bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation-Based Analysis of Micro-Damage to Recycled Concrete Containing Brick Coarse Aggregate
Authors: Qi Lin , Yu Baoyang , Yu Mingxin , Zhang Mingyue
Published: August 2023

To achieve sustainable development during urbanization, construction waste is recycled for use as an aggregate in recycled concrete (RC). To determine the influence of the brick content in coarse recycled aggregates on the damage sustained by the resultant RC, the RC was first divided into seven phases: natural crushed stone, old gravel inside waste concrete, bricks, new mortar, old mortar on waste concrete surfaces, and new and old interface transition zones. The Monte Carlo method was then applied to establish a two-dimensional random aggregate model of the RC made with coarse brick aggregates. The ABAQUS software package was used to simulate a uniaxial compression test, the results of which were combined with those of a macro-test to determine the internal damage change rule of brick-containing RC. The stress–strain curves obtained from the simulation coincided well with that of the macroscopic tests. As the brick content increased, the damage zone inside the specimen and the number of microcracks increased. The stress concentration area decreased, as indicated by a lower compressive strength in the macro-test. The results indicate that higher brick contents in RC yield more initial damage inside the concrete and a lower compressive strength.
Hydroxyhydroquinone and Quassinoids as Promising Compounds with Hypoglycemic Activity through Redox Balance
Authors: Santos Paulo Roberto dos , Danetti Sidineia , Rastegar Joseph , De Souza Wellington , Frassini Rafaele , Scariot Fernando Joel , Moura Sidnei , Roesch-Ely Mariana
Published: August 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential signaling molecules involved in almost all metabolic processes. In the present study, a HepG2 insulin resistant cell model (HepG2/IRM) was chosen to investigate the efficacy of hydroxyhydroquinone (HHQ), quassinoids from Picrasma crenata and flavonoids from Rourea cuspidata as potential glycemic controlling agents for insulin sensitization. HHQ was synthetized and extracts from P. crenata and R. cuspidata were tested in hepatic cell line, which were evaluated through cytotoxic activity, levels of ROS, ATP, mitochondrial membrane potential and expression of FoxO1 protein in a high glucose environment. Our results demonstrate that the HHQ, quassinoids and flavonoids were not toxic to cells at concentrations up to 50mM and 50 mg/mL in HepG2/IRM and HepG2. ROS activity was increased for all groups with insulin induction upon glucose consumption. HHQ and quassinoids downregulate the expression of FoxO1 in comparison to cells exposed to flavonoids. The results here presented suggests that quassinoids may act on nuclear glucocorticoid receptors to inhibit FoxO1 expression by competing with cortisol and HHQ can act as ROS scavenger to ameliorate mitochondria activity and modulate ATP generation. This study provides a pharmacological basis for the application of HHQ, quassinoids from P. crenata and flavonoids from R. cuspidata in the treatment of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Assessment of asteroid classification using deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Bacu Victor , Nandra Constantin , Sabou Adrian , Stefanut Teodor , Gorgan Dorian
Published: August 2023

Near Earth Asteroids represent potential threats to human life because their trajectories may bring them in the proximity of the Earth. Monitoring these objects could help predict future impact events, but such efforts are hindered by the large numbers of objects that pass through the Earth’s vicinity. Additionally, there is also the problem of distinguishing asteroids from other objects in the night sky, which implies sifting through large sets of telescope image data. Within this context, we believe that employing machine learning techniques could greatly improve the detection process by sorting out the most likely asteroid candidates to be reviewed by human experts. At the moment, the use of machine learning techniques is still limited in the field of astronomy and the main goal of the present paper is to study the effectiveness of deep CNNs for the classification of astronomical objects, asteroids in this particular case, by comparing some of the well-known deep convolutional neural networks, including InceptionV3, Xception, InceptionResNetV2 and ResNet152V2. We have applied transfer learning and fine-tuning on these pre-existing deep convolutional networks and from the results that we have obtained one can see the potential of using deep convolutional neural networks in the process of asteroid classification. The InceptionV3 model has the best results in the asteroid class, meaning that by using it, we loose the least number of valid asteroids.
Carnivorous Waterbirds Community Composition and Diversity in Freshwater Tributaries of Zambezi River, Namibia
Authors: Rutina Lucas Pius , Simasiku Evans , Kabanze Joseph Musonda
Published: August 2023

Carnivorous waterbirds have been reported to enhance wetlands diversities, control pests, bio-indicators of ecological conditions, and act as indicators of potential disease outbreaks. They also provide important ecosystem services to indigenous communities residing along wetlands. Regardless of their importance, global waterbirds populations are declining. Despite their ecological contribution to wetlands functions and ecosystem services, piscivore waterbirds have been re-ported to compete with piscivorous fish and fishermen. The aim of this study was to compare piscivorous waterbirds species and functional diversity between fish protected areas (FPA) and non-fish protected area (NFPA) in two tributaries of Zambezi River in Namibia. We also measured the degree to which patterns of guild structure between piscivore waterbirds and fish were similar between FPA and non-FPA. Species diversities were determined by calculating the Shannon Diversity Index. We calculated taxonomic diversity, functional diversity and community-based trait diversity indices for each tributary. Generally, species diversities were not significantly different between FPA and NFPA (P > 0.05). However, all functional diversities indices calculated were significantly different between FPA an NFPA (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). This was partly due to food item, weight and movement type that were associated with each site.
A Wearable Device for Upper Limb Rehabilitation and Assistance Based on Fluid Actuators and Myoelectric Control
Authors: Biriș Cristina-Maria , Racz Sever-Gabriel , Gîrjob Claudia-Emilia , Grovu Radu-Dumitru , Rusu Dan-Mihai
Published: August 2023

Wearable exoskeleton solutions for upper limb rehabilitation or assistance, particularly for the hand area, have become increasingly attractive to researchers, proving to be effective over time in treating hand movement impairments following various neurological diseases. In the present work, the development of a wearable exoskeleton-type device for active hand rehabilitation has been addressed, based on fluid actuators made of elastomeric material and on myoelectric control by capturing myoelectric signals from the forearm area. The flexion movement of the fingers (phalanges) is actively assisted by pneumatic actuation of the built-in actuators and the extension movement is assisted by a depressurization control of the actuator. The device has been designed to be as easy to use as possible, light in weight, and to provide a high degree of comfort when used by the patient for rehabilitation training or daily life activities (ADL), which can be performed in the comfort of one's own home.
Titanium Oxynitride Thin Films by Reactive Sputtering with an Independent Pulsing of O2 and N2 Gases
Authors: Martin Nicolas , Cote Jean-Marc , Gavoille Joseph , Rauch Jean-Yves
Published: August 2023

Titanium oxynitride thin films are deposited by DC reactive magnetron sputtering. A pure titanium target is sputtered in a reactive atmosphere composed of argon, oxygen and nitrogen gases. The oxygen mass flow rate as well as that of the nitrogen gas are both pulsed during the deposition time using an independent and rectangular signal for each reactive gas. A constant pulsing period T = 45 s is applied for both reactive gases and a delay time  of 34 s between N2 and O2 injection times is set for all depositions. Oxygen and nitrogen duty cycles are systematically and independently changed from 0 to 100% of their pulsing period. From real time measurements of the Ti target potential and total sputtering pressure, it is shown that the reactive process alternates between oxidized, nitrided and elemental sputtering modes as a function of the oxygen and nitrogen injection times. The full poisoning of the Ti target surface by oxygen and/or nitrogen can be avoided for some given ranges of O2 and N2 duty cycles. Deposition rates of titanium oxynitride films are substantially enhanced and can be adjusted between that of pure Ti and TiN films with a gradual transition of their optical transmittance in the visible range. These results support that titanium oxynitride compounds exhibiting absorbent to transparent behaviors can be precisely sputter-deposited by means of a two reactive gases pulsing process.
A New In Vivo Method for the Determination of α-Glucosidase Inhibition in Natural Products as Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus Type II
Authors: De Torre María Pilar , Vizmanos Jose Luis , Cavero Rita Yolanda , Calvo María Isabel
Published: August 2023

Background: One of the main diseases of worldwide concern is non–insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus. 90-95% of patients with diabetes suffers from Type II diabetes, a metabolic diabetes whose prevalence is increasing in the world.Given the current prevalence of diabetes type II in society, research of natural compounds able to regulate glycaemia and insulin–resistance is nowadays covering importance, as alternative or co–adjuvant treatment to existing hypoglycaemic medicines. In pre–clinical steps of research, C. elegans is considered a promising in vivo model for the study of the molecular mechanism of glucose as part of anti–diabetic bioactivity.Most of the studies of insulin resistance with this in vivo model are carried out by using mutant strains such as daf-2 and the effects of the compounds are attributed a posteriori, after a physiological response of the worms rather than directly measuring preservation of activity inside the worm.
Methods: The in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition of two oral formulations with Origanum vulgare extract before and after a simulated process of gastrointestinal digestion was evaluated. After confirming the in vitro activity, the α-glucosidase inhibition was tested in vivo through the new method proposed.
Results: The crude extract showed an IC50 value similar to acarbose (positive control), before and after the gastrointestinal digestion. The encapsulated extract (111.86±1.25 µg/mL) did not present statistical differences with the positive control (110.10±1.15 µg/mL) after digestion. However, the powder formulation showed the highest hypoglycaemic activity (59.55±0.85 µg/mL).In vivo, the IC50 values showed similar profile than in vitro.
Conclusion: A new simple and reliable method has been developed to determine pharmacological activities inside in vivo model C. elegans.The method has been evaluated with a hydroalcoholic extract of O. vulgare. The method is accurate and valid for the quantification of the inhibition of in vivo, allowing the direct attribution of this in vivo hypoglycaemic activity to the treatment. In addition, it opens the door to further research into in vitro pharmacological activities that require an in vivo counterpart.
Arginine, Transsulfuration, and Folic Acid Pathway Metabolomics in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Mangoni Arduino A
Published: August 2023

There is an increasing interest in biomarkers of nitric oxide dysregulation and oxidative stress to guide management and identify new therapeutic targets in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between circulating metabolites within the arginine (arginine, citrulline, ornithine, asymmetric, ADMA, and symmetric, SDMA dimethylarginine), transsulfuration (methionine, homocysteine, and cysteine) and folic acid (folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12) metabolic pathways and COPD. We searched electronic databases from inception to 30 June 2023 and assessed the risk of bias and the certainty of evidence. In 21 eligible studies, compared to healthy controls, patients with stable COPD had significantly lower methionine (standardized mean difference, SMD=-0.50, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.05, p=0.029) and folic acid (SMD=-0.37, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.09, p=0.009), and higher homocysteine (SMD=0.78, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.07, p˂0.001) and cysteine concentrations (SMD=0.34, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.66, p=0.038). Additionally, COPD was associated with significantly higher ADMA (SMD=1.27, 95% CI 0.08 to 2.46, p=0.037), SDMA (SMD=3.94, 95% CI 0.79 to 7.08, p=0.014), and ornithine concentrations (SMD=0.67, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.22, p=0.015). In subgroup analysis, the SMD of homocysteine was significantly associated with the biological matrix assessed and the forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity ratio, but not with age, study location, or analytical method used. Our study suggests the presence of significant alterations in metabolites within the arginine, transsulfuration, and folic acid pathways which can be useful for assessing nitric oxide dysregulation and oxidative stress and identifying novel treatment targets in COPD. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023448036)
A Review of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy in the Management of Respiratory Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Mukherjee Deyashini , Mukherjee Rahul
Published: August 2023

High-flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy is gaining traction globally as a treatment for respiratory failure. There are several physiological benefits and there may be a growing patient preference for HFNC. In this narrative review, we aim to outline the basic mechanisms of HFNC, who can use it and review the literature regarding its utility both in the critical care setting, as well as in the home setting for chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure with an emphasis on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The role of non-pharmacological interventions like non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and HFNC in the prevention of hospital readmissions following acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) is an area of increasing importance because randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews have found measures like nurse-led predischarge bundles to be clinically ineffective and to have a high cost per quality adjusted life year. This review therefore considers the evidence of NIV vs HFNC in the context of AECOPD and the application of HFNC at home in the prevention of AECOPD. We also look at applications of HFNC in specific settings, such as in the peri-operative period, emergency department, acute (mainly Critical Care) setting including in immunocompromised patients and palliative care.
FOXM1, MEK, and CDK4/6: New targets for MPNST therapy
Authors: Voigt Ellen , Quelle Dawn E
Published: August 2023

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are deadly sarcomas that desperately need effective therapies. Half of all MPNSTs arise in patients with Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF1), a common inherited disease. NF1 patients can develop benign lesions called Plexiform Neurofibromas (PNFs), often in adolescence, and over time some PNFs, but not all, will transform into MPNSTs. A deeper understanding of the molecular and genetic alterations driving PNF-MPNST transformation will guide development of more targeted and effective treatments for these patients. This review focuses on an oncogenic transcription factor, FOXM1, that is a powerful oncogene in other cancers but little studied in MPNSTs. Elevated expression of FOXM1 was seen in patient MPNSTs and correlated with poor survival, but otherwise its role in the disease is unknown. We discuss what is known about FOXM1 in MPNSTs relative to other cancers and how FOXM1 may be regulated by and/or regulate the most commonly altered players in MPNSTs, particularly in the MEK and CDK4/6 kinase pathways. We conclude by considering FOXM1, MEK, and CDK4/6 as new, clinically relevant targets for MPNST therapy.
Impact of Land Cover Changes on Soil Mapping in Plain Areas: Evidence from Tongzhou District of Beijing,China
Authors: Wu Xiangyuan , Wu Kening Wu , Zhao Huafu , Hao Shiheng , Kang Long , Zhou Zhenyu
Published: August 2023

The flat terrain in plain areas makes the land easily accessible for cultivation and farming, providing vast opportunities for agricultural development. Additionally, these areas are crucial for urban construction and economic growth. Soil mapping plays a crucial role in understanding soil characteristics and guiding land management practices. However, accurately mapping soils in plain regions can be challenging due to their low spatial variability and diverse land use types. This study focuses on the impact of land cover changes on the accuracy of soil mapping in plain areas, aiming to provide effective assistance in soil mapping through the analysis of their coupling relationship. Starting with a 20-year land cover change analysis, this study utilizes a unified approach that combines expert knowledge, mixed sampling methods, and random forest mapping techniques. The study incorporates environmental covariates that have minimal period influence and synergistically use NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and land cover data from the same year. The analysis is based on transition matrices, confusion matrices, and their derived indicators. The research findings indicate that Tongzhou District has experienced rapid development over the past 20 years, with the area of construction land nearly doubling. 29% of arable land has been converted into construction land, resulting in an increase in the accuracy of the soil map from 58.99% to 66.91% over the 20-year period. The soil change area during this period accounts for 16.5% of the total area, with 51.9% of the changed areas overlapping with land cover change areas. These overlapping regions are predominantly influenced by human activities. In terms of cultivated land types in the study area, the quantity of arable land has decreased by approximately 29% over the 20 years, while the proportion of sandy loam calcareous fluvo-aquic soil and light loam calcareous fluvo-aquic soil, which constitute nearly half of the soil types, has increased. These data demonstrate the coupling relationship between land cover changes and soil type variations, particularly the significant influence of human activities on soil structure. It is evident that on one hand, improving the extent of land use in plain areas enhances the credibility of soil mapping. On the other hand, human activities impact land cover, which in turn affects and reflects changes in the soil.
Graphs Defined on Rings: A Review
Authors: Madhumitha S , Naduvath Sudev
Published: August 2023

The study on graphs emerging from different algebraic structures like groups, rings, fields, vector spaces, etc. is a prominent area of research in mathematics, as algebra and graph theory are two mathematical fields that focuses on creating and analysing structures. There are numerous studies linking algebraic structures and graphs, which began with the introduction of Cayley graphs of groups. Several algebraic graphs have been defined on rings, which have huge-growing literature. In this article, we systematically review the literature on some variants of Cayley graphs that are defined on rings, to understand the research in this area.
Unraveling the Neurobiological Roots of Despair: Insights from Novel Kynurenine Aminotransferase II Knockout Mice
Authors: Szabó Ágnes , Spekker Eleonóra , Szűcs Mónika , Takeda Keiko , Ozaki Kinuyo , Inoue Hiromi , Yamamoto Sayo , Toldi József , Ono Etsuro , Vécsei László , Tanaka Masaru
Published: August 2023

Memory and emotion, fundamental components of our mental existence, are highly vulnerable to psychiatric disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition has been linked to serotonin (5-HT) metabolism disruptions. Over 95% of the 5-HT precursor tryptophan (Trp) is metabolized through the Trp-kynurenine (KYN) metabolic pathway, but little is known about its role in behavior. Kynurenine aminotransferases are responsible for the production of the Trp-KYN metabolite kynurenic acid. The gene aadat codes for mitochondrial kynurenine aminotransferase isotype 2. We generated CRISPR/Cas9-induced aadat knockout (kat2−/−) mice to examine the consequence of the gene deletion on negative valence in emotion, memory, and motor function in males 8 weeks of age and compared them to their wild-type counterparts. The forced swim test showed increased depression-like behaviors in transgenic mice. Anxiety and memory tests showed no significant differences. The transgenic mice had fewer center field and corner entries, shorter ambulation distances, and fewer jumping counts in the open field test. Overall, the transgenic mice exhibit depression-like behavior in a learned helplessness model, emotional indifference, and motor deficits. Here we present the first evidence that the deletion of the aadat gene triggers depression-like behaviors, uniquely associated with despair experience rather than fear memory. These findings have profound implications, opening avenues for further exploration into the main causes of experience-based depression linked to despair. This investigation has the potential to advance our understanding of these complex conditions and pave the way for improved therapeutic strategies by elucidating the relationship between Trp metabolism and the pathogenesis of PTSD.
Grafting amino groups onto polyimide films in flexible copper clad laminates using helicon plasma
Authors: Jing Chenggang , Wang Chen , Song Shitao , Zhang Yongqi , Wan Jie , He Liang , Qiao Ziping , E Peng
Published: August 2023

Polyimide (PI) films are widely used in electronic devices owing to their excellent mechanical and electrical properties and high thermal and chemical stabilities. In particular, PI films play an important role in flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs). However, one challenge currently faced with their use is that the adhesives used in FPCBs cause a high dielectric loss in high-frequency applications. Therefore, it is envisioned that PI films with a low dielectric loss and Cu films can be used to prepare two-layer flexible copper clad laminates (FCCLs) without any adhesive. However, the preparation of ultra-thin FCCLs with no adhesives is difficult owing to the low peel strength between the PI films and Cu films. To address this technical challenge, an FCCL with no adhesive was prepared by high-power helicon wave plasma (HWP) treatment. The surface roughness of the PI film and the peel strength between the PI film and Cu film were measured. The experimental results showed that the surface roughness of the PI film increased by 40-65% and the PI film demonstrated improved adhesion (the peel strength was >8.0 N/cm) with the Cu film following plasma treatment and Cu plating.
Historical and Current Online Monitoring of Vital Parameters of Persons on Duty in Extreme Environments - an Overview
Authors: Werner Andreas , Gunga Hanns-Christian , Küpper Thomas
Published: August 2023

Telemedicine and remote survey of physiological parameters may significantly increase the health and safety of people working in extreme environmental conditions, like firefighters, maintain rescuers, soldiers, and others. We highlight this problem and give an overview of the historical development and the actual status of systems available. Ruggedized systems, as small, lightweight, and flexible as possible, are needed to optimize the goal of increasing occupational health and safety of persons at risk and maximizing their performance during missions.
Navigating the Path to Success: Insights for Aspiring Female Leaders in Academia
Authors: Hozien Wafa
Published: August 2023

The goal of this narrative review was to identify, synthesize and summarize research providing both institutional and personal recommendations for female leaders who aspire to hold leadership roles in academia. Existing evidence regarding factors that influence females acquiring leadership positions was first gathered and examined, noting recurring issues that have been identified as inimical to women assuming leadership roles. Recent research studies and statistical trends were then investigated, tracking and reporting on the increase in female leadership in academia that has occurred over recent years. Quantitative and qualitative literature focusing on successful strategies to support females aspiring to academic leadership positions were then elaborated upon, with specific factors identified in order to deepen understanding of shifts that may help to account for the rise of females in academic leadership roles. The recommendations resulting from the findings of this narrative review could be used to scaffold female success in the pursuit of academic leadership roles and offer insights for university executives and administrators on methods of more effectively supporting an increase in female leaders in academia.
Adversarial Variational Autoencoders to Extend and Improve Generative Model
Authors: Nguyen Loc
Published: August 2023

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has been developing with many incredible achievements like ChatGPT and Bard. Deep generative model (DGM) is a branch of GenAI, which is preeminent in generating raster data such as image and sound due to strong points of deep neural network (DNN) in inference and recognition. The built-in inference mechanism of DNN, which simulates and aims to synaptic plasticity of human neuron network, fosters generation ability of DGM which produces surprised results with support of statistical flexibility. Two popular approaches in DGM are Variational Autoencoders (VAE) and Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). Both VAE and GAN have their own strong points although they share and imply underline theory of statistics as well as incredible complex via hidden layers of DNN when DNN becomes effective encoding/decoding functions without concrete specifications. In this research, I try to unify VAE and GAN into a consistent and consolidated model called Adversarial Variational Autoencoders (AVA) in which VAE and GAN complement each other, for instance, VAE is good at generator by encoding data via excellent ideology of Kullback-Leibler divergence and GAN is a significantly important method to assess reliability of data which is realistic or fake. In other words, AVA aims to improve accuracy of generative models, besides AVA extends function of simple generative models. In methodology this research focuses on combination of applied mathematical concepts and skillful techniques of computer programming in order to implement and solve complicated problems as simply as possible.
Questioning the mechanistic-universe paradigm using chaotic systems
Authors: Knoll Yehonatan
Published: August 2023

The following is undisputed:
1. The conceptual relation between QM, describing microscopic physics, and macroscopic irreversible physics, is as mysterious today as eighty years ago.
2. When propagating chaotic equations, arbitrarily small scales gradually become significant at arbitrarily large scales.
It follows that, the long-time behavior of chaotic systems is as mysterious today as eighty years ago. Previous work by the author sheds new light on the quantum-classical riddle, suggesting that quantum weirdness is a signature of a non mechanistic ontology, viz., one not describable by some generalized state-vector plus evolution rule thereof. It is argued that neither an empirical nor a theoretical case exists against such non mechanistic ontology manifesting in certain macroscopic chaotic systems. Bell's inequality violation by separated but previously coupled such systems is one example. More radically, it is hypothesized that certain systems could fuzzily `remember their future' in the sense that, a future perturbation applied to them could be inferred from their present behavior with probability>0.5. Experiments utilizing machine learning are proposed for testing such hypotheses.
Design, BSA Binding, Stopped-Flow Kinetic, Mechanistic, Molecular Docking, and Biological Evaluation of Hy-droxychloroquine-Based Chitosan Nanoparticles for Enhancing Anticancer Activity in A549 Lung Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Eldik Rudi van , Elshami Fawzia I. , Shereef Hadeer A. , El-Mehasseb Ibrahim M , Shaban Shaban Y.
Published: August 2023

The current study describes the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), widely used in traditional medicine due to its diverse phar-macological and medicinal uses. This work aims to combine the HCQ drug with CS NPs to generate a novel nanocomposite with improved characteristics and bioavailability. HCQ@CS NPs is roughly shaped like roadways and has a smooth surface with an average size of 159.3±7.1 nm, a PdI of 0.224±0.101, and a zeta potential of +46.6±0.8 mV. To aid in the development of pharmaceutical systems for use in cancer therapy, the binding mech-anism and affinity of the interaction between HCQ and HCQ@CS NPs and BSA were ex-amined using stopped-flow, other spectroscopic approaches, supplemented by molecular docking analysis. HCQ and HCQ@CS NPs binding with BSA is driven by a ground-state complex formation that may be accompanied by a non-radiative energy transfer process, and binding constants indicated that HCQ@CS NPs-BSA was more stable than HCQ-BSA. The stopped-flow analysis demonstrated that, in addition to increasing BSA affinity, the nano formulation HCQ@CS NPS changes the binding process and may open up new routes for interaction. Docking experiments verified the development of the HCQ-BSA complex, with HCQ binding to the site I on the BSA structure, primarily with the amino acids Thr 578, Gln 579, Gln 525, Tyr 400, and Asn 404. Furthermore, the nano-formulation HCQ@CS NPS not only increased cytotoxicity against the A549 lung cancer cell line (IC50 = 28.57±1.72 g/ml) compared to HCQ (102.21±0.67) g/ml), but also exhibited higher anti-bacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria when compared to HCQ and chloramphenicol which in agreement with the binding constants. The nano formulation developed in this study may offer a viable therapy option for A549 lung cancer.
Enhancing Road Traffic Accident Severity Classification Using the Stacking Method in Machine Learning Models
Authors: EL MALLAHI Imad , RIFFI Jamal , Ahmad Musheer , TAIRI Hamid , MAHRAZ Mohamed Adnane
Published: August 2023

Road traffic crashes (RTC) have become a significant cause of fatalities worldwide. The number of fatalities resulting from accidents is increasing rapidly each day. Therefore, it is crucial to develop early prediction methods that can assist drivers and riders in understanding accident statistics specific to their region. This includes considering factors such as speed limits, adherence to traffic signs, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, right of way, weather conditions, negligence, fatigue, and the impact of excessive speed on RTC occurrences. In this paper, a stacking method for enhancing the road traffic accident severity classification using machine learning models is presented which consists of several interesting points. Firstly, it offers a promising approach to tackle the challenges associated with accurately classifying accident severity, including imbalanced datasets and high-dimensional features. By combining the predictions of multiple base models, the stacking method creates a meta-model that improves classification performance. This stacking approach enables the exploitation of diverse model strengths, capturing different aspects of the data and enhancing the overall predictive power. Additionally, the selection of appropriate base models plays a crucial role in the success of the stacking method. The participating models should possess complementary strengths and provide robust predictions. Moreover, effective feature engineering and selection techniques can further enhance the performance of the stacking method. It has been found through experimentation and simulation that suggested stacking method has achieved significantly higher performance compared to other related works.
HEAVY METALS CONTENT OF COPPER (CU) AND LEAD (PB) IN CODIUM FRAGILE SEAWEED
Authors: Hidayatullah Nasrul , Yasir Inayah , Tahir Akbar
Published: August 2023

This study aims to determine the concentration of copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) inseaweed Codium fragile and is expected to add information about copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) which accumulates inseaweed C. fragile in Puntondo waters. , Takalar Regency. This research was conducted from January to August 2021, located in Puntondo waters, Takalar Regency. This research method collects data in the form of seaweed samples from the field and seaweed obtained from seaweed sales. Data analysis was carried out using the One Way Anova test with a further test of LSD (Least Significant Difference). The results of this study indicate that the metal content of copper (Cu) at each research station in seawater and C. fragile samples has passed the threshold, while the content of lead (Pb) at each station in seawater and C. fragile samples has not passed the threshold based on PP No. 22 of 2021 (<0.008 mg/L) for sea water and BPOM Regulation No. 23 of 2017 (<0.2 mg/kg) for consumption materials. The metal content of copper (Cu) in seawater at each research station was significantly different and the metal content of copper (Cu) in C. fragile at each research station was not significantly different. The metal content of lead (Pb) in C. fragile seaweed at each research station was significantly different and the metal content of lead (Pb) in seawater at each station was below the detection limit of the instrument (<0.01 ppm). The highest content of copper (Cu) in seawater was found at stations near from the ships activity, that is 0.3625 mg/L, followed by stations close to settlements at 0.235 mg/L. The highest content of copper (Cu) in C. fragile was found at stations close to settlements at 6.63 mg/kg followed by stations at PPI Beba at 6.1575 mg/kg and stations close to ships activity at 4,965. mg/kg.
MACROZOOBENTHOS DIVERSITY AS A BIOINDICATOR OF WATER QUALITY AROUND THE CENTER POINT OF INDONESIA (CPI)
Authors: Rahman Fathin Nur , Tambaru Rahmadi , Lanuru Mahatma , Lanafie Yayu A , Samawi Muh. Farid
Published: August 2023

Benthos are invertebrate animals that live at the bottom of the waters. One biota that can be used as a biological parameter in determining the quality of a waters is macrozoobenthos. The waters around the Center Point of Indonesia (CPI) are one of the waters that have received a lot of additional organic matter and other pollutant materials through the estuaries of the canals that flow into the waters of Losari Beach. The study was conducted by sampling macrozoobenthos at each station using Ejkman Grab at each station 3 times sampling then sieved using a benthos sieve measuring 1 mm. In addition, measurements of environmental factors were carried out at each station with 3 replications directly in the field and analyzed in the laboratory. The results of the macrozoobenthos sampling study obtained 4 macrozoobenthos classes found at the study site, namely the Gastropod Class (4 species), the Crustacea Class, the Ophiuroidea Class, and the Oligochaeta Class each 1 species. The highest diversity and abundance of macrozoobenthos was found at Station 6 which is suspected because this station has a sandy sediment texture and sediment DOM content and high concentrations of water solubility of oxygen which support the life of makzoobenthos. Macrozoobenthos diversity at the study site (waters around the Center Point of Indonesia) is low with a diversity index (H') value of 0.00 - 0.16. The high abundance of makzoobenthos at Station 5 and Station 6 is characterized by high current velocity, sediment DOM and high oxygen concentration.
Sustainable bank and channel stabilization techniques in arid southwest streams
Authors: Haring Christopher , Murray Autumn , Luna Forrest
Published: August 2023

Channel stabilization and enhancement approaches take many different forms and are implemented using varying construction methods, materials, and techniques. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of sustainable streambank stabilization measures that are typically applied in arid southwest (SW) streams. This study was conducted at the request of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Albuquerque District (SPA), and USACE Headquarters. The document also provides rationale for evaluating bank and bed stabilization measures.
TAPHONOMIC INDICATORS OF DEAD OCEAN QUAHOG (ARCTICA ISLANDICA) SHELL AGE IN THE DEATH ASSEMBLAGE OF THE MID-ATLANTIC BIGHT CONTINENTAL SHELF
Authors: LECLAIRE ALYSSA M. , POWELL ERIC N. , MANN ROGER , REDMOND THERESA
Published: August 2023

Taphonomic indicators are often used to assess time-since-death of skeletal remains. These indicators frequently have limited accuracy, resulting in the reliance of other methodologies to age remains. Arctica islandica, commonly known as the ocean quahog, is a relatively widespread bivalve in the North Atlantic, with an extended lifespan that often exceeds two hundred years; hence, their shells are often studied to evaluate climate change over time. This report evaluates taphonomic age using 117 A. islandica shells collected from the Mid-Atlantic Bight offshore of the Delmarva Peninsula with radiocarbon dates extending from 60–4,400 cal years BP. These shells had varying degrees of taphonomic alteration produced by discoloration and degradation of periostracum. To determine if a relationship exists between taphonomic condition and time-since-death, radiocarbon ages were compared with the amount of remaining periostracum and type of discoloration. Old shells (individuals that died long ago) were discolored orange with no periostracum while younger shells (individuals that died more recently) had their original color, with some periostracum. Both the disappearance of periostracum and appearance of discoloration followed a logistic process, with 50% of shells devoid of periostracum and 50% discolored in about 1,000 years. The logistic form of long-term taphonomic processes degrading shell condition is first reported here, as are the longest time series for taphonomic processes in death assemblages within the Holocene record. This relationship can be utilized for triage when deciding what shells to age from time-averaged assemblages, permitting more efficient application of expensive methods of aging such as radiocarbon dating.
Mathematical modeling of movement of multi-rotor type aircraft
Authors: Lobaty A. A. , Gu Penghao
Published: August 2023

The problem of determining the features and setting the problem of mathematical modeling of multirotor aircraft (LA) is considered. Differences of their mathematical models from the classical mathematical models of aircraft and single-rotor helicopter type aircraft are considered. The analysis and substantiation of the forces and moments acting on a multirotor aircraft are carried out, taking into account the peculiarities of considering the corresponding coordinate systems necessary for studying the spatial motion of the aircraft. The problem of controlling the trajectory motion of an aircraft is formulated taking into account the rotation of its structure around the center of mass. Based on the consideration of the structural diagram of one of the most common four-rotor aircraft (quadcopter), a scheme for creating control forces and moments acting on the aircraft, under the influence of which the aircraft’s trajectory in space changes, is substantiated. The main mathematical dependences characterizing the kinematics of the motion of a multi-rotor aircraft are given. On the basis of the analysis carried out, a generalized block diagram of the control process for such an aircraft is substantiated and presented. To test the performance and adequacy of the mathematical model, a study was made of the movement of a quadrocopter in a vertical plane between given points in space in accordance with the law of forced control, which ensures the movement of an aircraft in space with maximum speed. The computer simulation of the obtained analytically mathematical dependences showed that this approach is applicable to the construction of mathematical models of the motion of multirotor type aircraft of various design layouts.
Iterative reconstruction of medical phantoms on the computing cluster of eagle
Authors: Zolotarev S. A. , Taruat T. A. , Bilenko E. G.
Published: August 2023

Now one of the most important tasks is development and adaptation of iterative methods for the solution of the superbig rarefied systems of the algebraic equations. The problem of iterative parallel reconstruction of three-dimensional images of industrial facilities leads to such computing tasks. The fact that iterative methods of the solution of computing problems of big dimension are implemented on parallel structures much more effectively, than direct methods of their decision is important.
Telecolaboração e pandemia: viabilizando a interação em momento de distanciamento social
Authors: Garcia Daniela Nogueira de Moraes
Published: August 2023

Em época sem precedentes, a pandemia de COVID-19 tem gerado rupturas e a educação, desde 2020, articula cenários para driblar fragilidades e evitar a descontinuidade do ensino/aprendizagem. No ensino superior, o teletandem (TELLES, 2006, 2009), um contexto virtual, autônomo e colaborativo, tem viabilizado a interação entre os povos. Assim, pautamo-nos no uso das tecnologias, ações em tandem e telecolaboração para abordar a colaboração on-line diante do distanciamento social. Este estudo ancora-se em metodologia qualitativa para apresentar um estudo de caso, investigando potencialidades e desafios da prática, totalmente à distância. Os resultados demonstraram que, apesar de ampla experiência com a logística e condução das sessões de teletandem, foram observadas potencialidades na aprendizagem de línguas, mas também, desafios referentes às sessões e acompanhamento totalmente de forma remota.
A interação entre pessoas surdas: o papel dos marcadores discursivos na língua brasileira de sinais
Authors: Burgo Vanessa Hagemeyer , Matoso Sheyla Cristina Araujo
Published: August 2023

Este trabalho tem o objetivo de analisar o emprego dos marcadores discursivos na língua brasileira de sinais e o papel que desempenham na interação entre pessoas surdas. O arcabouço teórico está fundamentado, principalmente, em Marcuschi (2003, 1989), Preti (1999), Castilho (2017, 2016, 1989), Urbano (1999), Galembeck e Blanco (2001), Risso, Silva e Urbano (2015), Schiffrin (1987) e Quadros (2017, 2016, 2015), e o corpus é formado por vídeos disponíveis na internet pelo projeto da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, denominado Corpus de Libras. Como resultados, observamos que, assim como as línguas orais, a libras também dispõe de marcadores discursivos com funções definidas em um evento comunicativo: atuam na organização, estruturação e articulação do texto, atribuem dinamicidade ao diálogo e contribuem para a construção e gestão do ato conversacional.
Uma investigação diacrônica de “a pesar de” no espanhol peninsular à luz da Gramática Discursivo-Funcional
Authors: Parra-Araujo Beatriz Goaveia Garcia , Gasparini Bastos Sandra Denise , Fernandes Letícia de Souza
Published: August 2023

O presente artigo analisa diacronicamente “a pesar de”, juntor concessivo da língua espanhola, a fim de apresentar uma trajetória de gramaticalização que demonstre uma maior abstratização dos usos concessivos deste juntor. Neste estudo, adotamos a visão de gramaticalização descrita a partir do modelo teórico da Gramática Discursivo-Funcional (GDF), de Hengeveld e Mackenzie (2008). Por ser um modelo de análise organizado em níveis e camadas dispostos hierarquicamente, a GDF compreende que, em um processo de gramaticalização, os elementos mais gramaticalizados tendem a ocupar níveis e camadas mais elevados do que os elementos menos gramaticalizados. Os dados foram extraídos do Corpus diacrónico del español (CORDE) e analisados a partir de dois fatores: a camada de atuação da relação concessiva e a animacidade do referente introduzido por “a pesar de”. Nossa análise revela que, ao longo do tempo, tal juntor passa a marcar usos concessivos cada vez mais abstratos, pertencentes às camadas mais elevadas da GDF, e com escopo cada vez mais amplo no que diz respeito aos traços [humano] e [animado].
Demystifying Hydrocarbon Potential of an Exploratory Well X-1 Marred by Challenging Hole Conditions Thru Smart Integration of Advanced Formation Testing and Cement Evaluation Logs
Authors: Siddique Faisal Anwar , Aslam Adeel , Khan Imran , Abbasi Yasir , Khan Mohammad Rasheed , Bari Abdul , Zubair Talha , Tanveer Muhammad Sohaib
Published: August 2023

In 2021, PPL spudded well X-1 targeting Basal Sands in 12.25" hole section, Massive Deep and Sembar Sands in 8.5" hole section. The well faced multitude challenges including borehole stability issues while drilling both reservoir sections. Nevertheless, despite the poor hole conditions, wireline formation testing was able to provide important information about the tight nature of the shallow formation penetrated by the well in 12.25" section. Consequently, reservoirs across the deeper 8.5" section were vital to the evaluation of this well. Accordingly, this paper sheds light on the deployment of an effective formation testing strategy, complemented by advanced, flexural attenuation-based cased hole cement evaluation logs.

Deteriorating hole conditions excluded the option of open hole reservoir testing, hence cased hole formation testing with Dual Packer was planned to achieve formation evaluation objectives in a comprehensive manner. Furthermore, routinely used ultrasonic pulse-echo based cement evaluation technique was upgraded to advanced flexural waves (Solid Liquid Gas mapping) methodology to gain confidence pertaining isolation between reservoir zones to be tested. Perforation intervals for testing were optimized based on cement evaluation results that led to efficient execution of the cased hole formation testing job. In addition, Interval-Pressure-Transient-Testing (IPTT) was performed to determine reservoir characteristics including permeability, skin, average pressure among others. Finally, well deliverability analysis was performed using steady-state wellbore simulator.

The implemented formation testing plan ultimately proved hydrocarbon presence across Massive Deep Sands, while Sembar was evaluated as depicting tight/dry behavior. Point forward, using IPTT analysis, elaborate characterization of Massive Deep Sands was performed, yielding parameters for tuning reservoir model and estimate reservoir deliverability. Moreover, formation testing results were also in-line with the DST outcome. Integrative findings from formation testing job yielded concrete conclusion with respect to the well’s potential by providing downhole gas samples for analysis, zone wise reservoir pressure, permeability, and skin, ultimately leading to reservoir deliverability estimations.