bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Thickness Changes of Anatomical Ornamental Monocotyledon Plant Leaves Affected by the Interactions between Plant Types and Light Intensity
Authors: Daningsih Entin , Febriyanti Inka , Mardiyyaningsih Asriah Nurdini
Published: September 2024

The different levels of light intensity affect the anatomical thickness of monocotyledon ornamental plant leaves. The aim of this research was to determine the anatomical thickness of several monocotyledon ornamental plant leaves under different light intensities. The research used a factorial complete randomized design with two main factors, namely plant type and different light intensity, repeated three times. The first factor was the plant type, which consisted of six plant species of monocotyledon ornamental plants which were Chlorophytum laxum, Dracaena reflexa, Rhoeo discolor, Aglaonema commutatum, Cordyline fruticosa and Hymenocallis littoralis. The second factor was light intensity, which consisted of high light intensity (open areas) and low light intensity (shaded areas). The observation was carried out on preserved leaf anatomy made using the paraffin method with modification. The observation variables were the total thickness of the leaf, upper and lower epidermis, mesophyll (for undifferentiated mesophyll), and palisade and sponge (for differentiated mesophyll). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by the LSD test if the treatment was significant. Correlation tests were carried out between total leaf thickness and each leaf anatomical part under conditions of high and low light intensity. The results showed that the interaction between plant types and light intensity influenced the total thickness of the leaves, upper and lower epidermis, and palisade. The plant types independently influenced the mesophyll and sponges, while the light intensity independently influenced only the mesophyll but not the sponge thickness. Hymenocallis littoralis was the only plant that showed thicker under low light intensity, with an increase in the thickness of the upper and lower epidermis. The palisade mainly influenced leaf thickness changes in the differentiated mesophyll.
Awareness about colorectal cancer among young adults in Poland
Authors: Fudalej Marta , Pikul Julia , Mormul Agata , Deptała Andrzej , Badowska-Kozakiewicz Anna
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness level concerning colorectal cancer epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms, and prevention among young people in Poland.
Methods: The knowledge was examined with an anonymous survey between February and March 2021. The data were collected anonymously, and the participation was voluntary. Statistical analysis was performed, and differences were considered significant if the p-value obtained was smaller than the assumed level of significance p ≤0.05.
Results: Respondents were mostly female, living in a city with a population of over 500,000. The results confirmed that education, family/friends’ history of CRC, and a place of residence differentiate knowledge and awareness about CRC.
Conclusion: The study acquired information that might guide educators about knowledge deficits among young people in Poland. The survey results revealed a significant knowledge gap between rural and urban inhabitants as well as between medical and non-medical groups.
Influencing factors and paths of public support for carbon emission reduction policies—An integration model
Authors: Yu Jialu
Published: September 2024

Research has shown that understanding the fundamental of public support for carbon emission reduction policies may undermine policy formulation and implementation, yet the direction of influence and the transmission mechanism remain unclear. Using data from using data from 1482 questionnaires conducted in Hangzhou, China, this paper has examined a comprehensive model of the factors and paths influencing public support for carbon emission reduction policies, and evaluated the determinants and predictors of policy support regarding individual psychological perceptions, social-contextual perceptions, and perceptions of policy features. The results show that the variables in both the individual psychological perception and social contextual perception dimensions have no significant effect on carbon tax, however, be important constructure in carbon trading; in the policy characteristics perception dimension, both variables have a significant positive effect on both carbon tax and carbon trading, and are also the strongest predictors of policy support for carbon policies. Further evidence suggests that future policies could be more acceptable to residents by strengthening their environmental values, social norms can further arouse residents’ social responsibility to care about climate, and whether the policy is effective or fair to help residents realize the importance of the policy as well as the need for their participation and willingness to dedicate themselves to the mitigation of climate change.
Aichi Art Museums and Gender Balance – As revealed by When Two Collections Meet
Authors: TAKAHASHI Ayako
Published: September 2024

This is a review of the exhibition When Two Collections Meet organized jointly by the Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art and Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, paying particular attention to Chapter 2 ‘Woman Made’, devoted exclusively to work by female artists, and touching also on the distinguishing features of Aichi Prefecture in the Japanese context, and circumstances behind the establishment of prefectural art museums. The discussion covers local-authority–art-museum relationships, plus issues and recent developments with regard to the social status and evaluation of female artists.
Vitoria-Gasteiz ciudad educadora y cuna de escuelas infantiles municipales, paradigmas de bienestar emocional y buen trato
Authors: TRESSERRAS ANGULO ALAITZ , Lasarte Leonet Gema , Garai Ibáñez de Elejalde Beatriz
Published: September 2024

Esta investigación educativa analiza el modelo relacional y organizacional de las Escuelas Infantiles Municipales de Vitoria-Gasteiz (EIMUVG) ciudad educadora, que coinciden en su quehacer cotidiano con algunos principios del nuevo curriculum: buenos tratos, sentimiento de pertenencia del alumnado y bienestar emocional. Asimismo, alerta sobre la situación del alumnado que ha experimentado adversidad temprana, y que la literatura científica identifica como alumnado ACE  (acrónimo de The Adverse Childhood Experiences acuñado por Fellitti en 1998). Se analiza el modelo educativo de las EIMUVG como referente de buenas prácticas pedagógicas e inclusivas. Se realiza un proceso de investigación-formación-acción durante un año entre la totalidad del personal educador de las EIMUVG (85 personas) y el equipo de investigación de la UPV/EHU (11 personas). La metodología de investigación se concreta en cuatro ciclos de reflexión-acción, empleando hasta 30 grupos focales, técnicas participativas y creativas como el World Café, y garantizando el diálogo entre la teoría y la práctica pedagógica. La información se recoge y analiza mediante estrategia cualitativa y se cristaliza (Moral, 2016) con ayuda del software Nvivo 12. Los resultados evidencian un modelo pedagógico que se basa en el compromiso con la comunidad y que prioriza el bienestar de la infancia, poniendo en práctica relaciones y ambientes pedagógicos conscientemente cuidados. Se señalan el cuidado mutuo y el buen trato como modelo relacional que garantiza la salud. Se concluye en la necesidad de extender el modelo a todas las etapas educativas ya que, al mismo tiempo que educa, acoge y protege.
Los seminarios del Practicum como espacio formativo para el desarrollo de saberes profesionales propios
Authors: Martos Pérez María Victoria , Blanco García Nieves , Caparrós Martín Ester
Published: September 2024

Este artículo presenta un estudio de casos realizado sobre el contexto formativo de la asignatura del Practicum del Grado del Grado de Educación Social. Concretamente, se profundiza en cómo los seminarios de prácticas son un recurso formativo para el desarrollo de saberes profesionales de las y los estudiantes. Los seminarios son entendidos como espacios para pensar sobre los sentidos y significados que las y los estudiantes van otorgando a lo que les ocurre durante las prácticas; convirtiéndose así en encuentros periódicos que cultivan la reflexión sobre la/su experiencia. Se ha indagado en el proceso de prácticas de seis estudiantes, a través de la observación en los propios seminarios, la conversación hermenéutica y el análisis documental. Esto ha permitido conocer el modo en el que cada estudiante iba elaborando su ser educador, educadora social. Es decir, su percepción de la realidad profesional -antes, durante y después de las prácticas-, visible en el modo en que iban narrando y expresando sus decisiones/actuaciones allí. Lo cual lleva a considerar que, tener un espacio formativo como los seminarios, planteado desde la lectura, la escritura y la conversación posibilita, a estudiantes en formación, re-crear una relación propia y singular con el saber de la profesión.
Parar para pensar
Authors: Sierra Nieto J. Eduardo , Pérez Granados Laura , Caparrós Martín Ester , Fernández Navas Manuel , Alcaraz Salarirche Noelia , García García Mayka , Martín Alonso Diego , Postigo Fuentes Ana Yara , Pérez García Álvaro , Viñoles Virginia , Martínez Martín Irene
Published: September 2024

Editorial de presentación del Volumen 5 número 2 de Márgenes, Revista de Educación de la Universidad de Málaga. Número de la revista compuesto por un total de XX textos, distribuidos en las diferentes secciones. Se trata de un número de carácter ecléctico en el que continuamos ofreciendo contenidos fieles a las premisas y los pilares educativos con los que partíamos.
Measurement of Effective Flow Velocity of Ground Water by Means of Dissolved Gases
Authors: Sugisaki Ryuichi
Published: September 2024

The time when water soaked into the ground can be inferred for each sample from the variation of dissolved-gas content, and the effective velocity of ground water can be calculated thereby. The effective velocity observed in an aquifer consisting of coarse gravel ranges from 3.6 to 10 meters per day, corresponding to different hydraulic gradients. If these values are converted by Darcy9s formula into the velocity along a one percent hydraulic gradient, they range from 36 to 58 meters per day.
The Zeolite Facies; an Interpretation
Authors: Zen E-an
Published: September 2024

The zeolite facies, formed under conditions intermediate between diagenesis and regional metamorphism, is characterized by mineral assemblages bearing laumontite, heulandite, or analcite, together with quartz. If H 2 O and CO 2 are regarded as mobile components, these assemblages, under the same conditions, rule out the following: calcite-kaolinite-quartz, calcite-pyrophyllite-quartz, or albite-quartz; these assemblages are all familiar in sediments, sedimentary rocks, or low-grade regional metamorphic rocks. The relations among these alternative assemblages are analyzed by means of isothermal, isobaric diagrams using as variables the chemical potentials of the 2 mobile components, H 2 O, and CO 2 . For a given reaction, it is not only possible to arrange correctly the relative dispositions of the pseudo-univariant around pseudo-invariant points, but also to assign numerical values to the slopes of the pseudo-univariant lines on the basis of the stoichiometric coefficients of the 2 mobile components. Such diagrams show that mineral assemblages of the zeolite facies can be obtained, isothermally and isobarically, by increasing the chemical potential of H 2 O relative to that of CO 2 . Thus the zeolite facies is not a necessary intermediate step between diagenesis and regional metamorphism.
The Age of the Nepean (Potsdam) Sandstone in Eastern Ontario
Authors: Kirwan J. L.
Published: September 2024

The Nepean sandstone forms the basal formation of the Paleozoic sequence in eastern Ontario and is made up of nearly flat-lying clastic sediments ranging from conglomerate to orthoquartzite. Most workers correlate these rocks with the Potsdam formation of New York State, which is regarded, on faunal evidence from the eastern part of the state, to be Upper Cambrian in age. In Ontario the gradation of the sandstones into the overlying Lower Ordovician (Beekmantown) sediments suggests that the Nepean formation may be of Ordovician age. Using the evidence that the Paleozoic seas invaded eastern Ontario from the SE, that the fossiliferous formations overlying the sandstones cross the Cambrian-Ordovician time boundary in New York State before reaching Ontario, and that Ordovician fossils have been found in locality in Ontario in the Nepean sandstone, it is concluded that the formation is of Ordovician (Beekmantown) age in most of the area. E. of the area under discussion, in the Province of Quebec, an unconformity separates the sandstone into 2 units, the lower of which is likely Cambrian in age. The Nepean and Potsdam formations and the sedimentary rocks overlying them show the transgression of a sea from Upper Cambrian to Lower Ordovician time in eastern New York State and eastern Ontario. The sea invaded over rough topography of the Precambrian rocks and, except for an area in the Province of Quebec, there was no break in sedimentation between the Cambrian and the Ordovician.
Grain-scale Stable Isotope Disequilibrium During Fluid-Rock Interaction; 2, an Example From the Penninic-Austroalpine Tectonic Contact in Eastern Switzerland
Authors: Eppel H. , Abart R.
Published: September 2024

At the tectonic contact between the Penninic Platta Nappe and the Lower-Austroalpine Err Unit in eastern Switzerland carbon and oxygen isotope fronts are preserved at the interface of serpentinites and low-grade regional metamorphic metacarbonates. The carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of calcite are delta 13 C = 2.3 per mil (PDB) and delta 18 O = 21.0 per mil (SMOW) in the unaltered metacarbonates at a distance of about 20 m from the lithologic contact, and they are delta 13 C = 0.0 per mil and delta 18 O = 14.0 per mil at the metacarbonate-serpentinite interface. The concomitant shift in the oxygen isotope composition of quartz is from 24.0 to 17.0 per mil. A peculiarity of the isotope pattern is the systematic variation of the quartz-calcite oxygen isotope fractionations across the isotopic front. Quartz-calcite fractionations are relatively small ( nearly equal 3.0 per mil) in the unaltered metacarbonate and at the metacarbonate-serpentinite interface, and they increase in the transitional zone in between with a maximum of 7.1 per mil at a distance of about 2 m from the contact. This pattern is interpreted as a result of advective-dispersive material transport across the lithologic contact and coupled first-order kinetic mineral-fluid exchange. The oxygen isotope systematics indicate that calcite-fluid isotope exchange was fast, and local calcite-fluid equilibrium prevailed during fluid-rock interaction. In contrast, quartz-fluid exchange was relatively sluggish, and the quartz-calcite oxygen isotope fractionations deviated significantly from their equilibrium values. Front geometries suggest that dispersive processes contributed substantially to material transport across the metacarbonate-serpentinite contact. Cross-layer advective flow was minor with a maximum time-integrated volumetric flux of 21 m 3 /m 2 . From the influence of quartz-fluid exchange kinetics on the intermineral fractionations quantitative relations among transport velocities, the rates of mineral-fluid exchange and the duration of fluid-rock interaction are derived. These relations are then combined with geologic and experimental data to identify feasible scenarios of fluid-rock interaction.
The Deformation of a Basement Granite and the Development of Major Silicified Shear Zones in Uganda
Authors: Phillips William John
Published: September 2024

The Kateti shear zone is of exceptional interest because almost continuous exposures show a complete gradation over several hundred feet, from foliate granite through granulated and partly silicified rocks into banded quartz tectonites. The structures of the rocks occurring at Kateti suggest that this shear zone represents an intermediate stage in the development of more massive and continuous bodies of quartz rocks which are completely detached from the adjacent granite.
An Administrative Support System for Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Trung Tuan , Nguyen Manh Tuan , Le Ngoc Thanh
Published: September 2024

Digital transformation (DX) is complex with many automated parts, underlying integrations and processes that need to fit all together. Tools to support the management of DX activities are, therefore, crucial for every business. However, there are just a few of such tools available these days that can help businesses with the DX management both effectively and comprehensively, but none of them was designed particularly for small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) of Vietnam. In this study, we will conduct an overview of recent studies on DX, methods and models for SMEs, and relevant research works regarding information support systems for the management of DX for SMEs. We then propose a novel administrative support system that not only addresses the shortcomings of the current state-of-the-art DX management systems but also meets the requirements of DX for SMEs in Vietnam. In addition to the system design and development, we also implement and benchmark the software product at 11 SMEs in Vietnam (and some results if any).
Response of Daucus carota Plants Under Meloidogyne incognita Infection to Blumea aurita Compost, Powder, and Essential Oil
Authors: Fabiyi Oluwatoyin Adenike
Published: September 2024

Meloidogyne incognita is a common pest of carrots grown in hot climates. Existing control methods using synthetic nematicides are associated with contamination and intoxication of plants and the production environment. Recent research trends in pest control include investigations on the use of plant materials. In the present study, Blumea aurita compost, powder, and essential oil were assessed in comparison with Furadan for mitigating the effects of M. incognita on carrot plants. The essential oil was applied at 10, 20, and 30 mg·ml−1, while the compost and powder were applied at 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 kg·m−2. The characteristic components of B. aurita essential oil were trans-α-bergamotene (18.04%), caryophyllene epoxide (15.01%), eugenol (11.59%), carvacrol (11.02%), geraniol (10.13%), 1-octen-3-ol (7.03%), 1,8-cineole (7.02%), δ-elemene (7.01%), and α-copaene (6.20%). The reproduction of M. incognita on carrot roots and the level of M. incognita soil infestation were significantly reduced by B. aurita compost and essential oil. The effect of B. aurita compost was comparable to that of the standard nematicide – Furadan. Therefore, materials derived from B. aurita may prove to be an interesting alternative in inhibiting M. incognita populations.
Tax Compliance among Managers: Evidence from Randomized Audits1
Authors: Lange Thomas , Melsom Anne May
Published: September 2024

Earlier studies of individuals’ law-abiding behavior find significant effects of home country corruption level on compliance. In our study of manager’s tax compliance, we use data from random audits and find associations between tax compliance and the use of an external accountant, age, manager’s place of origin and employees’ conflict exposure, but no effect from a manager’s own conflict exposure, nor Corruption Perception Index scores. The use of an external accountant seems to commit managers to comply with reporting requirements. Our findings suggest that factors such as managers’ age and company characteristics are important in understanding manager compliance. To study whether other mechanisms not previously tested may provide explanatory power, we specify two machinelearning models, which confirm our findings, but also suggest other associations.

Nontechnical summary

Our study examines tax compliance among managers using data from random audits. We found associations between tax compliance and the use of an external accountant, age, manager’s place of origin and employees’ conflict exposure. However, the manager’s own conflict exposure and corruption levels in their home country did not affect compliance. External accountants seem to encourage managers to comply with tax rules. Machine-learning models confirmed these findings and suggested other relevant factors.
EU Capacity to Bolster and Stimulate Research and Innovation: Who is the Leader in Development?
Authors: Criste Cristina , Man Ciel Bovary , Moldovan Nicoleta-Claudia , Răcătăian Raluca , Lobonţ Oana-Ramona
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the role of innovation in attaining economic growth and development in the 27 EU Member States (EU-27). Our analytical approach employs advanced panel data econometric methods, including an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and data mapping analysis. Additionally, an interactive approach to regulatory quality was introduced to evaluate its influence on economic development. The results suggest that innovation significantly impacts economic development in both the long and short term. Empirical evidence indicates that the quality of regulatory frameworks is a main factor in shaping economic development in both the long and short terms. The main findings imply the need for countries to align their strategies with the effective integration of digital technologies and sustained innovation and further substantially invest resources in R&D capabilities to ensure robust economic progress. Among the countries examined, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, and Denmark exhibited the highest levels of innovation. Some nations, with significant economic potential, such as Romania and Bulgaria, tend to underinvest in R&D.
Which Factors Help SMES’ Performance Recover Post-Pandemic? The Role of Learning Capability, Intellectual Capital, and Technological Innovation
Authors: Do Thi Hai-Ninh , Do Ngoc-Bich
Published: September 2024

SMEs are significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines how these variables interact to help SMEs recover and develop sustainably. The quantitative method is adopted in this paper. The research data was acquired from 450 SMEs in several industries in Vietnam. Research results show that learning capability improves intellectual capital and SMEs’ performance. Next, technological innovation moderated the link between learning capability, intellectual capital, and SMEs performance, suggesting that integration can improve SMEs’ recovery and resilience. Driven by research findings, SMEs should develop a learning culture and technological innovation to leverage performance during the turbulent circumstances of COVID-19. Furthermore, managers should invest in intellectual capital to support innovation during recovery and growth. Policymakers may help SMEs by encouraging learning organization, information sharing, and technology adoption. These measures can help SMEs thrive post-pandemic and revitalize local and global economies.
The Moderating Effect of Board Characteristics in the Relationship Between ESG and Corporate Financial Performance
Authors: Jung Heonyong
Published: September 2024

This study provides a contribution by filling the gap in existing research through an analysis of the relationship between ESG performance and corporate financial performance, as well as the moderating role of board characteristics in between. Using panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2018 to 2022 and employing a fixed-effects model, the study draws the following key conclusions. First, it discovered that ESG scores have a positive and significant impact on the financial performance of Chinese A-share listed companies. Second, the role of board independence as a moderating variable in the relationship between ESG and corporate financial performance was not statistically significant. Third, ownership concentration in Chinese companies was found to play a moderating role in the relationship between ESG performance and corporate financial performance. The results suggest that, in the case of Chinese companies, ownership concentration by management appears to promote ESG activities and consequently enhance financial performance more than maintaining an independent board.
Assessment of Mobile Telephony User Satisfaction in the Federal District Through Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Oliveira Juliane de Sousa , Santos Neto Agenor Sousa , Soares Julio Cesar Valandro , Magalhães Luis Guilherme Ramos Rocha de , Minosso Anariele Maria
Published: September 2024

Objective: To maintain competitiveness and profitability in the telecommunications sector, it is essential to assess customer satisfaction, as mobile telephony provides convenience and is widely available to the population.
 
Theoretical Framework: The growing demand for low-cost products, especially automotive fuels, reflects a constant in the Brazilian market, significantly impacting the economy and consumers' daily lives.
 
Method: The research was conducted using a questionnaire developed by Anatel to collect data on user satisfaction. The questionnaire items were grouped into four constructs: Perceived Quality, Expectations, Perceived Value, and Overall Satisfaction. Structural Equation Modeling was used to evaluate the relationships between these constructs and consumer satisfaction.
 
Results and Discussion: The results indicate that Perceived Quality, Expectations, and Perceived Value have a significant impact on Overall Satisfaction. The rejected hypotheses suggest areas where consumer perceptions may not align with expectations or where certain factors may not have the anticipated influence on satisfaction.
 
Research Implications: The results provide valuable insights for mobile telephony companies, highlighting the importance of improving perceived quality and aligning customer expectations with the perceived value of the service.
 
Originality/Value: This study contributes to the understanding of factors affecting consumer satisfaction in the mobile telephony sector, with a detailed analysis applied to the Federal District context.
Investigating a siderophore-based approach for the recovery of critical metals from waste streams and leach solutions using microorganisms
Authors: Van Leeuwen Lan
Published: September 2024

As technological advancements progress and unsustainable consumerism of electrical devices rapidly increases, the demand for critical metals continues to rise. The limited supply of these metals, driven by the depletion of non-renewable natural resources, calls for the recycling of waste materials and the development of sustainable and cost-effective extraction methods. Conventional methods of leaching such as pyrometallurgy pose threats to the environment by creating slags and releasing toxic secondary materials. Biohydrometallurgy emerges as an environmentally friendly method to extract metals from low-grade ores and waste material. Siderophores are secondary metabolites secreted by microorganisms that have the ability to selectively chelate certain metals. By immobilizing these siderophores for subsequent bioleaching, target metals can be extracted from multielement solutions. This research focuses on optimizing the immobilization efficiency of the siderophore desferrioxamine B (DFOB) in sodium alginate using physical entrapment for the removal of gallium. Four parameters were varied to find optimal conditions: sodium alginate concentration (1 – 4 % w/v), calcium chloride concentration (1 – 10% w/v), agitation time (0.25 – 10 hours), and DFOB concentration (1 – 4 mM). Using UV-Vis spectroscopy, free siderophore concentration could be determined. After 30 runs, the highest immobilization yield of 80.05% was determined at 2.5% sodium alginate, 10% calcium chloride—the highest concentration tested—after 5.13 hours with a concentration of 2.25 mM DFOB. Design Expert-13 software was used to analyze all experimental results. 2D graphs support that DFOB immobilization depends on responsive parameters, CaCl2 demonstrating the largest impact.
Investigating Human-Robot Interactions with a Quadruped Robot
Authors: Klassen Lilah
Published: September 2024

Robots are becoming more prevalent in our daily lives. As robots become more common in society, we must understand how people react and interact with them. This study leverages Boston Dynamics' Spot robot to examine human responses to quadruped robots. Previous studies had Spot walking alongside participants at fixed speeds, independent of their gait. Improving upon this method, I developed a program that enables Spot to detect and follow fiducial markers (AprilTags). Using the Robot Operating System (ROS), the depth and position of the tag within the camera’s frame were extracted and translated into motion commands for the robot. The tag is attached to an apparatus on the hip that extends the tag near the subject’s knee, allowing Spot to track the participant’s trunk speed and maintain a consistent distance, offering a more adaptive walking experience. The program allows for variations in the acceleration, height, and camera selection (front/back, left/right) through a custom Graphical User Interface (GUI), allowing for diverse trial conditions. Extensive testing identified considerations to optimize the walking experience. Factors included gradual acceleration to allow Spot to react and maintain detections, and the set requirement to run only a single camera at a time for optimized processing. Additionally, keeping the tag unobstructed and square to the camera is critical to avoid failures in detection. Overall, Spot's new capabilities will assist in further studies of human and robot interactions.
A Time and Place to Land
Authors: Stewart William , Stephenson Jess
Published: September 2024

Cooperation between an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and unmanned surface vehicle (USV) can be critical in fields like search and rescue, marine ecology, and surveying. This is because, by landing a UAV on a USV for recharging, the agents can collaborate to eliminate their individual limitations; UAVs typically have a superior speed and vantage point compared to USVs, but can only remain airborne for short periods of time due to battery limitations, whereas USVs lack mobility and height but can remain at sea for extended periods of time and carry large batteries. The question our work this summer sought to answer is: how can we get a UAV-USV pair to seek out ”calm waters” and attempt a landing when and where the waves are most favorable?
Due to the high risk associated with testing such a system on a real body of water, we developed a novel testbed that utilizes an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) fitted with a custom-made 2-axis tilting landing pad that can pitch and roll to simulate the motion of a USV in a variety of wave conditions. We used this novel testbed with an indoor Crazyflie UAV to experimentally prove a cooperative model-predictive control (MPC) scheme. In essence, MPC works by optimizing control inputs using a model that encodes the dynamics of a system to pick the best series of control inputs from a finite set of valid inputs.
Our work successfully proved the viability of a system where two agents use MPC to optimize their relative positions and the intensity of nearby waves to reach consensus on where and when to land. By landing 100+ times using a variety of system configurations, we were able to demonstrate a significantly increased likelihood of successful landings when using our control scheme.
A Detailed Sedimentological Analysis of Colour Lake, Axel Heiberg Island, Nunavut
Authors: Ferguson Isidora
Published: September 2024

This research project examines sediments in Colour Lake, a non-glacial lake on Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian High Arctic. Analyzing the mineralogical composition, structural morphology and deposition patterns of the accumulated lake sediments provides information about the depositional environment and can serve as proxies for past environmental conditions.
Work focused primarily on a 53 cm long sediment core collected in 2019. The objectives were: (1) to document distinct sediment units and interpret their depositional history by high resolution image analysis and microscopic observations in thin sections; (2) to identify schwertmannite, an iron oxyhydroxy-sulfate mineral within the sediments using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray fluorescence (XRF); (3) to determine this mineral’s relationship with siliciclastic deposits; and (4) to establish sediment chronology by 210Pb and 137Cs dating. Data was organized into pollen charts, incorporating images, scans, sediment stratigraphy, and grain size distributions to better understand sediment layers and their positions within the core.
Thirteen lithozones were identified based on observed variations in the core, differing in terms of mud and clay lens distribution, the presence of schwertmannite, lamination patterns (graded or non-graded detrital laminations), the occurrence of biological components, and detrital mineral grain sizes. A recurring lithozone featuring non-graded, amorphous clay with schwertmannite, typically overlying either graded or reverse-graded mud, was observed throughout the core. While the mechanisms responsible for sediment deposition have not been fully explored, they are suspected to be related to hyperpycnal flows and slumping events.
An Intervaled Sediment Extruder (ISE) was developed for precise sediment extrusion from a core collected in July for 210Pb and 137Cs dating, which will constrain sedimentation rates and correlate depositional events with past environmental conditions. Future work will focus on linking sediment structures to climatic events, identifying annually laminated layers (varves), and completing dating analyses to better understand past climate variations.
Investigation of Nonlinear Optical Properties of NiO Nanoparticles using the Z-Scan Technique
Authors: Seidalilir Zahra , Rasheed Sabreen A. , Humud Hammad R.
Published: September 2024

In this research, linear and nonlinear optical properties of NiO nanoparticles (NPs) dissolved in ethanol were investigated. Linear optical characteristics of NiO NPs were studied using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The linear absorption coefficient (α0) was 0.88 and 0.57 cm-1 at 405 and 532 nm wavelengths, respectively. The band gap energy rose from 3.56 eV for a sample with a 10-7 g/ml concentration to 3.92 eV for the 10-3 g/ml concentration sample. Using the Z-scan technique, the nonlinear optical characteristics of the NPs were investigated. Two continuous wave laser diodes with 405 and 532 nm wavelengths and different powers were used. The Z-scan system with a closed aperture revealed that NiO NPs have a negative n2 (self-defocusing effect) at various laser powers. n2 increases as the power of the laser increases. The value of n2 was found to be 0.51×10-4 cm2/mW at a wavelength of 405 nm and a power of 0.33 mW. It improved as the laser power increased, reaching a maximum of 0.64×10-4 cm2/mW at a laser power of 1.51 mW. For the laser with a wavelength of 532 nm, the n2 value was 0.27×10-4 cm2/mW for a laser power of 1.01 mW. This value increased to 0.76×10-4 cm2/mW when the laser power increased to 6.2 mW. As measured by the Z-scan system with an open aperture, NiO NPs have a nonlinear absorption coefficient and display a two-photon absorption behavior.
Association between fasting lipid profile, inflammatory markers and oxidative stress markera burden of cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women with high Body Mass Index
Authors:   Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, MEENA R MEENA , PAL PRAVATI ,   JIPMER, PAPA DASARI ,   JIPMER
Published: September 2024

Cardiovascular diseases are becoming more successful in the entire population of individuals and is the leading cause of death in both men and women. The effect of cardiovascular disease is not appreciated high enough in women when set side by side in men. Women have eccentric variable determinants that increases the probability of cardiovascular diseases and postmenopausal women are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Postmenopause is the time when menstrual period stops permanently in a women’s life. Several hormonal imbalances as well as metabolic changes make them more prone for cardiovascular diseases. Fasting lipid profile, inflammatory markers like hs-CRP, TNF-α, Adiponectin and oxidative stress marker like Malondialdehyde are found altered in high BMI postmenopausal women and this altered parameters tend to become a major CV risk. Aim and objective. The aim is to associate the levels of fasting lipid profile, inflammatory markers like hs-CRP, TNF-α, Adiponectin and oxidative stress marker like Malondialdehyde with cardiovascular disease in normal and high BMI postmenopausal women. Materials and methods. The research was directed on 104 postmenopausal women of age group 45–60 years and we grouped them into 2. Group 1 having normal BMI (18.50–24.99) and group 2 having high BMI > 25.00 based on Asian’s classification for BMI. Approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee was obtained before beginning the study. Postmenopausal women were instructed to report to physiology department at 7.30 am following overnight fasting and 5 ml of blood was collected to assess their fasting lipid profile, oxidative stress marker and inflammatory markers. Results & conclusion. Unpaired t-test was used to analyse all parameters of the study (control and study group). BMI, Total Cholesterol, Triacylglycerol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, hs-CRP, TNF-α, Malondialdehyde were significantly elevated and the levels of HDL-C and adiponectin were found reduced in high BMI postmenopausal women when compared to normal BMI postmenopausal women (p < 0.05) and all these factors are reported to be risk factors for adverse CV events.
Impact of a Bioprotective Complex on the Time Course of Aminotransferase Activity in Blood Serum Under Separate and Simultaneous Exposure to Lead and Fluoride (Experimental Studies)
Authors:   Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, FEDORENKO Yu. V.
Published: September 2024

Lead and fluoride enter the human body individually and simultaneously through water, food, and air, disrupting metabolic processes in liver tissue. The sequential application of a bioprotective complex that reduce the negative effects of lead and fluoride has been insufficiently studied. The aim of the study is to investigate the changes over time in the activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the blood serum of laboratory animals under prolonged separate and simultaneous exposure to lead and fluoride, without application of bioprotective agents and during the sequential addition of pectin, pectin with calcium, and a complex of pectin, calcium, and antioxidants to the standard animal diet. Materials and Methods. Four clinical trial series were conducted on white rats, each following an orthogonal design 22. Aqueous solutions of Pb(NO3)2 and NaF were administered orally separately and simultaneously over 30 days: in the first series without bioprotective agents, in the second with pectin, in the third with pectin and calcium, and in the fourth with a complex of pectin, calcium, and antioxidants – C, E, and β-carotene vitamins, and selenium. The activity of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases was measured in blood serum on days 3, 15, and 30 in the first and second series of experiments, and on day 30 in the third and fourth series. Results. Separate and simultaneous oral administration of lead and fluoride to white rats leads to increased activity of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases in blood serum. The maximum changes were observed at the end of the experiment. The protective role of pectin alone under long-term fluoride expos ure and simultaneous exposure to lead and fluoride was not sufficiently effective. Concurrent intake of calcium and pectin significantly reduced the increase in transaminase activity, indicating an improvement in the metabolic and functional state of the liver. The application of the bioprotective complex restored the aminotransferase activity in blood serum. Conclusions. The complex of pectin with calcium and antioxidants can be considered an optimal means of correcting aminotransferase activity in blood serum under prolonged separate and simultaneous exposure to lead and fluoride.
PENYULUHAN DAN PELATIHAN PEMASANGAN PANEL SURYA SEBAGAI ENERGI ALTERNATIF BAGI MITRA PONDOK PESANTREN NH, BOGOR
Authors: Mardiana Dwi Atty , Rakhmanto Pri Agung , Kosasih Andri , Permata Sari Dianie
Published: September 2024

Pondok pesantren NH, terletak 45 km dari kota Bogor, sering mengalami kendala kelistrikan pada malam hari, terutama saat cuaca hujan, sementara kegiatan pesantren masih berlangsung hingga malam. Pengenalan tentang energi matahari sebagai energi hijau sekaligus energi alternatif diusulkan sebagai solusi untuk mengatasi masalah tersebut. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat dilakukan dalam tiga tahap: observasi kondisi dan permasalahan mitra pondok pesantren, perancangan model dan metode, pelaksanaan kegiatan penyuluhan tentang pemanfaatan panel surya dan lampu surya sebagai solusi masalah energi listrik di pedesaan dan pelatihan pemasangan teknologi panel surya hingga menghasilkan sumber listrik. Hasil kegiatan menunjukan adanya peningkatan pengetahuan dan keterampilan mitra dengan secara langsung memanfaatkan energi surya menjadi sumber listrik untuk mengatasi permasalahan mitra di lingkungan pesantren.
Return to Play After an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the Collegiate Athlete: A Systematic Review Evaluating Return to Play Proportions and Associated Factors
Authors: Brown Cortez L. , Worts Phillip R. , Dewig Derek R. , Rolle Garrison A. , Ormsbee Michael J.
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVE: To estimate anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) return-to-play (RTP) factors and proportions across all National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) sports.

DESIGN: Systematic review with prognosis and etiology components.

LITERATURE SEARCH: Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases using terms related to RTP, ACLR, and NCAA for articles published up to June 30, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Articles were included if RTP proportions or factors affecting RTP were reported and if the study population included NCAA collegiate athletes recovering from an ACLR.

DATA SYNTHESIS: The proportion represents the total number of athletes who returned to play after ACLR over the total number of ACLR athletes from each cohort. The cumulative proportion represents the aggregated total from each included study. When eligibility information was available (ie, athletes in their final year of eligibility), RTP proportions were adjusted. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the study quality and scored by 2 raters.

RESULTS: Nine studies were included. RTP criteria varied across the studies. Proportions of RTP ranged from 69% to 92%, with a cumulative RTP proportion after ACLR of 84% (628/745). The primary factors associated with the proportion of RTP were scholarship status, competitive eligibility remaining, depth chart position, and surgical graft type.

CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative proportion of RTP was 84% and was associated with patient-specific and operative factors. Psychological and functional factors were not routinely reported, and rehabilitation protocols were unknown. Data were not explicitly available for any athletes outside of Division I. The criteria for RTP after ACLR varied. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(10):625-633. Epub 10 September 2024. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2024.12483
Optimization of a Self-management Program for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain – Protocol of the Pain Education Program Optimization (PEPO) Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dubé Marc-Olivier , Massé-Alarie Hugo , Pinard Anne Marie , Marier-Deschênes Pascale , Lanthier-Plante Jérémie , Tittley Jean , Dupuis Frédérique , Le Capitaine Catherine , Roy Jean-Sébastien
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective is to compare two modes of delivering an 8-week self-management program for chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain: standard self-management versus supported self-management, which includes two physiotherapist-led sessions and one patient-partner-led session. The primary outcome measure is pain-related disability after 10 weeks. Secondary objectives include comparing the effects of both delivery modes on pain-related disability after 26 weeks, as well as on pain severity, kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression after 10 and 26 weeks.

DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial protocol.

METHODS: One hundred eight adults with chronic MSK pain will be recruited and evaluated at baseline and after 10 and 26 weeks. At each evaluation, primary (pain-related disability) and secondary (pain severity, kinesiophobia, catastrophization, pain self-efficacy, anxiety, satisfaction, and depression) outcomes will be assessed. After baseline, participants will be randomly assigned to (1) self-management group and (2) supported self-management group. In addition to the 8-week self-management program, participants in the supported self-management group will have two additional 30-minute counselling sessions with a physiotherapist and one 60-minute group session led by a peer living with chronic MSK pain. Linear mixed models will be used to compare the effects of the two delivery modes of the intervention on the outcomes. JOSPT Open 2024;2(4):282-288. Epub 10 September 2024. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2024.0070
Normative data of upper limb nerve conduction in North Kerala population
Authors: Ram Kumar S. , Jose James
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to detect the normal motor amplitude, distal latency, conduction velocity, sensory amplitude, sensory latency and F-wave latency of upper limb nerves (Median nerve, ulnar nerve and radial nerve).

Materials and Methods:

It was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Neurology, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022. Nerve conduction studies (NCSs) were performed prospectively in the upper limbs of 311 carefully screened, healthy individuals of either sex, who were between the ages of 13 and 60 years, belonging to the North Kerala population, using the standardised technique.

Results:

The study population consisted of 54% males and 46% females. The mean age, height, weight and body mass index (BMI) of the study population were 39 ± 15 years, 163 ± 12 cm, 58 ± 11 Kgs and 22 ± 2.7 Kg/m2, respectively. The motor, sensory parameters and F-wave latency of median ulnar and radial nerves were established. We obtained a significant positive correlation between motor distal latency, sensory distal latency and F-wave latency of median and ulnar and radial nerves with age, height and weight. We obtained a significant negative correlation between motor distal amplitude, sensory distal amplitude and conduction velocity of median, ulnar, and radial nerves with age, height and weight. In our study, females had faster conduction velocity, shorter F-wave latency, motor distal latency, sensory latency and higher motor amplitude and sensory amplitude than males. BMI did not have a significant correlation with nerve conduction parameters in our study.

Conclusion:

Normative conduction parameters of commonly tested peripheral nerves of the upper limb were established for our electrophysiology laboratory. While performing NCS, it is essential to adapt values based on physiological factors such as age, gender, height, weight and BMI, which enhance the diagnostic sensitivity of the procedure and, thus, avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment of various demyelinating and axonal disorders.