bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New empirical relationships among magnitude, rupture length, rupture width, rupture area, and surface displacement
Authors: Wells Donald L. , Coppersmith Kevin J.
Published: November 2023

Source parameters for historical earthquakes worldwide are compiled to develop a series of empirical relationships among moment magnitude (M), surface rupture length, subsurface rupture length, downdip rupture width, rupture area, and maximum and average displacement per event. The resulting data base is a significant update of previous compilations and includes the additional source parameters of seismic moment, moment magnitude, subsurface rupture length, downdip rupture width, and average surface displacement. Each source parameter is classified as reliable or unreliable, based on our evaluation of the accuracy of individual values. Only the reliable source parameters are used in the final analyses. In comparing source parameters, we note the following trends: (1) Generally, the length of rupture at the surface is equal to 75% of the subsurface rupture length; however, the ratio of surface rupture length to subsurface rupture length increases with magnitude; (2) the average surface displacement per event is about one-half the maximum surface displacement per event; and (3) the average subsurface displacement on the fault plane is less than the maximum surface displacement but more than the average surface displacement. Thus, for most earthquakes in this data base, slip on the fault plane at seismogenic depths is manifested by similar displacements at the surface. Log-linear regressions between earthquake magnitude and surface rupture length, subsurface rupture length, and rupture area are especially well correlated, showing standard deviations of 0.25 to 0.35 magnitude units. Most relationships are not statistically different (at a 95% significance level) as a function of the style of faulting: thus, we consider the regressions for all slip types to be appropriate for most applications. Regressions between magnitude and displacement, magnitude and rupture width, and between displacement and rupture length are less well correlated and have larger standard deviation than regressions between magnitude and length or area. The large number of data points in most of these regressions and their statistical stability suggest that they are unlikely to change significantly in response to additional data. Separating the data according to extensional and compressional tectonic environments neither provides statistically different results nor improves the statistical significance of the regressions. Regressions for cases in which earthquake magnitude is either the independent or the dependent parameter can be used to estimate maximum earthquake magnitudes both for surface faults and for subsurface seismic sources such as blind faults, and to estimate the expected surface displacement along a fault for a given size earthquake.
Frege’s Conception of Truth as an Object and the Fregean Picture of Knowledge
Authors: Kim Junyeol
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to construct a picture of knowledge out of Frege’s comments on truth, judgment, assertion, and knowledge. Frege takes truth to be an object, and the act of judgment to be the act of non-judgmental identification of truth qua an object with the reference of a sentence. For him, the propositional knowledge that p is the non-propositional knowledge of the identity between truth and |p|. Propositional knowledge thusly understood is produced by our knowledge of truth qua an object, which is constituted by our abilities to identify truth as such. The Fregean picture of knowledge provides a tight connection between knowledge-how, objectual knowledge, and propositional knowledge.
Navigating Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment in the Context of Frailty
Authors: Rabei Rana , Fidelman Nicholas
Published: November 2023

The aim of this review is to explore the implications of frailty in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Frailty, a multidimensional geriatric syndrome, has been increasingly recognized as an important predictor of adverse outcomes and mortality in various patient populations. This review specifically focuses on the prevalence of frailty in the cirrhotic population and its role as a prognostic tool for procedural and surgical outcomes of transplantation, hepatectomy and liver-directed therapies. Understanding the impact of frailty on HCC treatment can help guide clinicians in optimizing management strategies and improving patient outcomes.
Total Unilateral Collapsed Lung- A Sequela of Pulmonary Tuberculosis- and Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Gopie Anoep
Published: November 2023

Lung tissue damage after pulmonary tuberculosis is common and can result in persistent pulmonary disability with negative influence on a patient’s quality of life. On the other hand, a COVID-19 infection in a previously treated tuberculosis patient with residual pulmonary abnormalities imposes an increased risk of death. On their own, both of these diseases can have a devastating effect on a patient’s pulmonary system and as such be the cause of disability or even death. In this case report of total atelectasis of the left lung due to obliteration of the left main bronchus after tuberculosis treatment, we present a pregnant patient, who despite a significant reduction in pulmonary function, managed to have a pregnancy with favorable outcome. Thereafter the patient even recovered from a COVID-19 infection, illustrating resilience of the human body.
Effects of an Agricultural Entrepreneurial Training Program with 40 Military Veteran Beginning Farmers
Authors: Fetsch Robert , Grenwelge Cheryl
Published: November 2023

Military veterans returning from war face challenges when re-entering civilian life. Our aim was to evaluate how effective an agricultural entrepreneurial training program (The Farm and Education Treatment Program) was to equip 90 returning military veterans to become self-employed in food and agriculture and secondarily to support health. While there are several agricultural entrepreneurial training programs available, there are few with the breadth, depth, and empirical outcomes of the present study. Our method used eight measures to assess pretest-posttest differences associated with becoming successfully employed in production agriculture. We assessed pretest-posttest changes before and after returning military veteran beginning farmers participated in our year-long, 188-200-hour Farm and Education Treatment Program. Our program trained two cohorts per year each with 15 participants over three years for a total of 90 participants. Especially during COVID-19 with virtual rather than in-person training, our drop-out rate was high. By the end of the three-year program, 40 military veteran beginning farmers completed the program and provided usable pretest-posttest data for a 44% response rate. Almost 88% (n =35/40) of participants were self-employed in agriculture either full-time (60%) or part-time (28%). When they began, two were full-time farmers/ranchers, one was in agricultural business, and one was a part-time farmer/rancher. Our participants’ greatest statistically significant improvements were on the Skills Assessment measure with Farming Skill Level, Crop Skill Level, and Livestock Skill Level subscales, on the Entrepreneurial Self Efficacy Marketing, Innovation, Financial Control, and Total subscales, and on the Independent Living and Working levels. These measures linked well with the overall program goal, intervention, and outcomes because the bulk of the program addressed these variables. There was no change in physical or psychological domains. We concluded that face-to-face, in-person teaching of the program was much preferred and more effective than virtual, remote teaching during COVID-19. Also eight measures with 671 items are far too many. Future researchers are encouraged to expand the training with practical, evidence-based behavioral health strategies that participants can use to improve their behavioral health and quality of life.
Graves’ Disease in Children: A Comprehensive Review on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Long-Term Considerations
Authors: Reyes Derick , Rodriguez Isabel , Vicente Humberto , Torres Edwin
Published: November 2023

This comprehensive review of Graves’ Disease (GD) addresses some of the challenges in diagnosing the condition and with the techniques utilized. Focus is given to the relevant clinical manifestations, management options, complications and long-term effects, and future directions in treatment. It highlights the critical role of thyroid function tests (TFTs) in confirming thyrotoxicosis, and the role of thyroid autoantibodies in distinguishing GD from other thyroid disorders. It discusses the role of antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgical interventions in the management of GD in children. It sheds light on the risks and benefits associated with each approach. The paper also studies the impact of GD on growth, development, and ophthalmic complications in the pediatric population. Promising advancements in treatment such as B-lymphocyte depletion, CD40 blockage, and small molecule TSH-receptor antagonists are also explored. Lastly, the importance of risk factor assessment, screening programs, and increased research are underscored with an attempt to enhance the understanding and management of GD in children.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the functioning of production and consumption waste management systems in the Arctic regions of Russia based on Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Kutyshkin Andrey V.
Published: November 2023

Subject of research: is the functioning of the production and consumption waste management systems of the regions (RSOO) of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation for the period from 2016 to 2020.
Purpose of research: is to quantify production efficiency production efficiency coefficients (СEP) of the functioning of these systems based on shell data analysis (Data Envelopment Analysis, DEA). This method is based on the repeated application of linear programming to a set of input and output indicators recorded by the current system of state statistics and characterizing the activities of sets of similar specialized enterprises in the regions for waste management (production facility, software).
Methods and objects of research: to assess the СEP of the software functioning by the DEA method, the "time slice" and "time window" schemes were used. Based on the calculated СEP values, stable subgroups of software with low, medium and high СEP values were identified. For insufficiently effective software, target values of input indicators were calculated, the achievement of which allows them to maximize СEP values. At the same time, for these software, a recommendatory choice of a leader/landmark object was carried out, which can be considered as a carrier of best practices and successful experience in organizing work, which is relevant for the development of the RSOO.
Main results of research: the formed classification of RSOO was compared with the normative indicators of waste processing given in the State Program of the Russian Federation "Environmental Protection" for 20122020.
The efficacy of administration of prazosin in reducing the risk of recurrent urethral obstruction in male cats
Authors: Hearne Rebecca
Published: November 2023

PICO Question
In male cats presenting with urethral obstruction, does administration of prazosin compared with no administration of prazosin reduce the incidence of recurrent urethral obstruction within the first month of initial presentation?
 
Clinical bottom line
Category of research
Treatment.
 
Number and type of study designs reviewed
A total of three studies were included in this appraisal. Two of which were prospective double-blind clinical studies and one retrospective study.
 
Strength of evidence
Weak.
 
Outcomes reported
Both double-blind studies found no significant difference between prazosin administration and the development of recurrent urethral obstruction (rUO) when compared with a placebo. Both studies, however, did report that cats had a shorter urinary catheterisation time with prazosin administration. The retrospective study found no association between prazosin administration and the risk of rUO and found that after 14 days post discharge, significantly more 73/302 (24%) cats that received prazosin had experienced rUO compared to 11/86 (13%) of cats that did not. One study found side effects to the administration of prazosin which may be detrimental to the overall recovery.
 
Conclusion
Administration of prazosin does not reduce the risk of rUO within 30 days of presentation. However, the strength of evidence is weak and would benefit from further clinical studies.
 
How to apply this evidence in practice
The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.
Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.
STUDY OF THE GRAVITY EFFECTS OF FERMION AND BOSON PARTICLES IN CURVED SPACETIME
Authors: Pambudi Dian Eko , Romadani Arista
Published: November 2023

The types of particles used in this research are Fermion particles and Boson particles. So to describe the movement of Fermion and Boson particles, the Dirac equation and Klein-Gordon equation are used. These two equations combine relativity and quantum principles. In this research, we will replace flat spacetime in the Dirac equation and Klein-Gordon equation with Kerr spacetime. Kerr spacetime describes the effects of gravity on Fermino and Boson particles. To determine the effect of gravity, a neutron interferometer is used through the principle of phase shift. The Hamiltonian value will be obtained. In the Dirac equation, the effect of gravity only appears on the Hamiltonian . The phase shift values are   dan . In the Klein-Gordon equation, the effect of gravity only appears on the Hamiltonian . The phase shift value is . The Dirac equation contains more Hamiltonian terms that are not found in the Klein-Gordon equation. The more Hamiltonian terms, the more confounding Hamiltonian is in it. Confounding Hamiltonian will appear when the calculation involves the quantum part. From the calculation results, it is found that the Dirac equation has better accuracy than the Klein-Gordon equation when viewed from the calculation results of each phase shift.
IMPLEMENTATION OF CASCADE CONTROL IN WATER TURBIDITY LEVEL SETTINGS FOR THE PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM LEARNING MODULE
Authors: Alghufroni Much. Ananda Fikri , Saukani Imam , Dewatama Denda
Published: November 2023

Learning media is one of the means needed to achieve the perfect quality of education. In the Process Control System Practicum Laboratory of Malang State Polytechnic, the number of learning module plants is limited.. It is necessary to add a new learning module, therefore a plant is designed about regulating the level of water turbidity. In this plant, a cascade control method is used to regulate the mixture of clear water and water with high turbidity in order to obtain water with a certain level of turbidity. The results of the application of the cascade control method using the P controller in the inner loop (flow) with a value of K_p=155 obtained rise time 3s, settling time 4s, and steady state error 15%, in the outer loop (turbidity) was also used P controller with a value of K_p=1.67 resulting rise time 14s, settling time 30s, and steady state error 60%. The high steady state error occurs because the plant response of this system has characteristics that were too fast so that the cascade control was unable to overcome the error. In addition, the SEN0189 turbidity sensor with the accuracy of reading the water turbidity value of 10 NTU every 1mV voltage change and easily exposed to noise was also the cause of this system plant to produce a high steady state error.
L’Autonomisation Economique des Femmes dans un Contexte d’Innovation Sociale
Authors: Naima Ennamer
Published: November 2023

Ce papier fait partie d’un essai sur l’économie sociale et solidaire, se penchant sur l’étude du concept d’autonomisation économique des femmes dans le contexte de l’innovation sociale, tout en mettant l’accent sur les spécificités théoriques, les enjeux et les contraintes qui en découlent. Partant d’un constat en vertu duquel l’innovation sociale peut contribuer au renforcement des activités génératrices de revenus et plus particulièrement à la promotion de l’autonomisation économique des femmes, nous cherchons à mettre en exergue les principales acceptions théoriques retenues dans ce sens ainsi que les travaux ayant décelés les relations de causalité potentiellement existantes entre les deux concepts. Dans la même veine, nous avons contextualisé la problématique de contribution de l’innovation sociale à l’autonomisation économique des femmes par rapport aux travaux de recherche menés aussi bien au Maroc que dans les centrées voisines. Les résultats obtenus à cet égard nous confirment que ces deux concepts sont étroitement liés. De plus, l’innovation sociale contribue d’une manière significative à la promotion de l’autonomisation des femmes. D’où l’intérêt de dresser un modèle conceptuel susceptible de fournir une voie de recherche fondée théoriquement et vérifiable empiriquement.

 

This paper is part of a study in social and solidarity economy, aiming to explore the concept of women’s economic empowerment in the context of social innovation, while emphasizing the theoretical specifics, challenges, and constraints that arise from it. Starting from the observation that social innovation can contribute to strengthening income-generating activities, especially in promoting women’s economic empowerment, we seek to highlight the main theoretical frameworks in this regard, as well as the studies that have identified potentially existing causal relationships between the two concepts. In the same vein, we have contextualized the issue of social innovation’s contribution to women’s economic empowerment in relation to research conducted both in Morocco and in neighboring regions. The results obtained in this regard confirm that these two concepts are closely linked. Furthermore, social innovation significantly contributes to promoting women’s empowerment. Hence, the importance of developing a conceptual model capable of providing a theoretically grounded and empirically verifiable research path.
Executing Quality Management Tools to Enhance Customer’s Journey at a Clothes Laundry Firm
Authors: Alshahrani Mohammed , Alabdali Mahmoud , Zaid Wafa , Mohammod Rola , Husain Khalid S. M.
Published: November 2023

Purpose: This paper focuses on assessing and enhancing the customer’s journey at a laundry company in Saudi Arabia. This begins from the moment the customer arrives at the car park, including the process of receiving the services and subsequently making payment. Design, Methodology, Approach: A mixed-method approach was employed and qualitative data were gathered from focus group interviews and individual interviews. Quantitative data were gathered via the survey. Quality Management Tools were used to develop the action plan and offer conclusions and recommendations that would enhance the customer’s journey and improve satisfaction. Findings: Issues relating to service quality are categorized into five types: promotions, human resources, services, detergent products, and facilities. House of Quality represents the highest 15 prioritized solutions. These recommended solutions' relative weights range between 4 to 9%. The use of these tools highlights areas for improvement and the root causes of each issue. The voice of the customer and the voice of the employees are key sources to obtain valuable input. This research proffers step-by-step practical guideline for service organizations on how they can apply the quality management tools in their business, which will help them identify issues and continue improving. Its implications to academia merge the ServQual theory and QM in customer services and satisfactions. Originality/Value: This study will add value to the literature since there are limited studies employing the seven Quality Management Tools to enhance customer satisfaction and improve their journey. The Saudi laundry market specifically has a dearth of this type of study. The leadership of an organisation in the laundry sector is established through the implementation of tailored quality solutions, the prioritisation of customer satisfaction, and the enhancement of operational efficiency.
Perceptions and Characterization of Local Knowledge on Soil Fertility Management by Maize Farmers in Central Benin
Authors: Houndete Codjo Jacques , Djego Gaudence Julien
Published: November 2023

The problem of soil fertility leads farmers, according to their perception, to practice local and or introduced methods to manage the productivity of their farm. This study aimed to document local knowledge on soil fertility management by maize farmers in central Benin. A semi-structured survey was used to collect information from 1248 maize farmers in six communes in central Benin. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis. Results showed that farmers consider declining soil fertility as one of the major constraints to maize production. About 45% of the farmers surveyed linked declining soil fertility to unsuitable fertilization practices. Maize farmers' soil fertility management methods are mainly based on synthetic chemical fertilizers such as urea (46%), NPK (15-15-15), NPKSB (14-23-14-5-1) and NPKSBZn (13-17-17-0.5-2.5) and Triple Superphosphate (45% P2O5). The application rates differed according to the type of fertilizer. Socio-demographic characteristics such as area planted, age, experience in maize production, membership in a farmer's organization, level of education, gender and income level of the farmer significantly determine the type of soil fertility management method practiced. These factors should be taken into account by extension programs.
Influence du Type de Solvant et du Ratio Echantillon/Solvant sur les Propriétés Moussantes des Poudres des Racines de Manioc Manihot Esculenta (Crantz) cv Bonoua 2
Authors: Tanoh Somala Tatiana , N’gbo Martin Luthère King , Disseka William Kwithony , Kouamé Lucien Patrice
Published: November 2023

La capacité moussante et la stabilité de la mousse sont des propriétés fonctionnelles qui déterminent l'utilisation finale d’un aliment. Ces propriétés sont le plus souvent associées aux facteurs intrinsèques des protéines tels que la structure moléculaire et la taille. En revanche, les paramètres physiques extrinsèques sont peu éudiés malgré leur impact significatif sur la qualité technologique d’un produit. Ainsi, l’objectif de ce travail est d’évaluer l’influence de la granulométrie, du type de solvant aqueux, et de la concentration de poudre sur la capacité moussante et la stabilité de la mousse des poudres des racines tubéreuses du manioc Manihot esculenta (Crantz) cv Bonoua 2. Pour y parvenir, la capacité moussante et la stabilité de la mousse d’échantillons de manioc à différentes granulométries ont été déterminées dans deux types de solvants aqueux (eau distillée et eau de robinet ) et à différents ratios. Il ressort que la qualité du solvant aqueux influence la capacité moussante et la stabilité de la mousse des différentes poudres de racines tubéreuses de manioc. La taille des particules des poudres de racines de manioc influence également les capacités moussantes. Au terme de cette étude, nous pouvons noter que les facteurs extrinsèques influencent effectivement les propriétés de la poudre de manioc. Ainsi, ces facteurs doivent etre pris en compte pour une eventuelle application de ces poudres en industrie agroalimentaire.

 

Foaming capacity and foam stability are functional properties that determine the final use of a food. These properties are most often associated with induced factors of proteins such as molecular structure and size. On the other hand, extrinsic physical parameters are little studied despite their significant impact on the technological quality of a product. Thus, the objective of this work is to evaluate the influence of the particle size, the type of aqueous solvent, and the powder concentration on the foaming capacity and the foam stability of powders from the tuberous roots of Manihot esculenta cassava. (Crantz) cv Bonoua 2. To achieve this, the foaming capacity and foam stability of cassava samples at different particle sizes were determined in two types of aqueous solvents (distilled water and tap water) and at different ratios. It appears that the quality of the aqueous solvent influences the foaming capacity and foam stability of different cassava tuberous root powders. Also, the particle size of cassava roots influences foaming capabilities. At the end of this study, we can note that extrinsic factors actually influence the properties of cassava powder. Thus, these factors must be taken into account for a possible application of these powders in the food industry.
Wordsworth’s Affective Materialism
Authors:   The Criticism and Theory Society of Korea, Joo Hyeuk Kyu
Published: November 2023

This essay aims to analyze Wordsworth’s works from the affective materialist framework, which emphasizes dynamic, affective interactions between a multitude of bodies, real or abstract, and further explain the significance of his works on contemporary ecological-environmental thoughts. As is shown in many poems composed during the Lyrical Ballads project period, particularly “Tintern Abbey,” “Lines Written in Early Spring,” “Goody Blake and Harry Gill,” “Peter Bell,” and poetic fragments, Wordsworth embraces contemporary physiological ideas on human cognition and emotion. He describes a natural world where all entities constitute interdependent relationships, delicately capturing the flow of dynamics operating in such affective, material relationships. In doing so, his poetry presents an awareness of a new form of ontology that breaks away from anthropocentric thinking and the obsession with human exceptionality.
Affective materialism presupposes that humans and objects around them are working on, and are being worked upon by, each other. It opts for embodied consciousness rather than the transcendentalist perspective based on the autonomy of imagination through disembodied consciousness. By combining affects and ecology to describe phenomena where humans and nonhumans are connected through the material and physiological processes, his affective materialism helps us understand the accidental, ever-changing, and sometimes chaotic everyday world intertwined with beauty and ugliness more realistically.
Determination Of Total Flavonoid Content Of Yellow Wood (Arcangelisia Flava (L.) Merr) Extract And Antibacterial Activity Against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yuza Maryanti , Ridwanto Ridwanto , Rani Zulmai
Published: November 2023

Yellow wood (Arcangelisia flava) is a medicinal plant that has received little attention. Merr and (L.). Yellow wood has antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-cancer properties. Furthermore, yellow wood is known to contain a range of flavonoid compounds, such as hydroxylarcangelicin, which has broad antibacterial activity. The purpose of this research is to investigate the total flavonoid content of yellowwood extract as well as its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The manufacturing of methanol extract, characterization of simplisia, phytochemical screening, and determination of the total flavonoid levels of the yellow wood methanol extract by a visible spectroscopic approach were all part of this stage of research. Next, use chloramphenicol as a positive control and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a negative control to test antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The results of this study can be concluded to show that the total flavonoid levels in the methanol extract of yellow wood at a metanol concentration of 80% were 228,314 ± 5,4171 mg QE/g. At a 90% concentration of 245.993 ± 6.7626 mg QE/g and a 100% concentration of 265.953  3.0853 mg QE/g.
Keywords: Yellow wood; Flavonoids; Spektrofotometri Visible; Stphylococcus aureus;
Xerostomia yang diinduksi obat pada Pasien dengan gangguan kecemasan : Laporan Kasus
Authors: Satrio Rinawati , Hadiyatama W.A. Arsa , Tunggadewi P. Agatha , Riyadi Wisnu
Published: November 2023

Saliva plays an important role in oral health because it helps taste, protects the mucosa and teeth, and aids the digestive process. Low salivary flow is known as xerostomia. Xerostomia is caused by various factors, one of which is the consumption of certain types of drugs such as drugs in patients with anxiety disorders. The purpose of writing this journal is to report cases of xerostomia experienced by patients with anxiety disorders. A male patient came with complaints of dry oral mucosa and discomfort for chewing, swallowing, and speaking. The patient is undergoing treatment for an anxiety disorder and is taking the drugs diazepam, fluoxetine, alprazolam, and clozapine. Measurement of the patient's salivary flow rate showed results of 0.8 ml/minute when stimulated and 0.1 ml/minute without stimulation. Patients with anxiety disorders who have to take antidepressant drugs for a long time are advised to maintain oral hygiene so that they can improve their quality of life.
Doctor, let us not tell her about the porcine implant
Authors: Shelat Vishal G
Published: November 2023

With the proliferation of pharmaceuticals and advances in innovative medical technologies, use of animal-derived products is widespread in the healthcare industry. The use of these products sometimes conflicts with the religious beliefs of patients. I was involved in an ethical dilemma during reoperative abdominal hernia surgery. I engaged with the patient’s next-of-kin via an intraoperative phone discussion regarding the possible use of a porcine-derived biological mesh implant. Here, I reflect on the experience to help clinicians who seek ethical competence alongside clinical competence.
Shape Memory Properties of Additive Manufactured Continuous Metallic Wire-Reinforced PLA with Electrothermal Activation
Authors: Ghaemi Sarcheshmeh Masoumeh , Behravesh Amir Hossein , Hedayati Seyyed Kaveh , Bakhtiyari Amir , Akbari Davood , Rizvi Ghaus
Published: November 2023

In this study, additive manufacturing of reinforced parts using metallic wire as both a reinforcement component and a shape memory stimulus through Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) was investigated. A Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) restores its original shape and recovers it upon specific stimuli. This research employed chromium-nickel metal wire as a reinforcing component to enhance mechanical properties and introduce the capability for thermal stimulation of polylactic acid (PLA) via electrical current using the "in-situ impregnation" method within FDM process. Reinforced specimens were fabricated with wire with two diameters of 0.1 and 0.15 mm, along with two volume percentages of 5 and 10. Comprehensive evaluations encompassing mechanical (tensile and flexural) and thermal properties of the printed specimens were conducted. The outcomes revealed a significant enhancement in both tensile and flexural properties of the polymer matrix due to the embedding metallic wire, even under elevated temperatures during bending test. Furthermore, the thermal properties of the reinforced specimens were examined by subjecting them to various voltages, resulting in temperature ranging from 36.4 to 150.1°C. These findings highlight the ability to tailor a wide range of mechanical properties and shape recovery in the reinforced specimens by carefully selecting the wire volume fraction, voltage, and wire diameter, thus regulating the materials properties with specific application requirements.
Effects of Drought and Phosphorus Fertilization on the Growth of Common Beech and Sessile Oak Provenances
Authors: Vukmirović Antonia , Škvorc Željko , Bogdan Saša , Krstonošić Daniel , Katičić Bogdan Ida , Karažija Tomislav , Bačurin Marko , Brener Magdalena , Sever Krunoslav
Published: November 2023

The negative impact of drought on plant growth may be modified by different availability of mineral nutrients and by their adaptation to different local habitat conditions. In this study, we examine the impact of drought, fertilization with phosphorus and provenance, as well as their interactions, on the growth and allometric growth relationships between belowground and aboveground organs of common beech (Fagus sylvatica) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea). The research was conducted on saplings originating from two mature mixed stands (dry and wet provenances) dominated by these species. In the common garden experiment, saplings were exposed to regular watering and drought in interaction with moderate and high phosphorus concentrations in the growing substrate (achieved by phosphorus fertilization). Obtained results indicate negative impact of drought and phosphorus fertilization on the growth of both species. In common beech, phosphorus fertilization had a negative impact on its adaptive capacity to drought, because of the unfavourable ratios between fine root mass and mass of other organs. The sessile oak provenances under the impact of drought showed a different root collar diameter/stem height increment ratio, which indicates its different phenotypic plasticity as a consequence of adaptation to different frequencies of dry periods in their natural habitats.
Integrating Aerial and 3D Data into a Data-Driven Decision-Making Workflow for Nature-Based Stormwater Solutions
Authors: Edelman Harry , Rosen Lasse , Nyman Emil , Leskinen And Piia
Published: November 2023

Urbanization and climate change have increased the need for stormwater management and nature-based solutions. Decisions made at project level impact the emergence of systemic traits of the stormwater network and the functionality of the catchment areas in urban planning. To that end, it is vital to introduce the decision-making tools for analyzing both the utilities and amenities of nature-based solutions (NBS) to increase their adoption to reduce the peak loads in the stormwater system, and to that end, mitigate the impacts of climate change. This paper demonstrates a workflow using drone-based photogrammetry, 3D modeling, and simulation software to generate visual and functional models assisting in informed decision-making in the design of stormwater systems as functional landscape architecture. Using aerial data from drones and modeled design solutions, the proposed workflow simulates rain events, infiltration, evaporation, water flow, and accumulation of stormwater in a way that allows the visual and quantified analysis of detailed landscape architecture designs. The paper provides an example of a rooftop site simulation demonstrating the infiltration and flow of water to the drainage. The visual decision-making method provided can aid in investment decisions for functional landscape design in support of stormwater management.
Determination of the Spatial Distribution of Air Pollutants in Bucheon, South Korea, in Winter Using a GIS-Based Mobile Laboratory
Authors: KIM Min-kyeong , Kim Dae ho , Jang Yelim , Lee Jooyeon , Ko Sangwon , Kim Kyunghoon , Park Choonsoo , Park Duckshin
Published: November 2023

Driven by industrialization and urbanization, urban air pollution can increase respiratory, heart, and cerebrovascular diseases, and thus mortality rates; as such, it is necessary to improve air quality through the consideration of individual pollutants and emissions sources. In South Korea, national and local governments have installed urban and roadside air quality monitoring systems. However, stations are lacking outside metropolitan regions, and roadside stations are sparsely distributed, limiting comparisons of pollutant concentrations with vehicle traffic and floating population levels. Local governments have begun using mobile laboratories (MLs) to supplement the fixed measurement network and investigate road pollution source characteristics based on their spatiotemporal distribution; however, the collected data cannot be used effectively if they are not visualized. Here, we propose a method to collect and visualize global information system (GIS)-based air quality data overlayed with environmental variables to support air quality management measures. Spatiotemporal analyses of ML-derived data from Bucheon, Korea, confirmed that particulate and gaseous pollutant concentrations were high during typical commuting hours, at intersections, and at a specially managed road. During commuting hours, the maximum PM10 concentration reached 200.7 µg/m3 in the Nae-dong, Gyeongin-ro, and Ojeong-dong ready-mix concrete complex areas, and the maximum PM2.5 concentration was 161.7 µg/m3. The maximum NOx, NO2, and NO levels of 1.34 ppm, 0.18 ppm, and 1.18 ppm, respectively, were also detected during commuting hours. These findings support the need for targeted management of air pollution in this region, and highlight the benefit of comprehensively comparing road levels, driving speed, and traffic levels when identifying hotspots of air pollution. Such analyses will contribute to the development of air quality management measures customized to regional characteristics.
Marburg Virus Outbreak and a New Conspiracy Theory: Findings from a Comprehensive Analysis of Web Behavior
Authors: Thakur Nirmalya , Cui Shuqi , Patel Kesha A. , Azizi Nazif , Knieling Victoria , Han Changhee , Poon Audrey , Shah Rishika
Published: November 2023

During virus outbreaks in the recent past web behavior mining, modeling, and analysis have served as means to examine, explore, interpret, assess, and forecast the worldwide perception, readiness, reactions, and response linked to these virus outbreaks. The recent outbreak of the Marburg Virus disease (MVD), the high fatality rate of MVD, and the conspiracy theory linking the FEMA alert signal in the United States on October 4, 2023, with MVD and a zombie outbreak, resulted in a diverse range of reactions in the general public which has transpired in a surge in web behavior in this context. This resulted in “Marburg Virus” featuring in the list of the top trending topics on Twitter on October 3, 2023, and “Emergency Alert System” and “Zombie” featuring in the list of top trending topics on Twitter on October 4, 2023. No prior work in this field has mined and analyzed the emerging trends in web behavior in this context. The work presented in this paper aims to address this research gap and makes multiple scientific contributions to this field. First, it presents the results of performing time series forecasting of the search interests related to MVD emerging from 216 different regions on a global scale using ARIMA, LSTM, and Autocorrelation. The results of this analysis present the optimal model for forecasting web behavior related to MVD in each of these regions. Second, the correlation between search interests related to MVD and search interests related to zombies (in the context of this conspiracy theory) was investigated. The findings show that there were several regions where there was a statistically significant correlation between MVD-related searches and zombie-related searches (in the context of this conspiracy theory) on Google on October 4, 2023. Finally, the correlation between zombie-related searches (in the context of this conspiracy theory) in the United States and other regions was investigated. This analysis helped to identify those regions where this correlation was statistically significant.
Mass Creation via the Phase Transition of the Higgs Field
Authors: Christodoulou Dimitris M. , Kazanas Demosthenes
Published: November 2023

The commonly quoted bistable Higgs potential is not a proper description of the Higgs field because, among other technical reasons, one of its stable states acquires a negative expectation value in vacuum. We rely on formal catastrophe theory to derive the form of the Higgs potential that admits only one positive mean value in vacuum. No symmetry is broken during the ensuing phase transition that assigns mass to the Higgs field; only gauge redundancy is “broken” by the appearance of phase in the massive state, but this redundancy is not a true symmetry of the massless field. Furthermore, a secondary, certainly amusing conclusion is that, in its high-energy state, the field oscillates about its potential minimum between positive and negative masses; but it is doubtful that such evanescent states can survive below the critical temperature of 159.5 GeV, where the known particles were actually created.
Effects of Pore-Crack Relative Location on Crack Propagation in Porous Granite Based on the Phase-Field Regularized Cohesion Model
Authors: Zhang Shiyi Y. , Shen Qiang
Published: November 2023

This study employs the phase-field regularized cohesion model (PF-CZM) to simulate crack propagation and damage behavior in porous granite. We investigate how pore radius (r), initial crack-pore distance (D), and pore-crack angle (θ) impact crack propagation. The simulation findings reveal that, with a fixed deflection angle and initial crack-pore distance, larger pores are more likely to induce crack extension under identical loading conditions. Moreover, with r and θ keeping constant, the crack extension can be divided into two stages: from its initiation to the lower edge of the pore and then from the lower edge to the upper boundary of the model. By varying the values of D and r, we derive multiple combinations of different D/r ratios and pore radii. These results demonstrate that with constant r, cracks tend to deflect toward the pore closer to the initial crack. Conversely, when D is maintained constant, cracks will preferentially deflect toward pores with a larger r. In summary, the numerical simulation of rock pores and initial cracks, based on the PF-CZM, exhibits remarkable predictive capabilities and holds significant potential in advancing rock fracture analysis.
Is Frequency of Practice of Different Types of Physical Activity Associated with Health and a Healthy Lifestyle at Different Ages?
Authors: Liutsko Liudmila , Leonov Sergey , Pashenko Alexander , Polikanova Irina
Published: November 2023

Several studies have shown that physical activity (PA) is related to physical and mental health. Yet, there are few studies on the frequency of PA as it relates to health and a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the frequency of practicing different types of physical activities (dependent variables), living a healthy lifestyle (BMI, smoking and alcohol consumption), physical health (sum of all doctor visits except psychiatrists) and mental health (a sum of visits to psychiatrists) at different ages (independent variables). We fo-cused on three types of PA: (1) medium to high-intensity aerobic exercises; (2) low to medium intensity relaxing and stretching exercises, (3) outdoor leisure PA. 9,617 participants (ages: 19 -81) were included in the study (with health registries over a period of 10 years prior to a cross-sectional survey). Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression on frequencies of three types of PA and factors related to health and healthy lifestyles, as well as age and sex, were performed in this study. The results indicate that a higher frequency of practicing PA had a higher probability of association with the following factors: lower BMI, less or non-smoking behavior (types 1 & 3); higher education (types 1 & 2); higher age (types 2 & 3) and better physical health (type 1). Occasional (practicing sometimes) PA, type 2, was positively associated with poorer mental health (higher number of psychiatrist visits). Women were more likely to practice PA type 2, and men – PA types 3 & 1. Conclusion: In general, a higher frequency of PA is related with better health and healthy life styles; with the exception of PA type 2 that is related to poorer mental health.
Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Chilean and World Economy through a Clustering Approach
Authors: Nicolis Orietta , Maidana Jean Paul , Contreras Fabian , Leal Danilo
Published: November 2023

The Covid-19 crisis has been one of the most relevant economic shocks in the history of the modern economy, mainly due to the restrictions on travel and social interaction taken by the authorities (quarantines, closure of schools, artistic activities, bars, and restaurants, capacity in stores), to reduce the transmission of the virus (Sars-Cov2), having consequences on the national productions of all countries (about 7% for the loss of GDP worldwide). In our study, we analyze, through clustering methods, the effects of the level of contagion, economic projections, and economic mitigation measures taken by governments for managing the pandemic. According to the analyses, it can be concluded that a low infection rate implies a lower loss of product and economic savings when applying economic mitigation measures, taking relevance in the management of sanitary measures to reduce the transmission of the virus (and the temporality of these).
Emotional Intelligence as Indicator for Effective Academic Achievement within the School Setting: A Comprehensive Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Gkintoni Evgenia , Halkiopoulos Constantinos , Dimakos Ioannis
Published: November 2023

The concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) has gained prominence due to its substantial impact on a range of life outcomes, including academic performance. The present study aims to examine the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and academic accomplishment in the context of a school environment. Analyzing students' emotional skills and competencies makes it possible to uncover the potential of emotional intelligence (EI) in predicting their academic achievement. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating emotional intelligence (EI) training within the educational curriculum. Developing students' emotional awareness, empathy, self-regulation, and social skills can yield notable academic benefits, cultivating an environment more favorable to learning. This systematic review examines the relationship between emotional intelligence and its impact on children and teachers by synthesizing several relevant research studies. This study encompasses a comprehensive review conducted from 2016 to 2023. A total of 64 publications were examined in this study, specifically chosen based on their relevance to the review's parameters. These articles were sourced from reputable academic databases, including Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, and WoS. The study revealed a correlation between the five dimensions of personality and emotional intelligence, creativity, resilience, the educational framework, and specific experimental programs about its education. The results mentioned above are of great significance, as they demonstrate that emotional intelligence (EI) is not solely a non-essential skill but a vital factor in education that can provide significant perspectives for students, educators, and politicians.