bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Study Analyzes the Impacts of Pressure the Permeability of Permalloy (Ni81Fe19)1-x(Al2O3)x Thin Films
Authors: Dib Mobarek , Elharfaoui Mohammed , Oublal Mossab , El Yakoubi Essediq Youssef
Published: December 2024

Our thin films are constituted by Permalloy nanoparticles the type: (Ni81Fe19)1-x(Al2O3)x and Employing Radiofrequency Sputtering, they are deposited on Corning glass substrates in a dynamic field along the hard axis of magnetization, the samples were subjected to a magnetic field applied in their plane. We utilized the ranges of argon pressures of 4.10-3 and 60.10-3 (mbar). The rates of Al2O3 substitution are set at 24, 34 and 44% at. The measurements and damping coefficient deduced from this adjustment align with the calculations of permeability spectra obtained from the Gilbert Lifshitz Landau model. After this adjustment, the damping ratio values accord with the values from the previous research. Similar to pressure, the damping coefficient increases linearly with pressure. A linear relationship exists between the coefficient of depth and the Full Width at Half-Maximum (FWHM) values of the imaginary part of the permeability dependent frequency. The actual fits were done through the convolution of a Gaussian line width for the inhomogeneity term and a Lorentzian line width for the TMS and a magnon-electron (m-e) terms. Based on broadband ferromagnetic resonance measurements of the Permalloy films, the saturation magnetization field (4Ms) increase as Ha grew and remained close to the theoretical value. This work helps us understand to the physical origin of the Gilbert damping in magnetic films and utilized in spintronic devices and the sensors applications.
Photocatalytic Performance of Cu/ZnO Synthesized Using Hydrothermal Oxidation
Authors: Liu Zheng , Wang Kaijun , Liu Jianchao , Hu Jin
Published: December 2024

The β, γ, and ε phases of a CuZn alloy were fabricated using the mechanical alloy technique, and this was used as a precursor to synthesize a Cu/ZnO photocatalyst. The CuZn alloy phase structure was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and its particle size was 2-3 μm. The Cu/ZnO microstructure was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive scanning (EDS) was used to characterize the element distribution. The experimental results showed that Cu/ZnO possessed a smaller band-gap than ZnO. In addition, the photocatalytic Cu/ZnO performances synthesized using different CuZn alloys were detected when methylene blue (MB) was applied as a simulated pollution source. The results showed that the Cu/ZnO synthesized using the γ-CuZn alloy possessed the best photocatalytic performance, and its degradation was as high as 99.6%.
From Andalusia to the Atlantic during Early Globalization: Multidisciplinary Archaeometric Approach to Ceramic Production from Jerez de la Frontera (Spain)
Authors: Guerrero Saúl , Iñañez Javier G. , Amores Fernando , Teixeira André , Torres Joana B. , Arana Gorka , Zavala José Luis Sánchez
Published: December 2024

The technological development of ceramic production during the Early Modern Age in the Iberian Peninsula remains a critical topic in historical archaeological research. This study investigates pottery from Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia, focusing on materials from the Convent of Santo Domingo, dated between the late 15th and early 17th centuries. Through the analysis of production wastes, including dolia and olive jars (botijas), this text unveils key aspects of regional ceramic practices. A multidisciplinary methodology—encompassing petrography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)—was employed to determine the compositional, technological, and provenance characteristics of the ceramics. The findings reveal the use of heterogeneous clay pastes, indicating diverse material sources and evolving production techniques over time. This paper allows a better understanding of technological transitions in pottery manufacturing, which establishes a basis for further archaeometric studies that explore the complexities of early modern ceramics in southwestern Andalusia. Importantly, these results question the role of Seville as an exclusive ceramic production center for the Atlantic commercial trade, proposing alternative manufacturing hubs, such as Jerez de la Frontera.
Traffic Violation Analysis in Kyrgyzstan (2019-2023): Utilizing Data-Driven Strategies for Enhanced Traffic Management and Violation Mitigation
Authors: Orozov Bekturali , Khamidov Zhavlon , Isaev Ruslan , Gimaletdinova Gulnaz
Published: December 2024

The explosive growth in the use of motor vehicles has caused many issues in ensuring road and traffic safety. The aim of this paper is to establish the trends and factors that explain traffic violations across the Republic of Kyrgyzstan from 2019 to 2023 to provide information that can be utilized by traffic management authorities. To this end we analyze the frequency and types of violations as well as the distribution of violations by date and time, geographical regions, and types of vehicles from a data set that has sourced more than 2,354,392 recorded traffic violations since Safe City Project commenced in Kyrgyzstan. The analysis defines the places and times where there is traffic, most violations of traffic laws and their major causes. The results inform smart and evidence-based approaches aimed at the enhancement of traffic control, improving compliance levels and overall tackling of the problem of road safety. This work also emphasizes the importance of data analytics applications in addressing the problems of managing traffic in big cities efficiently.
Literature Review of Strategies for Increasing Self Efficacy in Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus: Nursing Philosophy
Authors: Susanti Susanti , Sukartini Tintin , Pandin Moses Glorino Rumambo
Published: December 2024

Background: A person's self-efficacy is crucial because it is an evaluation, belief, or confidence in one's ability to carry out activities and to plan or carry out a course of action in order to achieve the intended goals. The issue is that although people know they are susceptible to Diabetes Mellitus (DM), they frequently fail to take preventative measures. This is why this writing survey was created.Method: Use PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus to find reviews of previous research. The search criteria that were utilised to locate papers were diabetic, diabetes mellitus, interventions, improving, and self-efficacy. Search parameters for English-language, full-text, open-access publications released between 2019 and 2024.Results: The results of the study show that self-efficacy, which leads to metabolic management and a responsible attitude, is correlated with managed blood glucose levels in DM patients. The implementation of education carried out by health workers with the methods of health literacy, training according to planned behavior theory and web-based intervention is the best way to improve the self-efficacy of DM patients.Conclusion: The provision of health literacy training programs for glycaemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus and the development of solid partnerships between health network partners and health-related agencies should be the main priorities of healthcare practitioners.
Detection of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Other Sexually Transmitted Pathogens in Cervical and Self-Collected Specimens of Women Referred to Colposcopy
Authors: Giubbi Chiara , Martinelli Marianna , Rizza Michelle , Di Meo Maria Letizia , Njoku Ruth Chinjere , Perdoni Federica , Mannarà Giulio , Musumeci Rosario , Fruscio Robert , Landoni Fabio , Cocuzza Clementina Elvezia
Published: December 2024

High-risk Human Papillomavirus (hrHPV) persistent infection is acknowledged as the primary cause of cervical cancer. Coinfection with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be associated with a higher risk of cervical lesion progression. This study investigated the detection of hrHPV and 7 other STIs in matched clinician-collected cervical samples and self-taken vaginal and urine specimens of 345 asymptomatic women referred to colposcopy for abnormal cervical cytology. The association of sexually transmitted coinfections with cervical dysplasia was evaluated. Detection of hrHPV and 7 other sexually transmitted pathogens was carried out using Anyplex™II HR and Anyplex™II STI-7e, respectively. The positivity of hrHPV infections in cervical, vaginal and urine samples were respectively 67.0%, 71.3% and 68.1%, while STIs were detected in 47.9%, 57.9% and 56.4%. A good analytical agreement was observed between cervical and self-taken samples for hrHPV and STIs detection. STIs positivity rate was found to be higher in hrHPV-positive compared to hrHPV-negative women, but no association was found between STIs coinfections and the grade of cervical lesions. In conclusion, self-collected specimens proved to be a valid non-invasive alternative to cervical samples to detect hrHPV and STIs. Longitudinal studies are required to evaluate the role of STIs coinfections in lesions progression.
The Euler-Type Universal Numerical Integrator (E-TUNI) with Backward Integration
Authors: Tasinaffo Paulo Marcelo , Gonçalves Gildárcio Souza , Marques Johnny Cardoso , Dias Luiz Alberto Vieira , da Cunha Adilson Marques
Published: December 2024

The Euler-Type Universal Numerical Integrator (E-TUNI) is a discrete numerical structure that couples a first-order Euler-type numerical integrator with some feed-forward neural network architecture. Thus, E-TUNI can be used to model non-linear dynamic systems when the real-world plant’s analytical model is unknown. From the discrete solution provided by E-TUNI, the integration process can be either forward or backward. Thus, in this article, we intend to use E-TUNI in a backward integration framework to model autonomous non-linear dynamic systems. Three case studies, including the dynamics of the non-linear inverted pendulum, were developed to verify the computational and numerical validation of the proposed model.
Monitoring the Direct Impact of Exposure Distance of Complex Industrial Air Pollutant on Chronic Respiratory Diseases of Local Residents in Korea
Authors: Kim Ho-Hyun
Published: December 2024

Abstract: The results of a detailed examination of sources of air pollutants within the primary category of emission sources, i.e., manufacturing combustion and processes, energy transportation and storage, waste treatment, agriculture, and other pollutants—confirm a classification technique for emission sources. The aim of the study was to identify respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat and nasal discomfort, and shortness of breath as the most common signs of air pollution. As a result, the main wind direction in spring and summer is southwest, with significant east and south winds. The results of measurements around Factory A, which has a high epidemiological correlation with Hwagok-ri and the village hall through the factory with high benzene concentration (average high concentration [11 cases] 0.82±0.46 ppb), and around Workplace B in Dokgot-ri and the village hall (average high concentration [8 cases] 32.29±19.73) were confirmed. With respect to respiratory diseases among other chronic diseases of the participants who lived in industrial complex areas for more than 5 years, the incidence of acute upper respiratory infections (J00-J06) was significantly higher in the medium-exposure area (84.16 %) than in the control area (82.71 %). The conclusion is that respiratory diseases occur due to the severity of air pollution in the areas surrounding industrial sites.
A Cross-Domain Performance Report of Open AI ChatGPT o1 Model
Authors: Hayawi Kadhim , Shahriar Sakib
Published: December 2024

Large language models (LLMs) represent a leap in the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) in natural language understanding, problem-solving, and domain-specific reasoning. Comparative and cross-domain evaluations of LLMs can help us understand their versatility and limitations, including real-world applicability. The o1 model developed by OpenAI represents a notable milestone in terms of state-of-the-art integration into the aspects of language processing and task execution. This report investigates the o1 (o1-preview) model on various tasks, including but not limited to mathematics, clinical knowledge, professional ethics, and the humanities. The results revealed that the o1 excels in certain areas, particularly in fields requiring specialized knowledge, such as college biology (98%) and clinical knowledge (93%). In comparison, it shows lower performance in areas like professional law (54%) and business ethics (81%).
Urinary Metabolomic Profile in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Osredkar Josko , Kumer Kristina , Godnov Uroš , Jekovec Vrhovšek Maja , Vidova Veronika , Price Elliott James , Javornik Tara , Avguštin Gorazd , Fabjan Teja
Published: December 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been associated with disruptions in tryptophan (TRP) metabolism, affecting the production of key neuroactive metabolites. Investigating these metabolic pathways could yield valuable biomarkers for ASD severity and progression. We included 44 children with ASD and 44 healthy controls, members of the same family. ASD group average age was 10.7 years while control group was 9.4 years. Urinary tryptophan metabolites were quantified via liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry operating multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Urinary creatinine was analysed on an Advia 2400 analyser using the Jaffe reaction. Statistical comparisons were made between ASD subgroups based on CARS scores. Our study's findings indicate that children with ASD have higher tryptophan concentrations (19.94 vs. 16.91; p = 0.04) than their siblings. Kynurenine was found at higher levels in children with ASD compared to controls (82.34 vs. 71.20; p=0.86), although this difference was not statistically significant. ASD group showed trends of higher KYN/TRP ratios and altered TRP/IAA and TRP/5-HIAA ratios, correlating with symptom severity. Although the numbers of the two groups were different, our findings suggest that mild and severe illnesses involve separate mechanisms. However, further comprehensive studies are needed to validate these ratios as diagnostic tools for ASD.
Targeting Inflammation with Galectin-3 and PIIINP Modulation among ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Underwent Delayed Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Handari Saskia Dyah , Rohman Mohammad Saifur , Sargowo Djanggan , Aulanni’am A , Qosimah Dahliatul , Lestari Bayu , Nugraha Ricardo Adrian
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) represents a significant global health challenge, with cardiac remodelling and fibrosis critically affecting recovery after reperfusion therapy. Colchicine, known for its anti-inflammatory effects, has been shown to significantly increase Interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels, particularly in delayed PCI cases, as demonstrated in our previous research. In addition to IL-10, colchicine may regulate key fibrotic markers such as Procollagen III N-terminal Propeptide (PIIINP) and Galectin-3. This study assesses colchicine's effect on these biomarkers, with a focus on its potential benefits in STEMI patients undergoing delayed PCI, where inflammation and fibrosis are more pronounced. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial, we examined colchicine's impact on Galectin-3 and PIIINP in 164 AMI patients undergoing early or delayed PCI. Patients received colchicine shortly after hospital admission. Biomarker changes were evaluated at 24 hours and five days post-treatment using two-way ANOVA and multiple comparison tests. Results: Clinical trials in patients with STEMI revealed that in the primary PCI group, Galectin-3 levels decreased significantly on day one (p < 0.01) and further on day five (p < 0.0001), indicating Primary PCI has benefit to inhibition of fibrosis beyond colchicine add on treatment. But, in the delayed PCI group, Galectin-3 levels significantly increased on day one (p < 0.01), but the decrease observed by day five was not statistically significant. It related the benefits of colchicine treatment may exceed PCI implantation to prevent cardiac remodelling. Regarding PIIINP, levels significantly decreased in the primary PCI group after five days of colchicine administration (p < 0.0001), indicating reduced fibrosis process. Similarly, in the delayed PCI group, PIIINP levels showed a significant reduction on day five (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This Colchicine demonstrates novel efficacy in delayed PCI, with a significant increase in Galectin-3 and a sharp reduction in PIIINP, indicating its ability to control fibrosis. This positions colchicine as a breakthrough therapy for improving outcomes in STEMI patients with delayed intervention.
The Parameters of Aspergillus niger Fermentation Facilitate Its Further Formulation
Authors: Vassileva Maria , Garrido Luis F del Moral , Martos Vanessa , Lopez Ana Isabel Garcia , Labate Giuseppe Falvo D’Urso , Flor-Peregrin Elena , Requena Antonia Reyes , Vassilev Nikolay
Published: December 2024

Sustainable crop production includes methods of growing food in a responsible manner avoiding application and dependence on chemically produced fertilizers and pesticides. The latter means development of approaches that lead to environmentally mild inputs based on the production-consumption-recycling principle. Biofertilizers are an important tool to achieve sustainable crop production. In this work, we report the results of experiments on growth and spore/mycelium production of plant growth promoting A. niger applying standard nutritional medium (potato-dextrose broth, PDB) enriched with 3% insoluble phosphate (20 to 200 mesh hydroxyapatite of animal-bone origin, HABO) and 0 to 80 g/L glycerol (a by-product of biodiesel production. Results showed the ability of A. niger to acidify the medium with the highest titratable acidity of 28.9 mmol/1 (at 5% of glycerol) and solubilize animal bone char under these conditions. As a second stage of the experimental work, the resulting final products were used to formulate gel-based inoculant. Both, the spores and mycelium produced during the fermentation process were further used as a base for formulation to make the biofertilizer production the key in the Sustainable Agriculture. Storage of the resulting products reported here was facilitated by the presence of glycerol in the formulation system.
Trust Models in Wireless Sensor Networks for Defending Against Denial-of-Service Attacks: A Literature Review
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Yang Mee Loong , Petrova Krassie
Published: December 2024

Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks pose a significant threat to wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and are an impediment to their mass deployment. Current research has identified trust models as a plausible defense against DoS attacks. However, most of the proposed solutions focus only on one or two specific DoS attack scenarios and provide a very limited guidance to the WSN with regard to important practical aspects such as setting up threshold configurations and weight allocation schemes. This study conducts a comparative analysis of relevant work to build a foundation for the development of robust trust models that can counter a range of different types of DoS attacks in WSNs. In particular, this study examines the required trust evidence, the methods for extracting trust evidence, and the trust evaluation techniques for developing effective trust models. The study identifies the challenges to the implementation of trust models such as the need to determine feasible threshold limits and trust metric weightings, and the need to manage the loss of trust information. In addition, this study explores link quality and node authentication as factors affecting trust evaluation and the integration of trust models with network routing protocols.
Nrf2 Deficiency Enhances Oxidative Stress and Promotes Susceptibility to Tinnitus in Mice
Authors: Yang Huiwen , Xie Yi , Yu Jintao , Shi Mengwen , Li Yutian , Cai Yifan , Cai Qinming , Huang Fang , Ye Zhewei , Wang Hui , Sun Yu
Published: December 2024

Tinnitus is a prevalent and distressing medical symptom, and no effective pharmacological treatment currently exists. Despite significant advances, tinnitus remains a scientific enigma. To explore the molecular underpinnings of tinnitus, we developed a noise-induced tinnitus model in mice and utilized metabolomics to identify key differences in metabolic pathways. Our results revealed that oxidative stress-related pathways, including glutathione (GSH) metabolism, were significantly enriched in the auditory cortex of mice exhibiting tinnitus-like behavior. To further explore the role of oxidative stress, we examined the involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in tinnitus by conducting experiments in Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2-KO) mice. While Nrf2-deficient mice did not develop spontaneous tinnitus or hearing loss, they displayed increased susceptibility to prolonged tinnitus-like behavior after noise exposure. This was accompanied by heightened microglial activation, neuroinflammation, and significant alterations in gut microbiota composition, including greater diversity and dysbiosis. Our findings highlight a novel mechanism underlying tinnitus, emphasizing the role of oxidative stress in the auditory cortex and its connection to noise-induced tinnitus. The deficiency of Nrf2 in mice increases their susceptibility to tinnitus, suggesting that Nrf2 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for preventing noise-induced tinnitus.
Fractal Analysis of Multiscale Biological Systems
Authors: Muhammad Yasser
Published: December 2024

Fractal geometry provides a novel mathematical description that fits the chaotic nature of different phenomena. It was demonstrated widely that the benefits of the unique properties of fractal analysis are limitless. the concept of fractal dimension provided a perfect treatment of data on the architecture or dynamics of a certain system. This work aims to review the results of using this concept in analyzing different biological systems known for varying levels of complexity, beginning with analyzing architectures such as chromatin, cell membrane, cytoskeleton, and tissue arrangement, to the behavior of gene expression and brain activity, and then studying branching networks such as the blood, lymphatic, and neural networks. The results show that the use of fractal analysis represents a powerful tool in determining a unique signature for the system state, and whether it is healthy or diseased, in addition to distinguishing the type of disease and the possibility of using fractal modifications for therapeutic interventions, which makes fractal analysis a revolutionary tool.
Effect of Explicit Hydration on the Cisplatin Reaction Mechanism with Adenine and Guanine
Authors: Salazar-Barrientos J.  Iván , Guevara-Vela José Manuel , García-Revilla Marco A. , Francisco Evelio , Gallegos Miguel , Rocha-Rinza Tomás , Martín Pendás Ángel
Published: December 2024

Cisplatin is still a first-line agent in cancer treatment due to its effectiveness. Despite the large body of research concerning this drug, the role of explicit water molecules in its mechanism remains uncertain. We addressed the addition of cisplatin with the nitrogenous DNA bases adenine and guanine, with an emphasis on the impact of explicit microsolvation on every step of the action pathway of this pharmaceutical. We used electronic structure calculations to explore the energetics of the key reactions of this mechanism. We also exploited state-of-the-art methods of wave function analyses, namely the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules and the Interacting Quantum Atoms partition, to explore the chemical bonding throughout such steps. Our results reveal that microsolvation significantly affects electronic and Gibbs free activation energies differently as previously reported (F.P. Cossio et. al. ChemPhysChem, 17, 3932, 2016). The changes in activation energies are consistent with Hammond’s postulate in terms of the changes of the chemical bonding scenario between reactants and transition states. Overall, we provide an in-depth description of the importance of the surrounding water molecules of cisplatin, which aids in understanding the mechanism of pharmaceuticals in the pursuit of more effective cancer treatments.
Positioning the Sense of Coherence (SOC) in Disaster Recovery Planning and Design
Authors: Ojo Cornelius Ayodele , Rider Traci Rose
Published: December 2024

“Whence the strength?" This compelling question, posed by Aaron Antonovsky in 1979, sets the stage for understanding the role of Sense of Coherence (SOC), a human-focused psychosocial concept, in fostering resilience amidst escalating climate-induced disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. This paper is the first step in a larger research agenda aimed at exploring how the human experience of disasters, guided by Antonovsky’s SOC framework, can be better integrated into disaster recovery planning and design, laying the theoretical foundation for subsequent studies. The paper examines what supports help people stay resilient during disasters, focusing on the role of SOC in recovery. Integrating Antonovsky's SOC concept with Hobfoll’s Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, it also draws from other published works on stress and disaster recovery to explore how disaster recovery planning and design can be improved. The findings indicate that the post-disaster recovery phase presents a critical window for implementing policies that address vulnerabilities in disaster-prone communities and enhance long-term resilience. Methodologically, the paper advocates for an interdisciplinary approach, suggesting that both quantitative and qualitative insights are vital for capturing human experiences in disaster contexts. Ultimately, this paper presents a framework for integrating human dimensions of resilience into disaster recovery planning.
Sex Differences in the Associations among Early Life Adversity, Inflammation, and Cognition
Authors: Logue Erin , Nemeroff Charles B.
Published: December 2024

Early life adversity (ELA) has long been recognized to negatively impact a variety of health outcomes, with increasingly recognized long-term implications for neurocognitive function. ELA may affect the brain through multiple mechanisms, including chronic inflammation. One potential moderator of the pathway from ELA to neuroinflammation to cognitive dysfunction is sex. ELA may leave females potentially even more vulnerable to cognitive impairment in later life. This review discusses the influence of ELA on cognitive function across much of the lifespan, how inflammation is implicated in this process, and the current state of knowledge regarding sex differences in these relationships. We conclude with a discussion of unanswered questions and suggestions for future research, including the incorporation of genetic data.
Purification of Produced Water by Solvents to Enhance Oil Recovery and Reuse Separated Droplets
Authors: Aljadiri Aqeel Shaikhah Arafat , Bailón-Moreno Rafael
Published: December 2024

To develop crude oil production, we investigated several solvents in produced water treatment. This study inspects the direct influences of some solvents on improving recovery and reuse to the crude oil export streamlines. Produced water is characterized by the presence of trace amounts of petroleum, which form complex emulsions that are difficult to break down. A method to purify produced water involves breaking these emulsions with solvents, thereby inducing the coalescence of oil droplets, and facilitating their complete separation. In this work, 40 different solvents have been evaluated to determine their suitability for purifying produced water. Suitability criteria included efficiency in crude oil recovery, cost-effectiveness, toxicity, and availability. To facilitate comprehensive analysis, these solvents were categorized into families based on their chemical characteristics and potential interaction mechanisms. The families were linear aliphatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic and aromatic cyclic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, alcohols and glycols, low and high molecular weight ethers, ketones, esters, and a miscellany of solvents with special characteristics. Among all the solvents analysed, xylene and cyclohexane are recommended for the purification of produced water due to their high efficiency in the recovery of residual oil. The Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) reveal that oil emulsions in produced water exhibit three solubility spheres. Solvents with solubility parameters within these spheres are effective destabilisers of the emulsions. Additionally, they are readily available, cost-effective materials suitable for the petroleum industry, and capable of being reused within the process. Tetrahydrofuran is also commendable for its extremely high efficiency, availability, low cost, ease of recycling, and reuse in the process, as well as its low toxicity. In conclusion, applying solvents is an effective and viable alternative for the purification of produced water. This method not only achieves high efficiencies in the recovery of residual oil, which can be commercialised to offset the costs, but also the produced water obtained after the purification process is of excellent quality.
Conceptual Neighborhood Graphs of Topological Relations in Z2
Authors: Hall Brendan Patrick , Dube Matthew Paul
Published: December 2024

Topological relations form the backbone of qualitative spatial reasoning, and as such play a paramount role in geographic information systems. Three decades of research have provided a proliferation of sets of qualitative topological relations in both continuous and discretized spaces, but only in continuous spaces has the concept of organizing these relations into a larger framework (called a conceptual neighborhood graph) been considered. Previous work leveraged matrix differences to derive the anisotropic scaling neighborhood for these relations. In this paper, a simulation protocol is used to derive conceptual neighborhood graphs of qualitative topological relations in Z2 for the operations of translation and isotropic scaling. It is further shown that when aggregating raster relations into their continuous counterparts and collapsing neighborhood connections within these groups that the familiar conceptual neighborhood structures for continuous regions appear.
Targeted Cellular and Molecular Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Athanassiou Panagiotis , Athanassiou Lambros , Kostoglou-Athanassiou Ifigenia , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: December 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease affecting all organ systems. The disease preferentially affects females of childbearing age. It runs a variable course. It may run a mild course which may never lead to severe disease and manifestations from critical organ systems. However, it may also run an undulating course with periods of mild and severe disease. It may run as a mild disease quickly deteriorating to severe disease affecting multiple organ systems. Various immune pathways related both to the innate and adaptive immune response are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. Various drugs have been developed targeting cellular and mo-lecular targets in these pathways. Interferons are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE and various drugs have been developed to target this pathway. T and B lymphocytes are involved in the pathophysiology of SLE. Various treatment modalities targeting cellular targets are available for the treatment of SLE. These include biologic agents targeting B lymphocytes. However, some patients have disease refractory to these treatment modalities. For these patients cell-based therapies may be used. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation involving autologous cells is an option in the treatment of refractory SLE. Mesenchymal stem cells are also applied in the treatment of SLE. Chi-meric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a novel treatment also used in SLE management. This novel treatment method holds major promise for the management of autoimmune diseases and in particular SLE. Major hurdles to be overcome are the logistics involved, as well as the need for specialized facilities. This review focuses on novel treatment modalities in SLE which are targeting cellular and molecular targets in the immune system.
Advances in Understanding Enzyme Function by Way of Computational Investigations Correlated with Experimental Observations
Authors: Mitrasinovic Petar M.
Published: December 2024

In contrast to the classical paradigm of treating enzymes as passive structural scaffolds that bring together and properly orient other participants in the catalyzed reactions, increasing evidences suggest that the internal motions and conformational alterations of intrinsically flexible enzymes play a vital role throughout catalysis. Such a biophysical view, based on a comprehensive survey of the literature, indicates that a number of enzymes contain distinct regions of conserved residues that are in relation to the active site and presumably serve as pathways of energy transfer for the thermodynamic coupling of the surrounding solvent with enzyme catalysis. It means that some particular conformational fluctuations within enzyme structure essentially encode dynamics and the catalytic rate acceleration, that is, enzymatic features that promote function. Certain computational methods are shown to be capable of establishing the underlying hierarchy of motions that drive the conformational and energetic coupling between enzyme and solvent through internal regions of different protein folds. Theoretical studies that deal with the dynamics of enzyme structure are based on molecular mechanics simulations associated with affordable computational costs. This advantage is limited by the fact that enzyme electronic structure is treated as being unaffected throughout the entire simulation. The impossibility of observing the formation or break up of intra- and intermolecular interactions in order to grasp charge transfer means that it is necessary to exploit quantum-chemical methods that allow the change of the electronic structure in the underlying regions of enzyme function. Recent applications of quantum-chemical wave function-based calculations to this problem, being well calibrated relative to experimental observations, are reviewed. Accordingly, new insights into the function of several enzymes, including viral enzymes and those involved in drug metabolism, intracellular signal transduction pathways and cell cycle control, are summarized. Possible trends in further research are discussed.
Changing Flows of Goods and People: Consequences for the Growth of Hate and Discrimination in Slovenia and the European Union
Authors: Murtić Sašo , Pucelj Maja
Published: December 2024

Research examines the influence of trade flows, wars, and human migration on social attitudes, including understanding, hostility, and discrimination in Slovenia and the European Union. It explores how globalization and economic dependence have accelerated migration, shaping perceptions and tensions within European societies. The research details historical migration trends, especially post-World War II, highlighting the economic and demographic needs that have drawn migrants to Europe, thus diversifying cultural and ethnic landscapes. The rise in anti-immigration sentiments and discrimination is linked to perceived threats to local job security, cultural identity, and safety. Additionally, it discusses the role of the EU's migration policies and media in shaping public opinion, underscoring the need for socially cohesive policies that address economic integration and mutual understanding. Through comparative analysis, it aims to provide a nuanced understanding of Slovenian experiences within the broader European migration context, suggesting that fostering economic interdependence without cultural alienation is crucial for reducing negative migration impacts.
Pilot Study of main Air Pollutants in a Rural Community of Guanajuato, Mexico using a Low-Cost ATMOTUBE® Monitor
Authors: Monroy-Torres Rebeca
Published: December 2024

Air pollution is the second cause of death non-communicable diseases. In Guanajuato, Mexico, the brick industry is the main economic and source of polluting emissions, with highest health impacts. This sector has initiated government regulatory changes but now there is no monitoring and its impact on health. As a first pilot phase, the objective was to measure the main air pollutants in a rural community in Guanajuato, Mexico, using a low-cost ATMOTUBE® monitor and describe the area and population group at greatest risk of exposure. Analytical and longitudinal design from September 2023 to February 2024, with the ATMOTUBE® measurement parameters, VOC, PM1, PM2.5, PM10, temperature, humidity and pressure. During the six months of measurement, the results were VOC 4.15±11.79 ppm, Air Quality Score (AQS) 65.17±30.11, PM1 4.90±18.43 ug/m3. From January to February 2024 was the period of highest concentration of pollutants with a maximum concentration of PM2.5 of 664±12.5μg/m3, PM10 of 650±14.8μg/m3 and low humidity value (34.1 ± 5.2%) where they are near two schools. The first inventory of the main air pollutants in a rural community is presented, with children and women being the population at greatest risk. With these data from this pilot phase, it is recommended to start with surveillance measures as well as health and nutrition indicators mainly for the vulnerable population of this rural community.
Personal and Organizational Factors as Predictors of Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults in Long-Term Care Settings
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Yin Cheng , Aribo Umaabude , Conklin Regen , Mpofu Elias
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims
Resident satisfaction is a critical indicator of the quality of care in long-term care facilities (LTCF). Yet, the relative importance quality of care factors in predicting resident satisfaction remains unclear for guiding resident support initiatives. This study aims to identify relative contribution of personal and facility care service factors as predictors of satisfaction LTCFs residents.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 326 older adult residents from LTCFs in Shanghai, Nanjing, and Changsha, China (females = 215, mean age = 89.16, SD = 8.50). Hierarchical multiple regressions were utilized to examine self-report survey data on ten resident personal variables and seven care facility service domains were examined for their relative contribution to resident care satisfaction. Moreover, the analysis included the interaction between person factors and care service attributes.
Results
The combined personal and care service factors explained 26.1% of the variance in overall resident satisfaction. Personal factors that predicted resident satisfaction included age, level of independence, and length of stay (ΔR² = 0.11). Of the care facility factors, the significant predictors of higher resident satisfaction were spending time (β = 0.60, p < 0.01, ΔR² = 0.09) and environment domains (β = 0.62, p < 0.01, ΔR² = 0.03). Age moderated the relationship between Spending Time domain and overall satisfaction, with the positive effect for residents aged 70-79 compared to those aged 60-69 (β = -1.26, p < 0.05).
Conclusion
This study provides evidence to suggest that important of personal and care facility characteristics to LTFC resident satisfaction. Based on these findings, improved resident satisfaction is likely with LTCF care services that provide tailored care plans by the resident characteristics.
AUTOMATION OF QUALITY CONTROL FOR USED PARTS BASED ON 2D IMAGES AND NON-VISUAL INFORMATION: AN APPROACH TO EXTENDING THE PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE
Authors: Bondar Dmytro , Basova Yevheniia , Vodka Oleksii
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a methodology for automating the quality control of used parts after disassembly, focusing on determining their reusability. The proposed approach uses 2D images of the parts, supplemented with non-visual information, in particular dimensions and service history, to identify worn or damaged components accurately. The methodology consists of four steps: raw data acquisition, hole segmentation, scale classification and optimization, and diameter tolerance classification and validation. Using the Mask R-CNN model with an attention mechanism (SEBlock) in combination with the Random Forest classifier achieved high accuracy in detecting defects, particularly hole diameter mismatches with established tolerances. The study's results demonstrated an average classification accuracy of 79%, with maximum precisions, completeness, and F1 estimation in some instances. The system showed high efficiency, avoiding false negatives and minimizing false positives. The proposed methodology is cost-effective as it eliminates the need for expensive 3D scanning equipment, making it easy to integrate into production lines and repair stations. Integrating a multi-level 3D concept allows the geometric parameters and microstructural characteristics of parts to be considered at different levels, increasing the analysis's accuracy. The system has limitations: it can only analyze one part type at a time and cannot detect features not visible in 2D images. At the same time, it opens perspectives for further research to improve surface analysis methods and the use of multi-angle stereo vision. Implementing the proposed system contributes to more efficient manufacturing processes, reduces the cost of purchasing new components, and supports environmental sustainability by extending the life cycle of parts. Further research will focus on adapting the methodology for different part types and implementing polygonal stereo-vision approaches to improve the accuracy and reliability of quality control.
The Results of Two-Year Monitoring of Compliance with the Requirements of Sanitary Legislation in Infectious Diseases Hospitals of the Russian Federation for the Treatment of Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Semenov A. V. , Smirnova S. S. , Egorov I. A. , Zhuikov N. N.
Published: December 2024

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the problem of biological safety of patients and staff of medical organizations has reached a new level. The peculiarities of the functioning of infectious diseases hospitals for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 led to the formation of an artificial ecosystem in which conditions for the active circulation of viral and bacterial pathogens were formed. The aim of the study was to analyze monitoring data on compliance with sanitary legislation requirements in infectious disease hospitals of the Russian Federation where patients with COVID-19 are treated over a two-year period. Materials and methods. A retrospective epidemiological analysis of the Microsoft Office Excel database with a volume of 8.73 MB was carried out, based on the results of weekly monitoring of compliance with sanitary legislation in infectious diseases hospitals for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in the Russian Federation in the system report.gsen.ru for the period from week 42 of 2021 to week 42 of 2023. The analysis includes information on compliance with the requirements of sanitary legislation in 614 infectious diseases hospitals for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with a total bed capacity of 37,270, including 5,961 in intensive care units. Results and discussion. The inspection of infectious diseases hospitals by the Rospotrebnadzor bodies was carried out mainly within the framework of sanitary and epidemiological investigations. The main violations of sanitary legislation related to disinfection (27.7 %), provision of personnel with personal protective equipment (13.4 %) and separation of flows of varying degrees of epidemiological significance (12.3 %). The level of contamination of hospital facilities in infectious diseases hospitals with SARS-CoV-2 and opportunistic micro-flora was 0.3 % and 0.6 %, respectively. The opportunistic micro-flora isolated from the biological material of patients and from the objects of the hospital environment of infectious hospitals was comparable to each other, and represented by the families Staphylococcus, Enterobacterales (Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli) and gram-negative non-fermenting bacteria (Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Thus, in the context of the pandemic and the increased burden on infectious diseases hospitals, conditions are formed that increase the risks of the spread of HAIs among staff and patients. The results of this study should be taken into account when conducting control and supervisory measures, epidemiological investigations and organizing training sessions to prepare medical organizations to work in conditions of mass spread of infectious diseases.
Standardization of Distribution of Work Clothing, Footwear and Personal Protective Equipment among Employees Working with Infectious Disease Agents
Authors: Kostyukova T. A. , Gordeeva M. V. , Lyapin M. N. , Devdariani Z. L. , Zadnova S. P.
Published: December 2024

When working with infectious disease agents, personal protective equipment (PPE) is widely used, which is one of the significant elements of ensuring biological safety. A review and analysis of the current legal and regulatory framework for providing workers with work clothes, footwear and PPE, carrying out activities with infectious disease agents in the Russian Federation has been conducted. The issuance of PPE when working with hazardous biological factors - infectious disease agents - is determined by regulations in the field of occupational safety, technical regulation, biological safety and provision of medical care. Problems of applicability of certain provisions of current regulations in the field of labor protection and technical regulation in relation to the issuance of PPE when working with pathogenic microorganisms are identified. The main ones include: discrepancies in terminology in documents approved by various executive authorities; the need to clarify the quantitative standards for issuing some PPE depending on the specifics of the work process and biological safety requirements; confirmation of compliance with the protective effectiveness of PPE against hazardous effects of biological factors; selection of PPE against exposure to pathogenic biological agents depending on the properties of a specific product, its design features, modifications aimed at reducing the risk to personnel, population and environment; identifying the concept of “work clothing” when working with pathogens. The solution lies in the development of standardization and methodological support for biological safety.
A Century-Long Service: Training of Specialists in Particularly Dangerous Infections at the Premises of the Russian Research Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe”
Authors: Malyukova T. A. , Popov Yu. A. , Sazanova E. V. , Rastuntseva E. V. , Shmel’kova T. P. , Chekhovskaya G. V. , Devdariani Z. L. , Boiko A. V. , Chekmareva S. S.
Published: December 2024

The paper presents brief information on the organization, evolvement and modernization of the Department of Educational Programs and Training of Specialists at the Russian Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” of the Rospotrebnadzor, the first specialized unit in the country to train personnel to work with pathogens of particularly dangerous infections, participate in research activities and anti-epidemic measures in Russia and abroad. The accumulated experience has made it possible to create an effective system for training specialists in microbiology, epidemiology, and laboratory diagnostics of particularly dangerous infections, combining traditional principles of developing skills and abilities in safely handling pathogens with modern information, methodological, and material-technical bases, minimizing the bio risk of educational technologies. Over the past decade, the department’s staff has been actively involved in international activities to train personnel for the CIS and foreign countries, including within the framework of the WHO Collaborating Center on responding to sanitary and epidemiological emergencies at the Russian Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” of the Rospotrebnadzor. An analysis of the current stage of the department’s activities has made it possible to draw plans and outline the prospects for improvement.