bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Can Helicopters Help Us Determine the Health of Antarctica’s Oceans?
Authors: Nakayama Yoshihiro , Wongpan Pat , Greenbaum Jamin S. , Yamazaki Kaihe , Aoki Shigeru
Published: March 2024

In East Antarctica, warm ocean water travels toward the Totten Ice Shelf. This water melts and thins the ice shelf, and speeds up the rate at which ice moves into the sea, leading to sea-level rise. Scientists often get on board ships called icebreakers to study the ice and water in these regions. However, sea ice and icebergs are major obstacles to navigation and scientific operations. For example, American, Australian, and Japanese icebreakers tried but could only observe a small area where sea ice was more broken up. So, we used a helicopter to measure the ocean during one of our research expeditions. Helicopters can travel faster than icebreakers. They can fly over sea ice and icebergs, and trained workers can drop sensors into small gaps in the ice. In 6 days, we observed ocean temperatures at 67 sites, covering a large area that could not be studied before. We identified wide pathways of warm water flowing toward the Totten Ice Shelf.
Medicinal plants, biodiversity, and local communities. A study of a peasant community in Venezuela
Authors: Monagas Olga , Trujillo Iselen
Published: March 2024

Objective

The main objective of this research was to record ethnobotanical data on the use and exploitation of medicinal plants, highlighting their importance for the biodiversity, culture, and tradition of a peasant community in Venezuela.

Sample/method

The study involved a population of 120 individuals, from which a sample size of 34 people was calculated using the formula for finite populations. A simple random sampling technique was employed, and all the participants were administered the TRAMIL (Traditions Medicine in Island) survey.

Statistical analysis

The ethnopharmacological table was constructed, and descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Results

A total of 116 species of medicinal plants were documented to treat various health conditions. The informants reflected through their responses that they used medicinal plants in the first instance to address a health condition, employing varied forms of plant preparation, which include decoction (65.16%), raw consumption (16.77%), maceration (8.38%), and infusion (7.09%). The most commonly used plant parts are leaves, flowers, fruits, bark, peels, roots, and bulbs, while the most commonly used botanical families are Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, Rutaceae, Malvaceae, Verbenaceae, Acanthaceae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbaceae. On the other hand, the species with the highest TRAMIL Significant Use Level were Oregano orejón (Coleus amboinicus Lour.) (68.29), Malojillo [Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf.] (60.97), Tua (Jatropha gossypiifolia L.) (34.15), Colombiana [Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers.] (34.15), Poleo [Micromeria brownei (Sw.) Benth.] (29.27), Pasote (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.) (29.27), Llantén (Plantago major L.) (26.83), Te negro [Phyla stoechadifolia (L.) Small] (26.83), Yerbabuena (Mentha sp.) (21.85), and Curia (Justicia pectoralis Jacq.) (21.95).

Conclusion

The community of El Onoto de El Valle de Tucutunemo, Aragua State, Venezuela has a notable utilization of medicinal plant species in their instance to treat different health conditions, with the predominant focus on treating flu and stomach ailments. It is important to emphasize that all individuals approached through various data collection instruments reported using medicinal plants, both individually and within their families, spanning a wide range of ages from children to the elderly. This reflects that the use of medicinal plants is part of their cultural heritage and ancestral roots.
Factors affecting decisions of farmers to produce geographical indication dry beans: a case from Turkey
Authors: Dogan Nilgun , Adanacioglu Hakan
Published: March 2024

Geographical indications (GIs) are defined as labels that show the relationship of a product with a certain region. They are of great importance in terms of distinguishing these products from the similar ones in terms of the quality that the characteristic features of the region bring to the product, making them stand out commercially, contributing to the rural development and preserving the cultural heritage. Dry beans cultivated by the farmers in the Gümüşhane province is newly recognized as a GI product that is unique in both taste and quality. This study is intended to identify the factors affecting the farmers’ decision to produce GI-labelled dry beans. The survey was conducted in January–March 2021. A sampling size of the participants consisted of 50 farmers who cultivated GI-labelled dry beans and 50 non-GI dry beans. A binary logistic regression analysis approach was employed to identify the factors affecting the likelihood of the farmers cultivating the GI dry beans. The results of the model indicate that the young farmers with the low educational level, the low property land size, the low yield per decare, and the large farmland, the high annual agricultural income and specializing in the dry beans production are more likely to engage in the production of GI dry beans. For the farms involving the GI product, agricultural associations can be advised with the farmers with the wider agricultural acreage and the high annual agricultural income, and that specialize in the production of such products. The participation of the farmers in the agriculture enterprises involving the GI dry beans will depend on them seeing positive widespread effects, which requires a long-term commitment.
A novel gluconeogenic route enables efficient use of erythritol in zoonotic Brucella
Authors: Lázaro-Antón Leticia , Veiga-da-Cunha Maria , Elizalde-Bielsa Aitor , Chevalier Nathalie , Conde-Álvarez Raquel , Iriarte Maite , Letesson Jean Jacques , Moriyón Ignacio , Van Schaftingen Emile , Zúñiga-Ripa Amaia
Published: March 2024

Brucellosis is a worldwide extended zoonosis caused by pathogens of the genus Brucella. While most B. abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis biovars grow slowly in complex media, they multiply intensely in livestock genitals and placenta indicating high metabolic capacities. Mutant analyses in vitro and in infection models emphasize that erythritol (abundant in placenta and genitals) is a preferred substrate of brucellae, and suggest hexoses, pentoses, and gluconeogenic substrates use in host cells. While Brucella sugar and erythritol catabolic pathways are known, growth on 3–4 carbon substrates persists in Fbp- and GlpX-deleted mutants, the canonical gluconeogenic fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (F1,6bP) bisphosphatases. Exploiting the prototrophic and fast-growing properties of B. suis biovar 5, we show that gluconeogenesis requires fructose-bisphosphate aldolase (Fba); the existence of a novel broad substrate bisphosphatase (Bbp) active on sedoheptulose 1,7-bisphosphate (S1,7bP), F1,6bP, and other phosphorylated substrates; that Brucella Fbp unexpectedly acts on S1,7bP and F1,6bP; and that, while active in B. abortus and B. melitensis, GlpX is disabled in B. suis biovar 5. Thus, two Fba-dependent reactions (dihydroxyacetone-phosphate + glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate ⇌ F1,6bP; and dihydroxyacetone-phosphate + erythrose 4-phosphate ⇌ S1,7bP) can, respectively, yield fructose 6-phosphate and sedoheptulose 7-phosphate for classical gluconeogenesis and the Pentose Phosphate Shunt (PPS), the latter reaction opening a new gluconeogenic route. Since erythritol generates the PPS-intermediate erythrose 4-phosphate, and the Fba/Fbp-Bbp route predicts sedoheptulose 7-phosphate generation from erythrose 4-phosphate, we re-examined the erythritol connections with PPS. Growth on erythritol required transaldolase or the Fba/Fbp-Bbp pathway, strongly suggesting that Fba/Fbp-Bbp works as a PPS entry for both erythritol and gluconeogenic substrates in Brucella. We propose that, by increasing erythritol channeling into PPS through these peculiar routes, brucellae proliferate in livestock genitals and placenta in the high numbers that cause abortion and infertility, and make brucellosis highly contagious. These findings could be the basis for developing attenuated brucellosis vaccines safer in pregnant animals.
Electrochemotherapy in Kaposi’s Sarcoma Patients: From the Gold Standard Strategy to Locally Advanced Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Lesions
Authors: Rullo Vincenzo , Castellaneta Francesco , D’Antonio Santolo , De Rosa Anna , Grieco Michele Pio , Fabrizio Tommaso
Published: March 2024

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is one of the newest therapeutic strategies employed as a medical procedure for skin neoplasms’ treatment, especially for classic Kaposi’s sarcoma (CKS). The aim of this study was to demonstrate ECT clinical response and the local control of CKS disease. The primary endpoint was to value the worth and efficacy of this local therapy in CKS skin lesions’ treatment. In total, 19 CKS patients were enrolled, 14 males and 5 females with median age at diagnosis of 72. Complete response (CR) has been gained in 12 patients after first ECT attempt; meanwhile, 3 and 4 out of 19 patients obtained a partial response (PR), so they underwent a second and third ECT treatment, respectively. Clinical response was evaluated during the entire timeframe of the follow-up, which ranged between 3 months and 4 years with a median of 18 months. The control of CKS skin lesions still represents a challenge for surgeons and oncologists. Nevertheless, according to this and other authors’ recent experiences, ECT could be considered the gold standard strategy for early-stage patients, but at the same time it could be considered as a valid option in controlling Kaposi’s sarcoma locally advanced lesions.
Design of a Short Reference Differential Chaotic Shift Keying Communication System Based on Reference Signal Scrambling Transformation
Authors: Sui Tao , Yu Qihao , Qian Bo , Feng Yongxin , Liu Fang
Published: March 2024

A short reference differential chaotic shift keying communication system based on reference signal scrambling transformation (RSST-SR-DCSK) is proposed in this paper. The system introduces information-bit-driven scramblers at the transmission end to effectively eliminate the correlation between the reference signal and information signal. At the receiving end, a descrambler is used to restore the correlation, thereby enhancing information transmission security. Additionally, the system employs a short reference transmission mechanism to further increase the information transmission rate. The transmitter and receiver structures of the system are designed through signal structure analysis. Theoretical analyses and simulations conducted in an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel demonstrate promising performance, including a low bit error rate (BER) and a favorable data-energy-to-bit-energy ratio (DBR). Simulation verification is performed to examine the impact of parameters on the bit error rate performance. A comparative analysis with traditional DCSK and SR-DCSK systems highlights the superior performance of the RSST-SR-DCSK system.
Monitoring Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Healthcare Effluent Wastewater Samples and the Effectiveness of Drug Removal in Wastewater Treatment Plants Using the UHPLC-MS/MS Method
Authors: Molnarova Lucia , Halesova Tatana , Tomesova Daniela , Vaclavikova Marta , Bosakova Zuzana
Published: March 2024

A multi-residue UHPLC–MS/MS analytical method, previously developed for monitoring 52 pharmaceuticals in drinking water, was used to analyse these pharmaceuticals in wastewater originating from healthcare facilities in the Czech Republic. Furthermore, the methodology was expanded to include the evaluation of the effectiveness of drug removal in Czech wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Of the 18 wastewater samples analysed by the validated UHPLC-MS/MS, each sample contained at least one quantifiable analyte. This study reveals the prevalence of several different drugs; mean concentrations of 702 μg L−1 of iomeprol, 48.8 μg L−1 of iopromide, 29.9 μg L−1 of gabapentin, 42.0 μg L−1 of caffeine and 82.5 μg L−1 of paracetamol were present. An analysis of 20 samples from ten WWTPs revealed different removal efficiencies for different analytes. Paracetamol was present in the inflow samples of all ten WWTPs and its removal efficiency was 100%. Analytes such as caffeine, ketoprofen, naproxen or atenolol showed high removal efficiencies exceeding 80%. On the other hand, pharmaceuticals like furosemide, metoprolol, iomeprol, zolpidem and tramadol showed lower removal efficiencies. Four pharmaceuticals exhibited higher concentrations in WWTP effluents than in the influents, resulting in negative removal efficiencies: warfarin at −9.5%, indomethacin at −53%, trimethoprim at −54% and metronidazole at −110%. These comprehensive findings contribute valuable insights to the pharmaceutical landscape of wastewater from healthcare facilities and the varied removal efficiencies of Czech WWTPs, which together with the already published literature, gives a more complete picture of the burden on the aquatic environment.
MoOx-Based Colorimetric Sensor for Ultraviolet Visualization
Authors: Zheng Zhaokang , Liu Zhen , Li Xingying , Wang Aiwu
Published: March 2024

Due to the depletion of the global ozone layer and the presence of ozone holes, humans are increasingly exposed to threats from solar ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, researching and developing a highly selective, sensitive, simple, and fast ultraviolet sensor is of significant importance for personal protection. In recent years, new nanomaterials have shown good application prospects in the research of ultraviolet sensors. MoOx nanostructures were prepared by a hydrothermal method. The experimental results show that, compared to traditional photochromic compounds, the new MoOx nanostructures exhibit high uniqueness, high selectivity, and excellent stability, and can perform rapid and accurate detection under full-band light. The beam sensor can not only detect through traditional electrical signal output, but also amplify, display, and analyze the beam through visualization and visual analysis, further improving the reliability and practicality of its application.
Degradation of Orange G Using PMS Triggered by NH2-MIL-101(Fe): An Amino-Functionalized Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Mo Lijie , Chen Guangzhou , Wang Hua
Published: March 2024

As an azo dye, OG has toxic and harmful effects on ecosystems. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a green, environmentally friendly, and efficient catalyst to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of OG. In this study, the catalysts MIL-101(Fe) and NH2-MIL-101(Fe) were prepared using a solvothermal method to carry out degradation experiments. They were characterized by means of XRD, SEM, XPS, and FT-IR, and the results showed that the catalysts were successfully prepared. Then, a catalyst/PMS system was constructed, and the effects of different reaction systems, initial pH, temperature, catalyst dosing, PMS concentration, and the anion effect on the degradation of OG were investigated. Under specific conditions (100 mL OG solution with a concentration of 50 mg/L, pH = 7.3, temperature = 25 °C, 1 mL PMS solution with a concentration of 100 mmol/L, and a catalyst dosage of 0.02 g), the degradation of OG with MIL-101(Fe) was only 36.6% within 60 min; as a comparison, NH2-MIL-101(Fe) could reach up to 97.9%, with a reaction constant k value of 0.07245 min−1. The NH2-MIL-101 (Fe)/PMS reaction system was able to achieve efficient degradation of OG at different pH values (pH = 3~9). The degradation mechanism was analyzed using free-radical quenching tests. The free-radical quenching tests showed that SO4•−, •OH, and 1O2 were the main active species during the degradation of OG.
Isolation, Purification and Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity of Anthocyanins and Their Novel Degradation Compounds from Solanum tuberosum L.
Authors: Ouyang Jian , Hu Na , Wang Honglun
Published: March 2024

To explore the composition of anthocyanins and expand their biological activities, anthocyanins were systematically isolated and purified from tubers of Solanum tuberosum L., and their tyrosinase inhibitory activity was investigated. In this study, two new anthocyanin degradation compounds, norpetanin (9) and 4-O-(p-coumaryl) rhamnose (10), along with 17 known anthocyanins and their derivatives, were isolated and purified from an acid-ethanolic extract of fresh purple potato tubers. Their structures were elucidated via 1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS and compared with those reported in the literature. The extracts were evaluated for anthocyanins and their derivatives using a tyrosinase inhibitor screening kit and molecular docking technology, and the results showed that petanin, norpetanin, 4-O-(p-coumaryl) rhamnose, and lyciruthephenylpropanoid D/E possessed tyrosinase inhibitory activity, with 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) values of 122.37 ± 8.03, 115.53 ± 7.51, 335.03 ± 12.99, and 156.27 ± 11.22 μM (Mean ± SEM, n = 3), respectively. Furthermore, petanin was validated against melanogenesis in zebrafish; it was found that it could significantly inhibit melanin pigmentation (p < 0.001), and the inhibition rate of melanin was 17% compared with the normal group. This finding may provide potential treatments for diseases with abnormal melanin production, and high-quality raw materials for whitening cosmetics.
Rapid, Massive, and Green Synthesis of Polyoxometalate-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks to Fabricate POMOF/PAN Nanofiber Membranes for Selective Filtration of Cationic Dyes
Authors: Li Jianping , Yu Zhaoke , Zhang Jiaming , Liu Chengjie , Zhang Qi , Shi Hongfei , Wu Dai
Published: March 2024

Developing high−efficiency membrane materials for the rapid removal of organic dyes is crucial but remains a challenge. Polyoxometalates (POMs) clusters with anionic structures are promising candidates for the removal of cationic dyes via electrostatic interactions. However, their shortcomings, such as their solubility and inability to be mass−produced, hinder their application in water pollution treatment. Here, we propose a simple and green strategy utilizing the room temperature stirring method to mass produce nanoscale polyoxometalate−based metal−organic frameworks (POMOFs) with porous rhomboid−shaped dodecahedral and hexagonal prism structures. The products were labeled as POMOF1 (POMOF-PW12) and POMOF2 (POMOF-PMo12). Subsequently, a series of x wt% POMOF1/PAN (x = 0, 3, 5, and 10) nanofiber membranes (NFMs) were prepared using electrospinning technology, where polyacrylonitrile (PAN) acts as a “glue” molecule facilitating the bonding of POMOF1 nanoparticles. The as−prepared samples were comprehensively characterized and exhibited obvious water stability, as well as rapid selective adsorption filtration performance towards cationic dyes. The 5 wt% POMOF1/PAN NFM possessed the highest removal efficiency of 96.7% for RhB, 95.8% for MB, and 86.4% for CV dyes, which realized the selective separation over 95% of positively charged dyes from the mixed solution. The adsorption mechanism was explained using FT−IR, SEM, Zeta potential, and adsorption kinetics model, which proved that separation was determined via electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and π–π interactions. Moreover, the POMOF1/PAN membrane presented an outstanding recoverable and stable removal rate after four cycles. This study provides a new direction for the systematic design and manufacture of membrane separation materials with outstanding properties for contaminant removal.
Developing an Improved Cycle Architecture for AI-Based Generation of New Structures Aimed at Drug Discovery
Authors: Zhang Chun , Xie Liangxu , Lu Xiaohua , Mao Rongzhi , Xu Lei , Xu Xiaojun
Published: March 2024

Drug discovery involves a crucial step of optimizing molecules with the desired structural groups. In the domain of computer-aided drug discovery, deep learning has emerged as a prominent technique in molecular modeling. Deep generative models, based on deep learning, play a crucial role in generating novel molecules when optimizing molecules. However, many existing molecular generative models have limitations as they solely process input information in a forward way. To overcome this limitation, we propose an improved generative model called BD-CycleGAN, which incorporates BiLSTM (bidirectional long short-term memory) and Mol-CycleGAN (molecular cycle generative adversarial network) to preserve the information of molecular input. To evaluate the proposed model, we assess its performance by analyzing the structural distribution and evaluation matrices of generated molecules in the process of structural transformation. The results demonstrate that the BD-CycleGAN model achieves a higher success rate and exhibits increased diversity in molecular generation. Furthermore, we demonstrate its application in molecular docking, where it successfully increases the docking score for the generated molecules. The proposed BD-CycleGAN architecture harnesses the power of deep learning to facilitate the generation of molecules with desired structural features, thus offering promising advancements in the field of drug discovery processes.
Spatial Distribution and Diffusion Characterisation of Water in Coal Samples: An Experimental Study
Authors: Yu Liqiang , Li Xuehua , Chong Zhaohui , Xie Hongxin
Published: March 2024

Comprehending the water absorption process inherent to coal, including the associated spatial distribution patterns of water, proves indispensable in the design and evaluation of coal pillar dams in underground water reservoirs. To better understand this process, a series of NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) tests were carried out on cylindrically shaped coal samples immersed in water for varying durations, with the upper and lower surfaces of the samples sealed. A method involving image digital processing and finite element simulation was used to quantitatively characterise the water absorption process, as well as the spatial distribution of water in the samples. The results showed that NMR imaging colour brightness differences were positively correlated with water content and that the wetted ring gradually increased in width as the water immersion time increased. The expectation and sum of squared deviations of the pixel greyscale values of the NMR images, which were used to characterise the water saturation and spatial distribution of the coal samples, represented positive and negative exponential functions of the water immersion time, respectively. This indicated that the water saturation gradually increased and became more uniformly distributed. Furthermore, based on the set threshold value of the target variable rate of change, the limiting expectation of the pixel greyscale values was obtained, and the limiting water absorption time of the coal sample was predicted. The water diffusion equation was then used to characterise the water absorption process of the coal samples, and a water diffusion model was developed to accurately obtain the wet ring boundary data. A reasonable value of the diffusion coefficient was determined by comparing and correcting the results of the numerical simulation and physical experiments with full consideration of the non-homogeneity of the numerical model. This water diffusion model can better characterise the water transport phenomena in the macroscopic barrier zone of coal pillar dams. Finally, the application prospects in terms of practical engineering were investigated.
FORMULASI DAN ANALISIS MUTU ES KRIM BEKATUL BERAS MERAH (Oryza sativa L) DAN JAMBU KRISTAL (Psidium guajava) SEBAGAI SUMBER MAKANAN TINGGI SERAT DAN VITAMIN C BAGI ANAK SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Nursalma Hasna Khairunnisa , Gumilar Mulus , Judiono Judiono , Fitria Mona
Published: March 2024

School-aged children are vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies of fiber and vitamin C because they consume less vegetables and fruit. One effort to prevent fiber and vitamin C deficiency is by making ice cream products that contain high levels of fiber and vitamin C where the additional ingredients are obtained from brown rice bran and crystal guava. The aim of this experimentation  is to decide the impact of red rice bran and crystal guava formulations on the quality of ice cream products including organoleptic properties, fiber content and vitamin C levels. The research design used was experimental in nature using a one factor complete randomized design with 3 formulations of brown rice bran and guava crystals namely F1 (15%:85%), F2 (25%:75%) and F3 (35%:65%). The research method used the hedonic test to determine the organoleptic properties, enzymatic gravimetry for the fiber test and iodimetri titration for the vitamin C test. Formula F1 (15%:85%) was the best formula that met the adequacy of vitamin C and daily vitamin C for elementary school children of 20% fiber and 80% in 1 serving (80 g). The Kruskall Wallis test revealed that there was an effect of different formulations of red rice bran and crystal guava ice cream on the color, taste and overall taste of the ice cream (p<0.05). The production cost of F1 ice cream is IDR 3,000/80 g.
PENGARUH PENYULUHAN GIZI SEIMBANG DENGAN MEDIA SOSIAL INSTAGRAM TERHADAP PENGETAHUAN, ASUPAN ENERGI DAN PROTEIN PADA REMAJA PUTRI SEKOLAH MENENGAH ATAS
Authors: Dwi Suryana Ira , Mahmudah Umi , Pusparini Pusparini , Agung Suprihartono Fred
Published: March 2024

Remaja putri memiliki risiko tinggi mengalami masalah gizi salah satunya kurang energi kronis (KEK). Asupan zat gizi yang kurang dan diperoleh semasa remaja akan berdampak pada kesehatan dalam fase kehidupan selanjutnya, yaitu dewasa (ibu hamil) dan lanjut usia. Salah satu upaya yang dapat dilakukan untuk mengatasi masalah gizi pada remaja putri adalah mengubah perilaku remaja putri dengan meningkatkan pengetahuan melalui pendidikan gizi. Salah satu media pendidikan gizi yang digunakan untuk sasaran remaja putri adalah media sosial instagram. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh penyuluhan gizi seimbang dengan media sosial instagram terhadap pengetahuan, asupan energi dan protein pada remaja putri sekolah menengah atas. Intervensi dilakukan sebanyak 9 hari selama 18 hari. Jenis penelitian ini adalah quasi experiment dengan two group pre-test and post-test design yaitu kelompok perlakuan diberikan media sosial instagram dan kelompok kontrol diberikan media power point. Jumlah sampel yaitu 64 sampel yang dibagi 2 kelompok yaitu kelompok perlakuan dan kelompok kontrol, dengan metode purposive sampling. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji Wilcoxon, uji Dependen T-test, uji Independen T-test, dan uji Mann Whitney. Diperoleh hasil penelitian bahwa terdapat pengaruh penyuluhan gizi terhadap pengetahuan, asupan energi, dan asupan protein pada kelompok perlakuan; terdapat pengaruh penyuluhan gizi terhadap pengetahuan, asupan energi, dan asupan protein pada kelompok kontrol; terdapat perbedaan pengetahuan antara kelompok perlakuan dengan kelompok kontrol pada remaja putri; tidak terdapat perbedaan asupan energi, dan asupan protein antara kelompok perlakuan dengan kelompok kontrol pada remaja putri. Perlu dilakukan penyuluhan gizi secara berkala dan berkelanjutan untuk melihat perubahan asupan energi dan asupan protein yang signifikan.
Elevating vehicle inspection quality through knowledge: unlocking excellence
Authors: Ilham  , Rohmani Siti
Published: March 2024

This study analyses work performance factors, the ability to master work and work tools, and knowledge of the quality of work results of competent civil servants (PNS) in regularly inspecting motor vehicles in Indonesia. This study aims to determine knowledge as a mediating variable in the influence of work performance and the ability to master work and work tools on the quality of work results and its improvement strategy. The study's sample size was 180 people, and the total population was statistical test research using descriptive statistics with structural equation models using PLS-SEM. The study's results found that work performance and the ability to master work and tools did not directly affect the quality of work results. However, the mediation of variables of work performance knowledge and the ability to master work and work tools had a positive and significant effect on the quality of work results. Knowledge directly affects the quality of the results of work. The variables of work performance and the ability to master work and work tools directly affect understanding. Researchers suggest future research look for variable indicators of work performance, the ability to master work and tools, and learning to affect the quality of work results directly or indirectly.
Aplicación de metodologías de aprendizaje basado en casos prácticos para la enseñanza de asignaturas científico-tecnológicas
Authors: Sigüenza María del Pilar Yeste , Fenández María Teresa Ben , Salguero María de la Paz Alegre , Miguel Oscar Bomati , Lérida David Sales
Published: March 2024

En el contexto de la asignatura de Ingeniería y Tecnología de los Materiales (ITM) de la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Algeciras (ETSIA), se compararon dos metodologías. Una metodología más tradicional basada en i) clases expositivas, ii) clases de problemas y iii) prácticas de laboratorio, y otra metodología docente basada en el aprendizaje en proyectos, con el objetivo de que los alumnos sean los responsables de la asimilación del conocimiento. Con esta nueva metodología, se eliminó la mayor parte de las clases expositivas y se sustituyó por trabajo de los alumnos en el aula, bajo supervisión del profesor, basado en casos prácticos. De forma generalizada se pudo concluir que con la metodología basada en casos prácticos mejoró, además de las calificaciones obtenidas en la asignatura, la tasa de éxito y de rendimiento.
Application of Nanomaterials in Endodontics
Authors: Afkhami Farzaneh , Chen Yuan , Walsh Laurence J. , Peters Ove A. , Xu Chun
Published: March 2024

Recent advancements in nanotechnology have introduced a myriad of potential applications in dentistry, with nanomaterials playing an increasing role in endodontics. These nanomaterials exhibit distinctive mechanical and chemical properties, rendering them suitable for various dental applications in endodontics, including obturating materials, sealers, retro-filling agents, and root-repair materials. Certain nanomaterials demonstrate versatile functionalities in endodontics, such as antimicrobial properties that bolster the eradication of bacteria within root canals during endodontic procedures. Moreover, they offer promise in drug delivery, facilitating targeted and controlled release of therapeutic agents to enhance tissue regeneration and repair, which can be used for endodontic tissue repair or regeneration. This review outlines the diverse applications of nanomaterials in endodontics, encompassing endodontic medicaments, irrigants, obturating materials, sealers, retro-filling agents, root-repair materials, as well as pulpal repair and regeneration. The integration of nanomaterials into endodontics stands poised to revolutionize treatment methodologies, presenting substantial potential advancements in the field. Our review aims to provide guidance for the effective translation of nanotechnologies into endodontic practice, serving as an invaluable resource for researchers, clinicians, and professionals in the fields of materials science and dentistry.
Parallel Driving with Big Models and Foundation Intelligence in Cyber–Physical–Social Spaces
Authors: Wang Xiao , Huang Jun , Tian Yonglin , Sun Chen , Yang Lie , Lou Shanhe , Lv Chen , Sun Changyin , Wang Fei-Yue
Published: March 2024

Recent years have witnessed numerous technical breakthroughs in connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). On the one hand, these breakthroughs have significantly advanced the development of intelligent transportation systems (ITSs); on the other hand, these new traffic participants introduce more complex and uncertain elements to ITSs from the social space. Digital twins (DTs) provide real-time, data-driven, precise modeling for constructing the digital mapping of physical-world ITSs. Meanwhile, the metaverse integrates emerging technologies such as virtual reality/mixed reality, artificial intelligence, and DTs to model and explore how to realize improved sustainability, increased efficiency, and enhanced safety. More recently, as a leading effort toward general artificial intelligence, the concept of foundation model was proposed and has achieved significant success, showing great potential to lay the cornerstone for diverse artificial intelligence applications across different domains. In this article, we explore the big models embodied foundation intelligence for parallel driving in cyber-physical-social spaces, which integrate metaverse and DTs to construct a parallel training space for CAVs, and present a comprehensive elucidation of the crucial characteristics and operational mechanisms. Beyond providing the infrastructure and foundation intelligence of big models for parallel driving, this article also discusses future trends and potential research directions, and the “6S” goals of parallel driving.
Morphological analysis, agronomic characteristics, species identification, and phylogenetic analysis of Pseuderanthemum sp. using the rbcLgene
Authors: Duong Thieu Van , Mai Do Van , Trong Pham Thanh , Nam Tran Van Be , Hung Mai Van
Published: March 2024

The study aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of eleven samples of Pseuderanthemum sp. variety based on the results of the morphological survey on stem height, root length, leaves, combining molecular biology methods to determine their genetic relationships by building a phylogenetic tree based on the plastid gene rbcL sequence. Initial results of an evaluation of the genetic diversity of eleven Pseuderanthemum sp. samples showed that there were differences in stem length, leaf width to root length. Based on the analysis results from the pedigree tree, the tree samples with similar survival indexes and genetically close to each other were classified into two main groups. Based on molecular data, eleven varieties of Pseuderanthemum sp. in the study have been identified, all belonging to the species Pseuderanthemum sp. have a high similarity coefficient above 98% and 100% coverage. Although the geographical location of the samples is variable, it is necessary to investigate other gene sequences related to morphological and biochemical characteristics, such as bioactive compounds in leaves and fruits to have more accurate conclusions about this species.
Notfallmedizin: «Weniger ist mehr» – Verbesserung in der Behandlung von Patient:innen in pädiatrischen Notfallstationen
Authors: Seiler Michelle
Published: March 2024

Das Fachgebiet der pädiatrischen Notfallmedizin hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten kontinuierlich weiterentwickelt und seit 2014 existiert der Schwerpunkt Kindernotfallmedizin innerhalb der Fachgesellschaften für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin sowie Kinderchirurgie. Die «Pediatric Emergency Medicine Switzerland» (PEMS) wurde 2010 als Verein gegründet und agiert seit 2017 interprofessionell mit dem Ziel, Fachkräfte auszubilden und Richtlinien zu entwickeln, um hohe Qualitätsstandards zu gewährleisten. Ein entscheidender Aspekt für die Erstellung von Richtlinien ist die Verfügbarkeit wissenschaftlicher Arbeiten als Grundlage – viele Therapien in der pädiatrischen Notfallmedizin wurden aus der Erwachsenenmedizin abgeleitet und bislang nie an Kindern systematisch untersucht.
Direct Optical Particle Tracking - a technique for size distribution assessment
Authors: Chicea Dan , Nicolae-Maranciuc Alexandra
Published: March 2024

Nanotechnology, an emerging discipline within material science, has ushered in a new era of engineering by creating nanostructured materials with distinctive properties suitable for a wide range of bioengineering applications. The shape and size of these materials constitute critical variables, determined by the chosen synthesis method and chemical precursors. Silver nanoparticles, synthesized through chemical processes, exhibit antibacterial properties when their size falls within a specific range. However, measuring the size of such nanoparticles, typically in the nanometer to tens of nanometers range, necessitates specialized techniques like Dynamic Light Scattering and Transmission Electron Microscopy. These methods are often limited by assumptions, high costs and longer measurement times. This paper introduces a novel approach utilizing Direct Particle Tracking for assessing particle size distribution in the early stages of nanoparticle synthesis. The study used realistic computer simulations of nanoparticle diffusion, employing the CHODIN code and a specific code for Direct Particle Tracking written for this purpose. The Brownian motion of each particle is recorded, the mean square displacement is computed and the diffusion coefficient, as well. The diameter of each particle is assessed and here from the particle distribution. The results on simulated particle diffusion demonstrate the feasibility of using Direct Particle Tracking as an effective method for size distribution assessment in the initial phases of nanoparticle synthesis. This innovation opens the door to real-time monitoring and control of nanoparticle size in bioengineering applications, promising significant advancements in the field of nanotechnology.
Analysis of the particulate matter long term emissions in Romania by sectors of activities
Authors: Condurache-Bota Simona , Draşovean Romana Maria , Tigau Nicolae
Published: March 2024

Particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere is highly relevant due to its far-reaching implications. These tiny solid or liquid particles affect human health, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and even premature death. PM also plays a role in climate change, as some particles contribute to warming, while others have cooling effects, impacting Earth's energy balance. Additionally, PM influences visibility, transportation safety, and ecosystems by depositing on land and water surfaces, altering soil and water quality. Recognizing and monitoring the emissions and sources of PMs by 4 subclasses, from PM2.5 to PM10, but also as TSP (total suspended particles) and individually as BC – black carbon is vital for effective air quality management and mitigating its multifaceted impacts on our environment and well-being. This paper presents an analysis of PMs emissions divided into the 4 classes presented above, for Romania, between 1990-2021, as given by the national report made according to the National Emission reduction Commitments Directive (NECD), which aims to reduce emissions of the main air pollutants. The emission data are presented by national emission sectors, from different industries to different transport types, and also from agricultural activities, and waste management. Relevant averages and trends are quantified and analysed as a reference for real-time data at city level, such that to assess the local pollution level and data accuracy as compared to the national reports.
The ambient noise level in the city of Galati and surroundings
Authors: Draşovean Romana Maria , Condurache-Bota Simona , Tigau Nicolae , Murariu Gabriel
Published: March 2024

The intense and sustained noise to which we are subjected can cause disorders of the auditory system. It affects especially those who suffer from heart problems, but it also has dramatic consequences on the nervous system. It can cause stress, depression, sleep disturbances, cognitive problems and reduced ability to concentrate. The city of Galati is located in the southeastern part of Romania, in the southeastern part of the county with the same name. Galati ranked fifth in terms of noise pollution and unfortunately the local authorities do not run any noise reduction or control program. Through this paper we want to join those who sound the alarm to the authorities to take concrete measures in order to manage and control noise pollution. Data were collected in different areas of the city of Galati and its surroundings. Equivalent noise level was determined with a professional digital acoustic sound level meter with two frequency filters: “A” and “C”. The device can record sound values between 30 dB-130 dB in the 31.3 Hz and 8 kHz range. In general, the sound level exceeded the maximum admissible limit or came close to this value.
A review of map-matching algorithms
Authors: Dima Corina , Popa Cosmin
Published: March 2024

The public transport system is a key factor for the development of cities and for the satisfaction of citizens. For this reason, public transport management systems based on IT solutions were created. One of the problems that arise in public transport planning is tracking vehicle routes when using GPS information with signal interruptions or erroneous data. In these cases, it is necessary to implement some map-matching algorithms to solve these problems and follow the correct route for good information of the citizens waiting in the stations and for tracking the routes. This work aims to present the main map-matching algorithms and compare them, highlighting their utility and efficiency.
Determining the Reliability of Personal Masks with Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Ak Özgür Boran , Kuruöz Ertan , Ak Ayça
Published: March 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, which is a worldwide disaster, it has been proven that one of the most important methods to struggle the transmission of such diseases is the use of face masks. Due to this pandemic, the use of masks has become mandatory in Turkey and in many other countries. Since some surgical masks do not comply with the standards, their protective properties are low. The aim of this study is to determine the reliability of personal masks with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). For this purpose, first, a mask data set consisting of 2424 images was created. Subsequently, deep learning and convolutional neural networks were employed to differentiate between meltblown surgical masks and non-meltblown surgical masks without protective features. The masks under investigation in this study are divided into 5 classes: fabric mask, meltblown surgical mask, meltblown surgical mask, respiratory protective mask and valve mask. Classification of these mask images was carried out using various models, including 4-Layer CNN, 8-Layer CNN, ResNet-50, DenseNet-121, EfficientNet-B3, VGG-16, MobileNet, NasNetMobile, and Xception. The highest accuracy, 98%, was achieved with the Xception network.
AI-Based Avatars Are Changing the Way We Learn and Teach: Benefits and Challenges
Authors: Fink Maximilian C. , Robinson Seth A. , Ertl Bernhard
Published: March 2024

Advancements in the generative AI field have enabled the development of powerful educational avatars. These avatars can, for instance, listen to users’ spoken input, generate an answer utilizing a large-language model, and reply by speaking with a synthetic voice. A theoretical introduction summarizes essential steps in developing AI-based educational avatars and explains how they differ from previously available educational technologies. Moreover, we introduce GPTAvatar, an open-source, state-of-the-art AI-based avatar. We then discuss the benefits of using educational AI-based avatars, which include, among other things, individualized and contextualized instruction. Afterward, we highlight the challenges of using AI-based educational avatars. Major problems concern incorrect and inaccurate information provided, as well as insufficient data protection. In the discussion, we provide an outlook by addressing advances in educational content and educational technology and identifying three crucial open questions for research and practice.
Evolution of the revenue/ expenditure structure and passenger cost coverage ratio of regular passenger transport between 2007 and 2022
Authors: Ács Balázs , Kövesdi István
Published: March 2024

This article presents a general methodology for aggregating the actual costs and revenues of public transport in Hungary, which allows to calculate a realistic passenger (user) cost coverage ratio for the main players in the domestic market (MÁV-Volán Group, GYSEV, BKK). After an international perspective and a presentation of the specificities of the domestic market, it is concluded that the cost coverage ratio for fixed rail transport is significantly lower than for public transport services on road. The main reason for this is that fixed rail infrastructure is expensive to develop and operate and is mainly used by public passenger transport. The ridership ratio is significantly reduced by significant investments, and this has been analysed both on a time series and average basis. We present the timetable, tariff changes and major investments that have had an impact on ridership rates, typically only to a small extent. Our analysis is financially oriented and only touches on positive externalities, social benefits and the general government balance
Digitalisation, digital transformation – In the practice of the National Tax and Customs Office
Authors: Vozár Anikó , Bán Erika
Published: March 2024

Our research has shown that digital solutions have increased the efficiency of official audits carried out by the National Tax and Customs Administration (hereinafter Nemzeti Adó- és Vámhivatal, NAV), making it easier to compare tax authority and taxpayer data. A new way of thinking has been introduced at the NAV as a result of digitalisation solutions. The overall impact is positive, with synergies between NAV and taxpayers. Following the beginnings, we will look at the digital solutions of the present and map out the opportunities for development in the near future, using several research methods. What has NAV’s digitisation activity given us and what can it give us? Time, efficiency, smoother administration, more queries for taxpayers and their partners. A change of mindset, a changing audit methodology, permanent change. Transforming jobs, the possibility of using artificial intelligence. The focus of audits will remain on the examination of human activities, but the role of the human factor in audits will be reduced.
Money as a social technology
Authors: Grébel Szabolcs
Published: March 2024

Peet van Biljon and Alexandra Reed Lajoux’s Money Creation: the past and present of society’s most important technology will be published in English in 2020, and its Hungarian translation was published by Pallas Athéné Könyvkiadó, also in 2020.
Temporalidades
Authors: Lacerda Eva Alves , Macedo Silvana Barbosa
Published: March 2024

Neste ensaio visual exponho uma série de experimentações pictóricas que se desdobram de minhas investigações poéticas que buscaram pensar a relação entre tempo e pintura, fluxo e metamorfose. A série de pinturas cinéticas apresentadas aqui aborda o tempo por meio do registro de aspectos efêmeros da paisagem. Apresento objetos artísticos compostos pela combinação de múltiplas temporalidades que coexistem em movimento contínuo, propondo paisagens em constante transformação a partir da perspectiva do tempo cíclico, orgânico e contínuo em contraposição ao tempo linear, mecânico e fragmentado da vida contemporânea.
Praxis para a transformação social
Authors: Biram Mark , De Azevedo Mitidieri Maria Cristina
Published: March 2024

Meninas em Campo é um exemplo pró-ativo de grande sucesso na promoção da igualdade de gênero por meio do discurso e da práxis. Trata-se de uma organização sem fins lucrativos localizada no Butantã, São Paulo, que oferece um espaço para meninas de 9 a 17 anos se desenvolverem como jogadoras de futebol. Financiado pelo Colégio Santa Cruz e apoiado pela Universidade de São Paulo. O Meninas em Campo é o maior projeto de futebol feminino de base social, fora dos grandes clubes. Fornecendo um modelo para o desenvolvimento do futebol feminino. Este artigo sugere que muito mais atenção deve ser dada aos anos formativos cruciais, em que gerações de meninas têm sido marginalizadas dos canais formais.