bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement and suppression of nonsequential double ionization by spatially inhomogeneous fields
Authors: Luo Xuan , Jiao Li Guang , Liu Aihua , Liu Xueshen
Published: April 2024

Using the three-dimensional classical ensemble approach, we theoretically investigate the nonsequential double ionization of argon atoms in an intense laser field enhanced by bowtie-nanotip. We observe an anomalous decrease in the double ionization yield as the laser intensity increases, along with a significant gap in the low momentum of photoelectrons. According to our theoretical analysis, the finite range of the induced field by the nanostructure is the fundamental cause of the decline in double ionization yield. Driven by the enhanced inhomogeneous field, energetic electrons can escape from the finite range of nanotips without returning. This reduces the possibility of re-scattering on the nucleus and imprints the finite size effect into the double ionization yield and momentum distribution of photoelectrons in the form of yield decline and a gap in the photoelectron-momentum distribution.
Orbital angular momentum spectrum of model partially coherent beams in turbulence
Authors: Shiri Arash , Gbur Greg
Published: April 2024

The use of partial coherence has been extensively studied as a potential solution to mitigate the destructive effects of atmospheric turbulence in optical applications involving the free space propagation of light. However, in OAM-based optical systems, reducing coherence leads to the broadening of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) spectrum, consequently increasing the cross-talk between adjacent modes. In this paper, we have investigated three fundamental classes of partially coherent OAM beams under the influence of turbulence. The aim is to identify a distinct type of partially coherent beam (PCB) in which the reduction in coherence results in higher resistance of the OAM spectrum against atmospheric disturbances. It is demonstrated that, for a specific propagation distance, we can prepare a PCB in which the benefits of reducing coherence outweigh its drawbacks.
Whole embryo biomechanics with reverberant optical coherence elastography
Authors: Singh Manmohan , Zvietcovich Fernando , Zevallos-Delgado Christian , Ambekar Yogeshwari S. , Aglyamov Salavat R. , Larin Kirill V.
Published: April 2024

Many morphogenesis processes during embryo development are fundamentally biomechanical processes, and disruption of these events can lead to debilitating congenital abnormalities. Imaging the biomechanical properties of embryos could provide insight into developmental disorders and could open new therapy avenues. However, current methods are invasive and are incapable of producing viscoelasticity maps of live samples in 3D. To overcome these limitations, we propose the use of reverberant shear wave fields in combination with optical coherence tomography (OCT) for high-resolution elastography at different developmental stages of murine embryos. A 1 kHz quasi-harmonic stimulation was applied to induce the diffuse shear field, which leveraged the heterogeneous microstructure and boundaries of the different tissue segments in the embryos. With this approach, we show how the shear wave speed (i.e., stiffness) of the spine, heart, and mid-brain increased as the embryo developed from embryonic day (E) 9.5 to E 11.5 at five separate stages. This noncontact technique is a promising method for imaging the biomechanical properties of different embryo structures during development with important applications for understanding developmental diseases and exploring treatments.
UV integrated photonics in sputter deposited aluminum oxide
Authors: Garcia-Blanco Sonia , Hendriks Ward , Bonneville Dawson , Mardani Soheila , Dijkstra Meindert
Published: April 2024

Ultraviolet operating photonic integrated circuits (UV-PICs) can have large impact in application fields including UV Raman spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy, microscopy, metrology and quantum technology. In this work, we introduce a polycrystalline Al2O3 integrated photonic platform exhibiting ultra broadband operation from the ultraviolet (~200 nm) till the mid-IR (~3 um) with very low propagation losses (i.e., 1.3 dB/cm at 369 nm of wavelength for TM polarization). Propagation loss characterization of channel waveguides with different widths revealed sidewall roughness as major contributor to the losses, paving the way for further future optimization of the devices.
Demand forecasting for platelet usage: From univariate time series to multivariable models
Authors: Motamedi Maryam , Dawson Jessica , Li Na , Down Douglas G. , Heddle Nancy M.
Published: April 2024

Platelet products are both expensive and have very short shelf lives. As usage rates for platelets are highly variable, the effective management of platelet demand and supply is very important yet challenging. The primary goal of this paper is to present an efficient forecasting model for platelet demand at Canadian Blood Services (CBS). To accomplish this goal, five different demand forecasting methods, ARIMA (Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average), Prophet, lasso regression (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator), random forest, and LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) networks are utilized and evaluated via a rolling window method. We use a large clinical dataset for a centralized blood distribution centre for four hospitals in Hamilton, Ontario, spanning from 2010 to 2018 and consisting of daily platelet transfusions along with information such as the product specifications, the recipients’ characteristics, and the recipients’ laboratory test results. This study is the first to utilize different methods from statistical time series models to data-driven regression and machine learning techniques for platelet transfusion using clinical predictors and with different amounts of data. We find that the multivariable approaches have the highest accuracy in general, however, if sufficient data are available, a simpler time series approach appears to be sufficient. We also comment on the approach to choose predictors for the multivariable models.
Activities of daily living, self-efficacy and motor skill related fitness and the interrelation in children with moderate and severe Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Farhat Faiçal , Denysschen Marisja , Mezghani Nourhen , Kammoun Mohamed Moncef , Gharbi Adnene , Rebai Haithem , Moalla Wassim , Smits-Engelsman Bouwien
Published: April 2024

Background

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are diagnosed based on poor motor skills that impact their daily activities. However, this may also lead to lower predilection and participation in physical activities and a higher risk to develop health problems.

Objective

To determine motor skill related levels in children with moderate and severe DCD and compare that to typically developing children (TD). The study also aimed to determine the level of activities of daily living (ADL) as reported by their parent and self-efficacy as reported by the children. Lastly, the relation of motor skill related fitness, ADL, and self-efficacy has been examined.

Methods

A cross-sectional study has compared TD children (n = 105) and children with DCD (n = 109; 45 moderate DCD and 64 severe DCD) from elementary schools in Tunisia between 7 and 10 years of age. The DCDDaily-Questionnaire and Children’s Self-perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity Questionnaire have been used to determine ADL and adequacy towards physical activity, respectively. The PERF-FIT has been used to measure motor skill related fitness levels.

Results

Large group differences (p = 0.001) were found for ADL and all domains of self-efficacy between TD and DCD children. However, ADL and self-efficacy were not different between moderate and severe DCD. Motor skill related fitness was significantly lower (p = 0.01) for children with DCD than TD children, and between children with moderate and severe DCD. The relation between self-efficacy and DCDDaily-Q was different in the two DCD groups. Slow motor learning was associated with lower perceived enjoyment in physical education in the moderate DCD group, and with lower perceived adequacy in physical education in the severe DCD group.

Conclusions

Children with DCD participate and enjoy physical activity less than their peers. This combination of lower participation, lower predilection to physical activity and lowered motor skill-related fitness is a concern for the present and future health status of children with DCD.
Theorizing Climate Change and the Built Environment in the Islamic World
Authors: Apotsos Michelle
Published: April 2024

This special issue of IJIA focuses on the impact of the current climate crisis on built environments in the Islamic world. Covering a diverse number of chronological and geographical contexts, the articles herein consider the effects of climate change on structured landscapes through the lenses of material, design, and architectural practice. They also address the numerous cultural, sociopolitical, and economic discourses that inform the ways in which societies over time and space have solved the complex problems of living in a climatically unstable world. Utilizing architectures of the past, present, and future as spaces of discussion, this special issue highlights the complexities of living in conditions of climatic precarity. In doing so, it demonstrates that built environments can provide important discursive terrains in the Islamic world for understanding the interconnected nature of concepts like ‘climate’, ‘nature’, and ‘environment’ as contextually specific ideas that reflect individual, climate-informed identities.
Spaces, Places, and Migration: Understanding and Strengthening Public Health-Care Provision in South Africa
Authors: Makandwa Tackson
Published: April 2024

Given South Africa’s historical and contemporary realities of both internal mobility and migration from other countries, this paper argues that engaging with space, place, and migration is pivotal to understanding and strengthening public health-care provision in South Africa. This paper views place as emerging from and relating to space. A mutually reinforcing and reciprocal relationship between people and place over time shapes health-care delivery and health outcomes in South Africa. Therefore, this paper argues that engaging with a place-based approach is required to understand the local context in which diverse groups are situated. There is, however, a lacuna in studies situating South(ern) African public health-care challenges within such a place-based approach. This paper presents findings from a mixed-methods study that was designed to fill this gap. The research team conducted fieldwork in six health-care facilities across two provinces in South Africa – four in Gauteng and two in the Vhembe district of Limpopo province – representing urban, peri-urban, and rural settings. The study included exploratory in-depth interviews with 77 health-care providers (including nursing and administrative staff), a survey conducted with 229 health-care users, and site visits. The findings show how diverse spaces shape and are shaped by different migrant profiles, producing diverse places, which in turn present particular demands to the public-health system. It is crucial to understand the pathways, behaviors, and meanings associated with such mobility if we are to strengthen the provision of health-care services in South Africa.
The Impact of 4-Nonylphenol on the Viability and Hormone Production of Mouse Leydig Cells
Authors: Jambor T. , Lukáčová J. , Tvrdá E. , Kňažická Z. , Forgács Z. , Lukáč Norbert
Published: April 2024

Exogenous substances altering the function of the endocrine system and exhibiting adverse health effects on the organism are defined as endocrine disruptors. Nonylphenol is one of the most abundant alkylphenol ethoxylate derivatives, being detected in food products. Diverse studies have classified nonylphenol as hazardous to the health, especially to male reproduction. This in vitro study aimed to examine the effects of 4-nonylphenol on androstenedione and testosterone production as well as on the viability of Leydig cells of NMRI mice. The cells were cultured for 44 h with addition of 0.04; 0.2; 1.0; 2.5 and 5.0 μg/ml of 4-nonylphenol and compared to the control. Quantification of testosterone and androstenedione directly from aliquots of the medium was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell viability was measured by the metabolic activity assay for mitochondrial functional activity. Androstenedione production significantly (P < 0.001) increased with 1.0; 2.5 and 5.0 μg/ml 4-nonylphenol. Although cAMP-stimulated testosterone production was not significantly affected by 4-nonylphenol, a tendency to attenuate the level of testosterone in the Leydig cells treated with 2.5 and 5.0 μg/ml 4-nonylphenol was observed. The viability of mouse Leydig cells was slightly increased at the lowest doses of 4-nonylphenol (0.04 and 0.2 μg/ml). We also observed an increase at higher concentrations of the substance (1.0; 2.5 and 5.0 μg/ml), but this increase was not significant. Further investigations are required to establish the biological significance and possible reproductive implications.
Manejo pré-colheita e épocas de colheita de mandioca de mesa
Authors: Dutra Fabrício Vieira , Silveira Viana Anselmo Eloy , Matsumoto Sylvana Naomi , Cardoso Adriana Dias , Veloso Cristiane Martins
Published: April 2024

Estudos sobre manejo pós-colheita e práticas de poda em mandioca cultivada para consumo consistem em informações variadas, muitas vezes inconsistentes, sendo necessário ampliar o conhecimento disponível. Portanto, este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o manejo da parte aérea e épocas de colheita de mandioca de mesa no município de Vitória da Conquista, BA. Foi utilizado o delineamento em blocos casualizados com os tratamentos arranjados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas. Os manejos (poda e desfolha) foram distribuídos nas parcelas e duas épocas de colheita (8 e 12 meses) em subparcelas, com 4 repetições. Aos 212 e 334 dias após o plantio, foram realizadas podas e desfolha da parte aérea, e 30 dias depois, as raízes foram colhidas. O ciclo de 12 meses foi associado à maior produtividade (13,18 t ha-1) e melhor conservação das raízes (6,98%); no entanto, as raízes apresentaram maior qualidade para consumo in natura quando colhidas mais cedo (8 meses). A poda 30 dias antes da colheita é uma prática que reduz a deterioração fisiológica das raízes quando comparada a plantas sem manejo da parte aérea.
Insecticidal and fungicidal activity of Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) essential oil on Atta sexdens colonies
Authors: Pinheiro Heloisa Safira Santos , Santos Vancleber Batista dos , Santos Edson José Santana dos , Rolim Gabriela da Silva , Santos Ítala Tainy Barreto Francisco dos , Santana Lucas Kauan Nascimento de , Oliveira Maria de Fátima Souza dos Santos de , Poderoso Júlio César Melo , Nogueira Paulo César de Lima , Bacci Leandro , Ribeiro Genésio Tâmara
Published: April 2024

Leafcutter ants are one of the most destructive and economically important herbivores in both forest and agricultural crops, due to their abundance and wide distribution. The most used method for controlling this pest is still through synthetic formicides, due to their high efficiency. However, essential oils represent an alternative, as they are biodegradable and selective and have a toxic effect on a wide range of organisms, including leafcutter ants. The combination of insecticidal activity of a product and possible fungicidal activity constitutes an effective strategy against these insect pests, since both agents of this mutualistic interaction (both organisms are benefited) are affected, ensuring quicker collapse of the colony. The aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal and fungicidal activity of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil applied on Atta sexdens colonies under laboratory conditions. A nebulized spray system with three concentrations (15, 30 and 60%) and a control treatment were used to evaluate the effect of C. citratus on A. sexdens colonies. The C. citratus essential oils showed both insecticidal activity against the leafcutter ants (A. sexdens) and fungicidal activity against their symbiotic fungi. Colonies exposed to this essential oil showed considerable reduction in the weight of fungal mass, and mortality of both the queen and worker ants, which proves to be promising for the development of new insecticides for management of this insect pest.
On the fractional q-integral operators involving q-analogue of Mittag-Leffler function
Authors: Ali Mulugeta Dawud , Suthar D. L.
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to derive the images of the product of the generalized q-analogue of Mittag-Leffler functions and the basic binomial function, under the fractional q-integral operators of Kober and Weyl type. The derived findings are of a general nature and include, as specific examples, the Weyl q-integral operator, the q-derivative operators, and the Riemann–Liouville q-integral operator.
Quadratic Discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element Methods for the Unilateral Contact Problem
Authors: Porwal Kamana , Wadhawan Tanvi
Published: April 2024

In this article, we employ discontinuous Galerkin methods for the finite element approximation of the frictionless unilateral contact problem using quadratic finite elements over simplicial triangulation. We first develop a posteriori error estimates in the energy norm wherein, the reliability and efficiency of the proposed a posteriori
error estimator is addressed. The suitable construction of the discrete Lagrange multiplier

𝝀
𝒉

{\boldsymbol{\lambda_{h}}}

and some intermediate operators play a key role in developing a posteriori error analysis. Further, we establish an optimal a priori error estimates under the appropriate regularity assumption on the exact solution

𝒖

{\boldsymbol{u}}

. Numerical results presented on uniform and adaptive meshes illustrate and confirm the theoretical findings.
General rigidity principles for stable and minimal elastic curves
Authors: Miura Tatsuya , Yoshizawa Kensuke
Published: April 2024

For a wide class of curvature energy functionals defined for planar curves under the fixed-length constraint, we obtain optimal necessary conditions for global and local minimizers.
Our results extend Maddocks’ and Sachkov’s rigidity principles for Euler’s elastica by a new, unified and geometric approach.
This in particular leads to complete classification of stable closed p-elasticae for all

p
∈

(
1
,
∞
)

{p\in(1,\infty)}

and of stable pinned p-elasticae for

p
∈

(
1
,
2
]

{p\in(1,2]}

.
Our proof is based on a simple but robust “cut-and-paste” trick without computing the energy nor its second variation, which works well for planar periodic curves but also extends to some non-periodic or non-planar cases.
An analytically remarkable point is that our method is directly valid for the highly singular regime

p
∈

(
1
,

3
2

]

{p\in(1,\frac{3}{2}]}

in which the second variation may not exist even for smooth variations.
Das Problem der Kolonialität des Geschlechts
Authors: Mendoza Breny
Published: April 2024

In this article, Breny Mendoza examines and critically discusses María Lugones’ concept of the “coloniality of gender.” Lugones’ influential thesis asserts that the binarity of gender was introduced in the colonies as part of colonial rule and displaced previously predominant egalitarian systems of gender relations. As Mendoza outlines, this thesis has been challenged in recent years by Latin American and indigenous feminisms (such as the Argentinean anthropologist Rita Segato, and indigenous feminists from countries such as Bolivia, Guatemala, and Mexico). In light of these new perspectives, Mendoza expounds and acknowledges Lugones’ ideas, while also pointing out their pitfalls and limitations, since such an approach can lead to a romanticisation of pre-colonial orders, presenting them as the “absolute other” of colonial violence. In contrast, drawing on the analysis by Bolivian Aymara feminist Julieta Paredes, Mendoza argues that the imposition of gender can only be understood as an “entanglement of patriarchies.” Finally, Mendoza applies these discussions to issues surrounding sexualised violence, i.e., feminicide, in Latin America proving them to provide a fruitful framework for understanding and addressing these current forms of violence.
Koloniale Laster
Authors: Pereda Carlos
Published: April 2024

In this article, Carlos Pereda introduces the concept of “colonial reason” and explores how philosophical practices and modes of thought are entwined with colonial political structures of exploitation, exclusion, and oppression. Pereda argues that philosophy in Latin America risks perpetuating and reinforcing the colonial gesture, either by turning to the European centers of thought (thus pursuing debates that always take place elsewhere) or by isolating itself and idealising the “own.” According to Pereda, both approaches fail to dismantle colonial violence within philosophy. In his alternative approach, Pereda outlines principles and methodological criteria for the decolonisation of reason and philosophy. He emphasises the importance of methodological prudence that discerns between innocent, paralysing, and strategic uses of identity expressions and advocates for modes of reading and argumentation that conceive philosophy as an inclusive and ongoing dialogue. In Pereda’s terminology, this entails fostering “permeable reason” that manifests itself through “nomadic thinking,” a form of thinking that is capable of questioning itself and being questioned.
The Case for Putting a Public Investment Clause into the German Debt Brake
Authors: Janeba Eckhard
Published: April 2024

In this article, I explore the need for reform of the German debt brake to incentivize public investment. I approach the issue from multiple angles: assessing elite support for debt brake reform among policymakers and economists, examining empirical evidence on the impact of fiscal rules on public investment, exploring the conceptual basis for prioritizing public investment within fiscal rules, and presenting a reform proposal put forth by the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
Integral inequalities of Ostrowski type for two kinds of s-logarithmically convex functions
Authors: Xi Bo-Yan , Wang Shu-Hong , Qi Feng
Published: April 2024

In the paper, the authors establish several integral inequalities of the Ostrowski type for s-logarithmically convex functions. These integral inequalities modify the conditions and correct errors in two main theorems of the paper [A. O. Akdemir and M. Tunç, Ostrowski type inequalities for s-logarithmically convex functions in the second sense with applications, Georgian Math. J.
22 (2015), no. 1, 1–7].
On the polar dualities and star dualities of the quasi Lp
-intersection bodies
Authors: Zhou Yanping , Wang Weidong
Published: April 2024

Yu, Wu and Leng defined the quasi

L
p

{L_{p}}

-intersection bodies.
In this paper, we consider the polar dualities and star dualities of quasi

L
p

{L_{p}}

-intersection bodies and establish some related inequalities.
Weak positive solutions to singular quasilinear elliptic equation
Authors: Souissi Chouhaïd , Hsini Mounir , Irzi Nawal , Hadba Wakaa Ali
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study the existence of multiple solutions for the
singular problem

{

a
⁢

(
x
,
u
,

∇
⁡
u

)

-

div
⁢

(

b
⁢

(
x
,
u
,

∇
⁡
u

)

)

=

u

-
α

+

λ
⁢
c
⁢

(
x
,
u
)

in 
⁢
Ω

,

u

>
0

in 
⁢
Ω

,

u

=
0

on 
⁢

ℝ
n

∖
Ω

,

\left\{\begin{aligned} \displaystyle{}a(x,u,\nabla u)-{\rm div}(b(x,u,\nabla u%
))&\displaystyle=u^{-\alpha}+\lambda c(x,u)&&\displaystyle\phantom{}\text{in }%
\Omega,\\
\displaystyle u&\displaystyle>0&&\displaystyle\phantom{}\text{in }\Omega,\\
\displaystyle u&\displaystyle=0&&\displaystyle\phantom{}\text{on }{\mathbb{R}}%
^{n}\setminus\Omega,\end{aligned}\right.

where

Ω
⊂

ℝ
n

{\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^{n}}

(

n
≥
3

)

{(n\geq 3)}

is a bounded domain
with

C
1

{C^{1}}

boundary, λ is a positive parameter,

0
<
α
≤
1
<
p
≤
n

{0<\alpha\leq 1<p\leq n}

and

p
*

=

n
⁢
p

n
-
p

{p^{*}=\frac{np}{n-p}}

is the critical exponent for Sobolev
embedding. Using the fibering maps and the Nehari manifold, we prove the
existence of at least two positive solutions for all values of the
parameter λ belonging to an open bounded interval of

ℝ
+

{\mathbb{R}_{+}}

.
Estimation of friction and wear properties of additively manufactured recycled-ABS parts using artificial neural network approach: effects of layer thickness, infill rate, and building direction
Authors: Bolat Çağın , Çebi Abdulkadir , Çoban Sarp , Ergene Berkay
Published: April 2024

This investigation aims to elucidate friction and wear features of additively manufactured recycled-ABS components by utilizing neural network algorithms. In that sense, it is the first initiative in the technical literature and brings fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology, recycled filament-based products, and artificial neural network strategies together to estimate the friction coefficient and volume loss outcomes. In the experimental stage, to provide the required data for five different neural algorithms, dry-sliding wear tests, and hardness measurements were conducted. As FDM printing variables, layer thickness (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mm), infill rate (40, 70, and 100 %), and building direction (vertical, and horizontal) were selected. The obtained results pointed out that vertically built samples usually had lower wear resistance than the horizontally built samples. This case can be clarified with the initially measured hardness levels of horizontally built samples and optical microscopic analyses. Besides, the Levenberg Marquard (LM) algorithm was the best option to foresee the wear outputs compared to other approaches. Considering all error levels in this paper, the offered results by neural networks are notably acceptable for the real industrial usage of material, mechanical, and manufacturing engineering areas.
QoS prediction using EMD-BiLSTM for II-IoT-secure communication systems
Authors: Zeng Yun , Li Xiang
Published: April 2024

To address the challenges of secure and reliable communication and system quality of service (QoS) prediction in intelligent production lines (IPL) in the Industrial Intelligent Internet of Things (II-IOT) environment, a redundant collaborative security model-based communication architecture is designed. First, the redundant collaborative security communication model is introduced to construct the network communication architecture of IPL, including the industrial-site mechanical floor, data awareness layer, and gateway and application layer. Then, to leverage the advantages of the empirical-mode decomposition (EMD) method and the bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) model in time-series data analysis and processing, an EMD-BiLSTM-based QoS prediction model is proposed that can synchronously achieve one-step and multi-step prediction of QoS attributes. The proposed model exhibits a prediction accuracy of up to 94.01% on the SourceForge dataset, with prediction, recall, and F1 values as high as 91.37, 90.60, and 90.99%, respectively. The proposed EMD-BiLSTM model can achieve better performance than the state-of-the-art QoS prediction models, indicating that the proposed model can be more effectively used to improve the reliable communication level of II-IoT.
Study on advection–dispersion behavior for simulation of 3H, 99Tc, and 90Sr transport in crushed sandstone of column experiments
Authors: Shih Yu-Hung , Hsieh Kuan-Ying , Chen Liang-Cheng , Tsai Tsuey-Lin , Lin Tzu-Yu , Wu Hsin-Chieh , Tien Neng-Chuan
Published: April 2024

In order to establish a universal and safety-compliant post-closure safety assessment technique, it is necessary to develop appropriate models to explain the migration behavior of radioactive materials within the rock system. Advection-dispersion experiments (ADE) have proven successful in designing transport models through a calibration/validation process of breakthrough curves (BTCs). In the present investigation, we employed a dynamic column device to examine the transport of Tritium (3H), Technetium-99 (99Tc), and Strontium-90 (90Sr) in crushed sandstone. Non-reactive transport experiments utilizing conservative tracers enabled us to determine the transport parameters, including retardation factors (R) and dispersivity (α). Our study focused on investigating the surface complexation model (SCM) using an additive approach coupled with the advection-dispersion equation to simulate the reactive transport behavior of 90Sr. The results affirm the robustness of our chosen thermodynamic database and modeling approach, emphasizing the criticality of accurately modeling and predicting reactive transport behavior in porous media.
Compact biologically inspired camera with computational compound eye
Authors: Liu Shu-Bin , Liu Xu-Ning , Fan Wei-Jie , Zhang Meng-Xuan , Li Lei
Published: April 2024

The growing interests have been witnessed in the evolution and improvement of artificial compound eyes (CE) inspired by arthropods. However, the existing CE cameras are suffering from a defocusing problem due to the incompatibility with commercial CMOS cameras. Inspired by the CEs of South American Shrimps, we report a compact biologically inspired camera that enables wide-field-of-view (FOV), high-resolution imaging and sensitive 3D moving trajectory reconstruction. To overcome the defocusing problem, a deep learning architecture with distance regulation is proposed to achieve wide-range-clear imaging, without any hardware or complex front-end design, which greatly reduces system complexity and size. The architecture is composed of a variant of Unet and Pyramid-multi-scale attention, with designed short, middle and long distance regulation. Compared to the current competitive well-known models, our method is at least 2 dB ahead. Here we describe the high-resolution computational-CE camera with 271 ommatidia, with a weight of 5.4 g an area of 3 × 3 cm2 and 5-mm thickness, which achieves compatibility and integration of CE with commercial CMOS. The experimental result illustrates this computational-CE camera has competitive advantages in enhanced resolution and sensitive 3D live moving trajectory reconstruction. The compact camera has promising applications in nano-optics fields such as medical endoscopy, panoramic imaging and vision robotics.
Substituent effect on the electronic and optical properties of newly designed pyrrole derivatives using density functional theory
Authors: Aljaafreh Mamduh J. , Hussein Rageh. K.
Published: April 2024

This work explores six newly designed compounds obtained by several substitutions in 2,5-di(2-thienyl) pyrrole molecule. For this series of compounds, the electronic and optical properties were investigated using density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). The new compounds were characterized by calculating the chemical parameters that correlated with their optical and electrical properties. The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energies are calculated using the B3LYP functional with the 6-311G (d, p) basis set. The most low-lying energy level of the LUMO was found for Perr-NO2, indicating its effective electron injection capabilities and oxidation resistance. The HOMO and LUMO distributions of Perr-Cl and Perr-NO2 displayed a remarkable complementarity throughout each component of the two compounds, indicating an effective intermolecular charge transfer. The molecular electrostatic potential analysis demonstrated that the proposed compounds have a broad distribution of electrophilic and nucleophilic sites, which predict a high degree of chemical reactivity. The electron density analysis at the bonding and anti-bonding sites of the title compounds was performed using the electron localization function and local orbital locator techniques. Non-covalent interaction analysis using the reduced density gradient approach classified all types of interaction: repulsive, weak, and attractive interactions within compound fragments. All compounds exhibited a robust repulsive interaction, as proved by the red spikes at 0.038 a.u. The ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) spectrum was obtained by TD-DFT using CAM-B3LYP models in conjunction with 6-311G (d, p) basis set and methanol as a solvent, the absorption bands were found within the UV range, and the maximum wavelength showed red-shifted increases. These compounds could serve as a base material for developing selective gas sensors with considerable UV/vis absorption (180–400 nm). According to the research results, the designed compounds are good candidates for use as precursors in polymer designs for optoelectronic and sensor applications due to their high electrical conductivity and photochemical properties.
Deleuze’s zeroness and Peirce’s pure zero regarding the expansion of semiotics’ categorial frame
Authors: Cardoso Jr. Helio Rebello
Published: April 2024

Deleuze (1925–1995), in the early 1980s, adopts Peirce’s (1839–1914) semiotics in order to classify the signs that the images of the cinema display. Aiming at insufflating the Peircean principles with the movement that animates the images of cinema, he provides Peirce’s triadic logic with a new category – Zeroness – which stands for the semiotic movement of cinematic images. Deleuze’s new category has impacts on the main domains of Peirce’s philosophy. Accordingly, our inquiry will focus on the irradiation of Zeroness over the (a) system of categories, the (b) Peircean phenomenology (phaneroscopy), the (c) generative categorial role, the (d) semiotic effectiveness, the (e) doctrine of continuity, and the (f) logic of relatives. This article will show that for Deleuze nearly like more recent Peircean scholarship: (a) zeroth state holds a categorial status, (b) some phenomenon instantiates zeroth state, (c) zeroth state plays a generative role regarding Peirce's categories, (d) zeroth state as a phenomenological category is semiotically effective, (e) zeroth state and the doctrine of continuity, and (f) zeroth state is a “medad.” In order to assess these topics, we recover Deleuze’s advances on Peirce’s philosophy and confront them with the Peircean studies on the zeroth state. Finally, we will see that Deleuze, far from being a Peircean scholar, developed the importance of the zeroth state for Peirce’s semiotics in advance to the subsequent Peircean scholarship. Reciprocally, most of Deleuzian scholars understimate the importance of Peirce for Deleuze’s semiotics.
Study on modified graphene oxide-based emulsion cleaner for oily sludge
Authors: Zheng Shuang , Li Xin , Chen Yang , Zhu Rongjiao , Feng Xia
Published: April 2024

Oily sludge is a complex system that is inevitably generated during the process of oil extracting and processing. It will cause serious environmental pollution and waste of resources if untreated sludge is discharged. In this paper, a composite emulsion cleaner based on modified graphite oxide and surfactants was developed for cleaning oily sludge. First, graphite oxide (GO) was functionally modified with butylamine, and its structures were verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray electron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and environmental scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, the oil-in-water composite emulsion cleaner was prepared by using butylamine modified graphite oxide and surfactants. The conditions for emulsion preparation and oil sludge cleaning were modelled and optimized by the response surface methodology. The obtained optimal formulations were: surfactant content was 2.17 ‰ with SDS/AEO-3 ratio of 9:1, GO-A4 content was 0.96 ‰, water-oil ratio was 5:5, and the oil removal rate was 97.45 %. The optimal cleaning conditions were: liquid-solid ratio of 3.2:1, cleaning time of 32 min, cleaning temperature of 28.7 °C, and oil removal rate of 99.02 %. The solid sediments were characterized by FTIR and SEM, which proved the feasibility of cleaning oily sludge with the emulsion.
Lipid transfers within the lower food web of western Arctic seas
Authors: Marmillot Vincent , Parrish Christopher C. , Tremblay Jean-Éric , MacKinnon Jenna F.
Published: April 2024

Polar marine ecosystems are undergoing major transformations due to climate change. Alterations of the physical and chemical growth conditions for plankton are likely to propagate through the food web, potentially having major consequences for the animals that Inuit harvest for subsistence. These alterations can impact the nutritional qualities of plankton through physiological responses or indirectly via changes in the taxonomic composition of assemblages. This study focuses on lipids, which provide a vital source of energy in cold waters, and on essential fatty acids (EFA), such as omega-3 and omega-6 FA, which are necessary for the function, growth, and reproduction of organisms. To better understand how EFA propagate and accumulate in the lower food web, we compared the fatty acid composition of phytoplankton and copepods across a large portion of the western Arctic. The bulk lipid profiles of copepod assemblages were determined largely by their taxonomic composition, but specific fatty acid groups (e.g., omega-6 and saturated fatty acids) exhibited strong correlations with water properties (e.g., pH, salinity). A comparative analysis of specific fatty acids suggests that the animals accumulate eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) but metabolize its precursors, although these processes were not measured directly. The proportions of EPA, docosahexaenoic acid, and specific omega-7 FA (e.g., 16:1ω7) were much higher in copepods than in phytoplankton, and a fatty acid diatom marker accounted for over 45% of the fatty acid pool in copepods. The positive relationship between proportions of this marker in copepods and phytoplankton implies that the fatty acid content of copepods is influenced primarily by recent feeding. These results underscore the importance of long-lived subsurface chlorophyll maxima for trophic transfers of EFA in the strongly stratified waters of the Pacific-influenced sector of the Arctic Ocean and question the paradigm that copepods rely principally on brief surface blooms to rapidly store lipids for the following winter.
Association between weight-adjusted-waist index and depression: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fei Sun , Liu Min , Shanshan Hu , Xie Ruijie , Danni Wu , Ningying Zhou
Published: April 2024

Background

Depression has become a multifaceted global health issue, with complex connections to obesity. Weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) can effectively evaluate central obesity, but the relationship between WWI and depression has not been well studied. The study aims to investigate the potential correlation between these two health parameters.

Methods

According to the data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, this cross-sectional study used multiple regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and smooth curve fitting to explore the relationship between WWI and depression. The assessment ability of WWI was evaluated and compared to other obesity indicators using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

This study analyzed 38,154 participants. Higher WWI is associated with higher depression scores (β = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.36–0.47). After adjusting for various confounding factors, the positive correlation between WWI and depression remained significant (P for trend < 0.0001). Nonlinear positive correlation was detected with a breakpoint of 11.14. ROC analysis shows that compared to other obesity indicators (ROCWWI = 0.593; ROCBMI = 0.584; and ROCWC = 0.581), the correlation between WWI and depression has better discrimination and accuracy. DII mediated 4.93%, SII mediated 5.08%, and sedentary mediated 0.35% of the total association between WWI and depression.

Conclusion

WWI levels were related to an increased likelihood of depression and showed a stronger relationship than BMI and waist circumference. Our findings indicated that WWI may serve as a simple anthropometric index to evaluate depression.
Pro-opiomelanocortin and ACTH–cortisol dissociation during pediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Téblick Arno , Vanhorebeek Ilse , Derese Inge , Jacobs An , Haghedooren Renata , Maebe Sofie , Zeilmaker-Roest Gerdien A , Wildschut Enno D , Langouche Lies , Van den Berghe Greet
Published: April 2024

In critically ill adults, high plasma cortisol in the face of low ACTH coincides with high pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) levels. Glucocorticoids further lower ACTH without affecting POMC. We hypothesized that in pediatric cardiac surgery-induced critical illness, plasma POMC is elevated, plasma ACTH transiently rises intraoperatively but becomes suppressed post-operatively, and glucocorticoid administration amplifies this phenotype. From 53 patients (0–36 months), plasma was obtained pre-operatively, intraoperatively, and on post-operative days 1 and 2. Plasma was also collected from 24 healthy children. In patients, POMC was supra-normal pre-operatively (P < 0.0001) but no longer thereafter (P > 0.05). ACTH was never high in patients. While in glucocorticoid-naive patients ACTH became suppressed by post-operative day 1 (P < 0.0001), glucocorticoid-treated patients had already suppressed ACTH intraoperatively (P ≤ 0.0001). Pre-operatively high POMC, not accompanied by increased plasma ACTH, suggests a centrally activated HPA axis with reduced pituitary processing of POMC into ACTH. Increasing systemic glucocorticoid availability with glucocorticoid treatment accelerated the suppression of plasma ACTH.

Significance statement

Glucocorticoids are often administered during pediatric cardiac surgery. In critically ill children, endogenous systemic glucocorticoid availability is elevated already upon ICU admission while ACTH levels are normal. This hormonal constellation suggests the presence of active feedback inhibition of ACTH. In this study, we have documented that intraoperative administration of glucocorticoids accelerates the suppression of ACTH, resulting in low plasma ACTH already upon ICU admission. Pre-operative plasma POMC, the ACTH precursor, but not ACTH, was increased. This is compatible with a centrally activated HPA axis prior to surgery in young children but reduced processing of POMC into ACTH within the pituitary. These findings suggest that glucocorticoid treatment in the context of pediatric cardiac surgery may amplify pre-existing impaired pituitary processing of the prohormone POMC.
FORMATION OF LEADERSHIP QUALITIES IN FUTURE MANAGERS IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION BY STUDENT SELF-GOVERNMENT
Authors: Koturbash Nataliia , Khomiak Ivan
Published: April 2024

The processes of globalization and dynamic socio-political, economic and cultural transformations of the first decades of the XXI century dictate the urgent and urgent need for thoroughly educated, intellectually courageous and uninvolved young and mature people who can innovatively think and act in permanent crises, successfully overcome helplessness or helplessness. in the face of today's challenges, to produce an innovative and optimistic picture of the world. The formation of such a person is the goal of the modern system of higher education, which focuses on the education of the leader - a creative, spiritual and moral representative of the world community and a citizen of his country.This, in turn, makes it important for the future specialist to acquire leadership qualities, thanks to which he will be able to make timely independent decisions, master persuasion skills, organize teamwork, interact effectively with the social environment.Rapid changes in the environment are causing fundamental transformations that have a tremendous impact on organizations and pose complex and challenging challenges for today's leaders. This leads to a transition to a new leadership paradigm.Modern research on the problem of leadership proves that the leader is a person with leadership qualities and skills that can implement them in appropriate situations, but in the scientific socio-pedagogical literature technologies for the formation of leadership qualities in the educational process are insufficiently developed. So, because there is an objective need for leadership, the problem of forming leadership qualities of student youth in the educational process is an urgent problem today.The organization of the educational process and involvement of young people in student government, which is defined as a natural, consistent, continuous change of stages of development and formation of interacting actors, involves the use of effective methods and creating the necessary socio-pedagogical conditions.
THE FIGURE OF VASYL STEFANYK THROUGH THE PRISM OF UKRAINIAN PEDAGOGICAL BIOGRAPHICAL STUDIES
Authors: Bilavych Halyna , Blavt Oksana , Didukh Iryna
Published: April 2024

May 14, 2021 marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Vasyl Stefanyk – a classic of Ukrainian literature, public and political figure, one of the iconic figures of cultural and socio-political life of Ukraine. A number of thematic events took place at Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University. Pedagogical biographical studies are a little-studied and new direction in Ukrainian science. The purpose of the article is to analyze the life and creative heritage of V. Stefanyk through the prism of Ukrainian pedagogical biography.In research the following research methods are used: general scientific (analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, comparison, classification, generalization), which allow to argue and justify the experience of studying the figure of Vasyl Stefanyk from the standpoint of pedagogical biographical studies; search and bibliographic for systematization of researchsources; comparative and descriptive – to characterize the social and educational activities of the writer; special biographical (biographical, biographical reconstruction, etc.) – determine the methods, techniques of studying various aspects of life and work of Vasyl Stefanyk; etc.One aspect of the study of personalistics is the analysis of the writer's educational environment, which led to their formation as a person. The establishing of V. Stefanyk as a writer, public and educational figure was influenced by a number of factors, including the educational environment. In his life we clearly trace certain stages associated with the acquisition ofeducation: primary education, which he received in Rusiv (three-grade public school (1878–1880)) and in Sniatyn (special, is higher primary school) (1880–1883); gymnasium education (Kolomyia State Gymnasium (1883–1890), Drohobych State Gymnasium named after Franz Joseph I (1891–1892)); university studies (medical faculty of Jagiellonian University (1892–1900)); and lifelong self-education. In 1900, V. Stefanyk left the Jagiellonian University and fully registered as a writer, educator, and public figure.