bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptualizing special military operations in contemporary law
Authors: Kudashkin A. , Kholikov I.
Published: July 2023

Special military operations are associated with the establishment of a special legal regime in a certain territory or in relation to certain actions, as well as with the special activities of collective subjects and military officials. Difficulties in international legal and law enforcement conceptualization give rise to various forms of legal understanding of the phenomenon of “special military operation”. The article discusses interrelated conceptual, legal, and institutional issues of special military operations, including the way they apply to Russia’s special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine at different stages of legal regulation. In terms of differentiation of the legal regulation’s object, SMO is already regulated by over 30 federal laws and subsidiary legislation acts, and this list continues to grow. The specifics of the formation of special legislation on SMO that forms a separate subject area of the Russian law is revealed. Specialization of legislation first manifested itself at the level of individual legal norms (such as military award procedures in SMO area) and sub-institutions (such as ensuring monetary and social security of its participants, partial mobilization procedures etc.), with subsequent optimization and integration of legal regulation into single legal institution of SMO. Legal regulation problems in the field of military confrontation in cyber-space and at sea actualized by SMO are also addressed. The authors conclude that some features of social relations to be regulated in the case of SMO require certain legal norms and the method of legal regulation to be revised, as the existing legal mechanisms do not always function effectively.
Russian–Iranian–Turkish trilateral relations in the Syrian civil war
Authors: Vogel A.
Published: July 2023

The Syrian uprisings in 2011 transformed into a fragmented, internationalized, and highly intensive civil war. The confrontation in Syria involved numerous local forces, regional stakeholders and outside powers. Among those various actors, Türkiye, Russia, and Iran played the key role in shaping the outcome of the conflict. Despite support by Russia/Iran and Turkey to the opposite sides in a civil war, the three powers successfully delineated their respective spheres of influence and established a modus vivendi to coexist and co-manage the conflict in Syria. The trio has worked as equals, checking and balancing each other in their actions in the Syrian Arab Republic. As the crisis in Ukraine escalated, a new geopolitical reality emerged, affecting the Syrian theater and the related balance between three leading external actors. Russia’s decreased focus on Syria led to an expanding Iran, disturbing the balance of power and pushing Israel to intervene more assertively. Erupting competition between Ankara and Tehran could also lead to escalation. This article attempts to provide a picture of the complex triangular interplay between the Islamic Republic of Iran, Russia, and Türkiye in Syria. It outlines the divergent and converging interests of the three as well as their actions and policies vis-à-vis Syria. The work explores whether antagonistic aspirations are bridged or not and investigates where the potential for escalation lies.
Consciousness and Life after Death in the Evolution of Intelligence
Authors: Senarath Dayathilake Kande Lekamalaya
Published: July 2023

To date, no scientific study has found evidence of an afterlife, and the mechanism of consciousness is two of the most challenging questions. Here, I show a hypothesis for consciousness and the probability of an afterlife through three simple thought experiments and theoretical evidence. More studies are needed to understand the mechanism precisely. I found that consciousness can be discussed based on a new theory. Here, I hypothesize that when a person or animal dies, the selection of a new nervous system's characteristic of a new life might depend on the characteristics of the final evolved yet unknown particle. Here, I suggest that the positive or adverse evolution of the said particle depends on the natural evolution of the materialistic brain's cognition, including intelligence. The fittest intellectuals, those who have a higher potential scan mind virus, may survive happier and help more for others to improve psychological well-being. Here, I suggest that when a brain dies, the two microparticles might emit at infinite speed from the dead brain and simultaneously bond with a naturally select suitable zygote or early nervous system somewhere in the universe/s, forming a new life with the impact of new nurture.
Enhancing Microsoft 365 Security: Integrating Digital Forensics Analysis to Detect and Mitigate Adversarial Behavior Patterns
Authors: Rich Marshall S.
Published: July 2023

This research article investigates the effectiveness of digital forensics analysis (DFA) techniques in identifying patterns and trends in malicious failed login attempts linked to public data breaches or compromised email addresses in Microsoft 365 (M365) environments. Pattern recognition techniques are employed to analyze security logs, revealing insights into negative behavior patterns. The findings contribute to the literature on digital forensics, opposing behavior patterns, and cloud-based cybersecurity. Practical implications include the development of targeted defense strategies and the prioritization of prevalent threats. Future research should expand the scope to other cloud services and platforms, capture evolving trends through more prolonged, more extended analysis periods, and assess the effectiveness of specific mitigation strategies for identified tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
Modelling Multi-Generation Products Diffusion in the Context of Dual Brand Competition and Sustainable Improvement
Authors: TAN BO , Zhu Zhiguo , Jiang Pan , Wang Xiening
Published: July 2023

Abstract: The diffusion of competition under the coexistence of multi-generation products has become one of the important challenges faced by enterprises in their daily and sustainable operations. At the same time, the competition between different brands has intensified the difficulty and complexity of decision-making in the process of multi-generation product operation, Therefore, based on the Norton-Bass model diffusion process, this paper introduces two marketing variables, dynamic price and quality level, builds a multi-generation product diffusion model under the dual-brand competition, and analyzes the impact of the company's revenue on the launch time to market, pricing, quality or technical level. By using system dynamics (SD) method, From the perspective of strong brand and weak brand enterprises, the competition diffusion model is built and simulated. The simulation shows that: i) When enterprises have the same brand competitiveness, reducing the pricing level cannot obtain more revenue, but diminish the overall revenue of the industry; Raising the pricing level can get more revenue, but also improve the revenue of competitors. ii) When the competitive strength of enterprises is different, the strong brand tends to maintain a stable pricing on the basis of improving the quality level, or slightly raise the price. Weak brands tend to raise the pricing of new products significantly on the basis of improving the quality level. iii) The launch time to market decision of new product is influenced by the degree of product quality upgrade. Therefore, the frequency of releasing new products should trade-off against the degree of technological upgrading of product quality. This paper provides the theoretical basis and new insights for the new product launch and operation decision of enterprises.
Diversity of Transgene Integration and Gene Editing Events in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Transgenic Plants Generated Using Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation
Authors: Lopos Louie Cris , Bykova Natalia V. , Brown Susan , Ward Kerry , Bilichak Andriy
Published: July 2023

Improvement of agronomic traits in crops through gene editing (GE) relies on efficient trans-formation protocols for delivering the CRISPR/Cas9-coded transgenes. Recently, a few embryo-genesis-related genes have been described, the co-delivery of which significantly increases the transformation efficiency with reduced genotype dependency. Here we characterized the trans-genic and GE events in wheat (cv. Fielder) when transformed with the GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR 4 (GRF4) and its cofactor GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR 1 (GIF1) chimeric gene. Trans-formation efficiency in our experiments ranged from 22% to 68%, and the editing events were faithfully propagated into the following generation. Both low and high copy number integration events were recovered in the T0 population with the various level of integrity of the left and right T-DNA borders. We also generated a population of wheat plants with ten different gRNAs targeting 30 loci in the genome. Comparison of the epigenetic profiles at the target sites and editing efficiency revealed a significant positive correlation between chromatin accessibility and muta-genesis rate. Overall, preliminary screening of the transgene quality and GE events in the T0 population of plants regenerated through the co-delivery of GRF-GIF can allow for the propagation of the best candidates for further phenotypic analysis.
Potential for Improved Hydrological Functioning and Stream Baseflows through Forest Landscape Restoration in the Tropics
Authors: Bruijnzeel L. Adrian , Peña-Arancibia Jorge L. , Ziegler Alan D. , Birkel Christian , Sun Ge , Wang Yanhui , Zhang Jun , Zhang Xiaoping , Zwartendijk Bob W. , Sheil Douglas
Published: July 2023

The large areas being targeted for tropical forest restoration as part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration will have major consequences for the flow of water through landscapes. Whilst the prevailing mantra that ‘more forest implies less streamflow’ remains true in terms of annual water yields, we demonstrate that opportunities for increased tree cover to improve seasonal flow regimes of streams, particularly baseflows, are important. We discuss several potential positive feedbacks of forest restoration on hydrological processes at various scales, including ‘trade-offs’ between changes in vegetation water use and infiltration after foresting degraded land; the recovery of the capacity of vegetation to capture ‘occult’ precipitation in specific coastal and montane settings; and enhanced moisture recycling and transport at various scales. Modelled changes in baseflow after foresting all degraded land climatically capable of carrying forest in the tropics suggested a positive effect in 10% of the land. For an additional 8%, the effect was predicted to be about neutral (<2 mm/y). We conclude that a more positive narrative regarding the relationship between tropical forestation and water availability is justified. It is time for greater involvement of hydrologists and atmospheric scientists in the development and assessment of forest landscape restoration efforts.
Identifying the Drivers of Inter-Regional Patients’ Migration: An analysis on Hospital Beds Endowment
Authors: Guarducci Giovanni , Messina Gabriele , Carbone Simona , Nante Nicola
Published: July 2023

Background: In a Beveridgean decentralized healthcare system, like the Italian one, where regions are responsible for their own health planning and financing, the analysis of patients’ migration appears very interesting as it has economic and social implications. The study aims to analyze both patients’ migration for hospital rehabilitation and if the beds endowment is a driver for these flows; Methods: from 2011 to 2019, admissions data were collected from the Hospital Dis-charge Cards database of the Italian Ministry of Health, population data from Italian National Institute of Statistics and data of beds endowment from the Italian Ministry of Health website. To evaluate patients’ migration, we used Gandy’s Nomogram, while to assess if beds endowments are mobility drivers, we have created two matrices, one with attraction indexes (AI) and one with escape indexes (EI). The beds endowment, for each Italian region, were correlated with AI and EI. Spearman’s test was carried out through STATA software; Results: Gandy’s Nomogram showed that only some northern regions had good hospital planning for rehabilitation. A statistically significant correlation between beds endowment and AI was found for four regions, while with EI for eight regions. Conclusions: Only some northern regions appear able to satisfy the care needs of their residents, with an attraction minus escapes positive epidemiological balance. The beds endowment seems to be a driver of Patients’ migration, mainly for escapes. Certainly, the search for mobility drivers needs further investigation given the events in Molise and Basilicata.
Antibiotic Resistance Rates for Helicobacter pylori in Rural Arizona: A Molecular-Based Study
Authors: Monroy Fernando P. , Brown Heidi E. , Acevedo-Solis Claudia M. , Rodriguez-Galaviz Andres , Dholakia Rishi , Pauli Laura , Harris Robin B.
Published: July 2023

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterial infection linked to gastric malignancies. While H. pylori infection and gastric cancer rates are decreasing, antibiotic resistance varies greatly by community. Little is known about resistance rates among rural Indigenous populations in the United States. From 2018 to 2021, 396 endoscopy patients were recruited from a Northern Arizona clinic, where community H. pylori prevalence is near 60%. Gastric biopsy samples positive for H. pylori (n=67) were sequenced for clarithromycin and metronidazole-associated mutations, 23S ribosomal RNA (23S), and oxygen-insensitive NADPH nitroreductase (rdxA) regions. Medical record data were extracted for endoscopic findings and prior H. pylori history. Data analysis was restricted to individuals with no history of H. pylori infection. Of 49 individuals, representing 64 samples that amplified in the 23S region, a clarithromycin-associated mutation was present in 38.8%, with T2182C the most common mutation, 90%. While prevalence of metronidazole resistance-associated mutations was higher, 93.9%, mutations were more variable, with D95N the most common, followed by L62V. No statistically significant sex differences were observed for either antibiotic. Given the risk of treatment failure with antibiotic resistance, there is a need to consider the resistance profile during treatment selection. The resistance rates in this population of American Indian patients undergoing endoscopy are similar to other high-risk populations. This is concerning given the high H. pylori prevalence and low rates of resistance testing in clinical settings. The mutations reported are associated with antibiotic resistance, but clinical resistance must be confirmed.
DNA Nanotechnology-Empowered Fluorescence Imaging of APE1 Activity
Authors: He Hui , Liu Xiaojun , Wu Yuchen , Qi Lanlin , Huang Jin , Zhou Yan , Zeng Jiahao , Wang Kemin , He Xiaoxiao
Published: July 2023

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), also known as redox factor-1 (Ref-1), is a multifunctional protein which is widely existing in living organisms. It can specifically recognize and cleave the DNA in apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site in the base excision repair (BER) pathway, as well as regulate the expression of genes to activate some transcription factors. The abnormal ex-pression and disruptions in the biological functions of APE1 are linked to a number of diseases, including inflammation, immunodeficiency, and cancer. Hence, it is extremely desired to monitor the activity of APE1, acquiring a thorough understanding of the healing process of damaged DNA and making clinical diagnoses. Thanks to the advent of DNA nanotechnology, some nanodevices are used to image the activity of APE1 with great sensitivity and simplicity. In this review, we will summarize DNA nanotechnology-empowered fluorescence imaging in the past years for APE1 activity according to the types of DNA probe, which are classified into linear DNA probes, composite DNA nanomaterials and three-dimensional (3D) DNA nanostructures. We also highlight the future research directions in the field of APE1 activity imaging.
Benefits of Machine Learning in the Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Ailisto Heikki , Helaakoski Heli , Neuvonen Anssi
Published: July 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly the subfield of machine learning (ML), has been expected to bring significant benefits to all sectors of business and public services. The manufacturing industry is considered one of the domains most likely to benefit from AI tech-nologies. During the recent years, there has been a growing research and development effort on machine learning–based solutions for manufacturing industries, as shown by the growing number of research publications. However, the business, environmental or societal benefits of applying ML in manufacturing industry have not been reviewed and evaluated. This paper re-views the reported benefits of ML in the manufacturing industry by analysis of scientific publi-cations. The focus of the review is on research papers that were published from 2017 to 2021. The review pays particular attention to the industry sector, manufacturing operations, machine learning methods used, maturity of results and the benefits pursued and achieved. The benefits are divided into business benefits, environmental sustainability, and societal sustainability. The analysis shows that the maturity of ML-based solutions is still low, despite the intensive research. Consequently, future research projects should place more emphasis on the maturity of the solu-tions, which would lead to their broader adoption into operational use, thus benefiting industry and society at large. This calls for closer collaboration between the research community and in-dustry.
Environmental Biotechnology for Medical Waste Management: A Review of Current Practices and Future Directions
Authors: Chandra Vishal , Arpita Kumari , Yadav Pramod , Raghuvanshi Viaks , Yadav Amarjeet , Prajapati Sandeep
Published: July 2023

The increasing environmental and human health concerns associated with medical waste have led to the development of environmental biotechnology as a means of mitigating its negative effects. This review paper discusses the various types of medical waste generated in healthcare facilities, as well as the potential environmental and health impacts of improper handling and disposal. It also provides an overview of the different environmental biotechnologies that have been developed to treat medical waste, including bioreactor systems, microbial treatment, and composting. The benefits and drawbacks of these technologies are also discussed. Bioremediation is a promising environmental biotechnology that can be used to treat medical waste contaminated with hazardous chemicals. Case studies from around the world demonstrate the successful application of environmental biotechnologies to medical waste management. These case studies highlight the challenges encountered, the methods used, and the results obtained. The findings of this review paper highlight the need for a comprehensive strategy for managing medical waste that includes environmental biotechnologies. Further research and development are needed to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of medical waste management.
Implementing a Produce Prescription Program at Three Federally Qualified Health Centers to Help Patients Manage their Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Qualitative Assessment of Clinic Staff Experiences
Authors: Ayala Victoria , Caldwell Julia I. , Darwish-Elsherbiny Fatinah , Shah Dipa , Kuo Tony
Published: July 2023

Through a partnership with three Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), the local health department in Los Angeles County implemented a produce prescription program (PPR) to increase fresh fruit and vegetable purchases among patients with diabetes or prediabetes. The PPR, which began in 2020, provided eligible patients with a $40 voucher every month for 6 months to promote the purchase of fresh produce at large chain grocery stores. This qualitative assessment describes staff experiences with the PPR, documenting the facilitators and barriers they encountered while implementing the program. Fifteen clinic staff (i.e., PPR implementers) were interviewed for this assessment. Thematic analysis and coding were conducted using the ATLAS.ti software; the coding was carried out by two separate coders. Interviewees discussed the importance of having preexisting partnerships and programs to support the PPR at their clinic site. Hidden costs related to implementing the program included a large and unexpected amount of staff time devoted to enrolling patients into the program. Collecting quality data and having limited expertise to rigorously evaluate the program were other challenges. Because patients often share their food with their family, the monthly $40 incentive was generally not enough to support their needs; interviewees suggested giving a higher inventive amount to those with a larger household. Future PPR efforts and similar food incentive programs should consider these and other facilitators and barriers to implementation and sustainability, especially when making adjustments to these programs to improve services and access to food resources.
Bacterial Biofilm Formation on Biomaterials and Approaches to Its Treatment and Prevention
Authors: Li Panxin , Yin Rui , Cheng Juanli , Lin Jinshui
Published: July 2023

Bacterial biofilms can cause widespread infection. In addition to causing urinary tract infections and pulmonary infections in patients with cystic fibrosis, biofilms can help microorganisms adhere to the surfaces of various medical devices, causing biofilm-associated infections on the surfaces of biomaterials such as venous ducts, joint prostheses, mechanical heart valves, and catheters. Biofilms provide a protective barrier for bacteria and provide resistance to antimicrobial agents, which increases the morbidity and mortality of patients. This review introduces the formation process and drug resistance mechanism of biofilms in detail, and further summarizes the main characteristics of clinical persistent infection caused by biofilms and the many methods of treating biomaterial-related biofilm. This provides ideas and directions for the development of new biofilm infection strategies related to therapeutic materials.
Clinical Possibility of Caenorhabditis elegans as a Novel Evaluation Tool for Esophageal Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Sato Yuta , Futamura Manabu , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Tsuchiya Hiroshi , Fukada Masahiro , Higashi Toshiya , Yasufuku Itaru , Asai Ryuichi , Tajima Jesse Yu , Kiyama Shigeru , Hatakeyama Hideyuki , Morishita Masayo , Hirotsu Takaaki , Luccio Eric di , Ishihara Takuma , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Yoshida Kazuhiro
Published: July 2023

Background
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) possesses a sophisticated sense of smell and is used for a novel cancer screening test that utilizes the chemotaxis index. We designed a single-institution, prospective study to confirm the ability of Nematode Nose (N-NOSE) to determine preoperative chemotherapy's efficacy for esophageal cancer patients.
Patients and Methods
We investigated the predictability of N-NOSE screening for the clinical effects of preoperative chemotherapy for esophageal cancer patients receiving radical surgery. The index reduction score (IRS) was calculated by chemotaxis of C. elegans at three points: before treatment, before surgery, and after surgery, and its clinical relevance was examined.
Result
Thirty-nine patients with esophageal cancer were enrolled from August 2020 to December 2021 and 30 patients receiving radical surgery were examined. Complete response or partial response was achieved in 23 cases (76.7%). When the target of the treatment effect was complete response only, the prediction accuracies of the IRS calculated by area under the curve was 0.85 (95% Confidence interval: 0.62-1) in clinically achieving complete response group, and the sensitivity and specificity were 1 and 0.63, respectively.
Conclusion
Index reduction score using N-NOSE screening may reflect the efficacy of chemotherapy for esophageal cancer patients. A large-scale prospective study at multiple centers is desired in the future.
Statistical Analysis of Trends in Turning Process of Nickel-Based Superalloy Inconel 718
Authors: Yevdokymov Oleksandr , Kolesnyk Vitalii , Peterka Jozef , Vopat Tomas , Gupta Munish Kumar , Lisovenko Dmytro , Dovhopolov Andrii
Published: July 2023

Nickel superalloys occupy a reasonably broad niche in the industry. One of this group's most common and well-known alloys is Inconel 718. Parts from Inconel 718 are used in aerospace, energy, automotive, and some other vital industries, which creates a demand for research and improvement of the machining conditions of this alloy. This article is devoted to the systematization and generalization of the accumulated experience of machining of Inconel 718 at turning operation. The research methodology is based on the Pareto distribution. In the study, more than 50 articles devoted to turning Inconel 718 were analyzed. The tool materials, methods, and types of coating used in turning Inconel 718 were analyzed. Finite element method modeling of processing processes has been considered. The trends in the selection of cutting parameters and the geometry of the cutting tool and finite element method modeling of processing processes have been considered. Lacuna for promising future research was formulated.
A Simplified and Environmental Friendly Processing Procedure for Preserving Gastrodia elata with No Significant Change on the Contents of Gastrodin Derivatives and Anti-Oxidation Activity
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Anqi , Li Wei , Chen Chu , Wu Dingtao , Zou Liang , Chen Jiaqian , Vong Chi Teng , Du Leilei
Published: July 2023

Gastrodia elata Bl., one of the well-known edible plants in China, belongs to the family of Orchidaceae. In recent years, the consumption rate of this plant as food supplements or health products is gradually rising in China. However, the traditional industrialization processing procedures (TP) for this plant was found to be too complicated and not friendly to the environment with time and energy consuming. Hence, we investigated whether the processing procedures could be simplified without affecting its overall chemical profile and anti-oxidation activity. In this experiment, a new processing procedure (NP) was designed for processing this plant, and the chemical compositions of the extract for Gastrodia elata produced by two different processing procedures were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. It was found that phenols and parisins were the most abundant chemical components for this extract. Among all the identified components, the contents of gastrodin and its citric acid derivatives were obviously higher than that of other components. Therefore, the contents of six gastrodin derivatives and ethanol soluble extract rate for Gastrodia elata produced by two different processing procedures, traditional and newly designed processing procedures, were further comparatively investigated for the validation of the applicability. The DPPH radical scavenging activities of the extract from Gastrodia elata produced by two different processing procedures were also investigated. The results demonstrated that the contents of gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol in all samples were slightly decreased in NP samples compared with that of TP samples (except batches of S3 and S6 samples), but no significant difference was observed between these two groups (p = 0.8273 for gastrodin and p= 0.2320 for p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol). Additionally, the total contents of parisins were also in a decreased trend in NP samples but with no significant difference when comparing with that in TP samples (p = 0.1721). The results for ethanol soluble extract rate also had the same situation (p = 0.1094). Taken together, it was suggested that the chemical profiles and contents of gastrodin derivatives and ethanol soluble extract rate for NP samples was not significant different to that of TP samples. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extract of Gastrodia elata produced with NP method was not significant different from that of TP samples. As a result, the industrial processing procedures for the preservation of this material plant could be simplified to a more time and energy saving procedure without changing the quality of the products, which is also consistent with the concept of green and sustainable industrial production.
Simultaneous Quantification of 16 Bisphenol Analogues in Food Matrices
Authors: Lucarini Fiorella , Gasco Rocco , Staedler Davide
Published: July 2023

Exposure to bisphenol analogues can occur in several ways throughout the food production chain with their presence at higher concentrations representing a risk to human health. This study aimed to develop effective analytical methods to simultaneously quantify BPA and fifteen bisphenol analogues (i.e., bisphenol AF, bisphenol AP, bisphenol B, bisphenol BP, bisphenol C, bisphenol E, bisphenol F, bisphenol G, bisphenol M, bisphenol P, bisphenol PH, bisphenol S, bisphenol Z, bisphenol TMC and tetramethyl bisphenol F) present in canned foods and beverages. Samples of foods and beverages available in the Swiss and EU markets (n = 22) including canned pineapples, ravioli and beer were prepared and analyzed using QuEChERS GC-MS. The quantification method was compared to a QuEChERS LC-MS/MS analysis. This allowed for the selective and efficient quantitative simultaneous analysis of bisphenol analogues. Quantities of these analogues were present in 20 of the 22 samples tested with the most frequent analytes at higher concentrations; BPA and BPS being discovered in 78% and 48% of cases respectively. The study demonstrates the robustness of QuEChERS GC-MS for determining low quantities of bisphenol analogues in canned foods. However, further studies are necessary to achieve full knowledge of the extent of bisphenol contamination in the food production chain and its associated toxicity.
A Qualitative Novel Technology to Design an Efficiency Thermal Distribution in a House: A Case Study
Authors: Martins Jairo Aparecido , Siqueira Adriano Francisco , Romão Estaner Claro
Published: July 2023

The study of energy sources has been an awareness of the modern world due to constraints on the current energy worldwide supply chain. The complexity of the theme as well as the consciousness of finite sources also the need of saving energy has become a priority. Although many papers have moved in this direction there is no record of papers studying the variables in a house heating system, which represents the highest energy consumption in many cold countries. This paper explores the energy-saving theme by studying the main variables present in houses’ heating systems in the winter season in cold countries like Canada, Russia, Norway, Iceland, Finland, etc. By using a novel combination of numerical thermal simulation by COMSOLTM and statistical analysis by MiniTabTM , it was possible to design an efficient thermal distribution in a house with the variables of the system by determining their significance and interaction qualitatively.
Syndrome Sinistre: Left Brachiocephalic Vein Compression and its Neurological Manifestations.
Authors: Arcot Karthikeyan M. , DeOrchis Vincent S.
Published: July 2023

Embryologically, the left brachiocephalic vein (LBV) originates as an anastomotic channel between the right and left anterior cardinal veins 1 . This positions the LBV between the manubrium sterni anteriorly and the innominate artery posteriorly 2 . This pattern of adjacency of the aorta to the LBV is unique to mammals and results from a quirk of evolution 3 . With age, the ascending aorta unfolds, elongates and dilates 4 . Simultaneously, there is a change in the thoracic geometry that reduces the thoracic volume primarily from disc height loss and kyphosis 5 . These transitions progressively compress the LBV. Normally this compression is circumvented via collateral pathways and "Blood finds a way" 6 . However, traversing these circuitous pathways comes at a cost and can result in delayed transit times and venous congestion. While it is possible that compression of the LBV in the setting of adequate collateral channels may fail to provoke any pathologic sequelae, we propose a phenomenon in which such compression in the setting of inadequate collateral circulation may lead to a state of pathologic venous congestion. This anatomic anomaly and its associated clinical features, if identified, can offer a new avenue for treatment options for some of the hitherto unexplained neurologic disorders.
Nitric Oxide Synthase and Oxidative Stress Mediating Secondary Neuronal Damage in Perihaematoma Region of Intracerebellar Hemorrhage of Mice
Authors: Bhatia Saandeep , Paramasivam Ramissh , Zolkefley Mohd K. I. , Kandasamy Regunath , Raju Muthu , Abdullah Jafri Malin
Published: July 2023

The underlying mechanisms of secondary neuronal damage following intracerebellar hemorrhage are not yet clear. We aimed to study the possible mechanisms in the mediation of secondary neuronal damage following intracerebellar hemorrhage. ICbH was induced by collagenase type VII-S into mice in 2 phases (n=24/phase): 12 in control group, 12 in day 1 group, 12 in day 3 group and another 12 in day 7 group. All mice underwent locomotor assessment and subsequently sacrificed on day 1, day 3 and day 7 respectively. Cerebellum from phase one and phase two were taken to study morphological, immunohistochemistry and oxidative stress respectively. Mice behavior disturbed following ICbH at day 3 and y 7 as compared with control. Besides, NO increased-on day 1 post induction and suppressed on day 3 and 7. Expressions of SOD, CAT, nNOS, GPX1 and COX-2 were significantly raised on day 3. Morphological studies of the perihaematoma region and tissue showed neuronal damage occurred from day 1 onwards, peaked on day 3 and continued day 7. NO and expression of genes be correlating with morphological changes. Briefly, NO and oxidative stress has an important role in the cascade of secondary neuronal damage of the perihematomal region of ICbH.
A Methodology for Designing an Automated System to Improve the Thermal Performance of a Large Building in Operation
Authors: Pozas Beatriz Montalbán , Bonilla Marta Lucas , Serrano Candela Francisco , García Pablo Bustos
Published: July 2023

Many buildings built before the energy performance regulations are in a situation of thermal discomfort and energy inefficiency. The creation of intelligent environments advances towards new opportunities, based on real-time monitoring and on the development of sensors and technologies. Furthermore, the standards for building automation and electronic systems enable interoperability and interconnection between control devices and systems. The application of soft computing has significantly improved the energy efficiency, however, requires prior assessment to design the automation functions. Temperature, humidity, air quality, occupancy and energy consumption are the most common measured parameters, but the relationship with other operational variables such as occupancy or some building states remains as a research challenge. This article presents a methodology to develop the automatization of an existing large public building. The methodology consists of three stages: 1. Assessment and diagnosis to set appropriate actions using EN ISO 52120-1. 2. EN 50090 for open communication networks, and EN ISO 52120-1 to assign the technical building management. 3. System control deploying of low-cost and low-consumption input and output devices. It has been proved that it is possible to effectively automate an obsolete building with a low cost, open source system that can be easily applied in other buildings.
Geostatistical Fusion of LiDAR and Hyperspectral Data to Improve the Spatial Prediction of Sand Content in a Forested Catchment of Southern Italy
Authors: Castrignanò Annamaria , Buttafuoco Gabriele , Conforti Massimo , Maesano Mauro , Moresi Federico Valerio , Mugnozza Giuseppe Scarascia
Published: July 2023

Soil texture is a key property influencing most soil physical, chemical, and biological processes and its catchment-scale spatial variation may yields insights for soil management. Texture data are generally available only at a few locations, since sampling and laboratory analyses are time consuming. Therefore, it is essential to predict soil size particles texture variability using appropriate methods. Moreover, soil texture distribution across a catchment is influenced by erosion and sedimentation processes controlled by hillslope morphology, which can be quantified through some topographic attributes. The study was aimed to evaluate the ability of a multivariate approach based on non-stationary geostatistics to merge remotely sensed high-resolution LiDAR-derived topographic attributes with Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and laboratory analysis to produce high-resolution maps of soil sand content and estimation uncertainty in a forested catchment in southern Italy. Moreover, the proposed approach was compared with the commonly used univariate approach of ordinary kriging. Soil samples were collected at 135 locations within a 139 ha-forest catchment with granitic parent material and subordinately alluvial deposits, where soils classified as Typic Xerumbrepts and Ultic Haploxeralf crop out. A number of linear trend models coupled with different auxiliary variables were compared and the best one resulted the model using clay content as auxiliary variable. The improvement of estimation from using only LiDAR data (elevation) compared to the univariate (no trend) model was rather marginal.
A Current Approach to Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Stan Ionelia Sorina , Biciusca Teodora , Viorel Biciusca , Cioboata Ramona , Mitrea Adina , Clenciu Diana , Ghenea Alice Elena , Danoiu Suzana
Published: July 2023

Abstract: (1) Background: The relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is bidirectional: NAFLD increases the risk of T2DM, and T2DM promotes the progression of the disease to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). (2) Material and methods: We performed a retrospective, open study that included 59 patients with NAFLD and T2DM who were distributed into two groups: 44 (74.57%) patients were diagnosed with HS and 15 (25.42%) patients were diagnosed with NASH. (3) Results: Among the non-specific inflammatory biomarkers statistically significant (p=0.003 respectively p=0.03) higher mean values were recorded in patients with NASH and T2DM in the case of ferritin and the neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR). (4) Conclusions: Consequently, it is essential to identify alternative "surrogate" markers for the inflammatory process, particularly in individuals with diabetes, as it is a key characteristic of NASH. This need arises from the desire to avoid the risks associated with liver biopsy procedures and to prevent the unpredictable and unfavorable progression of NAFLD in patients with T2DM.
Evaluating Critical Nitrogen Dilution Curves for Assessing Maize Nitrogen Status across the US Midwest
Authors: Shao Hui , Miao Yuxin , Fernández Fabián G. , Kitchen Newell , Ransom Curtis , Camberato James J. , Carter Paul R. , Ferguson Richard B. , Franzen David W. , Laboski Carrie A. M. , Nafziger Emerson D. , Sawyer John E. , Shanahan John
Published: July 2023

Plant N concentration (PNC) has been commonly used to guide farmers in assessing maize (Zea mays L.) N status and making in-season N fertilization decisions. However, PNC varies based on the development stage and therefore a relationship between biomass and N concentration is needed (i.e., critical N dilution curves; CNDC) to better understand when plants are N deficient. A few CNDC have been developed and used for plant N status diagnoses, but have not been tested in the US Midwest. The objective of this study was to evaluate under highly diverse soil and weather conditions in the US Midwest the performance of CNDCs developed in France and China for assessing maize N status. Maize N rate response trials were conducted across eight US Midwest states over three years. This analysis utilized plant and soil measurements at V9 and VT development stages and final grain yield. Results showed that the French CNDC (y=34.0x-0.37, where y is critical PNC, x is aboveground biomass) was better with a 91% N status classification accuracy compared to only 62% with the Chinese CNDC (y=36.5x-0.48). The N nutrition index (NNI), which is the quotient of the measured PNC and the calculated critical N concentration (Nc), based on the French CNDC was significantly related to soil nitrate-N content (R2=0.38-0.56). Relative grain yield on average reached a plateau at NNI values of 1.36 at V9 and 1.21 at VT, but for individual sites ranged from 0.80 to 1.41 at V9 and from 0.62 to 1.75 at VT. The NNI threshold values or ranges optimal for crop biomass production may not be optimal for grain yield production. It is concluded that the CNDC developed in France is suitable as a general diagnostic tool for assessing maize N status in US Midwest. However, the threshold values of NNI for diagnosing maize N status and guiding N applications vary significantly across the region, making it challenging for guiding specific on-farm N management. More studies are needed to determine how to effectively use CNDC to make in-season N recommendations in the US Midwest.
AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW OF THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE DISPUTE: THE ESCHATOLOGICAL DIMENSION
Authors: Segell Glen
Published: July 2023

This article examines the Israel-Palestine conflict through the lens of eschatology, a religious belief concerning end-of-age expectations, which often incites violent reactions. Despite extensive research on the Israel-Palestine conflict, there is a lack of comprehensive studies exploring the role of eschatology in this context. The Middle East, including Israel and Palestine, is a turbulent war zone with religion significantly fueling extreme hatred and violence. The focus is on the impact of religious traditions, particularly eschatology, which is prone to provoke violent reactions. The study analyzes this through five sections: eschatology prophecy, daily religion, Jerusalem’s role, expansion beyond Jerusalem, and the conveyed message. The article concludes that eschatology significantly influences this conflict, with violent apocalyptic prophecies exacerbating the situation. Resolving this conflict necessitates diverse interpretations of eschatology and apocalyptic prophecies and understanding religion’s role in the conflict.
The level of service ability in the final four 2019 pro league men's players
Authors: Aprilian Kalvin , Muharram Nur Ahmad , Kurniawan Wing Prasetya
Published: July 2023

This research is based on observations in the form of an analysis of the level of difficulty of the service performed by each player depending on the type of service used, such as floating service, jump float, and jumping service top spin. A good service is the direction of the ball to the empty side of the field or between two players. It is intended for when the opponent receives a service in a moving position or creates a misunderstanding between two players because the ball is between the two players. The service above is the type of service that is often done by players from the beginner level to the professional level. However, there are still many professional players who competed in the 2019 proliga, the first round of the men's sector, not all of them know what type of service is most productive. In accordance with the problem formulation, the purpose of this research is to determine the level of ability of floating service, jump float service and jumping service top spin in the final four proliga 2019 men's volleyball. This study uses a survey method with data collection techniques using observations (observations) by judges and document analysis (video). The conclusion from the research that has been done is that the results of each team regarding service ability are the ability of floating service of 8.88 and if presented in percentage form, it is 11.27%, Jump float service ability is 33.63 and if presented in percentage form, it is 42, 65%, the ability to jump service top spin is 36.33 and if it is presented as a percentage, it is 46.08%. From the discussion, it was concluded that the level of service ability in the 2019 proliga men's volleyball final according to the results of observations and observations through video observations, it was concluded that the Jumping service Top Spin had the highest ability value compared to the service float and jump float of 46.08%. 
Effect of FDM Processing Conditions on Snap-Fit Characteristic in Assembly
Authors: Taguchi Hiroyuki , Kunimatsu Yohei , Narahara Hiroyuki
Published: July 2023

Snap-fit allows plastic products to have assembly and disassembly capabilities without the use of screws, bolts, or other additional parts. For this reason, snap-fit is used in all kinds of plastic products from stationery to automotive parts. Because the mechanical and other functions of a snap-fit are greatly affected by its shape and material properties, it is desirable to fully evaluate them at the design stage. In addition, as the assembly and disassembly of products by snap-fit is generally performed by people, it is important to evaluate not only virtually but also with actual plastic parts. Therefore, there is a strong need to make a prototype and evaluate the feel of the product during assembling and disassembling, before finalizing on the shape and materials. In the past, making precise prototype required expensive molds, but in recent years, additive manufacturing has made it possible to make prototype efficiently and at low cost. In additive manufacturing, fused deposition modeling (FDM) is considered suitable for snap-fit prototype because it can use the same materials as mass-produced products. Thus, it may be possible to make a snap-fit prototype with rigidity, strength, and other characteristics similar to those of mass-produced products. However, FDM has various processing conditions such as tool path, nozzle temperature, and height of one layer. They are expected to have a significant effect on the snap-fit characteristics. Snap-fit is required to meet various requirements depending on the plastic products. The requirements can be divided into three major categories: in assembly, in disassembly, and when to use. In this study, we investigated the effect of FDM processing conditions on snap-fit characteristic in assembly.