bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decade-long effects of integrated farming systems on soil aggregation and carbon dynamics in sub-tropical Eastern Indo-Gangetic plains
Authors: Rao Karnena Koteswara , Samal Saubhagya Kumar , Kumar Sanjeev , Singh Nongmaithem Raju , Kumar Rakesh , Mondal Surajit , Kumar Santosh , Mishra Janki Sharan , Bhatt Bhagwati Prasad , Ravisankar N. , Kumar Sunil , Upadhyay Pravin Kumar , Jadhav Swapnaja K. , Choubey Anup Kumar
Published: September 2024

Integrated farming system (IFS) aims to diversify the agricultural landscapes by incorporating different components to meet the multifarious needs of the burgeoning population. The present study was undertaken to understand the impact of different cropping systems on soil organic carbon (SOC) stock, aggregate distribution, and aggregate associated organic carbon (AAOC) in 2-IFS models of varying sizes (0.4 and 0.8 ha) established during 2008–2009. After 10 years of the study, the fodder system registered the greatest TOC and carbon stocks across IFS models, with surface soil (0–15 cm) accumulating 17 and 13% higher TOC and C stock, respectively, in 0.4 and 0.8 ha models. In 0–15 cm, macroaggregates (Ma) represented the highest proportion (75–76%) in both models. Among cropping systems, the fodder system recorded the highest large macroaggregates in both IFS models. Within 0–30 cm depth, small macroaggregates are mostly found in the perennial system (fodder, guava+turmeric, and lemon intercropping system), indicating the potential to improve the aggregate stability over the seasonal (shorter duration) system. In general, micro aggregate (Mi) fraction was pre-dominant in sub-surface soil (17.35%). The maximum AAOC was found in Ma compared to Mi fractions, with approximately 67 and 63% of total carbon associated with Ma in 0.4 and 0.8 ha IFS models, respectively. Interestingly, the 0.8 ha IFS model had higher TOC (~11%) and carbon stock (~12%) than the 0.4 ha model, but AAOC did not show a similar result, indicating the influence of cropping systems on AAOC. The study indicated that the fodder-based production system had better performance in terms of soil physical health and increased aggregate stability and content of soil carbon. This is indicative of the advantages of perennial-based systems over seasonal- or annual-based cropping systems for soil sustainability in Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains.
A sensitive and robust analytical method for the determination of enramycin residues in swine tissues using UHPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Sun Feifei , Qiu Jicheng , Kong Jingyuan , Cao Yuying , Li Lin , Cao Xingyuan
Published: September 2024

Enramycin, a common growth promoter utilized in chickens and pigs, is sensitive against Gram-positive bacteria, and the maximum residue limit (MRL) of enramycin set up by is 30 μg/kg. However, the methods have been reported for detecting enramycin have failed to meet the accuracy requirements, with the required limit of quantification being higher than the MRL. To address this issue, we developed a high-sensitive and robust analytical method based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS), to determine enramycin residues in swine tissues, including liver, kidney, pork, and fat. The ENV cartridge was selected to cleanup and enrich analytes after being extracted using a mixture of 55% methanol containing 0.2 M hydrochloric acid. With comprehensively validation, this established method was found great linearity of enramycin in each tissue, with a coefficient of variation above 0.99. Satisfactory recoveries from four different spiking levels were acquired (70.99–101.40%) while the relative standard deviations were all below 9%. The limit of quantification of enramycin in the present study is 5 μg/kg in fat and 10 μg/kg in other tissues, meeting the requirements for conducting the corresponding safety evaluation study. This method was demonstrated with excellent specificity, stability, and high sensitivity. To conclude, this novel approach is sufficiently sensitive and robust for the safety evaluation of enramycin in food products.
Diamine Fungal Inducers of Secondary Metabolism: 1,3-Diaminopropane and Spermidine Trigger Enzymes Involved in β-Alanine and Pantothenic Acid Biosynthesis, Precursors of Phosphopantetheine in the Activation of Multidomain Enzymes
Authors: Martín Juan Francisco , Liras Paloma
Published: September 2024

The biosynthesis of antibiotics and other secondary metabolites (also named special metabolites) is regulated by multiple regulatory networks and cascades that act by binding transcriptional factors to the promoter regions of different biosynthetic gene clusters. The binding affinity of transcriptional factors is frequently modulated by their interaction with specific ligand molecules. In the last decades, it was found that the biosynthesis of penicillin is induced by two different molecules, 1,3-diaminopropane and spermidine, but not by putrescine (1,4-diaminobutane) or spermine. 1,3-diaminopropane and spermidine induce the expression of penicillin biosynthetic genes in Penicillium chrysogenum. Proteomic studies clearly identified two different proteins that respond to the addition to cultures of these inducers and are involved in β-alanine and pantothenic acid biosynthesis. These compounds are intermediates in the biosynthesis of phosphopantetheine that is required for the activation of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, polyketide synthases, and fatty acid synthases. These large-size multidomain enzymes are inactive in the “apo” form and are activated by covalent addition of the phosphopantetheine prosthetic group by phosphopantetheinyl transferases. Both 1,3-diaminopropane and spermidine have a similar effect on the biosynthesis of cephalosporin by Acremonium chrysogenum and lovastatin by Aspergillus terreus, suggesting that this is a common regulatory mechanism in the biosynthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites/natural products.
Performance and Economic Analysis of Two Types of High-Temperature Heat Pump Based on New Refrigerants
Authors: Sun Dahan , Qin Jiang , Liu Zhongyan
Published: September 2024

This paper proposes, for the first time, the research concept of comparing energy and economy between transcritical cycle high-temperature heat pumps and subcritical cycle high-temperature heat pumps with new refrigerants. Experiments and simulations are conducted to compare the system performance and economy of two heat pumps, and the effects of different factors on the performance of two heat pumps are analyzed. The results show that R744/R1234yf (90/10) and R515-1 are the preferred refrigerants for transcritical cycle heat pumps and subcritical cycle heat pumps, respectively. The COP of the R744/R1234yf (90/10) transcritical heat pump is generally higher than that of the R515B-1 subcritical heat pump, and compared to the R515B-1 subcritical heat pump, the cost recovery period of the R744/R1234yf (90/10) transcritical heat pump is about 9–15 years. Therefore, it is recommended that users who use heat pumps for a long time choose transcritical cycle heat pumps. Meanwhile, with the change of evaporation temperature, the system COP of the R515B-1 subcritical heat pump and R744/R1234yf (90/10) transcritical heat pump increases by 61.11% and 65.91%, respectively. In addition, the optimal charge amount for the R515B-1 subcritical heat pump is 81.8% of that of the R744/R1234yf (90/10) transcritical heat pump.
Nested Pattern Detection and Unidimensional Process Characterization
Authors: Febres Gerardo L.
Published: September 2024

This document introduces methods for describing long texts as groups of repeating symbols or patterns. The process converts a series of real-number values into texts. Developed tailored algorithms for identifying repeated sequences in the text are applied to decompose the text into nested tree-like structures of repeating symbols and is called the Nested Repeated Sequence Decomposition Model (NRSDM). The NRSDM is especially valuable for extracting repetitive behaviors in oscillatory but non-periodic and chaotic processes where the classical Fourier transform has limited application. The NRSDM along with the two graphical representations proposed here form a promising tool for characterizing long texts configured to represent the behavior of unidimensional processes.
Transcending Shallow Internationalization: Best Practices for Attaining Excellence in International Higher Education
Authors: Fry Gerald W.
Published: September 2024

The context for this study is the volatile, turbulent, and disruptive environment that affects higher education everywhere. A plethora of key problems facing higher education are identified. Among these are escalating costs and declining public support for higher education. This means that international education must compete with other possible priorities, such as strengthening disciplines or making campuses more attractive to prospective students. The basic aim of this paper is to develop a set of best practices to promote excellence and rigor in international higher education. In that sense, this could be called action research. This could also be considered the story of how to develop excellence and rigor in international higher education. The major methodology for this study is multiple case studies research and mixed methods research. Another method is reflective participant experience based on the author’s seven decades of engagement with the internationalization of higher education. Both value premises and positionality, which might influence the research are openly shared. In terms of theoretical foundations, key genres of internationalization are identified and described, such as critical, comparative, and comprehensive internationalization. Then, in terms of results, in the next quantitative section of the paper, eight statistical tables are shared that show the current status of international higher education, primarily in the U.S., while also including a table showing the most international universities in the world. Then, in the next qualitative part of the study, 11 exemplary cases are presented, such as CAMPUS Asia, Volunteers in Asia (VIA), and the International Cooperative Learning Project. These projects involve a total of about 20 countries. The criteria for selection were factors such as depth, sustainability, and impactful, transformative learning. The paper concludes with an articulation of the best practices to achieve excellence in international education and the principle that true liberal education is inherently international and intercultural.
Study of a Novel 3D Façade Configuration and Its Impact on Energy Performance and Office Space Sustainability
Authors: Hannoudi Loay , Saleeb Noha , Dafoulas George
Published: September 2024

This research paper examines how multi-angled façade systems improve and optimise energy performance compared to a flat façade and meet sustainability targets for lower energy use to align with UN SDGs 3, 11, 12, and 13. The multi-angled façade system does not tilt up and down. Instead, it employs two different window orientations on a vertical axis (left and right). The large portion orients more to the north to allow more daylight to penetrate inside the room, and the small part is oriented more to the south to provide passive solar heating. The investigations in this research paper were carried out using version 4.8 of the IDA ICE software, and the researchers evaluated the energy consumption, the energy action through the façade, and the building’s inside operative temperature. The results of this paper present the simulation findings for primary energy consumption in different scenarios. For example, the researchers explain that one can save 6.3 kWh/(m2·year) when using a multi-angled façade system compared to a flat façade. This is in addition to improving the thermal indoor climate that results from using the façades. The conclusions of the research show that the façade with multiple angles maximises using daylight and optimises solar power, thus avoiding overheating issues.
Periarticular Calcifications: Clinical Features and Treatment Options
Authors: Dalla-Torre Romain , Le Goff Benoit , Darrieutort-Laffite Christelle
Published: September 2024

Periarticular calcifications are a common condition for rheumatologists. They are characterized by deposition of carbonated apatite in tendons or connective tissues around joints. It most commonly affects patients between 30 and 60, and the main location is the shoulder (rotator cuff tendons), followed by the hip. Although the disease is frequent, factors associated with the appearance of the deposits or their spontaneous resorption remain unclear. In this review, we will summarize the available data about mechanisms underlying the constitution of the deposits and their resorption and describe the various affected sites and the associated symptoms. In the last part, we will discuss current treatment options.
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide: Research Process in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Deng Haoyuan , Ding Ding , Ma Yu , Zhang Hao , Wang Ningning , Zhang Cong , Yang Guang
Published: September 2024

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential metabolite that plays a crucial role in diverse biological processes, including energy metabolism, gene expression, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function. An aberrant NAD+ level mediates the development of cardiovascular dysfunction and diseases. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), as a NAD+ precursor, alleviates the development of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, atherosclerosis, and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Importantly, NMN has suggested pharmacological activities mostly through its involvement in NAD+ biosynthesis. Several clinical studies have been conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of NMN supplementation, indicating its potential role in cardiovascular protection without significant adverse effects. In this review, we systematically summarize the impact of NMN as a nutraceutical and potential therapeutic drug on cardiovascular diseases and emphasize the correlation between NMN supplementation and cardiovascular protection.
An Algorithm for Generating Outdoor Floor Plans and 3D Models of Rural Houses Based on Backpack LiDAR
Authors: Zhu Quanshun , Zhang Bingjie , Cai Lailiang
Published: September 2024

As the Rural Revitalization Strategy continues to progress, there is an increasing demand for the digitization of rural houses, roads, and roadside trees. Given the characteristics of rural areas, such as narrow roads, high building density, and low-rise buildings, the precise and automated generation of outdoor floor plans and 3D models for rural areas is the core research issue of this paper. The specific research content is as follows: Using the point cloud data of the outer walls of rural houses collected by backpack LiDAR as the data source, this paper proposes an algorithm for drawing outdoor floor plans based on the topological relationship of sliced and rasterized wall point clouds. This algorithm aims to meet the needs of periodically updating large-scale rural house floor plans. By comparing the coordinates of house corner points measured with RTK, it is verified that the floor plans drawn by this algorithm can meet the accuracy requirements of 1:1000 topographic maps. Additionally, based on the generated outdoor floor plans, this paper proposes an algorithm for quickly generating outdoor 3D models of rural houses using the height information of wall point clouds. This algorithm can quickly generate outdoor 3D models of rural houses by longitudinally stretching the floor plans, meeting the requirements for 3D models in spatial analyses such as lighting and inundation. By measuring the distance from the wall point clouds to the 3D models and conducting statistical analysis, results show that the distances are concentrated between −0.1 m and 0.1 m. The 3D model generated by the method proposed in this paper can be used as one of the basic data for real 3D construction.
A Roadside Precision Monocular Measurement Technology for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)
Authors: Sun Peng , Qi Xingyu , Zhong Ruofei
Published: September 2024

Within the context of smart transportation and new infrastructure, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication has entered a new stage, introducing the concept of holographic intersection. This concept requires roadside sensors to achieve collaborative perception, collaborative decision-making, and control. To meet the high-level requirements of V2X, it is essential to obtain precise, rapid, and accurate roadside information data. This study proposes an automated vehicle distance detection and warning scheme based on camera video streams. It utilizes edge computing units for intelligent processing and employs neural network models for object recognition. Distance estimation is performed based on the principle of similar triangles, providing safety recommendations. Experimental validation shows that this scheme can achieve centimeter-level distance detection accuracy, enhancing traffic safety. This approach has the potential to become a crucial tool in the field of traffic safety, providing intersection traffic target information for intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) and autonomous vehicles, thereby enabling V2X driving at holographic intersections.
Efficiency-Oriented Model Predictive Control: A Novel MPC Strategy to Optimize the Global Process Performance
Authors: Xu Jiahong
Published: September 2024

Existing control strategies, such as Real-time Optimization (RTO), Dynamic Real-time Optimization (DRTO), and Economic Model Predictive Control (EMPC) cannot enable optimal operation and control behavior in an optimal fashion. This work proposes a novel control strategy, named the efficiency-oriented model predictive control (MPC), which can fully realize the potential of the optimization margin to improve the global process performance of the whole system. The ideas of optimization margin and optimization efficiency are first proposed to measure the superiority of the control strategy. Our new efficiency-oriented MPC innovatively uses a nested optimization structure to optimize the optimization margin directly online. To realize the computation, a Periodic Approximation technique is proposed, and an Efficiency-Oriented MPC Type I is constructed based on the Periodic Approximation. In order to alleviate the strict constraint of Efficiency-Oriented MPC Type I, the zone-control-based optimization concept is used to construct an Efficiency-Oriented MPC Type II. These two well-designed efficiency-oriented controllers were compared with other control strategies over a Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) application. The simulation results show that the proposed control strategy can generate superior closed-loop process performance, for example, and the Efficiency-Oriented MPC Type I can obtain 7.11% higher profits than those of other control strategies; the effectiveness of the efficiency-oriented MPC was, thereby, demonstrated.
Proposal of a Cost-Effective and Adaptive Customized Driver Inattention Detection Model Using Time Series Analysis and Computer Vision
Authors: Sim Sangwook , Kim Changgyun
Published: September 2024

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, such as Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning, play a crucial role in accident prevention by alerting drivers to potential hazards. With the advent of fully autonomous driving technology that requires no driver input, there is now a greater emphasis on monitoring the state of vehicle occupants. This is particularly important because, in emergency situations where control must suddenly be transferred to an unprepared occupant, the risk of accidents increases significantly. To mitigate this risk, new monitoring technologies are being developed to analyze driver behavior and detect states of inattention or drowsiness. In response to the emerging demands of driver monitoring technology, we have developed the Customized Driver Inattention Detection Model (CDIDM). This model employs video analysis and statistical techniques to accurately and rapidly classify information on drivers’ gazes. The CDIDM framework defines the components of inattentive or drowsy driving based on the Driver Monitoring System (DMS) safety standards set by the European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP). By defining six driving behavior-related scenarios, we have improved the accuracy of driver inattention assessment. The CDIDM estimates the driver’s gaze while simultaneously analyzing data in real-time. To minimize computational resource usage, this model incorporates a series of preprocessing steps that facilitate efficient time series data analysis, utilizing techniques such as DTW Barycenter Averaging (DBA) and K-means clustering. This results in a robust driver attention monitoring model based on time series classification.
Methodological aspects of management of sustainable development of agricultural industrial and rural territories: measurement, planning, forecast
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kuban State Agrarian University”, Krasnodar, Russia, Saak A. A. , Gonik G. G. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kuban State Agrarian University”, Krasnodar, Russia, Katsko I. A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kuban State Agrarian University”, Krasnodar, Russia
Published: September 2024

The article deals with the change in the “paradigm” of the agricultural economy that occurred and was recorded in the “Concept for the Development of Rural Territories of the Russian Federation” in 2010 (developed in the “Strategy for Sustainable Development of Rural Areas of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030”, 2015 [1]), but is not widely recognized (according to T. Kuhn’s theory of scientific revolutions), which is reflected in the increasing complexity of the systems studied by scientific economists -agrarians: agriculture (mechanistic model and independent controllable variables) — agro-industrial complex (intelligent observable system, the possibility of implementing management and quality control) — rural areas (“multi-intelligent observing systems” — social model, interdependent variables). Therefore, today it is impossible to reduce all agroeconomic research to “maximizing profit per worker or per unit of area”. Based on the need to apply a systematic approach, in conditions of challenges and sanctions, the need to expand the capabilities of traditional cost assessments based on the use of indicators (natural and relative assessments) of the quality of management decision-making is substantiated. When developing methods of analysis and management (agriculture, agro-industrial complex, rural areas), it should be taken into account that the systems approach updated in the work has also undergone three transformations over 80 years: operations research (optimization of agricultural production) or cybernetics 1.0; cybernetics 2.0 and open systems (quality management); cyber-physical systems in agriculture and agro-industrial complex.
The method of distributing the costs of growing perennial non-bloodless grasses by types of products
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia, Karagodin D. A.
Published: September 2024

The introduction of modern technologies for growing perennial grasses in feed production has caused the need to improve the methodology for allocating costs by product type. The article describes the current method of distributing the costs of cultivation. The problems of distribution of these costs are revealed. It is proposed to open two analytical accounts for the sowing of a grass mixture of perennial uncovered grasses for a more accurate distribution of costs in the future, in the year of sowing: «The cost of tillage and sowing of perennial grasses », «The cost of caring for crops and harvesting perennial grasses». A new method of cost allocation by types of perennial herb products has been developed.
Marketing analysis in forming the development strategy of Agricultural Companies
Authors:   Russian Timiryazev State Agrarian University, Moscow, Russia, Tryastsina N. Yu. , Dzhikiya M. K. ,   Russian Timiryazev State Agrarian University, Moscow, Russia, Tryastsin N. A. ,   Russian Timiryazev State Agrarian University, Moscow, Russia, Chernyshev A. S. ,   Russian Timiryazev State Agrarian University, Moscow, Russia
Published: September 2024

The article is devoted to the formation of methodological approaches to the analysis of the marketing activities of agricultural companies. The concept of the company’s marketing strategy, stages and methods of conducting marketing analysis are proposed. Based on the conducted marketing analysis of Karat JSC, a marketing strategy has been proposed to achieve competitive advantages in marketing. The results obtained can be used to formulate a marketing strategy, make management decisions and justify business plans.
Determination of the coefficient of thermal effusivity ε for a semi-confined rod
Authors: Shevchenko Oleksandr
Published: September 2024

The article provides methods and formulas for calculating the coefficient of thermal effusivity ε (coefficient of heat accumulation) of solid bodies using known solutions of direct heat conduction problem. The work describes a method by which the final formulas are simplified to algebraic equations using the relative temperature θM of heating semi-confined rod from the end.
The temperature Tc at the beginning of the rod is measured — x0 and time — τ0 from the start of heating. For calculation, the amount of heat Q accumulated during heating by a heater with a constant temperature at the end of the rod is used for the entire heating time.
The technique is physically implemented during the experiment by bringing the ends of two semi-confined rods into contact. A flat, low-inertia electric heater is placed between the rods. The amount of heat ∆Q used in the calculations is half of the total heat of the heater for the entire heating time.
The Potential For The Elimination Of Expansion Joints And Bridge Bearings From Existing Road Bridges In Ireland
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Keena Conor
Published: September 2024

"This research was focused on determining the feasibility of eliminating expansion joints and bridge bearings from existing short to medium span road bridges in Ireland. It is possible that this could provide a significant long-term economic benefit to bridge owners. A literature review was carried out as part of the research. This included investigations into research conducted in the areas of thermal movements of bridges, concrete creep and shrinkage, soil-structure interaction, lifetime costing, design standards and finite element analysis, and the elimination of bridge expansion joints in other countries. Finite element analyses were carried out on two existing road bridges. These bridges are; • A single-span road bridge in Glanmire, Co. Cork • A three-span motorway bridge located south-east of Limerick city. Results were taken from the models and used to determine the changes in stresses and bending moments in the structures when the existing bridges are retrofitted to be made integral. The results are graphed and a detailed commentary is included. Design recommendations are drawn based on the results, and design details are proposed. An economic analysis of the works was also carried out, with a view to estimating the potential savings that could be made by carrying out the works proposed in this research. Conclusions are presented drawing from the finite element models, the economic analysis and the design recommendations included in the research."
Investigation Of Drinking Water/beverage Contaminants Within The Beverage Industry
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Hobbs Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

The impact of water resource quality has influenced the community worldwide. It is an on-going target for water suppliers to produce suitable drinking water and the beverage industry to provide suitable water for the production of beverages. This diligence will ensure the consumer is provided with a product safe for consumption. The research and analytical techniques explored in this thesis may be of benefit to the beverage industry for the monitoring of inorganic contaminants present in water and carbonated soft drinks. The occurrence of certain contaminants in drinking water has become a major issue in the water industry in recent years. Contaminants of concern include inorganic and metal contaminants e.g. chlorate which is a disinfection by-product; arsenic found in surface water or ground water; lead found in pipework. There have been two significant bottled water recalls in recent years due to bromate contamination, Wegmans Food You Feel Good About Spring Water Recall, August 11,2006, by the FDA in the USA and Coca Cola’s Dasani, March 18, 2004, by the Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom. To avoid such recalls drinking water and beverages for consumption must be closely monitored for health risk contaminants. The basis for the standards for drinking water quality are determined by the WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, EPA National Primary Drinking Water Standards, US FDA bottled water regulations, and EU water directives.
The Development Of Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Methods For The Analysis Of Cyanobacterial Toxins In Environmental Freshwaters
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Dineen Brian
Published: September 2024

"Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are a common component of many freshwater and marine ecosystems and have a potential to produce several different classes of biotoxins. The most common class of cyanobacterial toxins are the microcystins (MCs) and cylindrospermopsins (CYLs). MCs are cyclic heptapeptides that display potent hepatotoxicity and are tumour promoters. CYLs are alkaloids that are cytotoxic and can cause illness and display hepatotoxic effects in animals and humans. Worldwide, these toxins have caused fatal poisonings to animals, birds and fish. Several incidents of human intoxications have been reported and the presence of these toxins in environmental waters that are used for the production of potable waters is of big interest to the drinking water treatment industry. Traditionally, prior to the analysis of MCs and CYLs, lengthy sample preparation procedures have been required. Solid phase extraction (SPE) is the most commonly used procedure for sample preparation and analyte pre-concentration. These SPE methods are often extremely tedious, lengthy and expensive to carry out, offer variable rates of recovery for MCs, require large amounts of organic solvents and require a lot of operator know-how in the successful day to day operation of methods. In this thesis, automation and the sensitivity of automated and hybrid instrumentation has been exploited to develop rapid and sensitive methods for the analysis of MCs and CYLs in environmental freshwaters. During these studies, an automated analyte preconcentration method with liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC- MS/MS) was developed using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for a number of MCs. In addition, the features of new hybrid instrumentation were exploited and direct methods were developed using full scan orbitrap mass spectrometry for a suite of MCs in environmental freshwaters. The mass fragmentation pathways of MCs were investigated using high resolution mass spectrometry and the use of desmethylated standards allowed for the reassignment and correction of previously published proposed product ion assignments. Two more direct methods were developed for the analysis of CYLs in freshwaters using linear ion trap and full scan Orbitrap MS, in both negative and positive ionisation modes as CYL is zwitterionic. In addition, the mass fragmentation pathways of CYLs in both ionisation modes were studied using LIT MS"" studies and high mass accuracy data generated using the Orbitrap MS."
Historical Remedies Versus Current Pathogens : Laboratory Investigation Of The Efficacy Of Traditional Herbal Remedies Against Present-day Common Causes Of Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, McCarthy Eibhlin
Published: September 2024

"Despite the medical advances of recent years, pneumonia is still a common disease in Ireland, accounting for approximately 7% of deaths in this country'. While national databases such as those run by CIDR and SARI ensure that incidences of systemic and notifiable infections such as tuberculosis are recorded, there are currently no available statistics on commonplace respiratory isolates within Ireland. This study analysed the available data on bacterial pathogens isolated from respiratory samples at a 355 bed Irish hospital over a one year period. Seasonal variations and resistance patterns were noted. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (27%), Haemophilus influenzae (17%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9%) and mixed coliforms (24%). An average of 14% of the Gram-negative bacilli isolated showed resistance to third generation cephalosporins, while 31% Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates showed non-susceptibility to penicillin. Results indicated that sensitivity patterns of invasive isolates currently recorded in Ireland and across Europe may not accurately reflect those of other clinical isolates. The first antimicrobials were derived from natural sources, and interest in these sources has once again increased in recent years. In the second part of this study, extracts were prepared from a selection of plants which were known to have been used as traditional respiratory remedies in the past. These were then tested for antibacterial activity against a range of pathogens which had been found to cause respiratory infection within the southern Ireland hospital. The results were promising. Ethanolic extracts of Solidago virgaurea showed activity against Enterocoeeus faecium and S.aureus comparable to 1 mg/ml gentamicin. This plant, along with extracts of Mentha pulegium and Tussilago farfara, also exhibited activity against the more classical respiratory pathogens S.pneumoniae, H.influenzae, and species of mycobacteria. Extracts from plants not native to Ireland were also examined, giving a total of 16 plants screened."
The Isolation And Characterisation Of Acientobacter Baumannii Bacteriophage
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Elbreki Mohamed
Published: September 2024

Acinetobacter baumannii is a pathogen, which has an increasing prevalence of multidrug resistance. It exists widely in natural environments, and frequently in health-care settings where it has proven difficult to eradicate using antibiotic therapy. A possible alternative to conventional antibiotics is the use of bacteriophages (phages) as antibacterials. In this project, extensive screening of environmental samples such as soils, sewage and waters was undertaken to identify suitable phages. Three phages were successfully isolated from municipal waste in the Cork area. These were subsequently characterized in detail and examined by electron microscopy, which showed that they were all of the Myoviridae family. They were subsequently applied successfully for the elimination and control of biofilms, which are a big problem in the medical context. Following this, one of the three phages (Ome3) was subjected to complete genome sequencing and the genome was found to be extremely large at 234.9 kb. The genome was annotated and functions could be assigned (on the basis of bioinformatics) to 323 Open Reading Frames (ORFs). Two ORFs were selected for further analysis, namely those encoding two distinct muramidase (lysozyme) enzymes. Both were cloned into an expression vector pQE60, expressed and demonstrated to have full activity by zymogram following purification. The purification achieved for one of the enzymes namely LysME3a was sufficient to demonstrate clearing of a live turbid Acinetobacter baumannii culture.
Evaluation, Adaptation And Validation Of A Model To Predict Grass Growth In Ireland
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Hurtado Uria Christina
Published: September 2024

Budgeting grass supply allows producers to minimise the quantity of purchased feed required in the diet of grazing livestock. One tool for managing grass supply could be a mathematical model that can simulate grass growth. The development of such a model would allow better management around the variability of feed supply and help identify feed surpluses and deficits, and therefore increase the accuracy of management decisions. This would be a key feature of profitable milk and meat production systems in the future which will be hugely important as global food demand increases due to population growth. It is forecasted that world population will be 9 billion people by 2050. This research undertook a comprehensive literature review in the areas of grass growth, grass growth modelling and model evaluation, identified and quantified recent patterns in grass growth and meteorological factors, evaluated three existing grass growth models, chose one model for further modification and tested the chosen and modified model in different scenarios throughout Ireland and provided a comprehensive summary and discussion of the work completed in this thesis and highlighted potential future research areas.
A New Algorithm For Piecewise Affine System Identification And Its Application To A Mems Switch
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Canty Niel
Published: September 2024

"Over the past ten years, hybrid systems, and piecewise affine (PWA) systems in particular have been viewed as viable option for modelling nonlinear systems. Many methods have been developed to cater for the identification of a PWA model from input/output data. This thesis focuses on the clustering based identification approach. This method uses a Least Squares (LS) identification algorithm which, in this thesis, is shown to perform poorly in practice. The clustering based algorithm is also limited by the number of initialisation parameters that need to be chosen. These parameters have a significant influence on the resulting PWA model accuracy, yet the guidelines for their selection are not adequately addressed in the literature. The user is left with no recourse but to experiment, which is often a frustrating and time-expensive solution. The primary objective of this research is then to develop an algorithm that performs better in practice and is easier to initialise. Specifically, the main contribution is the development of a Piecewise Affine Output Error (PWA-OE) algorithm. The proposed PWA-OE algorithm is shown to outperform the original algorithm on simulation and real experimental Radio-Frequency MicroElectroMechanical Systems (RF-MEMS) data. Based on this data, the average performance improvement is impressive - the integral of absolute modelling error was reduced by 51.5%. The proposed algorithm is also shown to be less sensitive to the initial tuning parameters and initialisation recommendations were developed. The net result is a more straightforward and appealing identification method. The second major contribution of this research is a detailed modelling study of a Radio Frequency MicroElectroMechanical Systems (RF-MEMS) switch. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first application of PWA models to MEMS systems. To realise the model, experimental data was obtained from a capacitive MEMS switch and the proposed PWA-OE algorithm was applied. The resulting model is highly accurate and incorporates both the opening and closing dynamics. In comparison to existing MEMS switch models, the PWA model offers the combined advantages of accuracy and simplicity. Furthermore, the PWA format is tailored for controller design e.g. the design of soft landing voltage profiles and this is a further benefit of the approach."
Exploitation Of The Bacteriophage-derived Peptidase Chapk
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Hadbi Pierre-Mehdi
Published: September 2024

This project investigated an anti-staphylococcal bacteriophage-derived peptidoglycan hydrolase enzyme, namely a cysteine-histidine amydohydrolase/peptidase (CHAPk). The study focused firstly on optimizing the production of recombinant CHAPk, which was previously cloned in an E. coli expression system, and sets out the resulting optimal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for production, purification and determination of concentration and activity of the resulting protein stock. A typical yield resulting from the investigation was 300pg of CHAPk from one litre of E.coli culture. The activity of the purified enzyme was typically in the region of 190U nmol ’. Secondly, the project investigated the application of CHAPk to eliminate S. aureus from blood. It was found that concentrations of 200 and lOOμg mP' of the enzyme eliminated S. aureus DPC5246 (2.5 x l05 CFU ml -1) within 30 minutes and one hour, respectively. In the third and final part of the project, the gene encoding CHAPk was cloned into the Lactococcus lactis-derived vector pNZ44 with the aim of introducing it into a probiotic Lactobacillus strain as a model for secretion of endolysins in lactic acid bacteria. This vector uses the pediocin operon to drive the secretion of recombinant protein. A variety of cloning strategies were investigated.
Optical Emission Properties Of Band Structure Tailored Semiconductor Nanostructures
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Pavarelli Nicola
Published: September 2024

In the past decades, with the development of low-dimensional semiconductor heterostructures, research has been focused on studying novel materials and proposing new solutions for the improvement and optimization of numerous optoelectronic applications. Examples of these applications include optical data storage, displays and medical diagnostics in the ultraviolet and visible spectral range, or telecommunication networks, solar cells, gas sensing and imaging systems in the near- and mid-infrared. In this thesis, the optical characterization of a number of promising semiconductor nanostructures for the realization of next-generation optoelectronic devices is reported. The optical emission properties of each structure, measured by means of power-dependent and time-resolved photoluminescence experiments, are also corroborated with the corresponding calculated band structure. In InAs1-x Sbx /GaAs quantum dots, the type-1 to type-II band alignment transition is obtained by increasing the Sb concentration in the structure. The conduction band offset can be continuously tuned, and the condition of flat conduction band is achieved when the Sb content in the dots is approximately 60%. In InAs/GaAs quantum dots capped with a GaAs0.86Sb0.14 strain-relieving layer, a type-I ground state and a few type-II excited states coexist in the same structure. Moreover, the complex emission dynamics observed under high-power excitations are explained in terms of the band structure and energy level modifications induced by two competitive carrier interactions inside the material. Finally, in direct band-gap Ge quantum wells strained by fully relaxed In0.30Ga0.70As barriers, the band offsets depend on the termination of the InGaAs layers in contact with the Ge, and lead to different optical transitions characterized by either type-I-like or type-II-like behavior in spatially distinct areas of the heterostructure. This work may provide new strategies and increased flexibility in the design of novel devices, and open up new possibilities for the development of III-V and group-IV photonics.
How Social Media Networking Is Supporting Customer Engagement And Brand Awareness: A Pr Perspective In An Irish Context.
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, O'Regan Miriam
Published: September 2024

"The primary purpose of this thesis is to investigate the phenomenon of social media networking in the Irish organisational context. The study examines how Irish organisations are utilising social media networking as a communication platform. The research assesses the aspects of phenomenon that provide organisational advantages in Public Relations. Therefore, aim of the study is to identify how social media networking is influencing customer engagement and brand awareness. The first research phase comprises of an extensive literature review of key academic sources of secondary research including reports, articles and publications. This review cultivates a range of sources with insight into the background of the research. More importantly, the academic sources in this chapter will be utilised to justify the research findings and conclude with a final hypothesis. A qualitative research process was conducted which included a case study approach of two Irish organisations, Barry’s Tea and Truly Irish. The research methodologies included two semi structured interviews with the organisations. The interviews were designed to obtain information from two social media professionals regarding their expertise and knowledge of the phenomenon who are similarly engaged in the research context. The purpose is to compare and contrast their interpretation of the phenomenon from an Irish business perspective. Secondly, a focus group was conducted including six participants who are fans of the Barry’s Tea Facebook page. The objective was to explore the subjects thoughts and opinions regarding the social media networks for the two organisations. The group discussion was based on the data obtained from the interview findings. Furthermore, the sample group is active social media users who are engaged in the phenomenon and are also fans of Barry’s Tea. Therefore, the subjects are relevant to the phenomenon and are familiar with the context. In addition it generates personal opinions from the customers perspective. The research findings were compared and contrasted with one another and a list of key themes were identified and were validated with relevant academic sources. These themes are central to the research. On the basis of the results, it conveyed a positive view that social media networking does facilitate customer interaction as well as promoting brand image. It was concluded that Irish organisations can utilise social media networking to engage in two- way symmetric communication, to fosters positive relationships and online communities which ultimately enhances customer engagement and brand awareness."
Features of water activation by ultrasound for the development of polymer building materials
Authors: Shatskaya V. A. , Shitikov E. S. , Bardushkin V. V. , Belyaeva E. A. , Kravchenko T. P. , Gorbunova I. Yu.
Published: September 2024

Criteria for assessing the quality of activated water for the production of cement concrete and polymer concrete have been established, including redox potential and refraction. It is shown that the more significantly the values of these indicators differ from the initial ones, the higher the activity of the treated water in relation to the materials used and the higher the performance properties of the final polymer building materials.
V.A. Kargin Polymer Research Institute – 75 years
Authors: Kozlova I. I. , Kornienko P. V. , Lukonin V. P.
Published: September 2024

In September 2024 V.A. Kargin Polymer Research Institute celebrates its 75th anniversary. A brief history of the institute in persons is outlined. Brief results of the work obtained in recent years are presented.