bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgery paradigm for locally advanced breast cancer following neoadjuvant systemic therapy
Authors: Sun Ziyue , Liu Kexin , Guo Yanru , Jiang Nanyuan , Ye Meina
Published: September 2024

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly in developing countries. While neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) has improved the pathological complete response (pCR) rates, particularly in HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer patients, surgical management post-NST continues to evolve. The feasibility of omitting surgery and the increasing consideration of breast-conserving surgery, immediate reconstruction in LABC patients are important areas of exploration. Accurate assessment of tumor response to NST through advanced imaging and minimally invasive biopsies remains pivotal, though challenges persist in reliably predicting pCR. Additionally, axillary lymph node management continues to evolve, with emerging strategies aiming to minimize the extent of surgery in patients who achieve nodal downstaging post-NST. Minimizing axillary lymph node dissection in favor of less invasive approaches is gaining attention, though further evidence is needed to establish its oncological safety. The potential for personalized treatment approaches, reducing surgical morbidity, and improving quality of life are key goals in managing LABC, while maintaining the priority of achieving favorable long-term outcomes.
Factors affecting the quality and nutritional value of donkey meat: a comprehensive review
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Min , Sun Yujiang , Liu Shuqin
Published: September 2024

Donkey meat is characterized by a high content of proteins, essential amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acids and is low in fat, cholesterol, and calories. Thus, it is considered a high-quality source of meat. Based on the data from PubMed and Web of science within past 10 years, this review summarizes the factors affecting the quality of donkey meat and its nutritional value, including breed, genetics, gender, age, muscle type, feeding regimen, storage and processing conditions. Breed, gender, age, and feeding regimen mainly affect the quality of donkey meat by influencing its intramuscular fat content and carcass quality. Meanwhile, the tenderness and flavor of donkey meat depend on the muscle type, storage and processing conditions. Genetics, on the other hand, fundamentally affect donkey meat quality by influencing the polymorphism of genes. These findings provide valuable insights and guidance for producers, consumers, and decision-makers in the donkey meat industry, promoting the development of more effective marketing strategies and the improvement of meat quality, thereby enabling the expansion and progress of the entire industry.
IMM Filtering Algorithms for a Highly Maneuvering Fighter Aircraft: An Overview
Authors: Radhika M. N. , Mallick Mahendra , Tian Xiaoqing
Published: September 2024

The trajectory estimation of a highly maneuvering target is a challenging problem and has practical applications. The interacting multiple model (IMM) filter is a well-established filtering algorithm for the trajectory estimation of maneuvering targets. In this study, we present an overview of IMM filtering algorithms for tracking a highly-maneuverable fighter aircraft using an air moving target indicator (AMTI) radar on another aircraft. This problem is a nonlinear filtering problem due to nonlinearities in the dynamic and measurement models. We first describe single-model nonlinear filtering algorithms: the extended Kalman filter (EKF), unscented Kalman filter (UKF), and cubature Kalman filter (CKF). Then, we summarize the IMM-based EKF (IMM-EKF), IMM-based UKF (IMM-UKF), and IMM-based CKF (CKF). In order to compare the state estimation accuracies of the IMM-based filters, we present a derivation of the posterior Cramér-Rao lower bound (PCRLB). We consider fighter aircraft traveling with accelerations 3g, 4g, 5g, and 6g and present numerical results for state estimation accuracy and computational cost under various operating conditions. Our results show that under normal operating conditions, the three IMM-based filters have nearly the same accuracy. This is due to the accuracy of the measurements of the AMTI radar and the high data rate.
Quantum State Combinatorics
Authors: Scholes Gregory D.
Published: September 2024

This paper concerns the analysis of large quantum states. It is a notoriously difficult problem to quantify separability of quantum states, and for large quantum states, it is unfeasible. Here we posit that when quantum states are large, we can deduce reasonable expectations for the complex structure of non-classical multipartite correlations with surprisingly little information about the state. We show, with pegagogical examples, how known results from combinatorics can be used to reveal the expected structure of various correlations hidden in the ensemble described by a state.
Optimum Achievable Rates in Two Random Number Generation Problems with f-Divergences Using Smooth Rényi Entropy
Authors: Nomura Ryo , Yagi Hideki
Published: September 2024

Two typical fixed-length random number generation problems in information theory are considered for general sources. One is the source resolvability problem and the other is the intrinsic randomness problem. In each of these problems, the optimum achievable rate with respect to the given approximation measure is one of our main concerns and has been characterized using two different information quantities: the information spectrum and the smooth Rényi entropy. Recently, optimum achievable rates with respect to f-divergences have been characterized using the information spectrum quantity. The f-divergence is a general non-negative measure between two probability distributions on the basis of a convex function f. The class of f-divergences includes several important measures such as the variational distance, the KL divergence, the Hellinger distance and so on. Hence, it is meaningful to consider the random number generation problems with respect to f-divergences. However, optimum achievable rates with respect to f-divergences using the smooth Rényi entropy have not been clarified yet in both problems. In this paper, we try to analyze the optimum achievable rates using the smooth Rényi entropy and to extend the class of f-divergence. To do so, we first derive general formulas of the first-order optimum achievable rates with respect to f-divergences in both problems under the same conditions as imposed by previous studies. Next, we relax the conditions on f-divergence and generalize the obtained general formulas. Then, we particularize our general formulas to several specified functions f. As a result, we reveal that it is easy to derive optimum achievable rates for several important measures from our general formulas. Furthermore, a kind of duality between the resolvability and the intrinsic randomness is revealed in terms of the smooth Rényi entropy. Second-order optimum achievable rates and optimistic achievable rates are also investigated.
Innovative Load Forecasting Models and Intelligent Control Strategy for Enhancing Distributed Load Levelling Techniques in Resilient Smart Grids
Authors: Fangzong Wang , Nishtar Zuhaib
Published: September 2024

Dynamic load forecasting is essential for effective energy management and grid operation. The use of GRU (Gated Recurrent Unit) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks for precise load prediction is investigated in this paper. This research examines dynamic load patterns by innovatively integrating heterogeneous information from several datasets. The results show that the LSTM and GRU models are equally good at making predictions and that this holds true across a variety of datasets. Furthermore, the models’ ability to accurately capture the temporal relationships in the load data is demonstrated by their low Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Mean Squared Error (MSE) values. Additionally, the comparative analysis results, which highlight flexibility in model selection, can aid energy sector decision makers. The significance of precise load projections for maintaining grid dependability and optimizing resources is further highlighted by this work, which also elucidates the effects of forecast inaccuracies on decision-making procedures. Our research study provides important information for power system management strategy planning, which in turn promotes the continuous innovation of smart grids in dynamic load forecasting to keep up with changing energy consumption patterns.
Development of Methods for Sensitivity Analysis of Electrical Energy Networks and Systems within State Space
Authors: Blenk Tobias , Weindl Christian
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a new method that should make it possible to determine the sensitivity of uncontrolled electrical power grids with only a modest amount of effort. Unlike most of the methods described in the literature, this method is based on an implicit description of the electrical power grid in the state space, in which the system matrices are set up using mesh equations based on a complete tree. In this case, the sensitivity matrix is not derived from the Jacobian matrix, but from the weighted inverse of the impedance matrix. It will be shown that this makes it possible to determine the sensitivity of the network independently of the operating point, under the assumption that the impedances of the network remain constant.
Mixed Reality in Clinical Settings for Pediatric Patients and Their Families: A Literature Review
Authors: Sin Jae Eun , Kim Ah Rim
Published: September 2024

In the post-pandemic context, there has been an increasing demand for technology-based interventions in education and healthcare systems, such as augmented and mixed reality technologies. Despite the promising outcomes of applying mixed reality (MR), there is limited aggregated evidence focusing on child–patient interventions in hospital-based or clinical settings. This literature review aimed to identify and synthesize existing knowledge on MR technologies applied to pediatric patients in healthcare settings. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search of the Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify articles published in the last 10 years that address the application of augmented and/or MR technologies in pediatric hospital settings or clinical environments to improve patient and family outcomes. A total of 45 articles were identified, and following a rigorous screening and eligibility process, 4 review articles were selected for qualitative synthesis. From these reviews, 10 studies with relevant interventions and measured effects were extracted. The extracted studies were analyzed based on eight key attributes: country of origin, study design, characteristics of the study population, primary clinical setting, type of MR device used, nature of the intervention, variables measured, and significant effects observed in the outcome variables. The analysis revealed diverse approaches across different clinical settings, with a common focus on improving both emotional well-being and learning outcomes in pediatric patients and their families. These findings suggest that MR-based pediatric interventions generally provide children and their parents with positive emotional experiences, enhancing both learning and treatment outcomes. However, the studies reviewed were heterogeneous and varied significantly in terms of clinical settings and MR applications. Future research should focus on developing more controlled study designs that specifically target the pediatric population to strengthen the evidence base for MR interventions in healthcare.
Identification and Functional Exploration of BraGASA Genes Reveal Their Potential Roles in Drought Stress Tolerance and Sexual Reproduction in Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis
Authors: Zhao Yanting , Sun Xinjie , Zhou Jingyuan , Liu Lixuan , Huang Li , Hu Qizan
Published: September 2024

Gibberellic acid-stimulated Arabidopsis sequences (GASAs) are a subset of the gibberellin (GA)-regulated gene family and play crucial roles in various physiological processes. However, the GASA genes in Brassica rapa have not yet been documented. In this study, we identified and characterized 16 GASA genes in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). Analysis of the conserved motifs revealed significant conservation within the activation segment of BraGASA genes. This gene family contains numerous promoter elements associated with abiotic stress tolerance, including those for abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Expression profiling revealed the presence of these genes in various tissues, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, siliques, and callus tissues. When plants were exposed to drought stress, the expression of BraGASA3 decreased notably in drought-sensitive genotypes compared to their wild-type counterparts, highlighting the potentially crucial role of BraGASA3 in drought stress. Additionally, BraGASAs exhibited various functions in sexual reproduction dynamics. The findings contribute to the understanding of the function of BraGASAs and provide valuable insights for further exploration of the GASA gene function of the BraGASA gene in Chinese cabbage.
Computational Screening of T-Muurolol for an Alternative Antibacterial Solution against Staphylococcus aureus Infections: An In Silico Approach for Phytochemical-Based Drug Discovery
Authors: Bhattacharya Soham , Khanra Pijush Kanti , Dutta Adrish , Gupta Neha , Aliakbar Tehrani Zahra , Severová Lucie , Šrédl Karel , Dvořák Marek , Fernández-Cusimamani Eloy
Published: September 2024

Staphylococcus aureus infections present a significant threat to the global healthcare system. The increasing resistance to existing antibiotics and their limited efficacy underscores the urgent need to identify new antibacterial agents with low toxicity to effectively combat various S. aureus infections. Hence, in this study, we have screened T-muurolol for possible interactions with several S. aureus-specific bacterial proteins to establish its potential as an alternative antibacterial agent. Based on its binding affinity and interactions with amino acids, T-muurolol was identified as a potential inhibitor of S. aureus lipase, dihydrofolate reductase, penicillin-binding protein 2a, D-Ala:D-Ala ligase, and ribosome protection proteins tetracycline resistance determinant (RPP TetM), which indicates its potentiality against S. aureus and its multi-drug-resistant strains. Also, T-muurolol exhibited good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity by showing strong binding interactions with flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD(P)H) oxidase, and cyclooxygenase-2. Consequently, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and recalculating binding free energies elucidated its binding interaction stability with targeted proteins. Furthermore, quantum chemical structure analysis based on density functional theory (DFT) depicted a higher energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (EHOMO-LUMO) with a lower chemical potential index, and moderate electrophilicity suggests its chemical hardness and stability and less polarizability and reactivity. Additionally, pharmacological parameters based on ADMET, Lipinski’s rules, and bioactivity score validated it as a promising drug candidate with high activity toward ion channel modulators, nuclear receptor ligands, and enzyme inhibitors. In conclusion, the current findings suggest T-muurolol as a promising alternative antibacterial agent that might be a potential phytochemical-based drug against S. aureus. This study also suggests further clinical research before human application.
Repurposing Niclosamide to Modulate Renal RNA-Binding Protein HuR for the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy in db/db Mice
Authors: Zhuang Lili , Liu Wenjin , Tsai Xiao-Qing , Outtrim Connor , Tang Anna , Wang Zhou , Huang Yufeng
Published: September 2024

Hu antigen R (HuR) plays a key role in regulating genes critical to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). This study investigates the therapeutic potential of niclosamide (NCS) as an HuR inhibitor in DN. Uninephrectomized mice were assigned to four groups: normal control; untreated db/db mice terminated at 14 and 22 weeks, respectively; and db/db mice treated with NCS (20 mg/kg daily via i.p.) from weeks 18 to 22. Increased HuR expression was observed in diabetic kidneys from db/db mice, which was mitigated by NCS treatment. Untreated db/db mice exhibited obesity, progressive hyperglycemia, albuminuria, kidney hypertrophy and glomerular mesangial matrix expansion, increased renal production of fibronectin and a-smooth muscle actin, and decreased glomerular WT-1+-podocytes and nephrin expression. NCS treatment did not affect mouse body weight, but reduced blood glucose and HbA1c levels and halted the DN progression observed in untreated db/db mice. Renal production of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers (NF-κBp65, TNF-a, MCP-1) and urine MDA levels increased during disease progression in db/db mice but were halted by NCS treatment. Additionally, the Wnt1-signaling-pathway downstream factor, Wisp1, was identified as a key downstream mediator of HuR-dependent action and found to be markedly increased in db/db mouse kidneys, which was normalized by NCS treatment. These findings suggest that inhibition of HuR with NCS is therapeutic for DN by improving hyperglycemia, renal inflammation, and oxidative stress. The reduction in renal Wisp1 expression also contributes to its renoprotective effects. This study supports the potential of repurposing HuR inhibitors as a novel therapy for DN.
Sex Differences in Expression of Pro-Inflammatory Markers and miRNAs in a Mouse Model of CVB3 Myocarditis
Authors: Estepa Misael , Niehues Maximilian H. , Vakhrusheva Olesya , Haritonow Natalie , Ladilov Yury , Barcena Maria Luisa , Regitz-Zagrosek Vera
Published: September 2024

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease that may lead to dilated cardiomyopathy. Viral infection of the myocardium triggers immune responses, which involve, among others, macrophage infiltration, oxidative stress, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and microRNAs (miRNAs). The cardioprotective role of estrogen in myocarditis is well documented; however, sex differences in the miRNA expression in chronic myocarditis are still poorly understood, and studying them further was the aim of the present study. Male and female ABY/SnJ mice were infected with CVB3. Twenty-eight days later, cardiac tissue from both infected and control mice was used for real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. NFκB, IL-6, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, c-fos, and osteopontin (OPN) were used to examine the inflammatory state in the heart. Furthermore, the expression of several inflammation- and remodeling-related miRNAs was analyzed. NFκB, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, and MCP-1 were significantly upregulated in male mice with CVB3-induced chronic myocarditis, whereas OPN mRNA expression was increased only in females. Further analysis revealed downregulation of some anti-inflammatory miRNA in male hearts (let7a), with upregulation in female hearts (let7b). In addition, dysregulation of remodeling-related miRNAs (miR27b and mir199a) in a sex-dependent manner was observed. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest a sex-specific expression of pro-inflammatory markers as well as inflammation- and remodeling-related miRNAs, with a higher pro-inflammatory response in male CVB3 myocarditis mice.
A Computational Approach in the Systematic Search of the Interaction Partners of Alternatively Spliced TREM2 Isoforms
Authors: Liang Junyi , Menon Aditya , Tomco Taylor , Bhattarai Nisha , Smith Iris Nira , Khrestian Maria , Formica Shane V. , Eng Charis , Buck Matthias , Bekris Lynn M.
Published: September 2024

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, characterized by the pathological accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is increasingly recognized as playing a central role in Aβ clearance and microglia activation in AD. The TREM2 gene transcriptional product is alternatively spliced to produce three different protein isoforms. The canonical TREM2 isoform binds to DAP12 to activate downstream pathways. However, little is known about the function or interaction partners of the alternative TREM2 isoforms. The present study utilized a computational approach in a systematic search for new interaction partners of the TREM2 isoforms by integrating several state-of-the-art structural bioinformatics tools from initial large-scale screening to one-on-one corroborative modeling and eventual all-atom visualization. CD9, a cell surface glycoprotein involved in cell–cell adhesion and migration, was identified as a new interaction partner for two TREM2 isoforms, and CALM, a calcium-binding protein involved in calcium signaling, was identified as an interaction partner for a third TREM2 isoform, highlighting the potential role of cell adhesion and calcium regulation in AD.
The Archetypal Gamma-Core Motif of Antimicrobial Cys-Rich Peptides Inhibits H+-ATPases in Target Pathogens
Authors: Andrés María T. , Yount Nannette Y. , Acosta-Zaldívar Maikel , Yeaman Michael R. , Fierro José F.
Published: September 2024

Human lactoferrin (hLf) is an innate host defense protein that inhibits microbial H+-ATPases. This protein includes an ancestral structural motif (i.e., γ-core motif) intimately associated with the antimicrobial activity of many natural Cys-rich peptides. Peptides containing a complete γ-core motif from hLf or other phylogenetically diverse antimicrobial peptides (i.e., afnA, SolyC, PA1b, PvD1, thanatin) showed microbicidal activity with similar features to those previously reported for hLf and defensins. Common mechanistic characteristics included (1) cell death independent of plasma membrane (PM) lysis, (2) loss of intracellular K+ (mediated by Tok1p K+ channels in yeast), (3) inhibition of microbicidal activity by high extracellular K+, (4) influence of cellular respiration on microbicidal activity, (5) involvement of mitochondrial ATP synthase in yeast cell death processes, and (6) increment of intracellular ATP. Similar features were also observed with the BM2 peptide, a fungal PM H+-ATPase inhibitor. Collectively, these findings suggest host defense peptides containing a homologous γ-core motif inhibit PM H+-ATPases. Based on this discovery, we propose that the γ-core motif is an archetypal effector involved in the inhibition of PM H+-ATPases across kingdoms of life and contributes to the in vitro microbicidal activity of Cys-rich antimicrobial peptides.
Pangenome Identification and Analysis of Terpene Synthase Gene Family Members in Gossypium
Authors: Song Yueqin , Han Shengjie , Wang Mengting , Ni Xueqi , Huang Xinzheng , Zhang Yongjun
Published: September 2024

Terpene synthases (TPSs), key gatekeepers in the biosynthesis of herbivore-induced terpenes, are pivotal in the diversity of terpene chemotypes across and within plant species. Here, we constructed a gene-based pangenome of the Gossypium genus by integrating the genomes of 17 diploid and 10 tetraploid species. Within this pangenome, 208 TPS syntelog groups (SGs) were identified, comprising 2 core SGs (TPS5 and TPS42) present in all 27 analyzed genomes, 6 softcore SGs (TPS11, TPS12, TPS13, TPS35, TPS37, and TPS47) found in 25 to 26 genomes, 131 dispensable SGs identified in 2 to 24 genomes, and 69 private SGs exclusive to a single genome. The mutational load analysis of these identified TPS genes across 216 cotton accessions revealed a great number of splicing variants and complex splicing patterns. The nonsynonymous/synonymous Ka/Ks value for all 52 analyzed TPS SGs was less than one, indicating that these genes were subject to purifying selection. Of 208 TPS SGs encompassing 1795 genes, 362 genes derived from 102 SGs were identified as atypical and truncated. The structural analysis of TPS genes revealed that gene truncation is a major mechanism contributing to the formation of atypical genes. An integrated analysis of three RNA-seq datasets from cotton plants subjected to herbivore infestation highlighted nine upregulated TPSs, which included six previously characterized TPSs in G. hirsutum (AD1_TPS10, AD1_TPS12, AD1_TPS40, AD1_TPS42, AD1_TPS89, and AD1_TPS104), two private TPSs (AD1_TPS100 and AD2_TPS125), and one atypical TPS (AD2_TPS41). Also, a TPS-associated coexpression module of eight genes involved in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway was identified in the transcriptomic data of herbivore-infested G. hirsutum. These findings will help us understand the contributions of TPS family members to interspecific terpene chemotypes within Gossypium and offer valuable resources for breeding insect-resistant cotton cultivars.
Applying Binder Jetting Technology to 316L Stainless Steel Materials and Testing Its Mechanical and Dimensional Properties Depending on the Printing Method
Authors: Kráľ Ján , Dzuro Tibor , Debski Hubert
Published: September 2024

This article discusses special additive technologies, with a particular focus on the innovative binder jetting technology used to create three-dimensional objects. The theoretical part of this article defines the production process–its shortcomings and benefits. Also, the article describes process parameters and individual steps that must be optimally set for the desired result. Further, the article characterizes the most influential factors that are indispensable in the printing process-metallic powder, binder, printing parameters, and finishing operations after the printing itself. The conclusion of the theoretical part deals with various material possibilities when using binder jetting technology. In the practical part of the article, the properties of the material, the chemical composition, and the resulting accuracy of the printed samples will be verified experimentally. The information obtained will subsequently be used to identify an economically advantageous application of binder jetting technology.
Preparation and Performance Study of Ultraviolet-Responsive Self-Healing Epoxy Asphalt
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Maoan , Xu Shuwen , Zhang Fenglei
Published: September 2024

In this study, a self-healing epoxy asphalt material was developed by incorporating coumarin groups. This material achieved microcrack self-repair under UV irradiation at 50 °C. Fluorescence microscopy observations and mechanical performance tests demonstrated significant advantages in crack filling and mechanical property recovery after repair, with the fracture toughness of the repaired epoxy asphalt reaching 69% of that in its original state. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of temperature and UV irradiation in the self-healing process enhanced the material’s durability and service life. This research offers new insights and methods for developing more durable and long-lasting self-healing asphalt materials, showcasing the great potential of smart materials in infrastructure applications.
Effects of Surface Crack Shape on Fracture Behavior of Oil Pipelines Based on the MMC Criterion
Authors: Wu Jun , Gong Xiaoyan , Xue He , Wang Rongxin , Wang Zheng
Published: September 2024

This study employs a hybrid numerical-experimental calibration method based on phenomena to determine the fracture parameters of the Modified Mohr–Coulomb (MMC) model. Using a self-developed VUMAT subroutine and the element deletion technique, the fracture process of a wide plate pipeline is thoroughly analyzed. This study investigates the impact of various crack shapes on the fracture response under tensile loading and the influence of surface crack size on the initiation location of a wide plate. These results demonstrate the calibrated MMC fracture model’s accurate prediction of the toughness fracture behavior of X80 pipeline steel. Under equal area conditions of the dangerous section, circular cracks exhibit lower bearing capacity compared to elliptical cracks. Elliptical cracks predominantly propagate in the thickness direction, whereas circular cracks show nearly uniform growth in all directions. Furthermore, when the crack depth is less than half of the wall thickness, the damage accumulation value at the midpoint of the crack front is maximized; conversely, when the crack front is closer to the internal measurement point of the wide plate, the damage accumulation value is maximized.
Microfiltration Membrane Pore Functionalization with Primary and Quaternary Amines for PFAS Remediation: Capture, Regeneration, and Reuse
Authors: Thompson Sam , Gutierrez Angela M. , Bukowski Jennifer , Bhattacharyya Dibakar
Published: September 2024

The widespread production and use of multi-fluorinated carbon-based substances for a variety of purposes has contributed to the contamination of the global water supply in recent decades. Conventional wastewater treatment can reduce contaminants to acceptable levels, but the concentrated retentate stream is still a burden to the environment. A selective anion-exchange membrane capable of capture and controlled release could further concentrate necessary contaminants, making their eventual degradation or long-term storage easier. To this end, commercial microfiltration membranes were modified using pore functionalization to incorporate an anion-exchange moiety within the membrane matrix. This functionalization was performed with primary and quaternary amine-containing polymer networks ranging from weak to strong basic residues. Membrane loading ranged from 0.22 to 0.85 mmol/g membrane and 0.97 to 3.4 mmol/g membrane for quaternary and primary functionalization, respectively. Modified membranes exhibited a range of water permeances within approximately 45–131 LMH/bar. The removal of PFASs from aqueous streams was analyzed for both “long-chain” and “short-chain” analytes, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorobutyric acid, respectively. Synthesized membranes demonstrated as high as 90% rejection of perfluorooctanoic acid and 50–80% rejection of perfluorobutyric acid after 30% permeate recovery. Regenerated membranes maintained the capture performance for three cycles of continuous operation. The efficiency of capture and reuse can be improved through the consideration of charge density, water flux, and influent contaminant concentration. This process is not limited by the substrate and, thus, is able to be implemented on other platforms. This research advances a versatile membrane platform for environmentally relevant applications that seek to help increase the global availability of safe drinking water.
Impact of Different π-Bridges on the Photovoltaic Performance of A-D-D′-D-A Small Molecule-Based Donors
Authors: Yang Lingjun , Wu Yu , Murugan Pachaiyappan , Liu Peng , Peng Yulong , Qiu Zhiyong , Li Zaifang , Yu Changlin , Liu Shiyong
Published: September 2024

Three small donor molecule materials (S1, S2, S3) based on dithiophene [2,3-d:2′,3′-d′]dithiophene [1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene (DTBDT) utilized in this study were synthesized using the Vilsmeier–Haack reaction, traditional Stille coupling, and Knoevenagel condensation. Then, a variety of characterization methods were applied to study the differences in optical properties and photovoltaic devices among the three. By synthesizing S2 using a thiophene π-bridge based on S1, the blue shift in ultraviolet absorption can be enhanced, the band gap and energy level can be reduced, the open circuit voltage (VOC) can be increased to 0.75 V using the S2:Y6 device, and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3% can be achieved. Also, after developing the device using Y6, S3 introduced the alkyl chain of thiophene π-bridge to S2, which improved the solubility of tiny donor molecules, achieved the maximum short-circuit current (JSC = 10.59 mA/cm2), filling factor (FF = 49.72%), and PCE (4.25%). Thus, a viable option for future design and synthesis of small donor molecule materials is to incorporate thiophene π-bridges into these materials, along with alkyl chains, in order to enhance the device’s morphology and charge transfer behavior.
Upgrading the Bioactive Potential of Hazelnut Oil Cake by Aspergillus oryzae under Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: Ozdemir Melike Beyza , Kılıçarslan Elif , Demir Hande , Koca Esra , Salum Pelin , Berktaş Serap , Çam Mustafa , Erbay Zafer , Aydemir Levent Yurdaer
Published: September 2024

Hazelnut oil cake (HOC) has the potential to be bioactive component source. Therefore, HOC was processed with a solid-state fermentation (SSF) by Aspergillus oryzae with two steps optimization: Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken design. The variables were the initial moisture content (X1: 30–50%), incubation temperature (X2: 26–37 °C), and time (X3: 3–5 days), and the response was total peptide content (TPC). The fermented HOC (FHOC) was darker with higher protein, oil, and ash but lower carbohydrate content than HOC. The FHOC had 6.1% more essential amino acid and benzaldehyde comprised 48.8% of determined volatile compounds. Fermentation provided 14 times higher TPC (462.37 mg tryptone/g) and higher phenolic content as 3.5, 48, and 7 times in aqueous, methanolic, and 80% aqueous methanolic extract in FHOC, respectively. FHOC showed higher antioxidant as ABTS+ (75.61 µmol Trolox/g), DPPH (14.09 µmol Trolox/g), and OH (265 mg ascorbic acid/g) radical scavenging, and α-glucosidase inhibition, whereas HOC had more angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition. HOC showed better water absorption while FHOC had better oil absorption activity. Both cakes had similar foaming and emulsifying activity; however, FHOC produced more stable foams and emulsions. SSF at lab-scale yielded more bioactive component with better functionality in FHOC.
Race, Religion and the Medieval Norse Discovery of America
Authors: Melton Zachary J.
Published: September 2024

In 1837, Danish philologist Carl Christian Rafn published Antiquitates Americanæ, which introduced Americans to the Vinland sagas—medieval texts that suggest that Norse explorers “discovered” North America around the turn of the first millennium. Rafn, who saw it as his mission to promote Old Norse literature around the globe, presented some of his research in a way that would appeal to Anglo-American prejudices, particularly through the obsession with American Antiquities and the question of a pre-Columbian civilization. His conclusions and the Vinland sagas consequently entered the American racial and religious discourses. Like other discovery myths, the Vinland sagas were used by intellectuals to argue for an early white presence on the continent. Later that century, the Norse discovery was framed in religious terms as some white Americans attempted to replace the figure of Christopher Columbus with that of Leifur Eiriksson as the true discoverer of America. The ramifications of Rafn’s work and its reception can be seen in twentieth- and twenty-first-century representations of Vikings in American popular culture.
A Novel Medium Access Policy Based on Reinforcement Learning in Energy-Harvesting Underwater Sensor Networks
Authors: Eriş Çiğdem , Gül Ömer Melih , Bölük Pınar Sarısaray
Published: September 2024

Underwater acoustic sensor networks (UASNs) are fundamental assets to enable discovery and utilization of sub-sea environments and have attracted both academia and industry to execute long-term underwater missions. Given the heightened significance of battery dependency in underwater wireless sensor networks, our objective is to maximize the amount of harvested energy underwater by adopting the TDMA time slot scheduling approach to prolong the operational lifetime of the sensors. In this study, we considered the spatial uncertainty of underwater ambient resources to improve the utilization of available energy and examine a stochastic model for piezoelectric energy harvesting. Considering a realistic channel and environment condition, a novel multi-agent reinforcement learning algorithm is proposed. Nodes observe and learn from their choice of transmission slots based on the available energy in the underwater medium and autonomously adapt their communication slots to their energy harvesting conditions instead of relying on the cluster head. In the numerical results, we present the impact of piezoelectric energy harvesting and harvesting awareness on three lifetime metrics. We observe that energy harvesting contributes to 4% improvement in first node dead (FND), 14% improvement in half node dead (HND), and 22% improvement in last node dead (LND). Additionally, the harvesting-aware TDMA-RL method further increases HND by 17% and LND by 38%. Our results show that the proposed method improves in-cluster communication time interval utilization and outperforms traditional time slot allocation methods in terms of throughput and energy harvesting efficiency.
Affinity-Driven Transfer Learning for Load Forecasting
Authors: Rebei Ahmed , Amayri Manar , Bouguila Nizar
Published: September 2024

In this study, we introduce an innovative method for load forecasting that capitalizes on the concept of task affinity score to measure the similarity between various tasks. The task affinity score emerges as a superior technique for assessing task similarity within the realm of transfer learning. Through empirical evaluation on a synthetic dataset, we establish the superiority of the task affinity score over traditional metrics in task selection scenarios. To operationalize this method, we unveil the Affinity-Driven Transfer Learning (ADTL) algorithm to enhance load forecasting precision. The ADTL algorithm enriches the transfer learning framework by incorporating insights from both pre-trained models and datasets, thereby augmenting the accuracy of load forecasting for new and unseen datasets. The robustness of the ADTL algorithm is further evidenced through its application to two empirical datasets, namely the dataset provided by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Smart Australian dataset. In conclusion, our research underscores the important role of the task affinity score in refining transfer learning methodologies for load forecasting applications.
Convolutional Neural Network-Based Drone Detection and Classification Using Overlaid Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave (FMCW) Range–Doppler Images
Authors: Han Seung-Kyu , Lee Joo-Hyun , Jung Young-Ho
Published: September 2024

This paper proposes a novel drone detection method based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) utilizing range–Doppler map images from a frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar. The existing drone detection and identification techniques, which rely on the micro-Doppler signature (MDS), face challenges when a drone is small or located far away, leading to performance degradation due to signal attenuation and faint (MDS). In order to address these issues, this paper suggests a method where multiple time-series range–Doppler images from an FMCW radar are overlaid onto a single image and fed to a CNN. The experimental results, using actual data for three different drone sizes, show significant performance improvements in drone detection accuracy compared to conventional methods.
Validation of In-House Imaging System via Code Verification on Petunia Images Collected at Increasing Fertilizer Rates and pHs
Authors: Wacker Kahlin , Kim Changhyeon , van Iersel Marc W. , Haidekker Mark , Seymour Lynne , Ferrarezi Rhuanito Soranz
Published: September 2024

In a production environment, delayed stress recognition can impact yield. Imaging can rapidly and effectively quantify stress symptoms using indexes such as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Commercial systems are effective but cannot be easily customized for specific applications, particularly post-processing. We developed a low-cost customizable imaging system and validated the code to analyze images. Our objective was to verify the image analysis code and custom system could successfully quantify the changes in plant canopy reflectance. ‘Supercascade Red’, ‘Wave© Purple’, and ‘Carpet Blue’ Petunias (Petunia × hybridia) were transplanted individually and subjected to increasing fertilizer treatments and increasing substrate pH in a greenhouse. Treatments for the first trial were the addition of a controlled release fertilizer at six different rates (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 g/pot), and for the second trial, fertilizer solution with four pHs (4, 5.5, 7, and 8.5), with eight replications with one plant each. Plants were imaged twice a week using a commercial imaging system for fertilizer and thrice a week with the custom system for pH. The collected images were analyzed using an in-house program that calculated the indices for each pixel of the plant area. All cultivars showed a significant effect of fertilizer on the projected canopy size and dry weight of the above-substrate biomass and the fertilizer rate treatments (p < 0.01). Plant tissue nitrogen concentration as a function of the applied fertilizer rate showed a significant positive response for all three cultivars (p < 0.001). We verified that the image analysis code successfully quantified the changes in plant canopy reflectance as induced by increasing fertilizer application rate. There was no relationship between the pH and NDVI values for the cultivars tested (p > 0.05). Manganese and phosphorus had no significance with chlorophyll fluorescence for ‘Carpet Blue’ and ‘Wave© Purple’ (p > 0.05), though ‘Supercascade Red’ was found to have significance (p < 0.01). pH did not affect plant canopy size. Chlorophyll fluorescence pixel intensity against the projected canopy size had no significance except in ‘Wave© Purple’ (p = 0.005). NDVI as a function of the projected canopy size had no statistical significance. We verified the ability of the imaging system with integrated analysis to quantify nutrient deficiency-induced variability in plant canopies by increasing pH levels.
Опыт военно- гражданского слияния в США и Китае: нужен новый организационно- стратегический инжиниринг в российских оборонных и гражданских отраслях
Authors:   МГИМО МИД России, Агеев Александр ,   НИЯУ МИФИ,   Международный научно-исследовательский институт проблем управления, Логинов Евгений ,   ЦЭМИ РАН
Published: September 2024

В США и Китае в условиях подготовки к большой войне идет интенсивная перестройка не только вооруженных сил, но и промышленности, обеспечивающей военные нужды. Ключевой тенденцией является выработка и реализация стратегий военно- гражданского слияния. Российский опыт проведения СВО, в том числе анализ проблем НАТО с обеспечением техникой и вооружением реальных и потенциальных военных противников России и противостояния этим процессам со стороны ОПК России, актуализировали проблему разработки нового подхода к организационно- стратегическому инжинирингу в российских оборонных и гражданских отраслях промышленности и научно- технического сектора.
PENANGANAN DUGAAN PEMERASAN DALAM PENERAPAN RESTORATIVE JUSTICE DALAM PERATURAN POLISI NO.08 TAHUN 2021 BAGI PENYALAHGUNAAN NARKOTIKA DI PANTI REHABILITASI
Authors: Kusumah R. Wikra Febrian
Published: September 2024

Rehabilitation Center is a place. In this study, researchers used the normative juridical method, which is research focused on examining the application of rules or norms in positive law. This method is carried out to know the handling of allegations of extortion in the application of restorative justice against drug abuse in rehabilitation centers and to find out the implementation of restorative justice in Perpol No. 8 of 2021 against drug abuse in rehabilitation centers. This study found that this restorative justice approach involves law enforcement officials, families, and communities, considering addicts and victims as individuals who need rehabilitation. Measures to prevent extortion in rehabilitation centers, respond to reports, investigate, enforce the law, and protect and support victims should be provided. Education and collaboration with relevant agencies are also important. Restorative justice can address drug abuse holistically, protect individual rights, and create a safe rehabilitation environment. Synergy from law enforcement officials, stakeholders, and the community is needed to tackle drug abuse, especially among children, adolescents, and the younger generation. Restorative justice approaches help victims recover, create a safer environment, and minimize community unrest. Its implementation needs to involve various parties to increase the effectiveness of drug case resolution and provide rehabilitation opportunities for drug users.
MEMBANGUN SISTEM E-GOVERNMENT SEBAGAI TEROBOSAN MELAWAN KORUPSI DI INDONESIA
Authors: Surbakti Dedy suryanta , - Azharuddin , Tanjung Ahmad Feri
Published: September 2024

Corruption is an act of abuse of power or position for personal or group interests that are detrimental to the nation and State without considering the negative impact on the public interest. E-government encourages the active participation of citizens in monitoring and controlling a government's pace more quickly and efficiently to emphasize the practice of corruption. This research is library research. The research method used in this research is qualitative research. The data sources used are primary and secondary. The research results show that E-government increases transparency, accountability, and administration and increases direct community involvement in monitoring the course of government activities. Some e-government models can be used, such as Government-to-Government (G2G), Government-to-Business (G2B), Government-to-Citizen (G2C), and Government-to-Employee (G2E). Some examples of e-government include e-procurement, e-tendering, e-catalog, labor.go.id page, and Sinar application. Empowerment of competent human resources in the Information Technology (IT) field is essential so that e-government services in Indonesia can be developed, maintained, and optimized correctly so that the prevention and eradication of corruption can be realized with the E-government system.
Analisis Yuridis Implementasi Pemenuhan Hak Cuti Haid Bagi Pekerja Perempuan Terkait Undang-Undang No. 13 Tahun 2003
Authors: Masning Rhuina Yaomi Tachyata , Kornelis Yudi
Published: September 2024

This research is a comprehensive examination that seeks to assess the extent to which women workers' rights regarding menstrual leave in Indonesia are fulfilled and protected. Normative legal research was used, and a qualitative analysis approach was employed to address the research problem. A thorough literature review analyzed current conditions, including public awareness, company regulations, legal protections, and implementation challenges. The research findings show that, despite regulations, many companies have not fully optimized the right to menstrual leave in Indonesia. Proper implementation of the Labor Law on the rights of women workers has not been achieved, resulting in injustice, discrimination, and even violence against women workers, hindering legal protection for these workers. Thus, improved policies, increased awareness, and stricter law enforcement are crucial to achieving a work environment supporting women's rights in Indonesia.