bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Wrinkling on the Bearing Capacity of Inflated ETFE Membranes
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Cao Xujing , Yang Qingshan
Published: April 2024

Inflated membranes are flexible structures and very sensitive to wind load. Wrinkling deformation of the enveloping membrane can further intensify the trend of wind-induced damage. This paper aims at studying the effect of wrinkling deformation on the bearing capacity of inflated membranes
under wind. The wrinkling model based on the stability theory of plates and shells is adopted to consider the effect of wrinkling deformation. The air-membrane interaction is also included by treating the internal air as a kind of potential-based fluid. The wind load is simplified as a uniformly
distributed pressure or suction on the top membrane. Both geometrical and physical nonlinearities of the membrane are considered. The finite element model of an ETFE (Ethylene-Tetra-Fluoro-Ethylene) cushion is then developed to analyze the effect of wrinkling deformation on the bearing capacities
of inflated membranes under wind load for different influencing parameters such as initial internal pressure, side length, rise-to-span ratio. The results indicate that (a) Wrinkling deformation has a great effect on the failure mode and its transition, and can significantly decrease the bearing
capacity as well; (b) Bearing capacity increases with the initial internal pressure and side length when determined by the instability failure, and decreases when determined by the strength failure; (c) Failure mode switches from the instability failure to the strength failure when the initial
internal pressure or side length increases, and the transition occurs earlier when the wrinkling deformation is considered; (d) Bearing capacity varies non-monotonically with the rise-to-span ratio for wind suction and decreases consistently for wind pressure; and (e) When the rise-to-span
ratio increases, the failure mode switches from the strength failure to the instability failure and a later transition is observed in the cushions with the wrinkling deformation.
Metamorphosis of «transformed forms» of Russian educational reality during the reform of higher education
Authors: Gorin S. G. , Cheltsov M. V. , Cheltsova M. G.
Published: April 2024

Introduction. The article examines the dynamics of transformations in modern Russian higher education in the context of the metamorphosis of its «transformed forms». The problem of incorrect use of some educational models of other cultures and domestic destructive experience has been updated, taking into account the specifics of regional Siberian universities.

Purpose setting. The authors propose to dwell on such fragments as the negative impact of the competency-oriented educational model on the methodological content of the educational process and some «pseudoscientific» trends in university science. All this, in our opinion, can be attributed to the elements of the «transformed forms» of the modern domestic educational reality.

Methodology and methods of the study. The work used traditional methods of sociological research (content analysis, questionnaires, interviews), systemic and structural- functional approaches, comparative and retrospective analysis, etc. As an empirical basis, we used data from a sociological survey of teachers of humanities and legal specialties at four Novosibirsk universities, as well as the results of their interviews, revealing objective expert assessments.

Results. The article, based on the latest expert sources and the speeches of domestic methodologists and education strategists (the regulator), clarifies the forecasts for the use of a competence-oriented educational model in the conditions of rejection of the Bologna system. The internal contradictions of the system are determined, primarily associated with inversions that significantly influence the formation of its transformed forms. It is shown that in the form that it exists now, the competence model of education is overly formalized, methodologically vulnerable and therefore toxic for the modern qualitative educational process. When considering university science, examples show its excessive bureaucratization and formalization, especially within the disciplines of the humanities cycle, the dominance of pseudoscientific conferences, and, accordingly, «garbage» collections of articles and other publications issued exclusively for reporting, which cannot interest specialists because they have nothing to do with the scientific development of topical social problems.

Conclusion. Analyzing only some of the elements of «transformed forms» in modern Russian higher education presented in this study, we can state that educational reality, according to the expert community (and we interviewed more than 120 teachers of Siberian universities), raises many more questions than it answers. Each problem becomes the subject of lively discussions, during which both expert positions and the activities of the regulator are clarified, influencing the development trends of specific areas of reform of domestic education.
eSports in higher vocational education programs: feasibility and prospects
Authors: Lazarev E. M. , Koshel V. A.
Published: April 2024

Introduction. The main idea of the article is to actualize the formation of professional competencies of specialists in the sphere of cybersport in the system of higher education.

Purpose setting. In the 21st century, due to the rapid development of technology, a new type of leisure activities – cybersport – has appeared, which has given the young generation a completely new way of self-realization and acquiring unique competencies. The research is undertaken to investigate the feasibility of including cybersport in the system of higher education, both as a separate program and its integration into other profiles of education.

Methodology and methods of the study. The methodological approach of the research consists in the empirical examination of the relevance of competences in cybersport.

Results. This paper considers the positive prospects for the introduction of cybersport direction in the education system from the point of view of the development of human potential of the Russian society.

Conclusion. The undertaken research confirms the increasing relevance of the formation of competencies of professionals engaged in the sphere of cybersport.
Innovative Cloud Quantification: Deep Learning Classification and Finite Sector Clustering for Ground-Based All Sky Imaging
Authors: Luo Jingxuan , Pan Yubing , Su Debin , Zhong Jinhua , Wu Lingxiao , Zhao Wei , Hu Xiaoru , Qi Zhengchao , Lu Daren , Wang Yinan
Published: April 2024

Accurate cloud quantification is essential in climate change research. In this work, we construct an automated computer vision framework by synergistically incorporating deep neural networks and finite sector clustering to achieve robust whole sky image-based cloud classification, adaptive segmentation, and recognition under intricate illumination dynamics. A bespoke YOLOv8 architecture attains over 95% categorical precision across four archetypal cloud varieties curated from extensive annual observations (2020) at a Tibetan highland station. Tailor-made segmentation strategies adapted to distinct cloud configurations, allied with illumination-invariant image enhancement algorithms, effectively eliminate solar interference and substantially boost quantitative performance even in illumination-adverse analysis scenarios. Compared with the traditional threshold analysis method, the cloud quantification accuracy calculated within the framework of this paper is significantly improved. Collectively, the methodological innovations provide an advanced solution to markedly escalate cloud quantification precision levels imperative for climate change research, while offering a paradigm for cloud analytics transferable to various meteorological stations.
Towards Real-Time Railroad Inspection Using Directional Eddy Current Probe
Authors: Mussatayev Meirbek , Alanesi Mohammed
Published: April 2024

In the field of railroad safety, effective detection of surface cracks is critical, necessitating reliable, high-speed non-destructive testing (NDT) methods. This study introduces a hybrid Eddy Current Testing (ECT) probe, specifically engineered for railroad inspection, to address the common issue of ’lift-off noise’ due to varying distances between the probe and test material. Unlike traditional ECT methods, this probe integrates transmit and differential receiver coils, aiming to enhance detection sensitivity and minimize lift-off impact. The study optimizes ECT probes employing different driver coils, emphasizing three main objectives: a) quantitatively evaluating each probe using signal- to-noise ratio (SNR) and outlining a real-time data processing algorithm based on SNR methodology; b) exploring the frequency range proximal to the electrical resonance of the receiver coil; c) examining sensitivity variations across varying lift-off distances. The experimental outcomes indicate that the newly designed probe with figure 8-shape driver coil significantly improves sensitivity in detecting surface cracks on railroads. It achieves an impressive SNR exceeding 100 for defects with minimal dimensions of 1 mm in width and depth. Simulation results closely align with experimental findings, validating the investigation of optimal operational frequency and lift-off distance for selected probe performance, determined to be 0.3 MHz and 0.5 mm, respectively. The realization of this project would lead to notable advancements in enhancing railroad safety by improving crack detection efficiency.
Identification of Salt-Responsive Genes in Melatonin Regulated Alfalfa Salt Tolerance by Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Zhu Wenxuan , Ren Xiangling , Liu Zirui , Li Yingao , Li Guomin , Wang Jingzhuo , Li Defeng , Shi Yinghua , Wang Chengzhang , Zhu Xiaoyan , Sun Hao
Published: April 2024

Salt stress is a major limiting factor for alfalfa yield due to its relatively low salt tolerance. High soil salinity adversely impacts alfalfa growth and development, leading to reduced yield. Melatonin (MT) is known to play a significant role in enhancing plant resistance to abiotic stresses. However, the mechanisms underlying melatonin-mediated abiotic stress responses, particularly salt stress, are not well understood. To address this gap, we conducted a study focusing on germinating alfalfa seeds under salt stress. Physiological indexes and transcriptomics analyses were carried out on the germinated seeds to investigate the effects of melatonin on alfalfa seedlings under salt stress conditions. Our results revealed that the application of melatonin led to an increase in shoot length and fresh weight of alfalfa seedlings under salt stress. Moreover, key physiological indexes such as peroxidase (POD) activity and glutathione (GSH) content were enhanced, while levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide anions decreased. Transcriptomic analysis identified a total of 2,131 differentially expressed genes in the salt-treated group, with 726 up-regulated and 1,405 down-regulated genes, while the MT-treated group showed 2896 differentially expressed genes, of which 1,097 were up-regulated and 1,799 were down-regulated. Further, KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted the enrichment of differentially expressed genes in pathways including flavonoid biosynthesis, ABC transporter, glutathione metabolism, and the MAPK signaling pathway, with these pathways more significantly enriched in the MT-treated group. These findings collectively suggest that melatonin plays a crucial role in alfalfa's response to salt stress and offer new insights into the genomic mechanisms underlying melatonin-mediated salt tolerance in alfalfa.
Battery Management for Improved Performance in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Armenta-Déu Carlos
Published: April 2024

The work aims to improve the battery performance in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) by reducing the vehicle speed. We develop a specific protocol for managing battery use and optimizing the energy consumption rate to achieve this goal. The protocol automatically controls the driving operation, avoiding incompatible driving patterns with energy-saving mode and performance improvement. The protocol is submitted to a simulation process to predict the energy rate lowering and battery performance enhancement. The proposed protocol applies to any hybrid electric vehicle type and route conditions since it uses vehicle mass, drag and rolling coefficients, and road slope as variable parameters to determine the minimum energy consumption rate. We run experimental tests to validate the simulation data and the proposed protocol. Furthermore, the protocol applies to variable starting vehicle speeds, from 10 to 50 km/h, corresponding to the current driving patterns, sport, normal, and eco, set up by car manufacturers. A reduction of 10% in vehicle speed in urban and peripheral routes achieves a minimum energy rate, enhancing battery management. Current vehicle speed shows a deviation from optimum management of 18% while applying the vehicle speed reduction limits the deviation to 0.2%. Experimental results show a good agreement with simulation data with 94% accuracy. We tested the protocol for urban and peripheral routes with maximum vehicle speed limits of 60 and 90 km/h.
Decoupling Interaction for CFD-DEM Simulations of Bubbling Fluidized Bed
Authors: Li Yanggui , Wang Heping , Wu Guorong
Published: April 2024

The discrete element method (DEM) coupled with computational dynamics (CFD) has been considered one of the most sensitive ways of studying fluidized beds. This paper presents gas-solid fluidized bed simulations by use of CFD-DEM. The two-phase interaction is calculated in a way of decoupling. Within the effective neighborhood of the particles, the kernel approximation method is used to calculate the local porosity, thereby calculating the drag force on the particles. At the grid scale, the momentum exchange coefficient is calculated using a two fluid model based method, thereby calculating the source term of the phase interaction in the fluid control equation. The simulated form, size and motion process of the big bubble are all consistent with experimental observations. The simulated solid volume fraction and relative pressure averaged in a horizontal plane at 45 mm above the bottom are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. The fluctuation of the simulated bed height over time is similar to the experimental measurement results. The reproduction of these qualitative and quantitative results indicates that the proposed method effectively improves simulation performance and accuracy.
Prior Appendicectomy and Gut Microbiota Reestablishment in Adults After Bowel Preparation and Colonoscopy
Authors: McGuinness Amelia J , O'Hely Martin , Stupart Douglas , Watters David , Dawson Samantha L , Hair Christopher , Berk Michael , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Loughman Amy , Guest Glenn , Jacka Felice N
Published: April 2024

Emerging evidence suggests that the human vermiform appendix is not a vestigial organ, but rather an immunological organ of biological relevance. It is hypothesised that the appendix acts as a bacterial ‘safe house’ for commensal gut bacteria and facilitates re-inoculation of the colon after disruption through the release of biofilms. To date, no studies have attempted to explore this potential mechanistic function of the appendix. We conducted a pre-post intervention study in adults (n=59) exploring reestablishment of the gut microbiota in those with and without an appendix after colonic disruption via bowel preparation and colonoscopy. Gut microbiota composition was measured one week before and one month after bowel preparation and colonoscopy using 16S rRNA sequencing. We observed between group differences in gut microbiota composition between those with (n=45) and without (n=13) an appendix at baseline. These differences were no longer evident one-month post-procedure, suggesting that this procedure may have ‘reset’ any potential appendix-related differences between groups. Both groups experienced reductions in gut microbiota richness and shifts in beta diversity post-procedure, with greater changes in those without an appendix, and there were five bacterial genera whose re-establishment post-procedure appeared to be moderated by appendicectomy status. This small experimental study provides preliminary evidence of a potential differential reestablishment of the gut microbiota after disruption in those with and without an appendix, warranting further investigation into the potential role of the appendix as a microbial safe house.
FAST-SCAN: Forward-looking Analysis System for Stock Trend Anticipation
Authors: Clarkson Emma , Nasir Wyne , Ford Nathan
Published: April 2024

The rapid expansion of China's A-share market, coupled with the burgeoning volume of financial research reports, presents a unique challenge to traditional stock price prediction methodologies. This study introduces FAST-SCAN, a novel framework designed to leverage natural language processing (NLP) and time series analysis for the efficient and accurate prediction of stock market trends. By integrating advanced sentiment analysis, primarily through the utilization of the RoBERTa model, with dynamic time series forecasting, FAST-SCAN aims to distill actionable insights from the vast corpus of financial research reports. This approach not only enhances the speed and efficiency of financial analysis but also addresses the time-sensitive nature of market-influencing factors, thereby providing a competitive edge in stock price prediction. The framework demonstrates a notable improvement in predictive performance, achieving a 20% annualized return and a 7.19% RankIC, marking a significant advancement over conventional statistical analysis methods. Through its innovative combination of NLP and predictive analytics, FAST-SCAN paves the way for a more informed and strategic approach to investment in the A-share market, emphasizing the importance of timely, data-driven decision-making in the financial industry.
Dramatic Suppression of Lipogenesis and No Increase in Beta- Oxidation Are the Main Effects of Bergamot Flavonoids on Gene Expression in Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Parafati Maddalena , La Russa Daniele , Lascala Antonella , Crupi Francesco , Riillo Concetta , Fotschki Bartosz , Mollace Vincenzo , Janda Elzbieta
Published: April 2024

Bergamot flavonoids have been shown to prevent metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and stimulate autophagy in animal models and patients. To investigate further the mechanism of polyphenol-dependent effects, we performed RT2-PCR array analysis on 168 metabolism, transport and autophagy-related genes expressed in rat livers exposed for 14 weeks to different diets: standard, cafeteria (CAF) and CAF diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg of Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction (BPF). CAF diet caused a strong upregulation of the gluconeogenesis pathway (Gck, Pck2) and a moderate (>1.7 fold) induction of genes regulating lipogenesis (Srebf1, Pparg, Xbp1), lipid and cholesterol transport or lipolysis (Fabp3, Apoa1, Lpl) and inflammation (Il6). However, only one -oxidation gene (Cpt1a) and a few autophagy genes were modulated in the CAF group compared to controls. While most of these transcripts were significantly modulated by BPF, we observed a particularly potent effect on lipogenesis genes, like Acly, Acaca, Fasn and Scd1, which were suppressed far below the mRNA levels of control livers as confirmed by alternative primers-based RT2-PCR analysis and western blotting. These effects were accompanied by downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il6, Tnfa, and Il10) and diabetes-related genes. Few autophagy (Map1Lc3a, Dapk) and no -oxidation gene expression changes were observed, suggesting minor transcriptional effects on autophagy. In conclusion, chronic BPF supplementation efficiently prevents NAFLD by modulating hepatic energy metabolism and inflammation gene expression programs, with no effect on -oxidation, but profound suppression of de-novo lipogenesis.
A Modified Enthalpic Lattice Boltzmann Method for Simulating Conjugate Heat Transfer Problems in Non-homogeneous Media
Authors: Matsuda Vinicius Akyo , Martins Ivan Talão , Moreira Debora Carneiro , Cabezas-Gómez Luben , Bandarra Filho Enio Pedone
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces a new adaptation of the enthalpic lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) tailored to simulate the intricate dynamics of conjugate heat transfer in non-homogeneous media, showcasing considerable potential for enhancing heat exchanger designs. This approach expands upon the conventional enthalpic LBM framework by seamlessly incorporating tailored source terms, enabling precise representation of local and transient variations in the medium’s thermophysical properties. The resulting LBM model comprehensively captures the energy conservation equation, with exceptions made only for flow compressibility and viscous dissipation, thereby significantly augmenting its versatility in analyzing heat exchanger configurations. Verification tests, comprising assessments of both transient and steady-state solutions, unequivocally validate the accuracy of the proposed model, further bolstering its reliability for analyzing heat exchange processes within intricate heat exchanger geometries. To demonstrate its efficacy, simulations of conjugate heat transfer processes involving fluid natural convection within structured cavities were performed, imposing both Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions to emulate scenarios encountered in practical heat exchanger operations. The findings yield compelling insights, particularly in the transient regime, revealing the beneficial impact of structured cavities on enhancing heat transfer processes. These insights inform potential design optimizations for heat exchangers. The results emphasize the potential of the modified enthalpic LBM approach to elucidate complex heat transfer phenomena in non-homogeneous media and structured geometries, offering valuable implications for heat exchanger engineering and optimization.
Integration of AI and IoT Into Corporate Social Responsibility Strategies for Financial Risk Management and Sustainable Development
Authors: Shkalenko Anna Viktorovna , Nazarenko Anton V.
Published: April 2024

The study is dedicated to analyzing the complex interaction between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) with institutional structures in the context of sustainable development. This work examines the impact of these technologies on economic and social development, identifying their potential advantages and risks. Methodologically, the research relies on information gathering and case study analysis, assessing the impact of technology in various domains, from smart cities to the manufacturing sector. The findings emphasize the necessity of integrating technological innovations into broader social and environmental initiatives, highlighting the importance of institutional transformations for achieving environmental sustainability.
Quasi-solid Composite Electrolytes of Poly-(Dioxolane) & Garnet LLZO Nanofibers Enable High Energy Efficiency Lithium-Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Zhengqiang , Salem David R.
Published: April 2024

Quasi-solid composited electrolytes were produced by LiFSI initiated polymerized poly-(Dioxolane) (PDOL) with garnet-LLZO (Li7La2Zr3O12) nanofibers and used in lithium-metal batteries. Linear sweep voltammetry shows that the initial oxidation voltage of 4.6 V for Gel-10% (G10, 10% wt. LLZO in PDOL) vs Li/Li+. EIS test of stainless steel// stainless steel symmetric cells for Gel-1% (G1), Gel-5% (G5) and Gel-10% (G10) show ion conductivity (5*10-5 S/cm). Li/G10/Li symmetric cells have stable stripping-plating cycling performance over 1300 hours continuously with the current density of 0.1 mA/cm2 at 25 oC, indicating a good interface contact and stable lithium-ion transport pathway through the composite electrolytes. LFP/G10/Li batteries have stable charge-discharge plateau, low polarization voltage of 0.07-volt, energy efficiency of 95% and coulombic efficiency of ~99% at current density of 26.3 mA/g at 25 oC for over 100 cycles.
Whole-Genome Deep Sequencing of the Healthy Adult Nasal Microbiome
Authors: Cannon Mark , Ferrer Gustavo , Tesch Mari , Schipma Matthew
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to determine shifts in microbial populations regarding richness and diversity from daily use of a popular over-the-counter nasal spray. In addition, the finding of nasal commensal bacterial species that overlap with the oral microbiome may prove to be potential probiotics for the “gateway microbiomes.” Nasal swab samples were obtained before and after using the most popular over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray in 10 participants aged 18–48 years. All participants were healthy volunteers with no significant medical histories. The participants were randomly assigned a number by randomizing software and consisted of five men and five women. The sampling consisted of placing a nasal swab atraumatically into the nasal cavity, which is similar to the sampling performed for COVID-19 testing, with only very slight discomfort, if any. The samples were preserved and sent to Northwestern University Sequencing Center for whole-genome deep sequencing. After 21 days of OTC nasal spray use twice daily, the participants returned for further nasal microbiome sampling. The microbial analysis included all bacteria, archaea, viruses, molds, and yeasts via deep sequencing for species analysis. The Northwestern University Sequencing Center utilized artificial intelligence analysis to determine shifts in species and strains following nasal spray use that resulted in changes in diversity and richness.
Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome: A Rare Case of Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis
Authors: Shah Simoni , Soni Zeal , Suthar Nilay , Desai Dev
Published: April 2024

A multisystem chronic autoimmune disorder, Sjogren syndrome, is characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates in the exocrine glands. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia are the two pathognomic findings in Sjogren syndrome. Here, we present a case of a 30-year-oldan old Indian woman presenting with primary Sjogren syndrome. The clinical features, diagnostic modalities, treatment options, and management of complications have been discussed.
Interpretability Analysis and Attention Mechanism of Deep Learning-Based Microscopic Vision
Authors: Xu Zheng , Zhao Xinwei , Wang Xiaodong , Kong Yuchen , Ren Tongqun , Wang Yanqi
Published: April 2024

Microscopic vision plays an important role in automated micro-assembly. However, some uncertain factors in the assembly process, such as occlusion and stains can lead to the mistakes of feature extraction. Herein, to solve the problem, the deep learning techniques are introduced into the feature recognition tasks, focusing on the attention mechanism and visualizing CNNs for DL-based microscopic vision. The main contributions are summarized as follows: The CBAM attention mechanism is combined with the YOLOv5 algorithm to improve the accuracy and robustness of feature extraction. The micropart feature occlusion experiment results show that at 70% occlusion degree, YOLOV5-CBAM can reach 97.9% mAP@0.5, which is 4.6% higher than the original one. Visualization analysis of DL-based model is conducted using Grad-CAM to make the decision result more transparent and avoid potential visual detection risks during assembly. The heatmap matching degree between GT area and high-light area is increased by 27.81% on average, which further verify the effectiveness of attention mechanism in micropart feature localization. Additionally, micropart surface stain and droplet quality classification models based on ResNet50 are trained to replace the manual sorting. The visual results are consistent with human eye discernment and judgement, confirming the reliability of parts and droplets sorting.
Global, Layerwise and Multi-scale Modeling in Polymer Matrix Laminated Composites: A Review of Fundamentals, Advances and a Trend Analysis for Future Studies
Authors: Machado Marcelo , Lopes Felipe , Simonassi Noan , Carvalho Eduardo , Monteiro Sergio
Published: April 2024

In the last two decades, the application of composite structures in many industrial sectors has been made progressively. For the current major scientific and technological challenge, the energy transition with sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives, the polymer matrix laminated composites have been revealed as an excellent alternative for the renewable energy sector. In this context, the knowledge about mechanical behavior of multiphase materials is required. Then, researches related to macro, mesomechanical and multiscale approaches are very important to improve accuracy of the models to predict effective mechanical properties and to develop a better understanding about complex phenomena such as progressive damage, creep and fatigue. Due to theses needs, this research is a synthesis of fundamentals and advanced topics concerning to global modeling of laminated composite structures, layerwise analyzes and micro-macromechanical models, in which mainly fiber, matrix, interface and damage characteristics are studied and used in the macroscale approach. At the end of this study, some final remarks and a trend analysis are proposed based on literature consulted, in other words, expectations for the future works are made by the authors.
Modification and Stabilization of Collapsible Loess using Diammonium Phosphate Solution
Authors: Ying Chengjuan , Huang Lingxia , Chen Haiming , Zhang Yadong , Yao Duoxi
Published: April 2024

The collapsible loess will rapidly soften and lose its bearing capacity when soaked in water. Under a mild condition (20°C), the biomimetic inorganic agent, Diammonium phosphate (DAP), reacts with calcite in the collapsible loess, producing a stronger bonding material, hydroxyapatite (HAP), to modify and stabilize the soil. Uniaxial compression, permeability tests and morphological analysis using XRD and SEM/EDX microscopy were carried out to assess the effectiveness of DAP stabilization on the collapsible loess. The results indicated that HAP improved the inter-particle bonding within loess, filled the pores within particles, reduced the permeability, and consequently mitigated collapsibility of loess. The compressive strength of DAP-treated loess increased as DAP concentration increased. Following 28-days curing, the compressive strength of the loess treated with a 3.0 mol/L DAP solution was six times greater than that of the untreated group. DAP's reinforcement effect on loess was superior to that of cement. The compressive strength of DAP-treated loess was about double that of cement-treated loess and the permeability coefficient was reduced by more than 50% at equivalent solid content. Furthermore, DAP generated 68% fewer carbon emissions compared to Portland cement. Considering eco-friendly and sustainable development, DAP offers a more competitive alternative for modification and stabilization of loess.
Intellecta Cognitiva: A Comprehensive Dataset for Advancing Academic Knowledge and Machine Reasoning
Authors: PS Ditto , PS Ajmal , VG Jithin
Published: April 2024

Intellecta dataset emerges as an innovative synthetic dataset, engineered to enhance the cognitive processing capabilities of contemporary language models. With a composition of 11.53 billion tokens, integrating 8.01 billion tokens of synthetic data with 3.52 billion tokens of rich textbook data, Intellecta is crafted to foster advanced reasoning and comprehensive educational narrative generation. Leveraging the Mixtral-8x7B-Instruct-v0.1 model, the dataset facilitates the generation of complex thought processes and detailed, textbook-style explanations, thus enabling language models to engage in both critical thinking and profound educational discourse. This hybrid dataset stands as a testament to the potential of synthetic data in pushing the boundaries of AI, offering a repository that is not only vast and varied but also refined to align with ethical standards and intellectual rigor.
BWC Confidence‐Building Measures: Increasing BWC Assurance through Transparency & Information Sharing
Authors: Shearer Matthew , Potter Christina , Vahey Rachel , Munves Nicholas , Gronvall Gigi
Published: April 2024

In the absence of a treaty protocol or verification regime, the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) instituted Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) as a mechanism to increase confidence in compliance, by enhancing transparency and mitigating ambiguities regarding states parties’ biological activities. While a promising tool to support treaty compliance, low participation, concerns regarding the completeness and accuracy of CBM submissions, a dearth of analysis, and restricted access to many submissions have limited CBMs’ value. Through interviews with 53 international experts—38 from BWC delegations and 15 independent experts—we identified concrete opportunities to increase CBMs’ value while mitigating the burden on states parties. This study supports states parties’ efforts in the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention, as part of a series of research on BWC assurance that aims to characterize challenges around BWC verification and increase certainty in BWC compliance.
ZEMELA - Smart Software Platform for Small Vegetable Farms
Authors: Stoyanov Stanimir Nedyalkov , Monov Vladimir , Stoyanov Ivan Stanimirov , Tabakova-Komsalova Veneta Veselinova , Stoyanova-Doycheva Asya Georgieva , Doukovska Lyubka Atanasova , Doychev Emil Hristov , Terziyski Atanas , Ganeva Daniela , Tringovska Ivanka , Grozeva Stanislava , Tenev Stoyan
Published: April 2024

This article summarizes the results of a research conducted to create an intelligent platform supporting small farmers growing vegetables. In Bulgaria, many farmers use relatively small areas for their production. Considering this situation, the platform is designed for regional use, trying to make maximum use of the specific climatic features of the monitored microdistrict. Consequently, special attention is paid to the possibilities of adapting the platform to the specific environment in which the observed plants grow. Thus, the platform is implemented as an agent-oriented system providing needed flexibility. The core of the platform is a personal assistant, which is responsible for tracking the vegetation cycle of the monitored crop and, upon detection of anomalies, preparing warnings to the farmer. The general architecture of the platform is also presented. In a distributed knowledge base, agriculture-specific knowledge are stored. Furthermore, a standardized interface for receiving data from the sensor networks located in the production areas is briefly described. Currently, the platform is being tested for monitoring four varieties of tomatoes grown on the territory of the national research center for potato breeding. Special attention is paid to the measurements carried out. Conclusions have been drawn that will help improve the platform.
An Enhanced Ageing Model for Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Scaltrito Paolo , Lanjan Amirmasoud , Srinivasan Seshasai
Published: April 2024

The emphasis in the automotive industry towards sustainable mobility has led to a significant interest in hybrid-electric propulsion systems with high energy density batteries. Addressing the needs of this strategy, the battery market is exploring new technologies to improve the safety and lifespan of electric vehicles. To this end, there is a focus on the all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology for its cycle capabilities. Filling the current void in the literature pertaining to accurate ageing models for ASSBs, in this work, we present an enhanced version of the numerical ageing model, originally developed for liquid electrolyte based batteries, to forecast the development of the solid electrolyte interface layer that is the major cause of battery capacity fading. The model has been tested on prototype batteries and reveals an accuracy of 99%. The capacity fade in ASSBs has been investigated under different conditions, and the enhanced ageing model has been validated using experimental data from these batteries. The findings suggest that there is potential for solid-state batteries to be commercialized, although significant work is needed to match the manufacturing level of lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes.
Emerging Roles of Exosomes in Stroke Therapy
Authors: Larson Anthony , Rodriguez Dilmareth N. , Crane Andrew , Larocca Dana , Low Walter C. , Grande Andrew W. , Lee Jieun
Published: April 2024

Stroke is the number one cause of morbidity in the United States and number two cause of death worldwide. There is a critical unmet medical need for more effective treatments of ischemic stroke, and this need is increasing with the shift in demographics to an older population. Recently, several studies have reported the therapeutic potential of stem cell derived exosomes as new candidates for cell-free treatment in stoke. This review focuses on the use of stem cell-derived exosomes as a potential treatment tool for stroke patients. Therapy using exosomes can have a clear clinical advantage over stem cell transplantation in terms of safety, cost, and convenience, as well as reducing bench-to-bed latency due to fewer regulatory milestones. In this review article, we focus on 1) the therapeutic potential of exosomes in stroke treatment, 2) the optimization process of upstream and downstream production, and 3) preclinical application in stroke animal model. Finally, we discuss the limitations and challenges faced by exosome therapy in future clinical applications.
Learners, Not Just Data Contributors: Self-Regulated Learning in Citizen Science
Authors: Hu Ruonan , Pernaa Johannes , Aksela Maija , Yu Yiming
Published: April 2024

Citizen science substantially contributes to large-scale biodiversity monitoring and the enhancement of public literacy. While both of the contributions largely depend on the public’s self- regulated learning. In this study, we employed a mix- method approach, incorporating both a questionnaire survey of 133 participants and interviews with 12 volunteers, aiming to explore the feature of self- regulated learning in citizen science, as well as identify the main factors impacting it. The volunteers are all different ages, from different jobs, with varying educational backgrounds. The findings revealed that the educational background of volunteers did not significantly impact their self-regulated learning. However, an increased frequency of participation was linked to higher levels of self-regulated learning. Furthermore, achievement goal orientation mediates the prediction of self-regulation by scientific epistemology. These insights underscore the importance of enhancing citizen science's impact on scientific literacy by fostering self-regulated learning among participants. This can be achieved through explicit instruction in scientific epistemology and by fostering a sense of achievement to boost achievement goal orientations. Additionally, our study advocates for the promotion of social interaction between students and out- of- school citizen scientists in school-based citizen science projects. The main innovation of this study is to consider volunteers as learners, not merely as contributors of data.
Research Advances on the Hard Seededness Trait of Soybean and the Underlying Regulatory Mechanisms
Authors: Sun Yongwang , Gong Yujie
Published: April 2024

Soybean is one of the world’s most economically significant crops and is widely utilized as an essential source of vegetable protein and edible oil. Cultivated soybean is domesticated from its annual counterpart, wild soybean, which is considered valuable germplasm for soybean breeding. However, wild soybean accessions generally produce seeds with impermeable coats, a trait known as hard seededness (HS), which is beneficial for long-term seed survival but is undesirable for the uniform water absorption and germination of seeds, thus limiting the utilization of wild soybeans in breeding. However, moderate HS can isolate the embryo from the surrounding environment and is thus beneficial for long-term seed storage and germplasm preservation. The HS trait is primarily associated with the structure and chemical composition of the seed coat. However, its development is also influenced by various environmental conditions, such as water and temperature. Genetic analysis has revealed that HS of soybean is a complex quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes or minor quantitative trait loci (QTL), with many QTLs and several causal genes currently identified. Investigating the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying this trait is crucial for soybean breeding, production, and food processing. For this article, the literature was reviewed and condensed to create a well-rounded picture of the current understanding of internal and external factors, QTLs, causal genes, and the regulatory mechanisms related to the HS of soybean, with the aim of providing reference for future research and utilization of this trait.
Pentoxifylline and Norcantharidin Modify p62 Expression in 2D and 3D Cultures of B16F1 Cells
Authors: González-Quiroz José Luis , Ocampo-Godínez Juan Moisés , Hernández-González Victoria Noemi , Lezama Ruth Angélica , Reyes-Maldonado Elba , Vega-López Armando , Domínguez-López María Lilia
Published: April 2024

3D cell cultures have improved the evaluation of drugs for cancer therapy, due to their high similarity to solid tumors. In melanoma, autophagy appears to show a dual role depending on the progression of the disease. p62 protein has been proposed for the evaluation of autophagic flux since its expression is an indicator of the state of autophagy. Pentoxifylline (PTX) and Norcantharidin (NCTD) are drugs that have been shown to have anticancer effects in various types of cancer. In this work, B16F1 mouse melanoma cell line was used, from which two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures and three-dimensional (3D) organoids were carried out using the hanging drop technique. The expression of p62 was determined by western blot and immunofluorescences. Our results indicate that pentoxifylline reduces p62 expression in both types of culture. While Norcantharidin increases its expression in 3D cultures at 24 h. Therefore, these drugs could have a potential therapeutic use for the regulation of autophagy in melanoma, depending on the state of evolution of the disease.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Fundamental Mechanisms, Current Status And Future Directions
Authors: Younis Abdullah
Published: April 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are a promising form of immunotherapy that has significantly changed the therapeutic landscape for many advanced cancers. They have shown unique clinical benefit against a broad range of tumour types and a strong overall impact on survival in studied patient populations. However, there are still many limitations holding back this immunotherapy from reaching its full potential as a possible curative option for advanced cancer patients. A great deal of research is being undertaken in the hope of driving advancements in this area, building a better understanding of the mechanisms behind immune checkpoint inhibition and ultimately developing more effective, safer, and wider-reaching agents. Taking into account the current literature on this topic, this review aims to explore in depth the basis of the use of ICIs in the treatment of advanced cancers, evaluate its efficacy and safety, consider its current limitations, and finally reflect on what the future holds for this very promising form of cancer immunotherapy.
CXCR4: From Signaling to Clinical Applications in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Sanchis-Pascual David , Del Olmo-García María Isabel , Prado-Wohlwend Stefan , Zac Carlos , Segura Huerta Ángel , Hernández-Gil Javier , Martí-Bonmatí Luis , Merino-Torres Juan F.
Published: April 2024

There are several well-described molecular mechanisms that influence cell growth and are relat-ed to the development of cancer. Chemokines constitute a fundamental element which are not only involved in local growth but also affect angiogenesis, tumor spread and metastatic disease. Among them, the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its specific receptor the chemo-kine C-X-C motif receptor 4 (CXCR4) have been widely studied. The overexpression in cell mem-branes of CXCR4 has been shown to be associated with the development of different kinds of his-tological malignancies, such as adenocarcinomas, epidermoid carcinomas, mesenchymal tumors or neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). The molecular synapsis between CXCL12 and CXCR4 leads to the interaction of G proteins and activation of different intracellular signaling pathways in both gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) and bronchopulmonary (BP) NENs conferring greater ca-pacity for locoregional aggressiveness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the ap-pearance of metastases. Therefore, it has been hypothesized how to design tools that target this receptor. The aim of this review is to focus on current knowledge of the relationship between CXCR4 and NENs, with a special emphasis on diagnostic and therapeutic molecular targets.
Peritoneum Adhesion Genetic Determinism
Authors: Lungu Mirela , Candussi Iuliana-Laura , Lungu Claudiu N , Mehedinti Mihaela C
Published: April 2024

Injury to the peritoneum during surgery is followed by a healing process that frequently results in the attachment of adjacent organs by a fibrous mass, referred to commonly as adhesions. Because injuries to the peritoneum during surgery are inevitable, one must understand the mechanisms of adhesion formation to prevent its occurrence. This requires a thorough understanding of the molecular sequence that results in the attachment of injured peritoneum and the development of fibrous tissue. Recent data show that fibroblasts from the injured peritoneum may play a critical role in forming adhesion tissues. Therefore, identifying changes in gene expression patterns in the peritoneal fibroblasts during the process may provide clues to the mechanisms by which adhesion develops. This review presents many papers discussing genes implied in peritoneal adhesion.
AFM Nanoindentation Based Stiffness of Biomaterials: Softening Index and Variation from Parabolic Nature
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arnab
Published: April 2024

AFM nanoindentation showed variation in stiffness (Elastic modulus) due to heterogenous nature of the collagen fibres. The S values varied from 5 N/m to 11.11 n/m corresponding to an E change of 2.25 to 1.38 GPa. The variation in effective modulus (Eff) with respect to displacement indicated crossing the parabolic limit. A softening index n was proposed due to the heterogenous behaviour of the biomaterials
The Increasing Role of the Allergist in the Management of Infusion Reactions at the Oncology Day Hospital
Authors: Borrás Cuartero Julian , Torres Gorriz Maria Cruz , Stein Coronado Cristina Isabel , Germán Sánchez Adrian , Pesántez Méndez Cristina Giovanna , Latorre Ibáñez Maria Dolores , Enrique Ernesto
Published: April 2024

Same-day desensitization (SDD) is a procedure in which desensitization to the drug suspected of causing the hypersensitivity reaction (HR) is performed on the same day as the patient's reaction. In rapid drug desensitization (RDD), desensitization to the suspected drug is performed after an allergological study. The aim of the study was to analyze the diagnostic capacity of the allergist in Oncology Day Hospital (ODH) to establish the phenotype of the HR, in the context of SDD, based exclusively on clinical biomarkers. This is a study of patients treated with desensitization on the same day they had a HR. Later an allergological study (clinical history, skin test, risk assessment, serological biomarkers, drug provocation test if applicable) was performed prior to the following administrations. A total of 35 successful SDDs were performed. A high concordance (91.5% of patients) was found between the phenotype suspected by the allergist after the initial assessment of the patient prior to SDD and the final phenotype after subsequent allergological study performed in the Allergy Department. The presence of the allergist at the ODH allows, in addition to initial treatment according to phenotype, desensitization on the day of the reaction. This will lead to personalized and precision allergology.