in the backbone network, leveraging existing feature maps to create additional “ghost” feature maps via low-cost linear transformations, thereby lightening the network structure. Additionally, the CSP structure of the neck network is enhanced by incorporating the PartialConv structure. This integration allows for the transmission of certain channel characteristics through identity mapping, effectively reducing both the number of parameters and the computational load of the model. Finally, the bidirectional feature pyramid network (BiFPN) module is introduced, and the accuracy and average accuracy of the model recognition landing mark are improved through the bidirectional feature fusion and weighted fusion mechanism. The experimental results show that for the landing-sign data sets collected in real and virtual environments, the Land-YOLO algorithm in this paper is 1.4% higher in precision and 0.91% higher in mAP0.5 than the original YOLOv8n baseline, which can meet the detection requirements of landing signs. The model’s memory usage and floating-point operations per second (FLOPs) have been reduced by 42.8% and 32.4%, respectively. This makes it more suitable for deployment on the mobile terminal of a UAV.
OA−ICOS−Based Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Sensors for Field Applications in Gas Reflux Chicken Coops
Authors: Li Weijia , Lin Guanyu , Wang Jianing , Li Jifeng , Sun Yulai , Yao Depu , Yan Xiaogang , Ban Zhibin
Published: February 2025

To facilitate the effective assessment of respiratory entropy during poultry breeding, a novel oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor was developed based on the off−axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy technique, featuring effective absorption optical paths of 15.5 m and 8.5 m, respectively. The sensor employs integrated environmental control technology, substantially enhancing detection precision. To improve the instrument’s response speed, the miniaturization of the cavity and structural optimization were implemented, achieving a rapid response time of merely 6.22 s, addressing the stringent requirements for quick responsiveness in poultry respiration thermometry research. A signal processing model tailored for on−site applications was designed, boosting the system’s signal−to−noise ratio by 4.7 times under complex environmental noise conditions. Utilizing Allan variance analysis, the sensor’s detection limits for O2 and CO2 were ascertained to be 2.9 ppm and 7.4 ppb, respectively. A 24−h field application test conducted in Gongzhuling demonstrated that the sensor’s results align with the respiratory characteristics of poultry under normal physiological conditions, validating its extensive potential for application in respiratory analysis, environmental monitoring, and industrial sectors.
Three-Dimensional Visualization Using Proportional Photon Estimation Under Photon-Starved Conditions
Authors: Ha Jin-Ung , Kim Hyun-Woo , Cho Myungjin , Lee Min-Chul
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we propose a new method for three-dimensional (3D) visualization that proportionally estimates the number of photons in the background and the object under photon-starved conditions. Photon-counting integral imaging is one of the techniques for 3D image visualization under photon-starved conditions. However, conventional photon-counting integral imaging has the problem that a random noise is generated in the background of the image by estimating the same number of photons in entire areas of images. On the other hand, our proposed method reduces the random noise by estimating the proportional number of photons in the background and the object. In addition, the spatial overlaps have been applied to the space where photons overlap to obtain the enhanced 3D images. To demonstrate the feasibility of our proposed method, we conducted optical experiments and calculated the performance metrics such as normalized cross-correlation, peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index measure (SSIM). For SSIM of 3D visualization results by our proposed method and conventional method, our proposed method achieves about 3.42 times higher SSIM than conventional method. Therefore, our proposed method can obtain better 3D visualization of objects than conventional photon-counting integral imaging methods under photon-starved conditions.
A Deep Learning Model for Detecting the Arrival Time of Weak Underwater Signals in Fluvial Acoustic Tomography Systems
Authors: Zheng Weicong , Yu Xiaojian , Peng Xuming , Yang Chen , Wang Shu , Chen Hanyin , Bu Zhenxuan , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yili , Lin Lingli
Published: February 2025

The fluvial acoustic tomography (FAT) system relies on the arrival time of the system signal to calculate the parameters of the region. The traditional method uses the matching filter method to calculate the peak position of the received acoustic signal after cross-correlation calculation within a certain time as the signal arrival time point, but this method is difficult to be effectively applied to the complex underwater environment, especially in the case of extremely low SNR. To solve this problem, a two-channel deep learning model (DCA-Net) is proposed to detect the arrival time of acoustic chromatographic signals. Firstly, an interactive module is designed to transmit the auxiliary information from the cross-correlation subnetwork to the original signal subnet to improve the feature information extraction capability of the network. In addition, an attention module is designed to enable the network to selectively focus on the important features of the received acoustic signals. Under the background of white Gaussian noise and real river environment noise, we use the received signals of the acoustic tomography system collected in the field to synthesize low SNR data of −10, −15, and −20 different decibels as datasets. The experimental results show that the proposed network model is superior to the traditional matching filtering method and some other deep neural networks in three low SNR datasets.
Co-Location Potential of Floating PV with Hydropower Plants: Case Study in Ecuador
Authors: Rodríguez-Gallegos Carlos D. , Gandhi Oktoviano , Rodríguez-Gallegos César A. , Alvarez-Alvarado Manuel S.
Published: February 2025

This study explores the potential for co-locating floating photovoltaics (FPVs) with existing hydropower plants (HPPs) in Ecuador. Ecuador’s heavy reliance on hydropower for electricity generation, combined with recent blackouts caused by prolonged dry seasons, underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources. The integration of FPVs with HPPs offers a promising opportunity to enhance energy security by reducing dependency on a single energy source and improving economic, electrical, and environmental outcomes. In this paper, we assess all HPPs in Ecuador and quantify the potential performance of FPV systems when installed at their sites. Our results show that FPV systems can not only contribute additional electricity to the grid but also improve HPP performance by reducing water evaporation from reservoirs and maintaining generation capacity during dry seasons, when solar irradiation is typically higher. To model the energy production, yield, and performance of the FPV systems, we applied RINA’s methodology to estimate representative weather conditions for each site and simulate FPV performance, accounting for system design loss factors. Additionally, we calculated the water savings resulting from FPV installation. Our findings reveal that, out of approximately 70 HPPs in Ecuador, 11 present favorable conditions for large-scale FPV deployment. Among these, Cumbayá HPP (40 MW) exhibited the most suitable conditions, supporting a maximum FPV capacity of 17 MWp. Marcel Laniado de Wind HPP (213 MW) and Mazar HPP (170 MW) were also identified as optimal candidates, each with potential FPV capacities equal to their installed HPP capacities. While this study primarily aims to provide scientific evidence on the potential of FPV-HPP co-location, the results and methodology can also guide Ecuadorian government authorities and investors in adopting FPV technology to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure.
Literary Tourism and Cultural Sustainability: The Landscape of Beppe Fenoglio in the Langhe, Italy
Authors: Rech Giovanna , Pini Chiara , Migliorati Lorenzo , Mori Luca
Published: February 2025

This article explores the niche sector of literary tourism with a focus on the works of Italian writer Beppe Fenoglio in the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato area of Piedmont, Italy. It questions whether literary tourism can contribute to the cultural sustainability of a landscape. Nowadays, this area is already a well-established tourist destination known for its food and wine; however, Fenoglio’s work offers a different perspective, highlighting a specific heritage comprising the area’s rural life, local culture, and history of the Resistance movement. The research used a mixed method approach with documentary analysis, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. “Fenoglians” (tourists motivated by Fenoglio’s life and works) were identified, and their characteristics were explored. The results cannot be generalized, as the chosen sampling method does not provide sufficient materials for broad application. While being a small group, these special interest tourists represent an opportunity for tourism diversification. This article concludes that Fenoglio’s literary tourism offers a distinctive experience, fosters new interpretations of the landscape, and strengthens collective memory of the Resistance. It highlights the importance of local communities in understanding how fictional narratives shape tourist perceptions of a destination as well as their role in preserving the community’s collective memory and landscape.
Demand Forecasting and Allocation Optimization of Green Power Grid Supply Chain Based on Machine Learning Algorithm: A Study Based on the Whole-Process Data of Power Grid Materials
Authors: Rao Hanyu , Li Jiancheng , Sun Xiaojun
Published: February 2025

The efficient management of the green power grid supply chain is of great significance in addressing global energy transformation and achieving sustainable development goals. However, traditional methods struggle to effectively cope with the complexity and dynamics of demand forecasting and the multi-objective optimization problems in material allocation. In response to this challenge, this paper proposes a machine-learning-based demand forecasting and allocation optimization method, aiming to improve the management efficiency of the supply chain and reduce environmental impacts. First, based on the whole-process data of power grid materials, a multi-model fusion strategy is adopted for demand forecasting. By combining machine learning models such as long short-term memory (LSTM), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and random forest, the prediction accuracy and the generalization ability of the model are significantly improved. Moreover, a “distributed collaborative optimization algorithm” is proposed. By decomposing the power grid regions, this paper optimizes transportation routes and inventory management, and comprehensively reduces transportation, inventory, and environmental protection costs while taking into account the real-time requirements in a complex supply chain environment. Finally, an empirical analysis is carried out in combination with the optimized allocation plan, verifying the practical effectiveness of the proposed method. The results indicate that the optimized scheme significantly outperforms the traditional method in terms of total cost, transportation efficiency, and carbon emissions. Specifically, the optimized scheme achieves a 13% reduction in transportation costs, a 10% decrease in inventory costs, and a 25% cut in environmental protection expenses. Additionally, it decreases transportation-related carbon emissions by approximately 250 tons. The demand forecasting and allocation optimization method based on machine learning has obvious economic and environmental advantages in the green power grid material supply chain. By effectively integrating various algorithms, this paper enhances the accuracy and stability of material management while substantially reducing operating costs and carbon emissions. This is in line with the sustainable goals of green power grid development. The paper provides an optimized framework with practical value for managing the green supply chain in the power grid industry.
Pathways to Sustainable Careers: Exploring Motivational Profiles Through Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Doğan Emel , Balcıoğlu Yavuz Selim , Erdil Oya
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to identify motivational profiles in sustainable career trajectories via emerging latent class methods using a multilevel schema between engagement in sustainable career practices, developing and utilizing job competency—a key marker for human capital development—and leader–member interaction. Using latent class analysis (LCA), we further identify different types of motivational profiles that reflect the principle and adaptable nature with which individuals can relate their sustainability values to career decisions. Results indicate large practical differences within latent classes, evidencing higher career adaptability and sustainability principles congruence in some groups. These differences highlight that intrinsic motivation, adaptability, and elements connected to the sector drive sustainable career engagement that should ensure enduring satisfaction with commitment to a chosen profession. In explaining why sustainability drives career advancement, this study takes a theoretical standpoint from three overarching theories: Career Construction Theory, Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), and Sustainable Career Theory. The practical recommendations are that companies must offer programs at the sector level to increase career adaptability (readiness) and help employees build sustainable careers. This study calls attention to the importance of producing participative content that is demanded by organizations seeking greater resilience, well-being in work contexts, and their long-lasting survival as institutions.
Technical and Economic Feasibility Investigation for the Treatment of Microplastic-Contaminated Marine Sediments Through an Environmentally Sustainable Separation Process
Authors: Soufizadeh Maryam , Morello Raffaele , Ferraro Alberto , Spasiano Danilo , Fratino Umberto
Published: February 2025

This work provides a comprehensive study of a density separation treatment through sucrose solution for the removal of microplastics (MPs) from marine sediments. The theoretical determination of flotation velocities for 1.0 mm diameter spherical MPs with a density of 1.3 g/cm3 at various solution temperatures and sucrose contents was performed. An optimal velocity of 1.03 m/h was observed with a 70% sucrose solution at 50 °C. The validation of theoretical velocities was carried out through experimental tests at optimal operating conditions for polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as target MPs. The results showed an experimental floating velocity slightly lower than the theoretical predictions for PP, HDPE, and PLA. PVC, instead, characterized by a higher density than the separation solution, showed a settling velocity 42% lower than the theoretical one. Further tests were performed to assess the solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio effect on MPs’ separation efficiency. The results showed an optimal S/L of 75 kg/m3 with 80% PVC removal and total PP, HDPE, and PLA removal. Finally, the design and cost optimization of a longitudinal settling tank were proposed for the pilot/real-scale treatment. The observed outcomes provided in-depth details useful for the development of an environmentally sustainable treatment for the preservation of marine areas.
Plant Diversity and Interspecific Interactions in Desert-Oasis Transition Zones: Insights from the Badain Jilin Desert
Authors: Chen Jinlong , Zhang Pengju , Amoah Isaac Dennis
Published: February 2025

Plant species diversity and spatial distribution patterns are critical for understanding ecosystem dynamics in arid and fragile environments. This study investigates the diversity, spatial distribution, and interspecific associations of shrubs and herbaceous plants in the transition zone of the desert oasis located in the Hexi Corridor and southern edge of the Badanjilin Desert, China. Vegetation data were collected across sample plots spanning three counties in Zhangye City. Important values, diversity indices, and spatial distribution metrics were calculated to evaluate plant species dominance and community structure. Interspecific relationships were analyzed using variance ratio (VR), clumping indicators, and corrected χ2 tests. The shrub community exhibited low species diversity (H′ = 1.754) and was dominated by Reaumuria songarica (Pall.) Maxim (IV = 111.175), reflecting its superior adaptability to arid conditions. In contrast, the herbaceous community displayed higher diversity (H′ = 2.498), with Aristida adscensionis L. (IV = 48.6174) as the dominant species. Both communities showed predominantly aggregative spatial distribution patterns, influenced by localized resource availability and adaptive strategies. Weak interspecific associations characterized the shrub community, with limited competition among dominant species, while the herbaceous community demonstrated significant negative correlations, indicating stronger resource competition. The study highlights the contrasting diversity and ecological roles of shrubs and herbaceous plants in arid ecosystems, shaped by resource limitations and environmental stressors. Effective conservation strategies are needed to protect dominant species and sustain ecosystem resilience in desert regions. Future research should focus on below-ground interactions and long-term monitoring to enhance understanding of species coexistence and community stability.
System-Level Critical Success Factors for BIM Implementation in Construction Management: An AHP Approach
Authors: Ottaviani Filippo Maria , Zenezini Giovanni , Saba Francesca , De Marco Alberto , Gavinelli Lorenzo
Published: February 2025

Digital tools are transforming the construction industry, reshaping how projects are designed, managed, and delivered. Building Information Modeling (BIM), a cornerstone of this transformation, requires a systemic approach because its implementation spans several organization functions, involves multiple stakeholders, and encompasses all phases of the project life cycle. While extensive literature examines BIM adoption, there is no consensus on its key enablers and barriers nor a ranking of their impact on implementation success. This study investigates the system-level critical success factors (CSFs) for BIM adoption in construction management. First, it reviews earlier literature, identifying 18 CSFs across six dimensions: change management, process efficiency, regulatory compliance, strategic alignment, technology integration, and user training and support. Next, it utilizes the AHP method to rank the CSFs based on the data collected from 31 construction professionals. Results highlight the importance of aligning BIM initiatives with organizational strategies, streamlining workflows, fostering collaboration, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. The research concludes that effective BIM implementation requires holistic strategies that emphasize leadership, scalable technology integration, comprehensive training, and adaptability. By addressing these system-level CSFs, organizations can enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and strengthen resilience in an evolving construction landscape.
Multi-Step Peak Passenger Flow Prediction of Urban Rail Transit Based on Multi-Station Spatio-Temporal Feature Fusion Model
Authors: Sun Jianan , Ye Xiaofei , Yan Xingchen , Wang Tao , Chen Jun
Published: February 2025

Accurate prediction of station passenger flow is crucial for optimizing rail transit efficiency, but peak passenger flow in urban rail transit (URT) is often disrupted by random events, making predictions challenging. In this paper, in order to solve this challenge, the Bi-graph Graph Convolutional Spatio-Temporal Feature Fusion Network (BGCSTFFN)-based model is introduced to capture complex spatio-temporal correlations. A combination of a graph convolutional neural network and a Transformer is used. The model separately inputs land use (point of interest, POI) and station adjacency information as features into the BGCSTFFN model, using the Pearson correlation coefficient matrix, which is evaluated on real passenger flow dataset from 1 to 25 January 2019 in Hangzhou. The results showed that the model consistently provided the best prediction results across different datasets and prediction tasks compared to other baseline models. In addition, in tasks involving predictions with different combinations of inputs and prediction steps, the model showed superior performance at multiple prediction steps. Its practical application is validated by comparing the results of passenger flow prediction for different types of stations. In addition, the impact of these features on the prediction accuracy and the generalization ability of the model were verified by designing ablation experiments and testing on different datasets.
Fifth-Generation (5G) Communication in Urban Environments: A Comprehensive Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Channel Model for Low-Altitude Operations in Indian Cities
Authors: Patel Ankita K. , Joshi Radhika D.
Published: February 2025

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) significantly shape the evolution of 5G and 6G technologies in India, particularly in reconfiguring communication networks. Through their deployment as base stations or relays, these aerial vehicles substantially enhance communication performance and extend network coverage in areas characterized by high demand and challenging topographies. Accurate modelling of the UAV-to-ground channel is imperative for gaining valuable insights into UAV-assisted communication systems, particularly within India’s rapidly expanding metropolitan cities and their diverse topographical complexities. This study proposes an approach to model low-altitude channels in urban areas, offering specific scenarios and tailored solutions to facilitate radio frequency (RF) planning for Indian metropolitan cities. The proposed model leverages the International Telecommunication Union recommendation (ITU-R) for city mapping and utilizes frequency ranges from 1.8 to 6 GHz and altitudes up to 500 m to comprehensively model both line-of-sight (LoS) and non-line-of-sight (NLoS) communications. It employs the uniform theory of diffraction to calculate the additional path loss for non-line-of-sight (NLoS) communication for both vertical and horizontal polarizations. The normal distribution for additional shadowing loss is discerned from simulation results. This study outlined the approach to derive a comprehensive statistical channel model based on the elevation angle and evaluate model parameters at various frequencies and altitudes for both vertical and horizontal polarization. The model was subsequently compared with existing models for validation, showing close alignment. The ease of implementation and practical application of this proposed model render it an invaluable tool for planning and simulating mobile networks in urban areas, thus facilitating the seamless integration of advanced communication technologies in India.
Numerical Analysis of Transient Burn Injury Grading Through Coupled Heat Transfer and Damage Integral Modeling
Authors: Zhang Chao , Ma Xinbin , Li Mengxi , Qiu Yubin , Kim Moon Keun , Liu Jiying
Published: February 2025

The accurate assessment of parameters such as burn degree, volume, and depth is a prerequisite for the effective treatment of patients. However, as an unsteady heat transfer process, the temperature of the burn damage volume changes over time, and it is difficult to accurately calculate the integral value of the damage, which is used to assess the burn degree. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately determine the location and volume of damage at all burn degrees. In this study, the C language is used to program a user-defined function of the burn damage integral formula, and the coupled numerical simulation method is used to calculate the heat transfer and damage in a high-temperature water burn process. Then, the temperature and burn damage integral value of each point can be determined to accurately assess and distinguish the burn degree in real time, and estimate the position distribution, volume size, and transient change trend of each burn degree. Under the working conditions selected in this paper, the heat source mainly affects the epidermis and dermis directly below, and has less influence on the area above, which is in convective heat transfer. The damage integral value is very sensitive to temperature, and the highest damage integral value caused by 373 K is two and four orders of magnitude higher than that of 363 K and 353 K, respectively. The increase in the heat source temperature caused the volume of a third-degree burn to increase rapidly in the early stage of injury, but the volume of second-degree and first-degree burns did not change much. After heating at 373 K for 15 s and delaying the action for 45 s, the volume of first-, second-, and third-degree burns accounted for 0.4, 2.9, and 1.9%, respectively, and the total volume of damage accounted for only 5.2% of the total volume.
URGENCY OF SEMANTICS AND SCIENCE APPROACH FOR QUR’ANIC RESEARCH AS ISLAMIZATION STUDY
Authors: Irwanto Irwanto , Al Faruq Abdul Qudus , Isyak Isyak , Thobroni Ahmad Yusam
Published: February 2025

In an era of globalization and modern scientific advancement, aligning scientific methodologies with Islamic principles is crucial to fostering an Islamic scientific paradigm. this research uses descriptive and analyses methods, while the type of research is library research. the purposes of this research are to reveal the position of semantics and Qur'anic science towards the Islamisation of science for its contribution to the civilisation of Islamic ideas. This study result by Semantic theory provides a framework for deeper comprehension of Qur'anic meanings, while the application of Qur'anic science bridges religious teachings with empirical inquiry. Together, these approaches demonstrate Islam's relevance and contributions to contemporary knowledge, particularly in fields such as genetic inheritance, which reflects the enduring harmony between Qur'anic insights and modern science.
EXPLORING THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE QUR'AN
Authors: Aufaqurrizqi Fiqih , Thobroni Ahmad Yusam
Published: February 2025

This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the Asbabun Nuzul works by Al-Wahidi and As-Suyuthi in understanding the historical context behind the revelation of Qur'anic verses. Al-Wahidi and As-Suyuthi are two prominent figures in the tradition of Qur'anic exegesis who have made significant contributions to the development of the science of Asbabun Nuzul. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, this article compares the methodology, structure, and relevance of these works in contemporary exegesis studies. The findings reveal that Al-Wahidi focuses more on concise and chronological narratives, whereas As-Suyuthi incorporates broader linguistic and historical analyses. This study concludes that both works complement each other in providing a comprehensive understanding of the background of Qur'anic verses.
ISLAMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF GAME OF LOTTERY ON THE PEOPLE OF AKWANGA, NASSARAWA EGGON AND WAMBA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Dahiru Ibrahim Shekarau , Nasidi Shuaibu Mahmud
Published: February 2025

This study provides an Islamic assessment of the effects and consequences of playing the lottery in Akwanga, Nassarawa Eggon, and Wamba, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Recently, there has been a global surge in lottery and betting activities, with Nigeria experiencing significant growth in this sector. Akwanga, Nassarawa Eggon, and Wamba are no exception, as many Muslim youths actively participate in these games of chance despite Islam’s strict prohibition. This phenomenon is partly attributed to the high unemployment rate in the country. Using a qualitative approach, the study collects primary data through interviews and focus group discussions with lottery players, Islamic scholars, and community leaders. The findings reveal that lottery and betting activities have severe economic, social, and moral consequences, contradicting Islamic teachings. The study concludes that Islamic principles and values can serve as a framework for understanding the negative impacts of gambling and promoting alternative forms of economic empowerment and social welfare. The study recommends collaboration between Islamic scholars, community leaders, and policymakers to raise awareness about the dangers of gambling and to promote Islamic values as a solution to economic and social challenges. Additionally, it suggests that the government impose heavy taxes on gambling, betting, and lottery establishments in the study area to curb the spread of this practice.
ECO-MODERATISM: THE VIEW AND ATTITUDE OF NAHDLATUL ULAMA IN RESPONSE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS
Authors: Rahwan Rahwan , Rohman Saifir , Hosaini Hosaini
Published: February 2025

This research seeks to reveal the views and attitudes of Nahdlatul Ulama in responding to the environmental crisis. With the qualitative method of literature and descriptive analysis the research concluded two things. First, Nahdlatul Ulama's views in responding to the environmental crisis reflect an eco-moderate approach, namely based on moderate values as a basis for thinking and acting. Nahdlatul Ulama's view of eco-moderatism is reflected in several ways. Among other things, balancing between the permissibility of utilizing nature and the environment with the obligation to preserve it. In formulating religious views regarding the environmental crisis, Nahdlatul Ulama has proportionally combined the use of revelation and reason. In addition, Nahdlatul Ulama also provides views that protect collective and individual benefits. Second, in line with this eco-moderate view, Nahdlatul Ulama has responded to the environmental crisis by taking concrete actions and movements, including forming the Nahdlatul Ulama Institute for Disaster Management and Climate Change (LPBI-NU). Through this institution, NU has carried out many environmental care programs such as establishing a Compost House, the Nusantara NU Waste Bank (BSN-NU), and Paying for Plastics.
AN OVERVIEW OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION FOR PEACE, SECURITY AND NATIONAL COHESION IN NIGERIA SOCIETY
Authors: Dauda Ishaq Abubakar
Published: February 2025

Peace and security have been central concerns of humanity throughout history. In contemporary times, instability and violence have become major global challenges, particularly in Nigeria, where conflicts and insecurity threaten national cohesion. This study explores the role of Islamic education in promoting peace, security, and national unity in Nigerian society. Given the increasing prevalence of violent attacks and socio-economic instability across the country, there is a growing need for effective solutions that address these challenges from their roots. Islamic education, with its emphasis on justice, morality, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, offers a viable approach to fostering stability and social harmony. Using a qualitative methodology, this study employs a literature review and expert interviews to examine the relationship between Islamic education and peacebuilding. The findings indicate that when properly implemented, Islamic education can serve as a powerful tool for reducing violence, enhancing social cohesion, and strengthening national stability. The study underscores the need for integrating Islamic teachings on justice, discipline, and community engagement into educational policies and programs to address the root causes of insecurity. The study concludes that Islamic education, when effectively utilized, has the potential to promote peace and national cohesion in Nigeria. It recommends that policymakers, educators, and religious leaders collaborate to enhance the role of Islamic education in addressing the country’s security challenges. Additionally, efforts should be made to incorporate Islamic principles of peace, justice, and tolerance into the national educational framework to foster long-term societal stability.
TOWARDS A JUDICIOUS PRESERVATION AND UTILISATION OF WATER FOR A BETTER NIGERIA
Authors: Muhammad Usman Jimoh , Dukuly Omar Abdallah
Published: February 2025

Water is a fundamental resource vital for sustaining life and supporting diverse activities such as agriculture, industry, and electricity generation. Despite its abundance, Nigeria faces significant challenges in water preservation and utilization due to factors such as public apathy toward government resources, insufficient maintenance of water infrastructure, industrial pollution, and inadequate collaboration between the government and private sectors. This study, grounded in Islamic teachings, aims to explore effective strategies for addressing these challenges while highlighting the moral and ethical imperatives for responsible water management. The research adopts a descriptive and literary methodology, drawing insights from relevant texts, journals, and online resources. Islamic principles of accountability, collective responsibility, and sustainability provide the framework for analyzing and proposing solutions. Findings reveal that poor sanitation, insufficient investment in dam infrastructure, and lack of administrative commitment exacerbate water-related issues in Nigeria. Moreover, public awareness and adherence to Islamic values, such as avoiding wastage and prioritizing communal welfare, are essential for ensuring long-term solutions. The study introduces a novel approach by integrating Islamic teachings with contemporary water management practices, emphasizing the role of ethical leadership and communal collaboration. It concludes that fostering private-sector engagement, expanding water infrastructure, and cultivating public awareness through Islamic values can significantly enhance water preservation efforts. These strategies, when implemented effectively, not only address Nigeria’s pressing water challenges but also contribute to sustainable development and societal well-being.
Miniaturized dipole antenna applied for over sea surveillance in the UHF band in Brazil
Authors: Mota Vítor Luiz Gomes , Magri Vanessa Pryzbylski Ribeiro , Marcondes Cláudia Barucke
Published: February 2025

A miniaturized, low-cost printed dipole antenna is proposed for UHF monitoring systems in sea surface surveillance applications. The antenna is fabricated on an FR-4 substrate, and experimental tests are conducted to evaluate its performance. To achieve miniaturization, an antenna dimension reduction equation is introduced, enabling a tenfold reduction along the X-axis and a twofold reduction along the Y-axis without compromising performance. The bandwidth remains at 50 MHz, with a slight increase of 0.2 dB in return loss and a 2.5 dB gain.
Utilização de bioinsumos e adubos orgânicos na produção de alface cv. Vanda
Authors: Santos Werica Godoe dos , Alves Júnior Miguel , Silva Sandra Andréa Santos da , Silva Rainério Meireles da , Araújo Ailton
Published: February 2025

A alface (Lactuca sativa L.) é uma das hortaliças mais consumidas no Brasil, e sua produção pode ser otimizada por meio de práticas agrícolas sustentáveis como o uso de bioinsumos e adubos orgânicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito desses insumos na produção de alface cv. Vanda. O experimento foi realizado em Altamira, Pará, utilizando um delineamento em blocos inteiramente casualizados com três repetições e oito tratamentos: T1 (testemunha), T2 (adubo orgânico), T3 (pó de rocha), T4 (Trichoderma harzianum cepa SIMBI T5), T5 (adubo orgânico + pó de rocha), T6 (adubo orgânico + Trichoderma harzianum cepa SIMBI T5), T7 (Trichoderma harzianum cepa SIMBI T5 + pó de rocha) e T8 (Trichoderma harzianum cepa SIMBI T5 + adubo orgânico + pó de rocha). Cada parcela experimental consistiu em 16 plantas, avaliando as quatro centrais. As avaliações das variáveis morfológicas e produtivas da alface cv. Vanda foram realizadas 56 dias após o plantio. A análise dos dados foi feita por meio da análise de variância, com comparação das médias pelo teste de Tukey e Dunnett a 5% de probabilidade. Os resultados indicaram que o tratamento T3 se destacou em produtividade, embora não tenha apresentado diferenças significativas em relação à testemunha em outras variáveis. O tratamento T2 evidenciou maior concentração de clorofila A, sugerindo um potencial para melhorar a qualidade nutricional das plantas.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Kidney Stones in the Elderly Iranian Population: Findings from the Ardakan Cohort Study on Aging (ACSA)
Authors: Delbari Ahmad , Farrokhi Mehrdad , Mehri Ahmad , Saberian Mehran , Sadri Mohadeseh , Saatchi Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Background: The incidence of kidney stones has been rising globally, particularly among the elderly. This study aims to determine the prevalence of kidney stones and its associated factors in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using the data collected in the first phase of Ardakan Cohort Study on individuals aged 50 years and above, in the Yazd province, Iran. Baseline data was collected using a comprehensive checklist and kidney stone occurrence was ascertained through participants’ self-reported response to the question "Have you ever been diagnosed with kidney stones?" Logistic regression analysis was used due to the binary nature of the outcome. Results: Period prevalence of kidney stone was 22.79 (95% CI=19.41 to 24.12). Thus, out of the total sample of 4,884 individuals, 1113 participants had a history of kidney stones. Among these, 412 (37%) were female and 701 (63%) were male. Significant associations were observed between a history of kidney stones and factors such as self-reported poor health, alcohol consumption, dysuria, higher education level, male gender, and presence of calcium oxalate crystals. Conclusion: This study shows the high prevalence of kidney stones compared to other studies. Considering the relationship between kidney stones and some preventable disorders in the elderly, such as high blood pressure and alcohol consumption, it seems that paying attention to kidney stone disorders can be part of preventive health and treatment interventions for this population group.
Predictors of 12-Month Recurrence of Hemoptysis after Bronchial Artery Embolization
Authors: Sadidi Sareh , Roozafzai Farzin , Nekooei Sirous , Jarahi Lida , Khoroushi Farzaneh
Published: February 2025

Background: Despite the high success rate of bronchial artery embolization (BAE), hemoptysis probably recurs. This study investigated risk factors of 12-month hemoptysis recurrence after BAE in an Iranian population. Methods: In this prospective cohort, we followed up 101 patients for 12 months after BAE. Outcome of interest was recurrence of hemoptysis. Target arteries were super-selectively catheterized and embolized with non-spherical polyvinyl alcohol particles (150–700 µm). Success of BAE was confirmed using post-BAE angiography. Independent t-test, and chi-square and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare variables between "recurrence" and "non-recurrence" groups. We investigated predictors of recurrent hemoptysis through univariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling. We analyzed receiver operating characteristic curve to find the optimal cutoff point for continuous risk factors. Recurrence-free rates stratified by risk factors were plotted against time using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: BAE was immediately successful in all patients. During the 12-month follow-up, hemoptysis recurred in 13.9% (95% CI: 8.2–21.6) of participants. Mean (±standard deviation) recurrence-free time was 6.9 (±3.3) months. Lung destruction (OR=5.40 [95% CI: 1.41–20.58], P value=0.013) and arterial diameter≥2 mm (12.51 [1.51–103.59], P value=0.019) were independent predictors of 12-month hemoptysis recurrence. Conclusion: Patients with destroyed lungs and embolized arteries wider than 2.0 mm are at higher risk of hemoptysis recurrence in the first year after BAE.
Investigating antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella strains isolated from food in Syria
Authors: Safi Mazen , Al balaa Bassam , Qasem Samah , Al Hallab Laila , Al-mariri Ayman
Published: February 2025

Background: The emergence of multiple drug resistance in Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi poses a significant challenge, necessitating the development of effective treatments to combat these bacteria and reduce infection rates. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of various antibiotics against S. typhi and S. paratyphi. Methods: Overall, 116 samples were collected from diverse markets in Syria. Molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction, were utilized to identify the bacterial genus. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, employing the disk diffusion method and MIC determination, was conducted to assess the effectiveness of various antibiotics. Results: Among the isolates, 46 were identified, consisting of 23 S. typhi and 23 S. paratyphi strains. Resistance to nalidixic acid was observed in 9 out of 23 S. typhi and 11 out of 23 S. paratyphi isolates. Notably, these nalidixic acid-resistant strains exhibited elevated MIC50 values for other fluoroquinolones. Furthermore, most of these resistant isolates, specifically 8 out of 9 S. typhi and 11 out of 11 S. paratyphi, displayed complete resistance to ciprofloxacin (MIC50≥2 μg/L). Conclusion: Based on our findings, only gentamicin, third-generation cephalosporins, and some fluoroquinolones demonstrated efficacy effects against S. typhi and S. paratyphi isolates in this study.
Prevalence of Salmonella in Poultry Slaughterhouses of Kerman, Iran
Authors: Mirafzali Zahra , Marhamatizadeh Mohammad Hossein , Kariminik Ashraf , Habibi Gholam Hossein
Published: February 2025

Background: Salmonella is a prevalent infectious agent that infects several animals. Chicken is a main meal for humans, and the infectivity of the animal by bacteria threatens both human health and economic conditions. Improving our knowledge regarding the prevalence of Salmonella in chicken can help us organize new strategies to increase the quality of food in Iran. This project aimed to explore the prevalence of Salmonella infection among chickens from poultry slaughterhouses in Kerman, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 samples of chicken meat from poultry slaughterhouses supplied to shopping centers in Kerman were collected for investigation. To confirm the Salmonella infection, tissues were homogenized under sterile conditions and then either cultured in differentiated media, or their bacterial DNA was extracted and tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The infected chicken underwent a PCR test to determine the Salmonella species. The isolates of Salmonella were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing by the disc-diffusion method against imipenem (10 μg), and the presence of the blaNDM gene was detected by PCR. Results: The findings revealed that 50 out of 100 samples were infected by Salmonella, which was confirmed by both microbial culture and RT-PCR. The PCR test demonstrated that three samples were Salmonella Enteritidis, and two samples were Salmonella Typhimurium. Finally, 17 (34%) Salmonella isolates were resistant to imipenem, and the frequency of the blaNDM gene was 38 (76%) out of 50 samples. Conclusion: The isolation of Salmonella from the chicken’s meat may indicate a chicken’s systemic infection and failure to control the most important microbe for public health. Thus, the control measures have to be revised, and a national Salmonella control program should be put in place urgently.