bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Dry Eye Disease (DED) in Asia: Strategies for Short Tear Film Breakup Time-Type DED
Authors: Kawahara Atsushi
Published: November 2023

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder in which tear fluid homeostasis is lost, resulting in increased tear film osmolarity and ocular surface irritation. In Asia, the short tear film breakup time-type DED, which has become a global problem in recent years, is common. While the mainstay of DED treatment in the West is the suppression of inflammation, the first goal of treatment is the stabilization of the tear film in Asia. To date, artificial tears and steroid eye drops have been the main treatment for DED. However, artificial tears require frequent administration of eye drops and thus pose adherence problems, while steroids have problems with side-effects (cataracts, increased intraocular pressure). This review evaluates the new generation therapies in Asia based on what is known about them and demonstrates that they are more effective for DED than traditional therapies such as artificial tears and steroids. Based on considerations, it is proposed that the optimal treatment for the short tear film breakup time-type DED is the initial application of mucin-secretion-enhancing eye drops (long-acting diquafosol) and oral supplements; and if additional treatment is needed, cyclosporine eye drops and the adjunctive therapies presented in this review are added.
Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of Water Conservation Function and Its Driving Factors in the Upper Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Liu Chengjian , Zou Lei , Xia Jun , Chen Xinchi , Zuo Lingfeng , Yu Jiarui
Published: November 2023

The water conservation function (WCF), as one of the most critical ecosystem services, has an important impact on the ecological sustainability of a region. Accurately characterizing the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of WCF and further exploring its driving factors are of great significance for river basin management. Here, the WCF of the upper Yangtze River basin (UYRB) from 1991 to 2020 was calculated using the water yield module in the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Service and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model. Also, we innovatively applied emerging hot spot analysis (EHSA), which could describe the location and pattern of historical changes more accurately, to investigate the spatiotemporal heterogeneity and evolution of WCF. Based on the Geographical Detector Model (GDM), the main driving factors of WCF and their interactions were revealed. The results showed the following: (1) the WCF in the UYRB experienced a temporal increase at a growth rate of 1.48 mm/a, while remarkable differences were observed across the change rates of sub-watersheds. (2) The spatial variation of the WCF showed a gradual increase from northwest to southeast. Interestingly, the Jinshajing River upstream (JSJU) source area with a low WCF showed an increasing trend (with diminishing cold spots). On the contrary, the downstream regions of the JSJU watershed (with intensifying cold spots) underwent a weakening WCF. (3) Among all driving factors, precipitation (q = 0.701) exhibited the most remarkable prominent impact on the spatial heterogeneity of the WCF. Additionally, the interaction of factors exhibited more explanatory power than each factor alone, such as precipitation and saturated soil hydraulic conductivity (q = 0.840). This research study is beneficial to water resource management and provides a theoretical basis for ecological restoration.
Efficient Object Detection Using Semantic Region of Interest Generation with Light-Weighted LiDAR Clustering in Embedded Processors
Authors: Jung Dongkyu , Chong Taewon , Park Daejin
Published: November 2023

Many fields are currently investigating the use of convolutional neural networks to detect specific objects in three-dimensional data. While algorithms based on three-dimensional data are more stable and insensitive to lighting conditions than algorithms based on two-dimensional image data, they require more computation than two-dimensional data, making it difficult to drive CNN algorithms using three-dimensional data in lightweight embedded systems. In this paper, we propose a method to process three-dimensional data through a simple algorithm instead of complex operations such as convolution in CNN, and utilize its physical characteristics to generate ROIs to perform a CNN object detection algorithm based on two-dimensional image data. After preprocessing the LiDAR point cloud data, it is separated into individual objects through clustering, and semantic detection is performed through a classifier trained based on machine learning by extracting physical characteristics that can be utilized for semantic detection. The final object recognition is performed through a 2D-based object detection algorithm that bypasses the process of tracking bounding boxes by generating individual 2D image regions from the location and size of objects initially detected by semantic detection. This allows us to utilize the physical characteristics of 3D data to improve the accuracy of 2D image-based object detection algorithms, even in environments where it is difficult to collect data from camera sensors, resulting in a lighter system than 3D data-based object detection algorithms. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 81.84% on the YOLO v5 algorithm on an embedded board, which is 1.92% higher than the typical model. The proposed model achieves 47.41% accuracy in an environment with 40% higher brightness and 54.12% accuracy in an environment with 40% lower brightness, which is 8.97% and 13.58% higher than the general model, respectively, and can achieve high accuracy even in non-optimal brightness environments. The proposed technique also has the advantage of reducing the execution time depending on the operating environment of the detection model.
Prediction of Three-Directional Ground Reaction Forces during Walking Using a Shoe Sole Sensor System and Machine Learning
Authors: Yamaguchi Takeshi , Takahashi Yuya , Sasaki Yoshihiro
Published: November 2023

We developed a shoe sole sensor system with four high-capacity, compact triaxial force sensors using a nitrogen added chromium strain-sensitive thin film mounted on the sole of a shoe. Walking experiments were performed, including straight walking and turning (side-step and cross-step turning), in six healthy young male participants and two healthy young female participants wearing the sole sensor system. A regression model to predict three-directional ground reaction forces (GRFs) from force sensor outputs was created using multiple linear regression and Gaussian process regression (GPR). The predicted GRF values were compared with the GRF values measured with a force plate. In the model trained on data from the straight walking and turning trials, the percent root-mean-square error (%RMSE) for predicting the GRFs in the anteroposterior and vertical directions was less than 15%, except for the GRF in the mediolateral direction. The model trained separately for straight walking, side-step turning, and cross-step turning showed a %RMSE of less than 15% in all directions in the GPR model, which is considered accurate for practical use.
Recognition of Grasping Patterns Using Deep Learning for Human–Robot Collaboration
Authors: Amaral Pedro , Silva Filipe , Santos Vítor
Published: November 2023

Recent advances in the field of collaborative robotics aim to endow industrial robots with prediction and anticipation abilities. In many shared tasks, the robot’s ability to accurately perceive and recognize the objects being manipulated by the human operator is crucial to make predictions about the operator’s intentions. In this context, this paper proposes a novel learning-based framework to enable an assistive robot to recognize the object grasped by the human operator based on the pattern of the hand and finger joints. The framework combines the strengths of the commonly available software MediaPipe in detecting hand landmarks in an RGB image with a deep multi-class classifier that predicts the manipulated object from the extracted keypoints. This study focuses on the comparison between two deep architectures, a convolutional neural network and a transformer, in terms of prediction accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score. We test the performance of the recognition system on a new dataset collected with different users and in different sessions. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods, while providing valuable insights into the factors that limit the generalization ability of the models.
History of Environmental and Climatic Changes Recorded in Lacustrine Sediments—A Wigry Lake Case Study
Authors: Kostka Anna
Published: November 2023

Wigry Lake represents one of the most beautiful and valuable postglacial lakes that is located in the north-eastern part of Poland. It has been an object of scientific interest for over a century, but the most intense period of research started in 1997 and resulted in the production of numerous papers of a multidisciplinary range. The lake is especially well analyzed in terms of its sediments, which were studied using geophysical methods and using traditional lake cartography based on the sampling of sediments and their geochemical characterization. Nearly two decades of research has resulted in the extraction of over 1200 sediment samples, which facilitated the analysis and the description of five main sediment types that can be found at the bottom of Wigry Lake, i.e., carbonate gyttja, lacustrine chalk, clastic sediment, fluvial-lacustrine sediment, and organic gyttja. A very thorough vertical as well as spatial examination of Wigry Lake sediments, together with paleobiological research and isotopic dating, allowed researchers to analyze the history of environmental changes in the lake and its immediate vicinity, including anthropogenic changes. Wigry Lake had been preserved as a pristine lake for a long time, and, despite the significant growth of anthropopressure, which began in the 17th century and intensified in the 20th century, it retained its natural character to a large extent. This was possible mainly due to the favorable morphometry of the lake (large depth and capacity of the reservoir) and different forms of active and passive protection, introduced mainly after the establishment of the Wigry National Park in 1989.
Mapping Groundwater Prospective Zones Using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System Techniques in Wadi Fatima, Western Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdelkareem Mohamed , Abdalla Fathy , Alshehri Fahad , Pande Chaitanya B.
Published: November 2023

Integration of remote sensing (RS) and GIS methods has allowed for the identification of potential water resource zones. Here, climatic, ecological, hydrologic, and topographic data have been integrated with microwave and multispectral data. Sentinel-2, SRTM, and TRMM data were developed to characterize the climatic, hydrologic, and topographic landscapes of Wadi Fatima, a portion of western Saudi Arabia that drains to the Red Sea. The physical characteristics of Wadi Fatima’s catchment area that are essential for mapping groundwater potential zones were derived from topographic data, rainfall zones, lineaments, and soil maps through RS data and GIS techniques. Twelve thematic factors were merged with a GIS-based knowledge-driven approach after providing a weight for every factor. Processing of recent Sentinel-2 data acquired on 4 August 2023 verified the existence of a zone of vegetation belonging to promising areas of groundwater potential zones (GPZs). The output map is categorized into six zones: excellent (10.98%), very high (21.98%), high (24.99%), moderate (21.44%), low (14.70%), and very low (5.91%). SAR CCD derived from Sentinel-1 from 2022 to 2023 showed that the parts of no unity are in high-activity areas in agricultural and anthropogenic activities. The model predictions were proven with the ROC curves with ground data, existing wells’ locations, and the water-bearing formations’ thickness inferred from geophysical data. Their performance was accepted (AUC: 0.73). The outcomes of the applied methodologies were excellent and important for exploring, planning, managing, and sustainable development of resources of water in desert areas. The present study successfully provided insights into the watershed’s hydrologic, climatic, vegetated variation, and terrain database information using radar, optical, and multi-temporal InSAR data. Furthermore, the applied multi-criteria overlay technique revealed promising areas for groundwater abstraction, which can be applied elsewhere in various environmental situations.
Analysis of the Conceptual Frameworks of Green Marketing
Authors: Kiyak Deimena , Grigoliene Rasa
Published: November 2023

The concept of green marketing is not just a passing trend but a crucial aspect in the development of new products, contributing to the foundation of a sustainable environment. By utilizing green marketing, companies endeavor to protect the environment in the best possible way, to have as few harmful effects as possible, and to promote consumer awareness of the environment, thus contributing to sustainable development goals. For the successful application and utilization of green marketing, companies must excel at recognizing the determining elements and means of green marketing. This article aims to classify and summarize the theoretical insights of researchers in the field of green marketing from the perspective of the elements of the marketing mix. The theoretical framework analysis considers each 4P element of green marketing individually, emphasizing the elements and means of 4P functions and examining the impact these elements and means have on consumer attitudes and behavior. Each element is significant in the overall process of initiating green marketing, but every company, considering the theoretical insights presented in this article, can create a unique combination of green marketing and creatively use the 4P marketing mix, during which the basic principles of green marketing would be observed. A structured academic research study in this field would decisively contribute to the practical application of green marketing in businesses.
Exploring the Demand-Pull Effect on Green Innovation and Its Spatial Spillover Effects: Evidence from 261 Chinese Prefecture-Level Cities
Authors: Hou Peng , Guo Jifei
Published: November 2023

In China’s evolving landscape of high-quality development, characterized by a shift toward greener and lower-carbon practices, green innovation plays an essential role. Among the determinants shaping green innovation, demand factors play a pivotal role in driving its progress. Drawing on the theory of demand-induced innovation, this study utilized panel data spanning from 2008 to 2020 from 261 Chinese prefecture-level cities to investigate the effects of demand factors on green innovation. It also made use of a spatial model to investigate the regulatory function that market segmentation plays in this complex interplay, as well as any possible spatial spillover effects of these demand factors on the dynamics of green innovation. The research findings reveal that both domestic and foreign demand exert a significant fostering effect on the development of green innovation, whereas the widening income gap plays a constraining role. And the influence of demand considerations on green innovation varies depending on the region and kind of patent. Furthermore, the influence of demand factors on green innovation is accompanied by spatial spillover effects and is subject to modulation by the extent of market segmentation. The insights obtained from this research offer practical implications for advancing green innovation and provide guidance for its better promotion.
Aqueous Organic Redox-Targeting Flow Batteries with Advanced Solid Materials: Current Status and Future Perspective
Authors: Ma Jin , Rong Sida , Cai Yichong , Wang Tidong , Han Zheng , Ji Ya
Published: November 2023

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) represent innovative and sustainable systems featuring decoupled energy capacity and power density; storing energy within organic redox-active materials. This design facilitates straightforward scalability, holding the potential for an affordable energy storage solution. However, AORFBs face challenges of unsatisfied energy density and stability. Redox-targeting (RT) reaction is a promising way to resolve these problems, which involves a closed-loop electrochemical–chemical cycle between soluble redox mediators and solid materials. Among all these systems, the aqueous organic redox-targeting system is the most promising due to its greater sustainability, safety, low cost, and excellent tunability when compared to non-aqueous or all-vanadium systems, especially when it comes to energy storage on a large scale. Firstly, various types of AORFBs and their characteristics are discussed and analyzed, followed by introducing the concept and the evolution of RT. In addition, advanced characterization techniques to analyze RT-based AORFBs are summarized. Finally, the challenges lying in aqueous organic redox-targeting flow batteries are stated and corresponding recommendations are provided. It is anticipated that AORFBs with advanced solid materials will provide a promising solution for large-scale energy storage.
Thematic Review on Women’s Perception of Safety While Walking in Public Space: The STEP UP Project
Authors: Scarponi Lily , Abdelfattah Lamia , Gorrini Andrea , Valenzuela Cortés Catalina , Carpentieri Gerardo , Guida Carmen , Zucaro Floriana , Andreola Florencia , Muzzonigro Azzurra , Da Re Laura , Gargiulo Eleonora , Cañas Carlos , Walker Jim , Choubassi Rawad
Published: November 2023

The contributions of this paper are the result of a thematic review conducted on some of the most relevant scientific contributions and policy guidelines about women’s perception of safety while walking in public spaces. The first part of the review focused on 23 scientific references revolving around the keywords “gender”, “safety” and “walkability”. This led to the establishment of three main Safety Factors: (i) Spatial Features (space characteristics/morphological features); (ii) City Use (traces of behavior and presence of city users); and (iii) Hotspots (safe havens and no-go areas); further resulting in 19 sub-factors. The second part of the review covered a collection of 20 reports and 10 guidelines focused on diverse geographical scales, areas of interest and target audiences, as well as data collection methods. This involved the selection of multiple case studies, which are also presented, thus maintaining a geographically diverse sample. As part of the scientific research project “STEP UP—Walkability for Women in Milan”, the outputs of the proposed thematic review will be exploited to help identify challenging areas of Milan (Italy), as samples of analysis to develop a set of policy recommendations to enhance the level of walkability for women.
Three-Dimensional Semi-Symmetric Almost α-Cosymplectic Manifolds
Authors: Öztürk Sermin , Öztürk Hakan
Published: November 2023

The main objective of this paper is to study semi-symmetric almost α-cosymplectic three-manifolds. We present basic formulas for almost α-cosymplectic manifolds. Using curvature properties, we obtain some necessary and sufficient conditions on semi-symmetric almost α-cosymplectic three-manifolds. We obtain the main results under an additional condition. The paper concludes with two illustrative examples.
Analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis Revealed Novel Groups of Filamentous Bacteriophages
Authors: Evseev Peter , Bocharova Julia , Shagin Dmitriy , Chebotar Igor
Published: November 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause infections in humans, especially in hospital patients with compromised host defence mechanisms, including patients with cystic fibrosis. Filamentous bacteriophages represent a group of single-stranded DNA viruses infecting different bacteria, including P. aeruginosa and other human and animal pathogens; many of them can replicate when integrated into the bacterial chromosome. Filamentous bacteriophages can contribute to the virulence of P. aeruginosa and influence the course of the disease. There are just a few isolated and officially classified filamentous bacteriophages infecting P. aeruginosa, but genomic studies indicated the frequent occurrence of integrated prophages in many P. aeruginosa genomes. An analysis of sequenced genomes of P. aeruginosa isolated from upper respiratory tract (throat and nasal swabs) and sputum specimens collected from Russian patients with cystic fibrosis indicated a higher diversity of filamentous bacteriophages than first thought. A detailed analysis of predicted bacterial proteins revealed prophage regions representing the filamentous phages known to be quite distantly related to known phages. Genomic comparisons and phylogenetic studies enabled the proposal of several new taxonomic groups of filamentous bacteriophages.
Prediction of Tail Water Level under the Influence of Backwater Effect Based on Deep Learning Models: A Case Study in the Xiangjiaba Hydropower Station
Authors: Zhang Sen , Xie Shuai , Wang Yongqiang , Xu Yang , Zhang Zheng , Jia Benjun
Published: November 2023

Accurate forecasting of the tail water level (TWL) is of great importance for the safe and economic operation of hydropower stations. The prediction accuracy is significantly influenced by the backwater effect of downstream tributaries and the operation of adjacent hydropower stations, but the explicit quantification method of the backwater effect is lacking. In this study, a deep-learning-model-based forecasting method for TWL predictions under the backwater effect is developed and applied in the Xiangjiaba (XJB) hydropower station, which is influenced by the backwater effect of downstream tributaries, including the Hengjiang River (HJR) and the Minjiang River (MJR). Firstly, the random forest algorithm was used to analyze the influence of HJR and MJR flows with different lag times on the TWL prediction error of the XJB hydropower station. The results show that the time lags of the backwater effect of HJR and MJR run offs on the TWL of the XJB are 5~7 h and 1~2 h, respectively. Then, the run off thresholds of the HJR and MJR for impacting the TWL of the XJB station are obtained through scenario comparison, and the results show that the run off thresholds of the HJR and the MJR are 700 m3/s and 7000 m3/s, respectively. Finally, based on the analysis of the time lag and the threshold of the backwater effect, a deep learning model (LSTM)-based TWL forecasting method is established and applied to predict the TWL of the XJB station. The results show that the forecasting model has a good predictive performance, with 98.22% of absolute errors less than 20 cm. The mean absolute error over the validation dataset is 5.27 cm, and the maximum absolute error is 63.35 cm. Compared with the LSTM-based prediction model without considering the backwater effect, the mean absolute error decreased by 31%, and the maximum absolute error decreased by 71%.
Variation of PAI-1 and oxidant-antioxidant status in Four Human Cancers
Authors: Al_Ali Zahraa Hayder Razzaq , Elham Abed Mahdi
Published: November 2023

Objective: The present study was disigned to invistigate the effect of plasmin-plasminogen system variable which is plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) on the occurrence of the development of malignant and benign tumors. In addition to illustrate the oxidative stress effect on the malignant and benign tumors occuring and complication progress. Which involving Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Hydrogen Peroxide H2O2. On the other hand, current study amied to nominate the most suitable variant as an effective tumor marker
QTAIM analysis for Metal - Metal and Metal- Non-metal Bonds in Tri-Osmium cluster
Authors: Shatha Raheem Helal Alhimidi  , Manal A. Mohammed Al-Jabery  , Nadia Ezzat Alkurbasy  , Muhsen Abood Muhsen Al-Ibadi
Published: November 2023

Electron density of the interaction of the compound's chemical bonding has been computed using topological analysis. The findings suggest that Os-Os, Os-N, and Os-H bonds have experienced bond critical points (BCP) with corresponding bonds paths (BP). The presence of N-C bridging atoms is significantly impacted by electron density of Os2-Os3 bond distribution therefore no critical point found and bond path. So, due to their positive electron density (b), negative laplacian 2(b), and positive the total energy density H(b) values, the Os-NC, Os-H, and Os-CO bonds all have transit closed-shell topological properties.
Genetic polymorphism of CTLA4 with functional thyroid tests in hypothyroid disease patients
Authors: Shahad Tareq Rradeef  , Elham Abed Mahdi
Published: November 2023

Objective: To recognize the role of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 CTLA4 gene polymorphism (rs231775A/G) in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients and a study its correlation with other clinical data.Design and MethodsCase-control research was conducted on 200 females, with 100 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis aged 18-68 years and 100 age and gender-matched healthy volunteers. Patients were drawn from Al-Sadder Medical City in Al-Najaf Governorate. All participants underwent to medical examinations to ensure they were suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The Real-time-PCR method was used to analyze the genotyping of the CTLA4 gene, and the levels of T3, T4, TSH, Anti-TPO, and Anti-TG were assessed using an ELISA kit in all study groups
TECHNOLOGIES OF ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MATERIALS: DETERMINATION OF THE OPTIMAL COMPOSITION OF MIXED DIESEL FUEL
Authors:   St. Petersburg Mining University, Eremeeva Anzhelika M. , Khasanov Artem F. ,   St. Petersburg Mining University, Kondrasheva Natalya K. ,   St. Petersburg Mining University
Published: November 2023

The issue of improving the quality and finding alternative resources in the fuel sector leads to the use of environmentally friendly materials with improved characteristics. The article presents a calculation method, the purpose of which is to determine the engine-optimal composition of environmentally friendly mixed diesel fuel with improved ecological characteristics consisting of three main components: hydrotreated diesel fuel, biodiesel obtained by transesterification and biodiesel obtained by hydrotreating of vegetable oils. During the work, the individual characteristics of the components were determined. Those characteristics are required to be in compliance with the requirements for diesel fuels (density, viscosity, lubricating properties, sulfur content, cetane number). The qualitative and quantitative composition was investigated by chromatographymass spectrometry method. Classes of hydrocarbons and their specific representatives in each of the components were determined. Using the results of the previous stages, the calculation of the optimal composition of the components was performed using the Ansys Reaction Workbench software. The algorithm for entering the necessary initial data for working with the program, utility-aided calculation of the coefficients of dependencies of individual and thermodynamic properties of substances used in calculations were considered, thereby complementing the basic library of chemical compounds for Ansys Surrogate Blend Optimizer. As a result, a group composition for hydrocarbons was obtained that meets the requirements of the standards for further calculation of the optimal component composition. The usage of mixed diesel fuel that meets GOST R 52368-2005 "EURO diesel fuel Specifications" will not only improve the performance characteristics required in modern diesel vehicles, but also meet the standards of environmental parameters when using it. The appliance of mathematical models for calculating the optimal composition of fuels makes it possible to predict the properties of mixed compositions without experimental determination of the properties and without spending additional resources.
THERMAL INSULATION COATINGS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES
Authors:   Military Space Academy named after A.F. Mozhaisky, Sycheva Anastasiya M. , Shashkov Alexsey I. ,   Military Space Academy named after A.F. Mozhaisky, Solomakhin Andrey S. ,   Military Space Academy named after A.F. Mozhaisky, Shevchuk Andrey M. ,   Military Space Academy named after A.F. Mozhaisky
Published: November 2023

The work discusses the study of the possibility of using thermal insulation coatings based on foam in construction. The relevance of the use of thermal insulation coatings is shown – energy saving, heat and noise protection, fire resistance. Advantages of thermal insulation coatings over existing materials are considered. The developed compositions of two environmentally friendly coatings based on organic-mineral compounds are given. The article describes methods of foam stabilization to extend the service life of thermal insulation coatings. The foam stabilization mechanism is based on sol-gel processes when using SiO2 sol and hydration processes when using cement. Foams obtained by those mechanisms are proposed to be called hardening building foams. The article describes the possibility of imparting different colors to thermal insulation coatings by introducing organic dyes into the foaming composition.
INFRARED SPECTROMETRY OF MODIFIED DETONATION NANODIAMONDS
Authors:   FSUE ", Dolmatov Valery Yu. ,   Special Design and Technology Bureau ",   Tekhnolog", Ozerin Aleksander N. ,   N.S. Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymer Materials, Voznyakovsky Alexander P. ,   S.V. Lebedev Institute of Synthetic Rubber, Voznyakovsky Alexey A. ,   Ioffe Institute, Lapchuk Natalya M. ,   Belarusian State University, Shames Alexander I. ,   Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Panich Alexander I. ,   Ben Gurion University of the Negev
Published: November 2023

The article analyzes the infrared spectra (IR spectra) of detonation nanodiamonds (DND) obtained from various explosives: from an alloy of TNT and RDX; tetryl; tetryl with RDX and a ternary mixture: a mixture of TNT, RDX and tetryl. The resulting DNDs were treated: with aqueous ammonia at 220 °C at 40 atm, in a gaseous medium (air and argon) at 430 °C. It was shown that high-temperature treatment of various DNDs leads to an identical result: all nanodiamond samples, regardless of the initial explosive and the nature of the modification, have strong absorption bands of nitrogen impurity centers (826, ~1100, 1255, 1328, 1558 cm –1). In addition, all samples have pronounced absorption bands of adsorbed water (1625–1637 cm–1), carbonyl group (1742–1790 cm–1), stretching vibrations of the Csp3–H group (2853–2958 cm–1), and stretching vibrations of the OH group (3330 – 3397 cm–1).
Методика визначення оптимального часу діагностування елементів прокатного обладнання
Authors: Kravchenko Vladimir , Ishchenko Anatoly , Rassokhin Dmytro , Nosovska Olena , Kapustin Stanislav
Published: November 2023

Кравченко В. М., Іщенко А. О., Рассохін Д. О., Носовська О. В., Капустін С. В. Методика визначення оптимального часу діагностування елементів прокатного обладнання

Розроблена методика оптимізації часу діагностування груп елементів прокатного обладнання, які в процесі експлуатації виходять з ладу в результаті зношування, втомних явищ і т.п. Зокрема це, насамперед, відноситься к виходу з ладу підшипників кочення та пар тертя прокатних станів, рольгангів та інших машин усього комплексу прокатної лінії. Крім того схильні до цих пошкоджень зубчаті колеса редукторів відповідальних механізмів, наприклад, натискного пристрою прокатної кліті, шестеренних клітей приводу прокатного стана. Діагностика комплексу таких елементів потребує значних витрат часу та не завжди можлива в умовах прокатного виробництва. Саме з цієї причини з’явилась необхідність в оптимізації часу чергового діагностування в залежності від прийнятих за основу законів розподілу швидкості змінення показників накопичення пошкоджень, які визначаються шляхом фіксації статистичних даних по елементам прокатного обладнання. В свою чергу, ці статистичні дані повинні враховувати результати замін елементів прокатного обладнання, що вийшли з ладу, та корегувати ці статистичні дані згідно зі змінами, що відбулися. Така заміна передбачає виділення елементів прокатного обладнання, які не забезпечують роботу обладнання внаслідок пошкоджуваності і в той же час формує вектор розподілення елементів, заміна яких доцільна. Як наслідок такої заміни виникає необхідність формування вектора розподілення по накопиченню пошкоджуваності у знову встановлених елементів. Для подальшого розгляду питання вірогідності пошкоджуваності елементів необхідно використання закону розподілення швидкості накопичення пошкоджуваності та його параметрів методом математичної статистики. Отримані результати у вигляді методики оптимізації можуть бути використані для підвищення ефективності сервісного обслуговування прокатного обладнання, вичерпання ресурсів якого може бути оцінено засобами технічної діагностики.
Co-sponsorship network of media bill in the 20th Korean National Assembly
Authors:   Taegu Science University Defense Security Institute, Choi Jin Ho
Published: November 2023

This study analyzed the co-sponsorship network of media-related bills proposed in the 20th Korean National Assembly to understand the legislative process of media-related law. For this, I analyzed connectivity and network centrality based on co-sponsor attributes. The analysis revealed a clear division in the party affiliation and local constituency of the members who participated in the co-sponsorship. In particular, the division was centered on the two major parties (Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and United Future Party (UFP)), and the members of the third-party Minsaengdang were mainly close to the DPK members, but some had networks with the UFP members. By region, members from Gyeongsang/Gangwon, and Jeolla were clustered. Honggeun Bak, Woongrae Roh of the DPK and Seang Tae Kim and Heekyung Song of the UFP were ranked high in several centrality indices, suggesting that they played a key roles and exercised influence in the media bill co-sponsorship process based on their party affiliations.
Real-Time Monitoring of Parameters Contributing to Soil Quality in Palm Oil Plantation
Authors: Mayowela Beatrice Eugen , Ally Juma Said
Published: November 2023

Soil sustains the life of both animals and plants in the world. Most agriculture activities are conducted in soil. Real-time soil parameter data were collected in three villages of Kyela district (Kisare, Lupaso, and Mabunga) lowland zones during the September 2023 dry season. Observed real-time parameters were soil pH, Electric conductivity, temperature, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, and humidity. Soil sensor, multifunctional converter, solar panel, 4G WIFI, and cloud platform (USRIOT) were used. The result shows that nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, pH, and Electric conductivity have a positive correlation with each other while demonstrating a negative correlation to pH and temperature. Although outliers were observed in real-time nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and electric conductivity datasets, they denote a wide variation of such parameters in selected villages. Furthermore, the selected study area demonstrates a relatively low amount of phosphorus compared to other macronutrients
Ethnobotanical study of the medicinal flora of the province of Trujillo, Peru
Authors:   Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, De la Cruz-Castillo Anthony J , Mostacero-Leon Jose ,   Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Lopez-Medina Segundo E ,   Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Gil-Rivero Armando E ,   Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Vasquez-Boyer Carlos A ,   Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Villacorta-Vasquez Juan A ,   Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Alipio-Rodriguez Anavely L ,   Universidad Nacional de Trujillo
Published: November 2023

Trujillo, one of the main provinces of Peru, is home to a multicultural population, coming from the Coast, Sierra and Selva; of different ideologies, cultures, and ancestral knowledge about the correct use of medicinal flora. In this sense and in an effort to rescue this ancestral knowledge, the ethnobotanical study of the medicinal flora of the province of Trujillo was carried out. For which 96 semi-structured interviews wereapplied, using the "snowball" technique; followed by the collection, taxonomic determination and calculation of ethnobotanical indices: Use Value Index (IVU) and Informant Consensus Factor Index (FCI). It is concluded that the inhabitants of Trujillo makeuse of 102 species of medicinal flora, distributed in 95 genera and 46 families for the treatment and/or cure of 62 diseases. Of the total species, 24 turned out to be the most important (according to their IVU) for the cure of diseases of the Trujillo population.
Oxytocin neuron activation by acute infusion of Montanoa genus plants in the Wistar rats
Authors:   Universidad Veracruzana, Rovirosa-Hernandez Maria de Jesus , Rodriguez-Landa Juan Francisco ,   Universidad Veracruzana, Caba Mario ,   Universidad Veracruzana, Garcia-Orduna Francisco ,   Universidad Veracruzana, Cueto-Escobedo Jonathan ,   Universidad Veracruzana, Hernandez-Baltazar Daniel ,   Universidad Veracruzana, Lagunes-Merino Omar ,   Universidad Veracruzana
Published: November 2023

In traditional Mexican medicine, plants from the Montanoa genus, family Asteraceae (Montanoa tomentosa, Montanoa grandiflora, and Montanoa frutescens) have been used to induce labor owing to their uterotonic properties like those produced by oxytocin (OXT). However, whether infusions of these plants can activate hypothalamic OXT-producing neurons is unknown. To test this possibility, five independent groups of Wistar rats (n=4) were included: intact, vehicle, and three groups that received 50 mg/kg p.o. of M. tomentosa, M. grandiflora, and M. frutescens infusions, respectively. Ninety min after treatment, the brains were obtained and processed using double-labeled immunohistochemistry for Fos protein and oxytocin (Fos/OXT-ir). Rats that received Montanoa infusions had significantly greater number of Fos/OXT-ir cells in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei, with respect to intact and vehicle groups. These findings demonstrate that Montanoa infusions activated OXT neurons, an effect that may be related to the reported pharmacological properties.
Effectiveness of Comfort Theory Model Based on Holistic Care for Hospitalized Children with Sickle Cell Disease Crises
Authors: Howaida Moawad Ahmed Al
Published: November 2023

Background: Children’s experience of hospital when suffering acute sickle cell crises can be improved by a comfort approach to nursing care. Aim and Design: The true experimental design approach was used to investigate the efficiency of comfort theory in improving the comfort level model for children with SCD crises. Sample and setting: A convenience sample was taken from children admitted at pediatric inpatient department of Benha University Hospital and Specialized Children Hospital, Benha city, Egypt during sickle cell crises. Data collection tool: Data collection was undertaken in a number of ways, including a demographic information form, patient Comfort Behaviors Checklist, Comfort Daisies Scale, and General Comfort Questionnaire, both pre- and post-theory intervention, based on the nursing process. Results: When compared to a control group, significant differences were observed in children with SCD crises post-comfort theory application. There was also a positive correlation between the children’s state of comfort and post-comfort theory intervention. An association was also noted between children in secondary education and at a higher economic level in comfort state at second observation, which was deemed to be the best comfort achievement. Conclusion and recommendations: Nursing care modelled on comfort theory can significantly improve children’s experience of hospitalization during sickle cell crises. The nursing of children should be holistic, and evaluate their physical, emotional, and psychological needs when addressing their level of comfort.
Financing Ceramic Artists and Fashion Designers in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana
Authors: Mefful Ophelia O. , Asante-Kyei Kofi , Mefful John
Published: November 2023

Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) face numerous financial challenges in their contribution towards the socio-economic development in Ghana. As a result, most ceramic artists and fashion designers in SMEs often are confronted with global economic crisis and are unable to grow their businesses to become big firms. The general objective of the study was to investigate the funding challenges facing Ceramic Artists and Fashion designers who owned small and medium scale enterprises in Ghana as well as examined what could be done to help mitigate these challenges. The study adopted purposive sampling technique to select forty (40) respondents comprising twenty (20) ceramic artists and twenty (20) fashion designers who owned SMEs within Sekondi -Takoradi Metropolis. Questionnaires and interview schedules were developed and used to collect data from the sampled ceramic and fashion enterprises. Statistical techniques such as mean and percentages were used to analyze the data collected while descriptive analysis was used to generate graphs, charts and tables. It was established that some of the financial challenges facing ceramic artists and fashion designers in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis included financial constraints such as raising capital in starting the business, lack of collateral, the fear of taking risk, high cost of lending, the demand for collateral by banks and micro finance as well as the delay in the processing of loans to access credit. The study concluded by recommending among others that, loan acquisition processes could be shorter and simple. Additionally, low interest and financial training could be given to the ceramic artists and fashion designers to aid them in keeping proper financial records so as to sustain their art businesses.
Pelaksanaan Hukuman Kebiri Kimia Terhadap Pelaku Kejahatan Seksual Pada Anak Sebagai Pembaharuan Hukum Perlindungan Anak
Authors: Chariansyah Hery
Published: November 2023

Hukuman kebiri kimia yang diatur dalam undang-undang tentang perlindungan anak menjadi bentuk keseriusan negara dalam melindungi anak-anak dari kejahatan seksual, akan tetapi pada pelaksanaannya banyak terjadi penolakan pada hukuman kebiri tersebut karena dianggap sebagai hukuman yang kejam, tidak manusiawi, dan bertentangan dengan etika kedokteran. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis tentang perlindungan hukum terhadap anak dari tindak pidana kejahatan seksual pada anak dalam sistem hukum di Indonesia, dan untuk menganalisis kepastian hukum atas hukuman kebiri kimia sebagai pembaharuan hukum atas kejahatan seksual terhadap anak. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah yuridis normatif yang dilakukan dengan cara penelitian terhadap kaidah hukum positif dan asas hukum yang dievaluasi terhadap kaidah-kaidah hukum (peraturan perundang-undangan) yang relevan. Hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa hukuman kebiri kimia yang dikenakan kepada pelaku kejahatan seksual terhadap anak merupakan bentuk perlindungan hukum yang diberikan oleh pemerintah terhadap anak dalam melindungi anak-anak di Indonesia dari kejahatan seksual dan penegakan hukum atas hukuman kebiri yakni telah diberlakukannya Undang-Undang Nomor 17 Tahun 2016 tentang Penetapan Peraturan Pemerintah Pengganti Undang-Undang Nomor 1 Tahun 2016 tentang Perubahan Kedua Atas Undang-Undang Nomor 23 Tahun 2002 tentang Perlindungan Anak menjadi undang-undang dan digunakan sebagai dasar hukum oleh hakim dalam memberikan hukuman kebiri kimia kepada pelaku tindak pidana kekerasan seksual terhadap anak.
Optimization of Insulating Material Selection for Effective Squeal Noise Damping
Authors: Anand Ramamoorthy , Kitchana Venkatesh , Vasanth Kannan
Published: November 2023

Squeal noise phenomenon in disc brakes is a complicated dynamic challenge which brake manufacturers have confronted for decades. The most prevalent technique apprehended by the brake manufactures is to simulate the braking conditions using a noise dynamometer. This is a well-established, expensive technique which is time-consuming. The objective of this paper is to understand the phenomenon of brake squeal, modal coupling and publish an analytical approach to predict a suitable damping material and thereby to optimize the dynamometer tests and time. As the temperature increases the stiffness of the component decreases thereby the resonance frequency tends to decrease. Compressing the pad increases its stiffness and thereby its resonance frequency. Compressibility being inversely proportional to stiffness has direct influence over the frequency response function of the brake components. Shim suppliers use generic structure to obtain the damping ratio at its resonance at every other degree. The damping ratio is measured only at the resonance of the generic structure which misses out most of the resonance frequency of the brake pad. Three shims were taken for study. The damping ratio measured reflects the system’s damping and not merely of the shim. So, pad shim assembly is ran over critical temperature obtained from the dynamometer results and the damping ratio is captured at critical frequency and plotted for various shims. Pad shim assembly is assembled in the brake dynamometer and the damping ratio is captured at the various pressures and plotted for various shims. From the plotted graphs, optimal shim can be selected. Following this analytical approach will optimize the dynamometer test.
IMU Based Velocity Estimation Impact on Stopping Distance for Heavy-Duty Class 8 Truck Air Brake Systems with ABS
Authors: Erdos Tamas
Published: November 2023

An accurate estimate of vehicle speed is essential for optimal anti-lock braking system (ABS) calculations. Currently, most vehicles including heavy-duty class 8 trucks mainly rely on wheel speed sensors (WSS) to estimate velocity. However, as soon as braking is applied, WSS become inaccurate for determining the velocity due to the longitudinal slip developed in the tires. Using the inertial measurement unit (IMU) to estimate vehicle speed allows for its use in conjunction with the WSS to accurately calculate the slip ratio at each tire. These slip ratio values can then be used as the main control variable in the ABS algorithm to utilize the grip available more fully at each tire, to improve stopping distance and controllability. A steady state braking analysis model is developed and validated against Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 121 60-0 mph stopping distance data for a loaded class 8 tractor semi-trailer combination. Once the model is validated to show good correlation to measured deceleration data, it is used to estimate the theoretical peak steady state deceleration with the ideal slip ratio at each tire. Then a semi-empirical approach is used to consider current air brake system and ABS algorithm capabilities in the analysis. Lastly, the initial transient phase of 60-0 mph stop is accounted for to get a realistic stopping distance improvement estimate for a loaded heavy-duty truck.