bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desenvolvimento do questionário de avaliação do paciente pós-infecção por covid-19 no ambulatório de pneumologia do Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio
Authors: Cardoso Danielle Marie , Catunda Lucyara Gomes
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: Desenvolver um questionário estruturado com avaliação ampla do paciente que contraiu covid-19 e evoluiu com sequelas pulmonares para ser aplicado em um ambulatório de pneumologia. Metodologia: Revisão bibliográfica das principais fontes de pesquisa online. Resultado: Desenvolvimento de questionário para avaliação de pacientes com sequelas pulmonares após infecção de covid-19. Conclusões: O questionário foi desenvolvido abrangendo uma avaliação sistemática e ampla do quadro clínico, incluindo as sequelas pulmonares e possibilitará o seguimento de pacientes acometidos por covid-19.
Dysmetabolic comorbidities and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a stairway to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Colaci Carmen , Gambardella Maria Luisa , Maria Scarlata Giuseppe Guido , Boccuto Luigi , Colica Carmela , Luzza Francesco , Scarpellini Emidio , Mendez-Sanchez Nahum , Abenavoli Ludovico
Published: March 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease. This term does not describe the pathogenetic mechanisms and complications associated with NAFLD. The new definition, Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver disease (MASLD), emphasizes the relationship between NAFLD and cardiometabolic comorbidities. Cardiovascular disease features, such as arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis, are frequently associated with patients with MASLD. Furthermore, these patients have a high risk of developing neoplastic diseases, primarily hepatocellular carcinoma, but also extrahepatic tumors, such as esophageal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers. Moreover, several studies showed the correlation between MASLD and endocrine disease. The imbalance of the gut microbiota, systemic inflammation, obesity, and insulin resistance play a key role in the development of these complications. This narrative review aims to clarify the evolution from NAFLD to the new nomenclature MASLD and evaluate its complications.
Emulgel formulation of wild cherry leaves (Antidesma bunius L. Spreng) extract and its antioxidant activity
Authors: Subaidah Windah Anugrah , Andayani Yayuk , Kumaradewi Dewa Ayu Puspaning
Published: April 2024

Background: The ethanol extract of wild cherry (Antidesma bunius L. Spreng) leaves has been studied as a free anti-radical in an emulgel formulation. The purpose of this study is to determine the physical properties of an emulgel made from an ethanol extract of wild cherry leaves, as well as its anti-radical activity.
Methods: The maceration method was used to extract wild cherry leaves in 96% ethanol, which were then evaporated with a rotary evaporator. An emulgel was prepared to contain a 3.56% thick extract. The physical properties of the emulgel were evaluated consisting of the organoleptic test, pH test, homogeneity test, spreadability test, and adhesion test. The DPPH was used to test free anti-radical activity.
Results: The emulgel of the ethanol extract of wild cherry leaves had a yellowish-green, thick texture, a distinct aroma of the extract, was homogeneous, pH 6, spreadability ranged from 4.4-6.2 cm, and adhesion of 5.5 second. Emulgel had a very weak antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 6238 ppm.
Conclusion: Further optimization of the formulation and storage conditions may be required to enhance the antioxidant potential of the wild cherry leaf extract emulgel for topical applications.
Escherichia coli dominance and antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections among diabetic patients: Insights from Birnin Kebbi Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Almustapha Adamu Aliero , Yari Haruna Abdullahi , Ibrahim Ahmad Bagudo , Manga Sule Sahabi , Tomo Farida Abubakar , Muhammad Amina , Muhammad Muhammad Shamsudeen
Published: April 2024

Background: The global rise in antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections (UTIs) is a growing concern, particularly among diabetic patients. This study examines the antibiotic resistance patterns of bacterial uropathogens in diabetic patients at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi.
Methods: A purposive sampling approach was used to collect 51 mid-stream urine samples in sterile containers. Cultural and biochemical methods were employed for the isolation and identification of uropathogenic bacteria. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed using the disc diffusion method, with results interpreted according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.
Results: UTIs were prevalent in 23.5% (12/51) of the samples. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent uropathogen, accounting for 41.3% (7/17) of cases, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae at 23.5% (4/17). Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis each contributed to 17.6% (3/17) of cases. Notably, E. coli and K. pneumoniae exhibited 100% resistance to chloramphenicol and sparfloxacin, respectively.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for further molecular research to characterize these uropathogens and identify the genes contributing to antibiotic resistance.
The effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in alleviating clinical Symptoms of COVID-19 hospitalized patients at Santa Elisabeth Purwokerto General Hospital, Indonesia
Authors: Ekowati Heny , Nadzif Faradina Qorina , Suryoputri Masita Wulandari , Endriastuti Nialiana Endah , Baroroh Hanif Nasiatul
Published: April 2024

Background: COVID-19 has been associated with increased innate immune system activation, leading to increased mucus production, inflammation, and tissue damage. N-Acetylcystysteine (NAC), an antioxidant and mucolytic, has demonstrated potential as a COVID-19 therapy.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of NAC on the clinical symptoms of hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Santa Elisabeth Purwokerto General Hospital in Indonesia.
Methods: An observational analytical study design was employed, with data collected from the medical records of hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Santa Elisabeth Purwokerto General Hospital over the period of July 2020 to July 2021. The study included 209 patients who met the eligibility criteria.
Results: The results indicated that the use of NAC affected the clinical symptoms of cough, oxygen saturation (SPO2), and respiratory rate in patients with mild and moderate degrees of COVID-19 patients (p<0.05). However, it was found not to affect patients with severe degrees of the disease (p>0.05).
Conclusion: This study suggests that NAC may be a useful treatment option for patients with mild and moderate COVID-19. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine their effectiveness in severe cases.
Biolarvicide activity of extract and essential oil of culantro (Eryngium foetidum L.) on Culex quinquefasciatus larvae in silico and in vitro
Authors: Winarti Sri Ayu , Khumaisah Lela Lailatul , Anwar Devi Indah
Published: April 2024

Background: Filariasis, a priority tropical disease in Indonesia, is transmitted by the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito. The use of conventional synthetic larvicides can lead to environmental and health issues, including poisoning and resistance in target insect populations.
Objective: This study explores the utilization of biolarvicides derived from culantro (Eryngium foetidum) to mitigate these adverse efects, focusing on analyzing the components and evaluating the larvicidal eficacy of both the extract and essential oil of E. foetidum.
Method: This study employed a molecular docking approach to examine in silico biolarvicidal activity against the odorant binding protein (OBP) receptor and conducted in vitro experiments on Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae using varying concentrations of E. foetidum extract (100, 250, and 500 ppm) and essential oil (10, 50, and 100 ppm).
Results: The in silico study identified hynokiflavone and longifenaldehyde as the compounds with the most potent activity, demonstrating binding a inities of -10.2 and -9.5 kcal/mol, respectively. The in vitro assays revealed that the E. foetidum extract achieved 75% larval mortality at an LC50 of 78.59 ppm, while the essential oil resulted in 88% mortality with an LC50 of 10.13 ppm.
Conclusion:The extract and essential oil of E. foetidum exhibit significant biolarvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus, offering promising plant-based alternatives to traditional larvicides, with implications for safer and more sustainable vector control strategies.
APLIKASI SEVEN TOOLS DALAM PENGENDALIAN MUTU SELADA DI CV. ABC
Authors: Hidayat Hety Handayani , Rahmawati Ai Deti
Published: April 2024

CV ABC is a company that produces organic vegetables in Yogyakarta. Lettuce plants at CV ABC are one of the plants that are in great demand by consumers and have a fairly high level of sales. The purpose of this study is to identify the quality control of lettuce with the seventools method. The tools used include check sheets, histograms, pareto charts, control charts, and cause-and-effect diagrams (fishbone). In the research that has been done, it has been shown that there are two types of damage, namely leaf spots of 725 g and torn leaves of 1385 g. Total damage as a whole is 2110 g with an average percentage of damage reaching 21.1% of the total sample of 10000 g. Causes of product defects identified from various aspects, including humans, machines, methods, materials and the environment.
Direct Extraction and Conversion of Microalgal Lipid from Chlorella vulgaris to Biodiesel Through In Situ Process Assisted by Sonication
Authors: Wulandari Melysa , Hadi ,Sofijan , Purkan Purkan , Sumarsih Sri , Abdulloh Abdulloh , Wahyuni Dwi Kusuma , Piluharto Bambang
Published: April 2024

Direct extraction and conversion of microalgal lipid to biodiesel in one step process is developed to initiate an efficiently method in the biofuel production. The method that called as in-situ process had been applied in the biodiesel production from microalgae Chlorella vulgaris lipid by involving of sonication assisting. Various parameters that affect the in-situ transesterification were investigated to find the optimum conditions including power of sonication, co-solvent use, and biomass amount. The experiment was performed by acidic catalyst  The use of   sonication in 25kHz/270W yielded the highest biodiesel product.  The apply of co-solvent n-hexane significantly increased the yield biodiesel rather than no co-solvent. The biodiesel yield of 10.39 %  obtained when the process was accompanied by the n-hexane.as co-solvent with increasing level as 47% rather than without co-solvent. The in situ process in the ratio biomass - methanol 3:50 that assisted by sonication for 60 mins produced the highest biodiesel, which was 20,31 % w/w. The yield was higher than assisting with reflux or combination of reflux-sonication. The component of biodiesel yielded in the process  consisting of  7,10,13-hexadecatrienoic methyl ester; pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-methyl ester; 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid-methyl ester; and eicosanoic acid-methyl ester. Joining of reflux-sonication exhibited a low biodiesel product. Disadvantage method from the combination may inhibit on  lipid extraction or FAME transformation, the exact cause needs to be looked for in the future.

 

Keywords : Biodiesel, in-situ transesterification, microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, sonication
Sustainable Bioplastics Made from Cassava Peel Waste Starch and Carrageenan Formulations: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Fadhallah Esa Ghanim , Assa'diyah Indah Nurul , Juwita Nana , Tullaila Sholeha , Yudistiro Muhammad Kahfi Kharisma , Zuidar Ahmad Sapta , Dameswary Amarilia Harsanti
Published: April 2024

Plastic waste has become a global environmental problem as it is difficult to decompose and harms the environment. The alternative solution to overcome this problem is to produce biodegradable plastics made from renewable materials. Cassava peel waste contains starch that can form a thin film but has poor mechanical properties. Therefore, it is necessary to include additional substances to enhance its strength. Carrageenan is a substance that can improve bioplastic mechanical properties. This study aims to determine the characteristics of bioplastic made from cassava peel waste starch and carrageenan formulation. Nine formulations were tested in this study using the randomized complete block design factorial with the two factors of cassava peel starch (S) and carrageenan (C) concentrations, both at three levels and carried out under three replications. Bioplastics characteristics are observed in thickness, swelling, biodegradation, tensile strength, elongation, and elasticity. The formulation S2C1 (starch 20%; carrageenan 5%) produced the bioplastic with the best mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 1.1 MPa, elongation of 1.33%, and elasticity of 0.87. Meanwhile, the formulation S3C1 (starch 30%; carrageenan 5%) had the best results for swelling, thickness, and biodegradability, with a swelling value of 57.79%, thickness of 0.36mm, and 11-day biodegradability.

 

Keywords: bioplastic, carrageenan, cassava peel, formulation, starch
Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Curcuma domestica Val. Extract with Tetracycline Against Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Nasution Halimah Raina , Yuandani Yuandani , Septama Abdi Wira , Nugraha Sony Eka , Sufitni Sufitni , Khairunnisa Nur Aini
Published: April 2024

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are on the rise globally. MDR is facilitated by overexpression of efflux pump and permeability changes of membrane. Acinetobacter baumannii is a pathogenic germ that causes a major problem in infection, also, there has been  an increase in the incidence of resistance to various antibiotics. The present study highlights the synergistic of ethanolic extract of Curcuma domestica (EECD) rhizome with tetracycline against multidrug-resistant A. baumannii (MDR-Ab). Assessment of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution using 96-well plates. The synergistic effect of EECD and tetracycline was determined by checkerboard method. The effect of EECD and tetracycline combination was investigated by bacteriolytic activity and inhibition of efflux pump by Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) accumulation assay. EECD presented the MIC value 250 µg/mL against MDR-Ab. Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) value of EECD and tetracycline combination was 0.4, which showed their synergistic effect. Additionally, the combination of EECD and tetracycline could inhibit the efflux pump in MDR-Ab. This combination can also compromise cell integrity by altering membrane permeability thus lysing the bacteria cells. According to these results, EECD and tetracycline combination has synergistic effects at some sites of action, and thus could be used as a breakthrough to overcome infection problems due to MDR-Ab.

 

Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii, antibacterial, Curcuma domestica, multidrug-resistant, tetracycline
Metabolite Profiles of Sukabumi Arabica Green Coffee Beans Evaluated by 1H NMR-Based Metabolomics
Authors: Hamdani Ahmad , Happyana Nizar
Published: April 2024

Although Sukabumi arabica coffee is one of the famous coffees in Indonesia, however its chemical information is still limited in the literature. In this work, the metabolite profiles of arabica green coffee beans obtained from various plantations in Sukabumi, including Ciayunan, Pondok Halimun, and Selabintana were evaluated by 1H NMR-based metabolomics. In total, 19 metabolites were successfully identified, including the major and minor metabolites of the coffee. The score plot of the OPLS-DA (Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis) model was successful in classifying the metabolite profiles of the coffees based on their origins. The loading plot analysis showed that the signals belonging to fatty acids, sucrose, trigonelline, chlorogenic acid, lactic acid, and quinic acid, contributed to the classification. S-plot analysis revealed that Selabintana coffee was characterized with higher concentrations of trigonelline and sucrose, whereas Ciayunan sample had higher levels of fatty acids. Meanwhile, the metabolite profile of Pondok Halimun coffee demonstrated an intermediate characteristic between the Ciayunan and Selabintana samples. This work provided valuable scientific information for coffee development especially in West Java and generally in Indonesia.

 

Keywords: metabolomics, multivariate data analysis, NMR, Sukabumi arabica green coffee beans.
Antimalarial Activity of Mangrove Plants and Possible Mechanisms of Action: A Scoping Review
Authors: Rizki Andita Fitri Mutiara , Azmi Wihda Aisarul , Muhaimin Muhaimin , Louisa Melva , Artika I Made , Siregar Josephine Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

Malaria is one of life threatening-infectious diseases with high mortality rate in African regions. Malaria is also one of public health problem in most of Southeast Asia (SEA) regions. This disease is caused by a Apicomplexan parasite; Plasmodium sp., which can be transmitted from humans to humans via Anopheles sp. To date, the need of a new antimalarial drug is still high, due to the rapid increase of drug resistance. Natural-derived drug candidates are still being used by researchers to develop new antimalarials. One of the natural resources which could potentially be a source of antimalarial agents are mangrove plants. Traditionally, mangrove plants have been employed as antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic. Therefore, we conducted a scoping review to identify, evaluate and summarize findings of newly found antimalarial drug activity from mangrove plants and elaborate the possible mechanism of actions in killing the parasites. From several databases, we found six mangrove species which have been suggested as potential antimalarial sources. Various phytochemical compounds in extracts made from those plants were revealed to exert antimalarial activity.  These include alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, saponins, coumarins, triterpenes, glycosides, and anthraquinones which were indicated to have antimalarial activity against Plasmodium. From eight studies investigating mangrove plant extracts, no toxic effects were shown. Therefore, considering the available evidences, we suggested that mangrove plants can be used as a source for the discovery of antimalarial compounds with promising activities against Plasmodium sp. However, deeper understanding on the exact mechanisms of their actions still requires further elucidation.

 

Keywords: Antimalaria, Anthraquinone, Mangrove, Plasmodium sp., Protozoa
Chitinase Enzyme-Producing Endophytic Bacterias From the Roots of the Plant Gembolo (Dioscorea bulbifera): Isolation, Characterization and its Potential as an Antifungal Agent
Authors: Yunita Vivi Alfi , Natsir Hasnah , Ahmad Ahyar , Baharuddin Maswati
Published: April 2024

Chitinase is an enzyme of the chitinolytic group that has many roles in agriculture, especially as an antifungal, because chitin is one of the constituent components of the fungal cell wall. This study aimed to isolate and identify endophytic bacteria from gembolo (Dioscorea bulbifera) roots and to characterize the chitinase enzyme from these endophytic bacteria to be used as an antifungal. Isolation and identification of gembolo plant root endophytic bacteria using PCR method of 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing. Characterization of the chitinase enzyme produced includes determining of optimum pH, temperature, and substrate UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Antagonistic test of the chitinase enzyme and endophytic bacterial isolates (isolate K4) Fusarium oxysporum. The results showed that bacterial isolate K4 had with chitinolytic index of 2.45 mm. Electrophoresis results with PCR 16s rRNA gene; the length of the amplified fragment is the position of 1300 bp. By doing the BLAST process in GenBank, the bacterial isolate has 97.93% similarity with Enterobacter cloacae. Then, this endophytic bacteria is called Enterobacter cloacae K4-G. This bacterium produced chitinase enzyme reaching maximum chitinase activity at the 38 hours with an activity of 0.0312 U/mL. The chitinase characterization results of E. cloacae K4-G showed that the optimum conditions were reached at at pH 6, temperature 45 ᵒC, and 2.5% substrate with a chitinase activity value of 0.2467 U/mL. Chitinase enzyme and bacteria Enterobacter cloacae K4-G can inhibit the growth of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Therefore, Chitinase from Enterobacter cloacae K4-G can be used as an antifungal pathogen in plants.

 

Keywords: Chitinase, endophytic bacteria, Enterobacter cloacae
Adsorption of Methylene Blue using the Biosorbent of Coconut Fiber Activated by Nitric Acid
Authors: Baunsele Anselmus Boy , Kopon Aloisius Masan , Boelan Erly Grizca , Leba Maria A. U. , Komisia Faderina , Tukan Maria B. , Taek Maximus M. , Tukan Gerardus D. , Missa Hildegardis , Siswanta Dwi , Naat Johnson N. , Rahayu Rahayu
Published: April 2024

The textile industry in the world keeps increasing, but it harms environmental pollution caused by textile dye waste. Synthetic dyes contain carcinogenic and mutagenic ingredients that can demage the environment and aquatic biota. The alternative to handling dye pollution with a low-cost method is adsorption using nitric acid-activated coconut fiber. Coconut fiber was an abundant agricultural waste and economical, and it had an active site that contained many compounds such as cellulose, lignin, pyroligneous acid, and tannin molecules. This study used the UV-Vis Spectrophotometer analysis method to determine the effect of pH, contact time, and coconut fiber on the adsorption capacity of methylene blue. The result showed that the optimal conditions for adsorption were a pH of 5, a contact time of 75 minutes, and a percentage adsorption of the variation of contact time of 99.628%. The adsorption study was according to a pseudo-second-order reaction with a constant reaction rate of 0.050 g mg-1 minute-1. The maximum adsorption capacity was 2 mg g-1, with the percentage of methylene blue adsorbed at 99.84%. Adsorption occurs chemically with an energy of 35.4 kJ mol-1, so it can be determined that it occurs with a monolayer mechanism.

 

Keywords: Adsorption, biosorbent, isothermal, kinetic, methylene blue
Meaningfully Averaging Unbounded Functions
Authors: Krishnan Bharath
Published: March 2024

In this paper we want meanignfully average an "infinite collection of objects covering an infinite expanse of space". We illustrate this quote with an explicit n-dimensional function, where the graph of the function is dense in ℝ^(n+1). The problem is non meaningful expected value of the function (e.g., w.r.t the Lebesgue or Hausodorff measure) has a finite value. In fact "almost no" Borel measurable functions have a finite and meaningful value. In rigorous terms, suppose for n∈ ℕ, set A⊆ℝⁿ and function f∶A→ℝⁿ. If set A is Borel; B* is the set of all Borel measurable function in ℝᴬ for all A⊆ℝⁿ, and B** is the set of all f∈B* with a finite expected value—w.r.t the Hausdorff measure—then B** is a shy subset of B*. To fix these issues, we wish to find a unique and "natural" extension of the expected value—w.r.t the Hausdorff measure—on bounded functions to unbounded/bounded f, which takes finite values only, so B** is a non-shy subset of B*. Note we haven't found evidence suggesting mathematicians have thought of this problem; however, it's assumed, in general, there's no meaningful way of averaging functions which cover an infinite expanse of space. Regardless, we'll attempt to solve the problem by defining a choice function—this shall choose a unique set of equivalent sequences of sets (Fₖ***) , where the set-theoretic limit of Fₖ*** is the graph of f; the measure Hʰ is the ℎ-Hausdorff measure, such for each k∈ℕ, 0 < Hʰ(Fₖ***) < +∞; and (fₖ*) is a sequence of functions where {(x₁,...,xₙ,fₖ*(x₁,...,xₙ))∶x∈ dom(Fₖ***)}=Fₖ***. Thus, if (Fₖ***) converges to A at a rate linear or super-linear to the rate non-equivelant sequences of sets converge, and the extended expected value of or E**[f,Fₖ***] in the eq. below: ∀(ε>0)∃(N∈ℕ)∀(k∈N)(k≥N⇒1/Hʰ(dom(Fₖ***))∫dom(Fₖ*** )fₖ* dHʰ - E**[f,Fₖ***]<ε ) exists, then E**[f,Fₖ***] is a unique and "natural" extension of the original expected value on bounded f, so B**—the set of all f∈B* with a finite E**[f,Fₖ***]—is a non-shy set in B*. Note we guessed the choice function using computer programming we redefine linear and super-linear convergence in terms of partitions of
Resolving the Collatz Conjecture: A Rigorous Proof through Inverse Discrete Dynamical Systems and Algebraic Inverse Trees
Authors: Diedrich Eduardo
Published: March 2024

This article introduces the Theory of Inverse Discrete Dynamical Systems (TIDDS), a novel methodology for modeling and analyzing discrete dynamical systems via inverse algebraic models. Key concepts such as inverse modeling, structural analysis of inverse algebraic trees, and the establishment of topological equivalences for property transfer between a system and its inverse are elucidated. Central theorems on homeomorphic invariance and topological transport validate the transfer of cardinal attributes between dynamic representations, offering a fresh perspective on complex system analysis. A significant application presented is an alternative proof of the Collatz Conjecture, achieved by constructing an associated inverse model and leveraging analytical property transfers within the inverted tree structure. This work not only demonstrates the theory's capability to address and solve open problems in discrete dynamics but also suggests vast implications for expanding our understanding of such systems
Dual Theory of Decaying Turbulence
Authors: Migdal Alexander
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates the recently found \cite{migdal2023exact} reduction of decaying turbulence in the Navier-Stokes equation in $3 + 1$ dimensions to a Number Theory problem of finding the statistical limit of the Euler ensemble. We reformulate the Euler ensemble as a Markov chain and show the equivalence of this formulation to the quantum statistical theory of free fermions on a ring, with an external field related to the random fractions of $\pi$. We find the solution of this system in the statistical limit $N\to \infty$ in terms of a complex trajectory (instanton) providing a saddle point to the path integral over the charge density of these fermions. This results in an analytic formula for the observable correlation function of vorticity in wavevector space. This is a full solution of decaying turbulence from the first principle without assumptions, approximations, or fitted parameters. We compute resulting integrals in \Mathematica{} and present effective indexes for the energy decay as a function of time Fig.\ref{fig::NPlot} and the energy spectrum as a function of the wavevector at fixed time Fig.\ref{fig::SPIndex}. In particular, the asymptotic value of the effective index in energy decay $n(\infty) = \frac{7}{4}$, but the universal function $n(t)$ is neither constant nor linear.
Radiomics Machine Learning Analysis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma for Tumour Grade Prediction Based on Intra-tumoural Subregion Heterogeneity
Authors: Alhussaini Abeer J. , Steele J. Douglas , Jawli Adel , Nabi Ghulam
Published: March 2024

Background: Renal cancers are among the top ten causes of cancer-specific mortality, of which the ccRCC subtype is responsible for most cases. The grading of ccRCC is important in determining tumour aggressiveness and clinical management. Objectives: The objectives of this research were to predict the WHO/ISUP grade of ccRCC pre-operatively and characterise the heterogeneity of tumour sub-regions using radiomics and ML models, including comparison with pre-operative biopsy-determined grading in a sub-group. Methods: Data were obtained from multiple institutions across two countries, including 391 patients with pathologically proven ccRCC. For analysis, the data were separated into four cohorts. Cohorts 1 and 2 included data from the respective institutions from the two countries, cohort 3 was the combined data from both cohort 1 and 2, and cohort 4 was a subset of cohort 1, for which both the biopsy and subsequent histology from resection (partial or total nephrectomy) were available. 3D image segmentation was carried out to derive a voxel of interest (VOI) mask. Radiomics features were then extracted from the contrast-enhanced images, and the data were normalised. The Pearson correlation coefficient and the XGBoost model were used to reduce the dimensionality of the features. Thereafter, 11 ML algorithms were implemented for the purpose of predicting the ccRCC grade and characterising the heterogeneity of sub-regions in the tumours. Results: For cohort 1, the 50% tumour core and 25% tumour periphery exhibited the best performance, with an average AUC of 77.9% and 78.6%, respectively. The 50% tumour core presented the highest performance in cohorts 2 and 3, with average AUC values of 87.6% and 76.9%, respectively. With the 25% periphery, cohort 4 showed AUC values of 95.0% and 80.0% for grade prediction when using internal and external validation, respectively, while biopsy histology had an AUC of 31.0% for the classification with the final grade of resection histology as a reference standard. The CatBoost classifier was the best for each of the four cohorts with an average AUC of 80.0%, 86.5%, 77.0% and 90.3% for cohorts 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Conclusion: Radiomics signatures combined with ML have the potential to predict the WHO/ISUP grade of ccRCC with superior performance, when compared to pre-operative biopsy. Moreover, tumour sub-regions contain useful information that should be analysed independently when determining the tumour grade. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish the grade of ccRCC pre-operatively to improve patient care and management.
Fuzzy Analysis of Financial Risk Management Strategies for Sustainable Public-Private Partnership Infrastructure Projects in Ghana
Authors: Akomea-Frimpong Isaac , Jin Xiaohua , Osei-Kyei Robert
Published: March 2024

Public-private partnership (PPP) is a prominent tool for sustainable infrastructure development. However, the positive contributions of PPPs towards attainment of sustainable, climate resilience and zero carbon infrastructure projects are hampered by poor financial risk management. This problem is more prevalent in developing countries like Ghana where private investment inflow has plummeted due to COVID-19 recession and poor project performance. Thus, this study aims at assessing the key financial risk management strategies in ensuring sustainable PPP infrastructure projects in Ghana. The study utilised primary data from PPP practitioners in Ghana solicited through survey questionnaires. Factor analysis, mean scores and fuzzy synthetic analysis are the data analysis techniques for this study. The results revealed sustainable and green funding models, effective cost reduction initiatives, competent team with committed leadership, and emerging technologies and regulations constitute the key strategies to manage financial risks of sustainable PPP infrastructure projects. Although, future studies must expand the scope of data gathering, the findings of the study enrichen the theoretical understanding of financial risks in sustainable investments in PPP infrastructures. Relevant remedies that will aid the development of practical financial risk management guidelines are provided in this study for PPP practitioners.
Friedmann Type Equations in Thermodynamic Form Lead to Much Tighter Constraints on the Critical Density of the Universe
Authors: Haug Espen , Tatum Eugene
Published: March 2024

Based on recent progress in cosmological thermodynamics, we present a new thermody- namic formulation of the Friedmann equations in the new Haug-Tatum cosmology model, as well as for other similar models put forward in the literature from different solutions to Einstein’s field equation. Since the CMB temperature has been measured much more accu- rately than the Hubble constant, we demonstrate that our thermodynamic formulation of the Friedmann equation dramatically narrows the acceptable range for the critical density of the universe. Furthermore, we show how our thermodynamic formulation leads to a more precise cosmological constant estimate.
Experimental Verification of Geometric Changes Caused by the Release of Residual Stresses for Large-Scale Welded Frames
Authors: Wieczorowski Michał , Jakubowicz Michał , Marciniak-Podsadna Lidia , Gapiński Bartosz , Barczewski Roman , Jakubek Bartosz , Rogiewicz Filip , Jermak Czesław , Khan Rehan
Published: March 2024

This paper presents geometric analyses of welded frames after free relaxing and vibratory stress relief (VSR). Respected frames were tested components of a prototype packaging machine. Two types of relaxation were carried out to remove stresses introduced as a result of welding process. One of the frame was subjected to free relaxing, while the other one to accelerated vibration relaxing. Detection of the frame geometry changes was performed using a photogrammetric system. In addition, an evaluation of the geometry change was conducted for fifteen variants of steel frame support. A comparative analysis of the geometric deviations of the frames after free and vibratory stress relief confirmed the assumption that the frame after vibration stress relief better reproduces the nominal dimensions. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that after vibratory stress relief the frame is not subject to further deformation, which is a desirable effect. In the case of free relaxing, the frame undergoes dimensional changes in a random manner. In summary, carrying out accelerated vibratory stress relief allows control of spontaneous dimensional changes in the designed frame of a packaging machine resulting from spontaneous relaxation of stresses arising from the welding process. The shortening of the relaxation process of the welded frame is also an unquestionable advantage.
Analysis of Particle Number Emissions in a Retrofitted Heavy Duty-Spark Ignition Engine Powered by LPG
Authors: Bermúdez Vicente , Piqueras Pedro , Sanchis Enrique José , Conde Brayan
Published: March 2024

This study aims to examine the non-volatile Particle Number (PN) emissions of a retrofitted Heavy-Duty Spark-Ignition (HD-SI) engine powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) under both steady-state and transient conditions. The engine was tested under seven steady-state operating points to investigate the PN behavior and Particle Size Distribution (PSD) upstream and down-stream of the Three-Way Catalyst (TWC). This analysis intends to assess the impact of including particles with diameters ranging from 10 nm to 23 nm in the total particle count, a consideration for future regulations. The study employed the World Harmonized Transient Cycle (WHTC) for transient conditions to encompass the same engine working region used in the steady-state analysis. A Dekati FPS-4000 diluted the exhaust sample to measure the PSD and PN for particle diameters between 5.6 nm and 560 nm using the TSI-Engine Exhaust Particle Sizer (EEPS) 3090. Findings indicate that PN levels tend to increase downstream of the TWC under steady-state conditions in operating points with low exhaust gas temperatures and flows (equal to or less than 500 °C and 120 kg/h). Furthermore, the inclusion of particles with diameters between 10 nm and 23 nm leads to an increase in PN emissions by 17.70% to 40.84% under steady conditions and by an average of 40.06% under transient conditions, compared to measurements that only consider particles larger than 23 nm. Notably, in transient conditions, most PN emissions occur during the final 600 seconds of the cycle, linked to the most intense phase of the WHTC.
Value Statements and Sustainability: A Q-Sort Methodology Approach
Authors: Kwok Man Lung Jonathan , Kwong Raymond , Hui Chun , Liu Ken H. K.
Published: March 2024

Many corporations have now revised their value statements to showcase their commitment to sustainable development and green business due to the pressing issues of climate and environmental damage. Despite the importance of value statements that can direct companies to achieve sustainable goals, what kind of values can be perceived as organizational orientations to sustainability remains unknown. This study explores how the general public views the inclusion of sustainable components in value statements from the listed companies in Hong Kong by using Q-sort methodology (n = 30). Analyzing the final sample of 40 value statements extracted from 27 listed companies, we identified three factors related to sustainability, namely, Empowering business process management, Empowering customer-centric excellence, and Empowering sustainable progress. This study provides an additional component to the traditional triple bottom line by suggesting that internal operation of a company is an emerging idea to understand corporate sustainability.
Matchmaking in Off-Grid Energy System Planning: A Novel Approach for Integrating Residential Electricity Demands and Productive Use of Electricity
Authors: Schöne Nikolas , Britton Tim Ronan , Delatte Edouard , Saincy Nicolas , Heinz Boris
Published: March 2024

Off-grid electrification planning increasingly recognizes the importance of productive use of electricity (PUE) to promote community value creation and (financial) project sustainability. To ensure a sustainable and efficient integration in the community and energy system, PUE assets must carefully be evaluated to match both the community needs and the residential electricity demand patterns.
We propose a novel methodology interlinking qualitative interviews, statistical analysis, and energy system modelling to optimize decision-making for PUE integration in off-grid energy systems in rural Madagascar by aligning relevant PUE effectively with anticipated residential electricity demand patterns based on socio-economic determinants of the community.
We find that a possible contribution of the PUE to reducing the electricity costs depends signifi-cantly on three factors: 1. the residential electricity consumption patterns that are influenced by the socio-economic composition of the community, 2. the degree of flexibility of i) PUE assets and ii) operational preferences of the PUE user, and 3. the capacity of community members to finance and operate PUE assets. Our study demonstrates that significant cost reductions for PUE-integrated off-grid energy systems can be achieved by applying our proposed methodology. When matching PUE and residential consumption patterns, the integration of PUE assets in residential community energy system can reduce the financial risk of operators, provided the PUE enterprise operates reliably and sustainably.
We highlight that the consideration of local value chains and co-creation approaches are essential to ensure the energy system is addressing the community’s needs, creates value for the community, enhances the project´s financial sustainability, and is achieving the overall objectives of decentralized energy system planning.
Review of Fourth-Order Maximum Entropy Based Predictive Modelling and Illustrative Application to a Nuclear Reactor Benchmark: II. Best-Estimate Predicted Values and Uncertain-ties for Model Responses and Parameters
Authors: Cacuci Dan Gabriel , Fang Ruixian
Published: March 2024

This work continues the review and illustrative application to energy systems of the “Fourth-Order Best-Estimate Results with Reduced Uncertainties Predictive Modeling” (4th-BERRU-PM) methodology. The 4th-BERRU-PM methodology uses the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) principle to incorporate fourth-order experimental and computational information, in-cluding fourth (and higher) order sensitivities of computed model responses with respect to model parameters. The 4th-BERRU-PM methodology yields the fourth-order MaxEnt posterior distribution of experimentally measured and computed model responses and parameters, in the combined phase-space of model responses and parameters. The 4th-BERRU-PM methodology encompasses fourth-order sensitivity analysis (SA) and uncertainty quantification (UQ), which were reviewed in the accompanying work (Part 1), as well as fourth-order data assimilation (DA) and model calibration (MC) capabilities, which will be reviewed and illustrated in this work (Part 2). The applicability of the 4th-BERRU-PM methodology to energy systems is illustrated by using the Polyethylene-Reflected Plutonium (acronym: PERP) OECD/NEA reactor physics benchmark, which is modeled using the linear neutron transport Boltzmann equation, involving 21976 im-precisely known parameters. This benchmark is representative of “large-scale computations” such as those involved in the modeling of energy systems. The result (“response”) of interest for the PERP benchmark is the leakage of neutrons through the outer surface of this spherical benchmark, which can be computed numerically and measured experimentally. The impact of the high-order sensitivities of the response with respect to the PERP model parameters is quantified for “high-precision” parameters (2% standard deviations) and “medium-precision” parameters (5% standard deviations). Analyzing the best-estimate results with reduced uncertainties for the 1st- through 4th-order moments (mean values, covariance, skewness, and kurtosis) produced by the 4th-BERRU-PM methodology for the PERP benchmark indicates that, even for systems mod-eled by linear equations (e.g., the PERP benchmark), retaining only first-order sensitivities is insufficient for reliable predictive modeling (including SA, UQ, DA, MC). At least second-order sensitivities should be retained in order to obtain reliable predictions.
Nanostructured Solid/Liquid Acid Catalysts for Glycerol Esterification: The Key to Convert Liability into Assets
Authors: Keogh John , Inrirai Patcharaporn , Artioli Nancy , Manyar Haresh
Published: March 2024

Owing to the growing concerns due to dwindling fossil fuel reserves, increasing energy demand and climate emergency, it is imperative to develop and deploy sustainable energy technologies to ensure future energy supply as well as transition to the net zero world. In this context, there is great potential in the biorefinery concept for supplying drop in biofuels in the form of biodiesel. Biodiesel as a fuel can certainly bridge the gap where electrification or the use of hydrogen is not feasible, for instance heavy vehicles, farm and marine transportation sector. However, biodiesel industry also leads to formation of large amount of crude glycerol as the byproduct. Crude glycerol due to presence of several impurities may not be a suitable feedstock for all high value products derived from glycerol but fits well with glycerol esterification for producing glycerol acetins, which have numerous applications. This review critically looks at the processes using nanostructured solid/liquid acid catalysts for glycerol esterification including the economic viability of the scale up.
Ethnic Representation Matters: Investigating Bias in Facial Age Prediction Models
Authors: Panić Nenad , Marjanović Marina , Bezdan Timea
Published: March 2024

In the context of artificial intelligence's pervasive integration across sectors, the rigorous examination of methodologies used in constructing mathematical models is imperative. This study delves into facial recognition models, particularly in their ability to extract features such as age. We address the prevalent practice of training models with unbalanced datasets and its implications for model performance and bias introduction. Utilizing 27,305 facial images, we investigate the influence of dataset imbalance on age prediction based on ethnicity. Employing preprocessing and oversampling techniques, we equalize sample sizes across ethnicities. A Convolutional Neural Network trained on the balanced dataset serves as our baseline, while three additional models undergo training with a 50% sample size reduction for each group to assess accuracy degradation. Our findings reveal a notable decline in accuracy for ethnic groups with reduced representation. The Asian group experiences a 67.94% accuracy deterioration, followed by a 51.60% drop for the Black group, and a 38.46% decline for the White group. These results underscore the sensitivity of certain ethnic groups to underrepresentation, highlighting the nuanced impact on age prediction accuracy. While a 50% reduction in representation does not uniformly result in a 50% accuracy decline, it unquestionably influences predictive accuracy for affected groups.
Optimization of Process Parameters for Stir Casting of Tib2 Reinforced In-Situ Composites
Authors: Vivek Paul P Xavier , Sethu E Xavier , PERIYASAMY S.
Published: March 2024

The research paper investigates the synthesis of metal matrix composites (MMCs) through the amalgamation of aluminum and silicon carbide particles, employing a two-step mixing methodology called the stir casting method. Metal matrix composites are materials that enhance the capabilities of a metallic matrix by incorporating another material. This leads to better characteristics such as tensile and shear moduli, fatigue and fracture properties, thermal expansion coefficient, and more. Aluminum-matrix composites are a class of materials that possess distinct characteristics that may be modified by altering factors such as the type of reinforcing material, the amount of reinforcement, and the fabrication technique employed to produce the composite. The concept aims to combine the desirable properties of metals and ceramics by incorporating durable refractory particles into a malleable metal structure. The fabrication process employs the stir casting technique, where reinforcing phases are mechanically stirred into a molten matrix to create cast composites with reinforcement volume percentages of up to 30%. The study utilizes Response Surface Methodology to enhance the mechanical properties of the composites through the optimization of manufacturing parameters, including stirring temperature, time, and speed. The study entails analyzing the correlation between different casting conditions and the resulting changes in hardness and tensile strength.
Clinical Significance of the Immunohistochemical Expression of Histone Deacetylases (HDACs)-2, -4 and -5 in Ovarian Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Levidou Georgia , Arsenakis Dimitrios , Bolovis Dimitrios I , Meyer Roxanne , Brucker Cosima VM , Papadopoulos Thomas , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: March 2024

Background: Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are implicated in carcinogenesis, and HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) are explored as a therapeutic tool in several tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of HDAC -2, -4, and -5 expression in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). Methods: HDAC-2, -4, and -5 immunohistochemical expression was examined in 92 EOC tissue specimens and was correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. Results: HDAC-2 was the most frequently (94.4%) expressed isoform, being marginally higher in serous tumors compared with other types (p=0,08). HDAC-5 was the less frequently expressed (28.1%), being positively associated with HDAC-4. HDAC-4 positivity was associated with lower FIGO-stage (p=0,045) and T-category (p=0.,043) and the absence of lymph node (p=0,05) or distant metastasis (p=0,09) in serous carcinomas. HDAC-2 positivity was correlated with absence of lymph node metastasis in serous tumors (p=0,045). On the contrary, HDAC-5 nuclear positivity was correlated with lymph node metastasis in the entire cohort (p=0,048). HDAC-4 positivity was marginally associated with favorable prognosis in serous carcinomas in univariate survival analysis (p=0,086), a correlation which was not significant in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: These findings suggest a differential expression of HDAC-2, -4 and -5, providing evidence for a potential role in the pathobiology of EOC.