bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RapidAIM 2.0: a high-throughput assay to study functional response of human gut microbiome to xenobiotics
Authors: Li Leyuan , Mayne Janice , Beltran Adrian , Zhang Xu , Ning Zhibin , Figeys Daniel
Published: April 2024

Aim: Our gut microbiome has its own functionalities which can be modulated by various xenobiotic and biotic components. The development and application of a high-throughput functional screening approach of individual gut microbiomes accelerates drug discovery and our understanding of microbiome-drug interactions. We previously developed the rapid assay of individual microbiome (RapidAIM), which combined an optimized culturing model with metaproteomics to study gut microbiome responses to xenobiotics. In this study, we aim to incorporate automation and multiplexing techniques into RapidAIM to develop a high-throughput protocol.

Methods: To develop a 2.0 version of RapidAIM, we automated the protein analysis protocol, and introduced a tandem mass tag (TMT) multiplexing technique. To demonstrate the typical outcome of the protocol, we used RapidAIM 2.0 to evaluate the effect of prebiotic kestose on ex vivo individual human gut microbiomes biobanked with five different workflows.

Results: We describe the protocol of RapidAIM 2.0 with extensive details on stool sample collection, biobanking, in vitro culturing and stimulation, sample processing, metaproteomics measurement, and data analysis. The analysis depth of 5,014 ± 142 protein groups per multiplexed sample was achieved. A test on five biobanking methods using RapidAIM 2.0 showed the minimal effect of sample processing on live microbiota functional responses to kestose.

Conclusions: Depth and reproducibility of RapidAIM 2.0 are comparable to previous manual label-free metaproteomic analyses. In the meantime, the protocol realizes culturing and sample preparation of 320 samples in six days, opening the door to extensively understanding the effects of xenobiotic and biotic factors on our internal ecology.
Challenges confronting nurses caring for persons diagnosed with intellectual disability at a Mental Health Institution in Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Motswasele-Sikwane Lily Keneilwe , Moeletsi Thekiso Azariel , Mokoena-De Beer Andile Glodin
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to explore and describe the challenges experienced by nurses caring for persons diagnosed with intellectual disability. Caring for persons with intellectual disability is understood be challenging for families. This could be worse for nurses due to the challenging behaviour the persons with intellectual disability present with. This may be exacerbated by the attitudes nurses have towards persons with intellectual disability. The researchers ask the following questions: “What are the challenges experienced by nurses caring for persons with intellectual disability?” We employed an exploratory-descriptive research design, using in-depth individual face-to-face interviews to explore the nurses’ experiences. Using Tesch’s method of open coding, two overarching themes emerged: (1) Care-related challenges and (2). Facilitation of a supportive, caring environment. The findings of the study demonstrate that the experienced challenges are related to the mental status of the persons diagnosed with intellectual disability, the therapeutic environment, shortage of specialized personnel and role ambiguity. Hence, the nurses yearn for a supportive environment which includes family support and support from the institution's management, including the provision of psychosocial support, which plays a pivotal role in achieving a safe, caring environment. The findings of this study could be used to develop strategies to facilitate a supportive, caring environment to minimize therapeutic challenges.
The influence of informal structures on corporate strategy: An African perspective
Authors: Kadakure Arthur , Twum-Darko Michael
Published: April 2024

This paper provides a detailed exploration of the Afrocentric epistemological perspective of socio-cultural constructs that drive the influence of informal structures on corporate strategy and employees. The research focuses on the African context, which has a dearth of studies despite ample research exploring informal structures in Western and Asian socio-ecological contexts. To achieve this, the study employed a systematic literature review through the aid of NVivo 14 and ChatGPT, a language generation model. NVivo 14 provided the study with a tool to manage and analyze the data, and ChatGPT offered a dialogical string that created a clear path for critical analysis. The paper adopted a systematic literature review approach to investigate the origin of the concept of informal structures and their impact on corporate strategy in an Afrocentric context. The findings indicate that informal structures can have a positive influence by facilitating the flow of information, flexibility, and fulfilling social needs and shared values. However, the negative influence of informal structures, including resistance to corporate strategy, social fragmentation, conflict, and political discord, outweighs the positive influence. The study also reveals that there is limited research on the social-ecological context of Africa and its impact on corporate strategy. The paper addresses a contextual gap in the body of knowledge through its contribution that focuses specifically on the Afrocentric context. The research also sheds light on the need for more studies on the social-ecological context of Africa to gain a better understanding of its impact on corporate strategy. Overall, the paper provides a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the Afrocentric perspective of informal structures and their impact on corporate strategy and employees.
Optimising multimodal learning in higher education: a case study of a selected South African institution
Authors: Kgaphola Tshiamo , Molaba Mamelang , Seeletse Solly Matshonisa
Published: April 2024

The study investigated the shortages in a multimodal learning (MML) approach that was used in a science faculty of a selected higher education institution (HEI) in South Africa. The study population consisted of students of the science faculty. The sample consisted of students who willingly offered to participate after being informed of this study. A study questionnaire consisting of MML components was used to collect data. It was distributed by email as Google forms to students who had supplied their email addresses in acceptance of participating. Analysis of data consisted of graphs and measures in percentages to determine the level of how the students experienced the various MML components. The deficiency level was not too high, but the components that were missing were crucial to effect beneficial learning. The components missing in MML were found to be core components of a flipped classroom (FC). The paper recommended a move of MML closer to FC.
Non-performing loans (NPLs) and non-performance: evidence from South Asian banks
Authors: Bhowmik Probir Kumar , Sarker Niluthpaul
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the consequences of banks’ performance on bank risk. The paper forms a theoretical model and delivers empirical evidence to identify that banks suffer in performance as the loans become bad. Using panel data from a sample of five (05) South-Asian emerging economies from 2011 to 2019, we have found that the banks are highly influenced by the development of non-performing loans (NPLs). We have primarily used Return on Asset (ROA) followed by Return on Equity (ROE) as a substitution to the performance of the banks and NPL as the proxy of bank risk. Simultaneous regression applying 3sls finds that Non-Performing Loan (NPL) hinders banks' growth, negatively affecting their profitability.
Challenges facing local government authorities in the use of electronic record keeping for human resource management
Authors: Jackson Emmanuel Payowela
Published: April 2024

This study determines the challenges faced by Local Government Authorities in the use of e-record keeping for Human Resource Management (HRM). The study was conducted at Morogoro Municipal Council (MMC) as among the Local Government Authorities (LGAs) which continue to use paper-based record keeping in Tanzania. A case study design was employed to ensure an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. A questionnaire and interviews were used in collecting data from 107 respondents. Data from the questionnaire were analysed descriptively through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) whereby means and standard deviatons were calculated. On the other hand, data from interviews were analysed through content analysis. The study was guided by two models, which are Kurt Lewin’s Change Management Model, as the guiding model, and ADKAR Change Management Model, as the supporting model. The study revealed lack of reliable internet service, lack of top management support, inadequate IT experts, staff resistance, and inadequate funds as the main challenges facing MMC in the use of electronic record (e-record) keeping for HRM. This implies that, in some cases, the government formulates good policies without ensuring a conducive environment for their implementation. In the light of the revealed challenges, the study recommends that LGAs especially MMC should take initiatives to develop and implement a comprehensive e-governance programme that, among other things, will address the revealed challenges. In addition, the government should creation environments that support implementation of its policies particularly those related to ICT and e-governance.
PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT SEKITAR LAHAN GAMBUT TENTANG SIMPANAN KARBON DAN PERUBAHAN IKLIM
Authors: Pratama Wahyu Edi Chandra , Wulandari Christine , Novriyanti Novriyanti , Iswandaru Dian , Prasetia Hendra
Published: April 2024

Salah satu fungsi lahan gambut adalah penyimpan karbon. Dengan adanya kegiatan konversi lahan gambut menjadi jenis penggunaan lahan tertentu akan melepas karbon ke atmosfer. Gas Rumah Kaca (GRK) yang tertimbun di atmosfer dapat meningkatkan suhu bumi dan berakibat pada perubahan iklim. Perubahan iklim yang terjadi ini menyebabkan kerugian terutama pada sektor pertanian. Adanya kerugian akibat perubahan iklim ini, petani perlu memiliki persepsi atau pemahaman. Persepsi yang positif akan memunculkan perilaku dan partisipasi yang positif dalam pemulihan ekosistem gambut. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisis korelasi antara karakteristik masyarakat dan persepsi masyarakat tentang pengetahuan lahan gambut, persepsi masyarakat tentang simpanan karbon dan persepsi masyarakat tentang perubahan iklim. Penelitian ini melibatkan 30 responden yang tinggal di Desa Jebus sebagai desa penyangga Tahura OKH. Data yang digunakan adalah persepsi masyarakat tentang manfaat lahan gambut, simpanan karbon dan perubahan iklim serta karakteristik responden. Data yang didapat kemudian dilakukan analisis. Hubungan antara persepsi masyarakat tentang lahan gambut, simpanan karbon, dan iklim terhadap karakteristik responden dianalisis menggunakan korelasi Rank Spearman. Masyarakat Desa Jebus memiliki persepsi yang tinggi tentang manfaat lahan gambut, simpanan karbon dan perubahan iklim. Selanjutnya melalui analisis rank spearman, didapatkan bahwa persepsi masyarakat tentang manfaat lahan gambut bernilai signifikan dengan karakteristik pekerjaan dan pendapatan serta persepsi masyarakat tentang perubahan iklim bernilai signifikan dengan karakteristik pekerjaan.
BRIKET ARANG AROMATERAPI AKAR WANGI DARI LIMBAH TEMPURUNG KELAPA, SEKAM PADI DAN PLASTIK LDPE BERDASARKAN RASIO UKURAN PARTIKEL DAN GETAH DAMAR
Authors: Mahdie Muhammad Faisal , Rahmadi Adi , Sari Noor Mirad , Nisa Khairun , Mirna Mirna , Rizki Muhammad
Published: April 2024

Akar wangi (Vetiveria zizanoides) yang mengandung resin dapat digunakan sebagai salah satu bahan pembuatan briket aromaterapi karena mengandung aroma yang menenangkan dan menghilangkan stres. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah 1) Menganalisis karakteristis briket aromaterapi akar wangi, 2) Mengetahui perlakuan terbaik briket arang aromaterapi. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan dua perlakuan yaitu komposisi bahan dan ukuran partikel 20 mesh, 45 mesh, dan 60 mesh masing-masing tiga ulangan. Perlakuan terbaik untuk kadar air ukuran 20 mesh sebesar 1,91%, ukuran 45 mesh 1,36% dan 1,16% ukuran 60 mesh. Kadar abu ukuran 20 mesh yang terbaik dengan nilai 5,57%, 45 mesh sebesar 5,97% dan 60 mesh yang terbaik 6,8%. Kadar zat terbang terbaik ukuran 20 mesh sebesar 70,02%, 45 mesh 72,53% dan 60 mesh 72,34%. Kadar karbon terikat terbaik ukuran 20 mesh yaitu 21,64%, 45 mesh sebesar 22,55% dan 60 mesh 22,57%. Nilai kalor terbaik ukuran 20 mesh yaitu 7453,09 kal/gr, 45 mesh sebesar 7608,69 kal/gr dan 60 mesh sebesar 7632,32 kal/gr. Kerapatan terbaik untuk ukuran 20 mesh 1,06 gr/cm3, 45 mesh sebesar 1,10 gr/cm3 dan 60 mesh sebesar 1,17 gr/cm3. Semua perlakuan untuk kadar air, kadar abu, nilai kalor dan kerapatan memenuhi standar Amerika, namun untuk kadar zat terbang dan kadar karbon terikat belum memenuhi standar Amerika.
Content Analysis: Portrayals of Partner Aggression In the Novel "It Ends With Us"
Authors: Septiandra Brigitta Jocelyn , Wibowo Kunto Adi , Fuady Ikhsan
Published: April 2024

Gender-based aggression or violence in society can happen to anyone, at any time, and by anyone who commits it. There are several factors that cause physical aggression. One of the novels by Colleen Hoover, namely It Ends With Us, has elements of physical aggression in it. Therefore, this research aims to determine the gender of the perpetrator of aggression, the depiction of the type of aggression in the novel, and the relationship between the type of aggression and how the target responds to the aggression. The population in this study were all chapters or acts in the novel. Researchers used census sampling techniques and produced all 36 chapters as research samples. This research involved two coders for the research process through coding sheets and coding books. Data analysis carried out was an inter-coder reliability test, descriptive analysis, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression test using the SPSS version 25 application. The results of the study showed that there were several categories that dominate and describe aggression, as well as the relationship between aggression and the target response in the novel "It Ends With Us".
Viewer's Perception of The Religious Dialogue "Boris Beragama Bikin Histeris" on Youtube Media Using SNA Analysis
Authors: Hapsari Pramesti Sekar , Tambunan Resman Muharul
Published: April 2024

The reality of religious pluralism is a challenge faced by every religious follower. Religious dialogue is an effective mechanism in creating racial and religious unity. This research discusses religious dialogue in the #LogIndiCloseTheDoor content episode "Boris Beragama Bikin Histeris" on YouTube. This content received various responses from the audience because it featured presenters from different religious backgrounds, namely Habib Jafar, Onadio Leonardo and Boris Bokir who discussed religion lightly. This research uses William Gamson and Andre Modigliani's framing theory based on the Network Analysis (SNA) method. The research analyzed 10 actors with the largest communication network population. The results show that the actors have positive comments based on the three groups formed, namely, content, host and guest stars and religion. The first group, content has positive results based on content that focuses on religious tolerance. The second group, hosts and guest stars produce positive perceptions based on the personalities of the hosts and guest stars in the content and the third group, religion which has positive results based on religious content that the hosts and guest stars bring.
Documentary Content in The Digital Era (Watchdoc Documentary Content Study)
Authors: Gurning Sisca T. , Wiranegara IGP , Suminta Dias
Published: April 2024

The rise of internet technology has revolutionized how we access media, making it more accessible and affordable for individuals from all walks of life. With the advent of broadcasting tools such as cameras, even ordinary people can create news content, including journalism. Watchdoc production house has taken a unique approach to disseminating information by presenting it as documentary content instead of relying on traditional journalistic channels. This approach helps educate the public about issues often overlooked by mainstream television channels, which are often controlled by authorities. This study explores how the Watchdoc production house selects its documentary content in this information age. It draws on a descriptive qualitative research method that includes literature reviews and interviews. The research findings suggest that the selection of documentary content still holds significant sway and resonates with a broad audience. Furthermore, it addresses the public's disillusionment with traditional journalism, which frequently needs to cover issues affecting marginalized groups.
Redefining Orientalism Through “Squid Game”: Sentiment Analysis And Word Cloud R Studio
Authors: Akbar Moh Rifaldi
Published: April 2024

This article aims to redefine Edward Said's definition of orientalism in the era of contemporary communication and information technology through the comments column for the film Squid Game on the IMDB (internet movie database) website. This paper argues that the Orientalist attitude of a dominant English-speaking country such as the United States emerged as a consequence of its white superior hegemony. In the midst of this orientalist attitude, today's communication and information technology has become a discursive channel for the world community to conduct ongoing discussions on films by Asians. By using the text in the comment column for the film Squid Game on IMDB.com as a case example, this article provides a discussion regarding the need to rethink the conceptual definition of orientalism today. This paper uses a digital research methodology with analysis tools using R Studio with two types of analysis, namely word cloud and sentiment analysis. By utilizing the programming language functions available in R Studio, this paper mines text from the IMDB.com comments column for the film Squid Game. This article contains results obtained from digital research methods, namely the Squid Game comments column focuses on characters, plot, acting and story. Meanwhile, sentiment analysis shows the dominance of positive sentiment and some negative sentiment. Therefore, this article argues that the battle between negative and positive sentiments in the Squid Game comments column is a means of resetting the negative stigma towards Asian films and eroding the orientalist attitudes that the West oppresses towards "the East."
Prediksi Peluang Transisi Jumlah Pengesahan Peraturan Perusahaan Provinsi Yogyakarta Menggunakan Rantai Markov
Authors: Nizam Hafis Muhammad , Fajriya Hakim Raden Bagus
Published: April 2024

Dinas Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi merupakan unit organisasi berupa dinas di tingkat provinsi atau kabupaten/kota yang bertanggung jawab dalam mengelola dan mengawasi urusan ketenagakerjaan dan transmigrasi di wilayah kerjanya. Dalam tugasnya, Dinas Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi memiliki wewenang dalam pengesahan Peraturan Pemerintah (PP). Banyaknya jumlah Peraturan Pemerintah yang disahkan tidak dapat diprediksi, di beberapa bulan terjadi kekosongan pengesahan atau dalam kata lain tidak ada Peraturan Pemerintah yang perlu disahkan oleh Dinas Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi. Untuk mengetahui peluang status dari jumlah Peraturan Pemerintah yang masuk, diperlukan Analisis Rantai Markov. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa jika terjadi kenaikan pada bulan ini, kemungkinan perubahan status selanjutnya akan terjadi dalam persentase 37,93% untuk naik, 31,3% untuk tetap, dan 59,9% untuk turun, dan seterusnya.
Peramalan Nilai Tukar Petani di Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta Menggunakan Metode ARIMA
Authors: Hablinawati Laela , Nugraha Jaka
Published: April 2024

Indonesia merupakan negara agraris karena letaknya berada di iklim tropis, yang mempunyai potensi besar dan sumber daya alam yang melimpah untuk pertanian. Memiliki lahan pertanian yang luas, menjadikan pertanian sebagai sektor penting dalam perekonomian Indonesia. Untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan petani, digunakan perhitungan Nilai Tukar Petani (NTP) sebagai indikatornya. NTP adalah perbandingan antara indeks harga yang diterima petani dengan harga yang dibayarkan oleh petani. Peramalan nilai NTP di masa depan karena penting bagi kesejahteraan petani. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memperkirakan Nilai Tukar Petani di Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta selama satu tahun ke depan menggunakan metode Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) berdasarkan data time series dari Januari 2019 hingga Desember 2022. Model terbaik yang digunakan adalah ARIMA (0,2,1) dengan hasil peningkatan rata-rata NTP sebesar 101,0448 dengan MAPE sebesar 0,581443 atau 5,81443% dan tingkat akurasi sebesar 99,41856%.
Identity and rationality in Sharia economic practice: A study at Arrahmah Sharia Consumer Cooperative, South Kalimantan Province
Authors: Hafizah Yulia , Nilasari Erissa , Syarqawie Fitriana , Jahra Pati Matu , Noorwahidah Noorwahidah
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThe Sharia consumer cooperative is one of the many legal forms of Islamic economic activity in Indonesia, including South Kalimantan Province. However, studies on the identity and rationality of this practice are still limited.ObjectivesThis research aims to understand how Islamic identity influences economic decisions and how Sharia economic rationality is reflected in the practices of consumer cooperatives. The selection of Arrahmah Sharia Consumer Cooperative (Koperasi Konsumen Syariah Arrahmah) as the subject of the study is based on the institution's claim to be "more Sharia" compared to other cooperatives or Sharia financial institutions.MethodA qualitative research method was employed using in-depth interviews and observations as data collection tools. Qualitative research was chosen for its relevance to case studies that required in-depth data exploration.ResultsThe findings indicate that Islamic identity plays a key role in shaping the economic preferences of cooperative members, whereas Sharia economic rationality is reflected in the principles of justice and sustainability. In the context of Arrahmah Sharia Consumer Cooperative, the institution's assertion of being "more Sharia" is driven by knowledge of fiqh muamalah, particularly the section on usury and its dangers conveyed by Salafi scholars in study forums, websites, and other mass media. This knowledge serves as the main foundation and source of community identity, which distinguishes them from other cooperatives or financial institutions.ImplicationsThe success of Sharia economics lies not only in economic rationality, but also in the understanding and application of religious identity in every aspect of economic activities. Both are complementary and mutually supportive in achieving sustainable economic development goals, in line with religious values.Originality/NoveltyThis study provides insights into the dynamics of identity and rationality in the context of Sharia economics, focusing on the practices of consumer cooperatives in South Kalimantan.
Study on the Impact of Delayed Retirement on the Sustainability of Basic Pension Insurance Fund for Urban Employees in China
Authors: Zhao Guiling , Zhou Deyu , Fu Yunpeng
Published: April 2024

With the aging of China's population, the problem of pension security has become more and more prominent, and whether delayed retirement can effectively alleviate the pension fund gap and ensure the sustainability of the pension fund has become the focus of social concern. This study predicts the income and expenditure of urban workers' basic pension insurance fund from 2021 to 2050 by constructing an actuarial model of pension insurance fund income and expenditure, and simulates the effect of delayed retirement policy. The prediction results show that under the existing system, the basic pension insurance fund for urban workers will have a shortfall for the first time in 2027, and the shortfall will expand year by year. Compared with the non-implementation of delayed retirement policy, the simulation of the implementation of delayed retirementt program delayed the emergence of the fund gap until 2029, and the forecast period of the pension fund gap significantly narrowed, indicating that delayed retirement policy has a certain positive impact on alleviating the pressure of pension payments, but delayed retirementt can not completely eliminate the pension fund gap. In view of this, this paper suggests that a progressive and flexible delayed retirement policy should be introduced as soon as possible to better adapt to the needs of different groups. At the same time, differentiated policies should be formulated for different groups of people and a pension incentive mechanism for delayed retirement should be set up to improve public acceptance of delayed retirement policy. In addition, delayed retirement policy should be combined with other measures, such as lowering the corporate contribution rate and enhancing the value-added capacity of the pension fund, so as to ensure the sustainability of the pension fund.
Antimicrobial and Preservative Activity of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng, Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst, Flueggea leucopyrus Willd., and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Plant Extracts against Some Common Milk Pathogens and Their Biocompatibili
Authors: Jayaweera Kasun , Dharmasena Sasini , Ravihari Umali , Samaraweera Thilini , Dunukara Jayani , Herath Lalinka
Published: April 2024

Due to bacterial contamination, natural medicinal preservatives may be an alternative to enhance the quality of milk. Besides, thorough biocompatibility testing is deemed essential before integrating natural extracts into food products. To address this matter, our research focused on evaluating the antimicrobial potential of Plectranthus amboinicus, Flueggea leucopyrus, Cymbopogon citratus, and Bacopa monnieri against prevalent foodborne pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and investigating the efficacy of plant extracts as natural preservatives along with biocompatibility and toxicity assessments. The methanolic extracts of plant materials were used for measuring antimicrobial activity using the agar well diffusion method, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. The preservative activity was tested by isolating pathogenic organisms in a sterilized milk medium and toxicity and biocompatibility was assessed using zebrafish embryo and brine shrimp lethality assays. At a concentration of 400 mg/ml, all plant extracts demonstrated notable activity against bacterial strains. B. monnieri at 400 mg/ml exhibited particularly significant effects on S. aureus (30.3 mm ± 0.6), surpassing the positive control, gentamicin (28.3 mm ± 0.6), while also displaying pronounced activity against E. coli. F. leucopyrus, at the same concentration, showed antimicrobial activity comparable to the positive control against both S. aureus (28.0 mm ± 1.0) and E. coli (27.0 mm ± 1.0). However, as there’s weak-mild toxicity in these herbs, prior to consumption, careful consideration of their toxicity and biocompatibility is imperative for ensuring their safe use.
The Influence of Rare Earth Ce on the Microstructure and Properties of Cast Pure Copper
Authors: Zhang Mingyi , Yang Jichun , Li Haixiao
Published: April 2024

The effects of rare earth Ce on the microstructure and properties of cast pure copper were investigated through thermodynamic calculations, XRD analysis, mechanical testing, metallographic microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results demonstrate that the reaction between rare earth Ce and oxygen as well as sulfur in copper exhibits a significantly negative Gibbs free energy value, indicating a strong thermodynamic driving force for deoxidation and desulfurization reactions. Ce is capable of removing trace amounts of O and S from copper. Moreover, the maximum solid solubility of Ce in Cu falls within the range of 0.009% to 0.01%. Furthermore, Ce can refine columnar grains while enlarging equiaxed grains in as-cast copper.Upon addition of rare earth Ce, the tensile strength increased by 8.45%, elongation increased by 12.1%, and microhardness rose from 73.5HV to 81.2HV-an increase of 10.5%. Overall, rare earth Ce has been found to enhance both the microstructure and mechanical properties of cast pure copper.
Optimal Scheduling of Off-Site Industrial Production in the Context of Distributed Photovoltaic
Authors: Xie Sizhe , Li Yao , Wang Peng
Published: April 2024

Reasonable allocation of production plans and saving the overall electricity cost are crucial for large manufacturing conglomerates, which is an effective way for conglomerates to realize open-source and cost-saving. This paper develops an optimization model of off-site industrial production scheduling for enterprises in response to the problems of high electricity costs due to the irrational allocation of production schedules on the demand side of China's electric power and the difficulty of promoting industrial and commercial distributed photovoltaic (PV) projects in China. The model makes full use of the conditions of different PV resources and different electricity prices in different places to optimize the scheduling of industrial production in different places. The model is embedded with two sub-models of the electricity price prediction model and distributed photovoltaic kWh cost model to complete the model parameters, in which the electricity price prediction model utilizes the LSTM neural network. The integrated model is then solved by the particle swarm algorithm. To verify the effectiveness of the model in solving the problem of off-site production scheduling on the demand side of electricity, the research team researched two off-site pharmaceutical factories belonging to the same large pharmaceutical company. Finally, the research data were substituted into the model for solving, and it was concluded that the optimization model could significantly reduce the cost of electricity consumption of the enterprise by about 7.9 %.
Economical Experimental Device for Evaluating Thermal Conductivity in Construction Materials under Limited Research Funding
Authors: FAKRA Damien Ali Hamada , RAKOTOSAONA Rijalalaina , RATSIMBA Marie Hanitriniaina , RANDRIANARISON Mino Patricia , Benelmir Riad
Published: April 2024

African scientific research faces formidable challenges, particularly with limited access to state-of-the-art measurement instruments. The high cost associated with these devices presents a significant barrier for regional research laboratories, impeding their ability to conduct sophisticated experiments and gather precise data. This predicament not only hampers the individual laboratories but also has broader implications for the African scientific community and the advancement of knowledge in developing nations—the financial cost barrier considerably impacts the research quality of these laboratories. Reflection on technical and economical solutions needs to be quickly found to help these countries advance their research. In civil Engineering, the thermal conductivity property is the most important measurement for characterising heat transfer in construction materials. Existing devices (i.e., conductometers) in a laboratory are expensive (approximately 30,000 euros) and unavailable for some African laboratories. The study proposes a new and affordable device to evaluate thermal conductivity in construction materials. The method involves establishing a thermal flux between a heat source ( from the Joule effect provided by steel wool where a current is circulating) and a cold source (generated by ice cube) under steady-state conditions. The development of the cylindrical prototype is based on the comparative flux-meter method outlined in the measuring protocol of the ASTM E1225 standard document. Experiments were conducted on four distinct materials (polystyrene, wood, agglomerated wood, and rigid foam). The results indicate a correct correlation between the experimental values obtained from the newly developed prototype and the reference values found in the literature. For example, concerning the experimental polystyrene study, the detailed case analysis reveals a good correlation, with a deviation of only 4%. The percent error found falls within the acceptable range indicated by the standards recommendations of the ASTM E1225 standard, i.e., within 5% acceptable error.
Influence of a Shaft Shoulder on the Torsional Load-Bearing Behaviour of Trochoidal Profile Contours as Positive Shaft–Hub Connections
Authors: Ziaei Author: Masoud , Selzer Marcus , Sommer Heiko
Published: April 2024

Shafts with a stepped shoulder are particularly well known in the field of drive technology. In combination with a form-fit shaft–hub connection, the shaft shoulder fixes the hub on the shaft as well as the absorption of the axial forces. With profiled shafts, there is a notch overlay in the shaft shoulder, involving the shaft shoulder and profile. If the hub is also connected with the profiled shaft, the hub edge acts as an additional notch in the shaft shoulder area. The multiple resulting notches have not previously been part of research activities in the field of innovative trochoidal profile connections. Compared to conventional positive-locking connections, such as the keyway connection or the involute splined shaft profile, the favourable features of trochoidal profiles have only been based on connections with smooth shafts without a shoulder in previous studies. Accordingly, this article addresses the numerical and experimental investigations of trochoidal profile connections with offset shafts for pure torsional loading. Focusing on a hybrid trochoid with four eccentricities and six drivers, a well-founded numerical and experimental investigation was carried out with numerous fatigue tests. In addition, the influence of a shaft shoulder was also demonstrated on simple epi- and hypotrochoidal profiles.
How to Become a Terran. Return to Earth as Geo-Gastro-Politics
Authors: Lemke Harald
Published: April 2024

This article argues that philosophy and its influential narrative should take and think "food" - the gastro-world - in order to radically renew itself and develop a gastrocentric view of the world and the future of humanity. It discusses first some of the basic ideas of a gastrocentric understanding of the world, second the adventure of becoming a Terran, and third the daily practice of what I will call "terra madre forming". It tells us this: If there is to be a future of human survival and well-being on Earth, if we are to achieve the goals of sustainable development, then we have a clear agenda for tomorrow with the re-humidification of the soil - madre terra - that nourishes us. What needs to be done is quite simple and down-to-earth: We, each of us, if possible, must participate in the regeneration of the earth. In conclusion, it is time for the Slow Food movement to blossom into a geo-gastro-activism. The future task of this organization is to make itself electable as a political party to support the much-needed transformation of humans into Terrans.
Second Moment/Order Approximations by Kernel Smoothers with Application to Volatility Estimation
Authors: Lamor León Beleña , Benitez Ernesto Curbelo , Martino Luca , Perez-Muelas Valero Laparra
Published: April 2024

Volatility estimation and quantile regression are relevant active research areas in statistics, machine learning and econometrics. In this work, we propose two procedures to estimate local variances in generic regression problems by using of kernel smoothers. The proposed schemes can be applied in multidimesional scenarios (not just for time series analysis) and easily in a multi-output framework, as well. Moreover, they allow the possibility of providing uncertainty estimation using a generic kernel smoother technique. Several numerical experiments show the benefits of the proposed methods, even comparing with benchmark techniques. One of these experiment involves a real dataset analysis.
Menin Inhibitors: New Players in KMT2A-Rearranged and NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Coppola Gabriele , Candoni Anna
Published: April 2024

Menin inhibitors are new and promising agents currently in clinical development that target the HOXA/MEIS1 transcriptional program which is critical for leukemogenesis in histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2A rearranged (KMT2Ar) and in NPM1-mutated (NPM1mut) acute leukemia. The mechanism of action of this new class of agents is based on the disruption of menin-KMT2A complex (constitute of chromatin remodelling proteins), leading to the differentiation and apoptosis of AML cells expressing KMT2A or mutated NPM1. This new class of drugs has been tested alone, or in combination with synergistic drugs, in phase I and II clinical trials (AUGMENT-01 and 02, KOMET-01 and 07, SAVE, COVALENT trial and others), showing promising results in terms of response rates and safety in heavily pre-treated acute leukemia patients. In this review, we summarise the key findings on menin inhibitors, focusing on the mechanism of action and preliminary clinical data of this emerging and promising class of agents, in particular revumenib and ziftomenib.
Floral nectaries in Leguminosae: structure, diversity, and possible evolution
Authors: Sinjushin Andrey
Published: April 2024

Floral nectar is a key reward in Leguminosae despite the exceptional diversity of flowers in this family. The paper aims to summarize the available data on structure, ontogeny, regulation, and possible evolution of the leguminous floral nectaries. To date, detailed characterization of ultrastructure and mode of secretion is available only for a few representative of the family whereas the majority remains understudied from this perspective. In most cases, regardless of flower symmetry, nectaries are localized between stamens and a carpel. The nectar is usually exuded from modified stomata although the exact mode of secretion by specialized parenchyma may differ between taxa. The leguminous floral nectaries often have certain features of monosymmetry with preferentially abaxial development. Nectaries were independently lost in several lineages, and equally recurrent is the emergence of substitutive, i.e. evolutionary innovative, nectar-producing structures. Floral nectaries possess a certain degree of evolutionary inertia, i.e. they remain stable even in lineages in which flower morphology underwent significant changes compared with an ancestral plan, such as shifts in merism, symmetry, organ number and alike. Due to their evolutionary stability, floral nectaries are rarely used in taxonomy of Leguminosae.
Information in the Three Dimensions of Time
Authors: mousavi seyed kazem , Achimowicz Jerzy Zbigniew
Published: April 2024

The relationship between physics and information processing is a topic of great significance in the realm of science and technology. The laws of physics, which govern the behavior of matter and energy, also have a profound influence on the way information is processed and utilized. While the mathematics governing information processing has not extensively utilized the laws of physics, it is evident that there is potential for these laws to play a more significant role, particularly in the context of quantum systems. based on the equivalence between information and energy, we can explore how other laws of physics can effectively contribute to more efficient and advanced information processing techniques. This research sheds light on the interconnectedness of physics and information processing, and its findings have the potential to significantly enhance our ability to process information, particularly in cutting-edge quantum systems. By recognizing and leveraging the influence of physics, we can pave the way for further advancements in information processing technologies.
Nuclear Matter Equation of State in the Brueckner-Hartree-Fock Approach and Standard Skyrme Energy-Density Functionals
Authors: Vidaña Isaac , Margueron Jérôme , Schulze Hans-Josef
Published: April 2024

The equation of state of asymmetric nuclear matter as well as the neutron and proton effective masses and their partial-wave and spin-isospin decomposition are analyzed within the Brueckner–Hartree–Fock approach. Theoretical uncertainties for all these quantities are estimated by using several phase-shift-equivalent nucleon-nucleon forces together with two types of three-nucleon forces, phenomenological and microscopic. It is shown that the choice of the three-nucleon force plays an important role above saturation density, leading to different density dependencies of the energy per particle. These results are compared to the standard form of the Skyrme energy-density functional and we find that it is not possible to reproduce the BHF predictions in the (S,T) channels in symmetric and neutron matter above saturation density, already at the level of the two-body interaction, and even more including the three-body interaction.
Explicit Numerical Study on Dynamic Behavior of Threadbar under Impact Loading
Authors: Marulanda L.Y. , Vallejos J.A. , Velásquez J.I.
Published: April 2024

Due to the continued deepening of today’s mining projects, there is a need to develop new or improved rockbolts that are strong and yielding and have high energy absorption when exposed to dynamic loading. Impact tests can provide useful information about the dynamic response of rockbolts but most laboratory tests involve high costs in preparation and result validation. Numerical modeling is an alternative that, in addition to complementing laboratory results, can be used to represent the process of deformation and energy absorption of support elements. In this paper the implementation and results obtained from a finite difference (FDM) numerical model are presented. The model functions as a simulation tool to illuminate all the elements that conform the large-scale (1:1) impact test and their behavior and influence on the dynamic response of a threadbar bolt (22 mm nominal diameter). The model was calibrated using published results and based on these results as well as parametric analysis, the response of each component (steel tube, grout, and bolt) could be identified and its behavior in terms of absorbed energy and displacement could be observed. Results show the model can provide important preliminary information to make design decisions about support elements design.
Cultural and Creative Employment across Italian Regions
Authors: Leogrande Angelo
Published: April 2024

in the following article I analyze the trend of cultural and creative employment in the Italian regions between 2004 and 2022 through the use of ISTAT-BES data. After presenting a static analysis, I also present the results of the clustering analysis aimed at identifying groupings between Italian regions. Subsequently, an econometric model is proposed for estimating the value of cultural and creative employment in the Italian regions. Finally, I compare various machine learning models for predicting the value of cultural and creative employment. The results are critically discussed through an economic policy analysis.
The Relationship of Plasma Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease and Neuropsychological Test Performance in Older Adults with Unimpaired Cognition: The Impact of Ethnicity
Authors: Hall James Richard , Petersen Melissa , O’Bryant Sid E.
Published: April 2024

There has been significant increase of studies investigating plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer’s and their relationship to cognitive functioning. The impact of ethnicity on this relationship has not been extensively studied. The current research investigated the relationship between the plasma biomarkers of total tau, Aβ40, Aβ42 and NfL and neuropsychological test performance in a bi-ethnic sample of cognitively unimpaired, older community dwelling adults. The 1326 cognitively unimpaired participants drawn from The Health & Aging Brain Study – Health Disparities (HABS-HD) study included 765 Mexican American participants and 860 non-Hispanic White participants with complete plasma biomarkers and neuropsychological testing. Plasma samples were assayed using Simoa technology. Significant differences in concentrations were found for all of the plasma biomarkers. NHWs had significantly higher levels of each of the biomarkers with a lower Aβ42/ Aβ40. With none of the biomarkers related to performance on any of the neuropsychological tests. For MAs, Aβ40 was the only biomarker that was significantly related to neuropsychological test performance. Aβ40 levels were negatively related to performance on Trails A, Trails B and Digit Symbol Substitution. Results suggest that the relationship of these biomarkers to cognitive functioning is impacted by ethnicity and may be domain specific.
Los instrumentos de ordenación del territorio: seguimiento, evaluación y enseñanzas en el marco ibérico (Portugal-España)
Authors: Ruiz Moya Noelia , Sánchez Escolano Luis Miguel , Cejudo García Eugenio
Published: April 2024

La ordenación del territorio ha quedado asentada como una de las políticas fundamentales en la construcción del proyecto europeo. Tras una intensa fase inicial marcada por el diseño normativo y la implementación instrumental, el interés científico y técnico se ha dirigido en los últimos lustros hacia nuevos objetivos, destacando entre ellos el seguimiento y evaluación de los planes desarrollados. Se trata de elementos clave a la hora de generar políticas y herramientas efectivas con capacidad transformadora sobre el territorio. El objetivo de esta investigación es reconocer y analizar comparativamente la implementación de los mecanismos de evaluación y seguimiento de los instrumentos de ordenación del territorio en los dos principales Estados de la península Ibérica, tomando como referencia los casos de estudio del Algarve (Portugal) y la Costa Tropical de Granada (Andalucía-España). Para ello, se realiza una evaluación ex ante de la relevancia y coherencia de ambos instrumentos y, posteriormente, se analiza la eficacia de los principales indicadores de seguimiento propuestos para el sistema urbano-territorial. Finalmente, se extraen lecciones que permiten avanzar en la creación de herramientas de control interterritoriales favoreciendo la coordinación y gobernanza en estos espacios.