bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
University Hybrid Ecosystems: A Theory for Learning Based on the Interrelationships between Spaces with Contrasting Architectural Definitions
Authors: Ros-García Juan M. Manuel , Corsini-Fuhrmann Sofía , Sáenz-Guerra Francisco J.
Published: August 2023

The rapid evolution of university education is accompanied by a multitude of very specific, but rarely interrelated, research. The importance of socialization, informal learning, virtuality, flexible furniture, and learning by doing are recurrent themes, but they are often analyzed in isolation. The great potential for understanding these concepts lies in the value of their gradients, thresholds, interstices, interconnections, and the multiple relationships between them. Interrelating the existing analyses defines the learning ecosystem where thresholds acquire didactic prominence. Since the beginning of this century, radical changes have been taking place in the way learning is understood and are accompanied by regulatory changes (e.g., the Bologna Plan), methodological shifts, and spatial changes. Teaching innovation and spatial innovation mutually enhance each other in the search for teaching quality. In this research work, the state of the art is organized and classified into five assumptions, each with a graphic analysis, so that different architectural styles, geographical locations, and periods are represented, all with didactic potentials. The result comprises five design criteria proposed to build the different gradients of each hybridization.
Long-Term Trends in Freshwater and Marine Growth Patterns in Three Sub-Arctic Atlantic Salmon Populations
Authors: Alioravainen Nico , Orell Panu , Erkinaro Jaakko
Published: August 2023

The rapid warming of the Northern hemisphere has especially challenged the evolvability of anadromous fish species, such as Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), which must cope with drastically different environments depending on their life-history stage. We studied the long-term trends in, and the effects of environmental factors and life-history traits on, Atlantic salmon growth rates in both freshwater and in the ocean using c. 35,000 scale samples collected across 48 years from spawners returning to three tributaries of the subarctic River Teno in the northernmost parts of Finland and Norway (70° N). The freshwater growth has decreased in all three populations and spending more than three juvenile years in freshwater before the sea migration comes at the expense of growth. On the other hand, returning mature salmon (one-sea-winter, 1SW) showed increased growth at the sea with increasing marine temperatures, which results in larger sizes at return in 1SW spawners. We did not observe such trends in growth rates in larger, two-sea-winter salmon. Here, we report the contrasting responses in Atlantic salmon growth rates to a warming climate depending on the life-history stage.
Probabilistic Risk Characterization of Heavy Metals in Peruvian Coffee: Implications of Variety, Region and Processing
Authors: Guadalupe Grobert A. , Chavez Segundo G. , Arellanos Erick , Doménech Eva
Published: August 2023

Heavy metals are chemical contaminants, toxic, potentially carcinogenic and/or mutagenic, stable, persistent and are of concern in the food chain. The risk to the consumer of the presence of inorganic arsenic (iAs), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in five varieties (Bourbon, Típica, Catimor, Caturra and Pache) of parchment coffee from five regions (Amazonas, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huánuco and San Martín) was investigated in this study. A predictive model of the stages of coffee bean hulling, roasting and infusion was built to simulate the process. The results by region showed significant differences in which San Martín had the highest iAs, Cr and Pb values. The variety was only significant for Cr, of which Pache presented the highest concentration. The Cd and Hg values were below the detection limits. The hazard index (HI) was less than 1 for iAs, Cd, Cr and Hg and the combination of margin of exposure and the probability of exceedance (MOE-POE) for Pb indicated that an adverse health effect was not likely. The cancer risk (CR) for iAs and Pb in the 95th percentile was considered as both high and acceptable, respectively.
Nutraceuticals and Their Contribution to Preventing Noncommunicable Diseases
Authors: Garza-Juárez Aurora , Pérez-Carrillo Esther , Arredondo-Espinoza Eder Ubaldo , Islas José Francisco , Benítez-Chao Diego Francisco , Escamilla-García Erandi
Published: August 2023

The high rate of deaths around the world from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) (70%) is a consequence of a poor diet lacking in nutrients and is linked to lifestyle and environmental conditions that together trigger predisposing factors. NCDs have increased 9.8% of public health spending worldwide, which has been increasing since 2000. Hence, international organizations such as the WHO, the Pan American Health Organization, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations have been developing strategic plans to implement government and economic policies to strengthen programs in favor of food security and nutrition. A systematic review is presented to document an analysis of the origin and characteristics of obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancers affecting a large part of the world’s population. This review proposes a scientifically based report of functional foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, and plants, and how their bioactive compounds called nutraceuticals—when consumed as part of a diet—benefit in the prevention and treatment of NCDs from an early age. Multifactorial aspects of NCDs, such as culture and eating habits, are limitations to consider from the clinical, nutritional, and biochemical points of view of everyone who suffers from them.
Piloting a Peer Support Program for Patients Who Screen Positive for Intimate Partner Violence, Suicidal Ideation, and Depression
Authors: Drouin Michelle , Flanagan Mindy , Carroll Jeanne , Kerrigan Connie , Henry Heather , Toscos Tammy
Published: August 2023

Peer support programs have been utilized for a variety of mental-health-related needs, including suicidality and depression. In this pilot program, we developed a peer support network to address multimorbidity involving intimate partner violence (IPV), suicidal ideation, and depression. Over one year, our Suicide Obviation Support (SOS) navigators enrolled and provided at-elbow support to 108 patients (67.6% women) who screened positive for IPV, many of whom also screened at moderate or high risk for suicidality (64.8%) and/or exhibited depression symptoms. At a 6-month follow-up, 63 participants (58.3%) were retained. Those who stayed enrolled in the program for six months were less likely to report IPV and depression symptoms and were at a lower risk for suicide than the original sample, and analyses showed that IPV, depression, and suicide risk scores declined significantly in this group. The SOS navigators provided direct support and continuity of care for these high-risk patients, which included referrals to mental health treatment and other types of support services, such as transportation and emergency housing. This program provides a model for healthcare systems that desire to implement peer support programs servicing individuals who face multiple, acute mental health care needs.
Sarcopenia and Anemia in Elderly Koreans: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Lee Do-Youn , Shin Sunghoon
Published: August 2023

Sarcopenia and anemia are common diseases in the elderly and are caused by various factors. In this study, the association between sarcopenia and anemia in an elderly Korean population was examined. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s cross-sectional, nationally representative Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2008–2011) served as the source of the data for this study. Of the 2769 participants (1167 men and 1602 women) included in this study, a significant association was found between sarcopenia and anemia in the elderly in Korea. In Model 1, unadjusted for covariates, the prevalence of sarcopenia in all participants was 1.805 (95% CI 1.364–2.388) and 2.746 (95% CI 1.740–4.334) in men, and 1.494 (95% CI 1.045–2.138) in women. In Model 4, adjusted for all covariates, the prevalence of sarcopenia in all participants was 1.455 (95% CI 1.064–1.989) and 2.649 (95% CI 1.475–4.755) in men, but it was insignificant in women. While prior studies failed to consider variables such as exercise status and nutritional intake, this research incorporated these factors as covariates. Despite this comprehensive approach, this study still revealed an independent association between sarcopenia and anemia. Moreover, a significant association was uncovered among elderly men, with no corresponding association identified among women.
Healthcare Utilisation—Why the Problem of Equalising Access Has Become Even Harder
Authors: Fowler Davis Sally
Published: August 2023

People use healthcare services to diagnose, cure, or ameliorate disease or injury, to improve or maintain function, or to obtain information about their health status and prognosis [...]
Sensitivity Consequences of Ethylene in Determining the Vase Life of Eremurus spectabilis and E. persicus
Authors: Sayed Mahmoudian Somaye , Etemadi Nematollah , Amirikhah Rahim , Panahi Shadab
Published: August 2023

Foxtail lily (Eremurus), as a medicinal-ornamental geophyte, has recently emerged in the cut flower market as a novel, commercially significant specialty cut flower (SCF). However, there is limited information about the sensitivity to ethylene of foxtail lily species for managing the ethylene-mediated senescence to prolong the vase life and maintain the ornamental quality of this flower. The purpose of the current study was to compare the ethylene production rates and patterns, as well as the responses to exogenous ethylene and ethylene inhibitors, between two species, E. spectabilis and E. persicus, to better understand the role of ethylene in Eremurus inflorescence senescence. The results revealed that exogenous ethylene (10 μL L−1), as a pulsing or continuous method, dramatically accelerated petal wilting in E. spectabilis and petal abscission in E. persicus. Furthermore, the rate and patterns of endogenous ethylene production varied significantly among the two investigated species. Interestingly, E. persicus exhibited a higher rate of ethylene production than E. spectabilis on the first day after harvesting, but the reverse was true at the end of the vase life (Day 4 of the vase period). The results revealed that the treatments with ethylene inhibitors considerably improved the water relations and vase longevity of both foxtail lily species. The vase life of E. spectabilis was dramatically enhanced by silver thiosulfate complex (STS) treatment (0.2 mM pulse for 24 h) from 5 d (control) to 7 d. Furthermore, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at 0.5 and 1.0 μL L−1 markedly improved water uptake, relative fresh weight, and water balance and extended the vase life of cut inflorescences by ~2 d in E. spectabilis and E. persicus, compared with those of control cut inflorescences, respectively. This research revealed that ethylene is involved in controlling the senescence of foxtail lily flowers, and two tested species exhibited distinct forms of ethylene sensitivity, including abscission type in E. persicus and wilting-type in E. spectabilis. Collectively, these findings suggest that ethylene is involved in the senescence of cut foxtail lily inflorescence and that ethylene inhibitors can prolong vase life.
Three-Dimensional Flow Simulation by a Hybrid Two-Phase Solver for the Assessment of Liquid/Gas Transport in a Volute-Type Centrifugal Pump with Twisted Blades
Authors: Hundshagen Markus , Rave Kevin , Mansour Michael , Thévenin Dominique , Skoda Romuald
Published: August 2023

A hybrid two-phase flow solver is proposed, based on an Euler–Euler two-fluid model with continuous blending of a Volume-of-Fluid method when phase interfaces of coherent gas pockets are to be resolved. In a preceding study on a two-dimensional bladed research pump with reduced rotational speed, the transition from bubbly flow to coherent steady gas pockets observed in optical experiments with liquid/gas flow could be well captured by the hybrid solver. In the present study, the experiments and solver validation are extended to an industrial-scale centrifugal pump with twisted three-dimensional blades and elevated design rotational speed. The solver is combined with a population balance model, and a scale-adaptive turbulence model is employed. Compared to the two-dimensional bladed pump, the transition from agglomerated bubbles flow to attached gas pockets is shifted to larger gas loading, which is well captured by the simulation. The pump head drop with increasing gas load is also reproduced, showing the hybrid solver’s validity for realistic pump operation conditions.
Acromioclavicular Joint Lesions in Adolescents—A Systematic Review and Treatment Guidelines
Authors: Wahal Naman , Kendirci Alper Sukru , Abondano Carlos , Tauber Mark , Martetschläger Frank
Published: August 2023

True acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries are rare in children and adolescents due to the strength of ligaments in this age group. However, a standardized management guideline for these injuries is currently lacking in the literature. This systematic review aims to provide an organized overview of associated injuries and propose a management algorithm for pediatric ACJ injuries. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review was conducted. Two independent observers searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Scopus databases for ACJ injuries in children and adolescents. The extracted data were analyzed (due to the limited number of publications and inhomogeneity of data, no formal statistical analysis was conducted), and cases were categorized based on injury frequency and pattern, leading to the formulation of a treatment algorithm. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. A total of 77 articles were identified, and 16 articles (4 case series and 12 case reports) met the inclusion criteria. This study included 37 cases in 36 patients (32 males, 4 females) with a mean age of 13 years (9–17 years). Six injury categories were described. Surgical management was performed in 27 ACJ injuries (25 open, 2 arthroscopic). Various surgical implants were used including K wires, polydioxanone sutures (PDS), screws, hook plates, suture anchors, and suture button devices. Most cases achieved good to excellent outcomes, except for one case of voluntary atraumatic dislocation of the ACJ. This systematic review provides the first comprehensive analysis of ACJ injury management in adolescents with open physis. It categorizes injury patterns and presents a treatment algorithm to enhance the understanding of these injuries. The review’s findings contribute valuable insights for clinicians dealing with pediatric ACJ injuries.
A Study on the Transport of 137Cs and 90Sr in Marine Biota in a Hypothetical Scenario of a Nuclear Accident in the Western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Periáñez Raúl , Cortés Carmen
Published: August 2023

A Lagrangian model which simulates the transport of radionuclides released from nuclear accidents in the western Mediterranean Sea was recently described. This model was developed in spherical coordinates and includes three-dimensional mixing due to turbulence, advection by currents, radioactive decay, and radionuclide exchanges between water and bed sediments. Water circulation was downloaded from the HYCOM global ocean model. Water–sediment interactions were described using a dynamic model based on kinetic transfer coefficients. Mixing, decay, and water–sediment interactions were solved using a stochastic method. Now, a dynamic biological uptake model consisting of four species (phytoplankton, zooplankton, non-piscivorous fish, and piscivorous fish) has been integrated within the transport model to be able to assess the effects of a potential accident in biota and fishery regions. The model has been set up for 137Cs and 90Sr due to the radiological relevance of these radionuclides. Several hypothetical accidents were simulated, resulting in 137Cs concentrations in biota significantly higher than background levels. In contrast, 90Sr accumulates in the food chain to a considerably weaker extent.
Research on Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Ducted Propeller Hovering near the Water Surface Based on a Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Zhao Yifeng , Geng Lingbo , Yang Yi , Hu Zhiqiang
Published: August 2023

Water–air cross-domain vehicles (CDVs) are capable of both flight and underwater navigation, showing broad prospects in marine science, such as underwater observation, disaster response, and rescue operations. It is crucial to investigate the dynamic performance of CDVs hovering above water surfaces to enhance safety and stability. In this study, the performance of a CDV’s ducted propeller hovering at various heights above a water surface was analyzed via computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and thrust tests. The results indicate that the air–water mixture formed by the wake of the propeller impacting the water surface is sucked in by the duct, causing the propeller to enter an unstable vortex ring state. At the same rotation speed in the air, the thrust of the propeller system decreases and the required power increases. With an increase in the height of the propeller above the water surface, the thrust and power return to normal. Furthermore, a numerical model was proposed to express the correlation among thrust, propeller rotation speed, and distance from the water surface. This study establishes a foundation for the dynamic modeling of CDVs and can be utilized by other related studies.
Baseline Measurements of Waves and Currents along the Coast of Oman
Authors: Sana Ahmad , Chitrakar Prerana , Baawain Mahad , Al-Mamun Abdullah
Published: August 2023

The coast of Oman is undergoing huge coastal developments in order to realize Oman Vision 2040, covering all the strategic sectors. Historical data of coastal hydrodynamic parameters is scarce, even though its importance for properly designed coastal structures is recognized. In the present study, Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) were deployed at eleven locations along the coast of Oman. These locations were selected based on their strategic importance for the country. The duration of the deployments were between 60 and 265 days. The measured data of the waves and currents were collected and analyzed using equipment-specific software and Excel. The significant wave heights can reach 2 m along the whole coast of Oman. The southern coast is dominated by swells. The maximum to significant wave height ratio is approximately 1.5, which is less than the value of 2 obtained using the Rayleigh distribution. The coastal currents are stronger along the southern coast than those along the northern coast. The range of current magnitude is between 0.02 m/s and 0.8 m/s. This baseline study will help the public authorities in establishing permanent hydrodynamic measurement stations along the coast of Oman. Moreover, these measurements will serve the practicing engineers in designing coastal structures along the coast of Oman.
Design Wave Height Estimation under the Influence of Typhoon Frequency, Distance, and Intensity
Authors: Liu Guilin , Yang Wenjin , Jiang Yunpeng , Yin Jingyi , Tian Yuhang , Wang Liping , Xu Yu
Published: August 2023

The extreme sea conditions caused by typhoons pose a threat to the design safety of marine and coastal engineering structures. In the past, design wave height calculation models that only considered the frequency of typhoons ignored the influence of other hazard factors of typhoons, resulting in lower design standards. In this paper, typhoon frequency, intensity, and distance are selected, and dimensional influences of different factors are eliminated through standardization processing. Based on the correlation between different hazard factors, we have obtained a multi-dimensional discrete joint probability distribution of typhoon hazard factors and constructed a new design wave height that considers the comprehensive effects of typhoon frequency, intensity, and distance. Our results show that the design wave height values of the 50-year, 100-year, and 200-year events are 12.59%, 8.10%, and 3.14% higher than the Gumbel distribution, which is more in line with the distribution of the wave height of waves under severe typhoon conditions. The new model can fully reflect the impact of typhoons on wave height, which can provide a reference for the design safety of marine engineering in the South China Sea.
Proposing Credit- and Sensitivity-Risk-Based Methodology to Address Corporate Bond Illiquidity Problem
Authors: Arora Ruchi , Mehra Rishi
Published: August 2023

The current study explores the problem of illiquidity in the corporate bond market globally and proposes a solution to enhance liquidity by studying various dimensions of liquidity. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose a solution to the global issue of illiquidity in the corporate bond market. The problem has been identified by many researchers and this paper attempts to find a viable solution in the “fungibility route” as an alternative to the “liquidity route”. Design/Methodology: An analysis of a sample size of 234,772 trade data of corporate bonds and a sample size of 2,00,607 trade data of G-securities is performed to identify the problem. Findings/Solution proposed: A mathematical model based on the credit risk differential and sensitivity differential is proposed to find out the fair value at which an illiquid bond can be exchanged with a liquid bond. To arrive at the fair value of the illiquid bond, we have calculated the risk-adjusted yield (RAY) using the modified duration and a credit risk differential. Originality: This research is a pioneering effort in addressing the worldwide issue of corporate bond illiquidity by proposing a novel solution. The proposed strategy aims to improve the liquidity of the bond indirectly, by utilizing the fungibility route.
FSSSA: A Fuzzy Squirrel Search Algorithm Based on Wide-Area Search for Numerical and Engineering Optimization Problems
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhao Bingjie , Ma Yunpeng
Published: August 2023

The Squirrel Search Algorithm (SSA) is widely used due to its simple structure and efficient search ability. However, SSA exhibits relatively slow convergence speed and imbalanced exploration and exploitation. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a fuzzy squirrel search algorithm based on a wide-area search mechanism named FSSSA. The fuzzy inference system and sine cosine mutation are employed to enhance the convergence speed. The wide-area search mechanism is introduced to achieve a better balance between exploration and exploitation, as well as improve the convergence accuracy. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed strategies, FSSSA is compared with SSA on 24 diverse benchmark functions, using four evaluation indexes: convergence speed, convergence accuracy, balance and diversity, and non-parametric test. The experimental results demonstrate that FSSSA outperforms SSA in all four indexes. Furthermore, a comparison with eight metaheuristic algorithms is conducted to illustrate the optimization performance of FSSSA. The results indicate that FSSSA exhibits excellent convergence speed and overall performance. Additionally, FSSSA is applied to four engineering problems, and experimental verification confirms that it maintains superior performance in realistic optimization problems, thus demonstrating its practicality.
Design of High-Dimensional Maps with Sine Terms
Authors: Almatroud Othman Abdullah , Pham Viet-Thanh , Grassi Giuseppe , Alshammari Mohammad , Albosaily Sahar , Huynh Van Van
Published: August 2023

The use of the advancements in memristor technology to construct chaotic maps has garnered significant research attention in recent years. The combination of memristors and nonlinear terms provides an effective approach to proposing novel maps. In this study, we have leveraged memristors and sine terms to develop three-dimensional maps, capable of processing special fixed points. Additionally, we have conducted an in depth study of a specific example (TDMM1 map) to demonstrate its dynamics, feasibility, and application for lightweight encryption. Notably, our general approach could be extended to develop higher-dimensional maps, including four- and five-dimensional ones, thereby opening up the possibility to create numerous higher-dimensional maps.
Enhancing the Mn-Removal Efficiency of Acid-Mine Bacterial Consortium: Performance Optimization and Mechanism Study
Authors: Hou Dongmei , Zhang Lan , Li Chuncheng , Chen Lutong , Zou Jianping
Published: August 2023

In this study, an acclimated manganese-oxidizing bacteria (MnOB) consortium, QBS-1, was enriched in an acid mine area; then, it was used to eliminate Mn(Ⅱ) in different types of wastewater. QBS-1 presented excellent Mn removal performance between pH 4.0 and 8.0, and the best Mn-removal efficiency was up to 99.86% after response surface methodology optimization. Unlike other MnOB consortia, the core bacteria of QBS-1 were Stenotrophomonas and Achromobacter, which might play vital roles in Mn removal. Besides that, adsorption, co-precipitation and electrostatic binding by biological manganese oxides could further promote Mn elimination. Finally, the performance of the Mn biofilter demonstrated that QBS-1 was an excellent inoculant, which indicates good potential for removing Mn contamination steadily and efficiently.
Diversity and Abundance of Bacterial and Fungal Communities Inhabiting Camellia sinensis Leaf, Rhizospheric Soil, and Gut of Agriophara rhombata
Authors: Qu Hao , Long Yaqin , Wang Xuesong , Wang Kaibo , Chen Long , Yang Yunqiu , Chen Linbo
Published: August 2023

Agriophara rhombata is a tea leaf moth that is considered one of the most destructive pests of Camellia sinensis (tea plant). Several recent studies have shown that many insects acquire part of the microbiome from their host and soil, but the pattern and diversity of their microbiome have not been clearly demonstrated. The present study aimed to investigate the bacterial and fungal communities present in the rhizospheric soil and leaf of tea plant compared to the gut of tea moth at different developmental stages (larvae, pupae, adult female and male) using Illumina MiSeq technology. Alpha diversity (Shannon index) showed higher (p < 0.05) bacterial and fungal diversity in soil samples than in leaf and tea moth larvae, pupae, and adult gut samples. However, during different developmental stages of tea moth, bacterial and fungal diversity did not differ (p > 0.05) between larvae, pupae, female, and male guts. Beta diversity also revealed more distinct bacterial and fungal communities in soil and leaf samples compared with tea moth gut samples, which had a more similar microbiome. Furthermore, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Tenericutes were detected as the dominant bacterial phyla, while Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota were the most abundant fungal phyla among all groups, but their relative abundance was comparatively higher (p < 0.05) in soil and leaf samples compared to tea moth gut samples. Similarly, Klebsiella, Streptophyta, and Enterococcus were the top three bacterial genera, while Candida, Aureobasidium, and Strelitziana were the top three fungal genera, and their relative abundance varied significantly (p < 0.05) among all groups. The KEGG analysis also revealed significantly higher (p < 0.5) enrichment of the functional pathways of bacterial communities in soil and leaf samples than in tea moth gut samples. Our study concluded that the bacterial and fungal communities of soil and tea leaves were more diverse and were significantly different from the tea moth gut microbiome at different developmental stages. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the gut microbiota of the tea moth and its potential application in the development of pest management techniques.
Characterization of the Mycoremediation of n-Alkanes and Branched-Chain Alkanes by Filamentous Fungi from Oil-Polluted Soil Samples in Kazakhstan
Authors: Gaid Mariam , Pöpke Doreen , Reinhard Anne , Berzhanova Ramza , Mukasheva Togzhan , Urich Tim , Mikolasch Annett
Published: August 2023

For decades, researchers have focused on containing terrestrial oil pollution. The heterogeneity of soils, with immense microbial diversity, inspires them to transform pollutants and find cost-effective bioremediation methods. In this study, the mycoremediation potentials of five filamentous fungi isolated from polluted soils in Kazakhstan were investigated for their degradability of n-alkanes and branched-chain alkanes as sole carbon and energy sources. Dry weight estimation and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) monitored the growth and the changes in the metabolic profile during degradation, respectively. Penicillium javanicum SBUG-M1741 and SBUG-M1742 oxidized medium-chain alkanes almost completely through mono- and di-terminal degradation. Pristane degradation by P. javanicum SBUG-M1741 was >95%, while its degradation with Purpureocillium lilacinum SBUG-M1751 was >90%. P. lilacinum SBUG-M1751 also exhibited the visible degradation potential of tetradecane and phytane, whereby in the transformation of phytane, both the mono- and di-terminal degradation pathways as well as α- and ß-oxidation steps could be described. Scedosporium boydii SBUG-M1749 used both mono- and di-terminal degradation pathways for n-alkanes, but with poor growth. Degradation of pristane by Fusarium oxysporum SBUG-M1747 followed the di-terminal oxidation mechanism, resulting in one dicarboxylic acid. These findings highlight the role of filamentous fungi in containing oil pollution and suggest possible degradation pathways.
Pharmacy Students’ Perceptions of the Pharmacist Role: An Arts-Informed Approach to Professional Identity Formation
Authors: Noyen Meghan , Sanghera Ravina , Kung Janice Y. , Schindel Theresa J.
Published: August 2023

Elements of professional identity are closely intertwined with professional roles, and individuals perceive themselves in relation to their roles. How pharmacists perceive their professional identity influences how they enact their roles in practice. For pharmacy students, understanding the pharmacist role and envisioning themselves in that role supports the formation of their professional identity. This study explores students’ perceptions of the pharmacist role. First-year pharmacy students enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of Alberta were invited to participate in this study. Using an adapted version of the draw-and-write technique, participants were asked to express their understanding of the pharmacist role visually. An analysis of the results was guided by established discourses related to pharmacist identity derived from pharmacy education literature. In total, 100 pharmacy students participated in this study. The findings indicate that pharmacy students have a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacist role, especially the dispenser and health care provider aspects of a pharmacist’s professional identity. Additionally, students acknowledged the involvement of pharmacists in health care teams, in public health, and primary health care services. A discourse related to professional identity, the multi-faceted professional, emerged to describe the coexistence of multiple roles in modern pharmacy practice. An arts-based activity successfully facilitated the exploration of pharmacy students’ perceptions of the professional role of pharmacists. This approach has potential in supporting instruction regarding professional identity formation within the curriculum.
Visible Light Communications: A Survey on Recent High-Capacity Demonstrations and Digital Modulation Techniques
Authors: Loureiro Pedro A. , Guiomar Fernando P. , Monteiro Paulo P.
Published: August 2023

In order to deal with the increasing number of mobile devices and with their demand for Internet services, particularly social media platforms, streaming video, and online gaming, Radio-Frequency (RF) wireless networks have been pushed to their capacity limits. In addition to this, 80% of the total data traffic is carried out by users inside buildings. Therefore, new technologies have started to be considered for indoor wireless communications. Visible Light Communications (VLC) can provide both illumination and communications, appearing as an alternative or complement to RF wireless networks. VLC offers high bandwidth and immunity to interference from electromagnetic sources. This manuscript reviews recent high-capacity VLC demonstrations. The main focus of this work is to present digital-signal-processing techniques used in VLC systems. Different modulation formats are analyzed, which can be divided into two large groups, namely single-carrier and multi-carrier modulation schemes. Finally, some recently proposed capacity-achieving strategies are presented. We discuss how to implement these techniques and how they will be useful for the continued development of VLC systems.
A New Integrated Model for Simulating Adaptive Cycle Engine Performance Considering Variations in Tip Clearance
Authors: Wei Jie , Zou Wangzhi , Song Zhaoyun , Wang Baotong , Li Jiaan , Zheng Xinqian
Published: August 2023

The low-fidelity simulation method cannot meet the requirements for predicting the performance of an adaptive cycle engine (ACE), especially when considering tip clearance variations in the compression and expansion systems. The tip clearances of the components of an ACE, such as the adaptive fan and turbine, vary drastically under different operating conditions. Though the tip clearance significantly impacts the engine’s performance, including its thrust and fuel consumption, variations in tip clearance are not considered in traditional ACE simulation models. This paper developed a new integrated model for predicting ACE performance, including multi-fidelity simulation models of the components and a newly developed, simplified model for predicting tip clearance. Specifically, the integrated model consists of a zero-dimensional (0D) engine performance simulation model, a three-dimensional (3D) adaptive fan numerical simulation model, a one-dimensional (1D) low-pressure-turbine (LPT) mean line model, and a multi-dimensional (MD) tip clearance prediction model. The integrated model solved the problem of considering the impact of tip clearance on an ACE and further improved the accuracy of thrust and fuel consumption predictions. Specifically, considering variations in the tip clearances under the design conditions, the differences in the thrust and specific fuel consumption (SFC) of the ACE are 1% and 0.3%, respectively. In conclusion, the integrated model provides a useful tool for evaluating the performance of an ACE while considering tip clearance variations.
Evaluating Fractal Damage and Acoustic Emissions of Soft Rock–Coal Combinations in a Deep Mining Area
Authors: Liang Bin , Wang Dong , Jiang Yujing , Sun Xiaoming , Luan Hengjie , Wang Changsheng , Dong Ling , Chen Lugen
Published: August 2023

Weakly cemented soft rock mines in the Ordos Basin are susceptible to mining disasters, including roof collapse and substantial deformation of surrounding rocks, during coal mining operations. Researching the damage characteristics of structures composed of low-strength “soft rock–coal” combinations is crucial for effectively preventing and controlling disasters in deep soft rock mining. To investigate the fractal damage characteristics of soft rock–coal combinations with different height ratios, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on specimens containing soft rock percentages of 20%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 80%. The results show that the uniaxial compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of the soft rock–coal combinations increased with increasing proportions of soft rock. The soft rock–coal combination was clearly segmented, and the 40%, 50%, and 60% soft rock–coal combinations had good self-similarity. The fractal dimensions were 2.374, 2.508 and 2.586, which are all within the interval [2, 3]. When the percentage of soft rock was 20%, the specimen damage yielded flaky coal bodies with smaller grain size, whereas the coal–rock interface was spalled by small conical rock bodies. As the soft rock proportion increased, the percentage mass of fragments with particle size greater than 20 mm increased from 83.34% to 94.15%. The failure mode in soft rock–coal combinations is primarily attributed to the partial tensile splitting of the coal body. As the proportion of soft rock increased, there was a gradual reduction in the extent of coal body damage. Moreover, the acoustic emission absolute energies and counts decreased as the proportion of soft rock increased. The acoustic emission energy was reduced from 2.46 × 109 attoJ to 3.41 × 108 attoJ, and the acoustic emission counts were reduced from 18,276 to 7852.
Influence of the antioxidant astaxanthin in the composition of feeds on the physiological state of heat-water objects of aquaculture
Authors:   Astrakhan state technical university, Russia, Astrakhan, Akhmedzhanova A.B. , Ponomarev S.V. ,   Astrakhan state technical university, Russia, Astrakhan; K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State University of Technologies and Management, Russia, Moscow, Fedorovykh Yu.V. ,   Astrakhan state technical university, Russia, Astrakhan, Levina О.А. ,   Astrakhan state technical university, Russia, Astrakhan, Terganova N.V. ,   Astrakhan state technical university, Russia, Astrakhan
Published: August 2023

This scientific study examines the experience of using astaxanthin in tilapia feeding, and its effect on the physiological state of individuals. The work used a set of methods used in fisheries research — variation statistics and physiological and biochemical tests. The reliability and validity of the scientific provisions and conclusions contained in this work are determined by a significant amount of factual material; in total, 150 tilapia individuals were studied. The data obtained during the study indicate that the use of astaxanthin at a concentration of 20.0; 30.0; 40.0 and 50.0 mg gives the best physiological and biochemical parameters of cultivated individuals, in comparison with the control variant. However, taking into account the maximum input of astaxanthin in feed for warm-water fish species, the most effective and safe concentration of astaxanthin in the diet of warm-water aquaculture objects is 40.0 mg/kg of feed, which is also confirmed by the results of the physiological state of individuals obtained during the experiments. One of the main stages of metabolism in the body is the digestibility and assimilation of feed nutrients, the effectiveness of which to a certain extent depends on the use of biologically active substances in diets that have antioxidant properties and have a stimulating effect on the vital functions of the body. An important criterion for the choice of feed additives is environmental safety. As a result, after feeding, the indicators of total protein in the experimental variants (1, 2, 3 and 4) were higher by 27.8; 58.5; 59.5 and 52.2%, respectively, of the control group. Analyzing the data obtained after the completion of the experimental work, a significant increase in the level of hemoglobin concentration in the experimental variants was found to be 1.2–1.3 times, respectively, compared with the control variant.
Le système portuaire du golfe de Fos et le canal de Marius : un état des lieux
Authors: Fontaine Souen , Marty Frédéric , El-Amouri Mourad , Rousse Corinne , Borel Laurent , Carre Marie-Brigitte , Carayon Nicolas , Greck Sandra , Marlier Sabrina
Published: August 2023

The Gulf of Fos ancient port complex, closely linked to the Roman colony of Arles, was one of the most important in the western Mediterranean Sea during the early Empire and, paradoxically, one of the most poorly known. The setting up of a collective research program on this complex was an opportunity to synthesise the abundant ancient documentation, a step prior to the launching of new field investigations. New explorations, excavations and surveys carried out in particular near the Pointe de Saint-Gervais, at Fos-sur-Mer, as well as studies on artifacts and navigation, make it possible to reinterpret the data acquired so far and to open new research perspectives.
Un plomb de douane à la légende FOSSA découvert à Fos-sur-Mer (Bouches-du-Rhône)
Authors: Marty Frédéric , Doniga Aline
Published: August 2023

was discovered in Fos-sur-Mer during the development of the marina in 1978-79. Based on comparisons with similar discoveries made in Arles and Lyon in the 19th century, as well as historical and archaeological correlations, it is suggested that this seal may have been linked to the payment of a tax levied on goods using the Fossae Marianae, perhaps in the second half of the 1st century or in the first half of the 2nd century. These considerations lead to the hypothesis that the port of Fos, undoubtedly created in the context of the Augustan reforms, may be formed one of the collection points of the Quadragesima Galliarum, this customs tax having been able to absorb the tax previously applied for the descent and ascent of the Marius canal.
Une défense de sanglier inscrite découverte à Fos-sur-Mer au musée d’Istres
Authors: Bats Michel , Marty Frédéric , Blaise Émilie
Published: August 2023

Une lecture en alphabet latin, accompagnée d’une recontextualisation dans l’anse Saint-Gervais du golfe de Fos et d’une datation par le radiocarbone (Carbon14, Lyon) au haut Empire romain, permet de réinterpréter une inscription gravée sur une défense de sanglier comme amulette placée sous la protection de Damnameneus, à la fois esprit et mot magique.
Les Matrones et la voie. Notes sur les inscriptions du Montgenèvre
Authors: Rossignol Benoît
Published: August 2023

In this paper we review three inscriptions from the Montgenèvre. Discovered or rediscovered at the end of the XIXth century, they had been neglected because of the context of their publication. One of the inscriptions commemorated road work and an other is a votive altar dedicated to the Matronae. This inscription is an important evidence of the cult practiced at the mountain pass.
Lits funéraires à décor d’os ouvragé
Authors: Lacombe Aline , Cormier Anselme
Published: August 2023

The unheard discovery of elements of funeral beds decorated with carved bone, in the northern necropolis of Aix-en-Provence, has extended the spectrum of funeral practices related to the cremation that are there recognized, and thereby to repel the use of funerary beds in Provence until the end of the first century – begenning of the second century AD.
Le transport maritime du vin léétanien au haut Empire. L’apport du gisement d’amphores du cap Gros (Port-Vendres).
Authors: Bréchon Franck , Martínez Ferreras Verònica , Encuentra Jose-Oscar , Nantet Emmanuel , Salvat Michel
Published: August 2023

The underwater deposit of cape Gros has been the subject of surveys in recent years. It has not yielded any significant remains of a ship, but corresponds to a shipwreck site, as shown by several tenuous elements. On the other hand, it has yielded the remains of a cargo of Pascual 1 amphorae. Archaeometric analyses have shown that this very homogeneous cargo comes from the same area, and probably from the same workshop located in the vicinity of Badalona. It illustrates the flow of Leetanian wines transported from the ports of the central area of the Catalan coast to Narbonne, in order to supply western Gaul in particular, as well as the northern confines of the Empire. More specifically, it is comparable to that of the wrecks at Els Ullastres and Cap del Vol, and must be placed at the peak of Leetanian wine production between 40 BC and the Augustan period.
Sur les traces d’une louve en une pièce : un outil singulier à Murviel-lès-Montpellier
Authors: Chapelin Guilhem
Published: August 2023

The study of the lapidary material from the forum of the Castellas agglomeration, in Murviel-lès-Montpellier (Hérault, France), revealed many lewis holes whose form suggests the existence of a gripping tool exerting its effort in the direction of the width of the mortise, contrary to what is generally accepted. The shape of the instrument locked in these mortises for lifting the blocks is the subject of different hypotheses. Following the example of the well-known lifting-tongs, a lewis can be reproduced, made up of joint and articulated pieces, that lock during lifting. We propose here a hypothetical restoration. Very simple to use, facilitating the work of hollowing the mortise into the block, the reconstructed tool has been successfully tested for lifting a block weighing more than 800 kg.
Nouvelles inscriptions funéraires retrouvées à Lattes. La fouille préventive de Castelle et Fromigue : l’apport des inscriptions mises au jour
Authors: Christol Michel , Jung Cécile , Bel Valérie , Bovagne Marilyne
Published: August 2023

Two funeral complexes, along a path, nearby Lattes, each one providing an inscription. One of them is complete. It dates back to the first quarter of the 1st century A. D. It introduces a character, of peregrine status, whose family is of local origin. The dimensions of the epigraphic support reveal his high social status. These documents draw attention to the rural environment of the port area.
Un nouveau milliaire de l’empereur Claude sur la voie Domitienne (Cournonsec, Hérault) dans les archives d’érudits du début du XIXe siècle.
Authors: Christol Michel , Ralite Jean-claude Richard
Published: August 2023

The archives of Joseph Chauvet and Jean-Marie Amelin reveal the existence of epigraphic fragments which belong to a milestone of the Emperor Claudius. The origin of this unpublished document is located in Cournonsec, where the route of the Domitian Way serves as a municipal boundary. On the route between Sextantio and Forum Domitii, this is an important testimony because so far nothing had come to indicate the existence of Augustan or Claudian milestones (with the exception of the so-called milestone of Saint-Denis-de-Montpellieret, reused in the building ; Henri-Prades Museum, Lattes).
Distance education in the education system of European Union countries
Authors: Voronovska Larysa , Markova Olena , Fatych Mariia , Kalimanova Olha , Stepanchuk Olena
Published: August 2023

The article describes the experience of distance education in the education system of the countries of the European Union for the introduction of a new innovative level of education quality in the European dimension. The main characteristics of distance education are highlighted: learning at an individual pace, in a convenient format, in any city, at a convenient time; flexible pedagogical and educational frameworks that respond sensitively to internal and external changes; consideration by education of students' ability levels, various learning styles, interests, needs, and experience. Various technological tools of modern distance education and the main possibilities of intensive development of distance education in the education system of the European Union countries are considered. The role of the European Association of Distance Learning Universities is shown. The requested educational projects within the framework of the Erasmus+ program was analyzed. The regimes in which distance education can be carried out in the education system of the countries of the European Union are listed.